title: Omaha Man Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl Pills

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Lucas Ehly, age 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced December 20, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for two crimes, conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Ehly to 57 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Ehly’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. In June and July of 2023, Ehly twice sold fentanyl pills to a confidential informant. The sales were arranged by co-defendant Rafael Magana. On July 24, 2023, agents executed search warrants at Ehly’s and Magana’s residences. Agents seized seven fentanyl pills from Ehly’s bedroom. At Magana’s residence, agents found more than 1,000 fentanyl pills and seized $6,680 cash. In Magana’s storage unit, searched pursuant to consent, agents found another 13,800 fentanyl pills. After his arrest and after being advised of his rights, Ehly admitted to participating in fentanyl pill transactions that Magana coordinated. Ehly told agents he would be compensated with fentanyl pills from Magana for selling fentanyl pills to Magana’s customers. Magana, age 31, of Omaha was sentenced to 180 months in prison on December 13, 2024. The $6,680 cash has been ordered forfeited to the United States as proceeds of illegal drug trafficking. A third co-defendant, Zacharie Stinson, 31, of Omaha, was sentenced in September to 57 months in prison. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Omaha Metro Drug Task Force.


title: Council Bluffs Woman Sentenced to 14 Months & Ordered to Pay Over $150,000 in Restitution to Vulnerable Victim of Access Device Fraud

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Ashtin D. Schutjer, age 36, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced on December 20, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for access device fraud. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Schutjer to 14 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, Schutjer will be placed on a 3-year term of supervised release. Schutjer was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $151,693.74.00 to Victim 1 as a result of her crimes. Schutjer began working as a caregiver for an elderly married couple, Victim 1 and Victim 2, in 2014. Defendant was paid via check daily for her services. One of Schutjer's jobs was to run errands for the victims, and Schutjer had access to the victims' First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) debit card and account information. The FNBO card was the only card used by the victims. The co-branded Chase/Amazon credit card (an access device) was opened under a derivative form of Victim 2’s name at the beginning of 2018. Victim 1 was not listed on the account or as an authorized user of the card. Victim 2 passed away on August 3, 2018. Use of the Chase/Amazon card continued and accelerated after Victim 2’s death. Records show purchases on the Chase/Amazon card include airline tickets (purchased for the defendant and her family), a Microsoft Xbox, Amazon purchases, and restaurant and grocery purchases in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where the defendant resides. Payments on the Chase/Amazon credit card were drawn from the Victim 1’s FNBO checking account. Over a three-year period, 2018 through 2021, over $150,000 was charged to the Chase/Amazon credit card. None of the charges on the Chase/Amazon credit card were incurred by Victim 1. Schutjer used the Chase/Amazon card to pay for purchases made on her Amazon customer accounts, listing Victim 2’s name as the party to be billed at her own residential address. The order history showed multiple orders placed using the Chase/Amazon card and shipped to the defendant’s home, the victims’ home, and other addresses. Many of the items purchased were children’s clothes and toys. Other items include an Apple laptop, shipped under Victim 1’s name to Schutjer’s home address; Apple AirPods, shipped to defendant’s mother in Florida; and an Apple iPad, shipped to the defendant at her home address. Victim 1’s FNBO account was entirely depleted because of Schutjer’s crime. In sentencing Schutjer to imprisonment for 14 months, Chief Judge Rossiter told her, “You took away everything this woman (Victim 1) had.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Former Washington Town Clerk and Town Council Member Sentenced for Stealing More Than $277,000 From Town of Cusick

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington – On December 19, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Luke Michael Servas, age 38, of Cusick, Washington, to 51 months in prison for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Town of Cusick while serving as a Town Councilman and Town Clerk. Judge Rice also imposed 5 years of supervised release and restitution of $282,208.18. According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, between October 2022 and March 2023, Servas embezzled more than $277,000, while employed as the Town Clerk and as a member of the Town Council for Cusick, Washington, , transferring it to accounts owned and controlled by Servas and his spouse. In March 2023, other town officials expressed concern that the Town’s operating account was almost completely devoid of funds. According to information disclosed during court proceedings, Servas falsely suggested to law enforcement representatives that the elected mayor of Cusick was to blame and attempted to delete the Town’s computer systems to hide the fraud and to misappropriate additional funds from the Town. “Mr. Servas used his elected position of trust to financially devastate a small community,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “Our communities trust public officials to serve others, rather than to use their positions to line their own pockets. I commend the exceptional work done by the FBI and the Washington State Auditor’s Office to root out the fraud. I also commend the hard work done by the Town of Cusick to begin to pick up the pieces and start the hard work of rebuilding the Town’s finances and regaining the public’s trust.” “The amount of money stolen by Mr. Servas could have a massive impact on a town the size of Cusick.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “What makes this theft even more unconscionable is that it was perpetrated by someone who was given a position of trust by the town and his fellow citizens. Combatting public corruption is a priority for the FBI, and I applaud the efforts of our investigators and partners who ended the scheme and are holding him accountable.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Spokane Resident Agency, with investigative and logistical support from the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Auditor’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter. 2:24-cr-00042-TOR


title: Spokane Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for  Possession of Child Pornography

body_text: Spokane, Washington – On December 11, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Nathan Roy Stout, age 39, from Spokane, Washington, to 15 years in federal prison for Possession of Child Pornography. Judge Rice also imposed a lifetime of supervised release and restitution of $9,000. According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in January 2023, Stout was living in the Residential Reentry Center (RRC) in Spokane Washington following a 2018 conviction for distributing child pornography. While at the RRC, a staff member discovered that child pornography was stored on Stout’s cell phone. Stout later told his case manager at the RRC that he had been downloading child pornography and then deleting it. An FBI agent conducted an extraction of Stout’s phone and located 116 files of young children being sexually abused. The agent also located multiple file cleaners, which are designed to erase files, on Stout’s cell phone. “Mr. Stout downloaded child exploitation material, even while serving a sentence for a similar crime,” stated United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “I commend my team of prosecutors and investigators who dedicate their careers to protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities. Every case we investigate and prosecute – every victim identified and rescued – brings some level of justice for those who suffer the tragic effects of child abuse and exploitation.” “Mr. Stout continued to download and view child pornography while on probation following a sentence for the same offense.” said Gregory L. Austin, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “Protecting and advocating for children is one of the most noble tasks entrusted to the FBI. I especially want to thank the investigators who work these cases on behalf of children, despite how troubling the facts may be.” This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by the FBI. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca R. Perez. 2:24-cr-00021-TOR


title: Montana Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Punching, Biting, and Strangling His Girlfriend on the Spokane Reservation

body_text: Spokane, Washington – On December 19, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Bojai Dominick Grant-Schmidt, age 23, to fourteen months in federal prison for assaulting his girlfriend and inflicting substantial bodily injury on her. Judge Rice also imposed three years of federally supervised release. Based on court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on the night of May 10, 2024, in Ford, Washington, Grant-Schmidt punched his girlfriend in the face and placed her in a headlock with his arm around her neck and squeezed, causing her to nearly lose consciousness. Grant-Schmidt also bit her on the scalp and finger and dragged her by her hair. “Everyone deserves to live a life free of domestic violence,” state U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “Domestic violence is one of the root causes underlying the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) crisis. Prosecuting cases on Tribal lands that involve intimate partner violence is a critical tool to bringing justice to victims and safety to Tribal communities.” “Everyone has the right to expect justice after being harmed, no less so when the perpetrator is your partner.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “I commend the victim in this case for advocating for herself, and I hope this sentence provides her with some measure of comfort. Given the violence inflicted by Mr. Grant-Schmidt on his partner, it is clear his community will be safer with him in prison.” This case was investigated by the FBI and the Spokane Tribal Police. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Vander Giessen. 2:24-cr-00085-TOR


