title: Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 90 Months of Incarceration for Trafficking Three Firearms and Unlawfully Possessing a Fourth

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Aaron Douglas, 31, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Mark A. Kearney to 90 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally distributing three firearms and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Between January 12, 2023, and April 10, 2023, Douglas illegally obtained and sold three semi-automatic handguns in Philadelphia, trafficking a 9mm Smith & Wesson Model SW9VE firearm, a 9mm Beretta Model APX firearm, and a 9mm Glock Model 47 firearm. The FBI subsequently executed a search warrant at the defendant’s North Philadelphia residence and discovered that he unlawfully possessed a fourth firearm – a .45 caliber Glock Model 30 semi-automatic pistol – that he wasn’t permitted to have due to his previous conviction in 2015 for illegally possessing a firearm. “Every illegal gun taken off the street is a small victory in our fight against violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Aaron Douglas, and others who illicitly traffic firearms, have no regard for the damage they’re doing to our communities. My office and our partners will continue to target the illegal gun trade in our investigations and prosecutions, reducing gun violence and hopefully saving lives in the process.” “Today’s sentencing is one more step toward keeping illegally bought and resold weapons off the streets,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “This case illustrates our enduring commitment to making our neighborhoods safer for the communities we serve.” “This case is another example of our cooperation with our law enforcement partners to keep guns out of the hands of felons and dangerous criminals,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. “Gun trafficking puts our communities at risk. It is also a federal offense that can land you in prison for years.” This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Miller.


title: Justice Department to Monitor Polls in Pennsylvania for Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced that it is monitoring today’s election in Berks, Luzerne and Philadelphia Counties, Pennsylvania, to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws. The Civil Rights Division enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The division regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the division also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order. The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Act and Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting . Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section . Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931. # # #


title: Final Franklin Enterprise member sentenced following murder plot

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

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Franklin area man was sentenced today to 22 years and nine months in prison for conspiracy to commit murder and other crimes. Malik Trevonte Newsome, aka “Red,” “Redd,” and “Hitman Red,” 31, of Ivor, Virginia, was the final defendant sentenced for his role in a violent spree committed by members and associates of a Blood-affiliated criminal Enterprise that operated in and around Franklin, Virginia. Newsome; Ronald Damone Jenkins, Jr., aka “G,” 42, of Franklin; Japree Lortez Brooks, aka “Choppa,” and “Primo,” 40, of Murfreesboro, North Carolina; Montrail Je’Quan Manley, aka “Yay,” 28, of Portsmouth; and Deon Dominick Sykes, aka “Animal,” 35, of Franklin, participated in three shootings between late 2017 and early 2019. When a high-ranking member of the Enterprise was murdered by a rival Crip-affiliated gang, the group hunted down and shot members and associates of the Crip gang. One of the victims was shot in the hand and leg, two other victims sustained gunshots to their torsos, leaving each with colostomy bags and other permanent injuries. A federal jury convicted Newsome, Jenkins, and Brooks on December 11, 2023. Newsome was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering and witness tampering and obstruction of an official proceeding. Jenkins was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On April 16, 2024, Jenkins was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Brooks was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, carrying and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and witness tampering and obstruction of an official proceeding. On April 18, 2024, Brooks was sentenced to 35 years in prison, plus an additional year for a violation of conditions of supervised release in a separate matter. Manley pleaded guilty on June 6, 2023, to conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On January 4, 2024, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Sykes pleaded guilty on July 27, 2023, to conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering. On January 4, 2024, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations; Steve Patterson, Chief of Franklin Police; and Josh Wyche Sr., Southampton County Sheriff, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Jamar K. Walker. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Taylor for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Christopher Taylor of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . 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. 2:22-cr-101.


title: Boston Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Offense Involving 24 Kilograms of Cocaine

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today for attempting to receive 24 kilograms of cocaine intended for distribution. Eddy Javier Guerrero, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to five years in prison followed by four years of supervised release. In January 2023, Guerrero pleaded guilty to one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. In June 2022 in El Paso, Texas, a confidential source received 23.9 kilograms of cocaine from a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) based in Mexico. A member of the Mexican DTO subsequently instructed the confidential source to transport the cocaine to Massachusetts. However, the drugs were intercepted by law enforcement and replaced with “sham” cocaine for the delivery to the Massachusetts recipient – later identified as Guerrero. On July 1, 2022, in Boston, Guerrero arrived to receive the cocaine delivery, for which he provided an envelope containing $15,100 in exchange. He was immediately taken into custody. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Lawton Pair Plead Guilty to Murder and Accessory to Murder after Woman's Body is Found in Wildlife Refuge

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, TEVIN TERRELL SEMIEN , 29, of Lawton, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On October 17, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a four-count Indictment against Semien and co-defendant Nicole Leigh Logsdon , 24, also of Lawton. The Indictment charged Semien with one count of first-degree premeditated murder, one alternative count of second-degree murder, and one count of illegally possessing a firearm after a previous felony conviction. Logsdon was separately charged with accessory after the fact to murder. According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint against Semien, on May 17, 2023, Karon “Dinkers” Conneywerdy Smith, 68, was found dead in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Investigators searched Smith’s home, which was within Indian Country, and observed blood consistent with a violent struggle. Smith’s vehicle was missing as well. On May 21, 2023, Texas law enforcement observed Smith’s vehicle driving south of Dallas, Texas. Officers attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the vehicle fled at a high speed and eventually crashed into a lake. The two occupants of the vehicle, later identified as Semien and Logsdon, attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended. Yesterday, Semien pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. As part of his plea, Semien admitted to deliberately and intentionally killing Smith. On January 10, 2024, Logsdon pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to murder and admitted to helping Semien in his attempt to avoid arrest and prosecution. At sentencing, Semien faces up to life in federal prison and Logsdon faces up to 15 years in federal prison. This case is in federal court because Smith and Logsdon are enrolled members of the Comanche Nation and the murder occurred within Indian Country. This case is a result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City, Dallas, and New Orleans field offices; the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the Comanche Nation Police Department; the Comanche County Sheriff’s Office; the Lawton Police Department; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Rice, Texas Police Department; and the Navarro County, Texas Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark R. Stoneman is prosecuting this case. The case furthers the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons efforts to address violence against Native American individuals. More information about this initiative is at https://www.justice.gov/tribal/mmip . Reference is made to public filings for more information.


title: EDVA Announces Availability of Half a Million Dollars in Grant Funding for Project Safe Neighborhood Initiatives

