title: Longtime Zapata resident indicted on multiple charges in fraud scheme

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 45-year-old resident of Zapata is now in custody for defrauding financial institutions as well as state and federal welfare programs, lying to federal authorities and using someone else’s identity, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Authorities arrested Mirza Lydia Rodriguez today. She is expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga March 27 at 9:30 a.m. A federal grand jury returned 13-count indictment March 21, which was unsealed upon her arrest. According to the charges, Rodriguez submitted fraudulent applications to the Laredo Housing Authority’s (LHA) Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP). The HCVP is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly and disabled to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Public housing agencies administer the housing choice vouchers who receive the finds from Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The LHA is the local agency responsible for the administration of the HCVP. When submitting applications to the LHA, Rodriguez allegedly omitted material information relevant to considering whether she qualified for housing assistance. The charges allege she submitted paperwork to LHA under the guise that someone else was the property owner and landlord of where she was living, when this was not true. She then submitted a direct deposit authorization using this same falsified information for the property’s landlord, but included banking information allegedly belonging to herself, according to the indictment. Falcon International Bank was responsible for maintaining LHA’s funds, according to the indictment. The bank would allegedly disburse housing and utility assistance payments, which are, under the HCVP, meant for the property’s landlord. However, the charges allege the funds were directly deposited into Rodriguez’s account. According to the indictment, Rodriguez allegedly received more than $30,000 over the course of five years. Rodriguez is also charged with three counts of wire fraud in connection with applications to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The TWC is the state agency tasked with administering Texas’ unemployment insurance program. Rodriguez allegedly represented herself as a tax preparer and would collect the personal identifying information for her clients when preparing returns. She would then tell people she could assist in obtaining unemployment benefits, according to the indictment. As part of the application process, Rodriguez allegedly used the personal information of others, but included a bank account associated with her. As a result of the scheme and in addition to the funds fraudulent acquired from HUD, Rodriguez allegedly obtained over $30,000 in unemployment benefits. Rodriguez is further charged with one count of aggravated identity theft in connection with one of the fraudulent applications to the TWC, three counts of defrauding HUD and five counts of lying to a federal agency. If convicted, Rodriguez faces up to 30 years for the bank fraud, 20 years for each count of wire fraud, up to two years for each count of HUD fraud and up to five years for each count of lying to authorities. She will also receive a mandatory two years for the identity theft, upon conviction, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. The FBI, Texas Department of Public Safety-Texas Rangers, Zapata County Sheriff’s Office and Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Texas Workforce Commission and the LHA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew is prosecuting the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Bridgeport Gang Member involved in 2019 Murder Sentenced to More Than 21 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: ZIARE DEDRICK, also known as “Zi” and “Hb Zi,” 21, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 255 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his participation in a violent Bridgeport street gang, including his involvement the murder of Ty’Quess Moore in December 2019. Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick. According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Dedrick was a member of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gangs, including the East End gang, the East Side gang, and the PT Barnum gang. O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, customers and others, sold narcotics, and stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut, often using the cars to commit crimes. They frequently used social media to promote and coordinate their criminal activities. In early December 2019, Dedrick and other O.N.E. members were involved in multiple shots-fired incidents in Bridgeport. In one incident, the mother of two East End gang members was shot outside of her Bridgeport home. After firing shots in the P.T. Barnum Housing Complex on December 8, 2019, Dedrick drove a stolen Lexus to Newfield Avenue in Bridgeport, considered the turf of the East End/East Side gang, where two other O.N.E. members in the car shot and killed Ty’Quess Moore, also known as “Breezo,” 18. Dedrick has been detained since December 10, 2019. On November 23, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy. This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Naugatuck Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck, Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis and Tara E. Levens. This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs. 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. Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: FORMER BAPTIST PARAMEDIC SENTENCED FOR TAMPERING WITH OPIOIDS

component: USAO - Mississippi, Northern

body_text: OXFORD, MS – An Oxford man was sentenced on Thursday, March 23, 2023, to three years supervised release and ordered to pay $30,405 in restitution for tampering with opioids while working as a paramedic with Baptist Ambulance. According to court documents, Richard Fox Bowen, 35, of Oxford, Mississippi, a former Baptist Ambulance employee, tampered with vials of Morphine and Fentanyl on or around October 2021, and at other times thereafter, while working his shift as a paramedic. The defendant injected himself with Fentanyl and Morphine from the vials and disguised his theft of the drugs by refilling the vials with saline solution. The defendant acted with reckless disregard by placing the tampered-with vials back into service, which put Baptist Ambulance patients in danger of bodily injury, and under the circumstances, manifested extreme indifference to this risk. “Our office is committed to protecting the health and safety our citizens,” said United States Attorney Clay Joyner. “Actions like the ones committed by the defendant place citizens in grave danger of harm and bodily injury and cannot be tolerated.” “Patients rely on the knowledge that they will receive FDA-approved medications to manage their conditions,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin Fielder, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Miami Field Office. “When health care professionals tamper with those needed medications, we will pursue and bring them to justice.” The FDA Office of Inspector General investigated the case, working with Priority Ambulance Diversion Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Levy prosecuted the case.


title: Tampa Man Pleads Guilty To Carrollwood Bank Robbery

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Timothy Paul Longworth (43, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to bank robbery. Longworth faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, at approximately 9 a.m. on July 8, 2022, Longworth entered a bank on Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, jumped over the teller’s counter, and demanded that the bank’s employees open their cash drawers. After obtaining approximately $4,000 from the bank, Longworth fled the scene and escaped in a van driven by an indicted co-conspirator, John Kennedy Braun. Braun is awaiting trial for his alleged role in the robbery. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan.


title: Raleigh County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Treyvon Pankey, 22, of Beckley, was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 17, 2022, Pankey sold approximately 27 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at a Beckley residence. Pankey admitted to the transaction and also admitted to selling approximately 44 grams of methamphetamine and an AR-15, .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle to a confidential informant at a Beckley residence on March 8, 2022. On June 8, 2022 law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Beckley residence where Pankey was staying. Officers found a quantity of fentanyl, a digital scale, and a Glock model 41, .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol. Pankey admitted to officers that he possessed the firearm and had been selling approximately 3.5 grams of methamphetamine daily from January 22, 2022, until his arrest on June 8, 2022. Pankey further admitted that he sold approximately 3.5 grams of cocaine base, also known as “crack,” daily for an unknown period of time. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Isabell and Alex Hamner prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-116. ###


title: Box Elder man admits to assault crime in strangling partner on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man on March 23 admitted to an assault charge for strangling a woman on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. Alex George Deserly, 43, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to an intimate partner. Deserly faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date was set for Aug. 17. Deserly was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that on June 25, 2022, medical personnel and law enforcement responded to the victim’s home for a report of a domestic assault. Deserly had left the home prior to the police arriving. The victim told law enforcement that she had confronted Deserly over messages she had seen and asked him how long he had been using methamphetamine. Deserly grabbed the victim, shoved her into a wall and strangled her. The victim tried to escape, but Deserly continued to assault and strangle her until he eventually stopped. The victim was treated for injuries. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica A. Betley and Kalah A. Paisley are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department. XXX


title: Mayor of Wildwood Admits Assisting in Preparation of Fraudulent Tax Returns