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington Highlights Key 2024 Prosecutions of Crimes Against Children

body_text: Spokane, Washington – U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref, highlighted several prosecutions involving crimes against children in Eastern Washington during the last year. “Cases involving the abuse of young children are some of the most difficult matters that my office handles,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “It is my honor to lead such a talented team of prosecutors and investigators, who work tirelessly to achieve justice on behalf of vulnerable victims.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office brings these cases in federal court through its partnership with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program (ICAC). The ICAC program – which was developed in response to an ever-increasing number of children and an ever-increasing number of online images depicting child sexual abuse – provides funding to help state and local law enforcement develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and Internet crimes against children. The ICAC program also provides forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, and community education. “Without the dedication of our state and local partners through the ICAC, many of those responsible for these terrible crimes may not have been held to account,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. In remarks shared from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Attorney Waldref highlighted the following child exploitation cases prosecuted by her office in the past year: Michael Emineth and Malesa Hale engaged in years-long sexual abuse of a minor victim and recorded images depicting the abuse. In January 2024, Emineth was sentenced to 30 years, and Hale was sentenced to 28 years in federal prison. Robert Wayne Hutton placed a camera, hidden in a clock radio, on a bathroom counter in order to secretly film his victim undressing. The camera was wirelessly linked to Hutton’s smartphone, which Hutton used to view the recordings. In March 2024, Hutton was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. Rick Lynn Johnson used his phone and computer to download and share thousands of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. In May 2024, Johnson was sentenced to 5 years in prison and ordered to pay $60,000 in restitution to seven of his victims. Dallas Michael Shuler worked at Riverside Elementary School. According to court documents, he allegedly admitted to conversing with more than two dozen minors regarding sexual content, including by sharing and trading sexually explicit pictures and videos. In December 2024, Shuler was charged with producing and distributing child sexual abuse material and online enticement. Gerald Alan Nott , who is a registered sex offender, was using the internet at his parent’s home in Richland, Washington to download and distribute more than 1,000 files depicting child sexual abuse material. In August 2024, Nott was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Lucas Murphy contacted his victim online and asked the victim to send sexually explicit photos. Murphy later kidnapped the victim from Eastern Washington and subjected her to repeated physical and sexual abuse. In August 2024, he received a 20 year sentence. Former law enforcement officer, Koby Don Williams attempted to meet, what he thought, was a 13-year-old girl for sex at a hotel in Richland, Washington. Williams was found guilty at trial, and in September 2024, was sentenced to more than 11 years in federal Prison. Tony J. Bolen and Casey Allen Greer worked together to produce child sexual abuse material of a young child that Greer had been sexually abusing since as early as May 2021. In December 2024 both were found guilty at trial. The sentencing for Bolen and Greer is set for April 23, 2025, in Spokane, Washington. Nathan Roy Stout downloaded hundreds of files of child sexual abuse material. At the time of his offense, Stout was serving a sentence for committing a similar crime in 2018. For his latest offense, Stout was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. Craig Michael Berry repeatedly enticed young teens to send him nude images and videos of sexual conduct in exchange for alcohol, vape pens, cartridges for the pens, and marijuana. In December of 2024, Berry was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. “These examples demonstrate the Department of Justice’s commitment to prosecuting difficult cases,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “We will continue to work every day, alongside our partners in the ICAC Task Force, to prevent horrific victimization of children, protect victims, and remove dangerous offenders from our community.” These cases reference herein were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Muskogee County Resident Pleads Guilty To Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Thomas Edward Gailus, age 51, of Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea one count of Possession of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. The Indictment alleged that between April of 2018 and March 23, 2023, Gailus knowingly accessed and possessed visual depictions from the internet of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and that Gailus accessed the images intending to view them. The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Honorable Judge D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Gailus will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessie Pippin and Dak Cohen and U.S. Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills represented the United States.


title: Member of multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme involving off-the-road tires pleads guilty

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A member of a $50 million, multi-state Ponzi scheme conspiracy pleaded guilty in federal court here today. John K. Eckerd, Jr., 60, of Dallas, admitted to conspiring to commit wire fraud and tax crimes. In total, Eckerd received at least $14 million from the tire sales scheme. Eckerd’s plea agreement includes a sentence recommendation of 36 to 109 months in prison. Conspiring with previously convicted and sentenced defendant Jason E. Adkins, 47, of Jackson, Ohio, Eckerd and others participated in a multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme. According to court documents, Eckerd and other members of the conspiracy portrayed to investors that they were in the business of buying and selling off-the-road tires. Off-the-road tires are over-sized tires that are used on earth moving equipment and/or mining equipment. Eckerd recruited investors and represented to investors that he worked with Adkins in tire sales. Few if any transactions were completed as designed. Instead, investor funds were used for the personal use of Eckerd and other members of the conspiracy, and to repay other victims. On multiple occasions, investors who were solicited by Eckerd invested in purported tire deals and then either lost money in tire deals that fell apart or were paid back some or all of their investments with other victims’ money, or both. Eckerd also conspired with Adkins to evade the payment of income taxes. Beginning in mid-2016, Eckerd made attempts with Adkins to re-classify payments from Adkins as loans, to avoid tax consequences. He also concealed income through shell entities and nominees. Eckerd has admitted evading the payment of $1,028,454 in taxes. A final restitution amount will be set by the Court at sentencing. The plea includes the forfeiture of $14 million, which will be satisfied in part by the forfeiture of Eckerd’s home in McKinney, Texas. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation; and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley, Jr. Assistant United States Attorneys S. Courter Shimeall, Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and David J. Twombly are representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Kentucky Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years for his Role in a Methamphetamine Conspiracy

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Kentucky man, Larry Beville, 62, was sentenced on December 19, 2024, to 15 years in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. He will serve five years of supervised release following his release from prison. At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless, the government presented evidence that Beville delivered a kilogram of methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement officer in the Central District of Illinois and was arrested with another kilogram of methamphetamine in Indiana approximately a month later. In total, Beville was held accountable for trafficking over 600 grams of methamphetamine. Beville, along with five co-defendants, were charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in an indictment returned in April 2023. Many of his co-defendants are purported members of the Simon City Royals street gang. One of the co-defendants, has pleaded guilty and the other co-defendants are pending trial. Members of the public are reminded that the charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Beville pleaded guilty in August 2024. He has been in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since his arrest in April 2023. The statutory penalties for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine are not less than 10 years, up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment. The Drug Enforcement Administration, and Illinois State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution. The case against Beville was part of an investigation of the Simon City Royals street gang and was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: United States Reaches Agreement with the State of Rhode Island to Resolve Violations of Federal Disability Laws for Children with Disabilities in State Care

