title: Expatriate Charged with Making Multiple Threats to Kill U.S. Senator and U.S. Marines

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Eric Charles Welton, an American citizen living in Thailand, was arrested last Thursday on a criminal complaint charging that he threatened a U.S. senator and members of their staff in September of 2021. He is also alleged to have made threats against U.S. Marines and others working the U.S. Consulate in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in late 2022. Welton was arrested at the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport as he returned to the United States from overseas by FBI Charlotte and FBI Atlanta Special Agents. “Our elected representatives and the public servants who staff their offices must be free to do the people’s work without threats of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Violent threats against our democratically elected representatives do not just erode our civil discourse – they can undermine our democracy. We will hold accountable anyone who threatens violence targeting our bedrock institutions.” “It is unacceptable to make violent threats against anyone. And when threats are directed at elected officials or members of the armed forces it can impact their ability to serve our country effectively,” said Robert M. DeWitt, the Special Agent in Charge of FBI Charlotte. According to the complaint, Welton, age 51, made multiple harassing and intimidating calls to the offices of Republican elected officials and associated organizations in the United States due to a large number of unsolicited political emails he claimed he was receiving. In September of 2021, he allegedly spoke with a staff member at the Senator’s Raleigh office and, among other things, threatened to show up and “put a bullet through each of [their] heads.” The complaint also states that Welton threatened to cut off the hands of the individual that had decided to send him the emails. The complaint further alleges that in October and November of 2022, Welton began making threats against U.S. Marines and others working at the U.S. Consulate in Thailand. In one voicemail, Welton allegedly stated that he was “going to kill a bunch of Marines” due to anger over an immigration issue. Welton is currently charged with one count of threatening a federal official, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 115(a)(1)(B). If convicted, he faces up to ten years in prison. Additional charges may follow. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service provided significant assistance to return him to the United States. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Warlick is prosecuting the case. A complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. ###


title: Independence Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearm Obtained Through Straw Purchase Less Than a Month After Leaving Prison

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing a firearm, which he obtained through a straw purchase less than a month after being released from state prison on parole. Kurup C. Seuell, 21, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to being a felon in possession of a firearm. By pleading guilty today, Seuell admitted that he and a straw purchaser went to Frontier Justice, a firearms store and shooting range in Lee’s Summit, Mo., and purchased a Glock 9mm handgun on Jan. 30, 2021. Seuell was paroled from the Missouri Department of Corrections on Dec. 28, 2020, after attaining a 2018 conviction for stealing. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. That same day, after purchasing the firearm, Seuell sent a video through his Facebook account showing the newly purchased firearm on his lap. Investigation into Seuell’s social media accounts from January 2021 through March 2023 revealed Seuell frequently in possession of various assault-style rifles, handguns (including Glocks with affixed Glock “switches” to convert them to automatic), guns with extended magazines, distribution amounts of marijuana, and large quantities of cash. Seuell displayed a total at least eight but no more than 99 firearms. Seuell frequently created social media posts offering guns for sale. Seuell’s posts included him shooting guns at shooting ranges. It also included a video post of him firing a fully automatic handgun. On March 29, 2023, while investigators were searching for Seuell to place him under arrest, Seuell posted a video of himself firing an apparent AR-type pistol, equipped with a drum style magazine, at Crossfire Recreation Center in Independence. While shooting, the video shows several other firearms laid out in front of him. Investigators acquired a signed copy (signed by Seuell) of the range safety rules and a signed copy of the range waiver from Crossfire Recreation Center. They also recovered surveillance video of Seuell firing various weapons at the range, and then acquiring 50 rounds of ammunition from the gun store side of the recreation center. On March 29, 2023, Seuell also posted videos of himself in a bedroom displaying the same guns he’s seen with on the surveillance video and social media. On March 30, 2023, investigators were able to locate the address where Seuell was residing. As Seuell drove away from that residence and law enforcement officers followed, he began driving at a high rate of speed, weaving through traffic. Officers eventually found Seuell’s vehicle at a gas station and arrested him as he left the store. Officers searched Seuell’s residence and found the firearms that Seuell displayed on his social media, as well as firearms seen in the surveillance video. Officers also found the ammunition that Seuell had acquired from the gun store the prior day. Under federal statutes, Seuell is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Project Safe Neighborhoods This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Kansas Man Indicted for Using Guns, Death Threats and Racial Slurs to Intimidate Black People

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A Kansas man was indicted by a federal grand jury for using guns, death threats and racial slurs to intimidate Black people and interfere with multiple federally-protected rights. The indictment alleges that, on July 27, 2022, Austin Schoemann, 30, of Wichita, brandished a firearm and used racial slurs in order to threaten two Black juveniles, Victims 1 and 2, while they were entering a QuikTrip gasoline station. In addition to intimidating and interfering with the two young men, Schoemann used his firearm to threaten a Black adult, Victim-3, who intervened in support of the juveniles’ federally-protected right to be free from racial discrimination when visiting a gasoline station. The indictment also charges Schoemann with using a firearm during and in relation to these crimes of violence. The indictment further alleges that beginning in January 2022 and continuing through August 2022, Schoemann interfered with the federally-protected housing rights of a white woman, Victim-4, by making threats to hurt or kill any Black people who visited her home. The indictment alleges that Schoemann made many of these threats in-person, and that he would stand outside of Victim-4’s house and shout threats and racial slurs on occasions when he believed she had Black visitors in her house or planned to do so. Schoemann is also charged with two violations of using the internet to distribute videos and messages to Victim-4’s family members and others in which he repeatedly threatened to shoot and kill Black people. Schoemann faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the firearms charges, a maximum penalty of five years in prison for distribution of threating messages online and a mandatory minimum of seven years in prison for brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas and Special Agent in Charge Charles Dayoub of the FBI Kansas City Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Kansas City Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith for the District of Kansas and Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Woodstock pain management doctor and clinics pay $625,000 to resolve false claims act allegations