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – The mayor of Wildwood, New Jersey, today admitted that he aided and assisted in the preparation and presentation of false and fraudulent tax returns, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Peter J. Byron of Wildwood, 67, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Karen M. Williams in Camden federal court to an information charging him with two counts of willfully aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of fraudulent tax returns to the IRS for calendar years 2017 and 2018. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From January 2017 through December 2018, Byron served as a commissioner for the city of Wildwood, in charge of the Revenue and Finance departments. From June through August of 2017, Byron sent multiple emails to the managing partner of a law firm located in Gloucester County, seeking assistance in obtaining a job. Byron received a letter in October 2017 on the letterhead of the managing partner’s law firm which purported to set forth an employment offer to Byron from a company. According to the terms of the October 2017 letter, Byron was to receive an annual salary from the company for working as a salesman. From October 2017 through September 2018, Byron received $40,425 in payments from the company. He did not report this income on his tax returns for calendar years 2017 and 2018, resulting in a tax loss to the I.R.S. The tax charges each carry a maximum potential sentence of three years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross amount of any pecuniary gain that any persons derived from the offense, whichever is greater. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 2, 2023. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the FBI Atlantic City Public Corruption Task Force which includes the agencies the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, and New Jersey State Police, under the direction of FBI Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; and special agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy L. Tomlins, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Division in Newark. byron.information.pdf


title: Northampton County Man Sentenced To 151 Months In Prison For Cyberstalking

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 23, 2023, Anthony Elonis, age 39, formerly of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 151 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Edward G. Smith, in Easton, Pennsylvania, for cyberstalking. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Elonis was found guilty after a five-day jury trial in Easton in August 2022, of three counts of cyberstalking involving three separate victims, including a government employee in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Elonis’ former girlfriend, and Elonis’ ex-wife. Between 2018 and 2021, Elonis sent numerous threatening, harassing and intimidating emails directly to the governmental employee, and sent or posted numerous threatening, harassing and intimidating communications via Twitter, text message, voice mail or other form of electronic communication regarding the governmental employee, his former girlfriend, and his ex-wife. The matter was specially assigned to the United States Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Pennsylvania for prosecution. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Allentown Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. O’Hara and Geoffrey MacArthur prosecuted the case. ###


title: California Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Two Female Passengers on Flight to Boston

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A California man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to assaulting two women aboard a redeye flight from Los Angeles to Boston. Jairaj Singh Dhillon, 43, of Modesto, Cal., pleaded guilty on March 20, 2023 to two counts of assault while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Paul G. Levenson scheduled sentencing for June 14, 2023. Dhillon was charged in June 2022. During an overnight flight from Los Angeles to Boston on May 31, 2022, Dhillon engaged in unwanted sexual contact with two female passengers sitting next to him. The first victim reported that Dhillon, seated in the aisle seat next to her, touched her thigh and groin area while she was taking care of her infant child who was in a car seat in the window seat next to her. The first victim called for help and stated out loud, “this man just groped me.” The second victim, who was seated in the aisle seat opposite Dhillon, reported that Dhillon reached out with both hands and simultaneously grabbed her groin and buttocks when she was standing in the aisle. Flight crew intervened and moved Dhillon to another part of the plane for the duration of the flight. Dhillon was immediately taken into custody upon the flight’s arrival in Boston. The charge of assault while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States provides for a sentence of up to six months in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Indiana, PA Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Meth in Indiana County

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH - A resident of Indiana, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. James Emmanuel Emerson, age 51, pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about Feb. 15, 2022, and on or about March 3, 2022, in Indiana County, Mr. Emerson knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully possessed with the intent to distribute and distributed 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for June 7, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a sentence of no less than five years to no more than 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or bothat each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The FBI Southwest Pennsylvania Safe Streets Task Force, Indiana County Drug Task Force, and Federal Bureau of Investigation – Laurel Highlands Resident Agency conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mr. Emerson.


title: Hale County Man Pleads Guilty to $4 Million PPP Fraud

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: A Plainview man admitted to defrauding pandemic-era financial programs out nearly $4 million, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Andrew Travis Johnson, 58, was charged earlier this month and pleaded guilty Friday to three counts of bank fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity. According to plea papers, Mr. Johnson admitted the he fraudulently applied for an obtained 27 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans totaling almost $4 million. He admitted he applied for loans on behalf of three entities: an actual business that provided contract speech and occupational therapy services, an actual nonprofit that organized community fundraisers for individuals with intellectual limitations, and a fictitious entity that never provided goods or services of any kind and had no employees. In the business’s application, Mr. Johnson falsely claimed the company paid 49 employees an average of $441,667 per month and provided a fabricated IRS Form 940 that indicated it paid its employees more than $5.1 million in calendar year 2019. In actuality, the company employed about 10 individuals on an ad hoc basis and paid less than $100,000 in wages in 2019. Nevertheless, based on his application, the business qualified for a $1.1 million PPP loan, which it re-drew the following year, for a total of $2.2 million. In the nonprofit’s application, he falsely claimed the organization employed 33 individuals (in actuality, it employed fewer than five), and in the application submitted on behalf of the fictitious entity, he falsely claimed the company employed 24 individuals (in actuality, the company did not exist). For each entity, he provided fabricated list of employees, some of which did not exist and others of which were clients, along with fabricated IRS forms. Nevertheless, he qualified for a $326,770 loan for the entity and a $523,00 loan for the nonprofit. He redrew a loan for the non-existent entity the following year for a total of $653,540. Each entity sought – and received – forgiveness on the principal and interest on each of the small business PPP loans. Yet very little, if any, of the money was used for payroll or business expenses. Instead, Mr. Johnson spent nearly $3.5 million on home renovations, vacations, clothing, cosmetic surgery, college tuition, cars, wedding expenses, and equipment for an unrelated business venture. In addition to the small business loans, Mr. Johnson also fraudulently obtained $436,524.80 in first and second draw loans for 11 purported independent contractors, several of whom were related to him. At least four of the recipients were unaware that Mr. Johnson had used their identifying information to obtain the loans, nor did they ever receive any proceeds of the loans. Mr. Johnson opened bank accounts under the victim’s names, transferred to loan proceeds into the accounts, and obtained debit cards for each account; he used the cards to spend the loan monies. Mr. Johnsons and others sought – and received – forgiveness on the principal and interest on each of the independent contractor loans, which ranged from roughly $15,000 to nearly $24,000 each. Mr. Johnson now faces up to 102 years in federal prison. His sentencing date has not yet been set. In plea papers, he agreed to pay more than $4 million in restitution. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and IRS – Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ann Howey and Jeff Haag are prosecuting the case with help from Assistant U.S. Attorneys Beverly Chapman and John de la Garza . The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act , a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPP provided forgivable loans to small businesses to cover payroll, rent, and other certain business expenses; the program ended in May 2021.