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha announced today that his office, in collaboration with the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights (HHS OCR), has entered into a proposed consent decree with the State of Rhode Island to resolve the Department of Justice’s May 2024 findings that Rhode Island’s unnecessary segregation of children with behavioral health disabilities in a psychiatric hospital violates federal civil rights laws . The proposed consent decree filed in U.S. District Court, alongside a civil complaint , requires that the State provide these children with community-based services that will allow them to stay in their own homes and communities while they receive the services they need. Compliance with the decree will be overseen by a court-appointed monitor and a federal judge. “No child deserves to be isolated indefinitely in a locked psychiatric facility when their condition can be treated at home or in a community setting,” remarked U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. “Our kids, our families, and our communities deserve – and the law demands - better than that. While today’s consent decree will not transform a broken system that has all too often failed children with behavioral disabilities, it marks an important, and an enforceable, step toward getting these kids care, rather than confinement. I commend the state of Rhode Island for doing the right thing by stepping up to resolve this matter, and hope that this reflects an ongoing commitment to meeting the state’s civil rights obligations towards our most vulnerable fellow citizens.” “A child should grow up surrounded by family and loved ones, not in an institution,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This consent decree will provide children with disabilities the services they need to live and grow at home with the love and support of their families. The American with Disabilities Act’s integration mandate lies at the core of the department’s efforts to safeguard the rights of people with disabilities across the country and we will continue our critical work in this area.” “Every child – and every person – deserves to access critically needed care, free from discrimination: it’s fair, just, and a legally protected right. Twenty-five years after the Olmstead decision, today’s consent decree follows the HHS Office for Civil Rights’ continued efforts to ensure that people with disabilities have opportunities to live and receive needed services in their communities rather than institutions,” said OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer. “We are encouraged by the State of Rhode Island’s commitment to stand with the communities we serve in resolving these issues. OCR will continue to protect and enforce the essential civil rights of every person to live in their homes and communities across the nation.” The filing of the proposed consent decree in federal court follows a public letter of findings issued by the United States Attorney’s Office and HHS in May 2024 notifying the State of the civil rights laws violations. The complaint filed today alleges that the State failed to ensure that children with disabilities were able to access the intensive in-home and community-based services they need, and failed to facilitate prompt discharges from Bradley Hospital to family homes, resulting in extended and unnecessary hospitalization, or risk of future hospitalization, all in violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In Olmstead v. L.C. , the U.S. Supreme Court held that Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public entities, in providing services to persons with disabilities, to do so in their homes and communities when appropriate services can reasonably be provided in those settings to individuals who want them. Under the proposed consent decree, which is subject to court approval, the State has agreed to do the following: Help children who are currently hospitalized at Bradley Hospital to transition to family settings and receive services at home, if their needs can be met there and they and their families want them to be at home; Provide children and families with service planning and care coordination to improve the likelihood that children recently hospitalized, who have experienced multiple visits to emergency departments can be successful at home; Improve access to intensive in-home services, including in-home individual and family therapy, behavioral services, and therapeutic mentoring; Address current or future shortages of therapeutic foster care families and community-service providers, including providing payment rates and support, to enable children they serve to return to or remain in family settings; Provide prompt mobile crisis interventions to help children avoid entering hospitals; and Monitor outcomes and timeliness of services. The parties have agreed that a court-appointed monitor will monitor the state’s compliance with this five-year consent decree. The State worked cooperatively with the United States to resolve and remedy the federal civil rights violations that were identified and agreed to settle this matter without contested litigation. This case is being litigated by Assistant United States Attorney Amy R. Romero, with assistance from HHS Equal Opportunity Specialist Erin Walker. Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Department of Justice’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD). For more information on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and how it protects individuals with disabilities, visit: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/index.html . For more information about OCR’s Olmstead activities, visit: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/special-topics/community-living-and-olmstead/index.html . Individuals who believe their civil rights have been violated can file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights at: www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/filing-a-complaint/index.html . Anyone in Rhode Island may also report civil rights violations directly to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/civil-rights-enforcement or 401-709-5000. ### complaint.pdf findings_letter_to_rhode_island_5.13.24.pdf consent_decree.pdf


title: Seven-Time Convicted Felon Sentenced To Seven Years

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan has sentenced Anthony Tyrone Mackey (41, Jacksonville) to seven years in federal prison for possessing firearms as a convicted felon. A federal jury found Mackey guilty on August 27, 2024. According to court documents and trial testimony, on March 29, 2023, officers with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office stopped Mackey for a traffic infraction when he was driving on the wrong side of the road. At the time, Mackey was the sole occupant of the vehicle. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers located cocaine and methamphetamine in the front passenger seat, a 12-gauge shotgun on the back passenger-side floorboard, and a .25 caliber pistol in a backpack sitting on the back passenger seat. DNA analysis later showed that Mackey’s DNA was found on the shotgun and the shotgun’s magazine. Mackey was previously convicted of seven felonies, including possession of a short-barreled shotgun, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault, and aggravated fleeing or attempted to elude a law enforcement officer. As a convicted felon he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Cannizzaro and Brenna Falzetta. 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: Monroe County Man Sentenced To 120 Months For Child Exploitation Crime

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kenneth Lesser, age 50, a resident of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, for attempted online enticement of a minor. According to the United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, between July 17, 2023 and August 3, 2023, Lesser, used the internet and an electronic device to attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce, a person who he believed to be a 13-year-old child to engage in sexual conduct and to produce images of child pornography. During that period, on multiple occasions, Lesser transmitted obscene photographs of himself to the purported child. 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. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations – Philadelphia Division. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Defendant in Fort Eisenhower shooting death ordered to remain in custody

component: USAO - Georgia, Southern

body_text: EDITED TO ADD: Landry has waived his right to a preliminary hearing. AUGUSTA, Ga.: The defendant charged with murder in the Dec. 14 shooting death of U.S. Army Sgt. Andre S. Stewart Jr. at Fort Eisenhower has been ordered to remain in federal custody. Natravien Landry , 25, of Abbeville, Louisiana, a soldier in the Army National Guard, is charged with murder. Following a Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 18, hearing, U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Brian K. Epps ordered Landry to be detained pending further court proceedings. Landry has waived his right to a preliminary hearing. The case is being investigated by the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry W. Syms Jr., Patricia G. Rhodes and Kelsey L. Scanlon, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Capt. Jacqueline M. Stryker.


title: Inmate At Federal Correctional Institute At Allenwood Sentenced To An Additional 41 Months’ Imprisonment For Assault On A Corrections Officer

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Demetrius Catching, age 34, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institute at Allenwood, and formerly of Lexington, Kentucky, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to serve an additional 41 months in prison on the charge of assaulting, resisting, and impeding a corrections officer. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Catching was previously indicted by a grand jury in Scranton in April 2016, after an incident at FCI Allenwood in which Catching punched a corrections officer. Sentencing in this matter was delayed while Catching was prosecuted on federal charges for drug distribution and money laundering in the Eastern District of Kentucky. Catching is presently serving sentences from the Eastern District of Kentucky totaling 148 months for those offenses. The sentence imposed by Judge Mariani will run consecutively, or in addition to, the Eastern District of Kentucky sentences. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case. At the time of the incident at FCI Allenwood, Catching was serving a sentence of 60 months from the Eastern District of Kentucky for distributing cocaine base (crack). That sentence has since expired. # # #


title: Former Mississippi State Capitol Police Officer Indicted for Excessive Force Against a Handcuffed Arrestee