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), announced today the availability of over $500,000 in grant funding for Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) initiatives. "Addressing violence requires an all-hands effort," said U.S. Attorney Aber. "Communities that work closely together are more successful in driving down violent crime rates. Prevention, intervention, and enforcement go hand in hand to tackle the root causes of violent crime. PSN grant funding is an important resource in a strategy that assists communities and neighborhoods to work together." Since 2022, local organizations in EDVA have received over $750,000 in PSN grant funding. The last two years of PSN recipients include the following: Project Safe Alive and Free (SAF) supports a Group Violence Intervention effort in Hopewell and the surrounding Tri-Cities area that pairs community violence intervention methods and intense life coaching with a trauma-based violence intervention program. This program also works collaboratively with Assistant United States Attorneys from EDVA’s Richmond Division. Parents Against Bullying Virginia (PABVA) facilitates anti-bullying programs in the Newport News public school system including “Girl & Gent Talk” group sessions with at-risk youth and the STAR Bright Kidz Puppet program. The City of Richmond RVA League for Safer Streets, focuses on prevention and intervention for young individuals who may be susceptible to or involved in gangs by facilitating a Midnight Basketball League where youth are engaged in workshops on topics such as conflict resolution. Ballistic IQ technology for the police departments of the cities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Hampton. A three-year research grant on the impact of effectiveness of Group Violence Intervention by the George Mason Center for Evidence Based Policy. Real Life Group Violence Intervention and services for individuals making re-entry into the community from correctional facilities. EDVA’s PSN violence reduction strategy, which is supported by these initiatives, sets the following goals to reduce violent crime: Engage, collaborate, and invite community stakeholders to share responsibility in efforts to reduce violent crime. The Group Violence Intervention (GVI) strategy is an example of this. Build trust between law enforcement and the community through effective communication, regular interaction, and the support and protection of crime victims. Reduce accessibility and possession of handguns among minors. Reduce re-offending and break the cycle of re-victimization. Disrupt and dismantle the region’s most organized and violent gangs. Identify chronic violent offenders responsible for a disproportionate level of violent crime. Work with citizens in neighborhoods most impacted by violent crime on harm reduction strategies. The U.S. Attorney and the PSN Grant Committee encourage organizations and local and state agencies whose programs support our PSN goals within the district to apply for the remaining grant assistance by visiting the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) website at https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/grants/programs/fy-2024-project-safe-neighborhoods-grant-program-eastern . Applications must be submitted in the DCJS Online Grants Management System (OGMS) no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 29, 2024. PSN is 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. The PSN Grant Committee is currently prioritizing three regions impacted most by violent crime - Richmond, Newport News, and Norfolk - but will evaluate grant applications from across the Eastern District. Applicants submitting a grant may apply for funds between $25,000 and $200,000. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.


title: York County Man Charged With Child Pornography Offenses

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eliezer Almanzar, age 34, of York County, Pennsylvania, was indicted on April 17, 2024, by a federal grand jury with child pornography offenses. According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Almanzar is charged with two counts of sexually exploiting a child to produce child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Penn Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood , a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . The maximum penalty upon conviction for the charged offenses is 160 years imprisonment, a lifetime term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, a statutory assessment, and a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Deepwater Man Sentenced for $500,000 CARES Act Fraud

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Deepwater, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for fraudulently obtaining more than $500,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Brian Ruth, Sr., 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to nine years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Ruth to pay a $15,000 fine, to pay $522,765 in restitution to the Small Business Administration, and to forfeit to the government $336,000. Ruth was taken into custody immediately following the hearing to begin serving his prison term. On May 5, 2021, Ruth pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering. Ruth admitted that he applied online in May and June 2020, and received three PPP loans totaling $522,765 for three separate business entities. Each of the loan applications contained materially false statements and included fraudulent supporting documents. Ruth, who was convicted in 2018 of filing false or fraudulent tax returns, falsely claimed on his PPP loan documents that he had not been convicted of a fraud offense within the last five years of applying for these loans. Ruth falsely claimed his three businesses were operational and employed numerous individuals in February 2020, when in reality, the businesses had not been open or operational and did not employ anyone. Ruth also admitted that he directed the fraudulently obtained PPP loan proceeds to be wired to his bank accounts. According to court documents, at least five bank accounts under Ruth’s name were seized in an effort to recover some of the monies he had fraudulently stolen. When Ruth’s bank accounts were seized by law enforcement, they contained less than $6 in all of the five accounts collectively. Ruth spent all of the money he stole within about five months to fund his luxurious lifestyle. Ruth used the proceeds of his fraud to gamble, purchase real estate, and purchase a 2016 Cadillac, a 2020 Dodge Charger, and a 2017 Dodge Challenger. Ruth traded the Cadillac and the Charger (along with $27,415) to purchase the Challenger. According to court documents, Ruth has prior convictions for 10 felonies and 11 misdemeanors that include stealing, passing bad checks, theft, identity theft, violating protection orders, filing false tax returns, and immoral conduct with a minor. He has been arrested and/or charged with an additional 23 felony and 26 misdemeanor offenses throughout his life, including passing bad checks, trespassing, identity theft, fraudulent use of a credit card, burglary, and possessing a dangerous weapon. Ruth has not gone a single year in his life in which he has not been arrested and/or convicted for some type of fraud or other criminal offense. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.


title: Brooke County Man Admits to Child Pornography Charge

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Harry Fred Wells, age 53, of Follansbee, West Virginia, has admitted to possession of child pornography. According to court documents and statements made in court, Wells was under investigation for inappropriate contact with a minor through social media. Officers searched his home and his phone, finding child pornography. Wells is facing up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Department of Homeland Security investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided. ###


title: Florida Man Sentenced for Laundering Proceeds of Nigerian Romance Scams and Business Email Compromises

component: Civil Division

body_text: A Florida man was sentenced today in federal court to 48 months in prison for his role in laundering the proceeds of scams against American consumers and businesses to co-conspirators located in Nigeria. According to court documents, Niselio Barros Garcia Jr., 50, of Winter Garden, was part of a network of individuals who laundered proceeds of fraud from romance scams, business email compromises and other fraud schemes. Garcia supplied bank accounts to his co-conspirators for the purpose of receiving proceeds from the scams. After he received the proceeds, Garcia used a cryptocurrency exchange to conceal and transfer the funds in Bitcoin to co-conspirators in Nigeria. Business email compromises involve criminals hacking or spoofing business email accounts to initiate fraudulent money transfers. Romance scams involve fraudsters creating fake online personas to gain the trust and affection of victims, leading to financial exploitation. These schemes not only cause significant financial losses, but also deeply impact the lives of victims. Garcia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering in the Southern District of Florida in January. According to Garcia’s plea agreement, Garcia personally laundered over $2.3 million of criminal proceeds. As part of his sentence, Garcia was ordered to forfeit $464,923.91 in proceeds that he personally received from the offense. Four additional defendants have been charged in this scheme but remain at large. “This case demonstrates the department’s continued commitment to prosecuting transnational fraud and those who knowingly facilitate it,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “By facilitating the concealment of illicit profits, third-party money launderers enable large-scale transnational fraud schemes. This case underscores the department’s commitment to protecting consumers and disrupting the infrastructure that makes these crimes lucrative.” The FBI Buffalo Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Lauren M. Elfner and Matthew Robinson of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage at www.justice.gov/elderjustice. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.


title: York County Man Indicted On Firearms Charges

body_text: HARRISBURG– The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Isiah Smith, age 59, of York, Pennsylvania, was indicted on April 3, 2024, by a federal grand jury for firearms offenses. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that, on or about December 7, 2022, Smith possessed an unregistered firearm, without a serial number, and transferred the firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act. Additionally, Smith allegedly possessed ammunition when he was prohibited by law from doing so. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the York County Drug Task Force, and the York County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty under federal law for the indicted offenses is a combined 45 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Tulsa Man Sentenced for Meth Conspiracy, Illegal Firearm

