title: Nine Members and Associates of Asian Boyz Gang Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – Nine members and associates of the Asian Boyz (ABZ) gang have been charged in connection with drug trafficking conspiracies and dealing in firearms, including machinegun conversion devices – commonly known as “switches.” The following were arrested and charged yesterday in U.S. District Court in Boston: Anel Reyes, a/k/a “A-Tecc,” a/k/a “A.T.E.C.,” 24, of Lawrence, was charged with one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of p-Fluorofentanyl, a fentanyl analogue; and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; Samnang Son, a/k/a “Smiley,” 33, of Lowell, was charged with one count of felon in possession of firearm and ammunition; one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license; one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams of more of methamphetamine; one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and one count of transfer and possession of a machinegun; Billy Chan, a/k/a Juju,” 18, of Lowell, was charged with one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license; one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; one count of distribution or and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and one count of transfer and possession of a machinegun; Bill Phim, a/k/a “Bonez,” 35, of Acton, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; Erickson Dao, a/k/a “Silent,” 31, of Lowell, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; Brian Gingras, a/k/a “Cheech,” 37, of Lowell, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; Marcus Holder, a/k/a “Heartless” 28, of Newton, N.H, was charged with two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; and Joseph Bagrowski, 35, of Chelmsford, was charged with two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The following defendant was also charged yesterday and is currently in state custody: Sary Rath, a/k/a “BG,” a/k/a “Bad Guy,” a/k/a “Baby Gangsta,” 37, formerly of Lowell, was charged with one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. As alleged in court documents, the ABZ gang is one of the nation’s largest Asian street gangs. Members and associates of the ABZ gang are known to engage in illegal drug and firearm trafficking as well as acts of violence against rival gang members and associates. While ABZ gangs around the country operate independently of each other as far a structure and leadership, they use their ABZ gang network to facilitate their interstate narcotics and firearms trafficking. According to court documents, Rath is a leader of the ABZ gang in Lowell and has been a self-admitted member of ABZ gang for at least the last 15 years. It is alleged that Son, Phim, Dao, Gingras and Holder are also members of the ABZ gang; Reyes and Bagrowski are associates of the ABZ gang and Chan is an associate of the Young Crip Hitters, a group aligned with the ABZ gang. According to court documents, the defendants were part of a large drug distribution network that profited primarily from the sale of thousands of homemade counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine. It is alleged that the defendants worked together to manufacture, supply and distribute their significant supply of methamphetamine pills – including to an undercover officer on 12 different occasions between March 2022 and October 2022. Rath allegedly used a gang-affiliated business, “Money Affiliated,” to facilitate the distribution of narcotics. Rath produced and performed rap music, and he used “Money Affiliated” as a brand for the music, which prominently referenced the ABZ gang and featured other ABZ gang members, including Dao, Gingras, Phim and Holder. In total, the defendants are alleged to have distributed or possessed with intent to distribute approximately 12,100 counterfeit Adderall pills – weighing over 25 kilograms – containing methamphetamine, over 900 grams cocaine, over 400 grams of fentanyl and approximately 500 grams of para-Fluorofentanyl. It is further alleged that, in addition to narcotics, the defendants also sold at least 15 firearms – including five machinegun conversion devices, an AR-type and “ghost guns” – magazines and hundreds of rounds of ammunition over the course of the investigation. A search of the defendants’ residences following yesterday's arrests allegedly resulted in the recovery of multiple cellular telephones, approximately $1,000 in cash, approximately 1,000 counterfeit Adderall pills containing suspected methamphetamine, 300 Euros pills containing suspected MDMA/Ecstasy, a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number loaded with 9mm ammunition, a “ghost gun” pistol frame, magazines, firearms parts and a ballistics vest. “The trafficking of firearms and deadly narcotics by violent criminal organizations is so corrosive and destructive. It makes the hard-working residents of these communities feel unsafe when they go about their daily lives – heading to work or school or just out to play,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The defendants charged yesterday promoted violence and pumped poison into the Lowell community for a profit. This office and our law enforcement partners will continue to relentlessly investigate, identify and disrupt criminal organizations and do all that we can to ensure our communities are safe from violence and the proliferation of drugs and firearms. The U.S. Attorney’s Office offers the weight of the federal government, and we will not hesitate to bring our resources to the table to ensure our residents’ safety.” “Yesterday, we charged nine members and associates of one of the nation’s largest Asian street gangs, who are alleged to have trafficked illegal firearms and controlled an illegal drug distribution network once belonging to their rivals. Rivals we removed from the streets of Lowell two years ago,” said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “In peddling thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing methamphetamine, and selling illegal firearms and machine gun conversion devices, we believe this dangerous criminal enterprise posed a direct threat to the people of Lowell. The positive impact made by removing these criminals from the streets of Lowell should immediately be felt.” “ATF is proud to work shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners to ensure everyone who is involved in illegal trafficking of firearms is held accountable, and this investigation highlights the power of this collaboration,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division. “I would like to thank our federal law enforcement partners including the FBI and ATF, the US Attorney's Office and Middlesex County District Attorney's Office for their continued collaboration on these complex, years long investigations which help keep our community safe. This operation targeted the Lowell based set of the nationally recognized ABZ street gang, which is a violent and prolific drug and firearms trafficking organization. The Lowell Police department is committed to working with all our law enforcement partners to disrupt these violent, drug and firearm trafficking organizations,” said Greg Hudon, Superintendent of the Lowell Police Department. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of p-Fluorofentanyl; distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, each provide for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charges of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine each provide for a sentence of at least five year and up to life in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years up to life in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. The charges of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and transfer and possession of a machinegun each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; FBI Acting SAC DiMenna; ATF SAC Ferguson; and Lowell Police Superintendent Hudon made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office; Massachusetts State Police; and the Billerica, Haverhill, North Andover and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Wyshak of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting 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. 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: California Man Pleads Guilty To Securities Fraud For Orchestrating An Investment Scheme

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Gustavo Guzman, 60, previously of Fullerton, Calif., pleaded guilty to securities fraud today for orchestrating a $2 million investment fraud scheme, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall join U.S. Attorney King in making the announcement. According to admissions Guzman made in connection with his guilty plea and filed court documents, from April 2010 to August 2015, Guzman, through various entities he controlled, including G2 Asset Management and East Egg Private Equity, defrauded approximately 10 investors of at least $2 million, by falsely representing that he would use the investors’ money to trade in options and other similar investments. Instead of investing the funds as promised, Guzman stole a substantial portion of the investors’ money and used it to fund his personal lifestyle, including to make large credit card payments and cash withdrawals, and to pay for personal expenditures. Guzman suffered massive trading losses with the money that he did invest and used some of the victim’s money to make Ponzi-style payments to other investors. Guzman admitted that in order to conceal the trading losses and the fraudulent scheme, and to prevent his victims from redeeming their investments and complaining to authorities, he lied to his victims about the status of their investments, and provided them with fake documents, including sham IRS forms and fraudulent account statements. Guzman has been in federal custody since he was extradited from Australia to the United States in November 2022. At sentencing, he faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine. A sentencing date has not been set. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission conducted a parallel investigation that resulted in the entry of a default judgment against Guzman in Civil Action No. 3:17-cv-00276 (WDNC). In making todays’ announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the FBI in Charlotte and the Securities Division of the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State for their investigation of the case. U.S. Attorney King also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs for their significant support with the defendant’s extradition and with obtaining evidence from Australian authorities. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Ryan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.