title: Clarion County Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug and Gun Crimes

body_text: ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Lucinda, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months in prison on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Kevin Wayne Huet, 35,of Lucinda, Pennsylvania. According to information presented to the court, from in and around June 2018, to on or about February 28, 2020, Huet conspired with co-defendants to possess with intent to distribute and distributed five hundred grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine as they participated in a methamphetamine distribution network that trafficked methamphetamine from Akron, Ohio and Erie, Pennsylvania into Crawford, Venango and Warren Counties. Huet also possessed a firearm in furtherance of the drug distribution conspiracy. Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop E, Vice Unit, the Titusville Police Department, the Warren County Drug Task Force, the Warren County Sherriff’s Office and the Crawford County Sherriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Huet.


title: Depew Man Convicted of Sex Crimes

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: A Depew man who used Snapchat to coerce and entice a minor to commit sexual acts was convicted Thursday in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. Johnny Lee Summers, 23, was found guilty of coercion and enticement of a minor; sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country; and abusive sexual contact with a minor in Indian Country. “The coercive and manipulative conduct perpetrated by Johnny Summers against a teenage girl is criminal and inexcusable,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This week, the victim took a stand against her abuser, joined by two previous child victims of the defendant. Their compelling testimony helped to ensure Summers was held accountable. I want victims to know that the law enforcement community supports them. We will fully investigate accusations of child sexual abuse and work tirelessly to bring abusers to justice.” Prosecutors showed that Summers coerced a 14-year-old to engage in sexual activity with him from February 2021 to January 2022. Summers sent thousands of sexually inappropriate messages to the victim on Snapchat and convinced her to engage in sexual activity. He also solicited nude images of the victim and sent her nude images of himself. Summers’ conduct continued to escalate when he regularly isolated the victim in a bathroom and touched the her in a sexual manner. His crimes culminated when Summers attempted to have sex with her in the bathroom. During trial, two previous victims of Summers testified that he had solicited nude images and videos of them over Snapchat and Facebook messenger when they were underage. During closing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Luster told the jury that Summers had manipulated the victim, as well as the victim’s older sister, and his attempts to blame others for his conduct should fall on deaf ears, as he needed to be held responsible for his conduct. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria G. Luster and Steven J. Briden are prosecuting the case.


title: Pawn Shop Owner Pleads Guilty to $744,000 Scheme to Sell Over 14,000 Stolen Items Online

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The owner of a Kansas City, Mo., pawn shop pleaded guilty in federal court today to engaging in a $744,000 scheme to fence more than 14,000 stolen items and sell them on eBay. Dennis G. Russell, 65, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to a federal information that charges him with one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property across state lines. During the scheme, Russell was one of two members of the board of directors of Rison of KC, Inc., which does business as National Pawn at 6223 E. Truman Road in Kansas City, Mo. Rison of KC is also charged with the same offense but has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. By pleading guilty today, Russell admitted that he participated in a conspiracy from Jan. 1, 2017, to July 27, 2021, to purchase items he knew had been stolen from various retail locations in the Kansas City metropolitan area, then sell those items on eBay. Russell shipped approximately 14,672 stolen items across state lines, resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $744,222. Multiple individuals, known as “boosters,” stole items from Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, CVS, Walgreens, and other retail locations. They sold such stolen items as robot vacuum cleaners, textbooks, Roku and Google Chromecast television streaming devices, and Crest Whitestrips to Russell at a fraction of their retail price. Russell then posted the stolen items for sale on eBay, using one of two accounts, and shipped them to purchasers in numerous other states. On Oct. 21, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at National Pawn and seized 3,400 items, which Russell and National Pawn do not contest were stolen property. Rison of KC has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Under the terms of that agreement, the business admits to the criminal conspiracy and accepts responsibility for the acts of its officers and employees. The government will defer prosecution of Rison of KC for that conduct during the three-year term of the agreement and will not continue with prosecution if the business fully complies with its obligations under the agreement, which include: National Pawn must keep a current list of all employees, all financial accounts, and all auction websites it utilizes; National Pawn must obtain and retain a verifiable third-party receipt for any new product purchased; Russell must not work at or profit from National Pawn. Russell must forfeit to the government any property obtained from the proceeds of this offense, including a money judgment of $744,222. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Russell will not work at National Pawn, direct the operations of National Pawn, or profit from National Pawn or any other pawn shop while serving any term of probation or supervised release. Under federal statutes, Russell is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Heberle, Matthew Wolesky, and Anthony Brown. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.


title: German Man Charged with Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A German man will make his initial court appearance today on charges that he traveled to New Jersey for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Christian Stefan Walther, 38, of Erfurt, Germany, is charged by complaint with one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Walther is scheduled to make his initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel in Newark federal court. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Law enforcement authorities have been investigating Walther since January 2023 for child exploitation offenses. Two undercover officers communicated with Walther via email, phone, and an encrypted messaging app concerning Walther’s desire for sexual encounters with young children. During the investigation Walther sent an undercover officer two videos, each of which depicted an adult male sexually assaulting a prepubescent female child. Walther also expressed his desire to engage in sexual conduct with children aged 8 to 12, and explained that he had lied to his friends in Germany about the purpose of his trip to the United States. On March 23, 2023, Walther traveled from Germany to New Jersey to meet the undercover officers in advance of what he believed would be a sexual encounter with one or more children at a hotel. The charge of interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct carries a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charge. He also thanked officers of the New Jersey State Police, under the leadership of Col. Patrick J. Callahan, for its assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht of the General Crimes Unit in Newark. The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. walther.complaint.pdf


title: Teacher accused of child pornography offenses

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 29-year-old College Station resident has been arrested for distribution and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Daniel Byrd is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew M. Edison at 2 p.m. today. Authorities took him into custody yesterday. Byrd is employed as a teacher at Navasota High School. The criminal complaint, filed today, alleges Byrd came to the attention of law enforcement upon discovery of a folder containing child pornography shared in a Kik chat group. Byrd was allegedly in control of that folder. According to the complaint, Byrd used Kik and Telegram to view and download child pornography. He allegedly joined groups dedicated to sharing child pornography and would download content to his MEGA account. Byrd then posted links from his MEGA account into Kik groups, thereby allowing others to access folders containing child pornography, according to the charges. If convicted, Byrd faces up to 20 years for distribution of child pornography as well a maximum of 10 years for possessing it. The FBI - Bryan resident agency conducted the investigation with the assistance of College Station Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Ann Leo is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page. A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Lowell Woman Pleads Guilty to Selling Firearms