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Tulsa, Oklahoma, man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine in southwest Missouri after law enforcement officers seized approximately 29 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately $57,000, and several firearms. Jeffrey L. Hughley, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 10 years in federal prison without parole. On Nov. 6, 2023, Hughley pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Hughley admitted that he was a courier during the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Barry, Stone, Polk, Lawrence, Greene, Jasper, Newton, and Christian Counties from Nov. 1, 2020, to April 28, 2022. Hughley delivered more than 4.5 kilograms of pure methamphetamine to co-defendant Brian E. Hall, 46, of Aurora, Mo. Hughley was arrested on April 28, 2022, when he drove to Hall’s residence. Law enforcement officers searched his black Toyota Camry and found 10 garbage bags in the trunk that contained a total of 22 pounds of pure methamphetamine. Officers also found a loaded Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol in the floorboard of the front passenger seat. Hughley was arrested after law enforcement officers had executed a search warrant at Hall’s residence as part of an ongoing methamphetamine investigation. Officers seized seven pounds of methamphetamine from Hall’s residence, as well as a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol, approximately $57,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia used for the packaging and sale of methamphetamine. A co-conspirator told investigators that Hughley had delivered large quantities of methamphetamine to Hall’s residence on at least four occasions. Each time he dropped off methamphetamine, he also picked up cash from Hall to return to an individual in Oklahoma. The co-conspirator told investigators that Hughley was supposed to pick up $57,000 from Hall on the night of his arrest. According to court documents, Hughley made multiple trips to multiple states to distribute methamphetamine for which he was paid thousands of dollars. In April 2022, Hughley purchased a drone for $5,730 for a leader of the drug-trafficking organization. Hughley and a co-conspirator discussed using the drone to smuggle contraband into a prison facility. Hughley operated a business, God’s Gifted Athletes, where he provided strength training to young athletes in his community. The government’s sentencing memorandum noted the devastating impact of methamphetamine use on youth and families. According to the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare, children whose parents use methamphetamine have an increased risk of exposure to parental violence, placement into foster care, and living in environments that do not have adequate resources to meet their basic needs. The amount of methamphetamine Hughley trafficked to Barry County in only four trips (while in possession of a firearm) was enough to supply four doses (0.25 grams per dose) of methamphetamine to every man, woman, and child in the community. Hughley is the second defendant sentenced in this federal indictment, in which 20 defendants have been charged. Hall pleaded guilty on March 22, 2023, and awaits sentencing. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, the Barry County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Stone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, COMET (the Combined Ozark Multi-Jurisdictional Enforcement Team), the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Ottawa County, Ok., Sheriff’s Department, the Bolivar, Mo., Police Department, the Cassville, Mo., Police Department, the Kimberling City, Mo., Police Department, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: West Palm Beach Sex Offender Convicted by Jury for  Failure to Properly Register

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On April 22, 2024, after a six-day trial, a federal jury convicted Ramon Fuertes, a/k/a “Raymond Cortez,” of West Palm Beach, Florida of four counts of failure of a sex offender to properly register, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2250(a). According to evidence introduced during the trial in West Palm Beach, Fuertes had been convicted in 2009 in federal court for sex trafficking of a minor and enticement of a minor. In 2018, upon completion of his federal prison sentence, Fuentes registered as a sex offender. In January and May 2023, Fuertes created and used two email addresses and a social networking account. Fuertes did not properly register these internet identifiers with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office as required by the Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Moreover, on June 2, 2023, Fuertes vacated his West Palm Beach residence and flew to Georgia to live without notifying the proper authorities in the Southern District of Florida that he was terminating his residence in that jurisdiction and commencing his residence in another jurisdiction. As the evidence at trial showed, while in Georgia, Fuertes did not properly register as a sex offender and by late July 2023, stopped communicating with law enforcement in Georgia and Florida about his whereabouts. An arrest warrant was issued for Fuertes shortly thereafter. He was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Fugitive Task Force on Oct. 24, 2023. A sentencing hearing is scheduled in this matter for July 18, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Melissa Damian. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and U.S. Marshal Gadyaces S. Serralta of the USMS made the announcement. USMS Miami investigated this matter, with assistance from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and Georgia Bureau of Investigations, as well as the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, and Gwinnett County Police Department, all in Georgia. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller is prosecuting the case. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 23-CR-80208. ###


title: Missouri Woman Admits Theft of Federal Retirement Benefits

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A Missouri woman on Tuesday admitted taking more than $75,000 in retirement benefits to which she was not entitled after the death of her mother-in-law. Ronda G. Oswalt, 58, of Marion County, near Hannibal, Missouri, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one felony count of theft of government money. As part of her guilty plea, Oswalt admitted that she failed to notify the U.S. Office of Personnel Management about the death of her mother-in-law in December 2018. After the death, federal retirement benefits continued to be automatically deposited into her mother-in-law’s credit union account. Oswalt admitted using that money to cover personal expenses, including by writing checks to herself and paying personal bills. In total, Oswalt took $75,734 in federal retirement benefits between December 2018 and November 2021 to which she was not entitled, her guilty plea says. Oswalt is scheduled to be sentenced July 25. The theft charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both prison and a fine. The Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Ladendorf is prosecuting the case.


title: Hazelwood Company Owner Admits Contract Fraud

body_text: ST. LOUIS – The owner of a steel company in Hazelwood, Missouri on Tuesday admitted committing fraud during a repair project for a Mississippi River lock and dam. Theodore J. “Ted” Stegeman, 60, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one felony count of wire fraud. In his plea agreement, Stegeman admitted that between October and December of 2019, he devised a scheme to defraud the contractor and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by falsely claiming that a part manufactured by his company passed safety tests. Stegeman is owner and CEO of Industrial Steel Fabrication LLC (ISF), which was a subcontractor on a project to repair Lock and Dam No. 25 on the Mississippi River near Winfield, in Lincoln County, Missouri. ISF was responsible for fabricating and welding cover plates, or flanges, for all 17 bridge spans. The flanges were supposed to undergo ultrasonic tests to identify any defects in the welded joints. The government believes that these flanges are critical, load-bearing components. If a span weld cracks, there is a possibility the bridge and dam could fail, leading to possible fatalities and major damage to a large crane weighing up to 220,000 pounds that traverses the dam. Stegeman’s position, according to the plea agreement, is that the flanges are not “fracture critical components.” In October 2019, Stegeman’s company delivered a flange for bridge span #10 that had failed an ultrasonic test. To conceal the failed test, Stegeman re-assigned ISF employees who knew about the failed test. He then altered the ultrasonic testing report to make it appear as if that flange had passed. ISF also supplied a flange for bridge span #12 that had not been tested and Stegeman told others to falsify a test to make it appear as if the part had passed. The contractor installed the flanges on bridge span #10 in October and November of 2019 and the upstream bottom flange on span #12 in December of 2019. Stegeman’s crime caused a total loss of $238,059, representing the cost of removing, testing and re-installing flanges. He has agreed to repay that money. Stegeman is scheduled to be sentenced September 12. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine. The Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Bateman is prosecuting the case.


title: Registered sex offender going to prison for 30 years for production of child pornography

