title: Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Charge

body_text: Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JASON BARBER, 40, of Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 2, 2022, law enforcement received information that Barber, while seated in a vehicle, was streaming on Facebook Live and showing off a loaded pistol magazine. Officers located the vehicle, which parked on Barbour Street, and then followed Barber into a package store. Officers approached Barber and retrieved from his coat pocket a Kahr Arms P45 handgun containing a magazine with five rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. Barber’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm, robbery, drug, and escape offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Barber faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. He is released on a $100,000 bond. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins. 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. In May 2021, the Justice 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 www.justice.gov/psn .


title: Washington man pleads guilty to extorting clients using phony escorts

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Washington man pled guilty today to using phony online escort profiles to extort hundreds of thousands of dollars from clients. According to court documents, from at least August 2020 through October 2024, Abdul Kareem Kabba, 29, used photos and videos of women purchased from OnlyFans to create fake escort profiles on websites such as TheEroticReview.com. Kabba then would assume the identity of the “escort” and communicate with people interested in acquiring services. Kabba would typically ask them to send a deposit using peer-to-peer payment platforms or through websites that are commonly used by adult content creators to receive money. Kabba also would ask clients to verify their identities by sending a picture of themselves holding a form of identification such as a driver license and sending him a link to their social media profiles. After a client paid the deposit and sent the identifying information, Kabba then would blackmail them. Kabba would threaten the clients that, unless they sent Kabba additional money, he would alert the police, the clients’ families, and the clients’ employers that the men were attempting to solicit a prostitute. As a result of his scheme, Kabba caused a total loss of $692,000 to his victims. Kabba is scheduled to be sentenced on April 9 and faces up to 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and John T. Perez, Special Agent in Charge, Headquarters Operations, Office of Inspector General of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (FRB-CFPB OIG), made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr. accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hood for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Babasijibomi Moore of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-263.


title: Jury Convicts District Man of First Degree Murder While Armed and Related Charges for Killing Ex-Girlfriend in Northwest, D.C.

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Idrissa Fall, 37, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty by a jury of first-degree murder while armed and related charges stemming from an early morning shooting on July 18, 2021, in the 6100 block of 4th Street, NW, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Pamela A. Smith, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The jury rendered a verdict on January 22, 2025, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The jury unanimously convicted Fall of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The Honorable Rainey Brandt scheduled sentencing for March 19, 2025. According to the government’s evidence, just before 1:30 a.m. on July 18, 2021, the victim, Dara Northern, walked out of her home and headed towards her best friend’s car for a night on the town. When Northern left her home, the defendant followed her out of her house and tried to stop her. Northern had recently broken up with the defendant and kicked him out of her home. As Northern got into the front seat of her friend’s waiting vehicle, the defendant started reaching for his waistband. As Northern close the door, the defendant shot her in the head as she sat next to her best friend and fled the scene. Northern suffered one gunshot wound to her right eye. The victim was declared brain dead that same day and died as a result of her injuries. Fall was arrested for Northern’s murder on August 2, 2021. He has been in custody ever since. In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including; Investigative Analyst Zachary McMenamin; Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Allen and Latrice Washington-Williams; Paralegal Specialists Alyssa Schroeder and Sharon Newman; and Litigation Technology Specialist Sigourney Jackson. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristian L. Hinson and Yasmin Emrani, who prosecuted the case.


title: Lululemon Burglar Sentenced in Crime Spree at Northwest Stores

body_text: WASHINGTON – Avante Greene, 23, of Washington, D.C. was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for three brazen burglaries he committed at Lululemon stores in July 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). In addition to the prison term, Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld, also ordered one year of supervised probation. Greene pleaded guilty on October 31, 2024, to three counts of attempted second degree burglary. According to the government’s evidence, on July 10, 2024, Avante Greene walked into the Lululemon store located on F Street, NW, carrying a large empty bag that he proceeded to fill with merchandise and fled in a nearby getaway car. Two days later, Greene brought two unidentified co-conspirators with him to the Lululemon store in Georgetown, again carrying empty bags that he proceeded to fill with merchandise and flee the store. Greene continued his spree on July 16, 2024, when he returned to the Lululemon store on F Street NW, with one unidentified co-conspirator. He repeated his practice of filling empty bags with merchandise and fleeing the store in a getaway car. In total, Greene stole well over $10,000 in merchandise. Greene was arrested on July 19, 2024, while driving the getaway vehicle. He has been in custody ever since. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Benton who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: Member of Lummi Nation convicted of Assault by Strangulation

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A member of Lummi Nation was convicted today in U.S. District Court in Seattle of Assault by Strangulation, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Joseph Michael Quincy Jefferson, 35, was found guilty following a seven- day jury trial. Jurors deliberated about ninety minutes before reaching the guilty verdict. U.S. District Judge Lauren King scheduled sentencing for April 10, 2025. According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, on the night of April 8, 2023, Jefferson punched, pushed, and strangled his live-in partner. Sitting on her back he used the crook of his elbow to apply pressure to her neck, strangling her and causing her to black out twice. When the victim regained consciousness, she ran from the home barefoot and in her underwear, calling a friend and a neighbor requesting help. The victim went to the Lummi Nation Police Department and to the hospital. The victim made consistent statements to police and to those giving medical care, that she had been strangled. Medical providers documented her injuries that were consistent with being punched, pushed into a metal bookcase, and strangled. Her nose was broken. At trial, Jefferson claimed he acted in self-defense. During her testimony, the victim minimized Jefferson’s conduct. In closing arguments prosecutors detailed how the medical records and recorded statements proved the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. “He was the aggressor... There is no evidence that he faced immediate use of unlawful force,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Celia Lee said in her closing argument. “This is a case of gratuitous, intentional violence from someone who was jealous, angry, and drunk.” Jefferson has been in custody since his bond was revoked in late October 2024 due to his ongoing contact with the victim in violation of his conditions of pretrial release. He remains in custody pending sentencing. Assault by Strangulation is punishable by up to ten years in prison. The case was investigated by the Lummi Nation Police Department and the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Celia Lee and Erika Evans. Ms. Lee serves as a Tribal Liaison for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Ensuring public safety on tribal lands is a critical responsibility of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington.


title: J.H. Baxter Wood Treatment Companies and President Plead Guilty to Hazardous Waste and Air Pollution Charges

