title: U.S. Marshals Locate 225 Missing Children in 16 Locations Across the United States During Operation We Will Find You

body_text: Spokane, WA – Today the United States Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) announced that the USMS, along with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), working with several state and local agencies in 16 federal judicial districts, led a 10-week national operation resulting in the recovery or safe location of 225 endangered missing children. Operation We Will Find You is one of the first nationwide missing children operations focused specifically on geographical areas with high clusters of critically missing children. In total, the operation resulted in the recovery of 169 children and the safe location of 56 more children. During the operation, the USMS referred 28 cases to law enforcement agencies for further investigation of alleged crimes such as drugs and weapons possession, sex trafficking, and failures to register as a sex offender. During the operation, 42 children were located outside the city where they went missing, and 10 were found outside of the United States. The youngest child recovered was just 6 months old. While approximately 85 percent of the cases involved endangered runaways, approximately 9 percent involved family abductions. Approximately 40 of the cases involved allegations of reporting sex trafficking. Operation We Will Find You also had a direct impact on the Eastern District of Washington. It total, the operation investigated more than 20 cases arising from our District. These cases involved allegations of endangered missing children, runaways, and children abducted by non-custodial parents. Of these, 16 children were recovered. Additionally, the USMS arrested a Top 15 Most Wanted couple, who fled to Mexico from the Eastern District of Washington with their children. Each of the recovered children was safely reunited with family in Washington State. “I commend law enforcement for locating so many missing children from our district and across the country,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “I am grateful for the leadership of the U.S. Marshals Service and their dedication to apprehending fugitives and reuniting the most vulnerable among us with their families. Our communities are safer and stronger as a result of the great service demonstrated through the joint efforts by the U.S. Marshals and their Federal, State, Local, and Tribal partners.” United States Marshal Craig Thayer stated, “Reuniting missing children with loved ones and connecting them with appropriate services is a mission in which the United States Marshals Service takes great pride. The specialized skillset that the U.S. Marshals Service provides to our Local, State, and Tribal partners in locating and recovering missing, and oftentimes exploited children, provides these children a second chance for a better childhood by being reunited with their loved ones and connected with other necessary help.” A number of Federal, State, Local, and Tribal agencies participated with the USMS in “Operation We Will Find You.” These agencies included the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Confederated Tribes Bands of Yakama Nation Police Department, Ephrata Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Moses Lake Police Department, Othello Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, Washington Department of Child Youth and Families, Washington Department of Corrections and Yakima Police Department.


title: United States Attorney’s Office Awarded Several New Prosecutor and Support-Staff Positions, Including Additional Resources to Prosecute Violent Crime in Indian Country

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, WA: U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref, the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that her office has received authorization and funding from the Department of Justice to hire seven new full-time Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) and two full-time support staff. The new positions – which will be spread throughout the District’s three offices in Spokane, Yakima, and Richland – will be dedicated to combating terrorism, fraud, drug trafficking, and violent crime, including in Indian Country. The U.S. Department of Justice allocated these positions to U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country from funding approved in last year’s federal budget. “We are excited for these additional resources to further our mission to build safer and stronger communities in Eastern Washington,” U.S. Attorney Waldref said. “In the next month, we will have, for the first time ever, full-time AUSAs serving in our Richland branch office. With the addition of the nine new positions announced today, we will be able to further enhance our efforts to protect neighborhoods, families, and communities in the Tri-Cities, Spokane, Yakima, and throughout our beautiful district.” U.S. Attorney Waldref continued, “With these new positions, we will have forty AUSAs serving in the Eastern District of Washington. This means that our team – which includes attorneys, critical support positions, administrative officers, victim witness advocates, forfeiture personnel, etc. – will grow to approximately ninety civil servants dedicated to DOJ’s mission to seek justice for all.” “We’re especially grateful to have additional resources devoted to the important work we do in Indian Country, where we prosecute major crimes arising on the District’s four reservations – the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Spokane Tribe, and the Kalispel Tribe. In fact, one of the AUSA positions is specifically devoted to cases involving Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. We recognize that indigenous communities suffer violence, especially domestic violence, at much higher rates than many other demographics. We are committed to addressing violent crimes in Indian country and elsewhere and holding perpetrators accountable.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington currently has more than thirty AUSAs serving in its Criminal and Civil Divisions in Spokane, Yakima, and Richland. The hiring process for the new positions is already underway and additional listings will be posted in the coming weeks. All of the Office’s openings will be made available at http://www.usajobs.gov .


title: San Diego Restaurant Owners Charged with COVID-Relief Fraud and Money Laundering

component: Tax Division

body_text: A federal grand jury in San Diego returned an indictment on May 19 charging a California man and woman with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. According to the indictment, Leronce Suel and Ravae Smith owned Rockstar Dough LLC and Chicken Feed LLC, both of which operated a series of restaurants in the San Diego area. From March 2020 to June 2022 Suel and Smith allegedly conspired to underreport over $1.7 million in gross receipts on Rockstar Dough LLC’s 2020 corporate tax return (From 1120S) filed with the IRS in order to qualify for the COVID-related Paycheck Protection Program and Restaurant Revitalization Funding loans. Suel and Smith also allegedly made materially false certifications on loan applications regarding the use of the money. The indictment charges that Suel and Smith made substantial cash withdrawals from their business bank accounts to launder the fraudulently obtained funds. As part of the conspiracy, Suel and Smith allegedly concealed more than $2.4 million in cash at their residence. Suel and Smith made their initial court appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge William V. Gallo of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 10 years in prison for money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman for the Southern District of California made the announcement. “During an unprecedented public health emergency, the United States provided these loan programs to deliver economic relief to Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman for the Southern District of California. “This office will investigate and prosecute those who exploited the global pandemic to unjustly enrich themselves. We encourage anyone with information regarding individuals who have engaged in COVID-relief fraud to come forward.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and the investigative agency for their excellent work on this case. “The CARES act was passed to aid those in need and provide much needed relief during the Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, there are individuals and organizations who took advantage and targeted these programs to steal funds,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of the Los Angeles Field Office. “Submitting false returns in support of a fraudulent loan application is a crime. IRS-CI is committed to aggressively investigating these crimes and bringing those to justice who stole funds and targeted relief programs during the pandemic.” The IRS-Criminal Investigation are investigating the case. Trial Attorney Julia Rugg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Beeler of the Southern District of California are prosecuting the case. 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: Owner of Two California Construction Firms Sentenced to Prison for Employment Tax Crimes

body_text: A California man was sentenced yesterday to 12 months in prison for willfully failing to account for and pay over employment taxes. According to court documents and statements made in court, Larry Kudsk of Berkeley, California, operated two construction businesses, Kudsk Construction, Inc., and M. Gutierrez, Inc. These companies served as general contractors or subcontractors, including on some government projects. For both companies, Kudsk was responsible for filing quarterly employment tax returns and collecting and paying over to the IRS payroll taxes withheld from employees’ wages. Kudsk, however, did not timely file employment tax returns or pay over withholdings to the IRS for 2014 and the last three quarters of 2015 for M. Gutierrez, Inc., and for all four quarters of 2016 for Kudsk Construction, Inc. In total, Kudsk caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $250,000. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White ordered Kudsk to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $244,973 in restitution to the United States. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California made the announcement. IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Julia M. Rugg and Charles A. O’Reilly of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Lloyd-Lovett of the Northern District of California prosecuted the case.