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael Lanham, 35, of Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of production of child pornography with a prior sex offense, was sentenced to serve 360 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Higgins, who handled the case, stated that in December 2010, Lanham was convicted of Rape in the Third Degree, Victim Less than 17-Year-Old, Perpetrator 21 years or more, in New York State Court and is a registered sex offender. In September 2020, he took a sexually explicit photo of a minor victim on his cell phone. In October 2020, Lanham distributed the image of the minor victim in a private online message to an undercover law enforcement officer on the Kik application. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. # # # #


title: Readout of War Crimes Accountability Team Director and U.S. Special Prosecutor for the Crime of Aggression’s Visit to Ukraine

component: Criminal Division

body_text: The Justice Department’s War Crimes Accountability Team (WarCAT) Director Christian Levesque and U.S. Special Prosecutor for the Crime of Aggression Jessica Kim traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine, from April 15 to 17, to reaffirm the department’s commitment in advancing accountability for atrocity crimes and Russian aggression against Ukraine. WarCAT Director Levesque and Special Prosecutor Kim were joined by the department’s Resident Legal Advisor posted in Kyiv, Jared Kimball, WarCAT Attorney Advisor Roman Chaban, and the FBI Legal Attaché in Kyiv, Christopher Geiger. The trip continues the Justice Department’s extensive work supporting Ukraine, building on Attorney General Garland’s June 2022 announcement in Lviv, Ukraine, launching WarCAT to centralize and strengthen the Justice Department’s war crimes accountability efforts, and the June 2023 appointment of a U.S. Special Prosecutor for the Crime of Aggression to work closely with the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA) based at Eurojust in The Hague. WarCAT Director Levesque, Ukraine Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin, Special Prosecutor Kim, and FBI Legal Attaché Geiger. While in Kyiv, the delegation met with key Ukrainian counterparts and their staff on operational matters, including Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin, Head of the International Legal Cooperation Department Zurab Adeishvili, and Head of the War Crimes Department Yuriy Belousov; the National Police of Ukraine’s Head of the Department of Investigation Maksym Tsutskeridze, Head of the Division for Documentation of Crimes Committed in the Context of Armed Conflict Oleksandr Shapovalov, Head of the International Police Cooperation Department Ivan Hulpa, and Head of the International Communication Division Olha Yevtushenko; members of the Ukrainian Interagency Working Group, including military advisors; and officials from the Security Service of Ukraine. With these partners, WarCAT Director Levesque and Special Prosecutor Kim discussed ongoing investigations, information-sharing, and technical cooperation, as well as the various legislative, procedural, and technical challenges associated with such investigations and potential solutions. U.S. delegation with officials of the National Police of Ukraine. The delegation visited the International Criminal Court’s Field Office in Kyiv and met with partners from the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group to increase partnership and coordination on the situation in Ukraine. They also met with U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink and Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Needham, and provided an overview of the Justice Department’s Ukraine accountability efforts to U.S. Embassy Kyiv personnel. On April 16, Special Prosecutor Kim, with ICPA Ukraine team members and military advisors, visited the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise of the Ministry of Justice (KFI), a leading forensic examination institution. The KFI visit provided the opportunity to view weapons debris from recovered ballistic missiles, air-guided missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles shot down by Ukrainian air defenses over Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, as well as to receive expert briefings on analyses of weapon components and technologies to further the ICPA’s efforts in securing evidence of Russian aggression. Special Prosecutor Kim, with ICPA Ukraine team members, receives analysis of weapons debris from recovered ballistic missiles at the KFI from Ukrainian forensic experts. On April 17, Resident Legal Advisor Kimball, Special Prosecutor Kim (who previously served as the department’s anti-corruption Resident Legal Advisor for Eastern Europe), and FBI Special Agent Kari Harrison, a skilled anti-corruption investigator, delivered a roundtable workshop for prosecutors and investigators from the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) and National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. The workshop focused on using racketeering and organized crime statutes to combat high-level public corruption. SAPO and NABU workshop participants engaged in a robust discussion on special investigative techniques, covert and overt investigative steps, legislative and procedural options and barriers, and shared challenges in penetrating and dismantling organized criminal groups. The workshop was part of a series of anti-corruption efforts led by Resident Legal Advisor Kimball, with support from the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement to ensure that the rule of law prevails in Ukraine. FBI Special Agent Harrison, Kyiv Resident Legal Advisor Kimball, and Special Prosecutor Kim deliver an anti-corruption roundtable workshop for SAPO and NABU prosecutors and investigators at U.S. Embassy Kyiv. During the trip, the group also visited several cultural and heritage sites in Kyiv – targets of Russian aggression – including Zoloti Vorota (Golden Gate), the main entrance into the ancient city of Kyiv; Independence Monument; and Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square), the central square of Kyiv, which was the site of the pro-independence protests in the 1990s, Orange Revolution in 2004, and Euromaidan Revolution in 2013 and 2014. Ukrainian flags and photos honor fallen Ukrainian servicemembers in Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square), with Independence Monument in the background. Throughout the visit, the delegation emphasized the department’s commitment in pursuing every avenue of accountability for Ukraine. Additionally, WarCAT Director Levesque and Special Prosecutor Kim further highlighted how the Justice Department, together with its international partners, will continue to hold accountable all those directly responsible or otherwise complicit in Russian aggression against Ukraine.


title: Justice Department Dedicates “Faces of Gun Violence” Exhibit at  ATF’s Inaugural Gun Violence Survivors’ Summit

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Director Steven M. Dettelbach of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) dedicated a new “Faces of Gun Violence” exhibit today at a ceremony hosted during ATF’s Inaugural Gun Violence Survivors’ Summit. The exhibit honors and memorializes those whose lives have been tragically lost to gun violence. “As we remember those we have lost to gun violence, the Justice Department promises that we will strive every single day to honor their lives in our work,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We promise that we will not rest until every family, every law enforcement agent, and every community is safe from the devastation of gun violence. As our dedicated ATF agents pass by the ‘Faces of Gun Violence’ exhibit every day, it will stand as a powerful monument to those they are fighting for.” “Today, survivors of gun violence, including those in law enforcement, came together to tell their stories and engage in important discussions about preventing gun violence, which continues to devastate families and communities across the country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “I thank the women and men of ATF for the work they do every day to keep our communities safe and for convening this Summit. And I’m especially grateful to today’s participants who have lost loved ones to gun violence and who honor their memories by fighting for a better, safer future.” “The ‘Faces of Gun Violence’ exhibit is a permanent reminder of what ATF comes to work to do every day — a reminder of why agents risk their lives and why everyone at ATF dedicates their careers to this mission: to honor the fallen and protect the living,” said ATF Director Dettelbach. “This exhibit both honors and tells the stories of the victims of firearms violence. And it reminds us to keep front and center the lives, the stories, and the courage of those who have been impacted by firearms violence.” The “Faces of Gun Violence” exhibit consists of a wall and digital kiosk. The wall consists of 118 photos of people who have been killed by gun violence in, among other incidents, mass casualty events, such as school shootings; community shootings; domestic violence shootings, and by suicide. The photographs on the wall will stay up for one year, until another 118 photographs take their place at next year's Gun Violence Survivors' Summit. Alongside the wall is the digital kiosk, which contains the same photographs with accompanying short biographies for each person. The kiosk will remain for the foreseeable future, and new photos and bios will be added after each year’s dedication on a rolling basis as they are submitted. The dedication was the final event of the day, concluding ATF’s Inaugural Gun Violence Survivors’ Summit, which brought together more than 200 survivors of gun violence, members of law enforcement, U.S. Attorneys, health care professionals, and victim advocates. The Summit included remarks by Deputy Attorney General Monaco and San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan, as well as a number of panel discussions that focused on experiences of survivors of gun violence, firearms and domestic violence, law enforcement as survivors, and the effects of secondary trauma. By sharing experiences, discussing the toll gun violence takes on lives, and learning about ATF’s mission and efforts to respond and prevent violent crime, the Summit increased understanding and transparency.


