title: The Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Corrections Launch First of its Kind Resource to Assist Nation’s Jails in Providing Wrap-Around Services

component: Office of Justice Programs (OJP)

body_text: The Justice Department, through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), a program office of its Office of Justice Programs, and the National Institute of Corrections (NIC), today announced the launch of the Jails and Justice Support Center, a first of its kind initiative to bring together innovative policies, strategies, promising practices and resources to help in the management of the more than 3,000 jails nationwide. The center is an online resource that will serve as a national hub for information, training and resources supporting the state and local agencies that operate America’s jails. It will cover the core topics and key areas of policy, practice and culture that support a constitutionally sound foundation for administering a jail, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for all who live, work in and visit our nation’s jails. “Jail administrators and the Justice Department share a common goal: safe jails that honor the dignity, humanity and constitutional rights of everyone — incarcerated people, staff and visitors alike,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “We are excited to make this new resource available to jail administrators and staff across the country as they work to create safe and humane conditions in their facilities.” At today’s announcement, sheriffs, jail administrators, stakeholders and Justice Department officials described the subject areas the center is focusing on in its initial stages, including screening and assessment, medical and behavioral health and use of force. BJA and NIC selected CNA’s Center for Justice Research and Innovation to lead the development and delivery of the center. Partners in this effort include the American Jail Association, the National Sheriffs’ Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Association of Counties and Rulo Strategies. “The Jails and Justice Support Center is a key component of BJA’s efforts to provide direct, impactful assistance to the criminal justice field,” said BJA Director Karhlton F. Moore. “Sheriffs, jail administrators, county leaders and other stakeholders across the nation will benefit from the information, resources and technical assistance designed to address the specific needs and challenges faced by jails today.” “The collaboration between the National Institute of Corrections and its federal partners in launching the Jails and Justice Support Center is a significant step towards better serving the nation's sheriffs and jail administrators,” said NIC Director Holly Busby. “It highlights NIC's long-standing dedication to supporting them and their vital role in the criminal justice system. Through this collaborative effort, they can access the resources and assistance needed to manage their jails effectively and promote community safety.” About the Office of Justice Programs OJP provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice, assist victims and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov . About the Bureau of Justice Assistance BJA helps America’s state, local and Tribal jurisdictions reduce and prevent crime, lower recidivism, and promote a fair and safe criminal justice system. BJA provides a wide range of resources — including grants, funding and training and technical assistance — to law enforcement, courts and corrections agencies, treatment providers, reentry practitioners, justice information sharing professionals and community-based partners to address chronic and emerging criminal justice challenges nationwide. To learn more about BJA, visit www.bja.ojp.gov or follow their Facebook ( www.facebook.com/DOJBJA ) and Twitter (@DOJBJA). BJA is a component of the Justice Department's Office of Justice Programs. About the National Institute of Corrections NIC is the only federal agency with a legislative mandate (Public Law 93-41 5) to provide specialized services to corrections from a national perspective. NIC is recognized by other federal agencies for its unique role and quality services. Its leadership is evidenced by the numerous partnerships and interagency agreements targeted to provide correctional services and training. NIC provides practical assistance in planning and implementing improvements at the federal, state and local levels. These efforts contribute to cost efficiency and effectiveness in such areas as planning, design, and operation of new jails, prisons, and community corrections programs, offender workforce development programs, and offender classification and risk assessment. Learn more at www.nicic.gov .


title: 4 Corners Pharmacy Agrees To Pay $800,000 To Resolve Claims Of False Billing

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces today that 4 Corners Pharmacy, located in Spring Hill, Florida, has agreed to pay $800,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly billing the U.S. Department of Labor for a compound supplement that was either not ordered by a licensed healthcare provider or was never delivered to beneficiaries. The Department of Labor provides benefits authorized by the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act including compensation and payment of medical expenses to eligible claimants who were injured or became ill on the job, or to their families. “Pharmacies are not allowed to bill federal programs for medications that are not delivered to beneficiaries or that were never ordered by their healthcare provider,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “This settlement reflects our determination to hold accountable those who seek to exploit our federal healthcare programs.” “An important part of the mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud involving the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) programs. We will continue to work with OWCP to protect the integrity of DOL’s workers’ compensation programs,” said Mathew Broadhurst, Special Agent-in-Charge, Southeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought by private individuals, on behalf of the United States, under the qui tam (commonly known as “whistleblower”) provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery if the government takes over the case and obtains judgment against or reaches a monetary agreement with the defendant. This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General. It was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Sean Keefe. The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Middlesex County Women Charged with COVID-19 Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, woman was arrested on charges that she fraudulently obtained Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds and unemployment insurance benefits totaling $694,212, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Damaris Valerio, 41, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. She made her initial appearance on Nov. 15, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From April 2020 through December 2021, Valerio fraudulently obtained $694,212 in COVID-19 emergency relief funds, which included loans and cash advances meant for distressed small businesses under the EIDL program and PPP and unemployment insurance benefits meant for unemployed workers, by submitting false and fraudulent applications inflating her business’ revenue, payroll expenses, and number of employees. After receiving the fraudulent funds, she diverted virtually all of the proceeds for her personal gain. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and the money laundering charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Each charge also carries a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain to the defendants or gross loss to the victim, whichever is greatest. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the of the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, special agents of U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, and special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Sharon MacDermott, with the investigation leading to the charges. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Fatime Meka Cano of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark. The District of New Jersey COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. valerio.complaint.pdf


title: Pennsylvania Guardian Gloria Byars & Her Co-Conspirator Found Guilty of Stealing From Elderly Wards

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA –United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Gloria Byars, 62, of Aldan, PA and Carlton Rembert, 69, of Hampton, VA were both found guilty for their roles in a scheme to defraud elderly, incapacitated people of over $1 million. Byars entered a guilty plea on the eve of trial, pleading guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, and tax fraud. Her co-conspirator and brother Carlton Rembert proceeded to trial and after a four-day trial, a jury found Rembert guilty of conspiracy, bank fraud, and wire fraud. Between 2012 and 2018, Byars and her co-conspirators stole the life savings from dozens of incapacitated wards while Byars served as their court-appointed guardian. Prior to operating her own guardianship company, Byars was an office manager for a guardianship company in Delaware County that was appointed to care for wards in Pennsylvania. As office manager, and then as guardian herself through her own company, Byars had unfettered access to wards’ property including bank accounts, pensions, real estate, retirement accounts, and other assets. Byars stole money from the wards’ bank accounts by writing unauthorized checks to companies she controlled, or to shell companies controlled by her co-conspirators, Rembert and Alesha Mitchell. Rembert and Mitchell assisted Byars in the theft by opening bank accounts in their home state of Virginia in the names of shell companies purporting to be medical services companies. Rembert and Mitchell deposited dozens of checks containing stolen ward money into their shell business bank accounts, withdrew over $500,000 in cash, and sent most of the stolen proceeds back to Byars, after keeping a share of the stolen ward money for themselves. Byars spent the stolen ward money on vacations, clothing, vehicles, gifts, and parties. As part of Byars’ plea agreement, she agreed to forfeit 36 gold Krugerrand coins, valuable gold coins first minted in South Africa in the 1960s to introduce the country’s gold supply onto the world market. Byars stole several Krugerrand coins from the bank safe deposit box of one of her wards. Byars also stole over $756,000 from a retired federal employee’s Thrift Savings Plan. In total, Byars and her co-conspirators stole well over $1 million from at least 120 incapacitated people in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Byars and Rembert face the following maximum possible sentences. For conspiracy to commit bank fraud and for bank fraud, the maximum sentence is 30 years’ imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine. For wire fraud, the maximum sentence is 20 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Byars also faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a $500,000 fine for money laundering and for filing a false tax return, the maximum sentence is 3 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. “Byars and Rembert’s actions caused significant financial and emotional harm to their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Fraud, particularly at the expense of vulnerable people, will not be tolerated.” “Gloria Byars was entrusted with managing the assets of elderly folks unable to do so themselves,” said Richard Langham, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “Instead, she abused her role as a guardian, poaching the nest eggs of these vulnerable wards, figuring they’d never even know. The FBI takes great satisfaction in bringing Byars and her co-conspirators to justice and preventing them from doing more harm. Elder fraud and abuse are simply unconscionable. If you think you’re being victimized like this or know someone who is, please reach out to the FBI – anonymously, if you like.” “IRS-Criminal Investigation is committed to aggressively investigating individuals who engage in money laundering, tax fraud, or other types of white-collar crimes,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty. “We, along with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice will continue to work to ensure that individuals who attempt to hide their criminal involvement will be held accountable.” “The conviction of Gloria Byars and Carlton Rembert demonstrates the shared commitment of the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and United States Attorney’s Office in pursuing justice for our most vulnerable residents. I want to thank the United States Attorney’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation for working with us on this important guardianship fraud prosecution. I would also like to thank Douglas Rhoads, Deputy District Attorney of Special Investigations, and Detective Edward Rosen of our Criminal Investigation Division for their work on this matter,” said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, Criminal Investigation Division, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tiwana Wright and Samuel Dalke.


