title: Jury Convicts Man of Trafficking in Fentanyl and Carfentanil

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Lexington man, Eugene Laron Fishback, aka “Geno,” 32, was convicted Thursday, by a federal jury sitting in Lexington, of five counts of drug trafficking. Following a four-day trial and approximately 90 minutes of deliberation, the jury found Fishback guilty of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 10 grams or more of carfentanil. Fishback was also convicted of two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to testimony at trial, between July 1, 2022 and December 7, 2023, Fishback conspired with others to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil. On October 11, 2023, Fishback and his girlfriend, Tedi Hawkins, were evicted from their Lexington apartment. During a court ordered eviction, Fayette County Constables and members of the Lexington Police Department found plastic bags in the apartment, which contained over 7,000 fentanyl tablets, and four semi-automatic pistols, ammunition, and large capacity clips. Fishback and Hawkins later relocated to another apartment complex and came under DEA and Lexington Police Department investigation. A federal search warrant was executed on the new residence, in December 2023. Execution of that warrant resulted in the seizure of more than 1,000 additional fentanyl tablets and a quantity of carfentanil. Fishback was later arrested from his vehicle, which contained another 1,000 fentanyl tablets and more than 10 grams of carfentanil. After Hawkins had entered a guilty plea, Fishback attempted to convince her to withdraw that guilty plea, during a recorded jail call. At the time of his indictment on these federal charges, Fishback had four pending state felony indictments in Fayette County. Additionally, Fishback has a number of prior felony convictions. “Fentanyl is an incredibly dangerous drug, which is involved in approximately 80% of all overdose deaths in Kentucky,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “And as awful as that is, carfentanil is far, far worse. Carfentanil is approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl; this powerful opioid is actually designed for large mammals like elephants. It is no overstatement to say that removing these dangerous drugs from our streets will save lives. The dedicated work of our law enforcement partners in this case has unquestionably done that.” United States Attorney Shier; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the jury’s verdict. The investigation was conducted by DEA and Lexington Police Department, with assistance from the Fayette County Constable’s Office Third District. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roger West and Brittany Baker are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. Fishback is scheduled to appear for sentencing on September 20, 2024. He faces up to life in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing its sentence. — END —


title: Former President of Energy Company Sentenced for Over $5.5M Illegal Kickback and Commodities Insider Trading Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: The former president of a Texas energy company was sentenced today to six years and six months in prison for his role in an illegal kickback scheme and a commodities insider trading scheme involving natural gas futures contracts. According to court documents, Matthew Clark, 56, of Needville, Texas, conspired with others to direct his employer’s trades to Houston-based Classic Energy LLC, a brokerage firm owned and operated by Matthew Webb, 54, of Tiki Island, Texas, in exchange for illegal kickbacks. As part of his prohibited trading, Clark conspired with John Ed James, 54 of Katy, Texas, and Peter Miller, 49, of Puerto Rico. Clark received more than $5.5 million in illegal kickbacks for his trades. Clark was also ordered to pay $6,532,360 in restitution and to forfeit $5,543,662. Clark pleaded guilty on March 15 in the Southern District of Texas to conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, prohibited commodities transactions, and commodities insider trading. Webb pleaded guilty in June 2021 to conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and wire fraud and to violate various provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act. James pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and wire fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1. Miller pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 20. In two other related cases, Marcus Schultz, 44, of Houston, and Lee Tippett, 64, of Jacksonville, Florida, pleaded guilty in July 2020 and August 2021, respectively. Schultz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to violate various provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1. Tippett pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and honest services wire fraud and was sentenced on Feb. 20 to two years and nine months in prison. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas; Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Houston Field Office investigated the case. Assistant Chief Leslie S. Garthwaite and Trial Attorneys Della Sentilles and David Hamstra of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Grace Murphy for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.


title: Man Who Assaulted His Paramour is Sentenced to 15 Years on Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Barrington Hart, 36, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 180 months in prison for two assaults on his romantic partner in July 2023. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Hart was sentenced today by Superior Court Judge Jason Park to 15 years in prison, and five years of supervised release, for two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon (firearm), two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, two counts of obstruction of justice, one count of threats, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm (prior conviction), one count of simple assault, and one count of carrying a pistol without a license. The sentence followed a trial by the court where Judge Park found Hart guilty of these charges on March 15, 2024. According to the government’s evidence, Hart and the victim were in a previous romantic relationship, broke up, and then reunited for four days when, on July 27, 2023, they got into an argument over the victim’s phone. Hart accused the victim of cheating on him and wanted to look through her phone. After she refused, he became angry, retrieved a black and yellow gun, and hit the victim on the head with it, causing a laceration. Instead of taking her to a hospital for her injury, Hart made the victim come with him to a job interview while her head was still bleeding. She later went to the hospital alone and had the wound treated with nine staples to the top of her head. On August 4, 2023, less than a week after the victim reported the assault to the Metropolitan Police Department, the victim called the police again and reported that the night before, Hart started an argument about her seeing other people, slapped her, and pointed the same black and yellow firearm at her. Police arrested Hart on August 4, 2023, and he has been detained since that date. After arrest, Hart continued to attempt to control the victim. He instructed her, twice, over Department of Corrections Video Visits, to refrain from testifying in the grand jury. Also, while incarcerated, Hart threatened the victim via numerous text messages, calling her names and using profanity. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Han, Paralegal Tiffany Jones, Victim/Witness Advocate Tracey Hawkins, and Victim/Witness Service Coordinator Shanika McCullough. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Domestic Violence unit, Callie Hyde and Katharine Yaske, who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: Former energy company president sentenced for over $5.5M illegal kickback and commodities insider trading scheme

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 56-year-old Needville man has been ordered to federal prison for his role in an illegal kickback scheme and a commodities insider trading scheme involving natural gas futures contracts. Matthew Clark pleaded guilty March 15 to honest services wire fraud, commodities insider trading and prohibited commodities transactions. U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks has now ordered Clark to serve a total of 78 months in prison. He must also pay $7,709,509 in restitution and forfeit $6,532,360. In handing down the sentence, Judge Hanks noted Clark made the calculated choice to commit these offenses despite the risk of being caught, and in doing so “gambled and lost.” According to court documents, Clark conspired with others to direct his employer’s trades to Houston-based Classic Energy LLC, a brokerage firm Matthew Webb, 54, Tiki Island, owned and operated, in exchange for illegal kickbacks. As part of his prohibited trading, Clark conspired with John Ed James, 54 Katy, and Peter Miller, 49, Puerto Rico. Clark received more than $5.5 million in illegal kickbacks for his trades. Webb pleaded guilty in June 2021 to conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and wire fraud and to violate various provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act. James pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and commodities fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced July 1, while Miller admitted to conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and is set for sentencing June 20. In two other related cases, Marcus Schultz, 44, Houston, and Lee Tippett, 64, Jacksonville, Florida, pleaded guilty in July 2020 and August 2021, respectively. Schultz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to violate various provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act and is scheduled to be sentenced July 1. Tippett pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and honest services wire fraud and was previously sentenced to 33 months in prison. Clark was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined at a later date. The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Grace Murphy prosecuted the case along with Assistant Chief Leslie S. Garthwaite and Trial Attorneys Della Sentilles and David Hamstra of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.