title: Twelve CJNG Cartel Members Sentenced for Drug Trafficking

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Twelve drug traffickers tied to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel have been sentenced to between four and a half and 40 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Francisco Javier Rodriguez Arreola, a top source of supply charged in the case, was sentenced Tuesday to 40 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Mr. Rodriguez Arreola, a 45-year-old Mexican citizen born in Michoacan, was arrested in 2021 in Del Rio, Texas while illegally reentering the United States from Mexico after having been previously deported. In plea papers, the defendant admitted that he helped coordinate the shipment of a load of 199.97 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine – with a street value of up to $9.9 million – from Mexico to Dallas concealed inside the diesel tank of a red semi-truck. During the course of the investigation, court-authorized wiretaps caught Mr. Rodriguez Arreola, who went by the street names “Taquito” and “Viejo” (“Old”), communicating with codefendants in code about the movement and sale of controlled substances. Courtroom testimony revealed that Mr. Rodriguez Arreola had previously served time in federal prison and that he was deported to Mexico in April of 2020. Less than a month after being deported, he was back in the drug trade when, in May of 2020, he and a codefendant discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic was slowing down the movement and sale of controlled substances. The defendant stated the pandemic was causing the price of methamphetamine to increase and he was heard saying he hoped the price of a kilogram of methamphetamine would go up, as it had once sold for $14,000. At Tuesday’s sentencing hearing, prosecutors introduced evidence that showed that Mr. Rodriguez Arreola coordinated multiple deliveries of methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States on behalf of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most violent and powerful drug cartels. During the hearing, Mr. Rodriguez Arreola was identified as a person who had access to the higher echelons of the CJNG because he associated with individuals who reported directly to the cartel’s leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, a.k.a. El Mencho . Agent testimony revealed that the defendant served the CJNG as a broker of methamphetamine and that he had significant ties to Plaza Bosses who had access to cartel leadership. Mr. Rodriguez-Arreola’s role included finding drivers and people who could transport and distribute methamphetamine, planning routes, confirming delivery, loss prevention, and finding locations to receive, store, and transfer methamphetamine shipments. Tuesday’s sentencing hearing further revealed the defendant had access to counterintelligence information provided by the CJNG because, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Rodriguez Arreola told a codefendant that they needed drivers that were United States residents to transport methamphetamine [loads], because no drivers with visas could make it through [the border crossings with their loads of methamphetamine]. Other defendants sentenced include: Ricardo Hernandez Zarate, sentenced to 480 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and 240 months in prison for money laundering (concurrent sentences) Pedro Hernandez Zarate, sentenced to 360 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance Uriel Marin Gaona, sentenced to 120 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance Benito Diaz Hernandez, sentenced to 210 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance Marcos Garcia Reyes, sentenced to 87 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled Heleodoro Rosales Ramirez, sentenced to 168 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance Rafael Diaz, sentenced to 60 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance Jose Alberto Plascencia Torres, sentenced to 292 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance Elmer Gardea Tello, sentenced to 55 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled (cocaine) Walter Daniel Chapa Marty, sentenced to 121 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance Salvador Antonio Martinez, sentenced to 151 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 650 kilograms of methamphetamine drugs, 17 guns, $220,922 in U.S. currency, and $12,200 in real and personal property. The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, with special assistance provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Gainesville Police Department, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the Dallas Police Department, the Fort Worth Police Department, the Williamson County, Texas Sheriff’s Department, the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Department in Tennessee, the FBI’s Knoxville Field Office (Tennessee Resident Agency Office), and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Strike Force 1. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Leal prosecuted the case. The case is an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) case. The OCDETF program was established in 1982 in order to attack and reduce the supply of illegal drugs entering the United States and to diminish violence and other criminal activity associated with the drug trade. The OCDETF program leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level drug traffickers and drug trafficking networks using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf .


title: Child Exploitation Investigation Leads to 50-Month Sentence for Defendant’s Drug Supplier

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Portland man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for conspiring to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Tyler Vangel (aka Tyler Linscott, Tyler Carter, Andrew Flanagan) , 30, to 50 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on October 31, 2023. According to court records, while investigating Sebastian Demers in early 2022 for suspected child exploitation, law enforcement learned that Demers was also selling drugs and that Vangel was Demers’ supplier. Investigators opened a separate inquiry into Vangel and learned that between January 2021 and June 2022, Vangel regularly obtained and transported large quantities of cocaine from a Lawrence, Massachusetts-based supplier to be distributed by himself and others, including Demers, to customers in Maine. Among the evidence seized during the investigation was Vangel’s phone, which revealed orders from lower-level distributors requesting a “basket” (3.5 grams) and “half key” (half kilogram) as well as Vangel responding about having a “brick” (kilogram). Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. ###


title: Defendant Convicted of Murder For Hire in Fatal Shooting Outside Karaoke Bar in Queens

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Today, a federal jury in Brooklyn returned a guilty verdict against Antony Abreu on both counts of an indictment charging him with murder-for-hire and murder-for-hire conspiracy in connection with the February 12, 2019 killing of 31-year-old Xin “Chris” Gu, outside of a karaoke bar in Queens. The verdict followed a two-week trial before United States District Judge Carol Bagley Amon. When sentenced, the defendant faces a mandatory term of life in prison. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the verdict. “With today’s conviction of Abreu, a cold-blooded triggerman who executed a young man in exchange for an expensive wristwatch, this Office has held all the conspirators responsible for this murder plot driven by greed and revenge,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “The victim was marked for death simply because he was pursuing the American dream by starting his own company. Chris Gu was celebrating his promising future and the Chinese New Year when his life was violently ended in the street without warning. His killers will spend the rest of their lives in prison.” “Antony Abreu appraised Xin “Chris” Gu to be worth that of an expensive watch, murdering him for such jewelry. After Gu decided to pursue his own business dream, his slighted employer bribed Abreu to carry out the final step in this twisted judge, jury, and executioner scheme. Today’s conviction of the final defendant in this cold-blooded conspiracy emphasizes the FBI’s commitment to restoring the balance of justice and reaffirming that no individual is permitted to put a price on another’s life,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith. “The tireless work of the detectives, agents, and prosecutors in this case helped hold to full account the men responsible for this murder,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “This is another example of our agencies’ collaborative commitment to public safety, and further proof that no one is beyond the reach of the law.” As proven at trial, Abreu was hired to murder Gu as part a revenge scheme orchestrated by Gu’s former boss, Allen Yu. Allen Yu’s business, Amaco, lost substantial business when Gu left to start his own property development company. Enraged at Gu’s perceived disloyalty, Allen Yu hired co-conspirators You You and Zhe Zhang to kill Gu in exchange for payment. Zhang in turn hired Abreu to carry out the murder. On the evening of February 11, 2019, and into the following pre-dawn hours, Gu’s new company hosted a celebration of the Lunar New Year at Lake Pavilion restaurant in Flushing. After dinner, Gu and a smaller group went to a karaoke bar, Grand Slam KTV in Flushing. When Gu left the bar and was getting into a cab, Abreu approached and shot Gu multiple times at close range, killing him. In exchange for committing the murder, Zhang gave Abreu a luxury Richard Mille wristwatch valued at over $100,000. In the days after the murder, in an effort to avoid detection, Abreu sold the car he used in the murder to a relative and sold a burner phone used to facilitate the murder. In the following months, Abreu repeatedly bragged about committing the murder to various associates and posted on social media about the wristwatch Zhang had given him. After his arrest, Abreu obtained a contraband phone in jail, which he used to attempt to intimidate and retaliate against government witnesses in the case and to make payments to potential defense witnesses. You You pleaded guilty to murder-for-hire conspiracy in June 2023 and is awaiting sentencing. Allen Yu and Zhang were convicted at trial in October 2023 and face mandatory life sentences when they are sentenced. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Devon Lash, Gabriel Park and Eric Silverberg are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Elizabeth Reed and Legal Assistant Thomas “Cole” Englert. The Defendants : ANTONY ABREU (also known as “Anthony”) Age: 36 Corona, Queens E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-208 (CBA)