title: Justice Department Files Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Maine Landlord for Sexually Harassing Tenants

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department filed a lawsuit today against Fred Wheeler, of Manchester, Maine, for sexually harassing female tenants and housing applicants in violation of the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Wheeler has managed residential rental properties in Lewiston, Maine, and other central Maine municipalities since at least 2016. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine, alleges that since at least 2016, Wheeler subjected female tenants to unwelcome sexual contact and comments about their physical appearances; entered rental units without consent; conditioned a tenant’s rental agreement on a romantic relationship; and offered to forgive unpaid rent in exchange for sex acts. The lawsuit also names Landscape Center of Maine Inc., the property owner, as a defendant. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate persons harmed by the alleged harassment, civil penalties to vindicate the public interest and a court order barring future discrimination. “No one should live in fear in their home because of their landlord’s sexual harassment and predatory conduct,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “No one should be denied access to housing because of their refusal to accept a landlord’s sexual demands. The Justice Department stands ready to hold accountable any landlord who preys upon vulnerable tenants and those seeking housing.” “I urge any other tenants alleging discrimination by Mr. Wheeler to contact my office,” said U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee for the District of Maine. “A home should be a sanctuary. No one should be subjected to sexual harassment under any conditions, but particularly not by the person responsible for providing safe and secure housing. The Justice Department and my office will hold accountable any property owners who engage in sexual harassment and will enforce fair housing laws designed to protect against this and other discriminatory conduct.” The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. It also prohibits sexual harassment, a form of sex discrimination. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental properties owned or managed by Fred Wheeler, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, may contact the Justice Department by calling the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine at 207-780-3257 or emailing USAME.Fairhousing@usdoj.gov . The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. The initiative seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers and other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative in October 2017, the department has filed 37 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $10.8 million for victims of such harassment. The Civil Rights Division is committed to protecting people from sexual misconduct. wheeler_complaint_november_16.pdf


title: Memphis Woman Facing Federal Charges for Assault on United States Secret Service Agents and Employees

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a Memphis woman with assault on a government officer or employee and for discharging a firearm during that offense. Raven Jones , 41, is facing federal charges alleging that she assaulted federal officers during an altercation at the United States Secret Service field office in Memphis. According to a previously sealed complaint, on October 19, 2023, Jones is alleged to have approached the entrance door of the field office while using her cell phone to livestream on Facebook. The door was clearly marked as entry to the United States Secret Service offices and Jones arrived during normal business hours on a workday; the office was staffed with agents, task force officers, administrative staff, and visitors. Jones allegedly then produced a 9mm handgun and fired a single shot into the wall next to the doorway, placed the weapon on the floor, and raised her hands above her head. Federal officers entered the hallway and detained Jones. The case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. William Crow of the National Security and Civil Rights Unit is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Jones faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison for the firearms charge and a maximum statutory penalty of life imprisonment along with a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which consider several variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. # # #


title: Justice Department Finds Oklahoma Mobile App Inaccessible to People with Vision Disabilities

body_text: The Justice Department announced today its findings that Service Oklahoma violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by maintaining a mobile application that is inaccessible to individuals with vision disabilities. In a letter issued to Service Oklahoma, the department detailed its findings following its investigation of a complaint filed by an Oklahoma resident who is blind and could not access the Oklahoma Mobile ID Application (OK Mobile ID App). Service Oklahoma’s OK Mobile ID App allows users to store their identification on a smartphone and use it in many contexts where a person would normally use a physical driver’s license or other state-issued ID. This includes applying for unemployment benefits and paying for purchases at retail stores. It can also be used to start an application for a REAL ID, which will be required in the future for such things as boarding domestic flights, visiting military bases or entering specific federal buildings. “Public entities, like Service Oklahoma, are increasingly using mobile apps to offer a wide range of critical government services, yet people with disabilities often face significant barriers accessing them,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “In Oklahoma, the OK Mobile ID App provides users with important benefits such as additional convenience, security and privacy. We will fully enforce the law to ensure that when public services are made available through technology such as mobile apps, those services are equally accessible to people with disabilities.” The department found that the OK Mobile ID App imposes critical accessibility barriers for people with vision disabilities. To use the OK Mobile ID App, people must scan or take photos of their identification cards and take pictures of themselves by connecting the dots that appear on the screen using only head and eye movements. Both tasks are difficult or impossible for individuals who are blind to do without receiving any verbal feedback. Thus, Service Oklahoma violates the ADA by denying people with vision disabilities equal access to the OK Mobile ID App and by failing to ensure that communications with them are as effective as communications with others. This letter is part of the Civil Rights Division’s Tech Equity Initiative to combat disability discrimination that occurs through technology, such as in websites and mobile apps. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 (TTY 833-610-1264) or visit www.ada.gov . For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt . Complaints may be filed online at www.civilrights.justice.gov/ .


title: Federal Correctional Officer Sentenced To 96 Months For Sexually Abusing Multiple Female Inmates

