title: Georgian National Charged with Soliciting Hate Crimes and a Mass Casualty Attack in New York City

body_text: Planned New Year’s Eve Attack Involved Santa Claus Handing Out Poisoned Candy to Racial Minorities as well as Distributing Poisoned Candy to Jewish Children in Brooklyn BROOKLYN, NY – A federal grand jury in Brooklyn yesterday returned a four-count indictment charging Georgian national Michail Chkhikvishvili, also known as “Mishka,” “Michael,” “Commander Butcher” and “Butcher,” with soliciting hate crimes and acts of mass violence in New York City. Chkhikvishvili was arrested in Chișinău, Moldova on July 6, 2024 pursuant to an Interpol Wanted Person Diffusion, which was issued based on a criminal complaint. Chkhikvishvili is alleged to be a leader of the Maniac Murder Cult, also known as “Maniacs Murder Cult,” “Maniacs: Cult of Killing,” “MKY,” “MMC” and “MKU,” an international racially or ethnically motivated violent extremist group. Chkhikvishvili allegedly recruited others to commit violent acts in furtherance of MKY’s ideologies, including planning and soliciting a mass casualty attack in New York City from an undercover law enforcement employee whom Chkhikvishvili believed was a prospective MKY recruit. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and Christie M. Curtis, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charges. “As alleged, the defendant sought to recruit others to commit violent attacks and killings in furtherance of his Neo-Nazi ideologies,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “His goal was to spread hatred, fear and destruction by encouraging bombings, arson and even poisoning children, for the purpose of harming racial minorities, the Jewish community and homeless individuals. We will not hesitate to find and prosecute those who threaten the safety and freedoms of all members of our community, including members of minority communities, no matter where in the world these criminals might be hiding.” Mr. Peace praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD, and over 50 other federal, state and local agencies. FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Curtis stated, “Today’s charges underscore the dedication of our Joint Terrorism Task Force and our partners in New York in safeguarding our nation’s security. The swift disruption of this individual, accused of allegedly plotting violent attacks in New York, sends a clear message: we will use every resource in our power to ensure the safety of the American people. The men and women who work on this task force day in and day out exemplify true service to our community, demonstrating unwavering commitment in thwarting those who seek to harm our citizens and our way of life.” As alleged, Chkhikvishvili was a leader of MKY, an international racially or ethnically motivated violent extremist group. MKY adheres to a Neo-Nazi accelerationist ideology and promotes violence and violent acts against racial minorities, the Jewish community and other groups it deems “undesirables.” MKY members share a common goal of challenging social order and governments via terrorism and violent acts that promote fear and chaos. MKY has members in the United States and abroad. Since approximately September 2021, Chkhikvishvili has distributed a manifesto titled the “Hater’s Handbook” to MKY members and others. The Handbook discusses MKY’s principles and encourages members to engage in acts of mass violence in furtherance of those principles. In the Handbook, Chkhikvishvili states that he has “murdered for the white race” and encourages and instructs others to commit acts of mass violence and “ethnic cleansing.” For example, and among other things, the Handbook encourages its readers to commit school shootings and to use children to perpetrate suicide bombings and other mass killings targeting racial minorities. The document describes methods and strategies for committing mass “terror attacks,” including, for example, using vehicles to target “large outdoor festivals, conventions, celebrations and parades” and “pedestrian congested streets.” It specifically encourages committing attacks within the United States. In June 2022, Chkhikvishvili traveled to Brooklyn, New York and stayed with his grandmother while he was there. He provided to border authorities his grandmother’s address in Brooklyn as his address of record in the United States. As alleged, beginning at least as early as July 2022, Chkhikvishvili repeatedly encouraged others, primarily via encrypted mobile messaging platforms, to commit violent hate crimes and other acts of violence on behalf of MKY. This included conspiring to solicit violent acts with the leader of a separate violent extremist Neo-Nazi group, and soliciting acts of mass violence in New York from an individual who claimed to be a prospective MKY recruit, but who, unbeknownst to Chkhikvishvili, was actually an undercover FBI employee (the UC). In a September 2023 conversation, the UC messaged Chkhikvishvili whether there was an application process to join MKY. The defendant responded, “Well yes we ask people for brutal beating, arson/explosion or murder vids on camera.” He further stated that “[p]oisoning and arson are best options for murder,” and suggested also considering a larger “mass murder[]” within the United States. Chkhikvishvili advised the UC that the victims of these acts should be “low race targets.” Beginning in approximately November 2023, Chkhikvishvili solicited the UC to commit violent crimes, such as bombings and arsons, for the purpose of harming racial minorities, Jewish individuals and others. Chkhikvishvili provided detailed plans and materials such as bomb-making instructions and guidance on making Molotov cocktails to facilitate his desire for the UC to carry out these crimes. In November 2023, Chkhikvishvili began planning a mass casualty attack in New York City to take place on New Year’s Eve. The scheme involved an individual dressing up as Santa Claus and handing out candy laced with poison to racial minorities. The scheme also involved providing candy laced with poison to children at Jewish schools in Brooklyn. Chkhikvishvili drafted step-by-step instructions to carry out the scheme and shared with the UC detailed manuals on creating and mixing lethal poisons and gases. He also instructed the UC on methods of making ricin-based poisons in powder and liquid form, including by extracting ricin from castor beans. Some of the materials transmitted by Chkhikvishvili have been linked to radical Islamist jihadist groups and designated foreign terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Chkhikvishvili intended that the planned attack would be a “bigger action than Breivik,” referring to Anders Behring Breivik, a Norwegian Neo-Nazi who killed 77 people in a bombing and mass shooting in Norway in 2011. Meanwhile, he told others of his plan and claimed to have previously committed other hate crimes while living in Brooklyn, New York in 2022. Chkhikvishvili boasted to others that he was “glad I have murdered,” and that he would “murder more” but “make others murder first.” The charges in the complaint and indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Chkhikvishvili faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment for solicitation of violent felonies (including hate crime acts and transporting an explosive with intent to kill or injure), five years’ imprisonment for conspiring to solicit violent felonies, 20 years’ imprisonment for distributing information pertaining to the making and use of explosive devices, and five years’ imprisonment for transmitting threatening communications. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Ellen H. Sise and Andrew D. Reich are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Paralegal Specialist Wayne Colon. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division also provided assistance. The Defendant : MICHAIL CHKHIKVISHVILI (also known as “Mishka,” “Michael,” “Commander Butcher” and “Butcher”) Age: 20 Tbilisi, Georgia E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-286 (CBA)


title: Former Banker Extradited from the United Kingdom for Bribing Ghanaian Officials