title: Two Men Indicted on Federal Racketeering Charges for Allegedly Murdering Teenager To Increase Position in Chicago Street Gang

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: CHICAGO — Two men have been indicted on federal racketeering charges for allegedly murdering a teenager to maintain and increase their positions in a violent Chicago street gang. GARY ROBERSON, 40, and JOSEPH MATOS, 41, both of Chicago, are charged with racketeering and firearm offenses in an indictment unsealed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The indictment accuses the pair of murdering Chrys Carvajal on July 3, 2021, for the purpose of maintaining and increasing their positions in the Milwaukee Kings street gang. Carvajal, 19, was fatally shot in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood on Chicago’s Northwest Side. The indictment alleges that the Milwaukee Kings is a criminal organization whose members and associates engaged in narcotics trafficking and committed acts of violence, including murder and assault, to acquire and preserve the gang’s perceived territory on the North Side of Chicago. Members of the gang intimidated rival gang members, victims, and witnesses through acts and threats of violence, boasted about their gang on social media, and took steps designed to prevent law enforcement from detecting their criminal activities, according to the indictment. Roberson was arrested last month and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was ordered to remain detained in federal custody pending trial. Matos is not in custody and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Prashant Kolluri, Caitlin Walgamuth, and Kirsten Moran. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Murder in aid of racketeering is punishable by a mandatory sentence of life in prison, and the death penalty is also possible. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Roberson et al indictment


title: Jefferson Parish Man Guilty of Federal Controlled Substances Act Violation

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that COREY ESQUERRE (“ESQUERRE”) , age 50, a resident of Jefferson Parish, pled guilty on June 6, 2024 before United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter, to violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act. Specifically, ESQUERRE pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). According to court documents, on July 31, 2023, Gretna Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted a search of ESQUERRE’s apartment. Agents discovered ESQUERRE had 3.5 lbs. of methamphetamine in bags in a toolbox in his bedroom. The DEA Laboratory confirmed that the contents of the bags found in ESQUERRE’s bedroom contained 1880.1 grams of pure methamphetamine. ESQUERRE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. ESQUERRE’s sentencing is set for September 19, 2024. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Gretna Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver of the Narcotics Unit oversees the prosecution.


title: Federal Jury Finds Man Guilty of Violent Assault on the Bois Forte Indian Reservation

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A federal jury found a Bois Forte man guilty of two counts of assault resulting in serious and substantial bodily injury, respectively, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to evidence presented at trial and court documents, beginning on or about March 13, 2023, Mark Allen Isham, 61, repeatedly and violently assaulted an intimate partner staying at his residence within the exterior boundaries of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indian Reservation. The physical assault escalated on March 19, 2023, when Isham became angry and started punching the victim with a closed fist. Isham kept his victim trapped inside the house for days without access to the victim’s wheelchair. On March 24, 2023, the victim managed to call 911 while Isham was outside chopping firewood. Two officers arrived at Isham’s home shortly afterwards. Isham initially denied the victim was inside, prompting the victim to eventually call out to responding officers. The victim’s visible injuries included a split lip, black eye, and bruising on their arms, legs, and head. An ambulance was called to transport the victim to a local hospital. The victim’s injuries required surgery to repair a broken jaw resulting from the violent assault at Isham’s residence. Following a five-day trial in U.S. District Court before Judge Katherine M. Menendez, Isham was found guilty on one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and one count of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Bois Forte Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carla J. Baumel and Nichole J. Carter tried the case.


title: Baltimore Man Is Sentenced To Ten Years In Federal Prison For Committing An Armed Robbery Of A Phone Store

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson today sentenced Marvin Benjamin Sparrow, age 32, of Baltimore, Maryland, to ten years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for an armed commercial robbery of a T-Mobile store in Baltimore County, Maryland. The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Chief Gregory Der of the Howard County Police Department; Chief Amal E. Awad of the Anne Arundel County Police Department; and Chief Robert McCullough of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department. According to his guilty plea, in January 2020, Sparrow and his co-conspirators planned and committed armed robberies of three businesses located in Howard, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore Counties. Specifically, Sparrow participated in the January 22, 2020 armed robbery of a T-Mobile store located in Dundalk, Maryland. During the robbery, Sparrow’s co-conspirator brandished a gun, and then Sparrow and the co-conspirator stole cellphones and other electronic devices. After the robbery, Sparrow and two co-conspirators were apprehended and arrested by law enforcement officers. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Barron commended the ATF, the Howard County Police Department, the Anne Arundel Police Department, the Baltimore County Police Department, and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Sippel, Jr., and Adey Adenrele, who prosecuted the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Five Defendants Found Guilty for Their Roles in $250 Million Fraud Scheme