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: An indictment was unsealed yesterday in the Southern District of Mississippi charging former Mississippi State Capitol Police Flex Unit officer Jeffery Walker with felony deprivation of rights under color of law. According to court documents, Walker used excessive force against a handcuffed arrestee, identified as E.S., including the use of dangerous weapons and force resulting in bodily injury. On July 27, 2022, Walker, driving an unmarked police car, attempted to initiate a traffic stop involving E.S., who failed to stop and led Walker on a vehicle pursuit. During the pursuit, several Jackson Police Department (JPD) officers followed behind until Walker cut E.S. off, causing Walker to run into a tree and E.S. to swerve into the yard behind Walker’s car. An assisting JPD officer pulled E.S. from the car and handcuffed him without issue. Shortly after taking control of E.S., who was still handcuffed and compliant at this point, Walker slammed E.S.’ head into the hood of E.S.’ car, put him on the ground and kicked him in the head and face area. E.S. suffered bodily injury as a result of Walker’s actions. If convicted, Walker faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Jackson Field Office is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda Haynes for the Southern District of Mississippi and Trial Attorney Eric Peffley of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Tennessee Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking in Bowling Green, Kentucky

body_text: Following a two-day trial, a federal jury in the Western District of Kentucky convicted Portier Q. Govan, 38, of Memphis, Tennessee, of all counts in a five-count indictment, including sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, obstruction or interference with a sex trafficking prosecution or investigation, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Govan’s co-defendant, Brittany R. Howard, 25, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, pleaded guilty on Oct. 30 to interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution and obstruction or interference with a sex trafficking prosecution or investigation. “This defendant used extreme threats of violence to compel an 18-year-old victim to engage in commercial sex, even holding a gun to her head to terrify, control and coerce her for his own profit,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant sought to cover up his crime by repeatedly intimidating a witness to lie for him. A unanimous jury has found the defendant guilty of his heinous conduct, and our prosecution should make clear that we will not tolerate sex trafficking in our country. The Justice Department will use all the tools at our disposal to hold human traffickers accountable, to seek justice for survivors, and to protect survivors from harm.” “I commend the prosecution team, FBI’s Bowling Green Resident Agency and the Bowling Green Police Department for their outstanding work on this case,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “We are committed to the aggressive investigation and prosecution of human trafficking wherever it occurs in the Western District. I strongly encourage the public to report any suspected human trafficking to law enforcement.” “This defendant preyed on a vulnerable young woman, threatening her with physical violence and even death if she didn’t comply with his demands,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “The woman was forced to engage in commercial sex while the defendant profited from her suffering. Tragically, this is a reality that unfolds far too often in our communities. The FBI is fully committed to using every resource at our disposal to identify perpetrators, hold them accountable and put an end to the devastating crime of sex trafficking.” Evidence presented during the trial established that Govan and Howard met the victim at a gas station in Bowling Green and convinced her to come back to their hotel room where they recruited and enticed her to engage in commercial sex by making false promises of making good money. Govan continued his enticement attempts by taking the victim on a shopping trip to two shopping malls in Tennessee, and when they returned to Bowling Green later that night, Govan and Howard convinced the victim to participate with Howard in seeing a commercial sex customer. From that moment on, Govan’s attitude toward the victim changed, as he became demanding, intimidating and threatening. Govan ordered the victim to make eye contact with him while speaking, and even threatened to kill the victim, pressing a pistol against her head while she was in the front passenger seat of a car, then lowering the gun and firing a bullet across her lap, missing her body by inches. Govan further scared the victim by showing her a video of himself beating a defenseless man tied to a chair. Govan sexually assaulted the victim, and for four days compelled her to engage in commercial sex for his profit by threatening to hurt her. Upon being discovered by the police, Govan attempted to interfere with the investigation by having Howard lie for him and prevent the police from speaking to the victim, and after his arrest, he sought to obstruct the prosecution by passing letters to Howard in the jail instructing her to lie. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2025, and Howard will face a sentencing hearing on March 9, 2025. Govan faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison as well as mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Louisville Field Office, Bowling Green Resident Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Bowling Green Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Sewell for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Francisco Zornosa of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking .


title: United States and Freeport, NY Police Department Enter into Voluntary Technical Assistance Agreement to Ensure Meaningful Language Access to Police Services for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Breon Peace, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, announced today that the United States has entered into a Voluntary Technical Assistance Agreement with the Freeport, NY Police Department (FPD). The agreement memorializes a cooperative effort between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FPD to help FPD develop a language access program that will ensure its police services are accessible to individuals who are limited English proficient (LEP). This agreement is the first Voluntary Technical Assistance Agreement of its kind in the United States under DOJ’s Law Enforcement Language Access Initiative (LELAI). It is the result of a mutual desire to improve FPD’s language access services and not the result of an investigation or complaint against FPD. DOJ commends FPD for taking the initiative to build a complete and effective language access program for its LEP residents. United States Attorney Peace stated, “It is critically important that law enforcement can communicate effectively with members of the community, regardless of the language that they speak. Working collaboratively with FPD, we will improve public safety for all and hope to replicate this agreement with other law enforcement agencies throughout the Eastern District of New York.” “The Law Enforcement Language Access Initiative was specifically designed for proactive police departments that recognize the need for accurate and timely communication and are willing to invest in the language access tools and training that ensure that crime victims and witnesses can report, the reliability of evidence, protect the public, and promote community trust,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to work cooperatively with law enforcement agencies across the country that seek to remove language barriers in policing.” Launched in December 2022, LELAI is a nationwide effort to help law enforcement agencies address language barriers when they interact with the public. The initiative builds on the Department’s longstanding efforts to enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Safe Streets Act). Under the two-year voluntary agreement, DOJ will help FPD build its language access program consistent with the parties’ shared goals of promoting officer safety and public safety, helping to further control crime, collecting reliable evidence for prosecution purposes, and fostering even greater community trust. DOJ will also help FPD develop policies, procedures, interpretation and translation protocols, community partnerships, and training, among other things. LELAI provides technical assistance resources and tools that can help state and local law enforcement provide meaningful language access to individuals with LEP. By affirmatively engaging law enforcement agencies that want to review, update and/or strengthen their language access polices, plans and training, LELAI aims to support relationship-building efforts between law enforcement agencies, community stakeholders and populations with LEP. Additional information about the EDNY U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights work is available at its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/civil-rights. The Civil Rights Division’s work is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt and information about limited English proficiency and Title VI is available at www.lep.gov . More information on LELAI is available at www.lep.gov/law-enforcement . Members of the EDNY public may report possible civil rights violations at https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/page/file/1396116/dl?inlineor%20civilrights.justice.gov/report/ . This matter is being handled by Eastern District of New York Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Freismuth, Michael Goldberger, and Dara Olds of the Civil Division’s Civil Rights Team. freeport_pd_agreement.pdf freeport_pd_agreement_translated.pdf


title: LA FISCALIA FEDERAL DE ESTADOS UNIDOS Y EL DEPARTAMENTO DE POLICÍA DE FREEPORT, NY, CELEBRAN UN ACUERDO VOLUNTARIO DE ASISTENCIA TÉCNICA PARA GARANTIZAR UN ACCESO LINGÜÍSTICO PLENO A LOS SERVICIOS POLICIALES A PERSONAS CON CONOCIMIENTO LIMITADO DE INGLÉS