title: Two Members Of Caribbean Arms Trafficking Ring Sentenced To More Than Four Years In Prison

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Tevin OBrian Oliver (30, Homestead) and Jameal Kaia Phillip (31, Trinidad and Tobago) each to four years and nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to smuggle goods from the United States. The defendants also agreed to forfeit various firearms, ammunition, and related items, which facilitated the offenses. Oliver and Phillip pleaded guilty on April 11, 2023. According to their plea agreements and factual bases, Oliver and Phillip were part of a ring that unlawfully exported firearms, firearms components (including upper/lower receivers and gun parts kits), and related items from Florida to Trinidad and Tobago between 2019 and 2022. Oliver and Phillip are both nationals of Trinidad. The firearms, which included pistols and long rifles and related equipment, were concealed within boxing/fight equipment, speakers, and other household items to avoid detection by law enforcement and customs authorities. Conspirators also acquired firearms from different sellers through straw purchases, falsely representing the identities of the actual purchasers and recipients of the firearms, as well as their ultimate destination. On or about April 7, 2021, Oliver shipped a package concealing and containing various firearms and related equipment, including a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol, a SAR Arms SAR-9 9mm pistol, a Taurus G3 9mm pistol, and a Ruger Security-9 9mm pistol, from Miami, Florida to Trinidad and Tobago. Authorities in Trinidad seized those firearms and other related items that had been concealed in the shipment at Piarco International Airport on or about April 22, 2021. “Dismantling this illicit weapons trafficking network makes a significant impact toward lowering crime and gun violence in Trinidad and Tobago, and the Caribbean,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kristopher Pagitt. “These sentences demonstrate the commitment of HSI, alongside our federal and Caribbean nation partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, to be steadfast in investigating and shutting down illegal firearms smuggling from the U.S.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), including HSI’s Attaché (Caribbean), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of National Security (Transnational Organized Crime Unit) and Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (Special Investigations Unit), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Risha Asokan and Cherie Krigsman. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: EDVA to Participate in Community Events During National Night Out

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va.— The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) will join community organizers, neighbors, and law enforcement partners to participate in National Night Out events on August 1, 2023. During this year’s National Night Out, U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber and members of the office will attend community events in Fairfax County, Alexandria City, Hampton Roads, and the greater Richmond area. One EDVA employee has even planned a NNO event for her neighborhood. “National Night Out is a fantastic and fun opportunity both for citizens and law enforcement to meet, interact and build relationships.” said U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber. “EDVA cares deeply about helping to restore trust between communities and law enforcement, including the Department of Justice. These connections are critical for public safety, as well as the rule of law.” National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country. National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization. Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe. To find a National Night Out event near you, contact your local police department. For more information on National Night Out, visit https://natw.org/ .


title: United States Attorney’s Office to Participate in Community Events  During National Night Out

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia will join community organizers, neighbors, and law enforcement partners to participate in National Night Out events on August 1, 2023. During this year’s National Night Out, United States Attorney Chris Kavanaugh, along with Assistant U.S. Attorneys and staff from the Abingdon, Charlottesville, and Roanoke branches of the United States Attorney’s Office, will attend community events in areas throughout the Western District, including Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, and Roanoke. “National Night Out brings communities together, shining a light on the strength of unity while fostering safety, trust, and harmony among citizens, state and local law enforcement, and government agencies,” United States Attorney Kavanaugh said today. “Each and every year, I look forward to spending quality time interacting with the colleagues and neighbors as we all forge an alliance in support of a safer Virginia.” Established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice and administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization, National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions of people take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August, thus sending a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe. Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, and much more. For more information, visit https://natw.org/ .


title: Mexican National To Serve 19 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – A Mexican national was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio Tuesday to 168 months in prison for one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, plus 60 months in prison for one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, Eduardo Puente, 46, of San Buena, Coahuila, Mexico, a convicted felon with two outstanding Texas arrest warrants, came under an FBI Safe Streets Task Force investigation in January 2022 and was identified as the source of supply for two controlled narcotics purchases of methamphetamine. On Feb. 17, 2022, the task force, with assistance from Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers and Criminal Investigation Division agents, observed Puente carrying a white shoe box en route to a third controlled purchase, as part of the investigation. DPS Troopers and CID agents conducted a traffic stop on Puente, which led to a foot pursuit, during which he tossed a Ruger .357 revolver. Puente was assisted in the pursuit by an individual in a red Chevrolet Silverado, who picked Puente up to aid in his escape. DPS executed a traffic stop on the truck and, though Puente again attempted to flee on foot, he was arrested. In a search of Puente and his vehicle, DPS Troopers and FBI Agents seized eight small bags of suspected methamphetamine, a bag of a black tar substance suspected to be heroin, and $2,090 in cash. In a search of Puente’s residence, FBI agents seized 2.281 kg of marijuana, 3.016 kg of heroin, and 44.021 kg of methamphetamine. They also seized a .223 caliber rifle loaded with armor piercing rounds and approximately $6,400 in cash. “I commend the efforts of our federal and state law enforcement partners in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Their work on the ground resulted in a significant seizure of illegal drugs, which would have otherwise been distributed in our community. This sentence is a victory for public safety, and I am grateful for their dedication to keeping our streets safe.” “This sentencing sends a clear message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to work diligently to hold criminals who are bringing dangerous drugs into our communities accountable for their actions,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Marcus Joachim for the FBI San Antonio Division. “The American people deserve to live in communities safe from violence and criminal activity associated with illegal narcotics trafficking." The FBI and DPS investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karina O’Daniel prosecuted the case. ###


title: Youngstown Man Sentenced to 10 years for Robbing Two Banks

body_text: YOUNGSTOWN – James P. Verdream, 57, of Youngstown, Ohio, was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Benita Y. Pearson, after he pleaded guilty to robbing two Youngstown area banks. Verdream was ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment, pay a $200 special assessment, and pay $1,734 in restitution. Verdream was also ordered to pay restitution of $3,991 for an uncharged robbery that occurred in Pennsylvania. According to court documents and court records, on May 2, 2022, Verdream entered a PNC Bank, on Mahoning Avenue, in Youngstown, Ohio. He handed the teller a note, which said “this is a robbery, do not pull the alarm/buzzer” and indicated that he had a gun. The teller gave him $734.00, and Verdream left. On May 9, 2022, Verdream entered Chase Bank, on W. Liberty Street, in Girard Ohio. He handed the teller a note that said “I have a gun and a bomb, $10,000.” The teller indicated that he could only disperse $1,000 and Verdream accepted that amount of money and left. Verdream was later identified by law enforcement via surveillance footage from the banks. Verdream had two prior federal convictions for bank robbery in New Mexico. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Youngstown, the United States Marshal Service, Austintown Police Department, the Boardman Police Department, and the Girard Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason M. Katz and Yasmine Makridis.