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – James Ellner, M.D., and his Woodstock, Georgia pain management practice, Georgia Pain Management, P.C., and ambulatory surgical center, Samson Pain Center, P.C, agreed to pay $625,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by submitting improper claims to the Medicare and TRICARE programs for evaluation and management services and medically unnecessary urine drug screening tests. “The federal government expects that physicians and their practices will properly bill Medicare and TRICARE for services they provide,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “The Department of Justice will work diligently to hold healthcare providers accountable when they break the rules and overbill federal healthcare programs.” “Health care fraud abuse like this case erodes the trust patients have in the health care system,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Government subsidized programs like Medicare help protect the healthcare needs of deserving Americans and the FBI is determined to work with our partners to prevent people from illegally profiting off of them." “When providers submit improper claims, they threaten the integrity of taxpayer-funded health care programs and take those valuable resources away from their intended recipients,” said Tamala Miles, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG is committed to protecting federal health care programs from fraudulent and wasteful practices at the hands of providers.” The FCA is a federal law that imposes civil liability on any persons or entities who submit, or cause to be submitted, false claims for payment on the federal government or its contractors. It imposes treble damages (that is, three times the loss caused by the false claims) and a civil penalty between $12,537 to $25,076 per false claim. The FCA is the primary authority used by the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office to redress fraud, waste, and abuse within federal programs, including, but not limited to, Medicare and TRICARE. The United States alleges that between May 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019, James Ellner and Georgia Pain Management, P.C. (Georgia Pain) submitted false claims to the Medicare and TRICARE programs for evaluation and management (E&M) services that were not reimbursable under federal health care programs. Medicare generally prohibits healthcare providers from separately billing for E&M services provided on the same day as another medical procedure, unless the E&M services are significant, separately identifiable, and above and beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the medical procedure. If an E&M service satisfies these criteria, the provider can use a billing code known as “Modifier 25” to bill for the significant and separately identifiable E&M services. In this case, the United States alleges that Georgia Pain used Modifier 25 to improperly unbundle routine E&M services that were not separately billable from other minor surgical procedures performed on the same day; and as a result, Georgia Pain claimed reimbursement from Medicare and TRICARE that it was not due. The United States also alleges that Ellner and Georgia Pain entered into an arrangement that violated the Anti-Kickback Statute, whereby a reference laboratory paid the salary of an individual who functioned as a free employee of Georgia Pain in exchange for Ellner’s referral of urine drug tests – many of which were medically unnecessary. The civil settlement resolves a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia by a former employee for Georgia Pain, under the qui tam, or whistleblower provisions, of the FCA. United States ex rel. Amy Tyson v. Georgia Pain Management, P.C., Samson Pain Center, P.C., and James Ellner, M.D., Civil Action 1:18-cv-5520. Under the FCA, private citizens may bring suit for false claims on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery obtained by the government. The whistleblower will receive $118,000 from the settlement. The civil settlement was reached by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mellori Lumpkin-Dawson. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmail@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: Dublin Man Charged With Damaging Computers Belonging To His Former Employer

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: OAKLAND - A federal grand jury in Oakland indicted Vamsikrishna Naganathanahalli, charging him with a felony related to the alleged improper accessing and damaging of a protected computer, announced United States Attorney Ismael J. Ramsey and Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. According to the indictment filed May 11, 2023, and unsealed earlier today, Naganathanahalli, 47, of Dublin, Calif., accessed a computer system belonging to his former employer, Vituity, after his company login privileges had been revoked. The indictment alleges Naganathanahalli used his access to the computer system to replace real data with masked data causing damage to an important Vituity database. Vituity comprises a group of related companies based in Emeryville, Calif., including physician partnerships and other entities. According to the indictment, Vituity maintained a computer database that was central to its business and was connected to systems responsible for hiring and payroll, among other functions. The indictment alleges that in late May of 2022, Naganathanahalli was informed that his employment with Vituity would be terminated in mid-June. The indictment alleges that after he was informed his employment would be terminated, but before his last day on the job, he changed a password to another employee’s account so he would be able to gain access to a Vituity computer system after access to Vituity’s computers using his own password was revoked. Further, the indictment alleges that in September 2022, Naganathanahalli used the changed password to access a Vituity computer system remotely, change yet another employee’s password, and then use that employee’s account to overwrite the company’s personnel data. In doing so, Naganathanahalli uploaded generic, “masked” data to overwrite the real data for thousands of current and former employees. Defendant was arrested on May 25, 2023, and made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kandis A Westmore in federal court in Oakland this morning. Magistrate Judge Westmore ordered Naganathanahalli released on a $100,000 bond. Naganathanahalli’s next scheduled appearance is at 2 p.m. on June 15, 2023, for before the Honorable Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, U.S. District Judge for a review of case status. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution if appropriate for each violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1030(a)(5)(A), (c)(4)(A)(i)(I). However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. This case is being prosecuted by the Special Prosecutions Section of the United States Attorney’s Office. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Illinois Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Unlawfully Transport 10 Aliens

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jorge Alberto Pacheco-Robles, age 35, of Illinois, was sentenced today to a year and a day in prison for conspiring to unlawfully transport 10 Mexican citizens who had illegally crossed the border into the United States. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector, made the announcement. As part of his guilty plea, Pacheco-Robles admitted that on October 2, 2022, he rode in an SUV with co-conspirator Cesar Batres-Recinos, from Illinois to Constable, New York, to pick up 10 Mexican citizens who recently illegally crossed the international border from Canada into the United States. Pacheco-Robles also admitted that he and Batres-Recinos planned to drive these people to various locations inside of the United States, including Chicago, Illinois, and that he expected to be paid between $500-$1,300 per person transported. On April 20, 2023, Batres-Recinos was sentenced to 13 months in prison. The United States Border Patrol investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss prosecuted the case.


title: California Man Sentenced to 87 Months for Methamphetamine Trafficking in Saratoga County

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Roderick Meskell, age 53, of Sacramento, California, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for his role in a drug trafficking organization that distributed crystal methamphetamine in Saratoga County in 2020. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. In previously pleading guilty, Meskell admitted that from June 2020 through October 2020, he worked with others, including co-conspirators Ali Hassan Ahmed III and Jordan D. Lopez, to transport and distribute Mexican cartel-sourced crystal methamphetamine from Sacramento to redistributors in Saratoga County. In total, the organization trafficked approximately 5 kilograms of methamphetamine. United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered Meskell to serve a 5-year term of supervised release following his release from prison. Lopez previously pled guilty in connection with the conspiracy and was sentenced to 78 months in prison. Ahmed III has also pled guilty in connection with the conspiracy, and faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, a term of supervised release between 5 years and life, and a maximum fine of $10 million. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The FBI and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon is prosecuting this case.


title: United States Sues Poultry Distributor To New York City Food Carts And Its Owners For Selling Uninspected And Misbranded Poultry Products

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Paul Kiecker, the Administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA-FSIS”), announced that the United States has sued N and M Food Wholesale Supply, Inc. (“N&M”) and its owners AHMED OMAR, ELSAYED HALIM, and ASHRAF MOUSA (collectively, the “Defendants”) for repeatedly preparing and selling uninspected or misbranded poultry products in violation of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (“PPIA”). The U.S. has simultaneously entered into a consent decree, approved by U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote, which requires the Defendants to comply with the PPIA and complete mandatory training and imposes significant civil penalties for any future violations . U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “New Yorkers should be able to eat food from food carts and other retailers with the peace of mind that upstream wholesalers have complied with USDA safety regulations. Through this lawsuit, we are sending a message to food wholesalers that they must adhere to the law in order to protect the public health.” USDA-FSIS Administrator Paul Kiecker said: “Every individual deserves the assurance that the food they purchase is properly inspected and safe to eat. FSIS remains committed to public health and we will take swift action to protect American consumers.” The PPIA protects public health by imposing requirements on food suppliers regarding the inspection, processing, labeling, and packaging of poultry and poultry products. These requirements give consumers confidence in the safety of poultry products that they purchase and allow public health officials to trace food safety problems to their source. According to the complaint filed in Manhattan federal court: The Defendants repeatedly violated the PPIA by offering for sale over 900 pounds of misbranded poultry that had not been federally inspected. On multiple occasions, the Defendants prepared marinated chicken kebab skewers in a processing room in N&M’s warehouse without federal inspection. These products were prepared for sale to N&M’s wholesale customers, including food cart owners, who sell the chicken to consumers. Despite repeated warnings from USDA-FSIS, N&M continued to offer uninspected poultry products for sale and violate the law. For example, in May 2021, N&M — which does not have a grant of federal inspection to process poultry products — purchased approximately 280 pounds of chicken leg meat and cut and marinated the chicken in its warehouse before returning it to its original packaging. N&M then offered this uninspected and misbranded product for sale to wholesale customers. In this consent decree, the Defendants admit and accept responsibility for having repeatedly sold or offered for sale non-federally inspected and misbranded poultry products to wholesale customers, in violation of the PPIA. Among other instances, on or about November 12, 2018, August 26, 2020, February 10, 2021, and May 24, 2021, the Defendants processed, sold, and/or offered for sale non-federally inspected poultry products. Defendants further admit and accept responsibility for the fact that, on at least one occasion, the poultry product was also misbranded and falsely marked as federally inspected. Pursuant to the consent decree, the Defendants are enjoined from selling or transporting any uninspected poultry products that are required to be inspected and passed by USDA, selling any mislabeled poultry products, preparing or processing poultry or poultry products in unsanitary conditions, not keeping records regarding poultry or poultry product business transactions, and engaging in any other conduct that would violate the PPIA. The Defendants are subject to additional actions, including civil monetary penalties and other relief, if they violate the provisions of the consent decree. * * * Mr. Williams thanked the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its efforts on this matter. This case is being handled by the Environmental Protection Unit of the Office’s Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mollie Kornreich is in charge of the case. N&M Complaint N&M Consent Decree