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – Five individuals have been convicted by a federal jury for their roles in a $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally-funded child nutrition program, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. “I am extraordinarily proud of the prosecution team and our law enforcement partners who have spent years investigating this highly complex and widespread fraud scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger. “With today’s convictions, a total of 23 individuals have been held accountable for their roles in this egregious conspiracy to steal millions of taxpayer dollars.” “Exploiting a program designed to feed underserved children during the COVID pandemic is reprehensible,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston of FBI Minneapolis. “Today's verdict is a clear warning to those who exploit the most vulnerable for personal gain. Justice will be swift and severe. The FBI, alongside our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office, stand united in condemning such acts and ensuring that those who prey on others face the consequences they deserve.” “This verdict highlights the meticulous work of IRS Criminal Investigation special agents and their fellow law enforcement partners who brought to justice individuals who took advantage of food programs when children and families needed them the most,” said Jason Bushey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “This investigation is not over, and today’s verdict highlights the fact that a large-scale fraud of this scope and nature will not be ignored, and those who engage in fraud schemes like this will not evade justice.” Inspector in Charge Bryan Musgrove of the Denver Division stated, “Today’s verdict reaffirms how critical a role the U.S. Postal Inspection Service plays in protecting the American consumer from these types of fraudulent schemes and in ensuring that the nation’s U.S. mail stream is not used by criminals to prey upon our citizens and government financial aid programs. The bold egregious nature in which these fraudsters abused government financial assistance programs designed to feed low-income children during the Covid pandemic illustrates their callous disregard for human decency and overall greed. This investigation is a tremendous example of how the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our federal law enforcement partners can work side by side in an effort to bring these fraudsters to justice.” Following a six-week trial in U.S. District Court before Judge Nancy E. Brasel, a federal jury convicted Abdiaziz Shafii Farah, 35, Mohamed Jama Ismail, 51, Abdimajid Mohamed Nur, 23, Mukhtar Mohamed Shariff, 33, and Hayat Mohamed Nur, 27, for their roles in the $250 million Feeding Our Future Fraud scheme. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled at a later date. As proven at trial, the convicted defendants devised and carried out a $40 million fraud scheme to defraud the Federal Child Nutrition Program. The convicted defendants obtained, misappropriated, and laundered millions of dollars in program funds that were intended as reimbursements for the cost of serving meals to children. The convicted defendants exploited changes in the program intended to ensure underserved children received adequate nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic. The convicted defendants also created and submitted false documentation. They submitted fraudulent meal count sheets purporting to document the number of children and meals served at each site and false invoices purporting to document the purchase of food to be served to children at the sites. The convicted defendants also submitted fake attendance rosters purporting to list the names and ages of the children receiving meals at the sites each day. These rosters were fabricated and created using fake names. The Federal Child Nutrition Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is a federally-funded program designed to provide free meals to children in need. The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service administers the program throughout the nation by distributing federal funds to state governments. In Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) administers and oversees the Federal Child Nutrition Program. Meals funded by the Federal Child Nutrition Program are served by “sites.” Each site participating in the program must be sponsored by an authorized sponsoring organization. Sponsors must submit an application to MDE for each site. Sponsors are also responsible for monitoring each of their sites and preparing reimbursement claims for their sites. The USDA then provides MDE federal reimbursement funds on a per-meal basis. MDE provides those funds to the sponsoring agency who, in turn, pays the reimbursements to the sites under its sponsorship. The sponsoring agency retains 10 to 15 percent of the funds as an administrative fee. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the USDA waived some of the standard requirements for participation in the Federal Child Nutrition Program. Among other things, the USDA allowed for-profit restaurants to participate in the program, as well as allowed for off-site food distribution to children outside of educational programs. In total, seventy defendants have been charged across 14 indictments and six criminal informations. To date, eighteen defendants have entered guilty pleas. The following five defendants, named in the United States v. Abdiaziz Shafii Farah, et al., 22-CR-124 (NEB/TNL) indictment, were found guilty by a federal jury: Abdiaziz Shafii Farah, of Savage, Minnesota, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, six counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery, two counts of federal programs bribery, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, 11 counts of money laundering, and one count of false statements in a passport application. Abdiaziz Farah was an owner and operator of Empire Cuisine and Market LLC, a for-profit restaurant that participated in the scheme as a site, as a vendor for other sites, and as an entity to launder fraudulent proceeds. Empire Cuisine and Market and other affiliated sites received more than $28 million in fraudulent Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. Mohamed Jama Ismail, of Savage, Minnesota, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of money laundering. Ismail was an owner and operator of Empire Cuisine and Market LLC, a for-profit restaurant that participated in the scheme as a site, as a vendor for other sites, and as an entity to launder fraudulent proceeds. Empire Cuisine and Market and other affiliated sites received more than $28 million in fraudulent Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. Abdimajid Mohamed Nur, of Shakopee, Minnesota, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and four counts of money laundering. Abdimajid Nur created Nur Consulting LLC to receive and launder Federal Child Nutrition Program funds from Empire Cuisine and Market, ThinkTechAct, and other entities involved in the scheme. Mukhtar Mohamed Shariff, of Bloomington, Minnesota, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of money laundering. Shariff was the chief executive officer of Afrique Hospitality Group, a company used to fraudulent obtain and launder Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. Hayat Mohamed Nur, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud. Hayat Nur, the sister of Abdimajid Nur, participated in the scheme by creating and submitting fraudulent meal count sheets, attendance rosters, and invoices. United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger thanks the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their collaboration and skilled investigative work on this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Minnesota Joseph H. Thompson, Harry M. Jacobs, Matthew S. Ebert, Chelsea A. Walcker, and Daniel W. Bobier tried the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.


title: Tucson Woman Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Trafficking Approximately 453,000 Fentanyl-Laced Pills and One Kilogram of Fentanyl Powder

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Alegria Pompeya Mendoza-Castro, 30, of Tucson, was sentenced on Tuesday by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker to 60 months in prison. Mendoza-Castro pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl on November 16, 2023. On April 20, 2023, Mendoza-Castro traveled from Mexico through the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales. During the inspection of her vehicle, approximately 453,000 fentanyl-laced pills and one kilogram of fentanyl powder were discovered in the spare tire. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force operation. The OCDETF Strike Force Initiative identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney David Petermann, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR 23-00692-TUC-JCH RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-073_Mendoza-Castro # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Brandon Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Brandon, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on June 3, 2024, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Antonio Gary Angelo, age 36, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Angelo was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in October of 2023. He pleaded guilty on March 7, 2024. On June 30, 2023, Angelo was involved in a traffic stop in Sioux Falls. During the traffic stop, Angelo was non-complaint with law enforcement, refusing to give his name and attempting to flee. Angelo was quickly apprehended by law enforcement and a search of his person was conducted. During the search of his person, Angelo was found in possession of a firearm. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen prosecuted the case. Angelo was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving his sentence.


title: Two Mexican Citizens Sentenced to Decades in Federal Prison in a South Dakota Cocaine Conspiracy