body_text: Breon Peace, Fiscal General del Distrito Este de Nueva York, y Kristen Clarke, Fiscal General Adjunta de Derechos Civiles, han anunciado hoy que los Estados Unidos han firmado un Acuerdo Voluntario de Asistencia Técnica con el Departamento de Policía de Freeport, Nueva York (FPD). El acuerdo formaliza un esfuerzo de cooperación entre el Departamento de Justicia (DOJ) y el FPD para ayudar al FPD a desarrollar un programa de acceso lingüístico que garantice que sus servicios policiales sean accesibles a las personas con dominio limitado del inglés (LEP). Este es el primer Acuerdo Voluntario de Asistencia Técnica de este tipo en los Estados Unidos en el marco de la Iniciativa de Acceso Lingüístico de las Fuerzas y Cuerpos de Seguridad (LELAI) del DOJ. Es el resultado de un deseo mutuo de mejorar los servicios de acceso lingüístico del FPD y no el producto de una investigación o queja contra el FPD. El DOJ elogia al FPD por tomar la iniciativa de crear un programa de acceso lingüístico completo y eficaz para sus residentes LEP. El fiscal Peace declaró: «Es de vital importancia que las fuerzas del orden puedan comunicarse eficazmente con los miembros de la comunidad, independientemente de la lengua que estos hablen. Trabajando en colaboración con el FPD, mejoraremos la seguridad pública para todos y esperamos replicar este acuerdo con otras agencias de seguridad en todo el Distrito Este de Nueva York.» «La Iniciativa de Acceso Lingüístico de las Fuerzas y Cuerpos de Seguridad se diseñó específicamente para los departamentos de policía proactivos que reconocen la necesidad de una comunicación pronta y precisa y están dispuestos a invertir en las herramientas de acceso lingüístico y el entrenamiento que garanticen que las víctimas y los testigos de delitos puedan informar, la fiabilidad de las pruebas, proteger al público y promover la confianza de la comunidad», dijo la Fiscal General Adjunta Kristen Clarke de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «La División de Derechos Civiles continuará trabajando en cooperación con las agencias policiales de todo el país que buscan eliminar las barreras lingüísticas en la actuación policial». Lanzado en diciembre de 2022, LELAI es un esfuerzo a nivel nacional para ayudar a las agencias policiales a abordar las barreras lingüísticas cuando interactúan con el público. La iniciativa se basa en los esfuerzos de larga data del Departamento para hacer cumplir el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 (Título VI) y la Ley Ómnibus de Control del Crimen y Calles Seguras de 1968 (Ley de Calles Seguras). En virtud del acuerdo voluntario de dos años, el DOJ ayudará al FPD a desarrollar su programa de acceso lingüístico de acuerdo con los objetivos compartidos por las partes de promover la seguridad de los agentes y la seguridad pública, contribuir a un mayor control de la delincuencia, recopilar pruebas fiables a efectos de enjuiciamiento y fomentar aún más la confianza de la comunidad. El DOJ también ayudará al FPD a desarrollar políticas, procedimientos, protocolos de interpretación y traducción, asociaciones comunitarias y formación, entre otras cosas. LELAI proporciona recursos y herramientas de asistencia técnica que pueden ayudar a las fuerzas del orden estatales y locales a proporcionar un acceso lingüístico significativo a las personas con LEP. Mediante la participación activa de los organismos policiales que desean revisar, actualizar o reforzar sus políticas, planes y formación en materia de acceso lingüístico, LELAI pretende apoyar los esfuerzos de creación de relaciones entre los organismos policiales, las partes interesadas de la comunidad y las poblaciones con LEP. Puede obtenerse información adicional sobre el trabajo de la Oficina de Derechos Civiles de la Fiscalía de los EE.UU. de EDNY en su sitio web https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/civil-rights . El trabajo de la División de Derechos Civiles está disponible en su sitio web en www.justice.gov/crt y la información sobre el dominio limitado del inglés y el Título VI está disponible en www.lep.gov . Más información sobre LELAI en www.lep.gov/law-enforcement . El público de EDNY puede denunciar posibles violaciones de los derechos civiles en https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/page/file/1396116/dl?inlineor%20civilrights.justice.gov/report/ . Encargados: Megan Freismuth, Michael Goldberger y Dara Olds, fiscales adjuntos de la División de Derechos Civiles del Distrito Este de Nueva York. freeport_pd_agreement.pdf freeport_pd_agreement_translated.pdf


title: Pennsylvania Man Convicted of Wheeling Bank Robbery

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal jury has convicted a Pennsylvania man of an Ohio County bank robbery, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced. Following a two-day trial, Frank L. Morrison, 58, of Braddock Hills, Pennsylvania, was found guilty of bank robbery on Wednesday. On September 4, 2018, Morrison walked into United Bank in Elm Grove wearing a mask and demanded money from two tellers, obtaining more than $4,200 before fleeing. The jury viewed surveillance video which captured footage of the defendant disposing of his mask and other items into a nearby dumpster. Investigators recovered the material and obtained DNA evidence from the mask that matched with Morrison. Morrison has a lengthy criminal history, including prior convictions for armed bank robbery, robbery, and access device fraud. He is presently serving an 87-month sentence due to federal firearms convictions in the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Frank Morrison has made a living committing crimes throughout the region, but his criminal career is now over,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “We will seek a sentence that will keep Mr. Morrison behind bars for the rest of his life so that he can no longer terrorize the public.” Morrison faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the Wheeling bank robbery conviction, and the United States will seek to have that sentence run consecutively to the term he is currently serving, according to Ihlenfeld. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clayton Reid and Carly Nogay prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. Investigative agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police, and the Wheeling Police Department. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.


title: Former Nurse Practitioner Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography Charges

body_text: WASHINGTON – Lucas Allen Fussell, 42, of Onley, Virginia, pleaded guilty yesterday to federal charges arising out of his distribution of child pornography to an undercover law enforcement officer in June 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division; and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Fussell pleaded guilty on December 18 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to two counts of distribution of child pornography. The Honorable Rudolph Contreras scheduled a sentencing hearing for May 6, 2025. According to court papers, between December 20, 2023, and February 7, 2024, Fussell, using an anonymous account on an end-to-end encrypted messaging application, exchanged videos and images containing child pornography with another individual whose phone was later seized and searched by the FBI pursuant to a search warrant. In the course those conversations, Fussell shared details that revealed his identity. Those details included his home address, a description of his vehicle, and numerous sexualized comments about examining the genitals of patients—some as young as 11 years old—that he saw in the course of his work as a nurse practitioner. In June 2024, an undercover agent with the FBI-MPD Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force used the seized phone to respond to a message from Fussell on the end-to-end encrypted messaging app. On June 22, 2024, and again on June 30, 2024, Fussell sent the undercover agent numerous images and videos depicting the rape and sexual abuse of prepubescent boys. On July 16, 2024, the FBI executed a search warrant at Fussell’s residence in Onley, Virginia, and seized numerous encrypted electronic devices. Fussell was arrested and has remained in custody ever since. Fussell faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a statutory maximum of 40 years in prison. He also faces mandatory restitution. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentence imposed in this case will be determined by the Court after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul V. Courtney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney James E. Burke IV of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. The FBI Washington Field Office and MPD’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI Norfolk Field Office, the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office, the Onley Police Department, CEOS’s High Technology Investigative Unit, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc . 24cr345


title: Four Plead Guilty In Drug Conspiracy Involving More Than 80 Kilograms Of Cocaine