title: Leader Of Money Laundering Operation Sentenced To Three Years In Prison

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that ABRAHAM ADENIYI was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos to three years in prison for operating a money laundering scheme that laundered nearly $8 million of wire fraud proceeds. ADENIYI previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Abraham Adeniyi used a web of bank accounts to funnel millions of dollars stolen from fraud victims into his own pockets and the pockets of the fraudsters. He now faces prison time and is required to forfeit his ill-gotten gains.” According to the allegations in the Indictment filed against ADENIYI and other court proceedings: From at least in or about 2017 through at least in or about 2020, ADENIYI opened and directed others to open multiple bank accounts, which received proceeds of various wire fraud schemes. ADENIYI provided his accomplices with fraudulent identification information to open those bank accounts. Upon arrival of the fraudulent proceeds, ADENIYI transferred and directed others to transfer those proceeds rapidly among the various bank accounts controlled by participants in the scheme in order to conceal and disguise the source, location, ownership, and control of the funds. Ultimately, after moving through multiple bank accounts, the funds were withdrawn as cash, transmitted overseas, or used for ADENIYI’s personal expenses. This rapid transfer of funds prevented the banks and the victims from recovering the funds once the underlying frauds were detected. During the course of the scheme, ADENIYI laundered at least nearly $8 million dollars of fraud proceeds. * * * In addition to his prison term, ADENIYI, 40, of Atlanta, Georgia, was ordered to forfeit and pay restitution in the amount of $7,814,294.56. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anden Chow is in charge of the prosecution.


title: United States Obtains Consent Decree Against Manhattan Wholesale Food Distributor For Storing Over 40,000 Pounds Of Meat And Poultry In Rodent-Infested Warehouse

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Paul Kiecker, the Administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA-FSIS”), announced that the United States has sued wholesale meat and poultry distributer YA FENG TRADING, INC., its owner and president LINMIN YANG, and its warehouse manager KONG PING NI (collectively, the “Defendants”) for storing more than 40,000 pounds of meat and poultry products in a rodent-infested warehouse and for other conduct violating the Federal Meat Inspection Act (“FMIA”) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (“PPIA”). The U.S. has simultaneously entered into a Consent Decree with the Defendants, approved by the District Court, which bars YA FENG and YANG from further work under the FMIA and PPIA for a period of three years, requires all the Defendants to comply with the FMIA and the PPIA in any covered work, and imposes significant civil penalties for any future violations. YA FENG ceased operating in December 2022 because of the risk of enforcement action relating to violations at issue in this case. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Federal law requires food distributers and retailers to ensure that their products are stored in sanitary, uncontaminated conditions. As this lawsuit illustrates, this Office has no tolerance for actors who ignore their legal obligations at the expense of public health.” USDA-FSIS Administrator Paul Kiecker said: “Our inspection personnel and investigators are on the job daily, verifying that establishments are complying with food safety regulations. FSIS remains committed to public health and we will take swift action to protect American consumers.” The FMIA and the PPIA protect public health by ensuring the nation’s commercial supply of meat and poultry is sanitary, safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled and packaged. These requirements allow consumers to have confidence in the safety of their meat and poultry products and permit public health officials to trace problems to their source. According to the Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court: The Defendants violated the FMIA and the PPIA by storing their meat and poultry products in a warehouse that was overrun with rodents. In April 2022, USDA-FSIS investigators visited the YA FENG warehouse and observed multiple rodents scurrying into a walk-in cooler. One rodent ran out of the cooler and up the leg of a USDA-FSIS investigator. Chew marks were observed on meat and poultry products, and droppings were observed throughout the warehouse, including on the lids of products. Rodent nesting materials and a dead mouse were found in a walk-in freezer. The Defendants also violated the FMIA and the PPIA repeatedly between December 2018 and April 2022 by offering for sale hundreds of pounds of misbranded meat and poultry products and by failing to maintain required records. In the Consent Decree, the Defendants admit and accept responsibility for, among other things, the following: On several occasions between December 2018 and April 2022, Defendants sold, transported, and/or offered for sale and/or transportation misbranded meat, meat food products, poultry, and/or poultry products, and/or failed to maintain records regarding their business transactions. Specifically: On or about December 13, 2018, YA FENG sold 20 pounds of misbranded chicken gizzards. On or about January 28, 2020, YA FENG offered for sale and transportation 80 pounds of misbranded pork spare rib product and failed to maintain records that fully and correctly disclosed all business transactions involving meat in its business. On or about November 9, 2020, and on other dates, YA FENG offered for sale and transportation five pounds of misbranded chicken gizzards and 117 pounds of misbranded meat products (pork spareribs, pork fat, pork feet). On or about November 30, 2021, YA FENG offered for sale and transportation approximately 600 pounds of misbranded whole chickens, bone-in chicken thighs, chicken drumsticks, and chicken leg quarters. On or about April 14, 2022, USDA-FSIS investigators visited the YA FENG warehouse facility and observed 43,771.75 pounds of meat and poultry products being held in insanitary, rodent-infested conditions. Fresh and old rodent droppings were observed throughout the building, including in a walk-in freezer and walk-in cooler that held meat and poultry products. Droppings were observed on the lids of meat and poultry product boxes and beneath pallets holding the products. Some products had gnawing and chewing marks from rodents. Rodent nesting materials and a dead mouse were found in the walk-in freezer. Also, on or about April 14, 2022, YA FENG offered approximately 280 pounds of misbranded poultry products for sale. In the Consent Decree, the Defendants expressly admit and accept responsibility for having “repeatedly violated the FMIA and PPIA.” The Consent Decree bars YA FENG and YANG from engaging in activity subject to the FMIA or PPIA for three years. All Defendants must complete mandatory training and education in the FMIA and the PPIA before returning to this line of work while the Consent Decree remains in effect. They are also prohibited from storing meat and poultry products in unsanitary conditions, selling or transporting any uninspected meat and poultry products that are required to be inspected and passed by the USDA, selling any mislabeled meat and poultry products, failing to keep records regarding meat and poultry product business transactions, and engaging in any other conduct that would violate the FMIA or the PPIA. The Defendants are subject to additional sanctions, including civil monetary penalties and other relief, if they violate the provisions of the Consent Decree. * * * Mr. Williams thanked the USDA-FSIS for its efforts on this matter. This case is being handled by the Environmental Protection Unit of the Office’s Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Osmond is in charge of the case. U.S. v. Ya Feng et al Complaint U.S. v. Ya Feng et al Consent Decree


title: Four Men Federally Indicted for Hobbs Act Conspiracy,  Firearms Charges, and a Kidnapping