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: EUGENE, Ore.-- The companies responsible for the J.H. Baxter wood treatment facility in Eugene, Oregon, and their president pleaded guilty today in federal court to hazardous waste and Clean Air Act violations and agreed to pay a total of $1.5 million in criminal fines. The corporations -- J.H. Baxter & Co. Inc. and J.H. Baxter & Co., A California Limited Partnership (collectively J.H. Baxter) -- both pleaded guilty to charges of illegally treating hazardous waste and knowingly violating the Clean Air Act's pollution control regulations. The companies' president, Georgia Baxter-Krause, 61, of Deschutes County, Oregon, pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements in violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the federal statute governing hazardous waste management. According to court documents, J.H. Baxter used hazardous chemicals to treat and preserve wood at its Eugene facility. The wastewater from the wood preserving processes was hazardous waste. To properly treat wastewater from its wood treatment process, J.H. Baxter operated a legal wastewater treatment unit to treat and evaporate the waste. For years, however, when J.H. Baxter had too much water on site, including process wastewater and precipitation, J.H. Baxter's employees at the facility would transfer hazardous process wastewater to an available wood treatment retort to "boil it off," greatly reducing its volume. J.H. Baxter would then remove the remaining waste from the retort, label it as hazardous waste and ship it offsite for disposal. State and local regulators were not made aware of this process and J.H. Baxter did not have a permit to treat its hazardous waste in this manner, as required by RCRA. Additionally, J.H. Baxter's facility was subject to certain Clean Air Act emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants, which required it to minimize air pollution emissions. However, employees were directed to open all vents on the retorts, allowing discharge to the surrounding air. Oregon inspectors requested information about J.H. Baxter's practice of boiling off hazardous wastewater. On two separate occasions, Baxter-Krause gave false information in response, which included information about the dates the practice took place and which retorts were used. The investigation determined that Baxter-Krause knew J.H. Baxter maintained detailed daily production logs for each retort. From approximately January to October 2019, J.H. Baxter boiled off hazardous process wastewater in its wood treatment retorts on 136 known days. Baxter-Krause was also aware that during this time J.H. Baxter used four of its five retorts to boil off wastewater. On November 22, 2024, J.H. Baxter was charged by criminal information with illegal treatment of hazardous waste and knowingly violating the Clean Air Act's pollution control regulations, and Baxter-Krause was charged with two counts of making false statements in violation of the RCRA. As part of their plea agreements, the companies and Baxter-Krause have agreed to pay a total of $1.5 million in criminal fines. Baxter-Krause also faces up to two years in federal prison and three years of supervised release. They are scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2025, before U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane. This case was investigated by the EPA Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Lane Regional Air Protection Agency, EPA Region 10, and the Oregon State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren for the District of Oregon, Trial Attorneys Rachel Roberts and Stephen J. Foster of the Environment and Natural Resources Division's Environmental Crimes Section, and EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel Karla G. Perrin. This case was an Environmental Crimes Task Force (ECTF) investigation. ECTF is an initiative in the District of Oregon that identifies, investigates, and prosecutes significant environmental, public lands, and wildlife crimes. ECTF leverages the resources and effort of federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and law enforcement to protect human health, safeguard natural resources and wildlife, and hold violators accountable. If you witness an event that may lead to an immediate threat to human health or the environment, please call 9-1-1. After alerting local emergency authorities, please also report incidents to the EPA's Report a Violation website ( https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations ) or by calling the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.


title: Former Marine And Wife Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Kodi Glenn Simon (30, Cleveland, OH) and Kateri Ann Simon (30, Avon Lake, OH) with involuntary manslaughter. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison. According to the indictment, in 2022, Kodi and Kateri Simon unlawfully kill Victim 1, without malice, while at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abigail K. King and Michael C. Sinacore.


title: Second Dubuque Man Pleads Guilty to  Sexual Exploitation of a Child

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A second man who sexually abused a child pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. John James Dixon, age 41, from Dubuque, Iowa, was convicted of one count of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of distribution of child pornography. At the plea hearing, Dixon admitted that, between September 2023 and May 2024, he knowingly used, persuaded, induced, and enticed a minor under the age of 18 to engage in sexually explicit conduct. He also admitted that between September 2023 and May 2024, he knowingly distributed visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Dixon is the second man to plead guilty in this case. On December 18, 2024, Justin James Paisley, age 35, from Dubuque, Iowa, pled guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of distribution of child pornography. At Paisley’s plea hearing, he admitted that between the spring of 2022 and May 2024, he knowingly used, persuaded, induced, and enticed minors under the age of 18 to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Paisley also admitted that between August 2023 and May 2024, he knowingly distributed visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set for both Dixon and Paisley after a presentence report is prepared. Dixon and Paisley remain in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. They each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 50 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, $95,200 in special assessments, and life term of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Dubuque Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-CR-1032. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced for Meth Conspiracy

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Luis Avelar, age 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced January 22, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Avelar to 262 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Avelar’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Beginning in 2020, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agents identified Avelar as a suspect involved in meth distribution in the Omaha area. On March 11, 2020, Avelar was seen leaving an apartment with a backpack where a confidential source later purchased one pound of meth from someone else. On April 18, 2023, another confidential source attempted to purchase a half-pound of meth from Avelar. Avelar went with the confidential source to meet Avelar’s supplier, but the sale did not occur because the supplier refused to sell less than one pound. On December 30, 2023, DEA agents interviewed Avelar at the Douglas County Jail. After being advised of his rights, Avelar admitted to his role in meth distribution. Avelar told the agents he started selling meth in Omaha in 2020. Avelar told agents he sold a pound of meth for a Mexico-based drug supplier four or five times. Avelar also said he rented a storage unit for meth to be stored. After someone was busted in a hotel, Avelar went to the storage unit and cleaned it out, delivering at least 10 pounds of meth to a co-conspirator’s house. Investigators confirmed that Avelar rented a storage unit in Omaha from November 7 to November 23, 2022. The unit was rented in the name of Avelar’s girlfriend. Avelar was identified via surveillance footage being at the storage facility on November 23, 2022, the same day Bellevue police had busted someone with 11 pounds of meth in a motel room. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This prosecution 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: Omaha Man Sentenced for Meth Distribution

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Joseph Goeken, age 40, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced January 22, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for distribution of methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Goeken to 190 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Goeken’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. On March 11, 2024, a Drug Enforcement Agency undercover agent purchased approximately one pound of meth from Goeken in Omaha. The meth was submitted to a crime laboratory for testing, which determined the meth weighed 443 grams of meth and purity was at least 91 percent. Goeken made two other meth sales to the undercover – two ounces on March 5, 2024, and another pound on April 4, 2024. On April 8, 2024, while DEA agents were preparing to execute a search warrant at Goeken’s apartment in Omaha, a Nebraska State Patrol trooper attempted a traffic stop. Goeken drove away at a high rate of speed, passed traffic in the wrong lane, and abandoned the vehicle two minutes later. Officers found approximately 116 grams of meth (weight with packaging) and a digital scale inside of a bag in the vehicle. Inside Goeken’s apartment, agents found approximately 59 grams of meth (weight with packaging). This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.


title: Omaha Woman Sentenced in Drug Conspiracy

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Amy Holmdohl, age 47, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced on January 22, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for her participation in a methamphetamine drug conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Holmdohl to 188 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Holmdohl is released from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. On December 2, 2022, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agents conducted a controlled delivery operation at the Holiday Inn Express in Omaha after a United States Postal Inspector found approximately 800 grams of meth in two priority mail express packages addressed to the Holiday Inn. An undercover Postal Inspector delivered the packages to an employee of the Holiday Inn Express, where later that day surveillance officers observed Amy Holmdohl arrive, enter the lobby, and pick up the two packages at the front desk. Holmdohl was taken into custody in the hotel lobby after she took custody of the two packages. During a police interview Holmdohl admitted to her involvement in distributing meth, and that she had requested the two packages be sent to her from a California Source of Supply. This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Drug Enforcement Administration.