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced the second of two Mexican men convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on June 3, 2024. Mario Castro Covarrubias, 37, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. On March 11, 2024, Melecio Rodriguez Medina, 39, was sentenced to 27 years and three months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Mario Castro Covarrubias and Melecio Rodriguez Medina were indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. Rodriguez Medina pleaded guilty on November 6, 2023, and Castro Covarrubias pleaded guilty on January 3, 2024. Rodriguez Medina and Castro Covarrubias were based in Mexico and were part of an international organization that arranged for the transportation of large amounts of narcotics to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, from Mexico. While in Mexico, Rodriguez Medina and Castro Covarrubias coordinated with two couriers to get approximately 25 kilograms of cocaine delivered to Sioux Falls in October of 2021. On October 18, 2021, law enforcement seized the cocaine that they had shipped to South Dakota. In December of 2021, the two again coordinated to ship approximately 42 kilograms of cocaine to Sioux Falls, which was also seized. In addition to cocaine, Rodriguez Medina was responsible for organizing a shipment of 1 kilogram of fentanyl pills to Sioux Falls. Investigators also determined that Rodriguez Medina made arrangements for a co-conspirator in South Dakota to pick up multi-pound shipments of methamphetamine in California and then take them back to South Dakota for distribution. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case. Both men were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after their respective sentencings.


title: Plankinton Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of a Minor

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Plankinton, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The sentencing took place on June 5, 2024. Kody William Konechne, age 23, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Konechne must register as a sex offender upon release from federal prison. Konechne was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2023. He pleaded guilty on February 27, 2024. The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 5, 2023, when Konechne used his cell phone to attempt to coerce a 14-year-old female he met on Facebook to engage in sexual activity. The girl, however, was an undercover agent. Konechne was arrested when he arrived at the location where he thought he would be meeting the girl. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations – Sioux Falls, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case. Konechne was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Sac County Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison for Meth and Firearm Convictions

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who possessed methamphetamine and illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced June 7, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City. Edwin Diaz, 34, from Odebolt, Iowa, was convicted of two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm on February 9, 2024. Diaz was previously convicted of felony theft, burglary, and possession of a controlled substance, which prohibit a person from possessing firearms. At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that in the early morning hours on December 31, 2022, an Ida County Sheriff’s Deputy, stopped to check on an oddly parked vehicle, finding defendant and another in the vehicle. The deputy seized a baggie with 45 grams of methamphetamine and another bag with 35 grams of marijuana. Evidence further showed that days later, in the early morning hours of January 4, 2023, Diaz and his girlfriend coaxed the person with Diaz on December 31 into a vehicle. Then Diaz forced this person to sign a note, written by Diaz, saying the methamphetamine seized from Diaz’s vehicle on December 31, was this person’s and not Diaz’s. During the execution of a search warrant at Diaz’s residence, agents seized evidence of Diaz’s conduct in obtaining the false letter, including handcuffs and the false note. Diaz’s conduct constituted obstruction of justice. Agents also seized approximately ½ ounce of methamphetamine, a small quantity of marijuana, various pills, drug distribution paraphernalia, a Ruger .22 rifle with a loaded magazine and 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Diaz was sentenced to 185 months’, 27 days’ imprisonment and must serve a term of four years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Diaz is being held in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Ida County Sheriff’s Office, Sac County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa Public Safety-Division of Criminal Investigation Laboratory, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-4012. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Honduran national sentenced for federal drug trafficking and firearms charges

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

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Honduran national was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. According to court documents, early on the morning of June 20, 2023, officers with the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) responded to a report of an unconscious person in a car and found Delvin Antonio Cruz-Melgar, 25, asleep behind the wheel of a red Dodge that had been involved in a hit-and-run accident with another vehicle about 90 minutes earlier. After observing a meth pipe in plain view, VBPD initiated a probable cause search of the red Dodge and located a second meth pipe, a plastic bag containing 4.57 grams of meth, and a black bag containing 225.44 grams of meth. During a search of Cruz-Melgar’s person, officers discovered a loaded Walther PPX 9mm handgun in his waistband, as well as $760 in cash. Detectives with the VBPD Special Investigations Unit were called to the scene. The detectives located a stolen Akkar Churchill Model 612 12-gauge shotgun, a digital scale, multiple cellphones, and ammunition in the vehicle. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jason Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Liana Castano, Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C.; Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police; and Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr.. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darryl J. Mitchell and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc W. West, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, 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 Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-134.


title: Two New Orleans Men Sentenced  in Theft of Cars from Railyard

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MISTER MACKEY, JR. , age 22, and JONATHAN FRANK , age 40, residents of New Orleans, were sentenced on May 28, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey after previously pleading guilty to charges arising out of a 20-count indictment. MACKEY and FRANK are the final of the 10 defendants to be sentenced in the case. MACKEY was sentenced to 58 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $400 mandatory special assessment fee for possessing two cars stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 659; being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8); and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D). FRANK was sentenced to 87 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee after also being convicted of possessing two cars stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 659 and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, between March 29 and April 3, 2023, MACKEY was observed on surveillance video occupying both a 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Crew Cab 4x4 and a 2023 Lincoln Aviator that had been stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard. MACKEY exited the Aviator on April 3 rd with a loaded Zastava Model PAP M92 PV, 7.62x39 millimeter caliber AK-47-style pistol. On August 19, 2023, MACKEY was the sole passenger in a vehicle pulled over for a traffic violation. Inside the vehicle, MACKEY had a backpack containing marijuana and digital scales, and also possessed a Glock Model 17 handgun with a loaded 30-round magazine partially inserted in the gun, and an additional loaded drum magazine in the passenger glove box. Between March 30 and April 3, 2023, FRANK was captured on surveillance video driving two Ford Explorer STs stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard. FRANK possessed a Smith & Wesson Model SD40VE, .40 caliber handgun while driving the stolen cars. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Georgia Attorney and Former Atlanta Police Officer Sentenced for $15M COVID-19 Relief Fraud Conspiracy

body_text: A Georgia attorney and former City of Atlanta police officer was sentenced today to seven years and three months in prison for conspiring to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of approximately $15 million. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Shelitha Robertson, 62, of Atlanta, conspired with Chandra Norton to submit fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of businesses that Robertson and Norton each owned. The fraudulent loan applications falsely inflated the number of employees and average monthly payroll for each of the applicant businesses and included false supporting tax documentation, inducing larger PPP loans than Robertson or Norton could legitimately obtain. Robertson and Norton submitted fraudulent applications on behalf of four businesses Robertson owned, resulting in $7,020,779 in PPP funds deposited into bank accounts Robertson owned and controlled. Robertson then used the loan proceeds for her personal benefit, including purchasing luxury items, such as a 10-carat diamond ring, and transferring funds to family members and to Norton. A federal jury convicted Robertson in December 2023 of on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and one count of money laundering. Norton pleaded guilty in November 2020 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 14. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia; Inspector General Hannibal “Mike” Ware of the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG); Inspector General Jennifer L. Fain of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG); and Acting Inspector General Heather M. Hill of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) made the announcement. The SBA-OIG, FDIC-OIG, and TIGTA investigated the case. Trial Attorney Ariel Glasner of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bernita Malloy for the Northern District of Georgia prosecuted the case.