body_text: BOSTON – A Lowell woman pleaded guilty to selling firearms to a prohibited person. Leticia Alcantara, 25, pleaded guilty on March 22, 2023 to one count of selling or transferring firearms to a prohibited person. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2023. Alcantara was charged on Aug. 1, 2022. An investigation began in October 2021 which identified Alcantara as a firearms dealer in Massachusetts. On Feb. 15, 2022, Alcantara offered to sell a 9mm handgun to two individuals who, unbeknownst to her, were cooperating with law enforcement. On March 15, 2022, Alcantara met with the cooperating witnesses at a prearranged meeting location in a parking lot in Falmouth to conduct the transaction. There, Alcantara was observed entering the vehicle occupied by the cooperating witnesses and produced a black trash bag from her purse containing the firearm. On multiple occasions in July 2022, Alcantara communicated with one of the cooperating witnesses regarding additional firearms she was offering for sale, including sending photos of: a 9mm handgun on July 2, 2022; a small holster-grip revolver and one large black pistol on July 7, 2022; and two handguns on July 9, 2022. At the direction of law enforcement, the cooperating witness agreed to purchase the last two handguns Alcantara offered for sale. On July 12, 2022, Alcantara met with the cooperating witnesses during a controlled purchase in Plymouth. There, Alcantara was observed entering the vehicle and producing one .45 caliber pistol and one 9mm pistol from a dark colored bag. On July 12, 2022, Alcantara sent additional photos of two firearms for sale which, at the direction of law enforcement, the cooperating witness agreed to purchase. On July 19, 2022, Alcantara arrived at the same prearranged meeting location in Plymouth where she entered the cooperating witnesses’ vehicle and provided two 9mm pistols. Following the transaction, Alcantara continued communicating with the cooperating witness about additional firearms for sale, including a handgun and an AR-15 rifle. Alcantara was arrested on July 29, 2022. The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Plymouth and Falmouth Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of Rollins’ Major Crime Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Pakistani Hunting Outfitter and Galt Big Game Hunter Charged with Conspiring to Smuggle Endangered Ladakh Urial Trophy into the United States

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday against Pir Danish Ali, 43, of Pakistan, and Jason Keith Bruce, 49, of Galt, charging both defendants with conspiracy to violate the Endangered Species Act, to make false statements, and to smuggle goods into the United States, and charging Bruce with smuggling and violating the Endangered Species Act, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. The indictment was unsealed upon Bruce’s arrest this morning. According to court documents, Pir was the CEO of a hunting outfitter and guide company based in Pakistan, and Bruce was a recreational big game hunter who hunted as a client of Pir’s company. Beginning in February 2016, Pir and Bruce conspired to hunt a Ladakh urial, an endangered wild sheep, in Pakistan and smuggle the resulting trophy from Pakistan to the United States. (“Trophy” means a whole animal, or a readily recognizable part of an animal, that is prepared for display.) Shortly before the hunt, Pir told Bruce that a recent survey had shown a local population of only 180 animals. The defendants agreed that the export of the Ladakh urial trophy would be achieved through bribery and fraud by declaring it to Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) as a different species and presenting forged documents purporting to be issued by Pakistani authorities. Bruce paid Pir $50,000 for the hunt, during which he shot a Ladakh urial. On March 29, 2018, Bruce flew into San Francisco International Airport from Pakistan carrying eight trophies in his personal baggage, including the Ladakh urial trophy. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents stopped him and alerted the FWS. After the FWS seized the trophy, Pir and Bruce conspired together to lie and did in fact lie to the FWS agents. Further investigation revealed that, between 2013 and 2018, at least 25 hunters who had hunted with Pir’s company presented forged documents to import at least 97 hunting trophies into the United States. This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine T. Lydon is prosecuting the case. If convicted of the conspiracy, Pir and Bruce face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of the smuggling charge, Bruce faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and if convicted of the violation of the Endangered Species Act, Bruce faces a prison term of up to one year and a fine of up to $50,000 or both. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Denver Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Weapons Violation

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER - The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Dedric Mayfield, age 46, of Denver, was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison after a jury convicted him of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. According to facts presented at trial, on August 27, 2021, Mayfield was caught on surveillance cameras firing multiple shots at a man fleeing down an alley near the 1500-block of North Verbena Street in broad daylight in a busy area. After engaging in what appeared to be drug transactions on the street, Mayfield got into an argument with a man who arrived in the area. Mayfield went to a Ford Explorer, got in the passenger seat, and his girlfriend drove the two of them away. Officers responded to the scene within minutes. They found five spent .40 caliber shell casings at the mouth of the alley. They later found a sixth spent .40 caliber shell casing near where the Ford Explorer had been parked. One bullet pierced a window at a gas station located downstream from the alley and shattered a refrigerator door inside. The gas station clerk testified that the path of the bullet from the window to the refrigerator essentially split the distance between two customers waiting in line. Officers later recovered a bullet fragment from the refrigerator. Through the Ford Explorer’s license plate, visible on camera, officers were able to identify Mayfield’s girlfriend, which led them to Mayfield. There was no dispute that he was the man on video. Officers eventually arrested Mayfield and searched his residence. They found clothing that matched what he was wearing during the shooting. Judge William J. Martinez presided over the two-day trial in April 2022 and sentenced the defendant on March 24, 2023. Judge Martinez also sentenced the defendant to three years of supervised release. “This dangerous felon posed a significant danger to the public after three decades of guns, violence, and general disregard for the law,” said United States Attorney Cole Finegan. “He will spend the next decade coming to the realization that we will not tolerate such unlawful behavior and will vigorously prosecute those who violate our gun laws." “Resolving any dispute with firearms is reckless and dangerous,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “Armed felons often commit violent crimes, and we are grateful he will no longer pose a threat to our communities while in prison.” “Our community is safer today because of the steadfast commitment of the partnering agencies to seek the greatest legal consequences for armed felons causing harm in our community,” said Denver Chief of Police Ron Thomas. “I applaud the efforts of all the investigators and prosecutors and their efforts that resulted in this outcome.” The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Denver Division investigated this case, with assistance from the Denver Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Rajiv Mohan and Celeste Rangel and prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. CASE NUMBER: 21-cr-00341 Court exhibit