title: Jamestown Resident Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Jamestown, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $7,000 on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Hank Thomas Fisher, 22. According to information presented to the Court, from March 2020 to August 2021, Fisher distributed images and videos depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Fisher also possessed thousands of images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Baxter noted the lifelong impact that these crimes will have on the young victims depicted in the child sexual abuse material. Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Fisher. 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 (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington and the Department of Justice’s Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) joins communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and celebrating victims’ rights, protections, and services. This year’s observance takes place April 21-27, 2024, and features the theme, “How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors.” The theme aims to ensure that everyone in a community knows where and how crime victims and survivors can find help — including friends, family members, colleagues, neighbors, service providers, or other trusted members of the community. In 1975, the first “Victims’ Rights Week” was organized in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by the then district attorney. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week” in 1981 to highlight the importance of prioritizing the rights and needs of crime victims. President Reagan also established the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the foundation for a national network to provide services and legal safeguards for crime victims. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington has a dedicated team of prosecutors and victim assistance professionals, who work together to ensure victims receive the services and support they need. Early intervention helps prevent further victimization and encourages victim involvement in the justice system, mitigating the cycle of violence and restoring hope for the future. Each year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington prosecutes numerous cases involving individuals who are victims of violent, financial, environmental, and other crimes. In 2023 and continuing into 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s office has filed more than 70 victim cases, which include more than 1,000 individual victims. In each case, victim assistance specialists from our office provide victims with essential services, including referrals to counseling, and help to secure temporary housing, as necessary. These advocates also assist with access to victim’s compensation funds and accompany victims to court proceedings to provide support and guidance. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also works tirelessly to recover restitution on behalf of victims. In 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington recovered more than $68 million on behalf of victims, much of which was recovered in connection with Cody Easterday’s “ghost cattle” scheme. In 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office already has recovered another $15 million in restitution on behalf of victims, bringing the total recovery in just the last year and a half to more than $84 million dollars. These restitution funds are provided directly to those who are victims of violent, financial, sexual exploitation and child abuse, as well as other crimes. “Honoring the voice of victims of crime is a critical part of securing justice. Providing victims information and a choice in how they participate in cases, is not only their right, but also a meaningful path to recovery from the trauma they have endured,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am also grateful for the dedicated service of our victim assistance specialists – Jolene Jones and Marissa Allen – who work tirelessly to ensure the rights of all victims in the Eastern District of Washington. Their important work helps promote healing and provides victims tools for their future, thereby strengthening Eastern Washington communities.” Representative examples of victim cases prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in 2023 and 2024, include the following: January 24, 2023 sentencing of Ronald Craig Ilg, who was convicted of attempting to hire a dark web hitmen to kidnap his then-estranged wife and harm a former work colleague. Ilg was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $20,000 in restitution. February 21, 2023 sentencing of Jordan Everett Stevens, who was convicted of murdering Alillia “Lala” Minthord and sentenced to life in prison. March 8, 2023 sentencing of Jonathan Scott Ard, for shooting a person and conspiring to distribute fentanyl in the Tri-Cities. Ard was sentenced to 12 years in prison. April 24, 2023 settlement agreement requiring Jason Dreyer, a former doctor, to pay more than $1 million to resolve allegations that he performed medically unnecessary neurosurgery procedures. May 18, 2023 sentencing of Karla Padilla for fraudulently obtaining more than $290,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. Padilla was sentenced to 15 months in prison and ordered to pay approximately $300,000 in restitution. June 14, 2023 sentencing of Felipe Tapia-Perez, who was convicted of firearm offenses related to the homicide of a four-year-old child. Tapia-Perez was sentenced to 14 years in prison. July 13, 2023 sentencing of Randy Coy James Holmes for shooting an undercover law enforcement officer. Holmes was sentenced to 20 years in prison. August 28, 2023 settlement agreement requiring Lincare Holdings to pay $29 million to resolve claims of overbilling Medicare for oxygen equipment. September 20, 2023 sentencing of Dylen Joseph Swan for 3-day crime spree involving a car chase, two shootings and an armed robbery. Swan was sentenced to 14 years in prison and was ordered to pay $21,515 in restitution. October 11, 2023 sentencing of Michael Gene Rice, who was convicted of producing and attempted production of child pornography. Rice was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison and ordered to pay $48,000 in restitution. December 12, 2023 sentencing of Christopher Bruce Gooch, who was convicted for an armed robbery at a Spokane Valley motel. Gooch was sentenced to 4 years in prison. January 24, 2024 arrest of 8 individuals in Moses Lake on drug trafficking charges and perpetration of violent crimes. February 22, 2024 sentencing of Ronald Walter Hannes for defrauding numerous Spokane victims of more than $3 million. Hannes was ordered to pay restitution to more than a dozen victims in the amount of $3.18 million. March 27, 2024 sentencing of Sundron Larsell Miller and Paula Eulojia Cantu-Lopez to decades in federal prison for violent carjacking and assault on the Yakama Nation. March 28, 2024 sentencing of Robert Wayne Hutton to 20 years in federal prison on child exploitation charges. Hutton was also ordered to pay $25,000 in restitution. April 15, 2024, a restitution hearing in U.S. v. Seth Randles was concluded. Randles was convicted of a violent sex trafficking offense and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Restitution was ordered in the amount of $304,212 April 17, 2024 indictment of 34 individuals involved in drug distribution, cockfighting, and witness/victim intimidation. U.S. Attorney Waldref added, “These representative cases demonstrate the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to protecting victims in Eastern Washington. My office will continue to identify and prosecute those who harm our citizens, and we will seek to hold accountable those who exploit vulnerable members of our community.” More information about OVC, as well as resources for victims of crime, can be found here. To commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, trees at the federal courthouses in Spokane, Richland and Yakima have been decorated with pink and purple ribbons. U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Washington U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Washington


title: West Plains Man Sentenced for Illegally Harvesting Trees in National Forest