title: Former Columbus police officer pleads guilty to destroying, altering records by turning off body worn camera during encounters with women while on duty

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former Columbus police officer offered a guilty plea in federal court here today for destroying or altering records related to a criminal investigation. Nicholas P. Duty, 35, of Commercial Point, Ohio, admitted to two counts of the crime. The plea agreement includes a sentencing recommendation of 18 to 48 months in prison. According to court documents, on two occasions, Duty destroyed, altered or falsified records by purposefully deactivating or removing his police body worn camera. Duty’s actions were intended to impede, obstruct or influence a federal investigation. In February 2024, Columbus police officers were working street-level prostitution crimes in the area of Sullivant Avenue on the west side of Columbus when a witness expressed concerns about Duty’s on-duty activities. Duty was positively identified during the administration of a blind photo array. Further investigation revealed that, on Oct. 31, 2023, and March 22, 2024, Duty deactivated or removed his body worn camera during interactions with two women, including during a sexual encounter. During the incidents, Duty was on duty, wearing a police uniform, in a marked police vehicle and assigned a body worn camera. He knew he was required to comply with Columbus Division of Police policies for wearing the division-issued camera. On Halloween 2023, the first woman had called Columbus police and asked for assistance, stating her boyfriend was attempting to kill himself. Duty transported the woman following the call and disabled his body worn and in-car cameras. Duty and the woman exchanged phone numbers and Duty reached out to her, including in April 2024 a few days before his arrest. On March 22, 2024, video footage shows Duty speaking with the second woman near the Sunoco station at Sullivant and Clarendon avenues. The woman confirmed that Duty had money with him and asked if he wanted to go to their “normal spot.” Duty drove away in his police vehicle, relocated to a different alley, and met up with the woman. Duty removed his body worn camera and blocked it from recording video. The camera, however, still recorded audio from the incident. The audio recording reveals Duty asking the woman several times to have sex. She declines but performs oral sex on Duty. The two discuss meeting up later for sex and Duty is reported to have paid the woman $20. Duty was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2024. He had been employed with the Columbus Division of Police since June 2018. United States Attorney Kenneth L. Parker, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Daryl S. McCormick, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola announced the plea offered today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and Kevin W. Kelley are representing the United States in this case, which is being investigated by the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission’s Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force. # # #


title: Stephens County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – DAMIEN CHRISTOPHER HAMILTON , 23, of Stephens County, has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On September 4, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Hamilton with possession of child pornography in Indian Country. According to the Indictment, on June 13, 2024, Hamilton possessed an iPhone that contained images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). On January 22, 2025, Hamilton pleaded guilty, and admitted he possessed images and videos of CSAM. At sentencing, Hamilton faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. This case is in federal court because Hamilton is a member of the Chickasaw Nation and the crimes were committed within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation. This case is the result of an investigation by the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Duncan Police Department, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaleigh Blackwell is prosecuting the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Gun-related Crime

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

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon has been sentenced for illegal possession of ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson. United States District Court Judge R. David Proctor sentenced D’Angelo Martin, also known as “Hot Boi,” 28, of Gadsden, to 36 months in prison. In October, Martin pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm (which includes possession of ammunition). According to court documents, on April 24, 2023, Gadsden Police Department officers responded to a call that someone had shot at a vehicle in front of the caller’s residence. The officers found a shell casing on the porch. Martin admitted to possessing the 9mm ammunition that officers collected from outside the home. Martin is prohibited from having ammunition because of multiple prior felony convictions. Martin was convicted on January 26, 2016, of the offense of Robbery, Second Degree and on November 1, 2021, of the offense of Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Firearm in the Circuit Court of Etowah County, Alabama. ATF investigated the case along with the Gadsden Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristy M. Peoples and William R. McComb prosecuted the case.


title: First Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. Named Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District Of Georgia

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – First Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. has succeeded U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan as the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, effective January 20, 2024, at 12:00 a.m., pursuant to the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, 5 U.S.C § 3345. “Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. is an accomplished trial lawyer and a career prosecutor who lives the mission of the Department of Justice,” said Mr. Ryan K. Buchanan. “Additionally, he is a capable and experienced leader who has the trust and faith of the public servants of the United States Attorney’s Office, our law enforcement partners, and our community stakeholders. He is a worthy steward of the leadership of this office, and he will work tirelessly to keep the people of the district safe, to uphold the rule of law, and to protect civil rights. As a resident of the Northern District of Georgia, I look forward to his service as Acting United States Attorney.” “It has been an incredible privilege to work side-by-side with U.S. Attorney Buchanan as the District’s First Assistant U.S. Attorney,” said Mr. Moultrie. “Along with the dedicated and talented attorney, administrative, and legal support staff of our office, I will steadfastly continue our District’s mission to prosecute federal crimes, seek justice on behalf of victims and their families, represent the interests of the United States and its agencies in civil litigation, and maintain our robust relationships with law enforcement partners and community stakeholders.” Mr. Moultrie has extensive experience in handling complex, high-profile matters in federal court. He formerly served as Chief of the Office’s Violent Crime & National Security Section. A member of the American College of Trial Lawyers, he is also the previous recipient of the U.S. Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award and the Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys Director’s Award for Superior Performance. Mr. Moultrie received his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas at the Austin School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Ringleader of COVID-19 relief fraud scheme sentenced to federal prison

body_text: CINCINNATI – Joseph Lentine III, 55, of Cincinnati, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 63 months in prison for orchestrating a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme involving millions of dollars. According to court documents, Lentine oversaw a fraud scheme in which he prepared and filed fraudulent loan applications and controlled a significant portion of the loan proceeds once obtained. He knowingly and intentionally made false statements to receive funds to which he and other applicants were not entitled. In addition to defrauding Small Business Administration loan programs, Lentine also fraudulently sought unemployment assistance and emergency rental assistance. In total, Lentine submitted more than 20 loan applications seeking more than $3 million and obtaining $1.5 million. The defendant personally received more than $450,000 in PPP loan proceeds related to this scheme and used the money to buy a yacht and a Mercedes Benz vehicle. As part of his sentence, Lentine was ordered to pay $1.2 million in restitution to the Small Business Administration and nearly $33,000 to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Lentine pleaded guilty in April 2023 to conspiring to commit bank fraud and making a false statement on a loan or credit application. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the sentence imposed yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffery P. Hopkins. Assistant United States Attorney Ebunoluwa A. Taiwo is representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Military contractor to pay $1.2 million to United States to settle False Claims Act allegations