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that four Orlando-area residents have pleaded guilty for their roles in a drug distribution conspiracy involving an estimated 89 kilograms of cocaine. Israel Miranda (36, Kissimmee), Abiezer Laboy-Lozada (36, Orlando), Jorge Antonio Gonzalez de la Fuente (31, St. Cloud), and Carlos Antonio Garcia Garcia (35, Kissimmee) have each pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute kilograms of cocaine. Miranda and Laboy-Lozada each face a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Gonzalez de la Fuente and Garcia Garcia each face a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. The conspirators also forfeited $464,031 in cash seized during the case. According to the plea agreements, the Drug Enforcement Administration identified a group of individuals working to distribute kilogram quantities of cocaine and the proceeds of those sales during 2022. On May 1, 2023, Miranda distributed drugs to Laboy-Lozada in a parking lot. In this and similar meetings during the conspiracy, Laboy-Lozada obtained 20 - 30 kilograms of cocaine from Miranda. On October 4, 2023, Miranda delivered a shoebox to Gonzalez de la Fuente, who then delivered it to Garcia Garcia. When law enforcement stopped his vehicle, Garcia Garcia was found to be carrying the shoebox containing a kilogram of cocaine: During the course of the conspiracy, Gonzalez de la Fuente met with his conspirators two or three times a month and was involved in distributing 15 - 50 kilograms of cocaine. Gonzalez de la Fuente continued to engage in drug distribution after being charged and was detained when this was discovered. On October 13, 2023, Miranda delivered drug proceeds to an individual who was found to be transporting $262,257 in a brown paper bag. At the same time, Miranda texted a conspirator an image of the stacks of cash he was distributing with the message “should be 110k.” Similar enforcement actions resulted in the seizure of $51,989 from Miranda on November 7, 2023, and $149,785 from Miranda on March 6, 2024. Over the course of the conspiracy, Miranda distributed drugs or drug proceeds reflecting distribution of more than 89 kilograms of cocaine. Miranda has agreed to forfeit of all the cash seized in the case. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: Dupree Man Sentenced to Three Years’ Probation for Possessing a Rifle as a Felon

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Dupree, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on December 16, 2024. William Vandervier, age 38, was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Vandervier was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2023. He pleaded guilty on September 25, 2024. On June 26, 2023, officers from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services responded to a residence in Dupree and observed Vandervier standing outside. He reached into a vehicle, grabbed a rifle, and refused to comply with orders from the officers to put down the rifle; instead, he continued holding it until his brother was able to take it away. Vandervier knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms based on prior felony convictions. 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. This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Ziebach County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.


title: Defendants Charged with Robbery in Design District

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On Dec. 6, three of five defendants appeared in federal court on an indictment charging conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, and brandishing and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. According to the indictment, on Dec. 15, 2023, Ildemar Jose Chirinos-Torres, Briann Ricardo Hernandez-Castillo, Larry Junior Mendez-Ruiz, Alejandro Moises, and Raynner Jorland Pacheco-Sandoval, all from Venezuela, drove in three separate vehicles throughout the Miami Design District searching for wealthy victims to rob. Alejandro Moises drove the getaway vehicle occupied by co-defendants Chirinos-Torres and Hernandez-Castillo. According to the allegations, Chirinos-Torres and Hernandez-Castillo were seen on surveillance video exiting the vehicle, walking to a valet stand, and then robbing at gunpoint a tourist wearing a high-end watch valued at up to $100,000. When the defendants fled, undercover detectives investigating a separate matter followed behind in their unmarked vehicles. While following them, Chirinos-Torres shot multiple rounds at one undercover detective. Fortunately, the detective was not struck by gunfire. Pacheco-Sandoval served as the look-out to identify victims wearing high end jewelry. Mendez-Ruiz picked up Chirinos-Torres and Hernandez-Castillo after they abandoned the getaway vehicle driven by Moises. Some of the defendants drove to and out of Florida to commit the robbery. Mendez-Ruiz, Moises, and Pacheco-Sandoval were ordered detained pending trial. Their co-defendants Chirinos-Torres and Hernandez-Castillo have yet to be brought in for their initial appearances. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, Chief of Police Manuel A. Morales of the Miami Police Department, and Director Stephanie V. Daniels of the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) made the announcement. ATF and City of Miami Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Altanese Phenelus is prosecuting the case. An indictment is a merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 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. 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 . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 24-cr-20405. ###


title: Meriden Man Who Led Drug Trafficking Ring is Sentenced

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOEL CORDERO, 45, of Meriden, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 155 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force began an investigating an organization led by Cordero that was trafficking large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and other narcotics in Connecticut and western Massachusetts. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, revealed that Cordero and his associates were receiving bulk quantities of heroin and fentanyl from out-of-state suppliers. They stored, processed, and packaged the heroin/fentanyl in multiple locations, including apartments located at 280 Collins Street in Hartford where some members of the organization resided, and distributed the drug in the Hartford area, and also the Springfield and Holyoke, Massachusetts area. A significant amount of drug trafficking activity occurred at the Neighborhood Supermarket, located at 316 Farmington Avenue in Hartford. The investigation also revealed that members of the drug trafficking organization possessed and used firearms in connection with their drug trafficking activity. During the investigation, law enforcement executed 12 search warrants in Connecticut and Massachusetts and seized approximately 10 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl, much of which was packaged for resale in hundreds of thousands of bags. Investigators also seized numerous vials of Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer used by narcotics traffickers as a heroin/fentanyl additive. Seven firearms, gun magazines, numerous rounds of ammunition, and a bullet proof vest were also seized from Cordero and his associates. Fourteen individuals were charged with various narcotics, firearms, and immigration offenses as a result of this investigation. Cordero has been detained since his arrest on June 29, 2017. On October 24, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one kilogram or more of heroin. The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. Agencies assisting the investigation include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals Service and Connecticut State Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: WASHINGTON — Following a two-day trial, a federal jury in the Western District of Kentucky convicted Portier Q. Govan, 38, of Memphis, Tennessee, of all counts in a five-count indictment, including sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, obstruction or interference with a sex trafficking prosecution or investigation, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Govan’s co-defendant, Brittany R. Howard, 25, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, pleaded guilty on Oct. 30 to interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution and obstruction or interference with a sex trafficking prosecution or investigation. “This defendant used extreme threats of violence to compel an 18-year-old victim to engage in commercial sex, even holding a gun to her head to terrify, control and coerce her for his own profit,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant sought to cover up his crime by repeatedly intimidating a witness to lie for him. A unanimous jury has found the defendant guilty of his heinous conduct, and our prosecution should make clear that we will not tolerate sex trafficking in our country. The Justice Department will use all the tools at our disposal to hold human traffickers accountable, to seek justice for survivors, and to protect survivors from harm.” “I commend the prosecution team, FBI’s Bowling Green Resident Agency and the Bowling Green Police Department for their outstanding work on this case,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “We are committed to the aggressive investigation and prosecution of human trafficking wherever it occurs in the Western District. I strongly encourage the public to report any suspected human trafficking to law enforcement.” “This defendant preyed on a vulnerable young woman, threatening her with physical violence and even death if she didn’t comply with his demands,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough. “The woman was forced to engage in commercial sex while the defendant profited from her suffering. Tragically, this is a reality that unfolds far too often in our communities. The FBI is fully committed to using every resource at our disposal to identify perpetrators, hold them accountable and put an end to the devastating crime of sex trafficking.” Evidence presented during the trial established that Govan and Howard met the victim at a gas station in Bowling Green and convinced her to come back to their hotel room where they recruited and enticed her to engage in commercial sex by making false promises of making good money. Govan continued his enticement attempts by taking the victim on a shopping trip to two shopping malls in Tennessee, and when they returned to Bowling Green later that night, Govan and Howard convinced the victim to participate with Howard in seeing a commercial sex customer. From that moment on, Govan’s attitude toward the victim changed, as he became demanding, intimidating and threatening. Govan ordered the victim to make eye contact with him while speaking, and even threatened to kill the victim, pressing a pistol against her head while she was in the front passenger seat of a car, then lowering the gun and firing a bullet across her lap, missing her body by inches. Govan further scared the victim by showing her a video of himself beating a defenseless man tied to a chair. Govan sexually assaulted the victim, and for four days compelled her to engage in commercial sex for his profit by threatening to hurt her. Upon being discovered by the police, Govan attempted to interfere with the investigation by having Howard lie for him and prevent the police from speaking to the victim, and after his arrest, he sought to obstruct the prosecution by passing letters to Howard in the jail instructing her to lie. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2025. Govan faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison as well as mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Howard will face a sentencing hearing on March 9, 2025. The FBI Louisville Field Office, Bowling Green Resident Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Bowling Green Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Sewell for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Francisco Zornosa of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking . XXX