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: OAKLAND – A former Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) correctional officer was sentenced today to 96 months for sexually abusing multiple female inmates and making false statements while he was a correctional officer at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) at Dublin, California. Andrew Jones, 36, of Clovis, California, pleaded guilty to the charges on Aug. 17. Today’s sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. “The egregious sexual abuse that took place at FCI Dublin was disgraceful and tragic, and the Justice Department will not rest until we have eliminated such misconduct from the Federal Bureau of Prisons,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “As the defendant’s guilty plea and today’s sentencing demonstrate, FBOP employees who abuse their positions of authority and assault those in their custody will be held to account.” “This ongoing investigation has unearthed evidence regarding the criminal activities of numerous employees at the Federal Correctional Institution at Dublin,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “So far, seven correctional officers have been convicted of felony conduct involving sexual abuse of female inmates and an eighth employee has been charged with similar conduct. To be clear, this investigation is not over – correctional officers at FCI Dublin are trusted to secure the safety of inmates at the institution; the Department of Justice will continue to hold accountable any correctional officer who violates that solemn responsibility.” “Jones participated in a culture of sexual abuse of female inmates at FCI Dublin that included the Warden, the Chaplain, and other employees, and he like them has now been held to account for his heinous acts,” said Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz. “The DOJ Office of the Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate this type of egregious criminal conduct, and we will do everything within our authority to pursue justice for victims of sexual abuse.” “The defendant's conduct, sexually abusing inmates and threatening violence to keep them silent, is sick and reprehensible,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “Today’s sentencing comes amid relentless efforts to prevent abuse and misconduct by corrections personnel entrusted with the care and protection of others. The FBI will continue to work with partners to ensure the physical safety and civil rights of all individuals and hold accountable any public servant who abuses a position of trust.” "Andrew Jones' record of abuse is abhorrent," said FBI San Francisco Division Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp. "The FBI always stands in support of victims of abuse, and incarcerated individuals are no exception. Our dedication to protecting those who are most venerable is unwavering, and the FBI will continue to investigate allegations of such abuse." According to his plea agreement, Jones was employed as a correctional officer at FCI Dublin where he supervised prisoners who worked in the Food Services Department. Jones admitted that, between July 2020 and June 2021, while he had supervisory and disciplinary authority over all the female prisoners, he received oral sex from, and/or had sexual intercourse with, three female prisoners who worked for him in the FCI Dublin kitchen. Jones admitted that he sexually abused these prisoners in multiple places near the FCI Dublin kitchen, including a staff bathroom, a warehouse, and a room where kitchen utensils were kept. In a memorandum filed in connection with Jones’ sentencing, the government argued that Jones “enforced silence and obedience” from the prisoners by using “violence and threats of violence.” The memorandum stated that “intimidation and insults on the one hand, and the flattery on the other, was aimed at cultivating pliant prisoners who Jones could abuse for his own sexual pleasure, while he remained safe in the belief that his misconduct would go unreported.” In sum, Jones pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual abuse of a ward involving three inmates and one count of false statements to the Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General (DOJ-OIG). In addition to the prison term, Judge Gonzalez Rogers also ordered Jones to serve ten years of supervised release, to begin after the prison term. Judge Gonzalez also scheduled a hearing for February 8, 2024, to consider issues related to restitution. Jones is one of eight correctional officers to have been charged with federal crimes involving sexual misconduct at FCI Dublin in the past three years and the fourth to have been sentenced. To date, all the recent sentences for FCI Dublin guards convicted of sexual abuse of a ward and/or abusive sexual contact of a prisoner have resulted in sentences that are above the U.S Sentencing Guidelines. DOJ-OIG and FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly K. Priedeman and Andrew Paulson for the Northern District of California prosecuted the cases, with the assistance of Madeline Wachs, Sara Slattery, Christine Tian, Claudia Hyslop, Leeya Kekona, and Kay Konopaske. FBOP is committed to rooting out misconduct within its ranks and working with law enforcement partners to prosecute violations of federal law. The numerous FBOP employees working diligently to ensure justice for the victims of misconduct are critical to the Department’s reform efforts.


title: Operator of durable medical equipment companies admits role in $11 million dollar kickback scheme

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – A Texas man and owner of two durable medical equipment companies has pleaded guilty to conspiracy for his role in a scheme to pay illegal kickbacks, resulting in more than $20 million submitted in claims to, and $11 million in payment from, Medicare. “Medicare is a vital program that exists to assist our most vulnerable citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Our office will continue to prosecute those who exploit this institutional safety net for personal profit at the expense of patients and taxpayers.” “When health care companies try to boost their profits through kickbacks arrangements, they compromise the medical system and increase health care costs for everyone,” says Sean Burke, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta.” The FBI is committed to preventing illegal financial relationships that undermine the integrity of our public healthcare programs.” “Kickbacks impose hidden costs on the health care system and can compromise medical decision-making,” said Tamala Miles, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. “Working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue to combat the waste of valuable taxpayer dollars and protect the integrity of federal health care programs.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: Between at least in or about June 2016 and February 2019, Simon Orobor owned and operated Devotion Medical Supply, Inc (“Devotion”) and Durable Medical Supply, Inc. (“Durable”), which provided durable medical equipment such as knee, back, shoulder, and wrist braces. Orobor, through another entity called Digital Interventions, LLC, obtained access to thousands of Medicare beneficiaries by paying, on a weekly basis, kickbacks to Individual 1 and Company 1 in exchanged for signed doctors’ orders for braces. Orobor and Individual 1 disguised the nature and source of these kickbacks by designating the payments as marketing expenses, entering into sham contracts, and generating or causing the generation of fraudulent invoices. In total, Orobor, through Devotion and Durable, used the doctors’ orders obtained through kickbacks to submit claims to Medicare in the approximate amount of $20,555,772 and received Medicare reimbursement in the approximate amount of $11,447,961. Simon Orobor, 60, of Houston, Texas pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to pay health care kickbacks. Sentencing is scheduled for February 15, 2024 before U.S. District Judge Mark H. Cohen. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. O'Neal is prosecuting the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Three Men Arrested For Complex Bank Fraud And Cryptocurrency Laundering 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 arrests of ZHONG SHI GAO, a/k/a “George,” NAIFENG XU, a/k/a “Andy,” and FEI JIANG, a/k/a “Jeffrey,” a/k/a “Brother Fei,” for charges in connection with a scheme to steal and launder millions of dollars from financial institutions, which resulted in the theft of over $10 million. GAO and JIANG were arrested this morning and will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. XU was arrested in Oklahoma and will be presented in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For years, Zhong Shi Gao, Naifeng Xu, and Fei Jiang allegedly participated in a complex scheme to steal over $10 million from nearly a dozen U.S. banks and financial institutions, which they converted into cryptocurrency and moved to foreign cryptocurrency exchanges. These charges should serve as a warning to fraudsters and cybercriminals who think they can turn to cryptocurrency to hide their identities – together with our partner agencies, we will find you and hold you accountable for your crimes.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Gao, Jiang, and Xu were arrested for allegedly stealing and laundering more than $10 million dollars by scamming multiple financial institutions and using foreign cryptocurrency exchanges. Schemes like this harm institutions and make it tougher to report suspicious transfers. The arrests today serve as a warning to anyone thinking of attempting to engage in bank fraud. The FBI will hold you accountable in the criminal justice system.” According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court: [1] Between at least in or about 2018 and in or about 2022, ZHONG SHI GAO, a/k/a “George,” NAIFENG XU, a/k/a “Andy,” and FEI JIANG, a/k/a “Jeffrey,” a/k/a “Brother Fei,” participated in a scheme with others to steal millions of dollars from financial institutions 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 proceeded in the following manner: First, GAO, XU, JIANG, and other members of the scheme would recruit other people — frequently foreign nationals from China and Taiwan temporarily residing in the United States — to open bank accounts at various bank branches in the New York City metropolitan area and elsewhere. Control over these bank accounts would then be given to GAO, XU, JIANG, and other members of the scheme. Second, GAO, XU, JIANG, and other members of the scheme would arrange for funds to be deposited and transferred between bank accounts controlled by members of the scheme. Next, GAO, XU, JIANG, and other members of the scheme would cause fraudulent reports to be filed with the banks claiming that these wire transfers were unauthorized. This prompted the banks — both the bank issuing the wire transfer and the bank receiving the wire transfer — to temporarily credit the accounts in the amount of the transferred funds, effectively doubling the amount of money initially deposited into these accounts, even though GAO, XU, JIANG, and other members of the scheme had in fact authorized the transfers and maintained control over the transferred funds all along. Finally, GAO, XU, JIANG, and other members of the scheme would arrange for the credited funds to be quickly withdrawn as cash or converted into cryptocurrency and moved to foreign cryptocurrency exchanges before the banks realized that the unauthorized-transfer reports were fraudulent. This resulted in GAO, XU, JIANG, and other members of the scheme withdrawing nearly double the money initially deposited while leaving the bank accounts with negative balances. In total, GAO, XU, JIANG, and other members of the scheme are responsible for over $10 million in actual losses to nearly a dozen banks and financial institutions. * * * ZHONG SHI GAO, 31, of Flushing, New York; NAIFENG XU, 37, of Guthrie, Oklahoma; and FEI JIANG, 41, of Brooklyn, New York, are each 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; one count of money laundering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 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 defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the FBI’s Asian and African Organized Crime Squad. Mr. Williams also thanked the FBI Field Office in Oklahoma City for their assistance in the investigation of this case. This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent & 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: Richmond County man sentenced to federal prison for persuading child to produce sexually explicit images

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: AUGUSTA, GA: A Richmond County man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to persuading a child to produce sexually explicit images. Tibius Edwards , 26, of Augusta, was sentenced to 180 months in prison after pleading guilty to Production of Child Pornography, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Edwards to register as a sex offender and to serve 20 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. “There is an epidemic in this country of adult predators contacting and befriending children online and persuading them to produce sexually explicit images of themselves,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “The vigilance of a caring adult rescued the victim from further harm, and this sentence ensures Tibius Edwards will no longer be a danger to the community.” As described in court documents and testimony, FBI agents interviewed Edwards in 2019 after receiving a minor’s cell phone from the child’s mother. Images discovered on the phone led investigators to Edwards, who had persuaded the minor to produce and provide sexually explicit images and share them with Edwards via an online messaging application. “The defendants’ heinous behavior is deserving of a lengthy prison sentence to ensure he cannot inflict further harm on other victims,” said Justin Garrick, Acting Supervisory Senior Resident Agent in FBI Atlanta’s Augusta office. “This case shows how important it is that we continue to target and prosecute sexual predators who victimize children.” The case was investigated by the FBI and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney and Project Safe Childhood Coordinator Jason W. Blanchard. Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678, or https://report.cybertip.org/ .