title: Justice Department Observes National Missing Children’s Day

component: Office of Justice Programs (OJP)

body_text: As part of the 40th annual commemoration of National Missing Children’s Day, the Justice Department today honored nine individuals in Washington, D.C. for their extraordinary efforts to recover and help missing children and to hold those who commit child sexual abuse and crimes against children legally responsible for their actions. “Whether a child has been abducted, or has just wandered away, the terror felt by a parent when their child has disappeared is overwhelming,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “I have great respect for the brave, resourceful, and dedicated professionals who work every day to protect children from harm, reunite missing children with their families, and provide support in the aftermath of a traumatic event. There is no cause more worthy of honor. The Department of Justice is proud to stand with them.” The Office of Justice Programs’ Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention leads the nation in observing Missing Children’s Day, which was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 in memory of six-year-old Etan Patz, who was abducted while walking to his bus stop in Manhattan on May 25, 1979. National Missing Children’s Day honors his memory and those children who are still missing. Etan’s killer was convicted in February 2017, but the case remains active because his body was never found. “It is difficult to even imagine all of the emotions — panic, fear, heartbreak — when a child goes missing,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “The Justice Department commemorates National Missing Children’s Day not only to remember the solemn impact that missing children have on parents and caregivers, families and communities, but also to honor the individuals, organizations, and agencies that have made extraordinary efforts to find and rescue missing and exploited children.” “On this day, we remember that some 460,000 children go missing from the United States every year – and we take this opportunity to remind ourselves of both the scope of the challenge before us and the depth of our collective commitment to the safety and welfare of America’s youth,” said Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs. “The incredible people we honor today – and so many dedicated professionals across the country – deserve our deep appreciation and gratitude for all they do to protect children and our communities.” This year’s recipients are honored with the following awards: Attorney General’s Special Commendation: This commendation recognizes the extraordinary efforts of an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force, an affiliate agency or an individual assigned to an ICAC task force or affiliate agency for making a significant investigative or program contribution to the ICAC task force program. Recipients: The following members from the North Texas ICAC task force – Lieutenant Cyrus Zafrani, Task Force Commander; Sergeant Kellie Renfro, Deputy Task Force Commander; Detective Tony Godwin; Detective Chris Meehan; Texas Ranger Bruce Sherman; Detective Jeffrey Rich; and Community Outreach Officer Anthony Newsom – all received the Attorney General’s Special Commendation for their actions in processing more than 22,000 tips from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline, resulting in more than 500 arrests and the rescue of more than 50 children between Nov. 1, 2021, and Oct. 31, 2022. Missing Children’s Law Enforcement Award: This award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of law enforcement officers who have made a significant investigative or program contribution to the safety of children. Recipient: Detective Agnes Watson from the Rialto Police Department in Rialto, California, received the Missing Children’s Law Enforcement Award for her actions in investigating a 23-year-old man who had abducted and assaulted a 17-year-old girl with the intention of taking her to Puerto Rico and trafficking her. Missing Children’s Child Protection Award: This award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of child protective service agency personnel, law enforcement officers, or other professionals who have made a significant investigative or program contribution to protecting children from abuse or victimization. Recipient: Detective Mike Myerson from the Palatine, Illinois, Police Department received the Missing Children’s Child Protection Award for investigating the disappearance of a 14-year-old who was in contact with an adult male who wanted to engage in sexual acts with the teen. Myerson apprehended the suspect and charged him with traveling to meet a minor, which is a felony. The Department also named Ayoub Alsaidi, a 5th grader from P.S. 251 in Brooklyn, New York, the winner of the 2023 National Missing Children’s Day poster contest. The contest creates an opportunity for schools, law enforcement and child advocates to discuss the issue of child safety with youth and their parents. “Through their resourcefulness, their exceptional savvy and, most of all, their tenacious commitment to the health and safety of our nation’s young people, these award recipients have saved and protected hundreds of children from abduction, exploitation and further harm,” said Administrator Liz Ryan of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. “We are honored to recognize them for their extraordinary efforts to secure a bright future for our youngest generation.” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland honoring nine individuals in for their extraordinary efforts to recover and help missing children and to hold those who commit child sexual abuse and crimes against children legally responsible for their actions. Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta delivers remarks at National Missing Children's Day.


title: Departments of Justice and State Host First-of-its-Kind Regional Symposium on Women in Law Enforcement and Security in Asia

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Given the critical role that women play in the security sector, combating organized crime, terrorism, and violent extremism, the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of State joined forces the week of May 22 to 26, 2023, to host an Asia-Pacific Regional Symposium on Women in Law Enforcement in Denpasar, Indonesia. Increasing women’s participation in law enforcement bolsters operational effectiveness and expands police institutions’ ability to engage in local communities. Baltimore County Police Department Chief (Ret) Melissa Hyatt providing keynote address on “Reframing Challenges” to attendees of 2023 Women in Law Enforcement Asia-Pacific Regional Symposium. The event, which is being attended by approximately 70 law enforcement professionals from eight nations around the globe, amplifies regional and strategic objectives in empowering women as meaningful, essential contributors to security, law enforcement, and counterterrorism. The symposium also provides a forum for participants to undertake career-development training, engage in networking opportunities, and bolster the advancement of women in law enforcement. The symposium includes participants from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, and Sri Lanka. “We are educating ourselves and our partners on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in law enforcement; it’s time to focus on intentional strategies to change norms and power structures hampering progress toward greater equality,” said Director Gregory Ducot of the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP). “We hope the connections made this week will advance women in this field and provide them with the resources needed to assist with their career development, ultimately moving the counterterrorism mission forward.” “The Engaging Multinational Policewomen on Equality and Rights (EMPoWER) program is so incredibly valuable in identifying those who can be agents of change in their institutions and societies,” said Ambassador Tina Kaidanow, the Department of State’s Special Representative for Guantanamo Affairs. “Their ability to be not only professionally curious but also introspective means that they can use the training and best practices provided, apply those lessons to their own environment, and use those tools to help them advance further in their respective organizations. There is no question that in promoting the integration of women into the senior ranks of law enforcement and counterterrorism, we are expanding inclusivity of all groups and promoting a diverse force that can react credibly to communal needs – thereby helping to prevent the growth of radicalism wherever it may take root.” In addition, the symposium provides opportunities for senior men and women in U.S. and international security careers to have meaningful interactions with women in the security professions in multiple Asia-Pacific countries. Breakout session of Indonesia law enforcement discussing leadership styles and the importance of understanding emotional intelligence. Symposium presenters include: Special Representative for Guantanamo Affairs Ambassador Tina Kaidanow; FBI International Operations Division Section Chief Ashley Johnson; Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Mission to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta, Indonesia, Kate Rebholz; and Chief (Ret.) Melissa Hyatt, Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore, Maryland Discussion highlights include: Executive panels focused on “What Makes a Great Leader” and “Women in Security;” Leadership training, highlighting change management, emotional intelligence, and leadership styles; and Presentations on Global Terrorism Trends and Emerging Threats in Asia, Corrections and Intelligence Development, and Social Media to Counter Violent Extremism. Breakout session of Bangladesh officers discussing managing change in law enforcement. The Asia-Pacific Regional Symposium on Women in Law Enforcement was organized by: The U.S. Department of Justice’s ICITAP and its EMPoWER program, the Department of State Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT), and the Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The EMPoWER program, a partnership between the Departments of Justice and State, builds the capacity of women to combat terrorism by supporting them through the provision of leadership and technical training and mentorship. Previous EMPoWER-led regional symposiums were held in March 2022 in Opatija, Croatia, and in June 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya. To learn more about ICITAP’s capacity building programs around the world, visit www.justice.gov/criminal-icitap .