title: Parker Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Child Abuse

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Frank John Kinale, III, 38, of Parker, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Douglas L. Rayes to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Kinale pleaded guilty to Child Abuse on September 3, 2024. On September 21, 2021, Kinale drove while he was intoxicated with two minor victims in his vehicle and caused a single-vehicle rollover crash. The minor victims were injured as a result of the crash. The crash occurred on the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Indian Reservation and Kinale and the victims are enrolled members of the CRIT Tribe. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney, Christina J. Reid-Moore, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-24-00522-PHX-DLR RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-178_Kinale # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Rhode Island Man Sentenced for the Unlawful Possession of a Firearm Used in a Fatal Incident

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Rhode Island man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord for the unlawful possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces. Garrito “Tony” Fort, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 60 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. On October 16, 2023, Fort pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. “As a convicted felon, the defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Despite that, he brought a loaded firearm to a fistfight, that he initiated,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “He had multiple opportunities to walk away. Instead, the defendant chose to escalate the encounter, resulting in the defendant shooting and killing a man, and severely wounding another. While no outcome could ever truly bring closure to the victims’ families, I hope that today’s sentence begins the healing process.” “The defendant escalated a trivial argument over minor damage to a car by bringing a gun to the confrontation,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge ATF Boston Field Division “As a result of his reckless decisions, a father lost his life, and another man was seriously injured. This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can result when firearms are introduced into avoidable conflicts.” On the evening of October 31, 2021, Fort thought he saw Christopher Colleti scratch his vehicle, a 2004 Nissan Maxima. The following morning, Fort grabbed a firearm to confront Coletti, who Fort had never spoken to or interacted with before. Coletti denied hitting Fort’s car, but Fort continued to accuse Coletti and an argument ensued. During the confrontation two bystanders separated Fort and Coletti, and Coletti walked away. However, Fort went after Coletti again and continued to accuse Coletti of hitting his car. Eventually, another man, Richard Janvrin Jr., saw Fort holding the gun and punched Fort to disarm him. Fort fired two shots, seriously wounding Janvrin Jr. and killing Coletti. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Seabrook Police Department, and New Hampshire State Police led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Charles L. Rombeau prosecuted the case. ###


title: Braddock Man Charged with Assaulting Harrisburg Federal Court Security Officer

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joseph Louis Camino, age 56, Braddock, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on charges relating to his alleged assault on a court security officer inside the Sylvia H. Rambo United States Courthouse at 1501 North 6th Street in Harrisburg on December 16, 2024. The U.S. Marshal’s service previously reported that Camino was shot multiple times by another court security officer during this incident, and that Camino was taken to a local hospital where he is reported to be in stable condition. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Camino knowingly brought a folding knife with a blade longer than 2 ½ inches into the federal courthouse with the intent to assault a court security officer, and that he used the knife during the assault. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Haugsby is prosecuting the case. The total maximum penalties under federal law for these offenses are 27 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Bradenton Felon Convicted Of Drug Trafficking And Firearm Offenses

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Javier Mares (44, Bradenton) guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Mares faces minimum of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has not yet been set. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bradenton Police Department began investigating Mares and his brother in 2023. Mares was believed to be supplying large amounts of narcotics from his auto shop business in Bradenton. Investigators dispatched a confidential informant to make several purchases of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Mares’ brother. His brother was observed leaving the auto shop prior to the controlled purchases and returning to the location after the transactions. On June 27, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at the auto body shop. Mares and a juvenile were in the shop at the time of the search warrant execution. Investigators located a safe filled with packaged methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana along with drug distribution paraphernalia under the Mares’ desk. Mares’ fingerprint was later discovered on a baggie with 380 grams of methamphetamine found in the safe. A DEA forensic chemist later determined that the methamphetamine was 96% pure. Agents also found a loaded firearm next to several collectible $2 bills in the desk drawer near the floor safe. During an interview, Mares told agents that the office was his, but he had no idea who the safe belonged to, and he did not have a key or code. He also admitted that the $2 bills found in the desk drawer belonged to him, but that he had never seen the loaded gun sitting next to them. This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bradenton Police Department, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Jefferson Parish Man Indicted for Firearm and Narcotics Violations

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – KERNELIUS ALFORD (“ALFORD”) , age 35, of Metairie, was charged on December 13, 2024, in a six-count superseding indictment, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Count 1 charged him with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D). Counts 2 and 5 charged him with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). Count 3 charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(8), and 942(e). Count 4 charged him with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(2). Finally, Count 6 charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(8), and 942(e). According to the indictment, ALFORD possessed a firearm on May 2, 2024. ALFORD was prohibited from possessing a firearm, due to his previous felony conviction(s). If convicted, ALFORD faces up to five (5) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, at least two (2) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment for Count 1; a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to life of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release for Counts 2 and 5; up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release for Count 3; up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $2,000,000 fine, and up to 6 years of supervised release for Count 4; up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release for Count 6. ALFORD also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee as to all six counts. United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 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. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crimes Unit.