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement with New York City Health Care System to Resolve Allegations of Employment Discrimination

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement agreement with New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (NYCHH), which provides health care services to more than one million New Yorkers. The agreement resolves the department’s determination that NYCHH violated the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) when it rejected a worker’s valid work authorization document based on the worker’s national origin. “Employers cannot reject valid documents showing someone’s permission to work based on the country the person was born in,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Federal civil rights law protects workers from discrimination that can occur when employers are checking their permission to work. The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable employers that treat workers differently because of where they were born or their national origin.” The department’s investigation determined that NYCHH unlawfully rejected a worker’s valid employment authorization document (EAD), which was automatically extended through a notice in the Federal Register applicable to those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The department determined that NYCHH rejected the valid document and delayed the onboarding of the worker based on its incorrect assumption that the worker’s country of birth listed on her EAD had to be the same as the country designated for TPS. TPS is a temporary immigration benefit that allows qualified individuals from designated countries to stay in the United States for a limited time period due to conditions in the designated country, such as on-going armed conflict, environmental disaster or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. Workers with TPS, like all workers, have the right to provide their choice of valid documentation to demonstrate their permission to work. Federal Register notices that automatically extend a TPS worker’s permission to work explain that the worker does not have to show additional documentation or prove their citizenship status, and that the country of birth listed on the worker’s documentation does not have to match the TPS-designated country. Under the terms of the agreement, NYCHH will pay back pay to the affected worker to compensate for lost wages that the department determined the worker was eligible for due to the discrimination. It will also pay a civil penalty to the United States, train its staff on the anti-discrimination provision of the INA, review and revise its employment policies and training materials and be subject to departmental monitoring for three years. The Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. The statute prohibits discrimination based on citizenship status and national origin in hiring, firing or recruitment or referral for a fee, unfair documentary practices and retaliation and intimidation . Find more information on how employers can avoid discrimination when verifying someone’s permission to work on IER’s website . Learn more about IER’s work and how to get assistance through this brief video . Individuals with TPS who have questions about their rights can find more information on IER’s website . Applicants or employees who believe they were discriminated against based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin in hiring, firing, recruitment or during the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9 and E-Verify), or subjected to retaliation, may file a charge . The public can also call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); email IER@usdoj.gov ; sign up for a live webinar or watch an on-demand presentation or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites. Subscribe for email updates from IER. nychh_settlementagreement_05.01.pdf


title: El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con un sistema de atención médica de la ciudad de New York para resolver las alegaciones de discriminación en el empleo

body_text: El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo conciliatorio con New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (NYCHH), que proporciona servicios de atención médica a más de un millón de neoyorquinos. El acuerdo resuelve la determinación del Departamento que NYCHH infringió la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA, por sus siglas en inglés) cuando rechazó el documento válido de autorización para trabajar de un trabajador con base en la nacionalidad de origen del trabajador. «Los empleadores no pueden rechazar documentos válidos que demuestran el permiso de alguien para trabajar en función del país en el que esa persona nació», afirmó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «Las leyes federales de derechos civiles protegen a los trabajadores de la discriminación que puede ocurrir cuando los empleadores verifican su permiso para trabajar. El Departamento de Justicia seguirá responsabilizando a aquellos empleadores que traten a los trabajadores de forma diferente debido al lugar donde nacieron o a su nacionalidad de origen». La investigación del departamento determinó que NYCHH rechazó, de manera ilegal, un documento de autorización para trabajar («EAD», por sus siglas en inglés) válido de un trabajador, que se había prorrogado automáticamente a través de una notificación en el Registro Federal aplicable a aquellos que son beneficiarios del Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS). El Departamento determinó que NYCHH rechazó el documento válido y retrasó la incorporación del trabajador, basándose en su suposición incorrecta que el país de nacimiento del trabajador indicado en su EAD tenía que ser el mismo que el país designado para el TPS. El TPS es un beneficio migratorio temporal que permite que las personas calificadas de países designados permanezcan en los Estados Unidos durante un período de tiempo limitado debido a las condiciones en el país designado, como un conflicto armado en curso, un desastre ambiental u otras condiciones extraordinarias y temporales. Los trabajadores con el TPS, al igual que cualquier otro trabajador, tienen derecho a elegir los documentos válidos que desean presentar para demostrar su permiso para trabajar. Los avisos del Registro Federal que prorrogan automáticamente el permiso de trabajo de un trabajador con el TPS explican que el trabajador no tiene que mostrar documentación adicional ni demostrar su estatus de ciudadanía, y que el país de nacimiento indicado en la documentación del trabajador no tiene que coincidir con el país designado por el TPS. En virtud de los términos del acuerdo, NYCHH reembolsará el pago al trabajador afectado para compensar los salarios perdidos para los cuales el Departamento determinó que el trabajador era elegible, debido a la discriminación. Por otra parte, pagará una sanción civil a los Estados Unidos, capacitará a su personal sobre la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA, revisará sus políticas de empleo y materiales de capacitación y se someterá a la supervisión por parte del Departamento durante tres años. La Sección de Derechos de Inmigrantes y Empleados («IER», por sus siglas en inglés) de la División de Derechos Civiles es responsable de hacer cumplir la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA. La ley prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de estatus de ciudadanía y nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión, prácticas documentales injustas y represalias e intimidación . Puede obtener más información sobre cómo los empleadores pueden evitar la discriminar al verificar el permiso para trabajar de alguien en el sitio web de la IER . Aprenda más sobre el trabajo de la IER y cómo conseguir ayuda mediante este vídeo corto . Los individuos con el TPS que tengan preguntas sobre sus derechos pueden encontrar más información en el sitio web de IER . Aquellos aspirantes o empleados que creen haber sido discriminados por motivos de su ciudadanía, estatus migratorio o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido, reclutamiento o verificación de la elegibilidad para trabajar (Formulario I-9 e E-Verify) o sujetos a represalias pueden presentar una denuncia . El público también puede llamar a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores al 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); llamar a la línea directa de la IER para empleadores al 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); enviar un correo electrónico a IER@usdoj.gov ; inscribirse a un seminario en línea gratuito o visualizar una presentación a la carta; o visitar los sitios web de la IER en inglés y español . Suscríbase para recibir actualizaciones por correo electrónico de la IER. nychh_settlementagreement_05.01.pdf


title: Two St. Louis Area Men Sentenced to Prison for Methamphetamine, Gun Crimes

body_text: ST. LOUIS – Two men caught with 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine, four guns and more than $7,500 in cash were each sentenced in U.S. District Court this week to more than 10 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White on Thursday sentenced Deandre Q. Brett, 26, of St. Louis, to 138 months in prison. Judge White sentenced Robert K. Kinney, 24, of Berkeley, in St. Louis County, on Wednesday to 130 months. Kinney originally attracted the attention of St. Louis County Police officers when he sped away from a police vehicle on July 28, 2021, passing other vehicles in the center turn lane, according to plea agreements by Kinney and Brett and court documents. After officers used a spike strip on the white Kia Forte Kinney was driving, he kept driving until the car began to slide off the road on four flat tires. Kinney got out holding a Glock pistol with an extended capacity magazine and ran away from officers. He was arrested and police found $3,792 in cash, drugs and ammunition in a bag he carried. Brett was arrested at the Kia. Officers found a stolen Glock pistol in the car, as well as a SKS Interarms Hellpup semi-automatic rifle, an Arsenal SAM7K semi-automatic rifle and three packages containing a total of 1.3 kilograms of meth. Brett’s bag held two Glock magazines, $3,796 in cash and marijuana. Kinney and Brett both pleaded guilty in August to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Finlen is prosecuting the case.