title: New Jersey Prison Corrections Officer Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation After Facilitating Assaults on Inmates

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A corrections officer at Bayside State Prison in Leesburg, New Jersey, was sentenced to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and required to pay a $10,000 fine for agreeing with others to physically assault inmates for actual, perceived and fabricated violations of the prison’s rules and customs in a manner that resulted in injury to the inmates. John Makos, 42, of Millville, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams to conspiring with others to deprive inmates of their right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment. “This jail official was complicit in a series of violent assaults on inmates, turning a blind eye as the assaults were carried out as punishment for alleged violations of prison rules,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This sentencing demonstrates that correctional officers who abuse their authority and violate the civil rights of inmates under their custody and control will be held accountable for their actions. The Justice Department is committed to protecting the civil rights of all people, including those held inside our jails and prisons.” “Corrections officers are responsible for protecting the civil rights of the people in their custody,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “Incarcerated persons may have broken the law, but equal treatment is one of our country’s founding principles, and civil rights do not cease to exist at a prison’s gates. This defendant allowed incarcerated persons under his care to be brutalized and abused his authority as a law enforcement officer. Today’s sentence is another reminder that civil rights violations by law enforcement officials will not be tolerated.” “The defendant sentenced today misused his position of power and permitted the brutal assault of inmates in his custody,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI remains dedicated to uncovering any violation of civil rights and pursuing justice for victims in these cases.” According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least April 2019 through December 2019, while working as a corrections officer, Makos and others at Bayside State Prison agreed to physically assault certain victim-inmates for actual, perceived, and fabricated violations of the prison’s rules and customs. The assaults caused physical injury and pain to the victim-inmates. These assaults took place while the victim-inmates were under Makos’ supervision and in areas of the prison’s kitchen that were out of sight of institutional surveillance cameras. For example, on Dec. 7, 2019, Makos watched and did not attempt to intervene when multiple inmates pinned a victim-inmate to the floor and, while the inmates restrained the victim-inmate, punched the victim-inmate approximately 25 times. Makos did not report this assault to his supervisors or medical personnel, despite knowing he was required to do so. Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Sellinger and FBI Assistant Director Quesada made the announcement. The FBI Newark Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the New Jersey Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ari B. Fontecchio and Sara Merin of the Special Prosecutions Division for the District of New Jersey and Trial Attorney Shan Patel formerly of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.


title: Sacramento, California Man Sentenced for Marijuana Conspiracy

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Julio Ayala, 33, of Sacramento, California, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiring to distribute marijuana. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Ayala to 18 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Ayala will begin a two-year term of supervised release. Ayala was part of a marijuana conspiracy which existed between October of 2018 and December of 2020. As part of the conspiracy, individuals shipped marijuana from California to Omaha. Ayala was involved in the distribution of the marijuana in Omaha. On December 18, 2020, agents executed a search warrant at co-conspirator Marques Eiland’s residence and located approximately 22.5 pounds of marijuana. Ayala, Eiland, and co-conspirators Aarion Jenkins and Shawn Thomas were all present. Each of the conspirators have pleaded guilty. On May 3, 2023, Jenkins was sentenced to 40 months of imprisonment. This was in addition to 11 months he already served on related state and federal cases. On May 3, 2023, Eiland was sentenced to 31 months of imprisonment. Thomas is pending sentencing. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Omaha Police Department, the Bellevue Police Department, and the Sacramento California County Sheriff’s Department.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking a Minor

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Dalonte Foard, 25, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to sex traffic a minor and sex trafficking of a minor. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Foard to 540 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Foard will be on supervised release for life and will be required to register as a sex offender. In January, Foard was found guilty after a four-day jury trial. The evidence at trial showed that in September 2020 two Omaha foster children went missing from their foster home. Foard had picked up the two girls, aged 16 and 17, and driven them to a hotel where co-defendant Thomas Holbert posted online advertisements promoting the minors for commercial sex acts. The following morning, Foard sexually assaulted one of the minors to “break her in” and then posted a new online commercial sex advertisement for her. A man responding to Foard’s ad came to the hotel and Foard waited on the stairs in the hallway while the man paid $60 to engage in a sex act with the victim. After the man left, Foard took $50 of the $60 paid to the victim. A spokesperson for the Omaha Police Department (OPD) said that OPD is pleased to see such a strong sentence for sex trafficking. OPD and its federal partners will continue to work together to pursue traffickers and bring them to justice. “It is our hope that today’s sentencing will send a strong message to all of those who want to line their pockets through the sexual exploitation of children,” said acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Kansas City Shawn Gibson. “These individuals and their associated criminal organizations have been put on notice. We, alongside our partners at the Omaha Police Department, are doing everything possible to disrupt and dismantle the greedy criminal networks you’ve established, and will continue protect the children in our community from harm.” “Swift prosecution and lengthy prison terms for persons engaged in sex trafficking is a high priority of law enforcement and the United States Attorney’s Office,” Russell said. “The successful prosecution in this case is a direct result of the excellent collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement determined to protect the citizens of Nebraska. The United States Attorney’s Office applauds the efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Omaha Police Department, and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office in bringing this group to justice.” This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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.projectsafechildhood.gov. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Omaha Police Department, and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.


title: Grand Island Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Seth Hansen, 30, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 140 months’ imprisonment following his conviction for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture. The sentence was enhanced because Hansen was carrying a knife and a taser while dealing drugs. The sentence was also enhanced because Hansen had a prior conviction for robbery, a serious violent felony. After he completes his prison sentence, Hansen will also serve eight years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. In January of 2022, Hansen was stopped by police in Grand Island after committing a traffic violation. Officers searched his car and found marijuana, a methamphetamine pipe, and two bags of methamphetamine that weighed about 54 grams. He had a knife with 3.5” blade in his waistband and a taser in the center console. The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab confirmed the presence of at least 50 grams of pure methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the Grand Island Police Department and the Trident Drug Task Force, which is made up of officers from the Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff, Hastings Police Department, Adams County Sheriff, Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Macy Man Sentenced for Firearm and Drug Trafficking Crimes

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Terrence Sherman, 37, of Macy, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Sherman to 180 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Sherman will begin a five-year term of supervised release. On August 20, 2021, officers stopped a vehicle in Macy containing four people, including Sherman and co-defendant Collin Parker. Officers located approximately 123 grams of methamphetamine, scales, baggies, and a 12-gauge shotgun. Sherman and Parker had conspired to distribute methamphetamine and they possessed the shotgun in furtherance of that conspiracy. Parker previously pleaded guilty and on April 5, 2023, was sentenced to 110 months in prison. This case was investigated by the Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Tahlequah Residents Sentenced For Role In Cherokee County Robbery