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today the unsealing of a July 13, 2023, Indictment returned by a federal grand jury charging four Delaware men with a crime spree that culminated in the kidnapping and rape of an individual identified in the Indictment as “Victim-1.” According to the Indictment, on April 14, 2023, Tonnaire McNair-Matthews, 24, David Hinson, 23, Michael Caldwell, 21, and Mahkiya Powell, 20, conspired to rob unsuspecting drivers by rear-ending them in a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee (“the Jeep”) with the intent to rob the drivers when they exited their vehicles. After multiple attempted robberies, McNair-Matthews, the driver of the Jeep, rear-ended Victim-1, who was on her way to work, in Pennsylvania, causing Victim-1 to pull over after crossing into Delaware. McNair-Matthews then approached Victim-1’s vehicle, brandished and pointed a privately made firearm, commonly referred to as a ghost gun, at Victim-1, and then forced Victim-1 back inside Victim-1’s car at gunpoint. McNair-Matthews then drove Victim-1, against her will, in Victim-1’s vehicle from Delaware into Pennsylvania. During the ride, McNair-Matthews forced Victim-1 to disrobe, demanded Victim-1’s PIN code, and digitally penetrated her against her will. After arriving in Pennsylvania, McNair-Matthews then forcibly raped and robbed Victim-1 of personal property at gunpoint. After raping and robbing Victim-1, McNair-Matthews abandoned Victim-1, took Victim-1’s car, and fled. McNair-Matthews then drove Victim-1’s car to Delaware convenience stores and withdrew money from Victim-1’s bank accounts via ATM transactions. McNair-Matthews then reunited with Hinson, Powell, and Caldwell in Wilmington, Delaware and delivered them Victim-1’s bank cards, Victim-1’s PIN, and the ghost gun. At McNair-Matthews’ direction, Hinson, Powell, and Caldwell then cleaned Victim-1’s car and removed personal property, including a designer purse, from Victim-1’s vehicle. Hinson and Caldwell then travelled in a stolen Nissan Pathfinder to local gas stations to withdraw money from ATMs. McNair-Matthews, who attempted to evade detection by switching clothes, and Powell drove the stolen Jeep to a Wilmington, Delaware gas station to meet Hinson and Caldwell. Law enforcement tracked the Defendants to that Wilmington gas station. On sight, McNair-Matthews and Powell led law enforcement on a high-speed chase in the Jeep and evaded capture. Shortly thereafter, Hinson and Caldwell attempted to rendezvous with McNair-Matthews and Powell in Pennsylvania. While on I-95 North, Hinson and Caldwell, in the stolen Nissan Pathfinder, collided with another vehicle. After the collision, Caldwell brandished and pointed the ghost gun given to him by McNair-Matthews at the driver of the other car. Later, while travelling back to Delaware from Pennsylvania on I-95 South, Hinson and Caldwell led law enforcement on a miles-long high-speed chase before colliding with another vehicle and crashing into an exit ramp sign. Hinson and Caldwell fled on foot, tossed the ghost gun, but were quickly apprehended. Powell was arrested on April 17, 2023. Defendant McNair was arrested that same day in Maryland, after fleeing from law enforcement. All defendants are charged with Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery, Carjacking, Hobbs Act Robbery, and Brandishing and Use of a Firearm in Relation to a Hobbs Act Robbery charge. McNair-Matthews is also charged with Kidnapping causing serious bodily injury and brandishing and use of a firearm during his rape and robbery of Victim-1. Hinson, Caldwell, and Powell are charged with Accessory After the Fact for their role in Victim-1’s kidnapping. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. In announcing the charges, U.S. Attorney Weiss, Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Delaware State Police Troop 2 Commander Capt. John Laird, Jr. commended the work of those who investigated the case, including the Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit, FBI's Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Taskforce, Pennsylvania State Police, Wilmington Police Department, Maryland State Police, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Delaware Department of Justice. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin P. Pierce and Samuel S. Frey and Special Assistant United States Attorney Diana Dunn are assigned to prosecute the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 23-68. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.


title: Omaha Woman Sentenced to 117 Months for Drug and Firearm Crimes

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Racheal Cain, 36, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha after being convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Cain to a total of 117 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, Cain will begin a three-year term of supervised release. In September 2021, Omaha police conducted surveillance on an apartment that was suspected of being used to distribute methamphetamine. Cain lived in the apartment with her boyfriend, co-defendant Andrew Sackett. On September 23, 2021, Cain was arrested during a traffic stop after leaving the apartment. Police found a small amount of methamphetamine in the vehicle. Cain admitted to selling methamphetamine and told officers that methamphetamine was in her apartment along with at least one firearm. Cain consented to a search. In the apartment, officers found more than 100 grams of methamphetamine with purity of 95 percent, along with three firearms and $11,902 in cash. Police seized an additional $677 from Cain at the jail. As part of the plea, Cain forfeited the $12,579 to the United States as being illegal drug proceeds. Sackett pleaded guilty to the same charges and was sentenced to a total of 147 months in prison on July 10, 2023. This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.


title: Lake City Man Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Austin Harper (26, Lake City) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Harper faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, on September 15, 2021, an undercover detective and confidential informant (CI) met with a drug dealer in Lake City, Florida to purchase crystal methamphetamine. That dealer, a defendant in a related case, traveled with the pair to meet with Harper, who supplied them with more than 85 grams of methamphetamine. Two weeks later, on September 29, the detective and CI again traveled with the dealer to meet with Harper. This time, Harper supplied them with more than 165 grams of methamphetamine. Laboratory testing would later show that the drugs that Harper had supplied was pure methamphetamine. Further investigation established that Harper was a regular supplier of methamphetamine in the Lake City region. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Columbia County Drug Task Force, the North Star Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force, the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.


title: Chelsea Man Arrested for Unlawful Trafficking of Machinegun Conversion Devices

body_text: BOSTON – A Chelsea man was arrested yesterday in connection with illegally selling machinegun conversion devices. Michael Williams, 49, was charged with one count of transferring or possessing a machine gun. Williams will appear in federal court in Boston at 3 p.m. this afternoon. According to the charging documents, in January 2023, Williams agreed to sell several machine gun conversion devices and other firearm accessories to an undercover federal agent. It is alleged that, following a series of communications, Williams met the undercover agent twice at a pre-arranged location. It is further alleged that on Jan. 12, 2023, Williams sold the first machinegun conversion device to the undercover agent and the following day, on Jan. 13, 2023, Williams sold two additional machine conversion devices to the undercover agent. The charge of unlawful transferring or possession of a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Chelsea Police Chief Keith Houghton made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: St. Louis Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Assaulting Deputy U.S. Marshals, Selling Methamphetamine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Court Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Friday sentenced a man from St. Louis who injured two deputy U.S. marshals, one permanently, during his arrest to 27 years in prison. Emilio Justin Sandoval, now 34, had been indicted on felony methamphetamine charges in 2021 and the U.S. Marshals were tasked with arresting him. On Nov. 10, 2021, they found him at his home. Sandoval and his significant other ran to a vehicle and tried to escape. He then rammed marshals’ vehicles multiple times. One deputy marshal suffered serious injuries to his left knee, left elbow and left hand. The other was struck by the open passenger door, knocked down and dragged by Sandoval’s vehicle. She suffered serious, permanent and life-threatening injuries to her head, neck and spine. What began as a drug case “quickly transitioned into an attempted murder case as a result of Mr. Sandoval’s actions,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Rea said during Friday’s hearing, adding that “’attempted murder’ is not too strong a term.” “But for the bravery, tenacity, and quick thinking” of the marshals, “there could have been very different, horrific outcomes for everyone involved,” Rea said. Rea said the case was not about Sandoval. “It is about the courageous members of the United States Marshals Service who perform their jobs day-in and day-out with the utmost professionalism and commitment to serve with absolutely zero fanfare or need for recognition – all the while never knowing what threat awaits them at any given moment.” Judge Schelp agreed, saying attacks on law enforcement “will not be something that will ever be taken lightly. They put their lives on the line for all of us.” The Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating Sandoval’s drug sales in December 2019, learning that he was storing and selling methamphetamine out of his home in the 4400 block of Dewey Avenue in St. Louis. Sandoval sold two ounces of methamphetamine on Oct. 20, 2020 for $1,000, which led to a consensual search of his home and the discovery of a total of 545 more grams of methamphetamine, three guns and $11,234 in a safe. Sandoval pleaded guilty in March to one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of assaulting an officer of the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case.