title: Two Highest-Ranking Leaders Of Gorilla Stone Bloods Gang Convicted At Trial Of Racketeering And Narcotics Offenses

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DWIGHT REID, a/k/a “Dick Wolf,” and CHRISTOPHER ERSKINE, a/k/a “Beagle,” were found guilty yesterday of racketeering and narcotics conspiracy in connection with their leadership of the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation Bloods Gang (“Gorilla Stone”), a brutally violent street and prison gang that operates across the country. REID, the gang’s highest-ranking member, is the gang’s founder and prison leader. ERSKINE, the gang’s street leader, also known as the “Sun,” is the gang’s second highest-ranking member. The convictions followed a nearly three-week trial before U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern. REID will be sentenced on May 21, 2024, and ERSKINE will be sentenced on May 23, 2024. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Dwight Reid and Christopher Erskine are the two highest-ranking members of Gorilla Stone, a ruthless gang, and are responsible for terrible violent acts and trafficking dangerous narcotics across the country and state, including throughout the New York State prison system. They now stand convicted of their crimes and will no longer be able to inflict harm on the people of our District.” According to the Indictment, public court filings, and statements made in court: REID founded Gorilla Stone over 20 years ago. Gorilla Stone has many members across New York State, including throughout New York City, Westchester, Upstate New York, and the New York State Prison System, and all over the country, such as in Florida. Gorilla Stone is comprised of various sets (or “Caves,” as they are called by gang members). Gorilla Stone is a highly organized and efficient street gang with an organizational commitment to violence that strictly enforces its internal laws. Among Gorilla Stone’s acts of violence are: A September 2020 broad daylight murder of a minor on a busy Poughkeepsie street; An October 24, 2020, gang-related shooting outside of a Miami, Florida, strip club, in which two rival gang members were shot and seriously wounded, requiring one to be airlifted from the scene; Multiple shootings and attempted murders, including an August 8, 2018, shooting in Brooklyn, New York; July 5, 2020, gang shootings at a house party in Miami, Florida; and a July 20, 2020, drive-by shooting in New Rochelle, New York; A June 12, 2020, gunpoint drug-related robbery in Peekskill, New York; and A vicious January 12, 2018, face slashing of a rival gang member on 125th Street in Manhattan. As for the gang’s sources of revenue, in addition to some more traditional sources such as the proceeds of nationwide narcotics trafficking both inside and outside of prisons, Gorilla Stone is deeply involved in several fraud schemes that are well organized and sophisticated and net a significant amount of money for the gang, including a fraudulent unemployment benefits scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic. * * * REID, 51, of New York, New York, and ERSKINE, 40, of Brooklyn, New York, were convicted of one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, and one count of narcotics conspiracy, which also carries a maximum sentence of life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison for REID and 10 years in prison for ERSKINE. ERSKINE was also convicted of one count of narcotics distribution, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The defendants were acquitted of a gun possession offense. The minimum and maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. With REID and ERSKINE’s trial convictions, all 21 defendants in the Gorilla Stone case before Judge Halpern have been convicted. 13 defendants have been sentenced and eight defendants, including REID and ERSKINE, have been convicted and are awaiting sentencing. The 13 defendants who have been sentenced by Judge Halpern to date are: Godfather DONAVAN GILLARD, a/k/a “Donnie Love,” who was sentenced to 248 months in prison; Godmother NAYA AUSTIN, a/k/a “Baby,” who was sentenced to 234 months in prison; Godmother BRINAE THORNTON, a/k/a “Luxury,” who was sentenced to 210 months in prison; JARRETT CRISLER, Jr., a/k/a “Jayecee,” who was sentenced to 207 months in prison; CASWELL SENIOR, a/k/a “Casanova,” who was sentenced to 188 months in prison; Godfather BRANDON NIEVES, a/k/a “Untouchable Dot,” who was sentenced to 110 months in prison; JAMAL TRENT, a/k/a “Trap Smoke,” who was sentenced to nine years in prison; DEZON WASHINGTON, a/k/a “Blakk,” who was sentenced to 97 months in prison; ROBERTA SLIGH, a/k/a “Trouble,” who was sentenced to eight years in prison; JORDAN INGRAM, a/k/a “Flow,” who was sentenced to eight years in prison; STEPHEN HUGH, a/k/a “Chino,” who was sentenced to seven years in prison; ISAIAH SANTOS, a/k/a “Zay,” who was sentenced to seven years in prison; and SHANAY OUTLAW, a/k/a “Easy,” who was sentenced to three years in prison. In addition to REID and ERSKINE, who are awaiting sentencing, six additional defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing: Godfather DESHAWN THOMAS, a/k/a “Don,” Godfather WALTER LUSTER, a/k/a “Shells,” AHMED WALKER, a/k/a “Ammo,” BRANDON SOTO, a/k/a “Stacks,” NEIKO CRUDUP, a/k/a “JhitRilla,” and ROBERT WOODS, a/k/a “Blakk Rob.” Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of special agents and task force officers from the FBI, U.S. Probation, New York State Police, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Rockland District Attorney’s Office, and the New York City, Westchester County, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Greenburgh, White Plains, Peekskill, Ramapo, and Clarkstown Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shiva H. Logarajah, David R. Felton, Kathryn P. Wheelock, and Courtney L. Heavey, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Shannon Becker and Liam Ronan, are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Former Needham Police Officer Sentenced for Insider Trading Conspiracy

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A former Needham police officer was sentenced yesterday for conspiring to trade on inside information about a Massachusetts company’s planned acquisition of a California semiconductor company. David Forte, 60, of Acton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to one year of supervised release, with the first six months to be served in home confinement. Judge Burroughs also imposed a $25,000 fine. Forte was charged in January 2022 along with co-conspirators John Younis and Gregory Manning . In June 2023, Forte was convicted by a federal jury of one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and one count of securities fraud. Beginning in or around June 2016, Forte obtained material non-public information from his brother, who was a senior executive at Analog Devices, Inc. (Analog), a Massachusetts-based semiconductor company, about Analog’s planned acquisition of Linear Technology Corp. (Linear), a semiconductor company based in Milpitas, Calif. Forte passed the information to Younis and Manning and proposed that the two purchase Linear securities and share their trading profits with him. To avoid detection, Forte did not trade Linear securities in his own name, and he advised Younis not to buy Analog securities because of his brother’s role at the company. Over the course of the week leading up to the public announcement of the acquisition on July 26, 2016, Forte exchanged numerous phone calls with Younis and Manning, and Younis and Manning amassed Linear securities – sometimes trading within minutes of phone calls with Forte. After the announcement of the deal, which caused Linear’s share price to increase by 30 percent, Younis and Manning sold their Linear securities for a profit and later paid Forte a share of the money they made from trading on Forte’s stock tip. In June 2022 , Younis was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to one month of home detention and two years of probation after pleading guilty to his role in the conspiracy. Manning pleaded guilty in October 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 3, 2024. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. The Securities & Exchange Commission provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David M. Holcomb and Leslie A. Wright of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Federal Indictment Returned for Obstruction of Justice and Witness Tampering