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A dual citizen of the United States and Ghana will make his initial appearance today in the Eastern District of New York to face charges related to his participation in a scheme to bribe Ghanaian officials to obtain and retain business from the Republic of Ghana. Asante Kwaku Berko, 50, was extradited yesterday from the United Kingdom to the United States. According to court documents, between December 2014 and March 2017, Berko, an executive director in the Investment Banking Division of a wholly owned subsidiary of a U.S. global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm, allegedly conspired with others in connection with a multi-year bribery and money laundering scheme. During this time, Berko was a member of the team at the firm that was responsible for securing and managing a deal between its client, a Turkish energy company, and the Republic of Ghana to build a power plant in Ghana and to provide financing for the plant. Berko and others allegedly offered and paid more than $70,000 in bribes to government officials in Ghana in exchange for their assistance in ensuring that the Turkish energy company was successful in winning the bid to build and operate the power plant. Berko is charged with one count of conspiring to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), one count of violating the FCPA, and one count of conspiring to commit money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiring to commit money laundering and five years in prison for each count of violating the FCPA and conspiring to violate the FCPA. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York; and Executive Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch made the announcement. The FBI’s International Corruption Unit is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Elina A. Rubin-Smith of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alixandra Smith, Tara McGrath, and Jessica Weigel for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Government of the United Kingdom, U.K. National Central Bureau of INTERPOL, and U.S. Marshals Service to secure the arrest and extradition of Berko. The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Court Orders West Virginia e-Cigarette Maker to Stop Selling Unauthorized Nicotine Vaping Products

component: Civil Division

body_text: A federal court on July 2 enjoined a West Virginia company and its owner from manufacturing, distributing or selling unauthorized nicotine vaping products. In a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, the government alleged that Soul Vapor LLC and the company’s owner, Aurelius Jeffrey, violated the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) by causing tobacco products to become adulterated or misbranded while they were held for sale after shipment of one or more of their components in interstate commerce. According to the complaint, the defendants manufactured and sold finished electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) products or e-cigarette products, including products under the Soul Vapor brand. The complaint alleged that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned the defendants that their ENDS products were adulterated and misbranded. The complaint also alleged that the defendants submitted materially false information to FDA. Under the FDCA, entities that manufacture tobacco products must annually register with FDA. The government’s complaint alleged that the defendants falsely told FDA in their registration form that the company was “inactive” and “out of business” even while it continued to manufacture ENDS products. The complaint also alleged that Jeffrey told FDA that he would discontinue manufacturing and selling Soul Vapor-brand ENDS products that lacked FDA authorization, yet the products remained for sale. The court previously granted the government’s motion for summary judgment against the defendants, finding that the defendants violated the FDCA and submitted materially false information to FDA. The order entered by the court permanently enjoins the defendants from directly or indirectly manufacturing, distributing, selling and/or offering for sale any new tobacco product that has not received marketing authorization from FDA. The court also ordered the defendants to destroy ENDS products that are manufactured by defendants and in their custody, control or possession. The injunction against Soul Vapor is the most recent judicial enforcement action finalized since the Justice Department and FDA announced the creation of a federal multi-agency task force to combat the illegal distribution and sale of e-cigarettes. To date, the FDA has authorized the sale of 27 specific tobacco- and menthol-flavored e-cigarette products and devices . These are the only e-cigarette products that currently may be lawfully marketed and sold in the United States. “Manufacturing and selling unauthorized vaping products is illegal and threatens public health,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will continue to work closely with the task force to bring enforcement actions against those who illegally manufacture, distribute or sell these dangerous products.” “FDA has clearly outlined what manufacturers need to do to comply with the law, and we are committed to holding those who fail to do so accountable,” said Director Brian King, Ph.D., M.P.H. of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. “FDA will continue to work with our federal partners to identify and bring enforcement actions against these bad actors.” Trial Attorney Michael J. Murali of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch handled the case, with assistance from Associate Chief Counsel William Thanhauser of FDA’s Office of the Chief Counsel. Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . Claims made in a complaint are allegations that, if a case were to proceed to trial, the government would be required to prove by a preponderance of the evidence.


title: Convicted Newington Landscape Contractor Fined $1.75 Million for Tax Evasion

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTHONY NIRO, 61, of Newington, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to three years of probation and ordered to pay a fine of $1.75 million for tax evasion. Judge Williams noted Niro’s medical condition and family circumstances when imposing the sentence. According to court documents and statements made in court, Anthony Niro was a co-owner of A. Niro Landscape Contractors, Inc. (“ANLC”), a business that provided landscaping and snowplowing services for large commercial properties and for personal residences. Nanette Niro, who is married to Anthony Niro, was the bookkeeper for ANLC and maintained ANLC’s financial records. For the 2006 through 2010 tax years, Anthony Niro, his business partner, and Nanette Niro conspired to evade both corporate and individual income tax by causing a large portion of ANLC’s receipts to be deposited into two non-interest-bearing checking accounts, and transferring money out the accounts to themselves for their benefit. Anthony Niro, his business partner, and Nanette Niro failed to provide information about these non-interest-bearing accounts to the tax return preparer who prepared ANLC’s federal income tax returns. In their 2006 through 2009 personal tax returns, the Niros failed to reflect accurately monies received from ANLC and other sources. A 2010 tax return was not filed. For the 2006 through 2010 tax years, Anthony and Nanette Niro failed to report to the IRS more than $7.8 million in income, resulting in a tax loss to the IRS of $1,451,725. As an example, on their 2009 federal individual tax return, Anthony and Nanette Niro reported taxable income of $131,895 when their correct taxable income for that year was $1,891,955. Anthony Niro has paid restitution of $1,472,735 to the IRS, and has forfeited an additional $127,300. He is still required to pay substantial interest and penalties to the IRS. On January 4, 2024, Anthony Niro pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. Nanette Niro pleaded guilty to the same charge on January 9, 2024, and awaits sentencing. This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.


title: Charlotte Man Who Robbed A Convenience Store At Gunpoint Is Sentenced To More Than Nine Years In Prison

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte man who robbed a convenience store at gunpoint was sentenced to 117 months in prison today, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Hasahn Riyardt Flowe, 27, was also ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release following his term of incarceration. Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to court documents and today’s court proceedings, on January 22, 2023, at 6:17 p.m., Flowe entered the Sam’s Mart located at 2630 Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte. Flowe had the lower part of his face concealed with a red bandana and was armed with a pistol. At the time, the only other person inside the store was a Sam’s Mart employee, identified in court documents as A.R. Upon entering the store, Flowe pointed the pistol at A.R. and demanded money from the register. Court records show that Flowe told A.R. that he had just gotten out of prison and ordered her to shut up or he would shoot her. A.R. opened the register and began to remove the money. Flowe took the money and fled the scene. Photo # 1- Jan. 22, 2023 – Armed robbery of Sam's Mart on Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte – The defendant is pointing a firearm at a store employee as she hands him money from the register. According to court records, on February 8, 2023, at 6:29 p.m., Flowe entered the 7-Eleven located at 4255 Statesville Road in Charlotte. Flowe had the lower part of his face concealed with the same red bandana and was armed with the same pistol as the previous robbery. The only other person present was a 7-Eleven employee, identified as T.R. Flowe displayed his pistol and demanded money from T.R. T.R., seeing the pistol, ran to the rear of the store and exited out of a back door. Photo #2 - Feb. 8, 2023 - Attempted armed robbery of 7-11 in Charlotte – The defendant is pointing a firearm at a store employee as she’s fleeing the store. According to court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, after the employee fled, Flowe ran behind the counter, found the drawer for the register, pulled it out, and dropped it on the floor. As that was happening, another customer walked in the store. Flowe raised his pistol and pointed it at the customer, who then backed out into the parking lot. Unable to get into the cash drawer, Flowe grabbed T.R.’s purse and fled the store. Photo #3 - Feb. 8, 2023 - Attempted armed robbery of 7-11 in Charlotte – The defendant is pointing a firearm at a customer who walked into the store. During the investigation, court records show that law enforcement found photographs posted on Flowe’s public social media profile of him wearing the red bandana he wore during the robbery and attempted robbery and posing with the firearm Flowe used during both crimes. Photo #4 - The defendant posted photos on social media with the firearm he used in each crime. Flowe was arrested on February 15, 2023. At the time of the arrest, law enforcement recovered the firearm Flowe had used to commit both crimes. On October 19, 2023, Flowe pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and possession and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the FBI and CMPD for their investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Kent of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Arkansas Man Admits Traveling to Albany for Sexual Contact with Minor and Transporting Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kyle Biswell, age 38, of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, pled guilty today to traveling from Arkansas to Albany, with the intent to engage in illicit sexual contact with a child, and to transporting child pornography in interstate commerce. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. Biswell admitted that between January and April 2023, he communicated with an individual he believed was the mother of an 11-year-old girl through an internet-based social networking application and using his cellular phone. Over the course of those communications, Biswell expressed his interest in engaging in sexual contact with the 11-year-old and ultimately purchased airfare to travel from his home in Arkansas to Albany, with the intent to engage in illicit sexual contact with the child on April 8, 2023. Upon his arrival in the Capital Region on April 8, 2023, Biswell was arrested by FBI agents, and admitted that he had traveled from Arkansas to Albany for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with a child he believed to be 11 years old. Biswell further admitted that he brought child pornography with him on his cell phone. The cell phone was subsequently searched by the FBI and found to contain numerous videos and images depicting child pornography, including several videos depicting the sexual abuse and rape of children under the age of 5. At sentencing on November 13, 2024, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci, Biswell faces at least 5 years and up to 30 years in prison. The judge will also be required to impose a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to a life term. The court may also impose a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and forfeiture of the cell phone Biswell used to commit his offenses. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Biswell will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Statement Of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams On The Convictions Of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez And Two New Jersey Businessmen