body_text: DAYTON, Ohio – Neuro Stat Analytical Solutions, LLC (Neurostat), a Texas company that contracted with the United States Air Force to, among other things, develop and implement psychological assessments and occupational health stress screening tools, has agreed to pay $1.2 million to the United States to settle False Claims Act and related allegations. The settlement resolves allegations that Neurostat paid more than $1 million between 2016 and 2021 to a federal employee for preferential treatment related to various federal contracts awarded to or performed by Neurostat. As part of the settlement, Neurostat agrees to fully cooperate with the United States’ investigation of individuals not included in the settlement. “This investigation and settlement show our continued commitment to protect taxpayers’ resources,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “We will continue to vigorously investigate and address allegations of fraud or inappropriate conflicts by those that seek or perform federal contracts.” “Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to work with our partner agencies and the Department of Justice to pursue individuals and corporations that attempt to corrupt the Department of Defense (DoD) procurement system,” stated Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the law enforcement arm of the DoD’s Office of Inspector General. “Investigating schemes that undermine the integrity of the Defense Health Agency, which manages the healthcare program and hospitals for military members and their families, is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.” “Department of the Air Force OSI is proud to partner with the US Attorney’s Office, DCIS, and Air Force Acquisition Fraud Counsel, to protect the integrity of defense contracting and America’s warfighter,” said William Rouse, Special Agent In Charge, OSI Procurement Fraud Det 4, WrightPatterson AFB. “We will continue to join together and hold those accountable who attempt to defraud the US government of the resources provided by American taxpayer. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Horwitz represented the United States in this settlement. Air Force Material Command Law Office, Procurement Fraud Law Division attorneys Sarah Schild and Kate Rottmayer also helped pursue this matter. The settlement agreement is neither an admission of liability by Neurostat nor a concession by the United States this its claims are not well founded. # # #


title: Jury Convicts KC Man of Drug Trafficking, Illegal Firearms

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man who led police officers on two high-speed chases a month apart, causing a serious collision during one pursuit and driving the wrong way on Interstate 70 during another, has been convicted at trial of drug trafficking and illegally possessing firearms. Davon R. Williams, 31, was found guilty on Thursday, Jan. 16, of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. Williams also was found guilty of one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, all in relation to his arrest on Feb. 23, 2022. Williams was also was found guilty of one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, all in relation to his arrest on March 26, 2022. Nine co-defendants already have pleaded guilty in this case. On Feb. 23, 2022, Kansas City police officers attempted to stop Williams, who was driving a black Kia K5 rental car. Williams, who had fled from officers the day before, again fled from officers at a high rate of speed. Williams sped through an intersection while failing to stop for a red light and collided with another vehicle, seriously injuring the other motorist. Williams, who was arrested and searched by officers, was in possession of cocaine, crack cocaine, 177 pills, and $1,900 in cash. Officers later searched the Kia and found a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine, $2,030 in cash, and a backpack that contained methamphetamine, marijuana, mushrooms, tar (methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl) and pills. On March 26, 2022, Independence, Mo., police officers saw an orange Hyundai that had been reported as stolen parked on the west side of Hometown Studios hotel in Independence. An officer placed a portable tire deflation device underneath the front passenger tire of the Hyundai to deflate the tire if someone attempted to leave in the vehicle. Officers kept the vehicle under surveillance until Williams got into the driver’s seat and a woman (who is not charged in this case) got into the front passenger’s seat. Williams was carrying a black zip bag and a white trash bag in one hand while shouldering a black backpack. Police officers attempted to box in the Hyundai with their patrol cars, but Williams was able to flee from officers and circle around the parking lot, maneuvering through multiple parked vehicles as well as the police vehicles attempting to block him in. Williams made it to 42nd Street, where he began accelerating as police officers pursued him. Williams traveled to Noland Road before going onto the ramp to I-70, traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-70. Due to the substantial public safety risk by Williams entering into oncoming traffic, officers terminated their pursuit. An officer saw the Hyundai farther down the interstate, in the grass, with Williams and the woman running from the vehicle. Williams was carrying a black backpack. The woman was caught and taken into custody. Williams was found walking westbound next to U.S. 40 Highway and began running from officers. An Independence police sergeant deployed his Taser, which struck Williams in the left elbow, and Williams continued to run and jumped the guard rail under the Blue Ridge Boulevard bridge on the south side of U.S. 40 Highway. The police sergeant jumped the guard rail and grabbed Williams, who was trying to jump back on the highway. They struggled and Williams was taken into custody. Officers searched Williams, who had $7,581 and .9 grams of crack cocaine in his pants pockets. The backpack, which was located nearby, contained an SAR Arms 9mm firearm, 314 grams of marijuana, 92.4 grams of cocaine, 4.6 grams of powder cocaine, a plastic sandwich bag with five pills, and a sandwich bag that contained multiple sandwich bags with various pills. On the ground next to the backpack was a loaded FNH 9mm handgun. Officers searched the stolen Hyundai, which had severe damage, including airbag deployment. Officers found an AR-15 style rifle with no serial number in the back seat, loaded with 27 rounds of 5.56 ammunition and an additional round chambered. A black duffle bag, also in the back seat, contained a freezer bag with 1.022 kilograms of methamphetamine, a freezer bag with 1.027 kilograms of methamphetamine, a freezer bag with 111 grams of methamphetamine, a freezer bag with 170 grams of methamphetamine, and six sandwich bags that each contained between 26 and 29 grams of marijuana. A large white trash bag that contained three bags with a total of 1.238 kilograms of marijuana was also in the back seat. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Williams has a prior felony conviction for possessing methamphetamine and marijuana with the intent to distribute and a prior felony conviction for possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute. Under federal statutes, Williams is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for approximately two hours before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Greg Kays, ending a trial that began Monday, Jan. 13. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashleigh A. Ragner and Jessica L. Jennings. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Kansas City, Kan., Violent Crime Task Force, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Project Safe Neighborhoods 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: St. Tammany Man Guilty of Federal Controlled Substances Act Violations

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RICARDO JORDAN (“JORDAN”), age 21, of St. Tammany Parish, pled guilty on January 16, 2025 before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to three counts of Distribution of Fentanyl and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). As to each count, JORDAN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and up to a maximum term of imprisonment of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. JORDAN also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee as to each count. Sentencing in this matter is set for April 10, 2025. According to court documents, on August 3, August 10, and September 19, 2023, JORDAN sold forty (40) grams or more of fentanyl to an undercover Louisiana State Police Trooper. On September 28, 2023, Louisiana State Police and Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at JORDAN’s Covington residence where they recovered approximately 101 grams of fentanyl. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit.


title: PA Man Receives Maximum Penalty of 30 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: AKRON, Ohio – Soumya Rudra, 42, of Whitehall, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams, after he pled guilty to traveling across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor and to possession of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), also referred to as child pornography. He was also ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release after imprisonment and a $50,000 fine. According to court documents, Rudra met the victim, who was 14-years old at the time of the incident, on the “Kiss Kiss” dating game app. He then used the Snapchat social platform to text and talk to her via video calls throughout several months in 2023. In late November 2023, Rudra made a 400-mile trek from Pennsylvania to Ohio to meet the underage victim. He admitted to picking her up in his vehicle to drive her to a hotel for the purpose of engaging in criminal sexual acts with her. During the investigation, the defendant’s electronic devices recovered in the hotel room were found to contain multiple CSAM images involving other minors. The investigation was conducted by the FBI-Canton Field Office and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office . Assistant U.S. Attorney Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel for the Northern District of Ohio prosecuted the case. To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org, or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


title: Former Communications Professor at Virginia Tech Sentenced  to Prison Time for Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ROANOKE, Va. – A former professor of communications at Virginia Tech, who used peer-to-peer filesharing software to download child pornography, was sentenced last week to 60 months in federal prison. In September 2024, Michael Horning, 51, of Christiansburg, Va., pled guilty to a one-count Information charging him with knowingly possessing one or more visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including prepubescent minors and minors who have not yet attained 12 years of age. According to court documents, Horning downloaded child pornography between 2009 and 2021, sometimes through use of the peer-to-peer filesharing program, Freenet. At the time his electronic devices were seized in December 2021, Horning was in possession of 663 images and fourteen videos depicting child pornography, as well as additional child sex abuse material. Of this child sex abuse material, thirty-eight images and one video depicted infants or toddlers and one video depicted sadomasochism. Acting U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Scheff prosecuted the case. 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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Guilty Plea from Gallup Man in Navajo Nation Shooting