title: Six Erie Residents Indicted on Drug Charges

body_text: ERIE, Pa. – Six residents of Erie, Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The two-count Indictment returned on March 14th and unsealed today, named: Larry Tremel Alexander, 46; Dennis Levar Jones, 45; Pernell Tequin Orr, 33; Nicole Grace Fox, 33; Shalin Nicole Pepperman, 41; and Malissa Mae Perry, 41, all of Erie, Pennsylvania. According to the Indictment presented to the court, from in and around March 2019, and continuing thereafter to in and around October 2022, Larry Alexander, Dennis Jones, Pernell Orr, Nicole Fox, Shalin Pepperman, and Malissa Perry engaged in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and hydrocodone in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere. During that same time, Larry Alexander and Malissa Parry conspired to engaged in interstate money laundering transactions intended to promote the drug conspiracy and conceal the proceeds of the drug conspiracy. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 120 years in prison, a fine of $8,500,000, or both for Alexander; a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $5,500,000, or both for Jones and Orr; a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both for Fox and Pepperman; and a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $1,500,000, or both for Perry. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants. Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Unit, Drug Enforcement Administration, Erie Police Department, and Erie County Detectives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. The investigation was also conducted in association with the Northwest Pennsylvania Drug Initiative which was formed following Erie County’s designation as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) in 2021. The HIDTA program was created by Congress in 1988 to coordinate and assist Federal, State, and Local law enforcement agencies in addressing regional drug threats with the purpose of reducing drug trafficking and drug production in the United States. The Northwest Pennsylvania Drug Initiative coordinates personnel and resources between multiple agencies including the Pennsylvania State Police, Federal Burau of Investigation, Erie Police Department, Erie County District Attorney’s office, Erie County Detectives, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, and other participating agencies. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Raleigh County Woman Sentenced for Role in Beckley-to-Philadelphia Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Sequoyah Swain, 22, of Beckley, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation for her role in a conspiracy to traffic over 140 firearms from the Beckley area to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. According to court documents and statements made in court, Swain admitted to recruiting straw purchasers to obtain firearms for a trafficking conspiracy led by Bisheem Jones, also known as “Bosh,” 37, of Philadelphia. Between early 2020 and mid-2021, Jones and his co-conspirators obtained over 140 firearms purchased in the Beckley area which they took back to Philadelphia to sell for profit. Approximately 45 of the trafficked firearms have been recovered at crime scenes primarily in Philadelphia and have been connected to two homicides, crimes of domestic violence, and other violent offenses. Jones paid Swain with drugs and money to recruit straw purchasers. Swain also acted as an intermediary for Jones by accompanying straw purchasers to Beckley-area stores, telling them which firearms to buy, and taking the purchased firearms to Jones. Jones or an intermediary would provide the money for the firearms purchases. The straw purchasers falsely certified on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Federal Firearms Transaction Record Form 4473 that they were purchasing the firearms for themselves when they knew they were buying them for Jones and his trafficking conspiracy. Swain pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting another individual in making false statements in acquisition of firearms, for the straw purchase of a Ruger Model Ruger 57, 5.7x28mm 5.7 caliber pistol for Jones in Beckley on April 18, 2021. Swain is among 18 defendants who pleaded guilty in connection with the firearms trafficking. After five days of trial, a federal jury found Jones guilty on December 16, 2022, of conspiracy to travel interstate with the intent to deal in firearms without a license, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and interstate travel with the intent to deal in firearms without a license. Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 35 years in prison. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Philadelphia Police Department. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Negar M. Kordestani and Steve Loew prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-81. ###


title: Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Shondel Antwan Crim, 47, of Columbia, has pleaded guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on December 15, 2021, Richland County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the home of a victim. The victim stated that she and Crim had stopped dating. She saw him at a gas station, they talked, and he tried to rekindle their relationship. She declined and left the gas station. Crim followed her and fired into her car at least 2 times, striking her car. An arrest warrant was issued for Crim. A week later, the police saw Crim at a gas station and arrested him. They found a loaded Glock pistol in a holster inside his waistband. A search warrant was issued for his house, where they found additional ammunition along with a small amount of crack cocaine. Crim was taken to police headquarters and given his Miranda warnings. He admitted that the gun found on him was the gun he had during the shooting into the victim’s car. Federal law prohibits Crim from possessing a firearm based upon prior convictions for possession of crack, possession of a stolen car, possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute in proximity of school, possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine, and burglary. Crim faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and 6 years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Crim after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Charge

body_text: COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Arma Victor Strong, III, 33, of Columbia, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. Evidence presented to the court showed that on July 8, 2021, a Richland County Sheriff’s Department investigator on surveillance in an unmarked car in a parking lot of a motel on Nates Road saw a person walk over to an occupied car and then saw a drug deal take place. As the person walked away from the car, the deputy saw and took a photo of what appeared to be narcotics in the person’s hand. As the car left the area, the deputy radio’ed a marked patrol unit, which conducted a traffic stop of the car on Two Notch Road after seeing traffic violations. Due to the strong smell of marijuana coming from the car, the car was searched, and a shoebox containing marijuana and pills containing methamphetamine and cocaine was found in the backseat. Strong, the driver, admitted to possessing the drugs and having distributed some earlier. Federal law prohibits Strong from possessing firearms and ammunition based on his prior felony state convictions, which include auto breaking, possession of cocaine, domestic violence 2nd degree, assault & battery 2nd degree, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Strong faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine of $2,000,000 on the drug charge. After service of the term of imprisonment, Strong will also face a term of supervision of at least 6 years. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Strong after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey D. Haynes is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Federal Jury Convicts Registered Sexual Predator Of Attempting To Entice A 14-Year-Old Child To Produce Sexual Abuse Videos Using A Smart Phone

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Paul Edward Lee, Jr. (43, Jacksonville) guilty of attempting to entice a 14-year-old child to produce and send him pornographic videos and images depicting her own sexual abuse. In 2011, Lee was convicted of lascivious molestation and exhibition of a 10-year-old child and was required to register as a sexual predator. Because of these prior child sex convictions, at sentencing Lee faces an enhanced minimum mandatory penalty of 25 years, up to 50 years, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release. Lee was arrested in Jacksonville on May 2, 2018. His sentencing hearing is set for July 10, 2023. According to evidence and testimony introduced at trial, in April 2018, an FBI agent in Illinois discovered that a 14-year-old child was having online contact with an adult male in Florida through a smart phone gaming application (app) designed for use by children. The messages sent to the child by the adult male were increasingly graphic and sexually explicit. The FBI was able to identify this individual as Paul Edward Lee, Jr., a registered sexual predator living in a residence in Jacksonville along with eight other registered sex offenders. On April 25, 2018, an undercover FBI agent in Jacksonville, posing as the 14-year-old child, resumed text messaging with Lee. During these communications, Lee told the “child” in graphic terms how he wanted to have sex with the “child,” and he sent several images and videos of his own genitalia to the “child.” On April 27, 2018, Lee repeatedly texted and solicited the “child” to produce and send him graphic images and videos of “her” genitalia. When FBI agents executed a federal search warrant at his residence on May 2, 2018, Lee damaged his cellphone in an effort to conceal evidence of his criminal activity. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown. It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Mequon Man Sentenced to 18 Months’ Imprisonment for Paying Healthcare Kickbacks