title: Chittenden County Man Sentenced for Threatening State Officials

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Josh Puma, 36, formerly of Chittenden County, was sentenced Wednesday, July 26 in the United States District Court in Rutland to 20 months of imprisonment. Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey Crawford also ordered that Puma serve three years of supervised release following his period of incarceration. According to court documents, between July 2021 and January 2022, Puma called a Vermont Department of Corrections reporting line hundreds of times. Puma was charged by federal indictment for three of those calls in which he (1) threatened to kill a state court judge and a defense attorney, (2) threatened to kill a state court judge and sexually assault a state prosecutor, and (3) threatened to kill a state court judge. Puma pleaded guilty to all three charged threats transmitted in interstate commerce. Puma’s threats made over the reporting line were recorded, and in those recorded calls, which in total numbered close to 300, Puma specifically described his intention upon release from jail to kill and maim those state officials, in addition to harming and killing other members of the legal community. As described in court documents, Puma has mental health issues and was previously ordered hospitalized by the state court. In imposing the 20-month sentence, Chief Judge Crawford varied downward from the otherwise applicable advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines in part to recognize Puma’s mental health issues. This case was investigated by the Vermont State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy L. Fuller represented the government. Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls represented Puma.


title: St. Charles County Man Sentenced to 12 Years on Child Pornography Charges

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel on Friday sentenced a man from St. Charles County who possessed and shared child pornography over social media to 12 years in prison. Judge Sippel also ordered James Schoggins, 42, to pay a total of $12,000 to four victims whose images he shared online. Schoggins pleaded guilty in October to one felony count of possession of child pornography. He admitted possessing 421 videos and 148 images of child pornography. He had videos and images on his computer of a girl dating back to when she was 13 or 14. Schoggins told the minor what type of images and videos to send to him and engaged in sexual communications with her, his plea says. Schoggins also sent child pornography via Kik Messenger and recommended a way to share child sexual abuse material. Claiming to be a 17-year-old male, Schoggins contacted a 16-year-old via WhatsApp and exchanged nude pictures with her. After Schoggins accessed child pornography on his Snapchat account, the company reported him to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, triggering an investigation by law enforcement. The case was investigated by the St. Charles County Cybercrime Task Force and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson is handling 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 www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Firearms Violations and Drug Distribution

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul man has been sentenced to 144 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for fentanyl trafficking and illegal possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, in 2021 and 2022, Keonee Nasier Shaffer-Frazier, 23, and his co-conspirators were part of a drug trafficking ring that obtained “M30” or “MBox” fentanyl pills from a source of supply outside of Minnesota and transported and distributed the pills across the Twin Cities region. Shaffer-Frazier regularly distributed the fentanyl pills in quantities ranging from 100 to 1,000 or more at a time. According to court documents, during the course of the investigation, law enforcement conducted seizure operations in March 2022 and obtained approximately 57,000 M30 fentanyl pills, more than $83,000 in U.S. currency, body armor, and firearms from Shaffer-Frazier and his conspirators. Law enforcement also recovered two loaded semi-automatic pistols from Shaffer-Frazier’s white Audi. He was arrested in March 2022, charged in Hennepin County, and obtained release on bail. Afterward, in September 2022, law enforcement arrested Shaffer-Frazier after a short foot chase and recovered approximately $7,050 in U.S. currency from his person. Law enforcement searched Shaffer-Frazier’s new vehicle, a black Audi Q7, and recovered a Glock model 22 .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol from the driver’s side door pocket. The weapon was loaded with an extended magazine. Because Shaffer-Frazier has a prior felony conviction, he was prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. On February 1, 2023, Shaffer-Frazier pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and a separate count of possession of a firearm as a felon. He was sentenced yesterday before Senior Judge Michael J. Davis. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the Southwest Hennepin Drug Task Force, the Dakota County Drug Task Force, the Fridley Police Department, and the St. Paul Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter Jr. prosecuted the case.


title: Man Stopped in St. Louis County Accused of Fentanyl Trafficking

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man was indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Wednesday on fentanyl distribution charges. The indictment accuses Alejandro Chacon-Martinez, 20, of possession with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing fentanyl on July 17. A criminal complaint filed July 18 says Chacon-Martinez was stopped the day before at a gas station in Fenton, Missouri as he was traveling east on Interstate 44 in a car with a Mexican license plate. A K-9 detected the odor of drugs and investigators found ten individually wrapped kilograms of suspected fentanyl concealed in side panels in the trunk of the car Chacon-Martinez was driving, the complaint says. The charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine or both. Charges set forth in an indictment or a criminal complaint are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Drug Enforcement Administration and St. Louis County Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dane Rennier is prosecuting the case.


title: Detroit Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Kristopher D. Thomas, also known as “Rio,” 22, of Detroit Michigan, was sentenced today to one year and five months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, on Oct. 14, 2021, Thomas sold a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant at an Amigo residence where Thomas was staying in Raleigh County, West Virginia. Thomas admitted to that transaction and further admitted to selling fentanyl to a confidential informant in Daniels, Raleigh County, on April 12 and April 22, 2021. The West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory confirmed the controlled substances from all three transactions contained fentanyl. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. The Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case. The case is a result of “Operation Wolverine Carousel,” a months-long investigation into the widespread distribution of heroin and fentanyl in Raleigh and Fayette counties. The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-28. ###


title: Texas Man Convicted Of Conspiracy And Honest Services Fraud For Bribing Former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg

body_text: Orlando, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Michael C. Shirley (40, Austin, Texas) guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and four counts of honest services fraud. Shirley faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 31, 2023. Shirley was indicted on August 10, 2022. According to the evidence presented at trial, in 2016 Shirley served as the campaign manager for former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg. In 2017, on his first day in public office, Greenberg caused the tax collector’s office to enter into a lucrative consulting contract with Shirley’s newly formed company, Praetorian Integrated Services LLC, which provided Shirley with $12,500 each month for the performance of “consulting services.” In fact, Shirley did little to no work for the tax collector’s office under the contract each month. Additionally, Shirley began submitting grossly inflated invoices to the tax collector’s office for printing services. Trial evidence further demonstrated that on September 25, 2017, Shirley, through middleman Joseph Ellicott, gave Greenberg a $6,000 cash kickback and bribe. He paid this kickback and bribe in exchange for Greenberg’s award of the contract and so that Shirley could continue receiving monthly payments for his “consulting.” As a result of the kickback and bribe, Shirley was allowed to continue billing his monthly fee to the Seminole County Tax Collector’s office until September 2019. In total, Shirley defrauded Seminole County taxpayers out of more than $634,000. In 2022, Ellicott was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for his role in the bribery and kickback payment. This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda S. Daniels and Chauncey A. Bratt.


title: Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Being a  Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man pleaded guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. According to court documents, Samuel McCray, 35, was found in possession of a firearm by a Jackson Police Officer on April 16, 2022, during an investigation into a domestic abuse incident. McCray has a prior felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. McCray will be sentenced on November 3, 2023 and faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Jackson Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Terrill. 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: MOUNT PLEASANT MAN SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR CHILD EXPLOITATION CHARGES

component: Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section

body_text: NASHVILLE – A Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, man was sentenced to federal prison today for child exploitation charges, announced U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis. Clinton Shawn Gransden, 44, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the production, receipt, transportation, and possession of child pornography, followed by supervised release for life. Over the course of several months in 2019, Gransden repeatedly provided a minor teenage girl with alcohol, methamphetamines, and cocaine. While she was under the influence of those substances, he filmed the victim performing sex acts with him and others, and otherwise controlled and degraded her. Gransden also forced a prepubescent girl to perform oral sex on him. The sexual abuse videos that Gransden created were posted online, where individuals acquainted with the teenage victim saw them and reported the crime to the authorities. Investigators searched Gransden's electronic devices and discovered the sexual abuse videos as well as evidence that Gransden had sent the videos to others. Investigators also found evidence that Gransden downloaded and possessed child pornography depicting the victims. A federal grand jury indicted Gransden on nine counts of producing child pornography and one count each of transporting, receiving, and possessing child pornography. On February 2, 2023, Gransden pleaded guilty to all the charges. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Maury County Sherriff’s Office investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Carran Daughtrey and Trial Attorneys Austin M. Berry and Adam Braskich of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. The case against Gransden’s co-defendants Angel Morales Depasquale and Michelle E. Klen remain pending and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. # # # # #


title: Former Coach from Pecos Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sextortion Scheme