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: GREENVILLE, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Greenville returned a two-count indictment against Da’Ron Jerome Collins, 47, of Boiling Springs for obstruction of justice and witness tampering. The indictment alleges that Collins knowingly obstructed the investigation of a matter within the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice, that is, kidnapping, a possible violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1201(a); and that Collins knowingly engaged in misleading conduct towards another person with the intent to hinder, delay, and prevent the communication of information relating to the commission and possible commission of a federal offense to a law enforcement officer and a judge of the United States. Collins faces a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment as to each count and is currently being held in the Spartanburg County Detention Center. A detention hearing is scheduled for Nov. 21 at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin F. McDonald. The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leesa Washington is prosecuting the case. U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ###


title: DuBois City Manager and Employee Charged with Stealing Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars in City Funds

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA- Two residents of Clearfield County, PA, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy and federal program fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The five-count Indictment named John “Herm” Suplizio, 63, and Roberta Shaffer, 58, both of DuBois, PA, as the defendants. The Indictment was unsealed after the defendants were arrested today. According to the Indictment, from 2014 to 2022, Suplizio, the City Manager of DuBois, and Shaffer, a city employee, conspired to divert and steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in city funds. As the full-time, salaried City Manager, Suplizio maintained substantial authority in DuBois, where he ran the city’s day-to-day operations. As alleged, beginning as early as 2008, Suplizio and Shaffer used the city’s tax identification number to establish secret bank accounts into which they diverted city money, including approximately $60,000 in annual administrative fees from the city’s waste management contract. During the alleged conspiracy, Suplizio and Shaffer made large cash withdrawals from these unaudited accounts, wrote checks to themselves and others, and obtained cashier’s checks with themselves listed as payees—totaling more than $350,000. The defendants also allegedly spent more than $450,000 from the accounts toward payments on Suplizio’s personal credit card, which he used to pay for personal vacations, utility bills for his residence, department store purchases, and jewelry store purchases, among other personal expenses. “Herm Suplizio allegedly funneled city money into secret bank accounts that he and Shaffer controlled and that he could use for his personal benefit, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal credit card payments,” United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan said. “Our communities entrust public officials like Suplizio with tremendous authority, and when that trust is violated—as is alleged here—this office and our federal and state law enforcement partners will hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” “As alleged, the suspects abused their public positions and betrayed the public’s trust all while lining their own pockets with hundreds of thousands of dollars,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “The FBI will always root out any and all forms of public corruption. We remain committed to ensuring those who violate the public’s sacred trust are held accountable.” “I wish to thank our federal partners, who have adopted this prosecution and will work with an attorney from our office who is cross designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney,” Attorney General Michelle Henry said. “This federal indictment further validates our joint efforts to hold public officials accountable to the constituents they serve.” The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 45 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Vasquez Schmitt and Robert S. Cessar and Special Assistant United States Attorney Summer F. Carroll are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Colombian Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Leading International Cocaine Trafficking Ring with Corrupt Air Traffic Controllers

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – The lead defendant in an indictment targeting an international drug trafficking organization was sentenced today to 180 months in federal prison for conspiring to smuggle tens of millions of dollars’ worth of cocaine by aircraft from Colombia to Mexico for distribution in the United States via the maintenance of secret airstrips and the bribery of air traffic controllers. Jaison Dávila Amador, 57, a.k.a. “Costeño” and “María Angélica,” of Bogotá, Colombia, was sentenced by United States District Judge George H. Wu. Dávila pleaded guilty on April 20 to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine for the purpose of unlawful importation. Dávila has been in federal custody since September 2021 after his extradition from Colombia. Dávila participated in the cocaine trafficking conspiracy from at least 2017 through May 2019. Dávila and his accomplices carried out their plan by maintaining clandestine airstrips in Colombia where aircraft from Mexico would land to retrieve bulk quantities of cocaine. To facilitate the scheme, members of the conspiracy bribed air traffic controllers and law enforcement officials to ensure the flights from Mexico could enter Colombian airspace undisturbed. The conspiracy involved at least two cocaine shipments by aircraft. The first flight successfully departed Colombia in the spring of 2017 with approximately 480 kilograms (1,058 pounds) of cocaine, though the airplane crashed in Central America, killing the pilots on board. On November 5, 2017, an aircraft bound from Mexico entered Colombian airspace for the purpose of receiving a second cocaine shipment, but it was intercepted and forced down by the Colombian air force and then destroyed it with machine gun fire. Near a clandestine airstrip and near the airplane’s wreckage, law enforcement found approximately 515 kilograms (1,135 pounds) of cocaine, which Dávila and his co-conspirators intended to traffic by aircraft. Investigators estimate that the two cocaine shipments, if sold in the United States, would have been valued collectively at nearly $30 million. Dávila coordinated various aspects of the conspiracy, including bribe payments to air traffic controllers, financing for the cocaine shipment, and logistical support for the aircraft that would transport the cocaine from Colombia to Mexico. “[Dávila] was the ringleader, the principal organizer of the criminal venture,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “He called the shots, he directed the bribe payments, and, even after two pilots died, he pushed forward with another enormous drug shipment. Such a role speaks not only to the seriousness of [Dávila’s] conduct, but his experience. One does not accidentally find oneself leading a transnational criminal organization.” All 13 defendants arrested and extradited to the United States in this case have pleaded guilty to participating in the international drug trafficking conspiracy. The investigation into this drug trafficking organization was conducted by special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration, which received substantial assistance from the Colombia National Police’s Dirección de Investigación Criminal e Interpol (DIJIN) and Colombia’s Fiscalía General de La Nación. This investigation was conducted with the support of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing the defendants’ extradition from Colombia and Canada. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander B. Schwab of the Corporate and Securities Fraud Strike Force, Chelsea Norell of the Violent and Organized Crime Section, and Elia Herrera of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Nevada Man Sentenced For Destroying Petroglyph At National Monument

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced Tuesday by United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II to six months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release and $7.303.05 in restitution for damaging a centuries-old petroglyph at Gold Butte National Monument in southeastern Nevada. Michael Shorter, 44, pleaded guilty in April 2023 to a felony violation of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) for the unauthorized damage and removal of an archaeological resource. According to court documents, on September 15, 2018, at the Mud Wash area of Gold Butte National Monument, Shorter climbed onto a ledge and kicked a petroglyph 15 feet onto the ground below, causing the petroglyph to be partially damaged. The petroglyph was created approximately 700 to 1500 years ago. This site is important to people of the Moapa Band of Paiutes, Southern Paiute tribes more broadly, and other indigenous people of the region. The petroglyph, which was part of a larger panel of petroglyphs, was broken into multiple pieces. Shorter transported the broken petroglyph away from the Gold Butte National Monument to his home where it was displayed in a garden before being destroyed. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Land Management. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and State Director Jon Raby for the Bureau of Land Management in Nevada made the announcement. ARPA prohibits the unauthorized excavation and removal of archaeological resources on federal lands as well as the unlawful sale, purchase, or exchange of such resources. To report natural resources crimes on Bureau of Land Management-managed public lands, please call Bureau of Land Management’s Law Enforcement Dispatch at (800) 637-9152. ###


title: Bergen County Investment Advisor Indicted for Stealing Millions from Clients