title: Jackson County Drug Dealer Sentenced to Federal Prison

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: MEDFORD, Ore.—A known Jackson County drug dealer was sentenced to federal prison today after law enforcement located distribution quantities of drugs, including fentanyl, and a firearm in his abandoned vehicle. Anthony Ross Minneci, 36, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. According to court documents, in January 2019, following his release from prison for drug trafficking and illegally possessing a firearm, Minneci resumed selling drugs throughout Southern Oregon. From early 2019 to March 2022, Minneci was charged in multiple cases in Jackson and Josephine County Circuit Courts for drug trafficking, illegally possessing firearms, and eluding police. On January 1, 2022, a deputy with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle failing to stop at an intersection and driving at a high rate of speed. The deputy identified Minneci as the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle and pursued him briefly before Minneci got away. Later that evening, investigators found the vehicle unoccupied in a rural area, but were unable to locate Minneci. On January 5, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant on the vehicle and located fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine, as well as a firearm, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. Investigators also found items identifying Minneci, including a driver’s license. On March 15, 2022, Minneci was arrested in Siskiyou County, California, following another attempt to elude police. At the time of his arrest, Minneci was found in possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and two firearms. On May 5, 2022, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a three-count indictment charging Minneci with possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, illegally possessing ammunition as a convicted felon, and possessing firearms in relation to a drug trafficking crime. On February 26, 2024, Minneci pleaded guilty to possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute. The cases against Minneci were investigated by the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement Team (MADGE) with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Rogue Area Drug Enforcement Team (RADE), Oregon State Police, the Jackson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices, Medford Police Department, and the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Marco A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. MADGE is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. MADGE is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and is composed of members from the Medford Police Department, the Jackson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices, the Jackson County Community Corrections, FBI, and HSI. The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.


title: Two Charged for Involvement with Online Groups Dedicated to Monkey Torture and Mutilation

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: CINCINNATI - Two individuals were charged this week for their involvement with online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys. Nicholas T. Dryden, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Giancarlo Morelli, of New Jersey, were charged with conspiracy to create and distribute so-called “animal crush videos,” and with distributing animal crush videos. Dryden is also charged with the creation of animal crush videos, as well as with production, distribution and receipt of a visual depiction of the sexual abuse of children because a minor was paid to abuse the monkeys. According to court documents, in March and April 2023, the two co-defendants allegedly conspired to create and distribute videos depicting acts of sadistic violence against baby, adolescent and adult monkeys. The conspirators allegedly funneled money through Dryden, who then paid the minor in Indonesia to commit the requested acts on camera. The videos alleged to have been created as part of the conspiracy included depictions of monkeys having their genitals burned, having their genitals cut with scissors, being sodomized with a wooden skewer and being sodomized with a spoon. The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, the charges related to the creation and distribution of animal crush videos each carry a maximum penalty of seven years in prison and the charges of producing and distributing depictions of the sexual abuse of children each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio made the announcement. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FBI investigated the case. Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Oakley for the Southern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. -###-


title: Mexican International Man Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Mexican International man who crossed into New Hampshire was arrested on a complaint charging federal child pornography offenses, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Jose Rodriguez-Garcia, 26, was charged with one count of transporting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and one count of possessing CSAM. Rodriguez-Garcia is scheduled to appear in federal court in Concord later today. According to the charging documents, on June 6, 2024, Rodriguez-Garcia and another man were observed by U.S. Border Patrol agents after having apparently just crossed from Canada into New Hampshire over Hall Stream in Pittsburg. The men were detained and brought to the Beecher Falls Border Station for processing. At that point, a search of Rodriguez-Garcia’s person and property yielded several electronic media, including a thumb drive on which depictions of apparent CSAM were found. The charge of transporting CSAM provides a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years. Both charges provide a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least 5 years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and mandatory restitution. 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. The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations within the United States Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Federal Jury Convicts Mason Wilson Of Child Abuse And Child Neglect In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Mason Anthony Wilson, age 28, of Gore, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of Child Abuse in Indian Country and one count of Child Neglect in Indian Country. The jury trial began with testimony on Monday, June 3, 2024, and concluded on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, with the guilty verdicts. During the trial, the United States presented evidence that Wilson caused injuries to a 2-month-old baby, including 10 fractured bones and multiple bruises, and then failed to provide medical care for the baby. The crimes occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation of Oklahoma, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The guilty verdicts were the result of investigations by the Muskogee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Honorable Judge Kea W. Riggs, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, sitting by assignment, presided over the trial in Muskogee and ordered the completion of a presentence report. The sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Wilson was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshal until sentencing. Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah McAmis and Jessica Bove represented the United States.


title: Tahlequah Resident Sentenced For Federal Firearm Conviction

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Billy Eugene Shepard, Jr., age 42, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 49 months in prison for one count of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The charges arose from investigations by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On November 1, 2023, Shepard pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition. As part of the plea, Shepard admitted to knowingly possessing a firearm and ammunition after having been previously convicted a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Shepard will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Edith Singer represented the United States.


title: Muskogee Resident Sentenced For Federal Firearm Conviction

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jesse Lee Fish, age 34, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The charges arose from investigations by the Muskogee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On October 31, 2023, Fish pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition. According to court documents, on April 4, 2023, Fish knowingly possessed a rifle and ammunition after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Fish will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Edith Singer represented the United States.


title: Ada Resident Sentenced To Seven Years In Prison For Obstruction Of Justice

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that David Henry Vick, Jr., age 38, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 92 months imprisonment for one count of an Information of Obstruction of the Due Administration of Justice. The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Ada Police Department. On February 6, 2024, Vick pleaded guilty to the charge. As part of the plea agreement, Vick admitted to attempting to intimidate and threaten a witness for the purpose of influencing, delaying, or preventing testimony before a convening Federal grand jury. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the sentencing hearing. Vick will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.


title: Seminole Resident Sentenced For Federal Firearm Charge

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that John Arthur Dennis, age 24, of Seminole, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment for illegal possession of two firearms. The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department; and the Ardmore Police Department. On November 2, 2023, Dennis pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm. According to investigators, on November 14, 2021, Dennis knowingly possessed two firearms after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the sentencing hearing. Dennis will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.


title: Catoosa Resident Sentenced To 15 Years For Violent Assault Against Intimate Partner