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

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kody Fields, age 24, Fvs-Chvtv Amos Lawhead, age 30, and Jimmy Dale Brown, age 31, all Tahlequah residents, were sentenced for their roles in a 2021 Cherokee County robbery. Lawhead and Fields were both sentenced to 120 months in prison. Brown was sentenced to 46 months in prison. The charges arose from investigations by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On July 24, 2021, Fields, Lawhead, and Brown robbed a victim at gunpoint, firing multiple rounds, and demanding the victim’s cash, phone, firearm, and vehicle. On February 9, 2022, Brown pleaded guilty to one count of Robbery, and Lawhead pleaded guilty to one count of Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. On February 22, 2022, Fields pleaded guilty to one count of Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. “Using firearms to commit crimes will not be tolerated in the Eastern District of Oklahoma,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “Under federal law, using, carrying, brandishing, and/or discharging a firearm during the commission of a violent crime subjects offenders to mandatory minimum prison sentences, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will not hesitate to pursue these charges when the facts warrant.” The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted these cases because the defendants are members of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee. Fields, Lawhead, and Brown will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve non-paroleable sentences of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura represented the United States at sentencing.


title: Gary Man Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison

body_text: HAMMOND- Tommy Watkins, 32 years old, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to distribution of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Watkins was sentenced to 108 months in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT with the assistance of the Porter County Sheriff’s Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip C. Benson. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Brazilian Man Sentenced for Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Brazilian man residing in Revere has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation. Julio Cesar Ferreira Artur, 41, was sentenced on May 17, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 18 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release. Ferreira Artur will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. On Jan. 17, 2023, Ferreira Artur pleaded guilty to illegal reentry. In 2005, Ferreira Artur was encountered by federal immigration authorities in Arizona and determined to be illegally present in the United States. Ferreira Artur was subsequently placed into removal proceedings and, on March 30, 2005, was deported to Brazil. Sometime after his 2005 removal, Ferreira Artur illegally reentered the United States. In February 2018, he was encountered by immigration authorities in Revere, determined to be illegally present and again deported to Brazil in April 2018. On an unknown date and place, Ferreira Artur illegally reentered the United States for the third time. In February 2022, federal immigration authorities located Ferreira Artur at the Middlesex County House of Correction where he was being held pretrial on unrelated state charges. According to court records, in January 2022 he was convicted in a state case of carrying a firearm and ammunition without a license and sentenced to more than four years in prison. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of Levy’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Dominican Man Sentenced for Illegal Reentry

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican man was sentenced on May 17, 2023 in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation. Felix Bienvenido Gonzalez-Arias, a/k/a “Victor Manuel Trinidad-Lugo,” 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 21 Months in prison and three years of supervised release. Gonzalez-Arias will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. On Feb. 23, 2023, Gonzalez-Arias pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. At an unknown time, Gonzales-Arias illegally entered the United States. In November 2014, he was arrested in Essex County on state charges of heroin trafficking. Gonzales-Arias was convicted of the offense, sentenced to three and a half to five years in state prison and upon completion of his sentence, he was removed from the United States in April 2018. Some point thereafter, Gonzales-Arias illegally reentered the United States. On Sept. 1, 2022, Gonzalez-Arias was arrested in Lawrence on drug trafficking charges. Gonzalez-Arias’ fingerprints produced a positive match from those from his 2014 arrest and 2018 removal and he was identified as being illegally present in the United States after deportation. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of Levy’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.


title: INTERPOL Washington Director Michael A. Hughes Delivers Remarks at "INTERPOL at 100: Celebrating a Century of Transnational Police Cooperation"