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A former broker and investment advisor was indicted for stealing more than $3 million from five clients, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Kenneth A. Welsh, 42, of River Edge, New Jersey was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 15, 2023, on four counts of wire fraud and one count of investment advisor fraud. He will be arraigned at a date to be determined. “As alleged in the indictment, this defendant used his position as an investment advisor to gain the trust of his victims and then exploited that trust. Investors need to know that the advice they are getting from their financial advisors is sound, and that they can trust them to do the right thing with their hard-earned money. My office is committed to prosecuting those that abuse that trust to enrich themselves.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “We put our faith in several occupations during the course of our lives because we don't necessarily have the expertise they do, such as doctors, lawyers and investment advisors,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “Some of those professionals violate that trust, and we allege that's what Welsh did when he stole millions from his clients. Our laws protect the general public from fraudsters, and the FBI Newark is responsible for bringing these criminals to justice.” According to documents filed in this case: From July 2017 through March 2021, Welsh, while serving in his capacity as an investment advisor employed by a large brokerage firm, misappropriated at least $3 million from five clients. Welsh, who had been entrusted to manage client funds responsibly, instead perpetrated a scheme to defraud the five clients by diverting money from their brokerage accounts to accounts under his control. Each of the wire fraud counts carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The investment advisor fraud count carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, with the investigation leading to the indictment. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shontae D. Gray of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. welsh.indictment.pdf


title: Fabens Woman Sentenced to 16 years for Transporting an Illegal Alien Who Died in Vehicle Crash

component: USAO - Texas, Northern

body_text: A Fabens, Texas woman who was responsible for a car crash that killed a Mexican citizen she was transporting within the U.S. illegally was sentenced today to 16 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. In July, Raquel Delgado Chavez, 39, pleaded guilty to transportation of an illegal alien resulting in death. She was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix. According to court documents, on November 25, 2022 a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper responded to a single-vehicle rollover crash in Lynn County. A Mexican citizen was found deceased at the scene. A medical examiner determined the individual died after being ejected from the vehicle during the rollover accident. He had blunt force injuries of the head, neck, torso, and extremities, as well as multiple rib fractures. On November 26, 2022, the Lynn County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call regarding two individuals walking on US 380. A deputy responded and found a Hispanic male and Ms. Chavez with injuries, they were suspected of being involved in the rollover crash and were transported to the Lynn County Hospital. Ms. Chavez was interviewed and admitted that she called a Mexican phone number and was given directions to the location of a truck in El Paso. Ms. Chavez said when she arrived at the location of the truck, the passengers were already inside. She did not know the passengers, but knew she was supposed to drive them to Dallas. She also admitted she knew the passengers were illegal aliens. Ms. Chavez was driving the truck and moved over on the highway to let a vehicle pass her, then the vehicle flipped. She said she and the other passengers fled the vehicle. Ms. Chavez said she ran because she was scared and that she saw a man pinned under the vehicle. This investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety (Highway Patrol and Texas Rangers), and Lynn County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Redd prosecuted this case.


title: Manchester Man Arrested on Drug Distribution Charges

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Manchester man was arrested for distributing fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Thomas Holland, 37, was indicted on three counts of distribution of fentanyl. Holland was arrested this afternoon in Manchester. He will make an initial appearance in federal court in Concord tomorrow. The charge of drug distribution provides for a sentence up to 20 years in prison, at least a three-year term of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The Drug Enforcement Administration is leading the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department and the Nashua Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather A. Cherniske 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: Leader Of Machine Gun Switch Distribution Conspiracy Sentenced To 70 Months In Federal Prison

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: U.S. Attorney Mark Totten commits to prioritize cases involving the distribution of switches, which are fueling the national gun violence epidemic GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Torez Burnett, 21, of Benton Harbor, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison. Burnett imported machine gun conversion devices, or “switches,” from China and distributed them to members of his street gang, My Brother’s Keeper (MBK), and others in Benton Harbor and Grand Rapids. When installed, switches convert semiautomatic handguns into fully automatic machine guns that can fire a thousand rounds of ammunition per minute. “Switches pose an extremely dangerous risk to our communities, our children, our law enforcement officers, and anyone who stands in the way of their indiscriminate spray,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “A year ago, switches were seldom seen. Now they’re everywhere. My office will use every resource we have to disrupt the gun trafficking rings bringing these lethal devices into our communities.” On December 15, 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan announced charges against 10 defendants, including Burnett. On May 11, 2023, Burnett pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to possess and transfer machine guns and the charge of possession and transfer of a machine gun. Burnett distributed switches to buyers in at least Benton Harbor and Grand Rapids. Some of his buyers included fellow members of MBK. The previous press release can be viewed by visiting the following link: Eleven Men Face Drug And Firearm Charges, Including For Sale Of “Switches” That Turn Semi-Automatic Pistols Into Fully Automatic Machineguns . The nine other defendants have also pleaded guilty. The court has sentenced six of them: Defendant Sentence Jayvon Anthony 84 months Demarcus Greely 38 months Nicholas Hallo 46 months Demitrius Seuell 33 months Omarion Branch 38 months Eric Williams 24 months Sentencing hearings for Timothy Thomas and Quincy Bowman are scheduled for November 29, 2023. The Court has not yet scheduled sentencing for Armando Villanueva. “Holding those accountable who flood our streets with illegal weapons is a huge step forward in curtailing the violence in our community,” said Benton Harbor Director of Public Safety Daniel McGinnis . “We thank our local, state, and federal partners for their dedication and commitment to working together to ensure the safety of Benton Harbor residents." “Mr. Burnett and other defendants from the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) gang are rightfully facing appropriate consequences for their violent and reckless behavior in importing machine gun conversion devices into our community,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan . “Thanks to the efforts of the Benton Harbor Safe Streets Task Force and our law enforcement partners, a dangerous criminal enterprise that directly threatened Michigan residents was disrupted. The FBI is committed to removing dangerous criminals from our communities and will continue to work with our partners to achieve the goal of a safer Michigan." “Machine gun conversion devices are a threat to our community and public safety. They are not toys and cannot be imported illegally from China,” said ATF Detroit Special Agent in Charge James Deir . “Mr. Burnett chose to illegally import these devices from China and through his excessive greed, he chose to arm known gang members with fully automatic machine guns. In the end, Mr. Burnett will have a considerable amount of time in prison to reflect on his poor decision making.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, Berrien County Sherriff’s Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Michigan State Police, Benton Charter Township Police Department, Pokagon Band Tribal Police Department, Grand Rapids Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Michigan Department of Corrections and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. ##


title: Maryland Man Sentenced to 9 Months in Prison for Attempted Witness Tampering  in Relation to Healthcare Fraud Conspiracy

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Atawan Mundu John, a.k.a., John Mundu Atawan, 46, of Hyattsville, Maryland, was sentenced today to nine months in prison for attempting to tamper with a witness more than nine years ago during a federal healthcare fraud investigation. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division, Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon, of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General for the region that includes Washington, D.C., and Daniel W. Lucas, Inspector General for the District of Columbia. In February 2014, a federal grand jury charged Florence Bikundi, who owned and operated a home health care agency, with various offenses related to a multimillion-dollar scheme to defraud the D.C. Medicaid program. The defendant was employed by Bikundi’s agency as a personal care aide. After Bikundi was arrested, the investigation into her and others continued. As part of its investigation, law enforcement agents interviewed the defendant multiple times. On June 12, 2014, a Medicaid beneficiary who received kickbacks from the defendant to help facilitate Medicaid fraud placed a recorded call to the defendant that lasted approximately 18 minutes. During that call, the defendant – fully aware of the active federal investigation – instructed the beneficiary to lie to the FBI about ever receiving money or kickbacks. The defendant admitted on the call that paying money to beneficiaries was fraud. Law enforcement agents confronted the defendant with the recorded call five days later. Before formal charges were brought against him, the defendant fled the area. In December 2014, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Florence Bikundi, her husband Michael Bikundi, Christian Asongcha, five other individuals, and the defendant with various offenses related to the scheme to defraud Medicaid. The defendant was charged with one count of attempted witness tampering. Five of the individuals pleaded guilty to health care fraud, and in November 2015, a jury convicted Florence and Michael Bikundi of multiple offenses after a trial. By June 2016, the Bikundis and five other individuals all had been sentenced while Asongcha, who has never been apprehended, and the defendant remained fugitives. Florence Bikundi was sentenced to ten years in prison; her husband Michael Bikundi received a seven-year sentence. The co-defendants received sentences ranging from probation with home confinement to three months in prison. The defendant remained a fugitive until July 13, 2023, when he was arrested in Maryland. He has been held without bond since his arrest. On August 4, 2023, the defendant pleaded guilty to attempted tampering with a witness before U.S. District Court Judge Beryl A. Howell. Today, Judge Howell sentenced him to nine months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. She also ordered that he pay $80,493 in restitution to the D.C. Medicaid program, an amount equal to what Medicaid paid home health agencies for false claims associated with three Medicaid beneficiaries to whom the defendant paid kickbacks. The government urges the public to provide tips and assistance to stop health care fraud. If you have information about individuals committing health care fraud, including the whereabouts of Christian Asongcha, please call the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General hotline at 800-HHS‑TIPS (800 447-8477) or the D.C. Office of the Inspector General at 202-724-TIPS (202 724-8477). This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General, and the District of Columbia’s Office of the Inspector General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Multiple people from the U.S. Attorney’s Office worked on the case, including former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lionel A. André, Anthony Saler, and Michelle Bradford, who tried Florence and Michael Bikundi. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kondi Kleinman prosecuted Atawan Mundu John from the time of his arrest through today’s sentencing.