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A West Plains, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally harvesting and stealing trees from Mark Twain National Forest. Justin Lee Massey, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to two years and six months in federal prison without parole. The court ordered the federal sentence to be served consecutively to the unrelated state criminal convictions for which Massey is currently incarcerated. The court also ordered Massey to pay $30,000 in restitution to the U.S. Forest Service and to forfeit to the government $30,000, which represents the proceeds of his theft. On July 19, 2023, Massey pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property. Massey admitted that he illegally cut down trees in Mark Twain National Forest, in the area of HC Road 5120 in Howell County, Mo., between Dec. 15, 2020, and Jan. 20, 2021. According to his plea agreement, Massey cut down at least 10 trees. The trees were removed from the area and taken to a local sawmill, where they were sold. Based on the value of the trees illegally harvested and stolen from Mark Twain National Forest and those trees damaged due to the illegal harvesting, the total restitution is $30,000. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service.


title: Former postal manager who stole drugs from the mail pleads guilty to drug and gun charges

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Ralph Minni, 54, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean C. Eldridge, who is handling the case, stated that on multiple occasions between May 2018, and May 2, 2022, Minni used his position as the Greece Post Office station manager to take parcels containing controlled substances, such as marijuana, out of the mail stream and into his private office, remove the contents, and then return the empty packages back into the mail stream. Minni then transported the controlled substances to his residence, where he would store and redistribute the narcotics to other individuals. On three occasions in March and April of 2022, Minni distributed quantities of cocaine to a coworker, who then proceeded to snort the cocaine off Minni’s office desk in his presence. On May 2, 2022, a search warrant was executed at Minni’s residence during which investigators recovered quantities of marijuana, approximately 700 grams of cocaine, approximately 40 firearms, and over 19,000 rounds of ammunition. Minni was arrested that same day after leaving the Greece Post Office. Officers recovered a quantity of marijuana from inside his vehicle, which he had removed from a mailed package and planned to take back to his residence for subsequent sale and distribution. The plea is a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Modafferi; and the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward. Additional assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller; the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei II. Sentencing is scheduled for August 13, 2024 at 9:15a.m. before Judge Siragusa. # # # #


title: Orange County felon sentenced for federal firearms violation

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

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – An Orange, Texas convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. Michael Octavius Hampton, 51, pleaded guilty on Oct. 4, 2023, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on April 23, 2024. According to information presented in court, on June 26, 2023, Hampton visited a pawn shop in Orange where he was known by the employees as he frequently pawned various items such as tools. Hampton requested to purchase a pistol, provided his state-issued identification and completed the required ATF Form 4473. On the form, Hampton indicated he had never been convicted of a felony, a requirement to purchase a firearm. Hampton then signed the form acknowledging the information he provided was true and correct. The pawn shop submitted the form through the National Criminal Background Check System, also known as NICS, and received a message indicating the transaction was neither approved nor denied and pending further background checks. As required by law, the pawn shop did not transfer the firearm to Hampton due to the delayed status and Hampton left the store. On July 3, 2023, Hampton came back to the pawn shop to pick up the firearm that he had purchased. The NICS check was still in delayed status, however since the pawn shop had waited the required three days without a denial, the firearm was transferred to Hampton. Hampton again re-certified that his answers on the ATF 4473 Form were correct – including that he had not been previously convicted of a felony – by signing the form a second time. Hampton then took possession of the firearm, which was captured on video by the pawn shop. Further investigation revealed Hampton was a convicted felon having been previously convicted of murder in Jefferson County in 1995 and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. Hampton was arrested by federal agents at his home on July 26, 2023, and the firearm was 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. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn. ###


title: Non-profit embezzler sent to prison for stealing over $280,000 from employer

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 49-year-old former administrative assistant for the Katy Area Economic Development Council (KAEDC) has been sentenced for wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Janet Leigh Medrano aka Janet Jackson pleaded guilty Dec. 12, 2023. U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison has now ordered Medrano to serve 27 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. Jackson was additionally ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $281,489.91. At the hearing, the court heard testimony from a KAEDC representative about how Medrano’s theft left the non-profit organization on the brink of bankruptcy. In handing down the sentence, Judge Ellison noted that this was not an appropriate case for leniency. Medrano attempted to excuse her conduct by claiming she had difficulty providing for her family. Judge Ellison dismissed the claim by stating he had heard from thousands of individuals with much more desperate financial situations. From 2014 to 2019, Medrano worked as an administrative assistant for KAEDC. Beginning in 2016 until her termination in 2019, Medrano stole from the organization using four different schemes. When KAEDC confronted Medrano, she attempted to hide her crime by providing altered bank statements to cover the ongoing theft. Further investigation revealed Medrano was not telling the truth and had stolen over $280,000 from KAEDC. Medrano was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Lu prosecuted the case.


title: Indictment Charges New Haven Man on Federal Supervised Release with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson, and West Haven Police Chief Joseph Perno announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging ELBERT LLORRENS, 31, of New Haven, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. As alleged in the indictment, on March 1, 2024, Llorrens possessed a loaded Smith & Wesson, model SD40 VE, .40 caliber pistol. In March 2017, Llorrens was convicted in Connecticut federal court of carjacking , and he was on federal supervised release when he possessed the firearm. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. If convicted of the charge in the indictment, Llorrens faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. Llorrens has been detained since his arrest on state charges since March 1, 2024. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, and the West Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.


title: Perry Man Sentenced to Serve 52 Years in Federal Prison After Forcing Woman to Drive to Texas Coast at Gunpoint

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: Defendant sexually assaulted victim in her home and car during day-long crime spree OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, ZACHARY CHARLES FOWLER , 24, of Perry, was sentenced to serve 624 months in federal prison for kidnapping, carjacking, and using a firearm in furtherance of those crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On September 6, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a three-count Indictment against Fowler, charging him with kidnapping, carjacking, and using and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. In May 2023, Fowler was tried by a federal jury and found guilty on all counts. At trial, the evidence showed that Fowler and the victim had previously been in a relationship. Following the end of that relationship, Fowler arrived at the victim’s home in the early morning of March 29, 2022. Fowler broke into the home of his victim, kicked in her bedroom door, wrestled control of a firearm owned by the victim, and sexually assaulted the victim at gunpoint. The jury also heard testimony that Fowler forced the victim to leave her home at gunpoint and drive him to Corpus Christi, Texas. Throughout the drive, Fowler sexually assaulted the victim again. After arriving in Corpus Christi, the victim was able to escape. Fowler was arrested later the same day by law enforcement in Texas. “The vile conduct of this defendant, and the trauma he forced upon his victim, are evidence of a clear and present danger in our community that necessitated swift and decisive punishment,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Troester. “While today’s steep penalty will not erase the damage done by Mr. Fowler, we hope it will serve as another step in the healing process for the victim and their family.” “Today’s sentence completes the judicial process for Mr. Fowler, who forced his victim into a frightening situation that tormented her both physically and emotionally,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. “While the trauma cannot be undone, we hope the victim and this community takes comfort in knowing a violent offender has been taken off our streets.” At the sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Fowler to serve 52 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Palk noted the “horrific and terrifying” nature of the case and described Fowler’s behavior as “horrendous and dehumanizing”. Judge Palk also noted Fowler’s lack of acceptance of responsibility for his actions. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, the Noble County Sheriff’s Office, the Corpus Christi Police Department, and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew P. Anderson and Jacquelyn M. Hutzell prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Ramsey Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Tax Crimes