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Joshua Rico was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Rico, 27, of Pecos, New Mexico, pleaded guilty on Dec. 22, 2022, to five counts of coercion and enticement of minors. A federal grand jury indicted Rico on May 12, 2021. According to court documents, beginning as early as January 2018, Rico used multiple profiles on the social media platform Snapchat to coerce female high school students, some of which he was familiar with from his job as the assistant basketball coach at a local high school, into sending him sexually explicit photos and videos and engage in sexual acts. Rico used fictitious profiles under the names “Chris Lujan” and “Erik Romero” as well as a profile in his own name to threaten, coerce and manipulate at least four victims who were between 14 and 16 years old. In each case, Rico used one or both of his fake profiles to persuade the victims into sending compromising photos, then used the threat of exposing the photos to coerce the victims into engaging in sexual acts and sending him videos of the acts. In two instances, after using a fake profile to demand that the victims engage in sexual acts and provide videos, he offered to “help” the victims by allowing them to perform the sexual act with him. Rico coerced at least one of the victims into engaging in sexual acts with him. Rico’s scheme continued unchecked for nearly three years until one of the victims pieced together that Rico and “Erik” were the same person and reported the conduct to her school and the New Mexico State Police. Through diligent investigation, law enforcement was able to confirm that Rico was also “Chris Lujan” and “Erik Romero.” “This case highlights the importance and benefit of law enforcement partnerships and task forces. Each agency played a vital role in developing a comprehensive case for prosecutors,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda. “The successful multi-agency investigation and prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office will keep a dangerous predator out of the school system and will prevent him from targeting additional minors.” “Our mission is clear: to protect the innocent, to uphold the rule of law, and to ensure that those who engage in such malicious activities face the consequences of their actions,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to safeguard our children, schools, neighborhoods, and communities. We call upon everyone to be vigilant regarding the online activity of our children and report any suspicious or concerning conduct. The safety of our children is a shared responsibility, and we must work hand-in-hand to maintain their wellbeing – whether at school, in the community, or on the internet. This sentence should send a message to would-be predators, especially those who work in positions of trust with children, that sextortion is a heinous crime that will be punished with decades in prison.” Upon his release from prison, Rico will be required to register as a sex offender and serve a 20-year term of supervised release. The New Mexico State Police, the FBI, and the Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory investigated this case as part of the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program is a nation-wide network of task forces including over 90 federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies in New Mexico dedicated to investigating, prosecuting and developing effective responses to Internet crimes against children. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Mease and Jaymie L. Roybal are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/. For more information on sextortion and how to get help, visit the FBI website . # # # 23-163


title: Rutland Bank Robber Sentenced to 67 Months in Prison

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced today that James Thurston, aka “Thirsty,” 34, of Rutland, Vermont was sentenced today to serve 67 months of imprisonment after his conviction for bank robbery. Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also sentenced Thurston to serve three years of supervised release after his incarceration. According to court records, on October 5, 2022, Rutland City Police Officers responded to an alarm activation at the TD Bank located at 89 Merchants Row in Rutland City, Vermont. Employees reported that a man wearing a surgical mask and hooded sweatshirt had walked through the main door, up to a teller window, and stated “Give me all your cash, I have a gun, give me all your cash.” The teller thereafter provided the man with $500 from the teller drawer, and the man left the bank. Officers obtained surveillance footage from the TD Bank as well as neighboring buildings, which resulted in the identification of Thurston as the bank robber. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the coordinated investigatory efforts of the Rutland City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecutor was Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Ophardt. Thurston was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Mary Nerino.


title: Pain Clinic Owner, L5 Medical Holdings Plead Guilty-  Agree to Pay $4 Million in Restitution

body_text: ROANOKE, Va. – A former mortgage broker, who, seeking a “recession proof” business model, decided to purchase pain clinics throughout the Western District of Virginia including Lynchburg, Madison Heights, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Woodlawn, pled guilty this week to a federal drug and health care fraud conspiracy. John Gregory Barnes, 57, of South Carolina, waived his right to be indicted and pled guilty this week to a one-count Information charging him with conspiring to knowingly using, in the course of dispensing and distributing a controlled substance, registration numbers issued to others; distributing and dispensing buprenorphine not for a legitimate medical purpose; and knowingly executing and attempting to execute a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs. In addition to his personal plea of guilty, L5 Medical Holdings, the business entity controlled by Barnes, pled guilty this week to the same charge encompassing the same conspiracies, as well as a conspiracy to distribute and dispense fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine not for a legitimate medical purpose. L5 and Barnes jointly agreed to pay almost $4 million in restitution to Medicare and Virginia Medicaid and to forfeit $250,000 to the United States. “The conduct here is beyond the pale. We have a record-high number of Virginians fighting opioid addiction while this defendant intentionally prioritized profit over genuine patient care,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “I am grateful to those who investigated this matter and brought this case to justice, and we will continue to leverage federal charges against those who commit such brazen crimes.” “Our fight against addiction and the opioid epidemic isn’t just with the drugs or major pharmaceutical companies, but also with the individuals who take advantage of addiction, of others’ pain, for their personal gain. Monetizing addiction is immoral and illegal,” said Attorney General Miyares. “I’m proud of my office and our federal partners for working together to deliver justice.” “Our investigation into Barnes’ illegal business activities of highly addictive pain medication at the height of the opioid epidemic emphasizes his criminal indifference to human life,” said Special Agent in Charge Jared Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division. “Today’s guilty plea highlights our commitment to the tireless work of investigating the diversion of controlled substances and prosecuting those responsible for fueling opioid addiction and deadly poisonings in our area – saving lives in our communities.” According to court documents, in 2014, despite having no medical training, Barnes bought a medical practice through his company, L5 Medical Holdings. L5 operated pain management clinics, which involved the prescribing of prescription opioids and opioid addiction treatment medications, including Suboxone. Barnes, who previously worked in the mortgage industry, concluded that pain management was a “recession proof” Industry. In addition, he conducted a feasibility study that identified Lynchburg, Virginia, as a prime location for a pain management clinic. After Barnes began operating his pain clinics, those clinics became more focused on prescribing Suboxone and opioids and less focused on interventional treatments. Barnes and L5 operated the clinics in a manner that prioritized revenue maximization over patient care. Providers were encouraged to limit patient visits to 15 minutes and to see as many as 30 patients per day. In addition, at the direction of Barnes, medical providers with L5 followed the opinion of non-medical professionals in making medical decisions, including whether a patient should be treated for opioid addiction or for pain management, whether a patient should receive a prescription, and what type of drug should be prescribed. Patient interactions with non-medical professionals were billed to Virginia Medicaid and Medicare improperly. L5 also implemented a urine drug screening policy principally based on insurance reimbursements rather than patient care. In particular, Barnes and L5 specifically refused to implement a random drug screening policy in order to avoid losing the revenue that resulted from billing Medicare and Virginia Medicaid for as many drug tests as those insurance policies would pay for. At sentencing, Barnes faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, the Virginia State Police, and the Virginia Attorney General’s Office - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Cagle Juhan, Jason Scheff, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Janine M. Myatt, Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, are prosecuting the case.