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Gallup man pleaded guilty today in federal court to shooting and seriously injuring another man during a confrontation on the Navajo reservation last year. According to court documents, on January 22, 2024, Arthur Chee Pat , 69, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, heard a commotion near his residence in Gallup and drove to investigate. Upon arriving at John Doe's residence, where his son and three other men were gathered, Pat retrieved a firearm from his vehicle. He then fired three gunshots in the direction of one man and two more towards John Doe, striking Doe once in the knee. After the shooting, Pat fled the scene with his son. John Doe was initially transported to Gallup Indian Medical Center and later transferred to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque for treatment. Law enforcement apprehended Pat at his residence shortly after the incident and recovered the handgun from his vehicle. Pat will remain on condition of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled . At sentencing, Pat faces up to 10 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Jones is prosecuting the case . View the Plea Agreement (Pat).pdf # # #


title: U.S. Attorney Will Thompson and Law Enforcement Officials to Announce Capture of Sex Trafficking Fugitive

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson will hold a press conference today , Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. with law enforcement officials to announce the arrest of Tiwan Robert Bailey, also known as “Quick,” 48, of Charleston, on federal charges related to the sex trafficking of multiple victims, including a minor victim, and his efforts to obstruct the investigation and prosecution of those crimes. WHAT: Press Conference WHEN: Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. WHERE: Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse, Charleston, Fourth Floor, Suite 4000 A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. ###


title: Leaders And Members Of ABG Gang Sentenced For Murder, Attempted Murder, Assault, Racketeering, And Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Danielle R. Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the sentencing of DAIVON MORGAN, a/k/a “Leeky,” the last of 10 defendants to be sentenced in a case involving members of a street gang known as “ABG” in the Bronx, New York. MORGAN was sentenced to 292 months in prison for crimes relating to his membership in ABG, including the murder of 19-year-old Darren Scruggs in February 2019 and a slashing of a rival gang member in February 2021. MORGAN previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit racketeering and conspiracy to commit a violent crime in aid of racketeering on December 15, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil, who imposed today’s sentence. MORGAN was the last of the 10 defendants in the ABG case before Judge Vyskocil to have been convicted and sentenced. U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon said: “ABG terrorized communities in the Bronx with violence and drug-dealing. Among ABG’s many victims was Darren Scruggs, who was gunned down at the age of 19 by members of ABG. The 10 ABG leaders and members charged in this case have now been convicted and sentenced for their crimes. We will continue to protect the public from gangs and the senseless violence they bring.” According to the Superseding Indictments, public court filings, and statements made in court: From at least in or about 2017 to in or about the present, ABG was a criminal enterprise centered in the Bronx, New York. ABG primarily operated in the vicinity of the Mitchel Houses in the vicinity of 135th and 138th Streets and Lincoln and Willis Avenues. In addition to their local affiliation, many ABG members also affiliated with the national Crips gang. In order to make money for the gang, protect the gang’s territory, and promote the gang’s standing, members of ABG engaged in, among other things, narcotics trafficking and violence, including murder. To that end, ABG members sold crack cocaine, promoted their gang affiliation on social media, possessed firearms, and engaged in shootings and slashings as part of their gang membership and narcotics trafficking. Among other crimes committed by the gang, ABG was responsible for the following acts of violence: On February 18, 2019, ROBERTO ESPINOSA, assisted by HENRY JONES and MORGAN, shot and killed Scruggs. On October 30, 2018, ELIJAH PERKINS shot at rival gang members. On August 21, 2021, PERKINS and AMIER WILSON participated in a shooting of rival gang members. On March 25, 2022, WILSON carried out a shooting, which resulted in a victim being shot and injured. On November 7, 2021, JONES, assisted by JUAN REYES, committed a shooting in rival gang territory. On May 8, 2020, REYES, PERKINS, and XAVIER ARAU beat and slashed a victim in rival gang territory. On February 20, 2021, MORGAN slashed a victim across the face at the direction of DAVID TRUSTY in rival gang territory. * * * A chart containing the names of the defendants, the charges they were convicted of, and the sentences they received is set forth below. Ms. Sassoon praised the outstanding work of the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Department of Corrections. The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Courtney Heavey, Christopher Brumwell, and James Ligtenberg are in charge of the prosecution. Defendant Age Conviction Sentence JONES, a/k/a “Dew Man” 28 Racketeering Conspiracy and Attempt to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering 30 years MORGAN, a/k/a “Leeky” 25 Racketeering Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Commit a Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering 292 months ESPINOSA, a/k/a “Taco” 23 Racketeering Conspiracy and Receipt of a Firearm Intended to be Used in a Felony; 28 years WILSON, a/k/a “Smula” 26 Racketeering Conspiracy 13 years TRUSTY, a/k/a “Saint” 25 Conspiracy to Distribute Crack Cocaine and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering 12 years PERKINS, a/k/a “Eli” 24 Use of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence; and Use and Brandishing of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence 162 months JAMIE WILKINS, a/k/a “OJ” 26 Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime 78 months XAVIER ARAU, a/k/a “X” 23 Use and Brandishing of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime 7 years REYES, a/k/a “Gunplay” 27 Conspiracy to Possess a Firearm Following a Felony Conviction and Conspiracy to Assault with Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering 9 years CASSIUS MILLER, a/k/a “Cash” 24 Conspiracy to Distribute Crack Cocaine 5 years


title: KC Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery Spree

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy to commit a series of armed robberies across the state over a four-day period. Kentrail M. Collins, 26, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, five counts of robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. By pleading guilty today, Collins admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to commit a series of armed robberies from Jan. 5 to Jan. 8, 2023. Collins pleaded guilty to the armed robberies of three businesses on Jan. 5, 2023 – the Petromart at 1004 N. Stadium in Columbia, Mo., the Breaktime at 2241 Pioneer St. in Boonville, Mo., and the Casey’s at 807 S. Broadway in Oak Grove, Mo. Collins also pleaded guilty to the Jan. 8, 2023, armed robberies of Casey’s at 5869 N. Main in Joplin, Mo., and Lamarti’s Truck Stop at 71 US 160 in Lamar, Mo. Collins also admitted that he was in possession of a loaded Taurus 9mm luger pistol with an extended magazine. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Collins has felony convictions for burglary, robbery and resisting arrest. On Jan. 9, 2023, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper pulled over a black Honda Accord being driven by Collins. Collins initially pulled over but then fled when the trooper began walking up to his vehicle. The trooper pursued Collins and the chase reached speeds up to 120 miles per hour. Collins lost control of his vehicle, crashed, then fled on foot. The trooper continued to pursue Collins on foot and eventually found him hiding behind some bushes. After Collins was arrested, officers found the Taurus pistol on the front passenger seat of the Honda he had been driving. Under federal statutes, Collins is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan A. Baker. It was investigated by the FBI, the Columbia, Mo., Police Department, the Boonville, Mo., Police Department, the Oak Grove, Mo., Police Department, the Jasper County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Barton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possession of a Firearm During Altercation with Bar Employees