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Moments ago, a jury convicted Senator Robert Menendez of corruption offenses. This case has always been about shocking levels of corruption. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of bribes, including gold, cash, and a Mercedes-Benz. This wasn’t politics as usual; this was politics for profit. Because Senator Menendez has now been found guilty, his years of selling his office to the highest bidder have finally come to an end. Corruption isn’t costless: it erodes public trust, and it undermines the rule of law. That’s why we’re so committed to fighting it, regardless of political party. I want to thank the career prosecutors and law enforcement agents who meticulously investigated and prosecuted this case. Their work brought this egregious corruption to light. They are the best of the best, and I am enormously proud to serve with them.” * * * ROBERT MENENDEZ, 70, of Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey; WAEL HANA, 40, of Edgewater, New Jersey, and originally of Egypt; and FRED DAIBES, 66, of Edgewater, New Jersey, were convicted of the charges listed in the chart below. The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by Judge Stein. Sentencing for MENENDEZ, HANA, and DAIBES has been scheduled for October 29, 2024. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Williams also thanked the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation for its invaluable assistance on the investigation and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section for its support of the case. This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eli J. Mark, Paul Monteleoni, Lara Pomerantz, Daniel C. Richenthal, and Catherine Ghosh, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Clark, are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Connor Hamill, Rachel Wechsler, and Braden Florczyk. Count Defendant(s) Charge Potential Maximum Prison Term 1 MENENDEZ HANA DAIBES Conspiracy to commit bribery Five years 2 MENENDEZ HANA DAIBES Conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud 20 years 3 MENENDEZ Conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right 20 years 4 MENENDEZ DAIBES Conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice 5 years 5 MENENDEZ Bribery – actions to benefit Wael Hana and Egypt 15 years 6 HANA DAIBES Bribery – actions to benefit Wael Hana and Egypt 15 years 7 MENENDEZ HANA DAIBES Honest services wire fraud - actions to benefit Wael Hana and Egypt 20 years 8 MENENDEZ Extortion under color of official right – actions to benefit Wael Hana and Egypt 20 years 9 MENENDEZ HANA Honest services wire fraud - actions to benefit Jose Uribe and Uribe’s Associates 20 years 10 MENENDEZ Extortion under color of official right – actions to benefit Jose Uribe and Uribe’s Associates 20 years 11 MENENDEZ Bribery – actions to benefit Fred Daibes and Qatar 15 years 12 DAIBES Bribery – actions to benefit Fred Daibes and Qatar 15 years 13 MENENDEZ DAIBES Honest services wire fraud – actions to benefit Fred Daibes and Qatar 20 years 14 MENENDEZ Extortion under color of official right – actions to benefit Fred Daibes and Qatar 20 years 15 MENENDEZ HANA Conspiracy for a public official to act as a foreign agent Five years 16 MENENDEZ Public official acting as a foreign agent Two years 17 MENENDEZ Conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice Five years 18 MENENDEZ Obstruction of justice 10 years


title: Glenville Narcotic Treatment Program Pays $300,000 Penalty for Controlled Substances Act Violations

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Conifer Park Inc. agreed to pay $300,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the Controlled Substances Act’s (CSA) recordkeeping requirements. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division made the announcement. Conifer Park is a maintenance and detoxification facility that dispenses controlled substances, including methadone and buprenorphine, to treat individuals for substance use disorder. The CSA requires entities that dispense controlled substances to maintain certain records and to conduct periodic inventories. An inspection by the DEA in 2018 revealed that Conifer Park failed to maintain accurate records or perform required inventories, and was co-mingling controlled substances among different registrants. Conifer Park subsequently agreed to comply with the CSA’s recordkeeping requirements in the future and to institute an electronic recordkeeping system if it was unable to do so. DEA conducted similar inspections in 2021 and 2023 and determined that Conifer Park’s recordkeeping practices continued to violate the CSA. Despite the continued non-compliance, Conifer Park did not implement an electronic recordkeeping system. Contemporaneously with the Settlement Agreement resolving the Controlled Substances Act civil penalties, Conifer Park entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA, agreeing to implement an electronic recordkeeping system no later than November 1, 2024. This case was investigated by DEA Albany District Office’s Diversion Group. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Moran represented the United States in this matter.


title: Minnesota Executives Sentenced to Prison for Orchestrating Multimillion Dollar Fraud Schemes

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – Two medical services company executives have been sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution to their victims for orchestrating a massive fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, Khemwattie Singh, 53, was the chief executive officer of Global Medical Services, LLC and Minnesota International Medicine. Neeraj Chepuri, 55, was the chief medical officer of Global Medical Services. Global Medical Services was a Minnesota-based company that purported to provide accessible healthcare solutions and services worldwide. Minnesota International Medicine was an assumed name for a Minnesota-based medical concierge company that was acquired by Global Medical Services in June 2018. Between June and October 2018, Singh, Chepuri, and others devised a fraud scheme by entering into factoring contracts with a Florida-based investment company to purchase the accounts receivable of Global Medical Services and Minnesota International Medicine for more than $2.6 million. Factoring is a form of short-term financing in which a business sells its accounts receivable to a third-party at a discount. According to court documents, Singh and Chepuri defrauded the investment company by failing to pay over the receivables as they were collected and falsely represented that no funds had been received. Instead, Singh and Chepuri pocketed the money and wired more than $5 million overseas. In addition, Singh was responsible for complying with all federal tax laws pertaining to Global Medical Services, LLC and Minnesota International Medicine as the chief executive officer, including the requirement that the business would withhold federal income taxes and Social Security and Medicare (“FICA”) taxes from employees’ pay and report and pay over the withheld amounts to the Internal Revenue Service. Beginning in approximately 2018, Singh willfully failed to file quarterly payroll tax returns or pay over the withheld amounts and the employer’s contribution to FICA. On December 29, 2023, Singh pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of willful failure to account for and pay over payroll taxes for withholding federal taxes from employee payroll. She was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz to 27 months for the factoring fraud scheme and 12 months for the tax fraud, to be served concurrently. She was also ordered to pay $3,957,364.62 in restitution to her victims. Chepuri pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud on December 29, 2023. He was sentenced today by Chief Judge Schiltz to 21 months in prison, one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay full restitution in the amount of $3,265,363.14. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Minnesota Commerce Fraud Bureau, and the IRS - Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsea A. Walcker and Robert M. Lewis prosecuted the case.