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that, on March 21, 2023, Alexander Shister was sentenced to 18 months’ incarceration for paying healthcare kickbacks in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. Shister was also ordered to pay nearly $1 million in restitution to Medicare and Medicaid as well as a $40,000 fine. Shister owned four Milwaukee-area pharmacies. Beginning in 2016, Shister engaged in a nearly two-years’ long scheme to pay his co-defendant, David Guerrero, kickbacks in exchange for referrals of Medicare and Medicaid patients to Shister’s pharmacies for expensive compound pain creams. Shister paid Guerrero $100 for each patient referral. Guerrero was not a licensed medical provider, but he worked at two Milwaukee-area clinics and used his access at the clinics to order the pain creams from Shister’s pharmacies, often without the patients’ knowledge or consent. As a result of the scheme, Medicare and Medicaid paid Shister’s pharmacies about $1 million for medically unnecessary pain creams, including creams not even received by patients. Shister paid Guerrero over $100,000 in kickbacks during the scheme. Guerrero was previously sentenced to 32 months’ imprisonment for his role in the kickback scheme with Shister as well as a second kickback scheme involving a local medical laboratory company. At sentencing, United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller emphasized the seriousness of Shister’s crime, including Shister’s breach of trust and abuse of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Judge Stadtmueller further noted that owners of medical providers like Shister have an enhanced responsibility to ensure that their billings to Medicare and Medicaid comply with the law, rather than take advantage of the system. In addition to his sentence, Shister will also be excluded from participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. He has also shut down or sold his pharmacies. “Pharmacies and other medical providers simply cannot pay kickbacks in exchange for patient referrals. As this case demonstrates, kickbacks result in Medicare and Medicaid paying for unnecessary services, rather than services that doctors determine patients actually need or that patients actually want,” said United States Attorney Haanstad. “Shister abused the trust placed in his pharmacies by the Medicare and Medicaid programs to line his own pockets. This office is committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to prevent kickback schemes and other frauds against the Medicare and Medicaid programs.” "Health care fraud affects everyone and causes tens of billions of dollars in losses each year," said Michael E. Hensle Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office. "Health care fraud is a federal crime and erodes the stability of our health care system. The FBI will utilize all resources necessary to pursue those who exploit the medical system for personal gain over the needs of patients." “The payment of kickbacks in exchange for referrals can undermine the trust that we place in our nation’s medical providers and can also result in the delivery of unnecessary and costly medical services and supplies,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Our agency is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who engage in these activities are held accountable.” [insert quotes from FBI and HHS OIG] The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin Proctor and Michael Carter handled the prosecution. ### For further information contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov (414) 297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Two Individuals Charged with Operating Illegal Multimillion-Dollar Pyramid Schemes

body_text: United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin joined Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and other federal officials in announcing that on March 21, 2023, a federal grand jury in Wisconsin returned an indictment that was unsealed charging an Illinois woman and man with running illegal multimillion-dollar pyramid schemes in at least four different states. According to court documents, Candice V. Cunningham, 35, and Joseph E. Johnson Jr., 50, both of Chicago, allegedly operated a series of pyramid schemes that were advertised to victim-participants under various names including Wealth Partners Publishing, Wealth Wise, Zero to Profit, 30 Day Success Formula, Lav Label, Beckett Group, and DTR Group. Marketing materials for the pyramid schemes allegedly misrepresented that if a victim-participant invested money in one of the schemes, that victim-participant would receive payments from other participants he or she recruited. The materials also are alleged to have falsely promised that if a victim-participant did not receive payments from other participants, the victim-participant was guaranteed that his or her initial investment would be fully refunded. Most victim-participants allegedly did not receive any payments from other participants and were denied the return of their initial investment. Cunningham, Johnson, and others obtained millions of dollars as a result of their alleged scheme. Cunningham and Johnson are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and seven counts of mail fraud. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Amanda Swanson and Della Sentilles of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Farris Martini for the Eastern District of Wisconsin are prosecuting the case. If you believe you are a victim in this case, please contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness Unit toll-free at (888) 549-3945 or by email at victimassistance.fraud@usdoj.gov . Victims can find case updates and additional information at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/united-states-v-candice-v-cunningham-et-al . # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Dixmont Woman Faces 10+ Years for Role in Penobscot and Aroostook County Drug Trafficking

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Dixmont woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and one count of conspiracy to make false statements to federal firearms dealers. According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Sarah McBreairty , 33, conspired with others to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. As part of the conspiracy, McBreairty obtained large quantities of the drugs from a source and distributed them to area dealers. In June 2021, McBreairty conspired with others to make false statements to a federal firearms licensee in Holden to obtain firearms for her drug source. The attempted purchase was denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System ( NICS ) background check center. McBreairty faces 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release for the drug conspiracy offense. She faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the firearms charge. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the Old Town and Bangor police departments. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. ###


title: Justice Department Announces Arrest of the Founder of One of the World’s Largest Hacker Forums and Disruption of Forum’s Operation