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TRAVIS JORDAN (“JORDAN”) , age 39, a resident of Orleans Parish, was sentenced on January 17, 2025 for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). Specifically, JORDAN was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment, followed by a three-year term of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. According to court documents, on February 18, 2024, JORDAN was denied entry into the Saint Bar in Orleans Parish due to his intoxication. In response, JORDAN instigated an altercation with an employee and a firearm fell from his waistband. As JORDAN reached for the firearm, other employees, who witnessed the altercation, seized and secured the firearm. They then restrained JORDAN until the police arrived. This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. The case was prosecuted by AssistantUnited States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crime Unit .


title: Pittsburgh Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of Firearm and Ammunition

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Kenneth Gaines, 34, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on February 15, 2024, Gaines was found in possession of a stolen firearm and firearm magazine. Gaines previously had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, and was on federal supervised release at the time of this offense. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Ball and Kelly M. Locher are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gaines.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Sentencing of Former New Mexico State Police Officer for Possession of Child Pornography

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Carlsbad man was sentenced to 85 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, between December 30, 2023, and March 25, 2024, Sammy Clouthier , 45, knowingly possessed child pornography involving a prepubescent minor. At the time, Clouthier was a sergeant with the New Mexico State Police. Clouthier was also ordered to pay over $52,000 in restitution to the victims. Upon his release from prison, Clouthier will be subject to five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. This case was investigated by the Albuquerque Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force of the Federal Bureau Investigation and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Matilda McCarthy Villalobos is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN. # # #


title: United States Attorney Appointed for District of Massachusetts

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Belaire Foley was appointed as the United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts by Acting Attorney General James McHenry on Jan. 20, 2025. With more than two decades of experience as a federal prosecutor within the Department of Justice, Ms. Foley brings extensive experience in prosecuting complex federal crimes and leading significant Department operations. Ms. Foley was sworn in this afternoon by the U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton. “I can think of no greater mission than that of public service and it is the honor of a lifetime to now serve in the capacity of U.S. Attorney. I am profoundly humbled by the opportunity to serve our great nation as the chief federal law enforcement officer in Massachusetts,” said Ms. Foley. “I look forward to working with the outstanding men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to protect our communities and support the principles of the rule of law.” Ms. Foley has been a federal prosecutor for 23 years, first serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia and, most recently, the District of Massachusetts after joining the office in 2006 as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division. Prior to being appointed as U.S. Attorney, Ms. Foley served as Deputy Chief of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit where she supervised international and domestic narcotics investigations and international money laundering, immigration, human trafficking and firearms cases. She also served as the Lead Attorney for Boston’s Organized Crime & Drug Enforcement Task Force since 2013. As an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Columbia, Ms. Foley prosecuted violent crimes, sex crimes, felony narcotics and firearms cases. She also authored appellate briefs and argued before the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Prior to her tenure with the Department of Justice, Ms. Foley Served as Counsel to the United States Senate, Committee on the Judiciary from 1998-2002, where she advised Senator Orrin G. Hatch, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee on drug policy and other criminal law matters; negotiated policy issues with representatives of elected officials, federal agencies, public interest groups and private organizations; traveled to foreign countries to assess American law enforcement initiatives abroad; and liaised with foreign law enforcement and officials to combat international drug trafficking. Before she began her career in public service, Ms. Foley worked as an Associate at diGenova & Toensing in Washington D.C., representing clients in tax, antitrust, securities fraud and FEC violations cases. Ms. Foley received a Master of Laws (LLM) from Georgetown University Law Center in 1996 after receiving her Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she studied, English, Philosophy and French.


title: New York Man Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison  For Distribution Of Fentanyl Resulting In Death And Serious Bodily Injury

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Eric Francis Butler, age 49, of Nassau County, New York, to 240 months’ imprisonment to be followed by four years of supervised release for the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and serious bodily injury. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Butler set up a hub for drug distribution in 2019 in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. During a two-week period of time in July into August 2019, Butler’s sale of fentanyl resulted in the death of two individuals in Monroe County, and the near death of another who survived only with the administration of Narcan. Butler was indicted by a grand jury in Scranton on January 11, 2022, and subsequently arrested in Nassau County, New York by federal law enforcement officers. Butler appeared in federal court in Scranton on November 7, 2023, and plead guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and serious bodily injury. The charges stem from a joint investigation involving the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Scranton, and the Pocono Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses. This case is also 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: Lebanon, Virginia Town Councilman, Sister, Automotive Companies Settle with Federal Government

body_text: ABINGDON, Va. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia announced today it has entered into a non-prosecution agreement with Michael Elijah Leonard, a member of the Town Council in Lebanon, Virginia and his sister Amber Musick. The pair have interests in several automotive groups and previously made money winning bids to do work for the Town of Lebanon. According to court documents, Michael Elijah Leonard serves on Town Council in Lebanon, Virginia and has done so since 2020. He also is a director and owner of Leonard Automotive. In or about December 2022, Leonard’s sister, Amber Musick, submitted bids for work with the Town of Lebanon under the name Appalachian Collision & Auto Parts, Inc. Appalachian Collision & Auto Parts, Inc. was solely owned by Musick and had no assets. Leonard Automotive provided all of the services for any contracts secured by Appalachian Collision. Leonard abstained from the Town Council votes on the bids submitted by Appalachian Collision & Auto Parts, Inc. However, he knew that the work was to be done by Leonard Automotive. The Town of Lebanon paid Appalachian Collision over $10,000 for the work done by Leonard’s company. In December of last year, the United States Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Virginia, Leonard Automotive, Appalachian Collision & Auto Parts, Inc., Michael Elijah Leonard, and Amber Musick agreed, among other things, that Appalachian Collision & Auto Parts, Inc. would disgorge the monies it received from the Town of Lebanon for work it billed but was actually performed by Leonard Automotive. The parties also agreed that Appalachian Collision & Auto Parts, Inc. should be dissolved and that the subjects would submit all bids made to public entities only in the name of Leonard Automotive. Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee and Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement today. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Macon is prosecuting the case.