title: Tucson Man Convicted of Immigration Fraud After Lying About Military Service and Atrocities Committed During the Bosnian Civil War

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Sinisa Djurdjic, 50, of Tucson, Arizona, was convicted on May 19, 2023, by a federal jury on charges of Visa Fraud and Attempted Unlawful Procurement of Citizenship. The guilty verdicts came after a nine-day jury trial before United States District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps. In 2009, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) launched an investigation upon receiving a roster of a police brigade suspected of various atrocities during the 1990s war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (“Bosnia”) that identified one of the members of that brigade as Sinisa Djurdjic, who emigrated to Tucson under the United States refugee program in 2000. HSI discovered that, on various United States immigration applications, Djurdjic had denied serving in foreign military and police units. The multi-year international investigation by HSI confirmed that Djurdjic was indeed a member of that police brigade and other Bosnian-Serb military units, and that Djurdjic harmed prisoners in his custody. HSI agents traveled to Bosnia on multiple occasions, interviewed dozens of witnesses, and collected documentation from the Bosnian government, the Serbian government, and from the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague. Agents discovered that Djurdjic was a prison guard at two prison camps established north of Sarajevo by “Republika Srpska,” the Bosnian-Serb entity which espoused the idea of “ethnic cleansing” during the civil war and sought to exclude all Bosnian Muslims and Catholic Croats from certain areas within Bosnia. During the trial, five Bosnian men who were held at the prison camps testified as to the abuses they suffered or witnessed at the hands of Djurdjic. The United States presented extensive documentation demonstrating that Djurdjic had lied on various immigration applications about his previous military and police service, and had intentionally misled United States immigration officials about his past to gain legal status in the United States. "We commend the courage and tenacity of the Bosnians who testified against the defendant and held him accountable for his false statements while seeking legal status in the United States,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “Providing opportunities for refugees and asylees is quintessentially American. Safeguarding those opportunities requires vigilance to ensure that the American dream is foreclosed to those who lie about a disqualifying past.” “When a person attempts to become a U.S. citizen under false pretenses, it jeopardizes our naturalization process — and it is especially damaging to those who faithfully follow the judicial system,” said Scott Brown, special agent in charge for HSI Arizona. “Simply put, those who knowingly and willfully misrepresent themselves, especially those who are considered national security threats, war criminals and human rights violators, to try and obtain U.S. citizenship status, will be held accountable for their deceitful actions. This defendant was found guilty due to the unwavering commitment by those who investigated and are prosecuting this case.” Djurdjic’s sentencing hearing is set for August 8, 2023. Homeland Security Investigations, Tucson Field Office, conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Liza Granoff and Kevin Schiff, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR 17-01658-TUC-JGZ (DTF) RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-077_DJURDJIC # # # 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: Five Columbia Men Sentenced to Federal Prison Following Armed Bank Robbery

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Following the armed robbery of a bank ATM on Fairfield Road in Columbia, five Columbia men have been sentenced collectively to more than 42 years in federal prison: Anthony Bernard Hopkins , a/k/a “Tony Cash,” 34, was sentenced to more than 12 years (154 months) in prison after pleading guilty to Armed Bank Robbery and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence. Kenneth Boyles, Jr. , a/k/a “Kilo”, 22, was sentenced to more than 11 years (141 months) in prison after pleading guilty to Armed Bank Robbery and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence. Aquan Shanard Hopkins , 28, was sentenced to more than 8 years (97 months) in prison after pleading guilty to Armed Bank Robbery and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Denzel Malik Goodwin , a/k/a “Zell”, 26, of Columbia, South Carolina, and Kansas City, Missouri, was sentenced to more than 6 years (73 months) in prison after pleading guilty to Armed Bank Robbery and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Antwan Kanard Hopkins, 35, was sentenced to more than 4 years (50 months) in prison after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Marijuana. Evidence presented to the Court showed that around 4:00 PM on May 31, 2020, six subjects (Anthony Hopkins, Kenneth Boyles, Aquan Hopkins, Denzel Goodwin, and two minors) participated in the armed bank robbery an ATM on Fairfield Road in Columbia while it was being serviced by a technician and protected by an armed security guard. Evidence presented also indicated all of the defendants are relatives: Aquan Hopkins, Anthony Hopkins, Antwan Hopkins, and Kenneth Boyles are brothers, and Denzel Goodwin is their cousin. Surveillance video showed a Dodge Charger parked behind the ATM and a Chevrolet Caprice parked in the drive-through lane of the ATM. Both vehicles belonged to Aquan Hopkins. The private security guard noticed the Caprice pull in, and she approached the vehicle to advise that the ATM was closed. While she was walking toward the Caprice, Aquan Hopkins, wearing a ski mask, placed the muzzle of a long gun to her head; that gun had an extended drum magazine attached. Aquan Hopkins laid the security guard face-down on the ground at gunpoint. A minor who participated in the robbery then stole the security guard’s Glock 9mm service pistol. The ATM service technician then fled on foot, and with the ATM open, Anthony Hopkins and Kenneth Boyles stole $108,940 from the ATM. The defendants returned to the two cars and fled to an apartment complex where a family member lived to split the proceeds. Denzel Goodwin and the second minor remained in the vehicles throughout the robbery. Homes associated with the defendants were searched. Law enforcement recovered more than $32,000 in robbery proceeds, four firearms (including the long gun used), ammunition, and the drum magazine used, which was loaded with 46 rounds. At the time of the robbery, Aquan Hopkins served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force as a security forces Airman. Antwan Hopkins was prosecuted in a related case. When a house was searched following the robbery, he was found in possession of more than 200 grams of marijuana packaged for distribution, two firearms (an Anderson AM 15 rifle loaded with 22 rounds and an FN Five-Seven 5.56mm pistol loaded with 21 rounds), a bill counter, a digital scale, and vacuum-seal bags. Antwan Hopkins had numerous prior drug and firearm-related felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing firearms under federal law. Anthony Hopkins and Kenneth Boyes also had prior felony convictions at the time of the robbery. Anthony Hopkins was arrested by the FBI and the United States Marshals in California, where he fled after his photograph in the robbery was broadcast on the news. Denzel Goodwin was arrested by the United States Marshals in Missouri. Kenneth Boyles was arrested in Florence, South Carolina, on a bus with fake identification. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Anthony Hopkins, Kenneth Boyles, and Denzel Goodwin, and United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced Antwan Hopkins and Aquan Hopkins. All five defendants are subject to between 3 and 5 years of court-ordered supervision following their terms of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Anthony Hopkins, Kenneth Boyles, Aquan Hopkins, and Denzel Goodwin were ordered to pay $108,940 in restitution to the victim bank. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the City of Columbia Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott B. Daniels prosecuted the case. ###