title: Six Men Charged in Federal Complaint Alleging Burglary Spree on Federally Licensed Firearm Stores Across Southern California

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Six men are anticipated to make their initial appearances this afternoon, facing a criminal complaint alleging that they carried out a nine-month burglary spree throughout Southern California using stolen vehicles as rams to gain entry into firearms stores and stealing over 300 firearms. The following defendants, who have been held in state custody, are charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy to steal firearms from the premises of a federal firearms licensee and are expected to make their initial appearances this afternoon in United States District Court in Santa Ana: Cross Arjay Goree, a.k.a. “C3”, 18, of Lake Elsinore; Caine Aiden Goree, 22, of Lake Elsinore; Kenneth Gilmore III, a.k.a. “Kenny”, 19, of Las Vegas; Brendan Markel Hawkins, 19, of Lake Elsinore; Calvin Logan Gray, 18, of Murietta; and Kendall Eric Johnson, a.k.a. “K3”, 23, of Lake Elsinore According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, the defendants burglarized or attempted to burglarize nine firearms stores wherein they used stolen vehicles to ram into the storefronts, smashed display cases, and fled with the stolen firearms in other stolen vehicles. As noted in the affidavit, the following firearms stores were involved: Chaparral Coin and Gun in Murrieta on October 9, 2023, where 43 firearms were stolen; Poway Weapons and Gear in Poway on March 25, 2024, where 78 firearms were stolen; Ammo Bros in Ontario on June 12, 2024 (attempted); Fallbrook Guns and Ammo in Fallbrook on June 13, 2024 (attempted); Firearms Unknown in Oceanside on June 17, 2024, where 33 firearms were stolen; Ammo Bros in Riverside on June 18, 2024, where 25 firearms were stolen; Camarillo Gun Store in Camarillo on July 1, 2024, where 63 firearms were stolen; Smokin Barrel Gun Store in Simi Valley on July 9, 2024 (attempted); and Fowler’s Gun Room in Orange on July 13, 2024, where 70 firearms were stolen. According to the affidavit, the stolen firearms were being sold on the black market and were found in the possession of others in separate criminal investigations. On July 13, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at a residence believed to be where Cross, Caine, and Johnson resided. While officers were announcing their presence, they allegedly observed Gilmore and Cross fleeing from the back of the residence, and both were later detained. During their search, officers allegedly found a firearm that had been stolen from Poway Weapons and Gear, a firearm that had been stolen from Chaparral Coin and Gun, two firearms that had been stolen from the Camarillo Gun Store, and at least 45 firearms that had been stolen from Fowler’s Gun Room. Arraignment is expected in the coming weeks. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, the defendants would each face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, and the Orange Police Department are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Brittney M. Harris and Kyle W. Kahan of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section are prosecuting this matter.


title: Four Charged with Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury has indicted four people on firearms charges. Todd M. Houston, 35, of Morgantown, West Virginia, and Kayla N. Taylor, 33, of Montrose, West Virginia, are facing charges involving a conspiracy to straw purchase firearms in Monongalia County. Christopher S. Damson, 27, of Kernersville, North Carolina is charged with unlawful possession of ammunition. According to court documents, Taylor falsified documents to purchase firearms for Houston, who is prohibited from having firearms because of prior robbery and burglary convictions in the Circuit Court of Monongalia County. Damson and Houston were arrested while attempting to pawn boxes of ammunition. Damson is prohibited from having firearms because of a domestic violence protective order issued in Lee County, Florida. In a separate case, Jonathon Wade Cochran, 42, of Shinnston, West Virginia, has been indicted for the unlawful possession of a firearm. According to the indictment, Cochran was found in Harrison County with a 9mm pistol. Cochran is prohibited from having firearms because of prior methamphetamine, burglary, and firearms convictions in Monongalia, Marion, and Harrison Counties. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rhee is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. Investigative agencies include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. 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 gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Former Weymouth Police Officer Sentenced for Assaulting a Man During an Arrest

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A former Weymouth Police officer was sentenced today for assaulting a man in custody by punching the victim multiple times without legal justification. Justin Chappell, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to two years’ supervised release, with the first six months to be served in home confinement. Chappell was also ordered to complete 40 hours of community service per year of supervised release, for a total of 80 hours. In April 2024, Chappell pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. On July 2, 2022, Chappell was a police officer for the Weymouth Police Department. While on duty, he responded to a call regarding an allegedly intoxicated man causing a disturbance at a home in Weymouth. Chappell placed the man under arrest, and while attempting to put the man in the police cruiser, Chappell punched the man approximately 13 times with a closed fist without legal justification. The punches caused obvious pain and visible injuries to the man’s head. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Weymouth Police Department and the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Torey B. Cummings and Neil J. Gallagher Jr. of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: Man Charged in Federal Court With Committing Two Carjackings in Chicago

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

body_text: CHICAGO — A federal grand jury has indicted a man on carjacking and firearm charges for allegedly violently stealing two vehicles in Chicago earlier this year. VIRGIL GIBSON, 22, of Chicago, stole a Chevrolet Malibu on April 7, 2024, and a Kia K5 on April 8, 2024, according to an indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Gibson brandished a firearm in each of the carjackings and forcibly took the vehicles from the drivers, the indictment states. Gibson also confined the driver in the second carjacking against his will and forced him to wire money to Gibson, the indictment states. The indictment charges Gibson with two counts of carjacking, three counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of robbery, and one count of kidnapping. The charges in the indictment carry a maximum sentence of life in federal prison. Gibson is currently in law enforcement custody. Arraignment in federal court is set for Aug. 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Kendall. The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirsten Moran. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Gibson indictment


title: Federal jury convicts Bozeman felon of illegal possession of firearm, ammunition

body_text: MISSOULA — A federal jury on Monday convicted a Bozeman felon of illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition after a Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputy went to serve an arrest warrant and found the defendant armed, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. After a one-day trial on July 15, the jury found the defendant, Perry Edward Carson, 46, guilty of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Carson faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Dec. 5. Carson was detained pending further proceedings. “Felons illegally possessing firearms, like Carson did, are a threat to public safety, and in this case, Carson’s conduct posed a threat to a law enforcement officer when he was attempting to serve an arrest warrant. Keeping guns out of the hands of prohibited persons is critical to reducing overall gun violence. I thank our prosecution team, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their diligent work on this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that on March 15, a Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputy went to Carson’s camper to execute an arrest warrant. Carson saw the deputy arrive and told him he was going to put down his gun out of respect and asked the deputy to do the same. Carson entered his camper, went out of sight and then returned to the open door. Carson refused to exit the camper. The deputy directed Carson several times to stay away from the firearm and exit the camper. Eventually, Carson was tased and taken into custody. The deputy obtained a search warrant for the camper and found a 9mm pistol that had a magazine and ammunition. Carson was convicted of a felony drug crime in Pennsylvania and sentenced in 1999. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . XXX


title: Co-Leader of Drug Trafficking Organization That Imported Over 100 Kilos Of Cocaine Sentenced To Ten Years in Prison