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that James Tyler Garbey, age 36, of Catoosa, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, and 60 consecutive months in prison for one count of Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse or Intimate Partner in Indian Country, for a total of 180 months in prison. The charges arose from investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office. On December 12, 2023, Garbey pleaded guilty to the charges. According to investigators, on July 19, 2023, Garbey broke into the victim’s residence, waited for the victim to arrive, then beat the victim before dragging her from the residence at knifepoint to a waiting truck. The ordeal left the victim with substantial bodily injury. The crime occurred in Wagoner County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Garbey will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshals pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. Robinson represented the United States.


title: Guam Drug Dealer Sentenced to 97 Months in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Guam & Northern Mariana Islands

body_text: Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Ian David Waki, age 48, from Guam was sentenced to 97 months imprisonment for Possession of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride with Intent to Distribute, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). The Court also ordered three years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. In addition, defendants convicted of a federal drug offense may no longer qualify for certain federal benefits. On July 7, 2023, officers with the Guam Police Department attempted to stop a stolen Ford Fl50 truck. A police pursuit ended on a dead-end road in a jungle area. Waki was found sitting in the driver's seat of the truck. After being told to shut off the engine, Waki revved the vehicle and then fled on foot. Officers apprehended him a short distance away following a brief struggle. Officers recovered a partially open wallet containing bags of methamphetamine, MDMA, and a cellphone just outside the vehicle. A wallet with more bags of methamphetamine, amphetamine pills, $1,069 in currency, and Waki’s driver's license were located within the vehicle. The DEA Southwest Laboratory determined the substances contained 105.6 grams of methamphetamine with a purity of 97 percent. “I applaud the efforts by GPD officers throughout this investigation,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “This case once again highlights the dangers officers face during traffic stops. Fortunately, this matter had a good outcome for our communities.” This investigation was conducted by the Guam Police Department with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Devarup Rastogi, Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Guam.


title: District Teen Indicted on Multiple Armed Carjacking, Armed Robbery and Related Charges from August 2023 Crime Spree

body_text: WASHINGTON – Zakyh Samuel, 16, of Washington, D.C., was indicted on May 30, 2024, on charges stemming from an August 24, 2023, crime spree throughout the District, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced. Samuel was charged as an adult by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia in a 16-count indictment. Samuel was charged with two counts of armed carjacking, five counts of armed robbery, and assault with intent to rob while armed, along with possession of a firearm during each of those crimes of violence. Samuel was arraigned on May 31, 2024, before the Honorable Jason Park. According to the government’s evidence, Samuel and his accomplices used a stolen burgundy Jeep Grand Cherokee to traverse around the District and prey on members of the community from about 1:30 a.m. to 5:15 a.m., flanking their victims, brandishing firearms, demanding property, and then fleeing, in each offense. DNA testing and surveillance footage later linked Samuel to the spree of offenses. This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.


title: Federal Inmate Sentenced To 14 Years In Prison For Assaulting And Causing Bodily Injury To Three Federal Corrections Officers

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Thomas Waters, age 37, a federal prison inmate, was sentenced on June 5, 2024, by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 168 months’ imprisonment for three counts of assaulting a federal officer. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the evidence presented at a three day trial held in January 2024 revealed that on January 18, 2023, while an inmate at United States Penitentiary, Canaan (“USP Canaan”), in Wayne County, PA, Waters assaulted three federal corrections officers, causing bodily injury to each man. More specifically, the evidence showed that while being counseled for a rule violation, Waters repeatedly struck one corrections officer in the head with his fists. Then, during this assault, Waters disarmed the officer of his service baton and used it to strike the officer in the head. When additional corrections officers responded to assist, Waters bit two other corrections officers. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Mannion ordered that Waters’ 168-month sentence run consecutively to the federal sentence that Waters was already serving at the time of the assault. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Special Investigative Services component within the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffery St John and Tatum R. Wilson prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Schuylkill County Man Charged With Methamphetamine Trafficking

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Kyle Smith, age 40, of Schuylkill Haven, PA, was charged on June 4, 2024, by a federal grand jury for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the Indictment alleges that on February 29, 2024, in Schuylkill County, Smith possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the PA Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations (BNI). Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John is prosecuting 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. The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments and Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Luzerne County Man Sentenced To 144 Months’ Imprisonment For Fentanyl Trafficking

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lee Crawford, age 62, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 5, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to 144 months’ imprisonment on the charge of conspiracy to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl and the charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Crawford previously pleaded guilty and admitted to conspiring with other individuals to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl in the Luzerne County area between July 2020 and February 2021. Investigators made several purchases of fentanyl from Crawford and then obtained a search warrant for Crawford’s residence in Wilkes-Barre, where an additional amount of fentanyl was seized. Crawford also admitted to a separate charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting from the search of his residence. Crawford was indicted by a grand jury sitting in Scranton in March 2021. The charges against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Kingston Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. # # #


title: Queens and Brooklyn-Based Eye Doctor Settles Health Care Fraud Claims for More Than $2.4 Million

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Letitia James, New York State Attorney General, and Naomi Gruchacz, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), announced today a settlement agreement with a New York-based ophthalmologist, his ophthalmology practice and related entities which allegedly provided ophthalmological health care services to Brooklyn and Queens residents, many of whom were elderly or non-native English speakers. The settlement agreement requires the defendants to pay more than $2.4 million to resolve claims that they billed or caused to be billed false claims for payment to Medicare and Medicaid for certain procedures, tests, and other ophthalmological services that were either unnecessary or could not have been performed because the ophthalmologist was not in his office. Under the terms of the agreement, these providers, including Sheldon Rabin, Sheldon Rabin, M.D., Sheldon Rabin, M.D., P.C. d/b/a New York Eye Care, will pay $2,426,144.93 to the United States to resolve claims under the False Claims Act. The defendants have also separately agreed to pay $73,855.07 to New York State to resolve claims under New York State’s False Claims Act, for a total payment of $2.5 million. “As alleged, the defendants took advantage of our district's older residents and other vulnerable individuals in defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs for their own personal gain,” stated U.S. Attorney Peace. “As this settlement makes clear, our Office will protect the integrity of government health care programs and pursue providers who enrich themselves through fraud.” Mr. Peace also thanked the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Office of the New York State Attorney General for their assistance with the investigation. “Doctors who exploit their patients undermine the health care system that all New Yorkers rely on,” stated New York Attorney General James. “Dr. Rabin and his practice unjustly enriched themselves with taxpayer funds by taking advantage of their elderly and vulnerable patients, and today they are being held accountable. I thank U.S. Attorney Peace and our partners in this investigation for bringing this case to ensure New Yorkers get the high-quality care they deserve.” “The Medicare and Medicaid fraud claims in this case involved services that were not medically necessary, which always raises a concern about potential patient harm,” stated HHS-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Gruchacz. “Individuals and entities that participate in the federal health care system are required to obey the laws meant to preserve the integrity of program funds and the provision of appropriate, quality services to patients.” As alleged by the Government, from 2013 through 2016, defendants improperly submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid for treatments that were unnecessary by manipulating patient test readings to create an appearance of a need for certain eye care services, when in fact, the patients’ test readings indicated no such need. Further, during this same time frame, the government alleged instances of services having been billed, but never actually rendered by Dr. Rabin, because he was out of the office or out of the country when the services were purportedly rendered. The settlement includes the resolution of two civil actions brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the settlement if the government takes over the case and reaches a monetary agreement with the defendant. As alleged in the qui tam actions, the defendants provided ophthalmological health care services to Brooklyn and Queens residents, many of whom were elderly or non-native English speakers. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. The government’s case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Artemis Lekakis of the Office’s Civil Division. E.D.N.Y. Docket Nos. 13-CV-1930 (HG) and 15-CV-6356 (HG)