title: Jamaican Nationals Sentenced to Federal Prison for Their Roles in Scam Targeting Elderly Victims

body_text: CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA —Two Jamaican nationals – Tyrell Harris, 32, and Errol Durrant, 60 – were each sentenced to more than five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to their roles in a fraudulent lottery scam that targeted elderly victims around the country. Evidence presented to the court showed that, as part of the scheme, the defendants or their co-conspirators would contact elderly victims and falsely inform the victims that they had won a sweepstakes. The supposed prizes in these sweepstakes usually consisted of millions of dollars, a new vehicle, or other valuable items. The defendants and their co-conspirators would tell the victims that they needed to pay bogus fees and/or taxes in order to collect their purported winnings. The defendants and their co-conspirators would direct the elderly victims where to send the bogus fees and/or taxes. Evidence showed victims purchased prepaid cards, USPS money orders, and bank money orders, and mailed cash/personal checks to the defendants. The defendants in turn wired the fraudulent funds to co-conspirators in Jamaica and amongst various bank accounts opened and controlled by them. The defendants received more than $1.7 million from the victims they targeted, and at least 70 victims were targeted across 15 states. United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks sentenced Tyrell Harris to 90 months in federal prison and Errol Durrant to 80 months in federal prison. Both defendants’ sentences are to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision, in the event they are not deported upon release. There is no parole in the federal system. The defendants were also ordered to pay $1,700,512.90 in restitution. “The District of South Carolina is committed to prosecuting scams that target vulnerable citizens,” said United States Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “ We appreciate the hard work of our federal agency partners and the continued efforts to investigate these crimes.” “These individuals preyed on some of the most vulnerable members in our community,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our law enforcement partners will continue our commitment to protect our citizens and bring those responsible for these illegal schemes to justice.” “This sentence is the result of great work by HSI and our partners at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to bring these criminals to justice,” said Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge for HSI Charlotte, which covers North and South Carolina. “These types of crimes can have devastating effects on the elderly and HSI will aggressively pursue criminal prosecution to dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations, both domestically and internationally, to bring justice to the victims.” This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Bower prosecuted the case. ###


title: Mexican National Extradited From Mexico To The United States To Face Cocaine Trafficking And Money Laundering Charges

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Gilberto Alarcon-Holguin a/k/a Beto, 55, a Mexican national, was arraigned in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York on charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to launder the illicit proceeds charges. In December 2022, Alarcon-Holguin was arrested by Mexican authorities in Mexico pursuant to an extradition request from the United States. he was extradited from Mexico to the United States on May 26, 2023. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler and Jeremiah E. Lenihan, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment against Alarcon-Holguin, between October 2017, and December 2018, he conspired with others to sell cocaine and then launder the proceeds of the drug sales. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 2.6-million dollars. Alarcon-Holguin was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was held pending a detention hearing on June 6, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. The indictment is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; and Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Unit, under the direction of Brian Manaher, Director, Marine Operations. Additional assistance was provided by the New York National Guard and Homeland Security Investigations, El Paso, Texas. The Government of Mexico, including the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR), provided significant assistance in the extradition of Alarcon-Holguin to the United States. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Alarcon-Holguin. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Former Teacher and Coach Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Child Sex Crime

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A former Wynot, Nebraska middle school teacher and Sergeant Bluff High School baseball coach was sentenced in federal court in Sioux City. Andrew Heller, age 39, was convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor after pleading guilty in federal court on January 13, 2023. The FBI and Sioux City Police Department were conducting an undercover investigation to identify subjects engaged in human trafficking in Sioux City, Iowa. As part of the operation, law enforcement posted an advertisement for sex services on a frequently used dating website. Andrew Heller, a middle school teacher and high school baseball coach responded to an ad purporting to be from a 19-year-old female offering sexual services in exchange for money. After calling the phone number in the ad, Heller began communicating with a person he believed was a 14-year-old girl, but who was actually an undercover FBI agent. Heller agreed to pay $200 cash and bring some Trulys in exchange for sex with the 14-year-old. The meeting date was scheduled, and Heller showed up, as previously arranged, in his vehicle. He was searched by police, who found the cash and Trulys, along with condoms. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” Heller was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 120 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve 5 years of supervised release after the term of imprisonment and pay a $5,100 in special assessments. There is no parole in the federal system. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sioux City Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-4059. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Parker Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of a Minor

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Victor Adrian Shortey, 40, of Parker, Arizona, was sentenced on May 8, 2023, by United States District Judge Douglas L. Rayes to 180 months in prison, followed by a term of lifetime supervised release. Shortey pleaded guilty to Sexual Abuse of a Minor. Between May 2017 and November 2017, when the minor victim was temporarily residing with Shortey, he sexually abused the victim on multiple occasions at his residence. Shortey is a member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes (“CRIT”), and the sexual abuse occurred on the CRIT Indian Reservation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the CRIT Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Christina J. Reid-Moore, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-22-00167-PHX-DLR RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-078_Shortey # # # 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: Wolf Point man accused in armed carjackings in Yellowstone, Cascade counties admits to crimes