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – The co-leader of a years-long drug trafficking conspiracy that shipped over 100 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Rhode Island has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. As reflected in court documents, Efrain Colon-Garcia, 43, and his wife, Yaniris Colon-Senquiz, 47, formerly of Woonsocket, co-led a conspiracy in which members of their extensive family received packages containing one or more kilograms of cocaine shipped from Puerto Rico. These family members utilized 19 different addresses in Rhode Island and received more than 60 packages. At the outset, the Colons received less than one kilogram of cocaine per package, and the narcotics were hidden within items like clothing and toys. As the operation expanded, the parcels grew in size, with multiple kilograms of cocaine hidden inside larger items like Bluetooth speakers and wooden wine holders. In addition to having family members receive the packages, the Colons had family collect and transport drug proceeds to New York as part of the business. Family members were paid $1,000 per package to receive drug parcels at their own homes, and were paid between $2,000 and $5,000 per trip to drive and deliver tens of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds to New York. At the time law enforcement interrupted the organization in 2020, the Colons were supplying cocaine to drug dealers in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Florida. At sentencing today, U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith sentenced Efrain Colon-Garcia to 10 years in federal prison to be followed by three years of federal supervised release. Yaniris Colon-Senquiz is awaiting sentencing. The defendants pleaded guilty on September 6, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and unlawful use of a communication facility (U.S. Mail). The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Stacey A. Erickson. The matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and members of the Rhode Island High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. 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: West Plains Sex Offender Sentenced for Possessing Computer-Generated Images of Child Sexual Abuse

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A West Plains, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced in federal court today for possessing hundreds of computer-generated images of child sexual abuse. Dace Allen Doverspike, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Doverspike to 15 years of supervised release following incarceration. Doverspike, who has a prior federal felony conviction for possessing child pornography, pleaded guilty on Aug. 29, 2023, to possessing an obscene visual representation of the sexual abuse of children. Doverspike’s probation officer seized his cell phone on May 10, 2023, during a home visit as part of the conditions of his supervised release. The officer discovered multiple images and videos of pornography, including computer-generated images and videos of child pornography, and transferred the phone to Homeland Security Investigations for examination and further investigation. A task force officer examined a microSD storage device that had been inserted into the phone, which contained 255 computer-generated image files that depicted child sexual abuse. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Carlos Watson, Founder and Former CEO of Ozy Media Inc., Convicted of Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Carlos Watson, the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Ozy Media Inc. (Ozy), was convicted today by a federal jury in Brooklyn of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a years-long scheme to defraud investors in and lenders to Ozy of tens of millions of dollars. Ozy was also convicted on both counts of the indictment. The verdict followed 8 weeks of trial before United States District Judge Eric R. Komitee. When sentenced, Watson faces a minimum sentence of two years in prison, and a maximum sentence of 37 years in prison. The company also faces financial penalties. Watson was remanded pending sentencing. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Christie M. Curtis, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the verdict. “The jury found that Watson was a con man who told lie upon lie upon lie to deceive investors into buying stock in his company. Watson invented phony financial figures and caused others to forge fake contracts and impersonate a media executive,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Ozy Media ultimately collapsed under the weight of Watson’s dishonest schemes and with today’s verdict, Watson himself has been held accountable for his brazen crimes. My Office is committed to ensuring integrity in the financial markets and protecting investors, small and large, from fast-talking fraudsters looking to betray their trust and separate them from their money.” “The conviction of Carlos Watson underscores the profound damage caused by corporate fraud schemes. Watson's deceitful actions in defrauding investors of their funds and an attempt to defraud a financial institution of tens of millions of dollars illustrated the vulnerability of investors to false information. The FBI remains committed to bringing to justice those who engage in fraudulent activities, ensuring that the integrity of our financial markets is upheld and that market participants are protected from dishonest practices,” stated FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Curtis. Ozy was a media and entertainment company with businesses that included digital newsletters, television production, podcasts and live events, the most prominent of which was a live festival known as “Ozy Fest.” Watson founded Ozy in 2012 and served as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. The company is now defunct. As proven at trial, between 2018 and 2021, Watson and his co-conspirators, including then-Chief Operating Officer Samir Rao and then-Chief of Staff Suzee Han, orchestrated a scheme to defraud investors out of tens of millions of dollars through fraudulent misrepresentations and omissions about Ozy’s financial performance, including revenue, cash on hand and profit, ongoing business relationships with celebrities, acquisition prospects from high- profile technology and media corporations, contract negotiations and other corporate metrics. For example, Watson and his co-conspirators lied to prospective investors about who else might be investing in Ozy, the existence and size of acquisition offers received by Ozy, the existence and timing of “Series C” and “Series D” financing rounds by Ozy, and the existence and terms of Ozy’s business contracts — going so far as to direct Ozy employees to create fake contracts with forged signatures to provide in due diligence. On multiple occasions, when faced with questions from lenders or potential investors, Watson and his co-conspirators assumed the identities of and impersonated actual media company executives to cover up their prior fraudulent misrepresentations. Forged Cable Television Contract and Impersonation of Media Executive In December 2019, Watson and his co-conspirators attempted to induce a bank to lend Ozy money based on misrepresentations and omissions about Ozy’s business. Watson and his co-conspirators sought to secure the loan with anticipated revenues from a second season of an Ozy television show. However, the contract between Ozy and the show’s cable network for the second season of the show was still under negotiation. To induce the bank to make the loan sooner, Watson directed Ozy’s then-Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Tripti Thakur to send the bank a fake signed contract between Ozy and the cable network purporting to be for the second season. When Thakur refused, Rao, with Watson’s approval, sent the fake contract to the bank, copying the then-CFO. Later that day, Thakur emailed Watson and Rao to say that she was resigning effective immediately. She explained, “this . . . is illegal. This is fraud. This is forging someone’s signature with the intent of getting an advance from a publicly traded bank.” She continued, “To be crystal clear, what you see as a measured risk — I see as a felony .” In subsequent months, Watson and his co-conspirators continued to attempt to induce the bank to lend Ozy several million dollars based on misrepresentations and omissions, including regarding the expected revenue from the second season of the Ozy television show. During these discussions, the bank requested to speak to a representative of the cable network. To conceal the lies about Ozy’s relationship with the cable network and the status and terms of their agreement, Rao, with Watson’s approval, created a fake email address in the name of an actual executive of the cable network, which Rao used to impersonate the executive and communicate with the bank about the potential loan. Attempted Fraudulent Investment and Impersonation of Another Media Executive From approximately November 2020 through February 2021, Watson and his co-conspirators attempted to induce Goldman Sachs to invest up to $45 million in Ozy by means of material misrepresentations and omissions regarding Ozy’s historical and projected financial results, debts, and business relationships. Had the full $45 million investment occurred as intended, $6 million of the $45 million would have been paid to Watson personally. As part of its due diligence process, Goldman Sachs executives asked Watson and Rao to arrange a meeting with someone from YouTube. Watson and his co-conspirators claimed the online video service had paid Ozy nearly $6 million in licensing revenue for “The Carlos Watson Show.” This was another misrepresentation — Ozy was never paid by YouTube for Ozy content. Because Ozy did not in fact have any business relationship with YouTube, Watson and Rao agreed that Rao would impersonate a media executive at YouTube in communications with Goldman Sachs. On January 28, 2021, Rao, with Watson’s agreement, created a fake email address in the name of the media executive, which he used to correspond with representatives of Goldman Sachs. On February 2, 2021, Rao had a phone call with employees of Goldman Sachs during which he impersonated a media executive from YouTube using a voice alteration application that he downloaded onto his cellular telephone to mask his voice during the call. During the call, Watson was in the same room as Rao, and texted Rao instructions about what to say and what not to say on the call. Shortly after the call, one of the employees of the financial institution contacted the actual media executive of YouTube who confirmed that he had not been on the call and that the online video service had no role in the production of The Carlos Watson Show. When members of Goldman Sachs later spoke with Watson, he falsely claimed that Rao had acted alone and as a result of a mental breakdown. * * * * * Rao and Han previously pleaded guilty to charges relating to their roles in the scheme and are awaiting sentencing. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Siegel, Gillian Kassner, and Dylan A. Stern are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Jacob Menz. The Defendants : CARLOS WATSON Age: 54 Mountain View, California OZY MEDIA, INC. Mountain View, California E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-82 (EK)