title: Cumberland County Men Indicted For Firearms And Drug-Trafficking Offenses

body_text: HARRISBURG– The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marty Robinson, age 46, and Jordan Brown, age 35, both of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury on May 8, 2024, on charges of firearms and drug trafficking offenses. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Robinson and Brown for conspiring to make a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm and aided and abetted by each other, making a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on or about June 5, 2023, Brown bought a firearm for Robinson in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and lied to a licensed dealer of firearms about being the actual buyer and transferee. The indictment also charges Robinson with possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine; possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a prohibited person on June 7, 2023, in Cumberland County. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Carlisle Bureau of Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is prosecuting 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. This case was also prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms. The maximum penalty under federal law for the indicted offenses against Robinson is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and special assessment. The maximum penalty under federal law for the indicted offenses against Brown is 15 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Crips Gang Member Sentenced to 11 Years for Drug Trafficking and Weapons Charges

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Daquan Rosenboro, age 24, of Grifton, a validated member of the Crips gang, was sentenced to 132 months in federal prison for nine separate charges related to trafficking methamphetamine and illegal possession of a firearm by a felon. Roseboro pled guilty to the charges earlier this year. “Trafficking high-purity meth with a toddler in the car and brandishing guns and dope in hype videos with small children - it’s a level of recklessness we rarely see,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “The Craven County Sheriff’s swift action ensures this validated Crips gang member won’t put kids at risk again anytime soon.” Sheriff Chip Hughes stated, “This prosecution represents our emphasis on investigating and convicting high-priority gang related drug dealers. We appreciate the cooperation of our local and Federal law enforcement partners and the work of the U.S. Attorney's Office in putting this dangerous felon behind bars.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) began investigating Rosenboro after learning that he was trafficking drugs in and around Craven County. Between December 6, 2022, and January 26, 2023, law enforcement made multiple controlled purchases of high-purity methamphetamine from Rosenboro, including a controlled purchase of 54 grams of methamphetamine where a toddler was in the rear of the vehicle occupied by Rosenboro at the time of the sale. Rosenboro also sold a SAR 9mm handgun to someone working at the direction of law enforcement. Rosenboro had a prior felony conviction, which prohibited him from owning a handgun. Rosenboro was arrested on January 26, 2023. Following his arrest, a search of his residence uncovered various illegal drugs, a loaded .22 caliber rifle with a large capacity magazine, and 27 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition. During the investigation, agents discovered videos of Rosenboro with suspected methamphetamine. The videos show him dancing with an AR-style pistol tucked into his waistband and holding cash while small children can be seen in the background. Law enforcement determined that one of the $100 bills Rosenboro held in the video was part of the government funds utilized in an undercover purchase from him. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after the sentencing was concluded. U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle presided over the sentencing. ATF, the Craven and Lenoir County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Kinston, Grifton, and New Bern Police Departments investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo 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. 4:23-CR-00010-BO-BM.


title: Tucker Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Burglary  and Sexual Assault on the Choctaw Indian Reservation

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Tucker man was sentenced today to 168 months in federal prison for burglary and sexual assault on the Choctaw Indian Reservation. According to court documents, Scottie Amos, 26, of the Tucker Community of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, entered a tribal home on September 14, 2017, and sexually assaulted a female tribal member. The indictment also charged that Amos entered a separate tribal home on November 2, 2017, and took items of value from the home. Amos pled guilty on January 8, 2024. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The Choctaw Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin J. Payne and Brian K. Burns prosecuted the case.


title: Former Postal Employee Charged with Stealing Checks from Mail; Fraud and Identity Theft Offenses

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 10-count indictment charging KIERRA BLOUNT, 34, of Stamford, with fraud, identity theft, and mail theft offenses. The indictment was returned on March 26, 2024, and unsealed yesterday. Blount is currently being sought by law enforcement. The indictment alleges that Blount, at times while employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Stamford, stole mail and obtained stolen mail for the purpose of obtaining checks that were payable to other individuals. In approximately November 2021, Blount opened a bank account using the name and social security number of an individual without the identity theft victim’s knowledge. Blount and others fraudulently changed the payee names on stolen checks to the name of the identity theft victim, forged the victim’s signature on the back of the checks, and deposited them into the bank account Blount opened. From November 2021 until the account was closed in April 2022, Blount and others deposited tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent checks into the account. They then used the funds for their own purposes. The indictment charges Blount with eight count of bank fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count; one count of aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of two years; and one count of unlawful possession of stolen mail, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Stamford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shan Patel.