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Wolf Point man who was arrested after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase throughout Cascade County admitted today to trying to steal a vehicle from a man near Ulm and to brandishing a gun while carjacking a vehicle from a woman in Billings, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Santana Cruz Ledeau, 27, pleaded guilty to attempted carjacking and to using, carrying and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Ledeau faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the attempted carjacking charge and a mandatory minimum of seven years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the charge of brandishing a firearm. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Oct. 26. Ledeau was detained pending further proceedings. A plea agreement reached by the parties calls for Ledeau to plead guilty to two counts of assault on a peace officer in the Montana Eighth Judicial District Court, Cascade County, following the resolution of the federal case. In addition, if the Court accepts the plea agreement at sentencing, the government will seek to dismiss additional charges of robbery affecting commerce, two counts of carjacking and one count of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence as charged in an indictment. The government alleged in court documents that on Sept. 30, 2022, in Billings, a woman was delivering laboratory samples to a hospital clinic. As she arrived at the parking lot, a man dressed in a red hooded sweatshirt approached her as she attempted to leave her car. The man, later identified as Ledeau, demanded her keys and pointed a gun in her face. As she dug inside her purse for the key fob, Ledeau produced a can of pepper spray and sprayed her in the face. Ledeau then took her car, a Nissan, and fled. Hospital personnel who witnessed the incident from a distance treated the victim for her injuries. During an interview with law enforcement, the victim described the gun as “red with some silver.” The victim’s car was later recovered in Musselshell County. Fingerprints in the car matched those of Ledeau. The government further alleged that on Oct. 17, 2022, Ledeau and a female companion were driving around Great Falls in a white truck that was later discovered to be stolen from North Dakota. Ledeau got into a fight outside a motel and fired a pistol into the air. He then fled the scene and was involved in a hit-and-run car accident. Great Falls police were unable to stop Ledeau, who drove out of town heading south on Interstate 15 toward Ulm. When he neared Ulm, Ledeau exited the interstate, drove up behind a Buick sedan and got out of the stolen truck. Ledeau approached a man driving the Buick and demanded the car, but the man refused. Ledeau produced a pistol and fired a round into the rear driver’s-side window. The window shattered, and the bullet traveled through the rear driver’s seat and into the trunk, where it was recovered. The driver of the Buick sped off, and Ledeau returned to the truck. In addition, the government alleged that Ledeau returned to I-15 and traveled south to Cascade where he ran out of gas. Ledeau approached a second man, who agreed to give Ledeau and his female companion a ride to a gas station. However, law enforcement arrived, and Ledeau yelled at the second man to get out of the car. Ledeau then got into the driver’s seat and led officers on a high-speed chase throughout the county. Ledeau traveled south on I-15, exited at Wolf Creek and traveled north on Montana Highway 434. During the case, the female companion repeatedly called 911 because she was in fear for her well-being. Eventually, Ledeau turned east on Highway 200, lost control and crashed into a ditch near Simms. At the crash scene, officers saw Ledeau holding a pistol before tossing it to the ground. The gun had a red stock and dark colored slide and was determined to be a SCCY Industries, model CPX-2, 9mm caliber pistol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica A. Betley and Jeffrey K. Starnes are prosecuting the case. The Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, Cascade County Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office, Billings Police Department, Musselshell County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. XXX


title: Chinese national charged with attempting to bring child pornography into the United States

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 45-year-old man from Suqian in the Jiangsu province of China has been indicted for transporting child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. A federal grand jury returned the one-count indictment today against Tong Sun. Already in custody following charges in a criminal complaint, he is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott Hacker in the near future. Authorities allegedly encountered Sun illegally entering the United States in early May. They conducted a search of Sun’s phone on May 8 and allegedly found videos containing child pornography. According to the charges, one video depicted a minor female believed to be younger than five years of age and was over three minutes in length. If convicted, Sun faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Brostowin is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Richmond man sentenced for $1.4 million Medicare home health fraud scheme

body_text: HOUSTON – A 47-year-old home health company owner has been ordered to prison following his conviction of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Akintunde Oyewale, Richmond, pleaded guilty Feb. 1, 2022. Today, U.S. District Judge David Hittner ordered he serve 57 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the defense requested a reduced sentence due to Oyewale’s role as a father and caretaker of his mother. In handing down the sentence, the court noted he had family commitments at the time of the offense and that he committed the conduct over a span of several years involving kickbacks to multiple parties and Medicare patients. Oyewale agreed to pay $1,467,719.92 in restitution to Medicare. Oyewale operated Grace Healthcare Services LLC through September 2017. At the time of his plea, he admitted to and caused Grace to bill Medicare for home health services that were not medically necessary and not provided. He also acknowledged to furthering the scheme by unlawfully paying medical clinics for fraudulent home health certifications and unlawfully paying for patient referrals. Oyewale also failed to keep records. He admitted he failed to produce records following the receipt of a grand jury subpoena. The records were supposed to justify the billed claims. Grace was subject to recoupment for failing to maintain supporting medical records for bills. Oyewale admitted to using the fraudulently obtained funds for his personal financial benefit and for the benefit of his family members. The Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General and FBI conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Abdul Farukhi and AUSA Christian Latham prosecuted the case.


title: Twenty-Time Convicted Felon Faces Life In Prison For Federal Firearm Offense

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Craig Antwon O’Neal (53, Ocala) based on an indictment charging him being a felon in possession of a firearm. He faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. O’Neal had been indicted on March 3, 2021. According to the indictment, on July 20, 2020, O’Neal was in possession of a firearm. As a multi-convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing either firearms or ammunition under federal law. O’Neal has 20 prior state felony convictions, including strong-arm robbery, resisting arrest with violence, sale of cocaine, and burglary of a conveyance. His extensive prior criminal record also qualifies him for a sentencing enhancement as an Armed Career Criminal. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST). It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Crockett. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Providence Woman Admits to Receiving and Storing Fentanyl and Cocaine Intended for Distribution

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Providence woman today admitted to a federal judge that she participated in a drug trafficking conspiracy and was paid by co-conspirators to accept and store multiple shipments of fentanyl and cocaine shipped through the United Parcel Service and Federal Express, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cuna. Rosangeles Bueno, 42, admitted that over a six-week period beginning in early February 2022, she received and stored multiple packages containing a total of 2.23 kilograms of fentanyl and multiple packages containing quantities of cocaine. Bueno admitted that she regularly communicated with co-conspirators about the shipments and storage of drugs and the storage of and materials and supplies used to package and distribute controlled substances, including a press and molds for packaging, scales, baggies, and masks. Bueno pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. She is scheduled to be sentenced on September 7, 2023. The defendants’ sentences will be determined by a federal judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton. The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the DEA, Warwick Police Department, Newport Police Department, Central Falls Police Department, and Providence Police Department. ###


title: Charlottesville Bodybuilding Coach Indicted on Child Exploitation Charges

component: Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section

body_text: CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – In an indictment unsealed today, a federal grand jury has charged a Charlottesville-based virtual bodybuilding coach with the sexual exploitation of a minor, enticement of a minor, and possession of child pornography. In an indictment returned May 24 and unsealed today following the defendant’s arrest, the grand jury has charged Elliott Atwell, 33, of Charlottesville, with four counts of the sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of enticing a minor for the purposing of engaging in sexual activity, and one count of possessing child pornography. According to the indictment, between December 2013 and April 2020, Atwell enticed at least six minors to record themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct and then send the recordings to him. The investigation into this matter remains ongoing. Any individuals who believe they or someone they know may have been victimized by this defendant should contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Richmond Division made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Smith and Trial Attorney Jessica Urban of the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Several smugglers admit to transporting undocumented aliens

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A total of four people have pleaded guilty to human smuggling, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jose Quezada-Gamez, 29, Tamaulipas, Mexico, pleaded guilty to functioning as a guide for undocumented aliens attempting to cross the Rio Grande and enter the United States illegally. Derly Crescencio Medina, 27, McAllen, and Jessica Dinora Pena-Rodriguez, 48, Tamaulipas, admitted housing undocumented aliens at a residence near San Juan. Rogelio Gonzalez III, 29, Edinburg, entered his plea to transporting undocumented aliens further north into the United States. Authorities arrested all four following an investigation into a extensive smuggling ring operating in the McAllen area. They apprehended Quezada-Gamez near the Rio Grande guiding a group of aliens into the United States from Mexico. Gonzalez was taken into custody near Premont as the driver of a vehicle containing multiple undocumented aliens. At the time of the pleas, all four admitted to knowingly transporting or harboring undocumented aliens for financial gain. U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing Aug. 10. At that time, each faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. All four have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore Parran III is prosecuting the case.