title: Kanawha County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jason Todd Painter, 40, of Clendenin, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, from March 15, 2023 through June 24, 2023, Painter received 11 packages containing methamphetamine sent by a co-conspirator from New York to Painter’s residence in Clendenin. Painter kept some of the methamphetamine for himself and held the rest for the co-conspirator to pick up. The co-conspirator occasionally directed Painter to deliver methamphetamine to other individuals in the Kanawha County area. On July 15, 2023, the co-conspirator shipped a package through the United States Postal Service from New York to Painter in Clendenin. Law enforcement intercepted the package and discovered that it contained approximately 4.2 kilograms of methamphetamine. Painter is scheduled to be sentenced on October 16, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-182. ###


title: Jefferson County Sex Offender Accused of New Child Sex Crimes

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A registered sex offender living in Park Hills, Missouri has been arrested after having been indicted and accused of child enticement and child pornography offenses. Reginald M. Miller, 56, of Park Hills, Missouri, appeared in U.S. District Court in St. Louis court Tuesday and pleaded not guilty. Miller was indicted by a grand jury on July 10 with six felonies: enticement and coercion of a minor as a repeat offender, attempted travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct as a repeat offender, solicitation of child pornography as a prior offender, receiving child pornography as a prior offender, transfer of obscene material to a minor and commission of a felony involving a minor as a prior offender. The indictment accuses Miller of attempting to coerce a minor under the age of 15 into engaging in sexual activity, crossing state lines to engage in a sex act with someone younger than 15, soliciting images containing child pornography, receiving images containing child pornography and sending picture of his genitals, all between Dec. 1, 2023, and April 29, 2024. The LaSalle Police Department, LaSalle County Sheriff's Office, Park Hills Police Department and FBI’s St. Louis Division investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson is prosecuting the case. The enticement charge is punishable by at least 10 years in prison and not more than three life sentences. The attempted travel charge is punishable by up to 90 years in prison. The solicitation of child pornography as a prior offender is punishable by between 15 and 40 years in prison. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. 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: U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Conviction Against Repeat Domestic Violence Offender

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Bosque Farms man pleaded guilty in federal court to domestic assault by a habitual offender. According to publicly available court documents, on August 9, 2022, Daniel Vincent Olguin , 37, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Isleta, assaulted his girlfriend, Jane Doe, by striking her in the back of the head with his hand. Olguin was previously convicted of assaulting his intimate partner in 2012 and 2016. The Court ordered that Olguin remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Olguin faces up to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Olguin will be subject to up to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today. The Isleta Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case. View the Plea Agreement # # #


title: Kansas man sentenced for drug trafficking

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 300 months (25 years) in prison for charges related to drug trafficking and illegal firearms. According to court documents, Christian Michael Woodruff, 33, of Topeka pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In February 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) received information that Woodruff was selling meth from his home in Topeka. Following an investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Woodruff’s residence while he was there. Agents found 1,190.1 grams of meth that lab tests later revealed to be 98 percent pure as well as multiple guns, ammunition, and a silencer. “This case is another example of the connection between drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms. ATF will continue to prioritize keeping repeat violent offenders off our streets because it is a critical component of keeping our communities safe,” stated Gordon N. Mallory, Acting, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Kansas City. “It is illegal for convicted felons to possess guns, and we will vigorously investigate repeat offenders who continue to arm themselves. I’m grateful for the work our agents and partners put into this case. I hope with this sentence today the community will be a little bit safer.” The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Hough prosecuted the case. ###


title: Statement Of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams On The Conviction Of Miles Guo

body_text: “Miles Guo, an exiled Chinese businessman and purported billionaire, brazenly operated several interrelated fraud schemes, all designed to fleece his loyal followers out of their hard-earned money so that Guo could spend his days in his 50,000 square foot mansion, driving his $1 million Lamborghini, or lounging on his $37 million yacht. Thousands of Guo’s online followers were victimized so that Guo could live of a life of excess. Today, Guo’s schemes have been put to an end. Moments ago, a unanimous jury found Miles Guo guilty of racketeering conspiracy and various securities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering charges. He faces decades in prison. I commend the career prosecutors of this Office and our law enforcement partners for bringing this case and seizing hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of fraud proceeds so that justice can be brought to Guo’s victims. This Office will not waver in our dedication to prosecuting malicious and harmful fraud schemes.”


title: Princeton Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl Crime

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Dailen Isaiah Defoe, 21, of Princeton, was sentenced today to nine years 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 December 8, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Bluefield residence where Defoe and co-defendant Malachi Damonte Cooper were staying. Officers found 734 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 130 grams of fentanyl, digital scales, a money counter, a Micro Draco 7.62mm semi-automatic pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol loaded with a 30-round magazine, and over $23,000. Defoe and Cooper admitted that they possessed the controlled substances and intended to distribute them. Defoe further admitted to selling a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant in Princeton on August 19, 2021. Defoe also admitted to selling additional quantities of fentanyl to the confidential informant in Princeton on August 23 and August 31, 2021. On August 31, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence where Defoe was staying in Princeton. Officers found approximately 375 grams of methamphetamine, 774 grams of fentanyl, 13 grams of heroin, three semi-automatic handguns, two drum magazines, various other firearm magazines and ammunition, and several thousand dollars. Defoe admitted that he possessed the controlled substances and intended to distribute them. Cooper, 22, of Princeton, was sentenced on March 4, 2024, to eight years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The task force consists of members of the West Virginia State Police, the Bluefield Police Department, the Princeton Police Department, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Department, and the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-119. ###


title: Texas Sex Offender Sentenced to 15 years in Prison for Using  a Lehigh Valley Minor to Produce Child Pornography