component: Interpol Washington

body_text: Yesterday, INTERPOL Washington hosted a celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the world’s largest police organization. The ceremony included remarks from Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco, INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock, and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security John Tien, reflecting on the challenges, successes, and future of international law enforcement. Video of the event can be viewed here: Celebrating One Hundred Years of Interpol INTERPOL Washington Director Michael A. Hughes's remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Secretary General Stock, for being with us here today. During your time as Secretary General, you have brought INTERPOL to new heights and better equipped our 195 member countries with the means and abilities to detect and interdict crimes around the globe. And, thank you Deputy Attorney General Monaco for your leadership here at the Department of Justice and to you, Deputy Secretary Tien for all of your work at the Department of Homeland Security. You both have been steadfast supporters of our INTERPOL mission, and it is your support and confidence that we are able to have so much success. Acting Assistant Attorney General, and former INTERPOL Executive Committee member Jolene Lauria, your ongoing commitment to INTERPOL is invaluable and has added much value to our domestic and international missions. There are so many important people in this room who have made a positive impact on our INTERPOL work, that we would be here all day if I called you all out. So I will say thank you to everyone for being here today to celebrate 100 years of INTERPOL. It is an honor to address this distinguished audience on such a momentous occasion. It is an even greater honor to represent the men and women of INTERPOL Washington, who stand watch each day to keep our country safe and build a better world. As Director of INTERPOL Washington and as one of the 13 elected INTERPOL Executive committee members, I see the great work being done each day by the INTERPOL organization in fighting all forms of transnational crime and terrorism. Since its founding in 1923, INTERPOL has been instrumental in promoting global law enforcement cooperation and fighting transnational crime. But today’s criminals have since evolved. They are increasingly anonymous, increasingly transnational, and increasingly dangerous. Thanks to INTERPOL, 100 years later, information on the worst of the worst transnational criminals and terrorists from anywhere in the world can be shared directly with frontline police officers, investigators, and border security agents in any one of our over 18,000+ police agencies across the United States. And, as part of INTERPOL’s network, we have direct communication with all of the other member countries, to exchange vital information that is crucial to our public safety and national security. At INTERPOL Washington, we are proud to be at the forefront of this effort. Our team of dedicated professionals work tirelessly every day to support our partners across the United States and around the world, leveraging cutting-edge technology and intelligence-sharing to disrupt transnational crime and protect our communities. The United States realizes the value of the INTERPOL network and, as such, continues with our strong engagement in various INTERPOL projects. You have heard many examples of INTERPOL successes in combatting transnational crimes, but the secret to the organization’s success is our ability to compile and exchange actionable information in all our INTERPOL 195 member countries. Realizing this, the United States has been leading many member country capacity building projects with INTERPOL. For instance, through Project Terminus and Project Gemini, we are helping to extend INTERPOL’s I-24/7 secure global police communications system to high-risk areas around the world. This helps deliver solid, actionable criminal intelligence in a secure manner to countries where it’s needed most. These programs provide certain member country National Central Bureaus with updated equipment to access INTERPOL data and, our personnel provide training to our partners to assist them to effectively utilize INTERPOL connectivity at border-control points of entry and in other areas. This helps strengthen the ability of law enforcement and border security agencies to detect and interdict the illicit international travel of transnational criminals, as well as Foreign Terrorist Fighters. This has proven to be quite effective. For instance, in Indonesia, which began as a test case a few years back, has since enabled connectivity to INTERPOL data to and from over 170 of its Ports of Entry. Also, in Nigeria, we were successful in adding over 147,000 critical Nigerian records to the INTERPOL database within the first hour of implementation, and those numbers continue to grow exponentially. And, following our Project Terminus efforts in the Maldives, we were able to increase their queries of INTERPOL information by nearly 300%, and in Panama, the number of Stolen and Lost Travel Documents entered into INTERPOL holdings increased by nearly 50,000 records. These are significant successes that benefit the United States and all member countries. With information sharing at the heart of INTERPOL, we must continue to ensure connectivity of member countries to combat all transnational crime and terrorism. INTERPOL Washington is one of the Department of Justice’s five law enforcement components, and the key to the success of our agency is our people. We are very proud of our diverse workforce consisting of extremely talented full-time employees, other agency detailees from across the government, and contractors. This mix of experience and skill make INTERPOL Washington very effective in providing top-notch service to our many customers and stakeholders across the United States and around the world. The success of INTERPOL Washington is due to our incredible people, the true backbone of our agency, working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, to ensure our missions are accomplished. I thank all of our INTERPOL Washington personnel, many of whom are here today, and all of our personnel who worked diligently to put together this INTERPOL 100 year commemoration ceremony. Let’s have a round of applause to show them our appreciation. We have made many advances and had many successes throughout INTERPOL’s 100 years. But, our work is far from done. As transnational criminals and terrorists continue to evolve, we must remain vigilant and adaptable in our law enforcement response. Now, more than ever, we must continue to work together, domestically and internationally, and remain committed to building strong partnerships, harnessing the power of ever-changing technology, and investing in our people to ensure that we can stay ahead of the criminals and terrorists that threaten our communities. We need to ensure that our INTERPOL organization remains faithful to its foundational principles of respect for human rights, the rule of law and neutrality by continuing to strengthen the governance of the organization and ensuring strong leadership that values democracy. As we sit here in the Great Hall of the Robert F. Kennedy building, I am reminded of his words: “The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.” Everyone in this room is contributing to making things better - even by celebrating this 100-year INTERPOL milestone. Your presence here builds the bridges, builds the relationships, and builds the partnerships that advance our mission in countless ways. I hope you will walk out of these doors today inspired by what international police partnerships and collaboration do to keep our families, our communities, our country and the world safe. On behalf of the men and women of INTERPOL Washington, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our all of our partners, both here in the United States and around the world, for your unwavering support and collaboration. Together, we have accomplished so much over the past century, and I am confident that we will continue to make progress in the years to come. Thank you once again for the privilege of speaking to you today, and for your ongoing dedication to the cause of global security and justice. Happy 100-year Anniversary, INTERPOL! INTERPOL Washington Deputy Director Marc A. Zimmermann's remarks as prepared for delivery: Good morning everyone. Thank you for joining us today in celebration of INTERPOL’s 100 th anniversary. Happy Birthday! From my perspective, 100 never looked so good! I am honored to speak with you about INTERPOL and what the organization means to law enforcement. The International Criminal Police Organization has unparalleled reach, with 195 member countries, it is the largest police organization in the world. INTERPOL has a hand in nearly all facets of law enforcement – from border security and fugitive apprehensions, to child exploitation investigations and efforts to dismantle transnational criminal organizations. INTERPOL is at the center of so much of what happens in the global law enforcement community and that is no different here in the United States. Through INTERPOL Washington, the over 18,000 law enforcement agencies here in the US are connected to a global network of law enforcement professionals, each one working to make the world a safer place. INTERPOL Washington provides law enforcement personnel, whether in remote locations or in big cities, with access to data to inform their decision making. This is all of you….federal, state, and local law enforcement working at INTERPOL Washington with partners from around the world, many of whom are represented here today. While we are here to celebrate 100 years of INTERPOL, we are also celebrating 20 years of the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security co-managing INTERPOL Washington. As the senior DHS official at INTEREPOL Washington, I can attest that the DHS commitment to partnership is in fact evident in everything that we do across the INTERPOL network. We partner, domestically and internationally, to share best practices and leverage expertise in our never-ending quest to bring criminals to justice throughout the world and increase the safety and security of the communities we serve. Before we kick off the festivities here today, I want to take a moment to thank the women and men of INTERPOL Washington for the extraordinary work they undertake in support of law enforcement operations. And I want to thank all of you for being here today and for your commitment to INTERPOL. Working together, we can make a difference.


title: San Antonio Veterinarian to Pay $85,000 in Civil  Penalties for Alleged Violations of the Controlled Substances Act

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – Tracy S. Tommack, DVM, a veterinarian located in San Antonio, has agreed to pay $85,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by the United States in October 2022. The United States’ complaint alleges that Tommack failed to comply with the prescription-writing and recordkeeping requirements of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). These requirements are intended to prevent the diversion of controlled substances for illegal purposes. During a November 2020 inspection of Tommack’s clinic, Traveling Tails Veterinary Clinic, Drug Enforcement Administration diversion investigators identified at least 30 controlled substance prescriptions Tommack issued to fictitious patients between November 2017 and May 2019. Tommack issued the fabricated controlled substance prescriptions for the purpose of obtaining a stock supply of controlled substances for general dispensing to her patients, a practice explicitly prohibited by the CSA and its corresponding regulations. DEA investigators also uncovered numerous recordkeeping violations, including significant discrepancies in Tommack’s inventory of controlled substances and failure to provide written notification to the DEA regarding an incident in which Tommack’s practice experienced a significant loss of controlled substances. “Compliance with the CSA’s prescription-writing and recordkeeping requirements is essential in ensuring that opioids and other addictive drugs are not diverted and abused,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “With the help of our partners, my office will continue to prioritize enforcement of this vital statute using all available tools at our disposal.” The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel M. Shapiro filed the lawsuit and negotiated the settlement on behalf of the government. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. ###


title: Defuniak Springs Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Stealing Checks

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Charlie James Rhodes, 43, of Defuniak Springs, was sentenced to 45 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to charges theft of mail, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “Frauds, such as this one, which target the elderly and compromise essential institutions, such as the mail and our banking system, are serious federal offenses and violators will be prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “With the assistance of our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to investigating and prosecuting those who engage in acts of fraud.” Court documents reflect that between March 2019 and July 2019, Rhodes drove around neighborhoods in the Fort Walton Beach area looking for mailbox flags that were raised, indicating the presence of outgoing mail. Rhodes would then steal the mail, looking for personal checks from the homeowner to various payees. Once found, he would wash the checks, make himself or one of his aliases the payee, and increase the payment amount. Finally, he would take the checks to local banks and cash them. Using this scheme, he stole over 30 checks, for a loss amount more than $35,000. This crime primarily victimized elderly members of the community, but also many of the local banks. The residents bore the time and expense of sorting out the fraud and the impact of the misdirected funds and the local banks ultimately bore the financial loss. From 2019 to 2022, Rhodes served time in Alabama for a similar scheme. When Rhodes was arrested in Enterprise, Alabama in 2019, he had several checks in his vehicle waiting to be cashed, some from residents of Okaloosa County. “Identity theft and fraud are a continuing problem in our society,” said Sheriff Eric Aden. "I commend the hard work of our investigators to hold these individuals accountable and our department will continue to aggressively pursue all who engage in this type of criminal activity.” Rhodes’s prison sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release. The court also ordered Rhodes to pay $6,727 in restitution. “The United States Postal Inspection Service will aggressively investigate those who target our most vulnerable citizens and defraud them of their hard-earned money,” said Miami Division Postal Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas. “This sentence is a testament of the dedication and collaborative efforts with all law enforcement partners involved.” This case was investigated by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Walter Narramore prosecuted the case. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Federal Complaint Charges Central Illinois Man with Attempted Arson of Clinic