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Ramsey man has been sentenced to six months in prison followed by one year of supervised release and restitution for operating a tax preparation business as cover for a tax fraud scheme, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, Lyle Nierenz, 70, ran tax preparation businesses—called Fast-R-Tax and Lyle’s Tax Service—out of his home in Ramsey, Minnesota. Nierenz prepared and filed numerous income tax returns falsely claiming that his clients had significant tax-deductible charitable contributions, unreimbursed employee expenses, or unreimbursed business expenses. taxNierenz did this without his clients’ knowledge or permission to fraudulently inflate their returns. He then diverted a portion of the inflated refunds to his personal bank accounts. To avoid detection, Nierenz repeatedly made it appear that his clients self-filed their fraudulent returns. He also provided many of his clients with a doctored copy of their tax returns that matched the refund the client actually received. Between tax years 2014 and 2018, Nierenz’s fraudulent return scheme resulted in a tax loss of approximately $336,000. Nierenz also repeatedly failed to declare on his own tax returns the income he generated by charging his clients for tax preparation. On July 28, 2021, Nierenz pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns and one count of making and subscribing a false tax return. He was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Donovan W. Frank. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigations and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan L. Sing and Joseph H. Thompson prosecuted the case.


title: Former New Mexico Sheriff’s Office Deputy Pleads Guilty to Violating Civil Rights of Arrestee and Obstruction of Justice

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A former sheriff’s deputy, Michael A. Martinez, 34, pleaded guilty today to violating the civil rights of a female arrestee by sexually assaulting her inside his patrol car and to obstructing justice by attempting to destroy his patrol car’s WatchGuard DVR system, which had recorded footage from his patrol car’s internal cameras of the sexual assault. “Police sexual violence targeting women in their custody are heinous crimes that have no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant weaponized his authority, exploited the power of his badge, handcuffed the victim and assaulted her in the backseat of his vehicle. We cannot and must not normalize police sexual violence and exploitation. We encourage survivors to find the courage to come forward and report these crimes to the FBI. The Justice Department stands ready to use our federal civil rights laws to seek justice and restitution for survivors of sexual misconduct by law enforcement officers and others who abuse their authority.” “Law enforcement officers serve the innocent and guilty alike” said U.S. Attorney Alexander M. M. Uballez for the District of New Mexico. “Being accused of a crime does not deprive you of the basic human right to dignity and respect. If you abuse your position of authority and betray the oath you swore to the public by sexually assaulting those in your charge, your badge will not shield you from justice.” “Civil rights violations, particularly when they involve a member of law enforcement, are of tremendous concern,” said Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “The entire law enforcement profession is tarnished when an officer betrays the oath to protect and serve. The FBI will vigorously investigate any officer or agent of the law who is breaking the rules that he or she is sworn to uphold or is violating the civil rights of others.” According to the plea agreement, at the time of the offense, Martinez worked as sheriff’s deputy for the Doña Ana Sheriff’s Office in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. On April 30, 2023, Martinez responded to a car accident and placed the victim under arrest for driving while intoxicated and careless driving. Martinez transported the victim to a medical center and, after the victim received medical clearance, he handcuffed her hands behind her back and put her back inside his patrol car, where he began sexually assaulting her. Afterward, he transported her to the Doña Ana Detention Center. Several hours later, Martinez attempted to physically destroy his patrol car’s WatchGuard DVR system, which is the patrol car’s internal video camera system that, among other things, records and stores footage from the patrol car’s backseat camera. Martinez, correctly, believed that the DVR system contained a video recording of him sexually assaulting the victim in the backseat of his patrol car and attempted to destroy and conceal that recording from any future investigation. A sentencing hearing will be set at a later date. Martinez faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and up to three years of supervised release. In addition, Martinez must pay restitution to the victim and, upon release, adhere to state and federal sex offender registration requirements. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office, Las Cruces Resident Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Doña Ana Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matilda Villalobos for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Superseding Indictment Charges Three Georgia Residents in Million-Dollar Romance Scam

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on April 17, 2024, a superseding indictment charged KENNETH G. AKPIEYI (“AKPIEYI”), age 43, of Marietta, Georgia, Emuobosan EMMANUELLA Hall (“HALL”) , age 43, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Eseoghene Nelly Keniye (“Keniye”) , age 27, also of Atlanta, with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341, 1343, and 1349; and conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1956(a)(1)(B)(i) and 1956(h). AKPIEYI was also charged in one count of mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341 and 2. According to the indictment, the defendants perpetrated a “romance scam,” in which they persuaded victims to send them money by representing themselves to be potential romantic partners for those victims. The defendants used bank accounts in the name of fictitious aliases and various companies in furtherance of the scheme. Investigators have determined that AKPIEYI , HALL , and KENIYE defrauded victims out of over $1 million. The penalties for mail fraud and for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud are up to 20 years in prison, up to a $250,000.00 fine or the greater of twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss, and up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment. The penalties for conspiracy to commit money laundering are up to 10 years in prison, up to a $500,000 fine or twice the value of the property involved in the transactions, and up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment. Each defendant also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count of the superseding indictment charged against them. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely an accusation and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the FBI New Orleans Field Office in investigating this matter. U.S. Attorney Evans extended his thanks to the FBI Atlanta Field Office and the Cobb County, GA, Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Doctor Charged with Unlawfully Distributing Controlled Substances and Health Care Fraud

body_text: A New Hampshire doctor made his initial appearance today in Burlington, Vermont, on charges related to his alleged involvement in conspiracies to illegally distribute controlled substances and to commit health care fraud. According to court documents, Adnan S. Khan, M.D., 48, of Grantham, orchestrated his alleged illegal prescribing and health care fraud conspiracies through New England Medicine and Counseling Associates (NEMCA), which operated a network of clinics located in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Through NEMCA, Khan allegedly distributed drugs to individuals outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. Khan allegedly required that patients pay cash in exchange for their prescriptions, despite many of his patients having insurance through Medicare and Vermont Medicaid. Khan allegedly prescribed the drugs knowing that at least some of his patients were abusing and diverting the drugs. In addition, Dr. Khan allegedly ordered medically unnecessary definitive urine drug testing while soliciting kickbacks and bribes from laboratories, knowing that federal health care programs would be billed for the medically unnecessary tests. Khan is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, 12 counts of illegal distribution of a controlled substance, one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and two counts of health care fraud. If convicted, Khan faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the illegal distribution counts and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each of the health care fraud counts. As a condition of Khan’s release pending trial, he is prohibited from writing prescriptions for controlled substances. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest for the District of Vermont; Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau and Diversion Program Manager Evangela Dortch of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New England Division; Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Boston Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli of the FBI Albany Field Office; and Attorney General Charity R. Clark of the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, on behalf of the office’s Medicaid Fraud & Residential Abuse Unit, made the announcement. DEA, HHS-OIG, the FBI, and the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Thomas D. Campbell and Danielle H. Sakowski of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Gilman for the District of Vermont are prosecuting the case. The Fraud Section partners with federal and state law enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country to prosecute medical professionals and others involved in the illegal prescription and distribution of opioids. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit . The Vermont Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit receives 75% of its funding from HHS-OIG under a grant award totaling $1,229,616 for federal fiscal year 2024. The remaining 25%, totaling $409,870 for federal fiscal year 2024, is funded by the State of Vermont. Anyone needing access to opioid treatment services can contact HHS-OIG’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24/7 National Helpline for referrals to treatment services at 1-800-662-4359. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.