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Daniel Nelson Shuler, 59, of Corsicana, Texas, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr., to 15 years’ imprisonment, 10 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for using a minor to produce child pornography in November and December of 2022. In January 2024, Shuler was charged in a one-count information with production of child pornography. On February 27, 2024, Shuler pleaded guilty to the charge and admitted engaging in sexually explicit communications with a minor victim residing in the Lehigh Valley region, during which he caused her to produce images and videos depicting sexually explicit conduct, and also sent the victim sexually explicit images and videos of himself. “Shuler manipulated and sexually exploited a child, and did so deliberately,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Today’s sentence holds him accountable for this reprehensible violation and keeps him from seeking out and victimizing other young girls. The wellbeing of our children is an absolute priority for this office and our law enforcement partners.” “The cooperation between HSI and the US Attorney’s office continues to serve the American public by enabling time sensitive investigations and deliberate prosecutions of the criminals who harm our children,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Sara Bay. “The protection of our most vulnerable citizens is at the heart of our core mission and values.” 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 United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Allentown Resident Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly A. Lewis Fallenstein.


title: Jury Convicts Columbia Man of Fentanyl Trafficking

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man was found guilty in federal court today of possessing fentanyl that he intended to distribute in Springfield, Mo. Michael E. Hunt, Jr., 43, was found guilty of one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute. Law enforcement officers learned that Hunt was planning to transport fentanyl from Columbia to Springfield. Hunt was driving a black Jeep Renegade southbound on Highway 5 on June 12, 2022, when a Laclede County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop for a moving violation. A police service dog alerted to the presence of drugs in the Jeep, at which time Hunt locked the vehicle and refused to give officers the keys. After the Jeep was unlocked by a local tow company, officers searched the vehicle and found a black gym bag on the front passenger seat that contained approximately 300 grams of fentanyl, which is consistent with distribution and not merely personal use. Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo., deliberated for about an hour before returning a guilty verdict to U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes, ending a trial that began Monday, July 15. Under federal statutes, Hunt is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Brown and J.D. Hatcher. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Laclede County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.


title: Colorado Springs Man Indicted On 11 Counts of Mail Theft

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Adam Christopher Turner, 40, of Colorado Springs, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on June 27, 2024, on 11 counts of fraud in connection with unauthorized access devices, aggravated identity theft, possession of stolen mail, possession of stolen mail keys, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to the indictment, Turner was linked to a multitude of thefts from community mailboxes in El Paso County, and in Parker, Colorado. The indictment alleges that Turner utilized counterfeit postal service master keys, called arrow keys, to steal mail from community mailboxes, also known as cluster box units. When a search warrant was executed on Turner’s residence, police found approximately 70 grams of methamphetamine, arrow keys, a firearm, and numerous pieces of stolen mail and stolen identity documents. Turner was on probation at the time of the execution of the warrant and is a convicted felon. The defendant made his initial appearance on July 8, 2024, in Denver, in front of Magistrate Judge Scott T. Varholak. The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case is being investigated by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Sonia Dave.


title: Jacksonville Man Sentenced To More Than 7 Years For Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida –United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Joven Montecer Reyes (39, Jacksonville) to 7 years and 11 months in federal prison, for distributing child sexual abuse material. Reyes pleaded guilty to that offense on March 28, 2024. According to the court documents, Reyes distributed child sexual abuse material on a social media website on November 3, 2022. During the investigation, Reyes’ cell phone was searched, and forensic analysis revealed that he possessed over 200 images and 300 videos of child sexual abuse material. “This predator’s disgraceful actions of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material online inflicts irreparable physical and psychological damage upon innocent victims for a lifetime,” said Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Hemker. “Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force law enforcement partners work tirelessly to protect children from predators who exploit the innocence of children by distributing their abhorrent content.” This case was investigated by the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, to include Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John John Cannizzaro. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Texarkana High School band instructor sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for child exploitation violation

component: USAO - Texas, Eastern

body_text: TEXARKANA, Texas – A Texarkana man has been sentenced to federal prison for child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. Brandon Neil Sams, 48, pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor while serving as a band instructor at Texas High School in Texarkana, Texas and was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III, on July 16, 2024. According to information presented in court, Sams communicated with several of his minor students through social media and messaging applications to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce them to participate in sexual activity. Sams provided his victims with gifts, such as cell phones, clothes, and prepaid credit cards to encourage them to do what he asked of them. After the Texas High police department uncovered Sams’s criminal activity, several victims came forward to explain that they had been victimized by Sams in the past but had been too afraid to come forward about it for fear of backlash. “We expect teachers to protect and keep their students safe from harm, not to abuse their positions of trust to take advantage of them,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. “Mr. Sams used his access to teenagers to groom them to participate with him in illegal sexual activity. The sentence he received today should serve as a warning to all child predators: we will find you, and you will face justice.” This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations and the Texarkana, Texas Independent School District. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Austin Wells. ###


title: Escapee from Bloomfield Halfway House Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN McEWEN, 34, formerly of Vernon, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to escaping from the custody of the Attorney General. According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 14, 2022, McEwen was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 42 months of imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. On August 1, 2023, McEwen was transferred from a federal prison in Berlin, New Hampshire, to the Drapelick Center, a Residential Reentry Center (halfway house) in Bloomfield, to complete his custodial sentence. On November 27, 2023, McEwen was authorized to leave the halfway house to attend a state court hearing in Manchester. He failed to return to the halfway house as required. On December 6, 2023, McEwen was arrested by the Connecticut State Police and the Hartford Police Department on state charges unrelated to his escape. He has been detained since his arrest and was transferred into federal custody on January 26, 2024. At sentencing, McEwen faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.


title: PRM Prison Gang Member Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – A member of the Partido Revolucionario Mexicano (PRM) prison gang and a drug dealer for the gang were sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio for drug trafficking charges. According to court documents, Clinton Ritchie, 34, of Eagle Pass, worked with other indicted co-conspirators to distribute narcotics in Eagle Pass from March 2019 to June 2021. Chief Judge Alia Moses sentenced Ritchie to 235 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Co-defendant Carlos Daniel Rodriguez-Urrabazo, 41, of Eagle Pass, was also sentenced to 84 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. “The significant sentencing of these criminals reflects the united commitment of law enforcement to stop the importation of drugs from Mexico and the subsequent distribution of illicit substances throughout our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Our successful prosecution is a testament to the hard work of the partnerships across federal, state and local levels.” “DEA will continue to work with our law enforcement to stop prison gang violence and drug trafficking from bleeding into our communities and devastating lives,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the DEA Houston Division. “Our Texas communities deserve to live without the constant threat of drug violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI's San Antonio Field Office. “I want to thank our partners at Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Maverick County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle Pass Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Homeland Security Investigations for their continued assistance in keeping our communities safe.” “These individuals represented a significant threat to the residents of Eagle Pass,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee for HSI San Antonio. “Not only did they work for a vicious criminal enterprise, but Clinton Ritchie displayed a willingness to commit violence in furtherance of that enterprise. HSI and our partners stand united in ensuring that those who engage in violence and intimidation will face the full force of the law, sending a clear message that these acts will never be tolerated.” The DEA, FBI, HSI, Border Patrol, Maverick County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle Pass Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Izaak Bruce and Holly Pavlinski prosecuted the case. This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. ###