component: Department of Justice

body_text: URBANA, Ill. – A Prophetstown, Illinois, man, Philip J. Buyno, 73, has been arrested and charged by federal criminal complaint with attempting to use fire to damage a building used in interstate commerce. Danville, Illinois, police officers arrested Buyno on Saturday, May 20th, and he is scheduled to appear in federal court in Urbana today at 1:15 pm before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric I. Long. At that time, Judge Long will address whether Buyno will be released on conditions of bond or held in custody pending further proceedings. According to the affidavit filed in support of the complaint, Danville police officers responded to an alarm at 600 N. Logan Avenue in Danville around 4:30 a.m. early Saturday morning. They found Buyno stuck inside a maroon Volkswagen Passat that he had backed into the entrance of the building, which is being renovated for use as a reproductive health clinic. According to the affidavit, Buyno brought several containers filled with gasoline with him. If convicted of attempted arson, Buyno faces a minimum penalty of five years up to twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release. The charges are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, and the Danville Police Department. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugene L. Miller is representing the government in the prosecution. Members of the public are reminded that a complaint is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.


title: Wise County Meth Distributor, Who Possessed Firearms,  Sentenced to Over 15 Years

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ABINGDON, Va. – A Wise County, Virginia man, was sentenced last week to more than 15 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine and illegally possessing firearms. Justine Kyle Elliott, 33, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Last week he was sentenced to 188 months of federal incarceration. According to court documents, Elliott’s conviction stems from an August 2021 arrest in Coeburn, Virginia, when police responded to a report that Elliot was asleep at the wheel of a vehicle parked in a bank drive-thru. When officers searched his vehicle, they discovered a large quantity of methamphetamine and several firearms. Elliott later admitted to being involved in the distribution of methamphetamine throughout Southwest Virginia. Elliott trafficked a large quantity of crystal ice methamphetamine and cocaine into Southwest Virginia over a sixteen-month period, including more than 30 kilograms of methamphetamine, some of which was 100% pure. United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, and Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai of the ATF’s Washington Division made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Coeburn Police Department investigated the case. Special Assistant United States Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Senior Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, prosecuted the case for the United States.


title: Chattanooga Police Department Awards United States Attorney's Office Federal Partner Of The Year

component: USAO - Tennessee, Eastern

body_text: CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. On Thursday, May 18, 2023, the Chattanooga Police Department and Chief Celeste Murphy awarded the United States Attorney’s Office the honor of Federal Partner of the Year. In bestowing this honor on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Chattanooga Police Department explained: For many years, the Chattanooga Police Department has enjoyed an excellent professional relationship with our federal partners who live and work together in the greater Chattanooga area. Over those years, CPD and the U.S Attorney’s Office have partnered on numerous individual investigations, programs, and projects to enhance the safety of our community. We believe that this partnership has played an important role in our high quality of life in Chattanooga. This past year, our partnership with the USAO has been crucial in the continued development of our region's violent crime strategy. Through this partnership, we have made significant inroads into our community’s struggle with crimes committed by individuals while using or illegally possessing guns, as well as other violent crimes committed by repeat offenders. The USAO has also directly supported CPD in the prosecution of drug-related crimes that have resulted in way too many overdose deaths of people in our community. Lastly, the USAO has taken an active role in our region's awarded PSP Grant, leveraging their Department of Justice experience to provide both guidance and strategic leadership. We at CPD look forward to our continued collaboration with the USAO as we continue to build upon our violent crime strategy. “The United States Attorney’s Office is proud of its longstanding partnership with the Chattanooga Police Department, and we are honored to receive this award from Chief Murphy,” said United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III. “We look forward to continuing our important work together as we collaborate to reduce violent crime in the Chattanooga community.” ###


title: Florida man charged in multi-million dollar elder fraud scheme

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Florida man has been indicted for exploiting an elderly Jefferson County resident with dementia and taking more than two million dollars from him. Samuel Kristofer Bunner, age 50, of Spring Hill, Florida, has been charged with wire and bank fraud, identity theft and money laundering. According to the indictment, Bunner befriended the victim while they were both working at the American Legion in Charles Town. The victim had cognitive impairment and Bunner began assisting with his medical appointments. Bunner then accompanied the victim to a law firm, where the victim made Bunner his power of attorney and gave him the ability to control his financial accounts. Over a two-year period, Bunner enriched himself by selling the victim’s real estate, emptying investment and bank accounts, and opening a credit card in the victim’s name. Bunner and his wife purchased real estate, motor vehicles, and luxury items, along with taking vacations. “This is a sad story about someone who worked hard his whole life, saved his money, and then when he began to suffer from cognitive decline, had everything stolen by an opportunist,” said United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld. “We will continue to do everything we can to protect older West Virginians from schemes such as this.” The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and it is ongoing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Florida and FBI-Tampa assisted with the matter. If you know of an elderly person who has been the victim of financial fraud, please contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) or send an email to wvfraud@fbi.gov . An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Luzerne County Man Charged With Drug Trafficking And Firearm Offenses

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Adams, age 31, of Kingston, Pennsylvania, was indicted on May 16, 2023, by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking and firearm offenses. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on or about January 26, 2023, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Adams possessed with the intent to distribute marijuana, as well as four firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking offense. The indictment further alleges that Adams possessed the firearms after knowing that he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. The firearms include: a black 9mm Taurus Model G36 pistol, a 9mm Lorcin Model L9 pistol, a .22 caliber Smith & Wesson Model 61-3 pistol, and a .380 caliber Davis Industries Model P370, all firearms having been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. The matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, the Kingston Police Department, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Buchanan is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is life imprisonment and a fine of $10,000,000. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Lincoln County Man Sentenced to 292 Months for Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Stanford, Ky., man, Sean Ryan Reardon, 30, was sentenced to 292 months in federal prison on Monday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, for enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. According to his plea agreement, Reardon met a minor victim in Fall 2019 and, in early 2020, started communicating with the victim via Snapchat. Reardon admitted that had sexual contact with the victim, at his home and other locations, from July 2021 through March 2022, and that he captured pictures and videos of these encounters. Reardon also admitted that he and the victim exchanged sexually explicit visual depictions through Snapchat and Google Duo. Reardon pleaded guilty in February 2023. Under federal law, Reardon must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years. Carlton S. Shier IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Office; and Col. Phillip Burnett, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Kentucky State Police. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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.projectsafechildhood.gov . – END –


title: Missouri Man Indicted On Child Pornography Charges

body_text: SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Brian Wilder, age 53, of Jefferson City, Missouri, was indicted on May 16, 2023, by a federal grand jury on child enticement and child pornography charges. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that between November 2022 and December 2022, Wilder used the internet to entice a minor child to engage in sexual acts for which any person could be charged with a crime. The indictment also alleges that Wilder conspired with an individual to produce child pornography. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting 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 individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is lifetime imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Lackawanna County Man Indicted On Drug Trafficking Charges

body_text: SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Charles Norman McKenzie, II., age 41, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on May 16, 2023, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on May 4, 2023, McKenzie attempted to possess over 500 grams of cocaine and 400 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute it. The indictment also alleges that on May 5, 2023, McKenzie attempted to possess over 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case. This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses. The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is lifetime imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Federal Jury Finds Charlotte Business Owner Guilty Of Selling Stolen iPhones Overseas