title: Pine Ridge Woman Indicted for Murder

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman for Second Degree Murder. Stacey Bissonette, age 26, was indicted in July of 2023. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on July 26, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. In June of 2023, near Pine Ridge, Bissonette killed a man by stabbing him. The charge is merely an accusation and Bissonette is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. This matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case. Bissonette was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.


title: Plexus Worldwide, LLC, Agrees to Pay $600,000 to Resolve Alleged False Claims Violations for Mailing Packages With Underpaid and Duplicate Postage

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – United States Attorney Gary M. Restaino announced today that Plexus Worldwide, LLC (Plexus), an Arizona limited liability corporation that directly markets health and wellness products, agreed to pay $600,000 to resolve allegations that the company violated the federal False Claims Act (FCA). The settlement resolves allegations by the United States that Plexus presented mail to the United States Postal Service (USPS) for delivery with postage that was based upon and calculated with attributes not associated with the items mailed, which resulted in underpaid postage. The United States also alleged that Plexus mailed other items with re-used postage. According to the United States’ allegations, the postage Plexus affixed to the mailed items represented that postage had been appropriately paid, when in fact, it had not, and the misrepresentations facilitated Plexus’ underpayment or non-payment of postage. “The Postal Service is a unifying force in America,” said United States Attorney Restaino. “It has always delivered mail through snow and rain and heat and ‘gloom of night’; during the pandemic it delivered free masks to protect our Nation; and it increasingly connects our fellow citizens with access to the ballot box for local, state and federal elections. It is therefore incumbent on all businesses to pay their fair share to support this integral means of communication.” “Mailers who underpay postage short-change the U.S. Postal Service of necessary funds to carry out our mission,” stated Phoenix Division Acting Inspector in Charge Glen Henderson. “Postal Inspectors are committed to protecting the Postal Service from abuse and ensuring its financial viability by holding businesses accountable for underpaying postage. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to vigorously investigate mailers who fail to comply with postal regulations.” As part of the settlement, Plexus admitted to underpaying postage and submitting duplicate postage that resulted in a net deficit of postage due to the USPS. Plexus also admitted that it presented mail to the USPS for delivery, even though the postage weights and other attributes used to calculate postage were underreported, resulting in underpaid postage and duplicates. Additionally, Plexus admitted that systems and controls were lacking, resulting in duplicate postage and in payments that understated the postage due. Additional details of the United States’ allegations and Plexus’ admissions are set forth in the settlement agreement, available here. Plexus Settlement Agreement The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case was handled by the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona. Individuals with information regarding fraud, waste, or abuse related to federal programs should contact the relevant federal agency. A list of agencies and contact information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/agency-links . RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-114_Plexus # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Wyoming Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Gillette, Wyoming, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on July 21, 2023. Amos Torres, 48, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Torres was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He pleaded guilty on May 26, 2023. During the conspiracy, which began no later than March of 2021, Torres conspired with multiple other persons in western South Dakota and surrounding states to obtain large volumes of methamphetamine. Torres then distributed the methamphetamine to others for use and further distribution. Overall, Torres was responsible for obtaining between 1.5 and 5 kilograms. During the conspiracy, Torres also possessed firearms. This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. Torres was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Chicago Rapper "G Herbo" Pleads Guilty to Role in Nationwide Fraud Conspiracy and Making False Statements

body_text: BOSTON – A Chicago-area rap artist pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield, Mass. to his role in a nationwide wire fraud conspiracy that victimized businesses across the United States and then making a false statement to a federal agent to conceal his involvement. Herbert Wright, 25, a/k/a “G Herbo,” pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to a federal official. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Nov. 7, 2023. Wright was initially indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2020 along with five co-defendants, including rap promoter Antonio Strong, in connection with the alleged fraud conspiracy. Wright was subsequently charged with making false statements in May 2021 . “Mr. Wright used stolen account information as his very own unlimited funding source, using victims’ payment cards to finance an extravagant lifestyle and advance his career. Mr. Wright’s conduct affected countless businesses and individuals across the United States who had to foot his nearly $140,000 bill in unauthorized transactions. Mr. Wright flaunted his lavish spending on social media, in music videos and in industry news. This office and our law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring that individuals and businesses are protected against fraudsters. This case should serve as a reminder that if you break the law, you will be prosecuted and held accountable – regardless of who you are,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The willful and intentional use of false statements during a federal criminal investigation threatens not only the integrity of an individual case but also a foundational tenet of our democracy at large,” said Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office. “Today’s announcement represents our communal dedication to the truth and I am proud of the investigative team of special agents and federal partners at the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s Office for the essential work behind these charges.” Beginning in at least March 2017 through November 2018, Wright and, allegedly, his co-defendants conspired to defraud numerous businesses and individuals throughout the United States by using unauthorized and stolen payment card account information of real individuals – including the actual cardholders’ names, addresses, security codes and account expiration dates. Generally, because the payment card information was authentic, the defrauded businesses and individuals successfully processed the fraudulent transactions and provided the goods and services to Wright and his alleged co-conspirators. The actual cardholders discovered these transactions on their accounts and disputed the charges with their card companies who then charged back the transactions to the businesses and individuals, which consequently suffered losses in the amounts of the unauthorized transactions. According to court documents, Wright frequently asked Strong for a number of luxury goods or services, such as flights, vehicles (“whips”), or accommodation (“cribs”), which Strong allegedly often procured by fraud using the stolen payment card account information. This included: four private jet charters for a total cost of over $80,000; over $34,000 in exotic car rentals including a Mercedes Benz 5560 and a Cadillac Escalade; as well as an over $14,500 villa in Jamaica for which Wright also requested that Strong provide vehicles and an additional credit card account for his incidentals. During text message conversations, Wright acknowledged that it did not cost Strong anything to rent a vehicle for him, stating: “Extend that whip bro that b**** ain't for no month why you be lying […] You know it don't be costing you s*** to do that s*** dude!” Wright also used the fraud proceeds to travel to various concert venues and to advance his career by posting photographs and/or videos of himself on the private jets, in the exotic cars and at the Jamaican villa on social media as well as in music videos. In addition, Wright allegedly helped Strong obtain two designer Yorkie puppies for over $10,000 from a business by falsely representing that Wright was the actual purchaser of the puppies and by concealing Strong’s actual identity from the business. Additionally, according to court documents in November 2018, Wright falsely told a federal agent that he never worked with or was assisted by Strong; he never provided Strong any money; he never received anything of value from Strong; and he had no direct relationship with Strong. In fact, since at least 2016: (1) Strong worked with and assisted Wright; (2) Wright provided Strong money; (3) Wright received valuable goods from Strong, including private jet charters, luxury accommodations, and exotic car rentals; and (4) Wright had frequent direct contact with Strong, including phone conversations, text messages and Instagram messages. Wright admitted, as part his guilty plea, that he was responsible for $139,878 in victim losses. Strong has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. The charge of wire fraud conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and USSS SAC Murphy made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorneys Andrew Tyler and Kyle Crawford of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Highlights Prosecutions This Week Removing From Our Communities Criminals Who Are Using Guns