title: Inmate Pleads Guilty to Possessing Weapon at FCI McDowell

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Tony Lashon Cleveland Jr., 26, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) McDowell, pleaded guilty today to possession of a weapon by an inmate at a federal prison. According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about September 12, 2023, an FCI McDowell staff member conducted a pat-down search of Cleveland and found a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in one of his socks. The shank was a piece of metal approximately five inches long with a sharpened point on one end and melted plastic on the other end to form a handle. Cleveland admitted to possessing the shank, and further admitted that it was designed and intended to be used as a weapon. Cleveland is scheduled to be sentenced on November 12, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-62. ###


title: Youth Sports Coach Sentenced to 140 Months for Seeking Sex with Teen

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Tuesday sentenced a former youth sports coach to 140 months in prison for trying to have sex with a 13-year-old girl. On Sept. 24, 2023, Trevor White sent a text to a 13-year-old girl that he knew. White was 41 at the time. He asked for her photo, and in a series of messages about her clothing and their past interactions, probed for a “positive response” from the victim, his plea agreement says. He ended the conversation by sending her a photo of himself shirtless. The teen reported the suspicious conversation to her parents, who contacted St. Louis County police. The teen’s parents allowed a detective to use her phone, assume her identity and continue the conversation. Over several days, White became increasingly sexually explicit and sought to arrange a meeting so they could engage in sex. He also requested sexually explicit photos of the “teen” and sent two explicit images to her. On September 29, St. Louis County detectives arrived at White’s home to interview him. White admitted participating in the text conversations, admitted asking the teen for a photo of herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct and admitted arranging to pick her up and take her to a park to have sex with her. White, of Fenton, Missouri, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in April to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. In a letter to the court, the teens’ parents said White obtained the teen’s contact information when he bought items for a fundraiser. “Within hours of that exchange, he had already begun to contact her via text message in ways that were inappropriate, predatory, and grotesque,” they wrote. “As you might imagine, she was very shaken and deeply troubled by this, and continues to be.” The St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Hayes prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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: Two Orlando Men Indicted In Gun Trafficking Conspiracy

body_text: Orlando, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Ernesto Vazquez (23, Orlando) and Derick Yamir Perez Diaz (22, Orlando) with federal firearms trafficking related offenses, including conspiracy to traffic firearms, firearms trafficking, and dealing in firearms without a license. If convicted on all counts, Vazquez and Perez Diaz each face a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, Vazquez and Perez Diaz engineered a firearms-trafficking conspiracy that resulted in the distribution of over 100 firearms, including machineguns, into the Middle District of Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Vazquez and his co-conspirators acquired firearms (pictured below) from private sellers, federal firearms licensees (FFLs), and Chinese manufacturers: The majority of the transactions occurred in public places. Perez Diaz carried trunks full of firearms to the meeting locations. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at Vazquez’s residence. Inside they found multiple firearms, stockpiles of ammunition, and grenades: An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Harrison County Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Kevin Glover, 62, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 327 months in prison for fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking. A federal jury convicted Glover in March 2024 of seven counts of drug trafficking and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises. According to the evidence introduced at trial, Glover was working with others to sell fentanyl and methamphetamine, using his Clarksburg residence as a hub. Investigators searched Glover’s home, seizing fentanyl, various pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, a firearm, drug paraphernalia, and cash. Glover was previously convicted of murder in Upshur County in 1984. Glover was on parole when he committed the federal offenses. Glover has a long history of criminal convictions dating back to the age of 21, including convictions for grand larceny, drug possession, wanton endangerment, and criminal trespass. Glover will report for three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Three other Clarksburg residents pled guilty in 2023 to charges related to the operation and were sentenced. They are Stacy Elaine Russell, age 50, sentenced to nine months; Robert Anthony Brockington, age 41 sentenced to six months; and Jerri Rena Lucente, age 35, sentenced to 46 months. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Flower and Christie Utt prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.


title: Former Universal Companies Executive Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Defraud the U.S., Fraud, and Tax Crimes

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Abdur Rahim Islam, 67, the former chief executive officer of Universal Community Homes (“UCH”) and Universal Education Companies (“UEC”) was sentenced today to 84 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ supervised release, for his convictions on 18 fraud, corruption, and tax charges relating to his tenure at Universal. United States District Court Judge Gerald A. McHugh also ordered Islam to forfeit $609,651.31, and to pay restitution to Universal in the amount of $609,651.31 plus attorneys’ fees, and to pay restitution of $309,581.66 to the IRS. Judge McHugh also ordered Islam to pay an $1,800 special assessment. On March 20, 2024, a federal jury convicted Islam on charges that he stole more than a half-million dollars from UCH and UEC, charities established by Philadelphia music legend Kenny Gamble and his wife Faatimah Gamble to develop affordable housing and manage charter schools in Philadelphia. The jury also convicted Islam on charges that he bribed the president of the Milwaukee public schools board of directors and cheated on six years of personal income taxes. The jury also convicted Islam and his co-defendant, former Universal Chief Financial Officer Shahied Dawan, on a charge that they conspired to defraud the federal government by impeding, impairing, obstructing, and defeating the lawful functions of the Internal Revenue Service. The evidence at trial established that Islam and Dawan used their positions at Universal to pay themselves unauthorized bonuses and to pay Islam fraudulent “expense reimbursement” checks, which included payments for purely personal expenses, such as trips to Caribbean resorts with various women, family vacations, first-class travel upgrades, Broadway shows, personal gym memberships and cellphone bills, and countless meals at restaurants with friends and family members. Islam and Dawan hid all of these illegal payments from the IRS, which enabled Islam to cheat on six years of personal income taxes. Islam also bribed Dr. Michael Bonds, the former president of the Milwaukee public schools board of directors, in return for political favors. Dr. Bonds has pleaded guilty to charges relating to the bribery scheme and is scheduled to be sentenced next month. On July 10, 2024, Judge McHugh sentenced Dawan, 73, to 18 months’ imprisonment, one year of supervised release, and a $15,000 fine for his role in the conspiracy. Judge McHugh also ordered Dawan to pay $196,952 in restitution to the IRS. “Islam stole from charities founded to make disadvantaged Philadelphians’ lives better, in order to enrich his own,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “That’s far from his only crime, but it’s certainly the most galling. We and our partners will continue to hold accountable anyone foolish enough to defraud their employer or cheat the government and taxpayers out of revenue – or, as in this case, both.” “In his crimes, Islam not only sought to defraud the government, but U.S. taxpayers,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Today's sentencing serves as yet another reminder of the consequences which come to those who commit acts of fraud and bribery against the United States. The FBI and our partners at the United States Attorney's Office and IRS Criminal Investigation Division remain steadfast in our commitment to combating corruption at any level.” “The outcome today is due to the dedicated efforts of IRS Criminal Investigation special agents and our law enforcement partners,” said Denise Leuenberger, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Anyone contemplating cheating on their taxes should know that our largest enforcement program is directed at the portion of American taxpayers who willfully and intentionally violate their known legal duty of filing and paying their taxes.” The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from the Department of Education Office of Inspector General, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mark B. Dubnoff and Linwood C. Wright, Jr.