title: Armed Career Criminal Pleads Guilty To Possessing Firearms And Ammunition As A Convicted Felon

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Samuel Robert Bruner (47, North Fort Myers) today pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Bruner faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, Bruner was found in possession of two revolvers, a shotgun, and assorted ammunition in a vehicle he was operating on December 1, 2021. Court records confirm that he had previously been convicted of a felony, which prohibits him from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law. Bruner has at least three prior felony convictions that qualify under federal law as either a “violent felony” or a “serious drug offense” subjecting him to enhanced punishment as an Armed Career Criminal. This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark R. Morgan. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: 12 Quad Cities Gang Members and Associates Indicted on Federal Charges

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

body_text: DAVENPORT, IA – A federal grand jury in Davenport returned an indictment on May 22, 2023, charging 12 Quad Cities men with offenses related to a racketeering conspiracy, who conspired to engage in a years-long pattern of violence, including murder, attempted murders, robbery, and drug trafficking. As alleged in this indictment, those charged were members and associates of a criminal organization or Enterprise known as the “Arsenal Courts Posse a/k/a Zone Fifth a/k/a Fifth Street Mafia a/k/a Rock Town Money Getters (RTMG) a/k/a Money Team,” whose members and associates engaged in acts of violence. The Enterprise’s origins began in Rock Island, Illinois, in the late 1990s and early 2000s. At that time, members and associates of the Enterprise referred to themselves as the Arsenal Courts Posse. Arsenal Courts was the former name of Century Woods, a housing complex which members or associates of the Enterprise lived in or frequented on a regular basis. The housing complex is located in the 1400 block of Fifth Street. Between 2009 and 2011, the younger members and associates of the Enterprise began referring to themselves as “Zone Fifth” or “Fifth Street Mafia” continuing to represent the location of the Enterprise’s territory. As alleged in this indictment, the principal purposes and objectives of the Enterprise were to distribute controlled substances, obtain money and things of value, and earn and maintain respect in the Quad Cities. To achieve those purposes and objectives, members and associates of the Enterprise committed acts involving murder, robbery, threatened to commit acts of violence, and trafficking of controlled substances. The following members and associates of the Enterprise are charged in the Indictment and are all from Rock Island, Illinois: • Ricky Lee Childs, Jr., 38, is charged with racketeering conspiracy. As part of this investigation, he was previously charged with felon in possession of a firearm and sentenced to 110 months of imprisonment (Southern District of Iowa, 3:22-cr-21). Between both charges, he is facing a maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment. • Don Christopher White, Jr., 37, is charged with racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of a firearm. As part of this investigation, White was previously charged with felon in possession of a firearm (Southern District of Iowa, 3:23-cr-22). White is facing a maximum sentence of 40 years of imprisonment. • Devell Carl Lewis, 35, is charged with racketeering conspiracy. He is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment. In addition, Lewis is scheduled to be sentenced in August 2023 on federal drug charges out of Rock Island, Illinois (Central District of Illinois, 4:20-cr-40022). • Deaguise Ramont Hall, 34, is charged with racketeering conspiracy. He is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment. • Simmeon Terrell Hall, 34, is charged with racketeering conspiracy. He is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment. • Brandon Deshane Branigan, 32, is charged with racketeering conspiracy. As part of this investigation, Branigan was previously charged with felon in possession of a firearm (Southern District of Iowa, 3:22-cr-110). Branigan is facing a maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment. • Rasheem Damonte Bogan, 31, is charged with racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of a firearm. He is facing a maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment. In addition, Bogan is scheduled to be sentenced in August 2023 on federal drug charges out of Rock Island, Illinois (Central District of Illinois, 4:20-cr-40022). • Raheem Jacques Houston, 30, is charged with racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of a firearm. He is facing a maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment. In addition, in August 2023, Houston is scheduled to be sentenced on federal drug charges out of Rock Island, Illinois (Central District of Illinois, 4:20-cr-40022). • Michael Linn Cross, 30, is charged with racketeering conspiracy. He is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment. • Lashawn D James Hensley, 30, is charged with racketeering conspiracy. He is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment. • Devante Atwell French, 29, is charged with racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of a firearm. He is facing a maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment. • Timothy Justin Beaver, 28, is charged with racketeering conspiracy. He is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment. The Indictment is attached below. Timothy Beaver, Simmeon Hall, and Deaguise Hall made their initial court appearance on May 25, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen B. Jackson, Jr. of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. The remaining defendants will make their initial court appearances on later dates. As part of this investigation, in September 2022, Sinae Coral Lucille Tate, 33 of the Quad Cities, was charged with making false declarations to a federal grand jury regarding Don White’s use of her 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix during two of the overt acts in the racketeering conspiracy (Southern District of Iowa, 3:22-cr-77). On April 20, 2023, Tate pled guilty to one count of False Declarations Before a Grand Jury. She is facing a maximum sentence of five years of imprisonment and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 8, 2023. “To those that choose criminal violence this case is an example of the fate that awaits you. We will continue to place violent crime as our highest priority. With our law enforcement partners like the Davenport Police Department, we are dedicated and motivated to use every legal tool to help protect the Davenport community,” said United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa. “The tremendous work of our investigators and federal partners delivered justice for those impacted by these violent crimes,” said Davenport Police Chief Jeffery Bladel. “These cases demonstrate, the outstanding partnership and collaboration between federal prosecutors and local law enforcement that has a long-term impact on the safety of our community. The Davenport Police Department is dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of our community and bringing those who commit violent crimes to justice.” The Davenport and Rock Island Police Departments are investigating the case, with assistance from the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Drug Enforcement Administration. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. arsenal_courts_posse_indictment.pdf


title: Red Ventures, LLC And MYMOVE, LLC Agree To Pay $2.75 Million To Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Arising From Agreements With The U.S. Postal Service

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Red Ventures, LLC and MYMOVE, LLC (together, “MYMOVE”) have agreed to pay the United States $2.75 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly withholding funds owed to the U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) under contractual agreements connected to the USPS change of address process. The United States alleged that MYMOVE had a contractual obligation to share monthly gross revenue related to a certain program with USPS, but instead, MYMOVE improperly and secretly deducted some of its own costs before sharing revenue with USPS – essentially changing the contractual revenue share provision at issue from one of gross revenue to one of net revenue, a change favorable to MYMOVE’s profits at the expense of revenue owed to USPS. The settlement also resolves allegations that MYMOVE improperly and knowingly allocated labor costs related to this same contract, under which MYMOVE bore all of the program costs, to another contract, that contained a profit-sharing agreement with USPS, thereby also increasing MYMOVE’s profits at USPS’s expense by improperly passing off a portion of its labor costs to USPS. “This settlement demonstrates that those who cheat the government will be held accountable,” said Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. “My office will continue to investigate and hold responsible those who seek to profit from defrauding federal agencies.” “We are gratified to have contributed to this investigation and applaud the exceptional work by the United States Attorney’s Office for protecting both U.S. Postal Service revenue and the integrity of our change of address program,” said Executive Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), Office of Inspector General (OIG). “Special Agents of the USPS OIG will continue to investigate those who would engage in fraudulent activities designed to defraud the Postal Service. The settlement delivered in this case represents a win for the USPS and for all law enforcement agencies who work together to ensure that justice is served.” The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by former MYMOVE employee Marcos Arellano. Under those provisions, a private party may file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Arellano v. MYMOVE, LLC and Red Ventures, LLC , No. 3:20-cv-255 (W.D.N.C.). Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Johnson and Investigator Cathleen Hollowell of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte investigated the matter in conjunction with the USPS Office of Inspector General. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.