title: Erik Siebert appointed Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Erik S. Siebert was sworn in today as the Interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA). As Interim United States Attorney, Mr. Siebert supervises the prosecution of all federal crimes and the litigation of all civil matters in EDVA in which the United States has an interest. He leads a staff of approximately 300 prosecutors, civil litigators, and support personnel across four divisions in Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News. The District serves over six million residents. Mr. Siebert began his service to EDVA in 2010 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, handling a variety of cases related to violent crime, international and domestic drug trafficking, illegal possession and trafficking of firearms, fraud, child sexual exploitation, illegal immigration, and public corruption offenses. Mr. Siebert also served as the Lead Task Force Attorney for the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) for EDVA. From 2019 to 2024, he served as the Deputy Criminal Supervisor for the Richmond Division of EDVA. Mr. Siebert has received numerous awards related to his prosecutions, including the 2018 OCDETF, Mid-Atlantic Region, Case of the Year Award; and the 2024 Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking AREA (HIDTA) Award for “Outstanding Community Impact Investigation.” Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Mr. Siebert served as a police officer with the Metropolitan Police Department, Washington, D.C., from 2002 to 2006. He served as a law clerk for Judge Henry E. Hudson on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2009 to 2010. Mr. Siebert received his J.D., with cum laude honors, from the University of Richmond Law School in 2009 and his B.A., with distinction, from the Virginia Military Institute in 2001.


title: Labelle Man Sentenced To 19 Years In Federal Prison For Methamphetamine Trafficking And Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – United States District Judge Sheri P. Chappell has sentenced Joshua Leon Tyree (39, Labelle) to 19 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Tyree entered a guilty plea on September 23, 2024. According to court documents, deputies from the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Tyree’s residence and located nearly one pound of methamphetamine for distribution, and 24 assorted rifles and handguns. Tyree told deputies that the items located in his residence belonged to him. This case was investigated by the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey. 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 out 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 first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Honduran National Sentenced In $14 Million Payroll Scheme To Defraud The IRS And Workers’ Compensation Insurance Company

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis today sentenced Jose Molina-Herrera (27, Honduras) to 27 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States for the purpose of impeding the lawful functions of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The court also ordered Molina-Herrera to forfeit $867,005, which are proceeds of the wire fraud offense. In addition, Molina-Herrera was ordered to pay $3,558,579.42 in restitution to the IRS. Molina-Herrera entered a guilty plea on November 1, 2024. According to court documents, between 2019 and 2020, Molina-Herrera conspired with others to facilitate the payment of construction workers “off the books” to avoid paying premiums for workers’ compensation insurance and payroll taxes. Construction contractors and subcontractors entered arrangements with the conspirators, through which All National Remodeling LLC – a shell company formed by Molina-Herrera – facilitated both the distribution of proof of insurance and the payment of workers with cash. In exchange for 6% to 8% of the contractors’ and subcontractors’ payroll, Molina-Herrera and others caused the distribution of certificates of liability insurance in the name of All National Remodeling, which contractors and subcontractors then used as nominal proof that workers were supposedly insured. In reality, All National Remodeling’s insurance policy was issued based on a fraudulent application that never disclosed that contractors and subcontractors would be employing workers who were ostensibly insured under the shell company’s barebones insurance policy. As a result of contractors and subcontractors using All National Remodeling’s proof of insurance, but never paying any insurance premiums, the insurance company was defrauded more than $2.2 million. Molina-Herrera and others also facilitated the deposit of checks into the shell company’s bank accounts, as well as the withdrawal of cash to be paid to workers – all without withholding, or paying over, payroll taxes to the IRS. Through these arrangements with the conspirators, the construction contractors and subcontractors could disclaim responsibility for withholding and paying payroll taxes to the IRS or ensuring that the workers were legally authorized to work in the United States. By facilitating payments to workers of over $14 million without payroll taxes being withheld, Molina-Herrera and his co-conspirators caused the U.S. Treasury to lose more than $3.5 million in tax receipts. One of Molina-Herrera’s co-conspirators, Oscar Molina-Avila, was previously sentenced to 52 months’ imprisonment for his role in the scheme. “Using shell companies to pay workers under the table is not only illegal, it gives an unfair competitive advantage that businesses who do things the right way can’t match,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation’s Tampa Field Office. “We will continue to investigate these schemes to ensure compliance with the law and return competitive balance to the industry.” “Wire fraud and the facilitation of “off the books” payments not only undermine the integrity of our legal and economic systems but also supports unlawful employment activities.” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. “Homeland Security Investigations, alongside our partners at the Internal revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and the Florida Department of Financial Services – Bureau of Insurance Fraud, is committed to holding those who facilitate these complex fraud schemes accountable for their actions.” This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Florida Department of Financial Services – Bureau of Insurance Fraud. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.


title: Middlesex County Man Admits Defrauding South Koreans Through Bogus Sugar Investment Scheme

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey man today admitted defrauding victims in South Korea through a bogus investment scheme, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced. Mohammed Rahman, 64, of Iselin, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court to an Information charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Rahman controlled a company, Caltech Trading Corporation, through which he purported to buy and sell commodities. Rahman and other individuals in South Korea persuaded approximately 60 victims there to invest funds purportedly towards the purchase of $1 million of sugar from Brazil, which Caltech would then sell for a substantial profit. Rahman and his associates memorialized the investment terms in a fraudulent investment agreement that falsely promised the victim investors that they would receive a one hundred percent return on their investment. The victims relied on Rahman’s misrepresentations about how their funds would be used which, instead of being invested towards the purchase of sugar, were wired into Rahman’s bank account and used to pay his personal expenses, including his mortgage. Rahman also altered his bank account statement in an attempt to conceal the fact that he did not use the investors’ funds to purchase sugar. The wire fraud conspiracy charge to which Rahman pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for May 29, 2025. Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of the IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer Piovesan, and special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas in Newark, with the investigation. He also thanked the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Ecker of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark. 25-013 ### Defense counsel: Robert G. Stahl, Esq. rahman.information.pdf


title: Fort Myers Felon Pleads Guilty To Possessing Firearm

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced Stephon Jamal Dale (38, Fort Myers) to two years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Dale entered a guilty plea on June 11, 2024. According to court documents, on July 5, 2022, Dale sold a loaded Taurus revolver for $400. As a convicted felon, Dale is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan. 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 out 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 first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced For Felon in Possession of Firearm

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on January 16, 2025, U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe sentenced BRIAN WARD (“WARD”) , age 30, to 30 months imprisonment, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, on January 7, 2024, WARD was arrested by the New Orleans Police Department following a physical altercation between WARD and another man in the 300 block of Bourbon Street. During the altercation, WARD produced a firearm he possessed and shot at the man. After WARD’s arrest, his firearm, a Taurus Model PTl40 G2, .40 caliber pistol, was recovered near a van where WARD had hidden it. Additionally, law enforcement recovered a spent .40-caliber shell casing from the scene that matched the gun recovered. 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. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.