title: Travel Manager Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Employer Using Hotel Booking Scheme

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Beaverdam woman pleaded guilty today to conducting financial transactions involving the criminal proceeds of her scheme to defraud her employer. According to court documents, Roxanne Sullivan, 61, was the Travel Manager for a Midwest-based venue preparation company. Sullivan was a full-time, salaried employee, responsible for booking travel and lodging accommodations for the company's workers as they moved from job to job. Sullivan was also a registered travel agent and subscribed to a travel agent commission-processing system. As a travel agent working for clients, Sullivan could earn commissions on the bookings she completed. Commission is a payment remitted to the travel agent by the hotel that consists of a pre-determined portion of the lodging or travel accommodations purchased by the travel agent's client. Because a hotel is required to remit a portion of a booking customer's payment to the travel agent—in effect, reducing the hotel's proceeds for that transaction—a hotel's “commissionable rates" for hotel rooms are often more expensive than “non-commissionable rates," which instead allow the hotel to keep the entirety of the transaction proceeds. Between 2016 and 2022, Sullivan defrauded her employer by booking "commissionable" rates at hotels, rather than the lower, corporate, but non-commissionable, rates that were otherwise available to her company. She then directed these higher commission payments from the commission-processing system to her bank account. Sullivan deliberately concealed her commissionable rate scheme from her employer, instructing hotel representatives to remove language referencing commissions from her contracts, and doctoring emails to delete references to her commissions. When confronted by federal agents about her scheme, Sullivan lied to the agents about aspects of her scheme. The total loss attributable to Sullivan's scheme is estimated at $525,000. Sullivan is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, 2024. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; and Kareem A. Carter, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Washington D.C. Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck accepted the plea. Hanover County Sheriff’s Office provided significant assistance in this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Garnett is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-138.


title: District Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting Member of Congress and Two Police Officers

body_text: WASHINGTON – Kendrid Khalil Hamlin, 26, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge James E. Boasberg to 27 months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release for an assault on a member of Congress and two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer stemming from a series of incidents on Feb. 9, 2023, in the District of Columbia. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Matthew M. Graves, Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department, and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the United States Capitol Police. According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 7:10 a.m., on Feb. 9, a United States Congressperson was in the lobby of an apartment complex in Washington, D.C., when they were assaulted by an individual, later identified as Hamlin. As a result of the assault, the Congressperson sustained personal injuries. Authorities later located Hamlin, and as they attempted an arrest, Hamlin also assaulted the officers. Hamlin has remained in custody since the arrest. This case was investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Gold and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Schneider.


title: Two Arizona Scammers Charged in Cryptocurrency Investment Scheme

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – On September 19, 2023, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned a 55-count indictment against Luis Ortega, 42, of Litchfield Park, and Jeremie Sowerby, 45, of Fountain Hills, for Wire Fraud and Transactional Money Laundering. The indictment alleges that Ortega and Sowerby scammed hundreds of victims out of millions of dollars in a cryptocurrency investment scheme. Under the guise of three entities, Ortega and Sowerby marketed a “risk-free” investment opportunity in “leases” of purported Bitcoin mining machines located abroad (Now Mining); a direct investment in Bitcoin mining machines in Arizona (VIP Mining); and a real estate and technology company through which investors could purchase custom-built container houses using the defendants’ proprietary “Millennium” cryptocurrency. Each entity involved the promise of lavish giveaways and profits that could be accessed and liquidated immediately. In reality, the entire scheme was based on lies. Ortega and Sowerby siphoned the victim funds to bank accounts they controlled and used the money for themselves, including for the purchase of properties and a new vehicle, and extensive cash withdrawals. A conviction for wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or both. A conviction for transactional money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or both. An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigation are conducting the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution. A number of victims have been identified by the FBI and IRS CI. However, there is evidence that victims remain unidentified. Anyone who believes they were defrauded by the defendants in this case should contact the Victim Witness Section at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona at usaaz.victimassist@usdoj.gov or fill out the questionnaire at this link: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/seeking-potential-victims-of-jeremie-sowerby-luis-ortega-fraud-schemes . Victims can access information regarding the case status here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/us-v-luis-ortega-jeremie-sowerby . CASE NUMBER: CR-23-01321-PHX-SMB RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-180_Ortega/Sowerby # # # 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 Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Israeli Hacker-For-Hire Sentenced To 80 Months In Prison For Involvement In Massive Spearphishing Campaign

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that AVIRAM AZARI was sentenced today to 80 months in prison for computer intrusion, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft in connection with his involvement in a massive computer-hacking campaign targeting companies and individuals in the U.S. and around the world. AZARI was arrested on these charges in September 2019 while traveling to the U. S. from abroad and has been detained since his arrest. U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl imposed today’s sentence. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “From his home in Israel, Aviram Azari played a major role in orchestrating and facilitating an international hacking-for-hire spearphishing campaign. The conspiracy targeted individuals and companies in the U.S. and abroad, resulting in the theft of data and netting Azari over $4.8 million in criminal proceeds. Today’s sentencing sends an unmistakable message about my Office’s firm commitment to prosecuting hackers, domestic and foreign alike.” According to the allegations contained in the Indictment to which AZARI pled guilty, public court filings, and statements made during court proceedings: From approximately November 2014 to September 2019, AZARI engaged in an extensive spearphishing campaign that targeted individuals and companies in the U. S. and around the globe. AZARI owned and operated an Israeli intelligence firm. Clients hired AZARI to manage “Projects” that were described as intelligence gathering efforts but were, in fact, hacking campaigns specifically targeting certain groups of victims, including climate change activists and individuals and financial firms that had been a critical part of the German payment processing company Wirecard A.G. AZARI paid different hacking groups, including a particular group located in India, to send spearphishing emails to victims of the various Projects. The hacking groups updated AZARI on their progress, including sending him lists that tracked their hacking efforts against specific victims. The hackers also sent AZARI reports, advising when they were successful in accessing victims’ accounts and stealing information. One of AZARI’s hacking Projects was focused on targeting individuals and organizations involved with climate change advocacy. Some of the hacked documents that were stolen from various of the victims’ online accounts were leaked to the press, resulting in articles relating to the New York and Massachusetts Attorneys Generals’ investigations into Exxon Mobil Corporation’s knowledge about climate change and potential misstatements made by Exxon regarding what it knew about the risks of climate change. Clients of AZARI’s Israeli private intelligence company paid AZARI more than approximately $4.8 million over a nearly five-year period for managing the intelligence gathering and spearphishing campaign. AZARI executed his crimes deliberately and over an extended period primarily for his own self-enrichment. Some of AZARI’s thousands of victims have described the devastating personal, financial, and reputational impact AZARI’s crimes had on them. Victims have described the persistent and relentless targeting of them and their associates, as well as the theft of their identities and personal data, as “psychological assault” that has caused them “anxiety, paranoia, depression, sleeplessness, and fear,” and the victims have expressed continued concerns for their personal safety. * * * AZARI, 52, of Kiryat Yam, Israel, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit computer hacking, one count of wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition to his prison term, AZARI was sentenced to three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay forfeiture of $4,844,968. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Juliana N. Murray and Olga Zverovich are in charge of the prosecution.