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal jury has found a Charlotte business owner guilty of conspiracy, international transportation of stolen goods, and money laundering, for selling stolen and fraudulently obtained Apple iPhones (iPhones) and other electronic devices to overseas buyers, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. presided over the trial which ended late yesterday. Jason Byrne, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service (USSS), Charlotte Field Office, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to court documents, trial evidence, and witness testimony, Rami Mahmod Mhana, 46, was the owner of Wireless City Fashions, Inc. (Wireless City) and Protocol Business Group Inc. (Protocol), located at 441 Bradford Drive in Charlotte, as well as multiple Boost mobile stores in the Charlotte area. From at least May 2017 through October 2019, Mhana purchased thousands of brand new, current generation iPhones and other electronic devices, many of which were stolen and fraudulently obtained. Mhana then shipped the new iPhones to the United Arab Emirates (the U.A.E.) and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (Hong Kong). Trial evidence established that Mhana obtained a significant portion of the stolen and fraudulently obtained devices from multiple local “boosters.” A booster is a person who steals or obtains through fraud goods and products and sells them for profit. According to evidence presented at trial, Mhana’s store on Bradford Drive was known to local boosters as a place they could sell stolen devices for cash with no questions asked. Evidence at trial further established that Mhana provided his employees with a pricelist of how much they should pay for certain new model iPhones and other electronic devices. Mhana would pay boosters significantly less than retail value of the devices. Over the course of the scheme, Mhana received more than $4.5 million in international wires from buyers of the devices in Dubai and Hong Kong. Following the guilty verdict, Mhana was released on electronic monitoring. At sentencing, he faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for the conspiracy charge; up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of international transportation of stolen goods; and a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine for each money laundering conviction. This case was the result of the investigative efforts of CMPD and the Secret Service, which have established a fully integrated partnership to combat the most significant organized criminal groups operating in Charlotte. Through this partnership, this unit has successfully leveraged local and federal resources, personnel, expertise and authorities to identify and combat the criminals and criminal organizations that have the largest negative impact on the community. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael E. Savage and William Bozin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.


title: Chapel Hill Man Sentenced for Involvement in Multi-State Drug Trafficking Organization

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: WINSTON-SALEM – A Chapel Hill man was sentenced today to 188 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston. According to court documents, ABEL GASPAR, JR., age 35, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit drug trafficking along with one co-defendant after both admitted their involvement in trafficking drugs across state lines and sales of multiple quantities of methamphetamine to undercover officers. In January of 2022, a confidential source (CS) contacted the Sanford Police Department officers to provide information about a drug dealer involved in the sale of cocaine and methamphetamine. At the time of the interaction, the drug dealer was already known to officers. Officers then arranged a meeting between the CS and the dealer wherein GASPAR was seen leaving a package containing 159 grams of methamphetamine for the CS in exchange for $1,800. On February 15, 2022, the CS informed the dealer of another potential client and arranged the sale of 439 grams of methamphetamine between the dealer and an undercover officer in Raleigh for $3,500. On February 25, 2022, a Guilford County Sheriff’s Office Deputy pulled over GASPAR for erratic driving and attempted to perform a field sobriety test as a result of GASPAR’s driving. GASPAR briefly struggled with the deputy and fled on foot. A deputy then searched GASPAR’s car and located multiple plastic bags containing a total of 2,036 grams of methamphetamine, a firearm, 12 grams of marihuana, and a large amount of cash. In interviews with investigators, GASPAR later revealed his supplier to be an individual from Atlanta. GASPAR was sentenced today to a 188-month term of imprisonment by the Honorable Loretta C. Biggs, United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. In addition to prison time, GASPAR was ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release and to pay a special assessment of $100.00. GASPAR’s co-defendant is set for sentencing on June 2, 2023. This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Agency, the North Carolina State Bureau Investigation, the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sanford Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jake Pryor. ###


title: Six Individuals Indicted and Arrested for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Fraud and the Misuse of Social Security Numbers

body_text: SAN JUAN, P.R. – On May 17, 2023, a Federal Grand Jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned six separate indictments charging six individuals with engaging in fraud to obtainPandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits totaling $350,616, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Various federal agencies were involved in the investigations, including the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with the assistance of the United States Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG), the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources, and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. According to the indictments, the defendants engaged in schemes to defraud the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources (Departamento del Trabajo y Recursos Humanos, “DTRH”) by submitting fraudulent applications to obtain unemployment insurance benefits which contained PUA funds. The defendants charged are: (1) Roberto J. Hernández Rivera, who fraudulently obtained $103,422; (2) Jeremy Sánchez Rivera, who fraudulently obtained $87,972; (3) Axel J. Pagán Rodríguez, who fraudulently obtained $86,772; (4) Ednier Torres-Burgos, who fraudulently obtained $34,956; (5) Eli Eteniel Correa Fernández, who fraudulently obtained $19,380; and (6) Nomar J. Mimbs Machiavelo, who fraudulently obtained $18,114. “As our COVID-19 fraud prosecutions demonstrate, we continue to investigate these cases. Those who seek to make “easy” money by stealing federal funds from the government should take heed that there are consequences to your actions,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Operation Chango emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts between the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our federal and state partners, reinforcing the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s mission of protecting the public and preventing the criminal misuse of our mail system.” said Miami Division Postal Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas. “This violation is not new. At this point, it is common knowledge that many thought they could take advantage of a global crisis and make additional income by breaking the law. This was never the case, it isn’t the case now and it will never be the case,” said Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office, Joseph González. “No matter how long it takes, the FBI and our state and federal partners, will continue to investigate these cases to bring these criminals to Justice. So if you, or anyone you know has been a witness to this crime, you should report it by calling (787) 987-6500 or leaving a tip online by visiting tips.FBI.gov. To those who know they’ve broken the law, it’s best you reach out to us before we reach out to you.” Under the provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, persons who were business owners, self-employed workers, independent contractors, or gig workers qualified for federal benefits administered by the DTRH if they previously performed such work in Puerto Rico and were unemployed, partially unemployed, unable to work, or unavailable to work due to a COVID-19 related reason. To obtain these federal benefits, individuals could apply online through the DTRH’s web site—www.trabajo.pr.gov. Claimants answered various questions to establish their eligibility and were required to provide personal identifying information, which included their name, mailing address, gender, email, phone number, social security number, and date of birth. Moreover, claimants had to identify a qualifying occupational status and COVID-19 related reason for being out of work. In their application, claimants could also submit several documents as evidence of their income. If the DTRH approved a claimant’s application, the DTRH would send a check to the claimant via the United States Postal Service for qualified benefits which could contain regular unemployment insurance benefits and federal funds in the form of PUA, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits. The indictments charge the six individuals with theft of government money in PUA benefits, mail fraud and the misuse of Social Security numbers. The defendants engaged in deceptive conduct designed to fraudulently obtain multiple unemployment checks via mail from the DTRH by using false social security numbers. Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa D. Bonano Rodríguez and R. Vance Eaton are in charge of the prosecution of these cases. If convicted, the defendants are facing the following sentences: 20 years of imprisonment for mail fraud and 10 years of imprisonment for theft of government money; a fine of up to $250,000; and three years of supervised release. To report a COVID-19-related fraud scheme or suspicious activity, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by calling the NCDF Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form The indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. # # #


title: New Haven Man Sentenced to More than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm Offense