title: KC Man Pleads Guilty to Meth Trafficking, Illegal Firearms

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man who was injured when his ATV flipped over while making a turn on an Independence, Mo., street pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing firearms and methamphetamine. Melvin L. Carter, 48, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Independence police officers were called to an address on S. Overton Avenue on Oct. 14, 2022, after Carter was ejected from his ATV as it flipped over while making a turn. Prior to the officers’ arrival, the Independence Fire Department responded to an earlier 911 call and informed officers that Carter had been armed when they arrived at the scene of the accident. They retrieved his firearm, a Keltec 9mm pistol, which they turned over to the police officers. Officers found the ATV flipped on its side when they arrived at the scene. Carter was bleeding from his head and being treated by paramedics. Police officers checked Carter’s jacket and found a plastic baggie that contained approximately 105 grams of methamphetamine. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Carter has prior felony convictions for robbery, possession of a controlled substance, sale of a controlled substance, trafficking, and resisting arrest. After Carter was federally indicted, Independence police officers located him and placed him under arrest. Carter was in possession of a loaded Glock .40-caliber handgun with an extended magazine and approximately 215 grams of methamphetamine. Under federal statutes, Carter is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Project Safe Neighborhoods This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Fresno Man Charged in Operation No Fly Zone Sentenced to 3 Years and 5 Months in Prison for Unlawful Firearm Possession

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Patrick Feaster, 23, of Fresno, was sentenced today to three years and five months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Feaster was one of seven Fresno residents charged federally as a result of Operation No Fly Zone, a multi-agency investigation that sought to address a rise in the number of shootings and homicides in Fresno. According to court documents, on March 16, 2022, investigators learned that Feaster would be going to a residence in Fresno to pick up a firearm and an extended magazine. Shortly after Feaster left the residence, officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on his car, but Feaster failed to yield. Feaster got out of the car with a bag and fled on foot. After a chase, officers arrested Feaster and seized the bag from him. Inside the bag, officers found a semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine. Feaster was not allowed to possess firearms because he had previously been convicted of first degree robbery, a felony offense. This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Fresno Police Department; the Fresno-area Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC); the California Department of Justice; the California Highway Patrol; the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office; the Kings County Sheriff’s Office; the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin J. Gilio and Antonio J. Pataca prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: Husband and Wife Sentenced for International Wire Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – Caesar Oruade, 39, and Ayana Saunders, 37, of Hawthorne, California, have been sentenced to federal prison for wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to launder money. Kevin G. Ritz, United States Attorney, announced today. According to United States Attorney Ritz and information presented in court, in May 2017, a computer intrusion at a real estate company resulted in a Memphis woman’s $76,000 down payment on a home being diverted to the bank account of a co-conspirator. Agents investigating the case traced the funds and found that the $76,000 had been "chopped" and sent to several other U.S. bank account holders before ultimately being wired to an account in Nigeria. Many others across the United States and in Canada had been similarly victimized in their attempts to purchase real estate. The proceeds of romance scams and “hard money” loan scams were also flowing through the same accounts. Bank accounts belonging to defendant Ayana Saunders generally served as the last domestic stop for funds before leaving the United States. Testimony at trial showed that Saunders would take some of the funds before wiring the remaining monies to the Nigerian bank account of her husband, Caesar Oruade. "These sentences are the result of state and federal law enforcement working together to protect the public from real estate and romance scammers and bringing those responsible to justice," said Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Memphis Field Office. “The FBI continues to hold as a priority the targeting of domestic and foreign fraudsters who seek to scam innocent people out of their hard-earned money." Senior United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Oruade and Saunders to federal prison for 70 months and 60 months, respectively, followed by three years of supervised release. The defendants were also ordered to pay more than one million dollars in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Memphis Division, United States Secret Service (USSS), FBI – Los Angeles Division and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). United States Attorney Kevin Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Debra Ireland and Raney Irwin, who prosecuted this case, as well as law enforcement partners who investigated the case. ###


title: Fentanyl Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Distributing More Than 1,000 Pills

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: A fentanyl trafficker responsible for distributing thousands of counterfeit pills across north Texas pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Stephen Paul Brinson, aka “Steve-O,” 18, was charged in March. He pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance (fentanyl) before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez. In plea papers, Mr. Brinson admitted he dealt fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills out of a home in Flower Mound. He used an Instagram account to facilitate the sale of the round blue pills, which were imprinted “M/30” to resemble legitimate 30mg oxycodone pills. According to court documents, Mr. Brinson acted as the source of supply for fentanyl to Donovan Jude Andrews , the Carrollton dealer who allegedly capitalized on the arrest of Luis Navarrete and Magaly Cano to advertise his pill business. (Mr. Andrews is allegedly tied to at least one juvenile fentanyl overdose – that of a 14-year-old girl who paid her dealer through CashApp; Mr. Navarrete and Ms. Cano, along with their supplier, Jason Villanueva , are allegedly tied to more than ten others.) During a search of Mr. Brinson’s residence, law enforcement recovered approximately 1,800 fentanyl-laced pills along with cocaine, marijuana, and two firearms. In plea papers, he admitted that at the time of the search, he was armed and en route to deliver an M/30 pill to a customer in Flower Mound. Mr. Brinson is the second defendant charged in the wake of the Carrollton / Flower Mound juvenile overdoses to enter a guilty plea. Magaly Cano, 29, pleaded guilty earlier this month. Six other defendants – including Mr. Andrews, Mr. Villanueva, and Mr. Navarrete – have been charged but not yet convicted. (All are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.) Mr. Brinson now faces up to 40 years in federal prison. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division and the Carrollton Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of School Resource Officers from the Carrollton – Farmer’s Branch Independent School District and the Lewisville Independent School District. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phelesa Guy and Rick Calvert are prosecuting the case. Note: Illicitly produced, fentanyl-laced pills often look similar to legitimate prescription pills like Oxycontin or Percocet, but can pose significantly more danger. On the street, these pills are often referred to as “M30s” (a reference to the markings on some of the pills), “blues,” “perks,” “yerks,” “china girls,” or “TNT.” DEA research shows that six out of ten pills laced with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose. One pill can kill. For resources, visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill .


title: Project Safe Neighborhoods News, May 30, 2023

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence. At the core of PSN is setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place. U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announces the following actions in federal PSN cases. Guilty Pleas Eric Terrell Christian , 31, of Vacaville, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Aug. 11, 2022, Christian was arrested for a parole violation and found to be in possession of a Glock handgun with a round in the chamber and another 17 rounds in a high-capacity magazine. In an apartment to which Christian had access, officers found a Palmetto Arms pistol with a round in the chamber and 36 rounds in an inserted, 40-round magazine. Christian is not allowed to possess firearms because he has previously been convicted of three felony offenses, including two convictions for assault with a deadly weapon, and was on parole when he committed the current offense. Christian is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb on Aug. 28, 2023. Christian faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. This case is the product of an investigation by the Vacaville Police Department, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation – Division of Adult Parole Operations, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force, and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is prosecuting the case. Gabriel Joseph Detrant , 49, of Redding, pleaded guilty on May 18, 2023, to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Feb. 2, 2021, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle Detrant was driving in Redding. Detrant stopped the vehicle, and he and a passenger fled on foot. The officers found a Baikal Makarov, Model IJ-70 9 mm handgun loaded with eight rounds by the driver’s seat. Officers later found Detrant hiding nearby in possession of a magazine loaded with eight 9 mm rounds. Detrant is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he has multiple prior felony convictions, including a 2018 conviction in Shasta County for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Detrant is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 31, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta. Detrant faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. This case is the product of an investigation by the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office, the Redding Police Department, and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Haddy Abouzeid is prosecuting the case. The actual sentences, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Sentencings Kevin Lester Wise , 68, of Rancho Cordova, was sentenced on May 9, 2023, to two and a half years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on July 22, 2020, Wise was found to be in possession of a Ruger .22 caliber rifle and a silencer. Wise had previously attempted to unlawfully import another silencer from China. In 1990, Wise was convicted in Sacramento County for unlawful assault by an officer while he was serving as a deputy sheriff. In 2013, Wise was convicted in federal court in the Eastern District of California for a being a felon in possession of a firearm. As a convicted felon, Wise is prohibited from owning firearms, including silencers. This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella prosecuted the case. Derick Louangamath , 33, of Sacramento, was sentenced on April 24, 2023, to five years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Nov. 23, 2019, law enforcement officers stopped a vehicle that Louangamath was driving and found a Glock 26, along with loaded 10-round, 15-round, and 33-round magazines. Louangamath has several prior felony convictions, including convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm, which prohibit him from possessing a firearm. This case was the product of an investigation by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the Sacramento Police Department, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron D. Pennekamp prosecuted the case. These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: New Haven Teen Pleads Guilty, Admits Role in 5 Carjackings

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TIHAJA ORTIZ-TUCKER, also known as “TJ,” 19, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to carjacking and conspiracy offenses. According to court documents and statements made in court, between March and July 2022, Ortiz-Tucker and others posed as interested buyers of motor vehicles advertised by Connecticut residents (the “victim-sellers”) on Facebook Marketplace. On three occasions, Ortiz-Tucker and his co-conspirators arranged to meet in person with the victim-sellers for the purported purpose of test driving and purchasing the motor vehicles. At the conclusion of the purported test drives, Ortiz-Tucker and his co-conspirators stole, at gunpoint, the vehicles, as well as certificates of title, bills of sale, and other ownership documents. On at least two occasions, Ortiz-Tucker posed as the legitimate owner of stolen motor vehicles, advertised them for sale on the OfferUp online platform, and sold them to unwitting purchasers. Ortiz-Tucker also participated in two carjackings of Uber drivers in May 2022. In both instances, an Uber driver picked up the carjacker in New Haven and drove to Wallingford where the cars were taken from the Uber drivers at gunpoint. Both cars were later recovered in the same area of Hamden. Ortiz-Tucker was arrested on July 22, 2022. Ortiz-Tucker pleaded guilty to three counts of taking a motor vehicle from a person by force, violence, and intimidation (“carjacking”), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years on each count, and one count of conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for August 22. Ortiz-Tucker, who had been released on bond and residing with family members in California, was remanded to custody at the conclusion of the sentencing proceeding. On May 2, 2023, Ruben Montano, 20, of New Haven, pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and admitted that he participated in one of these carjackings in July 2022, and the subsequent sale of the vehicle. Montano, who is detained in state custody on unrelated charges, is scheduled to be sentenced on July 31. This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Violent Crime Task Force, the Connecticut State Police and the Wallingford, New Haven, Hamden, Waterbury, and Bridgeport Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan and Tara E. Levens. U.S. Attorney Avery encouraged those who sell and purchase items online, and need to meet an individual in person to complete the sale, to use a visible, monitored location. Contact your local police department to see if it offers a monitored meeting location, or search online for a nearby monitored location.


title: New York Motorcycle Club Member Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearm

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Woodside, New York, man who was part of a group of motorcycle riders passing through Missouri pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing a firearm. Edward DeJesus, 56, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On June 3, 2022, the Independence, Mo., Police Department was advised that members of the Outcast Motorcycle Club from New York were heading westbound on Interstate 70 toward the Kansas City, Mo., area. A detective with the Independence Police Department observed a group of motorcycles traveling faster than the posted speed limit on westbound Interstate 70. The detective then activated the lights and siren on his unmarked police vehicle and attempted to stop the pack of motorcycles in the area of westbound Interstate 70 and 291 Highway for speeding and traveling in the passing lane. The motorcycles were weaving in and out of lanes of traffic and failing to yield. An Independence police officer at Interstate 70 and Noland Road saw DeJesus, who was driving a black Harley Davidson Road Glide in excess of 100 miles per hour. The officer activated his lights and siren and went in pursuit of the motorcycle. The motorcycle was weaving in and out of traffic and riding down the center line between vehicles. The motorcycle exited onto eastbound 40 Highway and pulled into the Wal-Mart and then into the gas station lot at the Wal-Mart. The officer pulled beside the motorcycle and arrested DeJesus. The officer searched DeJesus and found a dollar bill in his wallet that contained 1.5 grams of cocaine. Officers also found a loaded Glock handgun and two additional magazines in the saddlebags on the motorcycle. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. DeJesus has a prior felony conviction for possessing a controlled substance. Under federal statutes, DeJesus is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Smith. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department. Project Safe Neighborhoods This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Modesto Man Sentenced to over 14 Years in Prison for Receiving and Distributing Child Pornography

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Jerrid Kunkel, 27, of Modesto, was sentenced today to 14 years and seven months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for receiving and distributing material involving the sexual exploitation of minors, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, between April 2014 and December 2017, Kunkel received and distributed at least 600 images of child pornography over the internet from his cellphone. This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany M. Gunter prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.


title: Kings County Man Charged in Operation Red Reaper Sentenced to over 21 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Florentino Gutierrez, 41, of Hanford, was sentenced today to 21 years and 10 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of a mixture containing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Gutierrez was one of 21 drug traffickers charged federally as a result of Operation Red Reaper, a multi-agency investigation into the criminal activities of individuals associated with the Kings and Tulare County Nuestra Familia prison gang. According to court documents, in April and May 2019, Gutierrez conspired with others to traffic over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine. Gutierrez’s plan included using his Cadillac Escalade as collateral to purchase the methamphetamine. His co-conspirators then traveled from Hanford to Bakersfield, where they picked up the methamphetamine. On the return trip, investigators stopped the car, searched it, and seized five bags containing a total of over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Kings County Gang Task Force, the Special Operations Unit of the California Department of Justice and the California Highway Patrol; the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the Kings County District Attorney's Office; and the Tulare County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.