component: Criminal - Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The founder of BreachForums made his initial appearance today in the Eastern District of Virginia on a criminal charge related to his alleged creation and administration of a major hacking forum and marketplace for cybercriminals that claimed to have more than 340,000 members as of last week. In parallel with his arrest on March 15, the FBI and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) have conducted a disruption operation that caused BreachForums to go offline. “Cybercrime victimizes and steals financial and personal information from millions of innocent people,” said U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This arrest sends a direct message to cybercriminals: your exploitative and illegal conduct will be discovered, and you will be brought to justice.” According to court documents unsealed today, Conor Brian Fitzpatrick, 20, of Peekskill, New York, allegedly operated BreachForums as a marketplace for cybercriminals to buy, sell, and trade hacked or stolen data and other contraband since March 2022. Among the stolen items commonly sold on the platform were bank account information, social security numbers, other personally identifying information (PII), means of identification, hacking tools, breached databases, services for gaining unauthorized access to victim systems, and account login information for compromised online accounts with service providers and merchants. “Today, we continue our work to dismantle key players in the cybercrime ecosystem,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Like its predecessor RaidForums, which we took down almost a year ago, BreachForums bridged the gap between hackers hawking pilfered data and buys eager to exploit it. All those operating in dark net markets should take note: Working with our law enforcement partners, we will take down illicit forums and bring administrators to justice in U.S. courtrooms.” “People expect that their online data will be protected, and the Department of Justice is committed to doing just that,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Criminal Division. “We must and will remain vigilant to the threat posed by those who attempt to undermine our digital security. We will continue to disrupt the forums that facilitate the theft and distribution of personal information and prosecute those responsible.” Fitzpatrick’s alleged victims have included millions of U.S. citizens and hundreds of U.S. and foreign companies, organizations, and government agencies. Some of the stolen datasets contained the sensitive information of customers at telecommunication, social media, investment, health care services, and internet service providers. For instance, on Jan. 4, a BreachForums user posted the names and contact information for approximately 200 million users of a major U.S.-based social networking site. Further, on Dec. 18, 2022, another BreachForums user posted details of approximately 87,760 members of InfraGard, a partnership between the FBI and private sector companies focused on the protection of critical infrastructure. “The FBI will continue to devote all available resources to deter, disrupt, and diminish criminal enterprise activity,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “We will work alongside our federal and international partners to impose costs on malicious cyber actors around the world and continue to bring justice to those who victimize the American public.” “Following the seizure of RaidForums last year, cybercriminals turned to BreachForums to buy and sell stolen data, including breached databases, hacking tools, and the personal and financial information of millions of U.S. citizens and businesses,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office. “The FBI and our partners will not let cybercriminals and those who enable them profit from the theft of sensitive data while hiding behind keyboards. The arrest of Conor Fitzpatrick and the disruption of yet another criminal marketplace demonstrates the potency of our joint work to dismantle the digital structures that facilitate cybercrime.” As part of the scheme, Fitzpatrick allegedly supported the activities of cybercriminals by creating and operating a “Leaks Market” subsection that was dedicated to buying and selling hacked or stolen data, tools for committing cybercrime, and other illicit material. To facilitate transactions on the forum, Fitzpatrick allegedly offered to act as a trusted middleman, or escrow service, between individuals on the website who sought to conduct these types of illicit transactions. In addition, Fitzpatrick allegedly managed an “Official” databases section through which BreachForums directly sold access to verified hacked databases through a “credits” system administered by the platform. As of Jan. 11, the Official database section purported to contain 888 datasets, consisting of over 14 billion individual records. These databases belong to a wide variety of both U.S. and foreign companies, organizations, and government agencies. Fitzpatrick allegedly profited from the scheme by charging for forum credits and membership fees. “This case sends a clear message that illicitly stealing, selling, and trading the personal information of innocent members of the public will not be tolerated, and that malicious cyber actors will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen Niemczak of the HHS-OIG. “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners remain dedicated to protecting the American public and the integrity of government networks and data from these egregious cyberattacks.” The BreachForums website has supported additional sections in which users discuss tools and techniques for hacking and exploiting hacked or stolen information, including in the “Cracking,” “Leaks,” and “Tutorials” sections. The BreachForums website also includes a “Staff” section that appears to be operated by the BreachForums administrators and moderators. Fitzpatrick is charged with conspiracy to commit access device fraud. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Fitzpatrick’s arrest and the disruption of BreachForums comes nearly a year after the Department of Justice announced the seizure of a predecessor hacking marketplace , Raidforums, and unsealed criminal charges against RaidForums’ founder and chief administrator. The law enforcement actions against Fitzpatrick and BreachForums are the result of an ongoing criminal investigation by the FBI Washington Field Office, FBI San Francisco Division, and HHS-OIG, with assistance provided by the U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations New York Field Office, New York Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Peekskill Police Department. The U.S. Attorneys’ Office for the Northern District of California, the District of Maryland, and the Southern District of New York have also provided assistance in this matter. The Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carina A. Cuellar for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case against Fitzpatrick. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Maryland Man Sentenced for Trafficking Firearms with Obliterated Serial Numbers

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Maryland man was sentenced today to 25 months in prison for trafficking firearms with obliterated serial numbers. According to court documents, between September 2020 and October 2021, Chase O’Neil Pulliam, 25, purchased at least 49 firearms from federal firearms licensees throughout the Eastern District of Virginia. After purchasing the firearms, Pulliam transported the firearms across state lines to Maryland and Washington, D.C., where he re-sold the firearms to other individuals. At least two individuals who purchased firearms from Pulliam were convicted felons prohibited from possessing firearms. In furtherance of his firearms trafficking operation, an associate of Pulliam obliterated the serial numbers from approximately 35 firearms on Pulliam’s behalf. At least eight of the firearms purchased and re-sold by Pulliam were recovered at crime scenes throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. One of the firearms purchased and re-sold by Pulliam was recovered in connection with a domestic violence incident in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Another firearm purchased and re-sold by Pulliam was recovered during a joint federal and local narcotics investigation in the Washington, D.C. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which 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. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Mike Weddel, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge T. S. Ellis, III. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Patterson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin W. Trundle prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:22-cr-211.


title: Petersburg Armed Drug Trafficker Convicted by Federal Jury

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Petersburg man today of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and cocaine hydrochloride, possession of firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Melvin Leon Myrick, 24, crashed a Silver Nissan near Pine Forest Drive in Colonial Heights after fleeing an attempted traffic stop. When a Colonial Heights Police Department officer came upon the scene, Myrick exited the driver side door, went to the rear of the car, and then ran to the passenger door before fleeing into the woods. An inventory search of the car resulted in the recovery of over 130 grams of methamphetamine and 45 grams of cocaine hydrochloride from passenger side floorboard, two loaded Glock, Model 22 semiautomatic pistols, an AK-style pistol, and digital scales. A search warrant obtained and executed on Myrick’s cellular phone revealed ongoing drug trafficking and connection to the firearms recovered from the Silver Nissan. Myrick faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison for the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and a maximum penalty of life in prison. For the conviction of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, Myrick faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison and maximum of life in prison. For the possession of firearms by a convicted felon he faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. Myrick will be sentenced on July 28. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Mike Weddel, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division; and William Anspach, Chief of Colonial Heights Police, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson accepted the verdict. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth R. Simon, Jr. and Peter S. Duffey are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-148.


title: Grand Jury Indicts Falconer Man In Cold Case Murder Investigation

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Anthony Neubauer, 36, of Falconer, NY, kidnapping resulting in death. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of life in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case stated that according to the complaint, on May 27, 2014, Neubauer kidnapped an individual identified as J.A. Neubauer then transported J.A. from New York to Pennsylvania, resulting in the death of J.A. Neubauer was arraigned this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and is being held pending a detention hearing on March 28, 2023. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Firearms Trafficker Linked to Cartel Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