title: Ghost Gun and Ammunition Land Convicted Felon Back in Prison for 65 Months

body_text: WASHINGTON – Mark Harris, 27, a previously convicted felon from Washington D.C., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 65 months in prison for possessing three different firearms between June 1 and November 2, 2023, one which was an untraceable “ghost gun,” and more than 150 rounds of ammunition. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, DEA Special Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Washington Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police. Harris, aka “Romilli,” pleaded guilty on February 29, 2024, to a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton ordered Harris to serve three years of supervised release. According to court documents, on May 23, 2023, law enforcement learned of an Instagram live stream posted by Harris in which he produced a black handgun and stated something to the effect of “crack a (explicit) head with this joint.” Based on the post, Harris’s prior felony conviction and his location in the District at the time of the posting, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for his residence. On June 1, 2023, law enforcement executed the search warrant. In Harris’s bedroom under the mattress, law enforcement seized a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol with no serial number (a privately manufactured firearm or “ghost gun”) and an extended magazine with 12 rounds of ammunition and one bullet in the chamber. Inside a closet, law enforcement recovered a Palmetto PA-15 multi-caliber semi-automatic rifle with a 42-round capacity magazine. In addition, they found more than 133 rounds of assorted silver and bronze ammunition; ammunition in four boxes under the bed; 10 bottles of promethazine, and two bags of white powdery substance in a small safe. Despite the execution of the search warrant on June 1, by June 30 Harris again went on Instagram to post images of additional firearms in his possession. On October 4, 2023, Harris publicly posted to his Instagram account a YouTube music video for his song “Add It Up,” in which he is depicted holding a firearm with an extended magazine and a “giggle switch” used to convert the weapon into a fully automatic machine gun. On November 2, 2023, law enforcement again executed a search warrant at Harris’s residence. This time, they found Harris in his bedroom, where they recovered: a stolen black .40 caliber Glock 22 pistol with a 15-round capacity magazine containing 14 rounds and one round in the chamber; 10 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition from a dresser drawer; various prescription forms contained within a bag on the floor; and two empty promethazine bottles next to the bed. Law enforcement arrested Harris and he has remained in custody since his arrest. This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration- Washington Division and the Metropolitan Police Department with valuable assistance from the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Gaelin Bernstein of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sitara Witanachchi of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Washington D.C. Valuable assistance was provided by former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Crosby. 23cr408


title: Former Director At New York City Mayor’s Office Arrested For Participating In Bank Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the arrest of TOMMY LIN in connection with a scheme to steal millions of dollars from financial institutions, which resulted in the theft of over $10 million. LIN was arrested this morning and will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron. LIN was charged in a Superseding Indictment along with ZHONG SHI GAO, a/k/a “George,” and FEI JIANG, a/k/a “Jeffrey,” a/k/a “Brother Fei,” who were previously arrested in November 2023. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Tommy Lin allegedly participated in a complex bank fraud scheme while also serving as a Director in the New York City Mayor’s Office and Senior Advisor to the NYPD’s Asian Advisory Council. Leveraging his connections to law enforcement, he allegedly leaked personal identifying information to members of the scheme, ran background checks for them, and even arranged for federal immigration authorities to arrest an individual in exchange for $20,000 in cash. I thank the career prosecutors of this Office and our law enforcement partners for their persistence in investigating this fraudulent and corrupt scheme.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Tommy Lin, a former director in the Mayor’s Office, allegedly participated in a scheme to defraud more than a dozen financial institutions of at least $10 million by submitting illegitimate fraud reports to force the banks to reimburse them. To facilitate this conspiracy, Lin allegedly assisted members of the scheme in running background checks and accepted a significant cash bribe to arrange the arrest of a slighted accountholder by immigration authorities. Those in municipal offices are expected to conduct themselves with rectitude and obedience to the law, not engage in the purposeful manipulation of our economic infrastructure. The FBI is committed to ensuring all citizens, especially those in positions of authority, adhere to financial regulations and will investigate individuals who seek to profit from fraudulent plots.” According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court: [1] LIN previously served as the Director of Constituent Services in the Community Affairs Unit for the New York City Mayor’s Office between in or about 2014 and in or about 2019. As part of his responsibilities in the New York City Mayor’s Office, LIN served as a Senior Advisor to the New York City Police Department’s Asian Advisory Council. Between at least in or about 2018 and in or about 2022, LIN participated in a scheme with GAO, JIANG, and others to steal millions of dollars from banks by causing transfers of funds between accounts they controlled, then falsely and fraudulently reporting that the transfers were unauthorized, which induced the financial institutions to credit them the amount of the transfers. The scheme was responsible for over $10 million in actual losses to nearly a dozen banks. LIN participated in the bank fraud conspiracy by, among other things: providing names and dates of birth for potential accountholders to be used in the scheme, running background checks on members of the scheme to ensure that law enforcement was not investigating them, and accepting approximately $20,000 in cash in exchange for arranging for a Deportation Officer with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to arrest a disgruntled accountholder who had previously participated in the scheme. * * * LIN, 41, of Forest Hills, New York, is charged with one count of bank fraud conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the FBI. Mr. Williams also thanked the New York City Department of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General for their assistance in the investigation of this case. This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew K. Chan, James Ligtenberg, and Ni Qian are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced To More Than 12 Years For Distribution Of Cocaine

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Avery Jones-Neal (29, Dunedin) to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for distributing cocaine. Jones-Neal entered a guilty plea on February 21, 2024. According to court documents, Jones-Neal sold cocaine to a confidential informant on July 25, July 26, and July 31, 2023. On July 26, 2023, Jones-Neal also sold a firearm, which he was prohibited from possessing as a convicted felon. A search warrant was executed on the residence where the sales took place and law enforcement located additional cocaine inside that residence. Jones-Neal was subject to enhanced sentencing penalties since he had two prior convictions for narcotics distribution. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clearwater Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Edgerton Man Sentenced to a Year for Straw Purchasing Firearms

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Lorenzo Lacey, 27, Edgerton, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to one year and one day in federal prison for inducing and causing another person to make a false statement during the purchase of a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer. Lacey pleaded guilty to this charge on March 7, 2024. The prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Lacey induced and caused co-defendant Irene Johll, 23, Oregon, Wisconsin, to falsely state on firearms purchase forms that she was the actual purchaser of three handguns, when in fact Lacey was the actual purchaser. The practice of lying to a firearms dealer about the identity of the actual purchaser is commonly referred to as a “straw purchase” and it is illegal. At Lacey’s sentencing, Judge Conley was troubled by Lacey’s actions in this case, stating that there were many red flags indicating the severity of his conduct. Judge Conley noted that dangerous shootings are too common in Madison, and that many of the firearms used in those incidents are illegally obtained. On March 26, 2024, Johll pleaded guilty to three counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. She is participating in a deferred sentencing agreement. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting ‘straw purchase’ cases” said U.S. Attorney Timothy O’Shea. “I am grateful for the strong partnership we have with the Fitchburg Police Department. Our office will continue to work closely with ATF and local law enforcement partners to reduce gun violence by holding accountable those who use guns in crime and those who provide guns to criminals.” Lacey is currently charged in Dane County Circuit Court in connection with a shooting that allegedly involved one of the firearms purchased for him by Johll. That case is still pending, and Lacey is presumed innocent in that case unless proven guilty. The federal charges against Lacey were the result of an investigation conducted by the Fitchburg Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case. This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.