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JACKIE BROWN, 43, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 92 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing ammunition. According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 7, 2021, Brown was involved in a car accident in New Haven. After a responding officer observed Brown attempting to hide an extended firearm magazine by sitting on top of it, Brown ran from the car, up the street, and through the backyard of a residence. Another officer apprehended Brown minutes later. A search of Brown’s path of travel revealed a .40 caliber handgun, a loaded gun magazine, and two loose rounds of ammunition. In an interview with officers, Brown admitted that he had discarded a firearm with a loaded magazine during the chase. Analysis of the extended magazine that was found in the car revealed that it contained 25 rounds of ammunition. Brown has an extensive criminal history that includes seven drug-related felony convictions, and a conviction for attempted assault in the first degree. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. Brown has been detained since his arrest. On August 12, 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon. This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Enid Man Charged with Threatening to Kill Government Officials

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, a criminal complaint has been unsealed that charges TYLER JAY MARSHALL , 36, of Enid, Oklahoma, with transmitting a threat in interstate commerce, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester. Public records reflect that on May 19, 2023, Marshall was charged by criminal complaint with transmitting in interstate commerce a communication containing a threat. An affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint alleges that on or about May 15, 2023, the FBI learned that Marshall had communicated via Twitter threats to kill multiple public officials, including Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and United States Senator Ted Cruz. Today, Marshall had his initial appearance in federal court in Oklahoma City. If found guilty of transmitting in interstate commerce a communication containing a threat, he faces up to five years in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, and a special assessment of $100. He would also be required to serve a term of supervised release of up to three years. Marshall has been detained pending further proceedings in the case. The public is reminded that these charges are merely accusations and that Marshall is presumed innocent until proven guilty. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, with assistance from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Enid Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Stoneman is prosecuting the case. Reference is made to public filings for more information.


title: Former DEA Agent, KCPD Officer Pleads Guilty to False Tax Return Related to Payday Loan Scheme

component: Criminal - Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration who is also a former Kansas City, Mo., Police Department officer has pleaded guilty in federal court to filing a false federal income tax return as part of a payday loan scheme. Patrick Scot Witcher, 57, of Wichita Falls, Texas, waived his right to an indictment and pleaded guilty on Monday, May 22, before U.S. Magistrate District Judge Lajuana Counts to a federal information that charges him with one count of filing a false federal income tax return. Witcher assisted at least five Kansas City-area individuals with the establishment, operation, and management of various payday lending enterprises. During his guilty plea, Witcher admitted that he filed false federal tax returns that included more than $1 million in unreported income between 2016-2018 from a payday lending enterprise. The operations of that payday lending enterprise purportedly occurred outside of the United States, and then on Native American reservations, but, in reality, the vast majority of the operational, financial, and administrative functions of the payday lending enterprise were based in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Under federal law, Witcher is subject to a sentence of up to three 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. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathleen D. Mahoney, Patrick D. Daly, and Matthew N. Sparks, and Trial Attorney Chad M. Davis of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section. The investigation is being conducted jointly by IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Office of Inspector General, and the FBI.


title: Member of International Money Laundering Network Pleads Guilty to Laundering Millions of Dollars in Drug Proceeds

component: Criminal Division

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Belize City, Belize, man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit money laundering after laundering tens of millions of dollars of drug proceeds on behalf of notorious international drug trafficking organizations. According to court documents, from at least 2014 and continuing through 2020, Jianxing Chen, 44, led and controlled a network of couriers who transported cash generated by the sale of cocaine throughout the United States – including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, as well as in the Eastern District of Virginia. At Chen’s direction, couriers transported drug money across the country to locations in New York City. From there it was laundered through a variety of methods until it, or its equivalent value, was remitted to drug trafficking organizations in Latin America, including Mexico. Chen received “contracts” to transport and launder this money through co-conspirators who were prosecuted and convicted based on the same superseding indictment Chen is scheduled to be sentenced on August 29. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. In October 2021, co-defendant, Xizhi Li, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for leading the conspiracy to launder tens of millions of dollars for foreign drug trafficking organizations. Li signed a consent order of forfeiture for $10,000,000 to the United States pursuant to his plea. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema accepted the plea. The DEA’s Louisville Division and the DEA’s Special Operations Division – Bilateral Investigations Unit investigated this case, with assistance from the DEA’s Office of Special Intelligence, Document and Media Exploitation Unit and the DEA’s offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Omaha, Atlanta, Newark, Portland Dallas, Mexico City, Merida (Mexico), Guatemala City, Belmopan (Belize), Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta (Indonesia), Manila (Philippines), Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Lima (Peru), and Canberra (Australia). The U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Interpol, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection National Targeting Center (CBP – National Targeting Center) were partners in the investigation of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Peters and Rachael C. Tucker and Trial Attorneys Mary K. Daly and Stephen A. Sola of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section prosecuted the case. This prosecution is part of two Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). investigations known as Operation Dark Castle and Operation Taishan Triangle. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-334.


title: California Man Pleads Guilty in Identity Theft and Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Los Angeles, California, man pleaded guilty today to fraud and identity theft charges in connection with stealing the identity of the owner of a Richmond auto shop, Lotsey & Hardy Tire Company. According to court documents, around January 2022, Daniel Cruz, 30, obtained the owner’s personal information and used that information to take over the auto shop and its owner’s accounting software, bank accounts, email addresses, and phone numbers. Through approximately February 2023, armed with this sensitive information, Cruz re-routed calls placed to Lotsey & Hardy to his own phone, transferred money to his personal bank account from bank accounts of the shop and its owner, took out loans in the owner’s name, ordered and picked up auto parts in Los Angeles and billed them to the Richmond auto shop, and ordered auto parts by impersonating the shop’s owner. In all, the loss resulting from Cruz’s crimes totaled at least $34,514.87. Cruz is scheduled to be sentenced on August 31. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 consecutive years in prison for aggravated identity theft, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for wire fraud. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Kyo M. Dolan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after Senior U.S. Magistrate Judge Summer L. Speight accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea Gibbons is prosecuting the case. The Central Virginia Financial Crimes Task Force, created in 2022, is a partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and representatives of local financial institutions. Co-chaired by the Richmond Field Office of the United States Secret Service and the Washington Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Task Force utilizes the knowledge and experience of its many partners to develop intelligence and pursue investigations into crimes that target or involve financial institutions located throughout the Central Virginia region. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-32.