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

body_text: A Fort Worth man who attempted to traffic a military-grade machine gun to a Mexican drug cartel was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Daniel Loyola, Jr., 24, pleaded guilty in December 2022 to possession of a machinegun. He was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor. “Thanks to excellent undercover work by ATF and Texas DPS, we have thwarted a firearms trafficker intent on sending dangerous guns to a drug cartel,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “The Justice Department is committed to stemming the flow of firearms across the southern border.” “The fight to keep high powered weapons out of the hands of drug cartels and narco-terrorists is real and here in North Texas. ATF and our partners are working tirelessly to protect both the citizens of the United States and Mexico from the scourge of violence perpetrated by weapons like this. Mr. Loyola’s ten-year sentence should serve as a warning to others looking to get into the firearms trafficking business,” stated ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II. According to court documents, Mr. Loyola posted on Instagram that he possessed a potential machinegun, a potential silencer, and a .50 caliber rifle – a firearm commonly sought by Mexican drug cartels – and that he wished to buy a high-caliber machine gun. Seeing these posts, an undercover agent initiated a conversation. Ultimately, Mr. Loyola agreed to purchase an M-60 from the undercover for $20,000 cash, and mentioned that the payment would be coming from Mexico. On Oct. 25, 2022, Mr. Loyola met with two undercover agents in a parking lot in Fort Worth. He handed over the money, and they presented him with a cardboard box containing an M-60 in three pieces, the frame/receiver and two barrels. One of the undercover agents explained that the firearm was fully automatic; Mr. Loyola responded, “yeah, I know.” After paying over $20,000 in cash for the firearm, Mr. Loyola began to take possession of the machinegun and was immediately taken into custody. Following his arrest, Mr. Loyola admitted that he had purchased the M-60 on behalf of an individual who worked for a Mexican drug cartel. He stated that he’d sold multiple firearms to the man before, and that the .50 caliber rifle he’d posted on Instagram was also purchased on the individual’s behalf. At Friday’s sentencing hearing, Judge O’Connor found that the defendant was engaged in the trafficking of firearms, and applied an enhancement to his sentence based on that finding. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division and the Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Fort Worth Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Levi Thomas prosecuted the case.


title: Council Bluffs Man Sentenced for Meth, Firearm, and Escape Offenses

body_text: COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – A Council Bluffs man was sentenced on March 22, 2023, to a total of 144 months in prison, following his guilty pleas to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and escape. According to court documents, Keven Leroy Spanel, 59, distributed methamphetamine in the Council Bluffs and Omaha metro areas. In early 2022, Spanel was arrested carrying a firearm, which he used to protect himself and his drug trafficking activities. In July 2022, while on temporary release to attend a doctor’s appointment, Spanel escaped on foot by threatening the transportation driver with a screwdriver. Spanel was apprehended five days later by the Council Bluffs Police Department. After his prison term, Spanel will be on supervised release for five years. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, Council Bluffs Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and United States Marshal Service investigated the case.


title: Informational: Federal Court arraignments

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty: Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on March 24 was: Kyle D. Evenson, 35, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment. If convicted of the most serious crime, Evenson faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Evenson was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-24. Appearing on March 23 was: Brandon Daniel Fernandes, 31, of Billings, on charges of possession of unregistered silencer and possession of firearm with an obliterated serial number. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fernandes faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Fernandes was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-28. Appearing on March 21 was: Elias Miguel Nava, 19, and Lawrence Alexander Foster-Nava IV, 19, both of Billings, on charges of possession of an unregistered silencer and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Elias Miguel Nava also is charged with prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Elias Miguel Nava faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lawrence Alexander Foster-Nava IV faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Both defendants were detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-28. Le Erland Fannin, 41, of Livingston, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fannin faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Fannin was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Park County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-17. Kenneth Crazymule, Jr., 58, of Lame Deer, on charges of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to dating or intimate partner and assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted of the most serious crime, Crazymule faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Crazymule was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-16. Vincent Charles McCall, 21, of Fort Worth, Texas, on charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most crime, McCall faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release on bank fraud and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on aggravated identity theft. McCall was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Secret Service, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Teton County Sheriff’s Office and Liberty County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-27. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl . XXX


title: Eucha Man Sentenced for Strangling an Intimate Partner

body_text: A man was sentenced Friday in federal court for strangling an intimate partner in 2021. “Daniel Jumper strangled the victim and threatened to kill her,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Since taking on a significant increase in domestic violence cases in 2020, federal prosecutors in the Northern District of Oklahoma have proven they are fully capable and have the will to ensure perpetrators of family violence are held accountable for their crimes. I am proud of their pursuit of justice in these cases.” Chief U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III sentenced Daniel Lee Jumper, 27, of Eucha, to 20 months in federal prison for assault of an intimate/dating partner by strangling and attempting to strangle in Indian Country . Following his term of imprisonment, he will serve three years on supervised release. In a plea agreement, Jumper admitted that he threatened to kill his spouse after becoming angry with her on Dec. 6, 2021. He then threatened to “rip her head off,” grabbed the victim’s throat and strangled her. According to court documents, Jumper also punched two individuals who tried to intervene. When he did so, he caused one of them to drop an 8-month-old child . The FBI and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens prosecuted the case.


title: Violent Fayetteville Pimp and Drug Dealer Sentenced to More Than 32 Years in Prison for Kidnapping, Drug and Gun Offenses

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Fayetteville man was sentenced today to 390 months in prison for charges associated with kidnapping and possession of illegal substances and firearms between 2018 and 2019. On May 3, 2022, Yomere Juan Busbee, 38, also known as “Ram,” pled guilty to the charge of possession with the intent to distribute several drugs and was later found guilty on September 2, 2022, following a three-day jury trial, of multiple charges involving kidnapping, a drug conspiracy, and firearms. “The defendant drove violence and exploitation in the Fayetteville community,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Busbee led a prostitution and drug ring using physical violence, threats, or drugs to cause women to engage in commercial sex and keep all their profits. He will now spend the next 32 years in prison.” "It is heartbreaking to know the violence the victims suffered at the hands of Yomere Juan Busbee. We hope this federal prison sentence provides some sense of comfort. The FBI is committed to holding offenders accountable for the violent crimes they commit," said Special Agent in Charge Robert M. DeWitt. According to court documents and other information presented in court, Busbee and two co-defendants, James Calvin McEachern, Jr. and Merianda Gray held three adult victims, along with a two-year-old child, against their will in a motel room in December of 2018 after Busbee accused the victims of stealing several hundred dollars from him. At the time, Busbee was a convicted felon engaged in dealing drugs and prostituting women, assisted by McEachern. The victims were physically and/or sexually assaulted throughout the several-hour incident during which they also witnessed Busbee brandish a firearm and McEachern brandish a taser to coerce the cooperation of the victims. One of the victims was eventually able to get a message to a family member who called 911. Upon learning that Fayetteville Police Officers were responding to the incident, Busbee and McEachern fled the motel. Weeks later, in January of 2019, Fayetteville Police Department detectives investigating the kidnapping apprehended Busbee at another Fayetteville motel. A search of the motel room and Busbee’s vehicle revealed two handguns (one of which was stolen) and large amounts of heroin, cocaine, and crack. Gray previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping and was sentenced to 90 months custody, five years of supervised release, and $2,000 in restitution. McEachern also pled guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping and was sentenced today to 108 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for his role in the kidnapping. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fayetteville Police Department investigated the case and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Blondel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan M. Stephany prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-cr-00393-M.