title: Fruit Juice Manufacturing Company and its Former President Plead Guilty to Food Safety Crimes

component: Civil Division

body_text: The former president and primary owner of the now-closed fruit juice manufacturer Valley Processing Inc. (VPI) in Sunnyside, Washington, pleaded guilty this week to two misdemeanor charges related to the manufacture and sale of tainted fruit juice products in violation of federal food safety laws. Mary Ann Bliesner, 83, pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts under the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act (FDCA), including failing to register a food facility with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Bliesner also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor FDCA violation in connection with failing to prevent and correct VPI’s introduction of adulterated grape juice concentrate into interstate commerce, including grape juice concentrate that was delivered to a customer for use in the National School Lunch Program. VPI pleaded guilty to conspiracy to introduce adulterated and misbranded fruit juice into interstate commerce, including selling tainted fruit juice to customers. Bliesner and VPI agreed to pay a criminal forfeiture amount of $742,139 as proceeds of their criminal conduct. In pleading guilty, VPI admitted that it conspired to distribute tainted and potentially unsafe apple and grape juice to customers in the United States and abroad between October 2012 and June 2019. VPI admitted that it misrepresented to customers the age and quality of VPI’s products. VPI admitted that it blended grape juice concentrate, which was stored outside the VPI facility for years and exposed to the elements, with newer grape juice concentrate, and sold the resulting blended grape juice product to unsuspecting customers as if it were new product. VPI sold at least some of this contaminated product to customers who provided grape juice for the National School Lunch Program, which provides free or reduced-cost lunches to children. Bliesner and VPI admitted that they failed to register a food facility, known as the “Grape Road Facility,” with the FDA. Bliesner and VPI used the Grape Road Facility to store earlier seasons’ unsold grape juice concentrate, sometimes for years, in large concrete vats that were not properly covered or cooled. Bliesner and VPI admitted that product stored at the Grape Road Facility was adulterated, unsafe and unfit for consumption. According to VPI’s plea agreement, during a May 2018 FDA inspection, employees placed caution tape over the entrance to the room at the Grape Road Facility with the concrete storage vats. VPI employees then told FDA investigators that the facility was unsafe to enter and that it contained no juice or juice products. According to the VPI plea agreement, FDA investigators later learned about the vats and, after entering the room, observed grape juice concentrate that testing later confirmed was contaminated with bird and rodent feces, fur, insects, decaying remains of animals, mold, yeast and other contaminants. FDA inspectors also observed and photographed a live rat walking across the hardened crust that had formed on top of the grape juice concentrate. In November 2020, the United States filed a civil complaint in federal court seeking to enjoin Bliesner and VPI from producing, storing or selling juice or juice products. In January 2021, Bliesner and VPI agreed to a consent injunction barring Bliesner and VPI from processing, manufacturing, preparing, packing, holding or distributing any type of food without first notifying and receiving approval from the FDA. VPI subsequently closed. Bliesner and the company no longer manufacture or sell juice products. In September 2022, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Bliesner and VPI with 12 counts of fraud and food safety crimes. “Protecting the safety of American’s food supply is essential,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will take action whenever appropriate to ensure the individuals and companies that produce our food maintain safe facilities and tell the truth to their customers and the FDA.” “Bliesner and her company, Valley Processing, produced juice in filthy and unsafe conditions, mis-labeled that product, and then sold it to the National School Lunch Program that serves low-income school children,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref for the Eastern District of Washington. “School children deserve safe and nutritious food. Nothing is more important that the health and safety of our children. I commend the excellent work by investigators with the Food and Drug Administration and prosecutors in my office who uncovered and stopped this conduct and are protecting our public health.” “Companies that mislead consumers and the FDA by selling adulterated products manufactured and stored under insanitary conditions place the public health at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Iwanicki of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Los Angeles Field Office. “In this case, the company’s actions put at risk the health of consumers, including schoolchildren, who consumed the fruit juice. FDA will continue to pursue and hold accountable those who attempt to subvert our regulatory processes at the expense of consumer safety.” Bliesner and VPI will face a sentencing hearing on March 26, 2025. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations investigated the case. Trial Attorney James Hennelly and Senior Trial Attorney David Gunn of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Devin Curda for the Eastern District of Washington are prosecuting the case. For more information about the enforcement efforts of the Consumer Protection Branch, visit their website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch .


title: Southern California Political Operative Arrested on Federal Complaint Alleging He Acted as Illegal Agent of People’s Republic of China

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – FBI agents this morning arrested a Chino Hills man on federal charges that allege he acted as an illegal agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including while serving as the campaign manager for a political candidate who was elected in 2022 to the city council of a Southern California city. Yaoning “Mike” Sun, 64, was arrested without incident and is expected to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. A criminal complaint filed Tuesday and unsealed this morning charges Sun with acting as an illegal agent of a foreign power. Sun is also charged with conspiring with another man, Chen Jun, who was sentenced to federal prison last month for acting as an illegal agent of the PRC government and plotting to target U.S.-based practitioners of Falun Gong, a spiritual practice banned in China. According to the complaint, Sun served as the campaign manager and close personal confidante for a Southern California politician (described in the affidavit as “Individual 1”) who was running for local elected office in 2022. During the campaign, Sun allegedly communicated with Chen regarding his efforts to get Individual 1 elected. Chen discussed with Chinese government officials how the PRC could “influence” local politicians in the United States, particularly on the issue of Taiwan, according to the complaint. In November 2022, shortly after Individual 1 was elected to office, Chen instructed Sun to prepare a report on the election that was sent to Chinese government officials, who responded positively and expressed thanks, according to the complaint affidavit. Chen also sent a message to Individual 1 stating that Individual 1 was “doing a good job, I hope you can continue the good work, make Chinese people proud,” the affidavit states. “The conduct alleged in this complaint is deeply concerning – the defendant is charged with acting on behalf of the People’s Republic of China to influence our political system,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “We cannot permit hostile foreign powers to meddle in the governance of our country. My office and our law enforcement partners will continue to prioritize the security of our nation and the preservation of the liberties that make this country the envy of the world.” “This case highlights the breadth of the PRC’s relentless intelligence and malign influence activities targeting the United States,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI will continue to use all the tools at its disposal to identify PRC intelligence operations, disrupt PRC information laundering networks, and bring to justice those who seek to engage in criminal conspiracies to undermine the integrity of our elected officials.” About a month after Individual 1’s election, Chen arranged a lunch at a Rowland Heights restaurant with Sun and others, a gathering that Chen described to a PRC official as a “core member lunch,” the affidavit alleges. Chen subsequently described the lunch as “successful” as participants agreed to establish a “US-China Friendship Promotional Association.” While Individual 1 did not attend the meeting, Chen described Individual 1 as being part of the association and Sun serving as vice president. “This is the basic team dedicated for us,” Chen wrote to the Chinese government official. Chen instructed Sun in early 2023 to write up another report for Chinese officials describing “you and me cultivating and assisting [Individual 1’s] success,” according to the affidavit. In a February 2023 draft of Sun’s report, Sun described his personal background, his history of working against “Chinese secessionist forces,” and boasted that, “most proudly of all, during the 2022 U.S. midterm elections, I orchestrated and organized my team to win the election for city council member candidate [Individual 1].” In subsequent communications outlined in the affidavit, Chen instructed Sun to include a section on Individual 1, who was to be described as a “New Political Star” with connections to other prominent politicians. The affidavit also states that Chen and Sun discussed their “past struggle fighting Taiwanese independence forces . . . over the years and fighting ‘FLG’ [Falun Gong] influences” in a California city. In February 2023, Sun and Chen drafted a second report to PRC officials that requested an $80,000 budget to fund additional pro-PRC activities and to combat “anti-China forces” in the United States. After Chen and Sun discussed a planned trip to the PRC to meet with “leadership,” and after Chen directed Sun to schedule a meeting with the Chinese consul general in Los Angeles, Sun and Individual 1 traveled to China in late August 2023. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The charge of acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government carries a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. The charge of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States carries a maximum statutory sentence of five years. This FBI is conducting the ongoing investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney David Ryan, Chief of the National Security Division, and Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Elbogen of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this case, with assistance from Trial Attorney Garrett Coyle of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section in the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.