title: Cryptocurrency Financial Services Firm Agrees to Plead Guilty to Charges Related to Cryptocurrency “Wash Trading”

body_text: BOSTON – CLS Global FZC LLC, a financial services firm known in the cryptocurrency industry as a “market maker,” has agreed to resolve criminal charges relating to its fraudulent manipulation of cryptocurrency trading volume. As part of the criminal resolution, CLS Global will plead guilty to the charges in a September 2024 indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Boston, including one count of conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud and one count of wire fraud. If its plea is approved by the court, CLS Global will also pay a total of $428,059 to the government, representing both seized cryptocurrency and a fine and will be prohibited from participating in U.S. cryptocurrency markets. As alleged in the Indictment, CLS Global provided “market making” and other services for cryptocurrency companies through its public website and other promotional materials. CLS Global was a company registered in the United Arab Emirates that employed over 50 individuals, all located outside the United States, but offered services to related to cryptocurrencies available to investors inside the United States. The charges against CLS Global followed an undercover law enforcement operation targeting cryptocurrency “wash trading,” sham trading activity intended to attract investors. The investigation included the creation of NexFundAI, a purported cryptocurrency company that had a website ( https://nexfundai.com ) and an Ethereum-based token that traded on the Uniswap cryptocurrency exchange before being disabled by law enforcement. CLS Global has admitted that it agreed to provide market making services for the NexFundAI token that included “wash trading” to fraudulently attract investors to purchase the token. During several videoconferences between July and August 2024, a CLS Global employee explained that the company could “help with volume generation” so that NexFundAI could meet cryptocurrency exchange listing requirements and attract purchasers of the NexFundAI token. The employee explained that CLS Global used an algorithm that “basically does self-trades, buying and selling . . . from multiple wallets so it’s not visible” and so “it looks like organic buying and selling that is happening.” The employee further explained, “It’s very hard to track. . . . We’ve been doing that for many clients.” The employee also acknowledged, “I know that it’s wash trading and I know people might not be happy about it.” CLS Global’s employee provided a “Market Making proposal” which, in a section titled “Volume Support,” contained an illustration of the CLS Global “dashboard” that reflected “total volume,” “CLS volume,” and “external volume.” Traders employed by CLS Global subsequently bought and sold the NexFundAI token on the Uniswap cryptocurrency exchange using CLS Global’s trading wallets and provided reports on the trading activity created by the “volume generation algorithm.” As part of the criminal resolution, CLS Global will be prohibited from participating in cryptocurrency transactions on trading platforms available to investors located in the United States or providing services to cryptocurrency clients based in the United States, as set forth in the plea agreement. CLS Global has also committed to make annual certifications that its business practices conform to these prohibitions. The Securities & Exchange Commission brought a related civil enforcement action alleging violations of the securities laws and has entered into a separate resolution with CLS Global. Moneys seized from or paid by CLS Global will be credited in the SEC resolution, and vice versa. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Markham and David M. Holcomb of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Federal Indictment Charges Former Cannabis Executive and Three Friends With Insider Trading

body_text: CHICAGO — A former cannabis executive used insider information obtained from his employment to purchase shares of a rival cannabis company that was privately the target of an acquisition, according to an indictment returned in federal court in Chicago. The indictment accuses ANTHONY MARSICO of obtaining material, non-public information about his company’s agreement to purchase the rival company. Prior to the public announcement of the agreement, and while the two companies were privately negotiating the proposed acquisition, Marsico used the information to purchase more than 900,000 shares in the rival company’s stock, resulting in illegal profits of approximately $ 607,338, the indictment states. Marsico later sold all of the stock before it was publicly announced that the potential acquisition was canceled, the indictment states. While the proposed acquisition was still pending, Marsico tipped off a friend, ARTHUR PIZZELLO, about the potential acquisition. The information allowed Pizzello to also buy shares in the rival company, the indictment states. Pizzello, in turn, passed on Marsico’s information to two others, ROBERT QUATTROCCHI and TIMOTHY CAREY, allowing them to purchase the rival company’s stock as well, the indictment alleges. The four defendants were social friends and played golf together at a private country club, the indictment states. The indictment was returned Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. It charges Marsico, 39, of Bartlett, Ill., Pizzello, 61, of Wayne, Ill., Quattrocchi, 63, of Schaumburg, Ill., and Carey, 57, of Hanover Park, Ill., with conspiracy to commit securities fraud. Marsico is also charged with six individual counts of securities fraud. Arraignments in federal court in Chicago have not yet been scheduled. The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which filed a civil enforcement action against the four defendants, provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley Tucker and Jared Hasten represent the government. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 0001_-_0000_-_indictment_as_to_anthony_marsico_1_counts_1-6.pdf


title: USAO Prosecution Team Awarded for Excellence in Legal Performance

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently recognized the work of its employees and others for extraordinary contributions to the enforcement of the nation’s laws at the 72nd Annual Attorney General’s Awards held Jan. 15, 2025, in Washington D.C. The event was celebrated at the DOJ’s Constitution Hall and followed by a reception for more than 400 award recipients and their guests. The prosecution team from the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Ohio was among the award recipients for the successful outcome of the United States v. Aimenn Penny case. Team members Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian S. Deckert , Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew W. Shepherd , and Victim Witness Specialist Allison A. Kretz were honored with the John Marshall Award for “Excellence in Litigation,” one of the Department’s highest recognitions presented for contributions and excellence in specialized areas of legal performance. The team was honored for its exceptional service in the prosecution of Penny for the 2023 firebombing of the Community Church of Chesterland, in Chesterland, Ohio. According to one of the nominators, the team’s exemplary cooperation and dedication allowed for the rapid identification and arrest of Penny, with the prosecution resulting in Penny receiving an 18-year prison sentence. The investigative agents on the case from the FBI Cleveland Division, were also recognized at the ceremony.


title: Hartford, Connecticut Man Charged with Violations of the Controlled Substances Act

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on January 16, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Christopher Stephens, 38, of Hartford, Connecticut with distribution of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Stephens entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on January 16, 2025 before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. On January 17, 2025, Judge Doyle ordered that Stephens be detained during the pendency of this matter. According to court records, on three occasions between June 11, 2024 and July 23, 2024, Stephens sold fentanyl to an individual who was working on behalf of law enforcement. Those drug sales occurred in Burlington, Vermont. On June 23, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a hotel where Stephens was staying in Shelburne, Vermont. Inside of that hotel, law enforcement found fentanyl packaged for street level distribution. Stephens was arrested on January 16, 2025, inside of a residence in Burlington, Vermont. From the room where law enforcement found Stephens, law enforcement also recovered a Walther .380 caliber firearm with a loaded magazine. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Stephens is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Stephens faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on each count if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Burlington Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Vermont State Police. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Stendig. Stephens is represented by Barclay Johnson, Esq. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Wareham Woman Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl Resulting in Death

body_text: BOSTON – A Wareham resident was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for selling fentanyl to a 42-year-old man who died of an overdose. Kayla Nightingale, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 52 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $7,868 in restitution to the family of the victim for funeral expenses. In August 2024, Nightingale pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. In October 2020 , Nightingale and her co-conspirator, Troy Jones, were indicted by a federal grand jury. Jones and Nightingale worked together from January 2019 through at least April 3, 2019 to distribute fentanyl in Wareham, including to a 42-year-old Wareham resident. On April 2, 2019, that resident died of a fentanyl overdose. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Wareham Police Chief Walter Correia; and the Barnstable Police Chief Jean Challies made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Dolan and J. Mackenzie Duane of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.