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore and Greenbelt , Maryland – Seven defendants pleaded guilty or were sentenced this week in cases involving the illegal possession of firearms or ammunition. The charges included illegal possession of firearms or ammunition, possession of a firearm in a school zone, and drug distribution cases where firearms were seized. Prosecutors are using all available resources and any legal means necessary to investigate and prosecute repeat violent offenders—specifically for any wrongdoing that meets office priorities, especially pandemic-related fraud, and utilizing a federal school zone statute that makes it a crime to possess a gun within 1000 feet of a school. As a result, homicides in Baltimore are down approximately 23% and nonfatal shootings are down approximately 6.5%; homicides and non-fatal shootings are also down in Prince George’s County. The sentences and guilty pleas were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Acting Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief Robert McCullough of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department. “Removing from our communities those violent individuals who use guns is one of the top priorities of my office,” said United States Attorney Erek L. Barron. “Working collaboratively with federal, state and local partners to implement innovative programs to reduce violent crime and using all the tools we have available, we are making progress in our fight to reduce homicides and non-fatal shootings across the state.” “All throughout Maryland, there are criminals who are determined to carry and possess firearms, regardless of where they are or the threat it poses to the people around them,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby. “Some are sitting by elementary schools or standing on the corner dealing drugs with a gun right by their side. Others are convicted felons driving around with guns or keeping guns and drugs in their homes. That same level of determination they feel to do the wrong thing is matched only by the level of determination ATF and our law enforcement partners have every day to investigate and incarcerate them. The law-abiding citizens of Maryland deserve to feel safe in their communities and it is our mission to ensure we take offenders off the street who keep that from happening.” At a press conference on August 24, 2022, U.S. Attorney Barron announced several new programs, including a new Violent and Organized Crime Section, expanded collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement, state funds supported the hiring of additional Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys, whose sole focus has been on violent crime, along with investigators, and other legal support personnel. In addition, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is continuing to sponsor and participate in reentry events for returning citizens, as well as call-ins for those at risk of re-offending, in order to connect them with services and assistance to assure their best chance for success. We are also engaging community members and youth through monthly community walks, school outreach, and gang and internet safety training. Illegal Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition Three defendants were sentenced for illegal possession of a firearm or ammunition and a fourth defendant pleaded guilty to that charge after law enforcement recovered loaded firearms from the defendants, including two privately made firearms, commonly known as “ghost guns,” and an AR-15 pistol. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Marcus Pitts, age 27, of Baltimore to 46 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Pitts was arrested after law enforcement saw him engage in suspected hand-to-hand drug transactions. Law enforcement recovered a 9mm ghost gun, loaded with seven rounds of ammunition and two orange prescription bottles, one containing 27 amphetamine pills and the other containing 13 alprazolam pills, as well as $426 in cash. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis sentenced Darius Linwood Ashby, age 36 of Capitol Heights, Maryland, to two years of home detention with electronic monitoring, followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Ashby was also ordered to perform 50 hours of community service. Ashby was arrested after officers performed a traffic stop and recovered a .45-caliber pistol on the driver’s seat where Ashby had been seated before being removed from the vehicle. The gun was loaded with eight rounds of .45-caliber ammunition, including one round in the chamber. Officers recovered a .45-caliber magazine and additional ammunition from Ashby’s pants pockets. The firearm was found to have been stolen on July 4, 2020 from North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Darrien Ledante Taylor, age 39, of Capitol Heights, to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Taylor was arrested after a search warrant executed at his home recovered a 9mm handgun loaded with 13 rounds of 9mm ammunition and approximately 24 rounds of ammunition loaded in an extended magazine; an AR-15 pistol with no serial number and with an extended magazine loaded with 39 rounds of 5.56xc45mm caliber ammunition; approximately 78 rounds of ammunition of various calibers; and two baggies with 50 pills inside, which laboratory analysis concluded contained fentanyl. Officers also recovered 13 plastic vials containing approximately 1.6 fluid ounces of phencyclidine, commonly known as PCP, from the driver-side door pocket of Taylor’s vehicle. Taylor admitted that he possessed the fentanyl and PCP with the intent to distribute the drugs and that he possessed the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking. Brandon Ford, age 33, of Baltimore, was pulled over by Baltimore County Police officers after he drove by them without headlights at 2:00 a.m. on April 3, 2021. After failing several field sobriety tests, Ford was arrested and his vehicle was searched. Officers recovered a .357 caliber ghost gun, loaded with 14 rounds of .357 caliber ammunition from the vehicle console. U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow has scheduled sentencing for Ford on January 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. All four defendants admitted that they knew they had been convicted of a felony and were prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Pitts was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Gordin; Ashby was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah B. Grossi; Taylor was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Kibbe and Ford is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia C. McLane Possession of a Firearm in a School Zone U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Gerald Dean, age 31, of Baltimore, to 30 months in federal prison, followed by six months of home detention as part of three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm in a school zone. As detailed in his plea agreement, law enforcement was called to Mosher and Ashburton Streets, where they found Dean sleeping in his car with the lights on and the motor running, within 1,000 feet of the Katherine Johnson Global Academy (formerly Calverton Elementary/Middle School). Dean eventually woke up and was secured by the officers. A subsequent search recovered a .380 caliber pistol loaded with eight rounds of ammunition from Dean’s vehicle and recovered eight small green containers of crack cocaine, four small black containers of heroin, 16 methamphetamine pills and a sublingual strip from Dean’s person. Dean admitted that he knew or had reasonable cause to believe that he was in a school zone at the time he possessed the firearm. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Tsuei. Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances One defendant was sentenced for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and a second defendant pleaded guilty to that charge. Kevin Corbett, age 32, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl and cocaine. An officer observing a surveillance camera in the 600 block of Poplar Grove Street in Baltimore for suspected drug activity saw Corbett engage in several suspected hand-to-hand drug transactions. The full outline of a firearm was clearly visible in Corbett’s right jacket pocket. Officers arrived at that location, arrested Corbett and recovered a .9mm handgun loaded with eight rounds of ammunition, including one in the chamber, from Corbett’s jacket pocket. Officers also recovered from Corbett 144 gel capsules containing a mixture of heroin and Para-fluorobutyryl fentanyl and 43 flip-top jugs of cocaine. Corbett admitted to possessing the firearm, which he must forfeit as part of his plea agreement. U.S. District Judge Lydia K. Griggsby set Corbett’s sentencing for October 17, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Corbett is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Keelan F. Diana and Assistant U.S. Attorney Clinton J. Fuchs. Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Alonta Johnson, age 30 or Baltimore, to 138 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, specifically cocaine and buprenorphine. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle, but the driver, later identified as Johnson, fled, repeatedly opening the driver’s side door while the car was in motion. Johnson crashed into a parked vehicle and ran away, pursued by officers. As detailed in his plea agreement, Johnson dropped a handgun while running from the scene and was arrested a short time later. Officers recovered three clear baggies of a white rock-like substance on the ground next to Johnson, which were determined to be cocaine. Law enforcement also recovered seven pink containers of a white rock-like substance, 32 suboxone strips, and a digital scale, among other items. The firearm Johnson dropped was recovered and was determined to be a .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol loaded with eight rounds of .22 caliber ammunition. Johnson knew that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to previous felony convictions. As part of his plea agreement, Johnson is required to forfeit the firearm and ammunition. In addition, Chief Judge Bredar ordered that Johnson serve his federal sentence concurrent to the 30 year state sentence he is currently serving. Johnson was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Tsuei. These cases are 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. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF, the Baltimore Police Department, the Baltimore County Police Department, and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in these investigations and thanked the Assistant U.S. Attorneys and the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney who are prosecuting the cases. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #