title: Former Pigeon Township Trustee and Co-Conspirator Sentenced for Stealing Thousands of Dollars from Local Taxpayers in Kickback Scheme

body_text: EVANSVILLE- Mariama Wilson, 52, and Terrance Hardiman, 34, both of Evansville, have each been sentenced for their roles in a years’ long kickback scheme resulting in a $38,000 loss to taxpayers. Mariama Wilson, the former Pigeon Township Trustee, has been sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Terrance Hardiman was previously sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Wilson and Hardiman were also ordered to pay $38,000 in restitution, to be split among co-defendants. A third defendant, William Payne, 51, is scheduled to enter a plea and be sentenced in January 2025. The Pigeon Township Trustee’s Office, located in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, is responsible for providing emergency financial assistance to residents in need, including help with rent, utilities, and prescriptions. According to court documents, in February 2020, then-Trustee Wilson and Payne, Wilson’s Director of Community Relations, orchestrated a kickback scheme with Hardiman and his company, Hardiman Construction LLC. The scheme involved inflating invoices for remodeling a homeless shelter and developing a food pantry. Wilson and Payne approved inflated invoices submitted by Hardiman, who then paid them kickbacks totaling approximately $38,000. Hardiman would deposit checks from the Trustee’s Office, withdraw the cash, and hand-deliver it to Wilson or Payne in envelopes. The fraudulent invoices were inflated by $1,000 to $2,000 per project, with Wilson and Payne pocketing the excess funds. In total, between February 11, 2020, and May 16, 2022, the Trustee’s Office paid Hardiman approximately $215,371 for the homeless shelter and food pantry projects. As a result of the kickback scheme, Wilson and Payne received approximately $38,000 in total, or approximately $19,000 each. Wilson resigned as Trustee in June 2023, shortly after being charged in this case. See previous release here. “Large or small, kickback schemes like the one carried out by Ms. Wilson and the other defendants damage public’s confidence in government,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Township officials owe their constituents the same duty of honesty and integrity they have the right to expect from public servants at every level. This prosecution should send a message to all bad actors who seek to line their pockets at the expense of taxpayers. Thanks to our partners at the Evansville Police Department, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Board of Accounts, IRS-CI, FBI, and our federal prosecutor, these criminals have been held accountable for their actions.” “There are consequences when public officials illegally use public funds for their own personal benefit. In this case, the defendants prioritized their greed over the interests of the citizens they were supposed to serve,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will always work together to investigate allegations such as this and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.” “We should all expect our public officials to act with integrity,” said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office of Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. “When these officials violate the trust we have placed in them, there should be consequences. IRS-Criminal Investigation will continue to support our law enforcement partners in ensuring that public funds are spent in the taxpayers’ best interests.” “I’m proud that we have honest individuals willing to report corruption when they see it, knowing that silence in the face of misconduct is not an option,” said Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson. “The crimes committed by these officials are a slap in the face to the community in which we live. This corrupt behavior runs counter to the oath they took, and certainly not what was promised to this community.” The FBI, IRS-CI, Indiana State Board of Accounts, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Matthew B. Miller, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: U.S. Attorney's Office and Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office Collaborate to Prosecute Convicted Felon for Gun Violence Incident in Albuquerque

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Los Lunas man has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon following a domestic incident. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on July 21, 2023, Gabriel Roger Benavidez , 34, was involved in an altercation with his girlfriend in an apartment complex parking lot in Albuquerque. During the incident, Benavidez fired multiple rounds from a 9mm pistol at the engine block of his girlfriend’s car. Albuquerque Police Department officers responded to the scene after a ShotSpotter notification. Benavidez fled on foot, discarding his outer clothing and a loaded 9mm pistol in a bush. Officers recovered the firearm, which was loaded with 11 rounds, along with an additional 18 rounds of 9mm ammunition in Benavidez’s discarded clothing. Law enforcement deployed a drone to locate Benavidez , who had entered a stranger’s apartment. Law enforcement also recovered another firearm belonging to Benavidez , a .45 caliber pistol, that had been discarded in a trash bin. During the investigation, it was determined that Benavidez was a convicted felon at the time of the incident and was aware that he was not legally permitted to possess firearms or ammunition. Upon his release from prison, Benavidez will be subject to two years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman made the announcement today. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Haynes prosecuted the case as part of an agreement with the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Through the agreement, Assistant District Attorneys are designated Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) in the United States Attorney’s Office. The SAUSA from the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office screens felony criminal complaints filed in Bernalillo County for federal criminal offenses, prioritizing federal charges against those who drive violence in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Since 2020, the United States Attorney’s Office has reviewed almost 3,000 cases and has charged more than 300 criminal cases pursuant to this program. The United States Attorney’s Office has similar agreements with the New Mexico Department of Justice and the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office and plans to expand the program throughout the state. # # #


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

body_text: Prolific fentanyl dealer who supplied drugs in Operation Ghost Busted sentenced to federal prison Investigation was spurred by increase in overdose deaths Brunswick, GA: A Florida man convicted of distributing enough fentanyl to kill every resident of a south Georgia community has been sentenced to federal prison. Larry B. Taylor , 59, of Jacksonville, Florida, one of 76 defendants indicted in Operation Ghost Busted, was sentenced to 180 months in prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Quantity of Fentanyl, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood also ordered Taylor to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. “It’s a remarkable illustration of the toll of death and destruction from Larry Taylor’s drug-dealing that overdoses in the Brunswick area plummeted after he and his co-conspirators were taken into custody in January 2023,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “The investigation and prosecution in Operation Ghost Busted not only holds criminal behavior accountable – it also demonstrably saves lives.” Taylor was the primary source of fentanyl to the conspiracy outlined in the Dec. 2022 indictment in USA v. Alvarez et al . Dubbed Operation Ghost Busted because of the drug traffickers’ involvement in the Ghost Face Gangsters and other criminal street gangs, the investigation identified a drug trafficking conspiracy distributing large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and alprazolam in the greater Glynn County area. For his part, Taylor is attributed with distributing more than three kilograms of fentanyl – enough to kill the entire population of the city of Brunswick. As described during sentencing, Taylor has been arrested more than 50 times and has at least 10 prior felony convictions – and at least eight times after conviction, Taylor violated conditions of parole or supervised release. The investigation was spurred in 2020 by a significant increase in drug overdoses and deaths throughout the greater Glynn County Area. Investigators from the FBI Coastal Georgia Violent Gang Task Force, the Glynn County Police Department, the Brunswick Police Department, the Glynn County Sheriff's Office, and the Camden County Sheriff's Office collaborated with other agencies to identify a sprawling drug trafficking network in coastal and south Georgia and reaching into Mexican cartels. The traffickers operated inside and outside Georgia prisons, as corrupt prison guards coordinated with members of the violent Ghost Face Gangsters and affiliates of other gangs including the Aryan Brotherhood, Surenos, Bloods, and Gangster Disciples. Of the 76 original defendants in Operation Ghost Busted, 73 have been sentenced to prison terms of as much as life in prison after pleading guilty. Two are awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty, including David D. Young , a/k/a “Khaos,’ 43, of Hortense, Ga., who was a fugitive until his March capture in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, a month after the case was featured on “America’s Most Wanted.” One defendant died while awaiting trial. All defendants in Operation Ghost Busted have a history of illegal drug use, including several who survived repeat overdoses. Fifty of the defendants are high school dropouts, and all defendants collectively have been arrested more than 1,000 times and convicted of more than 250 felonies, with more than 260 violations of probation, parole, or supervised release. Believed to be the largest drug trafficking prosecution in the history of the Southern District of Georgia, Operation Ghost Busted was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Agencies involved in the investigation include the FBI Coastal Georgia Violent Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Georgia Bureau of Investigation; the Georgia Department of Corrections; the Georgia Department of Community Supervision; the Glynn County Police Department; the Brunswick Police Department; the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office; and sheriff’s offices from Pierce, Camden, Wayne, Treutlen, McIntosh, Toombs, Telfair, Dodge, and Ware counties. The case is being prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer J. Kirkland and Criminal Division Deputy Chief E. Greg Gilluly Jr. 75-24


title: Three Nigerian Men Indicted In Multi-Million Dollar Internet-Enabled Investment Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey unsealed charges today against three Nigerian nationals for their roles in a transnational internet-enabled investment fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Augustine Chibuzo Onyeachonam, 30, Stanley Asiegbu, a/k/a “Stanislaus, Asiegbu”, 37, and Chukwuebuka Nweke-Eze, 29, all of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, were each charged by Indictment with one count of wire fraud conspiracy (Count One), two counts of wire fraud (Counts Two and Three), one count of securities fraud conspiracy (Count Four), one count of identity theft conspiracy (Count Five), and four counts of aggravated identity theft (Counts Six through Nine). These defendants not only defrauded dozens of victims out of millions of dollars of their hard-earned money, but they also impersonated licensed FINRA representatives, spoofed their websites, and misappropriated the seal of the SEC to carry out their fraud,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue these kinds of scammers no matter where in the world they are and seek justice for their victims.” According to the Indictment: From at least as early as in or around 2018 through the present, Onyeachonam, Asiegbu, Nweke-Eze, and others (the “Conspirators”) orchestrated an internet-enabled fraud scheme that targeted victims throughout the United States, including in the District of New Jersey. As part of the fraud scheme, the Conspirators impersonated dozens of individuals registered as broker-dealers with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and used those stolen identities to solicit investments from members of the public through fraudulent public-facing websites. The fraudulent, or “spoofed”, websites were registered in the names of the impersonated victim brokers and often included genuine credentials, such as CRD numbers, associated with the victim brokers. At times, the spoofed websites also included links to: (1) the FINRA website associated with the victim brokers that allowed any member of the public to view the victim brokers’ employment history, certifications, licenses, or prior violations; and (2) fake social media accounts created by the Conspirators in the names of the victim brokers. At times, the spoofed websites also displayed, without authorization, the seal of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Conspirators would further use the SEC seal in email communications with victims. The Conspirators lured victims of the fraud scheme to the spoofed websites by touting the services of the victim brokers in the comment sections of online articles or videos discussing financial and cryptocurrency investment-related topics. At times, the Conspirators would include links to one or more of the spoofed websites. When a fraud victim visited a spoofed website, he or she was directed to communicate with an individual they believed to be a legitimate broker-dealer by contacting a telephone number or email address listed on the spoofed website. The Conspirators, posing as the victim brokers, then communicated with fraud victims and, among other things: (1) told fraud victims that their money would be invested in various stocks and cryptocurrencies; and (2) guaranteed fraud victims returns on their investments of up to 25%. The Conspirators used voice-changing software applications to impersonate certain female victim broker dealers when communicating by telephone. When a fraud victim decided to invest money with one of the Conspirators posing as a victim broker, the fraud victim was told to: (1) open an account at a particular cryptocurrency trading platform; (2) purchase cryptocurrency assets through that platform; and (3) send the cryptocurrency assets to a particular cryptocurrency wallet address for the purpose of investment. In reality, the funds transferred by the fraud victims to the Conspirators were not invested but were stolen by the Conspirators. At times, fraud victims’ funds were stolen directly from the account(s) opened by them at a particular cryptocurrency exchange. As part of the fraud scheme, the Conspirators further created fraudulent online investment platforms that falsely displayed monthly returns associated with the fraud victims’ investments. A fraud victim visiting one of the fraudulent investment platforms typically would observe substantial returns on their investment. At times, when a fraud victim requested to withdraw funds from their account, they would be asked by the Conspirators to pay additional money in fees or taxes to withdraw the funds. After paying these fees, the funds would still not be released. In total, the Conspirators caused dozens of fraud victims to transmit funds that they believed to be for investments in the aggregate amount of at least approximately $3 million. The wire fraud conspiracy charged in Count One carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; the wire fraud charged in Counts Two and Three of the Indictment each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, the conspiracy to commit securities fraud charged in Count Four of the Indictment carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; the conspiracy to commit identity theft charged in Count Five of the Indictment carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and the aggravated identity theft counts charged in each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of two years and a $250,000 fine. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission today filed a civil complaint against all three defendants based on the same conduct. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI – Newark Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado, with the investigation leading to the indictment. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony P. Torntore and Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 24-450 onyeachonam.indictment.pdf


title: Testing entity that administers the National Physical Therapist Examination agrees to settle Americans with Disabilities Act complaints

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), located in Alexandria, Virginia, which administers licensing examinations for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, agreed to settle allegations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) involving requests for accommodations for test candidates with disabilities. The settlement agreement resolves allegations that FSBPT, a national testing organization that administers the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), incorrectly reviewed requests for disability-based test accommodations and required test candidates to submit an unreasonable amount of documentation to support their requests. The ADA requires entities that administer high stakes examinations, such as the NPTE, to ensure that test results accurately reflect an individual’s aptitude and not their disability. To resolve this complaint, FSBPT agreed to pay $295,000 to individuals who had to provide excessive and expensive documentation to receive, and/or were denied, disability-based testing accommodations. FSBPT has also agreed to make changes to its review process for disability-based testing accommodations to comply with ADA requirements. This settlement agreement ensures that individuals with disabilities seeking to become physical therapists or physical therapist assistants do not face discriminatory barriers to licensure. The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Gordon, the Civil Rights Enforcement Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. The civil complaints settled by this ADA agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability. The Department of Justice has a number of publications available to assist entities in complying with the ADA, including ADA Requirements: Testing Accommodations . For more information on the ADA and to access these publications, visit http://www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD). A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office .


title: Hartford Man Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years’ Imprisonment and Ordered to Pay $5M for Operating a Fraudulent Ticket Re-Selling Scheme

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Jeffrey Thurn was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Federico A. Moreno to 46 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Thurn was also ordered to pay approximately $5.1 million in restitution after previously pleading guilty to running a fraudulent ticket re-selling scheme. According to court record, to include the factual proffer in support of the defendant’s guilty plea, Thurn, 39, of Hartford, South Dakota, enticed victims to send him more than $5,000,000 for a purported ticket re-selling business he operated through the fictitious business name Backstage Tickets. Thurn promised to buy tickets using victim funds and then re-sell the tickets for a profit. Thurn made certain representations, including a guarantee that a certain amount of profit needed to be generated before he could earn any fee, and a representation that investor funds would be refunded to the investor in the event that an event was cancelled or changed to a different date. To legitimize prior sales completed by Thurn on behalf of investors, and to entice investors to send additional funds for new events, once a set of event tickets were purportedly re-sold by Thurn, he provided his investors fake and fraudulent receipts from various third-party ticket re-selling outlets as proof that he completed ticket sales. In truth, Thurn fabricated the receipts and the ticket sales never happened. As agreed to by Thurn in his factual proffer, the $5,000,000 he raised from investors was used for his personal benefit. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, and Jeffrey B. Veltri, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement. FBI Miami Field Office investigated this matter. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger Cruz. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-cr-20481. ###


title: Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office

body_text: Child Sexual Assault Material Justin Michael Lamb , 29, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison with 15 years of supervised release to follow, for the production of child pornography. According to court documents, in May of 2023, a Wyoming probation agent was supervising the defendant after he was convicted of failing to register as a sex offender. Lamb failed to report to probation and update his offender registration, as required. Around the same time, a tip came in that Lamb was dating a minor. Casper Police Department officers and detectives conducted interviews and searched Lamb's digital devices. They found over 100 files of lude and lascivious material of a minor. The defendant was indicted on July 18, pleaded guilty on Sept. 12, and U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Dec. 4, in Cheyenne. Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Casper Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-CR-00099 Gregory Scott Gage , 31, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment with 10 years of supervised release to follow, for obscene visual representation of the sexual abuse of children, subsequent offense. According to court documents, on March 25, a Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) agent was contacted by a probation officer about Gage possessing electronics containing potential files of child pornography. Gage was under supervision after being sentenced for access with intent to view child pornography. Agents found and forensically investigated three smartphones, all of which contained pornographic depictions of minors. Gage was indicted on July 18, pleaded guilty on Sept 13, and U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Dec. 5, in Cheyenne. U.S. Probation and Parole, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Casper Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00100 Drug Trafficking & Firearms Larry Arguijo , 46, of Douglas, Wyoming, was sentenced to 46 months with three years of supervised release to follow, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, in June of 2024, agents with DCI Central Enforcement Team (CEET) began an investigation into an ongoing conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine, occurring in Converse and Natrona County. During the investigation, several individuals including Arguijo were identified as part of the conspiracy. Arguijo waived indictment and pleaded guilty on Sept. 11. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Dec. 3, in Casper. Homeland Security Investigations and DCI investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00132 Firearm Offenses Howard George Lujan , 36, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced to time served from July 30, 2024, up to January 6, 2025, with three years of supervised release to follow, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, law enforcement stopped a vehicle that Lujan was a passenger in and found a gun wrapped up in a sweatshirt under the seat he was sitting in. Lujan is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Lujan was indicted on July 18, brought into federal custody on July 30, pleaded guilty on Sept. 12 and U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Dec. 3, in Cheyenne. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-CR-00122 Kenneth Levi Crawford , 24, of Cody, Wyoming, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison with three years of supervised release to follow, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on May 25, a citizen called the Casper Police Department to report the location of a fugitive, the defendant. Crawford was found where the citizen described, and officers confirmed that Crawford had multiple active warrants. When officers encountered him, he had a pistol in his waistband. Crawford is a previously convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. Crawford was indicted on July 18, pleaded guilty on Sept. 10, and Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Dec. 3, in Casper. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Casper Police Department investigated this crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case. Case No. 23-00115 Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien Arnulfo Perez-Gomez, 31, of Huehuetenango, Guatemala, was sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment for illegal reentry into the United States. Perez-Gomez will be deported following his sentence. According to court documents, on August 4, Perez-Gomez was found by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Sweetwater County Detention Center. Perez-Gomez had been arrested for state drug charges. Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Deputies alerted ICE’s Casper office that Perez-Gomez claimed to be a citizen of Guatemala on his booking sheet. ICE agents determined Perez-Gomez had not applied for permission to reenter the U.S. after being formally removed in December 2013. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Dec. 4, in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00156 Margarito Sanchez-Velazquez, 37, of Chapultenango, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, in April 2022, Sanchez-Velazquez was encountered in Gillette, Wyoming. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was contacted, and they determined that Sanchez-Velazquez did not have permission to reenter the U.S. after being formally removed in May 2019. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Dec. 9, in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00104 Vitaliano Garcia-Mendez, 49, of Oaxaca, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Feb. 26, Garcia-Mendez was arrested by the Big Horn Sheriff’s Office for driving while under the influence of alcohol. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was contacted. A deportation officer processed the defendant and obtained fingerprints matching pre-existing fingerprints in their database indicating Garcia-Mendez was in the U.S. illegally and had not applied for permission to reenter the U.S. after being formally removed in June 2003. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Dec. 9, in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00108 About the United States Attorney’s Office The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include: Environmental Justice The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Project Safe Childhood Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious. Project Safe Neighborhoods Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. Victim Witness Assistance The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect. To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime


title: Alon Alexander, Oren Alexander, And Tal Alexander Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Sex Trafficking Offenses

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department, announced the return today of a three-count Indictment charging ALON ALEXANDER, OREN ALEXANDER, and TAL ALEXANDER (the “ALEXANDER BROTHERS”), with sex trafficking offenses. The defendants were arrested this morning in the Southern District of Florida and will be presented in federal court in Miami, Florida. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged in the Indictment, for more than a decade, the Alexander Brothers, alone and together, repeatedly and violently sexually assaulted and raped dozens of female victims. Today, the defendants are charged with multiple sex trafficking offenses. Our investigation is far from over. If you have been a victim of the alleged sexual violence perpetrated by Alon Alexander, Oren Alexander, or Tal Alexander – or if you know anything about their alleged crimes – we urge you to come forward.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy said: “The Alexander brothers allegedly conspired using their wealth and status to prey on innocent women, coercing them into engaging in sexual acts. We will not allow this type of alleged behavior to go unimpeded. Predators forcefully coercing victims into sexual acts cannot and will not be tolerated. The FBI’s investigations into these types of cases are only possible because of the bravery victims show in coming forward. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, are committed to investigating sex trafficking and ensuring anyone attempting to engage in it is held accountable in the criminal justice system.” NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said: “The charges outlined in this indictment reflect some of the most heinous and dehumanizing crimes of sexual exploitation that our NYPD detectives investigate. I applaud all the members of our joint FBI-NYPD Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force for their unwavering dedication to identifying, investigating, and holding accountable those who allegedly prey on vulnerable individuals in such despicable ways.” According to the Indictment, Superseding Indictment , and other documents and statements in the public record: From at least in or about 2010, up to and including at least in or about 2021, the ALEXANDER BROTHERS worked together and with others to engage in sex trafficking, including by repeatedly drugging, sexually assaulting, and raping dozens of female victims. The ALEXANDER BROTHERS, who reside primarily in New York and Miami, Florida, have considerable social and financial connections, including through OREN ALEXANDER and TAL ALEXANDER’s positions as prominent real estate agents focused on ultra-luxury markets. The ALEXANDER BROTHERS used their wealth and prominent positions in real estate to create and facilitate opportunities to sexually assault women. To carry out and facilitate their sex trafficking scheme, the ALEXANDER BROTHERS used deception, fraud, and coercion to cause victims to travel with them or meet them in private locations for various trips and events. The ALEXANDER BROTHERS and others identified women to invite to these events through, among other things, social media, dating applications, in person encounters, or through the use of party promoters who would recruit women for these events. The ALEXANDER BROTHERS used the promise of luxury experiences, travel, and accommodations to lure and entice women to these events, and then—on multiple occasions—forcibly raped and sexually assaulted women who attended. At times, multiple men, including one or more of the ALEXANDER BROTHERS, participated in these assaults. In some instances, the defendants physically restrained and held down their victims during the rapes and sexual assaults and ignored screams and explicit requests to stop. In advance of the events, the ALEXANDER BROTHERS and others procured drugs that they agreed to provide to the women, including, among other things, cocaine, mushrooms, and GHB. On multiple occasions during these events and trips, the ALEXANDER BROTHERS and others surreptitiously drugged women’s drinks. Some of the victims experienced symptoms of impaired physical and mental capacity, including limitations of movement and speech and incomplete memories of events. This prevented the victims from being able to fight back or escape during the rapes and sexual assaults. The agreement between the ALEXANDER BROTHERS encompassed numerous other acts of sexual violence in addition to the sexual assaults during planned trips and events. On numerous occasions, one or more of the ALEXANDER BROTHERS drugged and raped or sexually assaulted women they encountered by chance, including women they met at bars and nightclubs, social events, and on dating applications. If you have been victimized by the ALEXANDER BROTHERS in any way or have any additional information about their alleged illegal behavior, please call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or reach out to us at alexander-case@fbi.gov. * * * ALON ALEXANDER, 37, OREN ALEXANDER, 37, and TAL ALEXANDER, 38, all of Miami, Florida, are each charged with one count of engaging in a sex trafficking conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; and one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. TAL ALEXANDER is additionally charged with a second count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. The statutory maximum and mandatory penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI-NYPD Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in New York, as well as the assistance of FBI Miami, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office, and the Miami Beach Police Department. This case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaiya Arroyo, Elizabeth A. Espinosa, and Andrew W. Jones are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. u.s._v._alexander_brothers_superseding_indictment_may_2025.pdf u.s._v._alexander_et_al_superseding_indictment.pdf


title: Barbour County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Edward Matthew Wiseman, 37, of Belington, West Virginia, was sentenced to 57 months for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, Wiseman was selling methamphetamine in Elkins. A search of his home resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine, two firearms, and $4802. Wiseman has a criminal history that includes assault, multiple DUIs, reckless driving, a drug conviction, as well as protective orders for domestic violence. Wiseman will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mountain Region Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.


title: Dean of Pittsfield High School and One Other Charged with Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – Two Pittsfield men, including the Dean of Pittsfield High School, have been arrested and charged today for allegedly conspiring to traffic large quantities of cocaine in Western Massachusetts. Lavante Wiggins, 30, of Pittsfield and Theodore Warren, a/k/a “Monty,” 42, also of Pittsfield, were charged with one count each of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The defendants were arrested this morning and released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield this afternoon. According to the charging documents, Wiggins, the Dean of Students at Pittsfield High School, operated a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed large amounts of cocaine in and around the Pittsfield area. It is alleged that Warren is a trusted member of the DTO who serves as a runner for Wiggins. According to the charging documents, in August 2024, Wiggins expressed concern that he was under investigation and that he would send Warren to complete drug sales and deliver cocaine. It is alleged that one of Wiggins’ customers amassed a debt of more than $34,000 for cocaine that Wiggins provided on credit. It is further alleged that Wiggins and Warren then went about collecting on that debt while continuing to supply large amounts of cocaine to that customer. Specifically, Wiggins allegedly directed Warren to distribute cocaine to that customer on four separate occasions between September and December 2024: approximately 91 grams of cocaine on Sept. 10, 2024; approximately 100 grams of cocaine on Oct. 14, 2024; 125 grams of cocaine on Oct. 31, 2024; and 150 grams of cocaine on Dec. 10, 2024. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Holyoke, Springfield, Chicopee, West Springfield, Easthampton and Pittsfield Police Departments; Berkshire, Hampden and Franklin County Sherriff’s Offices; Massachusetts State Police; and the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches, Chief of the Springfield Branch Unit, is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Mishawaka Man Sentenced to 286 Months in Prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Jarin Devon Noojin, 26 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl resulting in death, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Noojin was sentenced to 286 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. "The CDC estimates that 76,226 persons died in 2022 from drug overdoses involving Synthetic Opioids (fentanyl),” said United States Attorney’s Clifford D. Johnson. “The evidence in this case established that this defendant was a dealer who was responsible for one of those deaths. Noojin’s criminal actions were particularly coldhearted because he knew that he was making and selling “pressed” fentanyl pills, pressing those pills to look like prescription medication, and that “his” pills were causing overdoses. As this prosecution shows, my Office will prosecute, to the fullest extent that federal law allows, purveyors of deadly synthetic opioids.” According to documents in the case, in October 2022, Noojin sold fentanyl pills to an individual who thereafter died from acute fentanyl toxicity after consuming some of the pills. The investigation revealed that despite knowing that the pills he trafficked were involved in this death, Noojin continued selling fentanyl pills. Law enforcement learned that Noojin had been selling fentanyl for months prior to the victim’s death and that he personally witnessed at least one other person overdose multiple times from using the fentanyl he sold. Noojin was well aware of the risk of overdose that came with consuming the pills he sold, warning one of his customers not to mix other prescriptions with his pills. “The actions of Mr. Noojin played a devastating and horrific effect on society, which included the death of an individual. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its partners will continue to work tirelessly to hold fentanyl dealers, such as Mr. Noojin, and drug trafficking organizations accountable for their brutality and cruelty,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alfred A. Cooke III. “Law enforcement remains engaged and motivated to remove the plague of drug trafficking; evil will never win. There is no room in Michiana, or anywhere across the region, for those who think dealing illicit fentanyl is a way of life. DEA expresses its sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased in this incident, and to all families of those lost to fentanyl.” This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the DEA’s North Central Laboratory with assistance from the St. Joseph County Police Department, the Cass County Michigan Sheriff’s Office, the Cass County Michigan Medical Examiner’s Office, NMS Labs, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker School of Medicine Medical Examiner and Forensic Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katelan McKenzie Doyle and Joel Gabrielse.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Warns Public of Imposter Scams

component: USAO - Illinois, Southern

body_text: BENTON, Ill. – Criminal organizations are manipulating older Americans into turning over their life savings to foreign conspirators, and U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe is warning southern Illinois residents on the prevalence of imposter scams. “Unfortunately, we’re aware of several instances where seniors in southern Illinois have been victimized by imposter scams, most recently in Williamson County,” said U.S. Attorney Crowe. “The Marion Police Department did extensive investigative work in the case, and we’re pleased to have them as a partner to gain justice for the victims.” Imposter scams begin with a communication from the scammer in the form of a phone call, text or email from a seemingly reputable source like PayPal. The scammer will explain the victim has a suspicious purchase on their account, and if the victim did not buy the item, their account has been compromised. The scammer will then refer the victim to another fraudster posing as a federal agent to help protect the victim’s identity and assets. The fraudulent agent will try to scare the victim and tell them they are in danger of losing their savings and retirement funds. The conspirators convince the victims to drain their accounts and meet with an individual working in the conspiracy to give their cash to be deposited into a “secure” account. Conspirators may also try to convince victims to not disclose to their bank or investment firm representatives the reason for withdrawing funds. In southern Illinois, an elderly couple from Williamson County fell victim to an imposter scam and are estimated to have lost $121,000. Three Chinese nationals are facing federal wire fraud charges, and the defendants are scheduled to appear in district court this week. The defendants are accused of working within a conspiracy to convince the couple they needed to secure their funds into federal government custody after a fraudulent purchase on their account. The conspirators ordered the couple to send pictures of withdrawal slips from their savings and retirement accounts, to which a “federal agent” would pick up the cash at their residence. The conspirators gave the couple code words to exchange with the courier. The defendants were arrested in October by Marion Police Department officers as they attempted to pick up cash from the couple. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury. To report elder fraud, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline by dialing 1-833-372-8311. The Marion Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations are contributing to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Verseman is prosecuting the case.


title: Colombian National Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Kidnap and Assault U.S. Army Soldiers in Colombia

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Colombian national pleaded guilty today to his role in kidnapping and assaulting two members of the U.S. military who were on temporary duty in Bogotá, Colombia. According to court documents, Pedro Jose Silva Ochoa, 47, of Bogotá, and his co-defendants targeted, incapacitated, and kidnapped two U.S. soldiers in Bogotá. The two victims, who were serving on orders in Colombia, went to an entertainment district in Bogotá to watch a soccer game on the evening of March 5, 2020. They went to a pub, where one of Silva Ochoa’s co-conspirators incapacitated the victims by putting drugs, including benzodiazepines, in their drinks. Silva Ochoa’s co-conspirators then escorted the victims into a waiting car driven by Silva Ochoa, kidnapped them, and took their wallets, debit cards, credit cards, and cell phones. Silva Ochoa and his co-conspirators used one victim’s credit card and the other victim’s debit card to make purchases and withdraw money. The two victims lost consciousness until the following day, by which point they had been separated. Pursuant to a plea agreement, Silva Ochoa pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to kidnap an internationally protected person. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Silva Ochoa was extradited in May from Chile to the United States, and he is the second co-defendant to plead guilty in this criminal scheme. Co-defendant Arango Castellanos was extradited in May 2023 from Colombia to the United States, pleaded guilty in January to the charges in the indictment, and was sentenced in May to 48 years and nine months in prison. Co-defendant Uribe Chiran was extradited in September from Colombia to the United States; she is currently scheduled for trial in February 2025. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole A. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Miami Field Office’s Extraterritorial Squad investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of the Judicial Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, and FBI’s Office of the Legal Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago, Chile, provided significant assistance. The Justice Department also thanks Colombian and Chilean law enforcement authorities for their valuable assistance. Trial Attorneys Clayton O’Connor and Elizabeth Nielsen of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bertila Fernandez for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.


title: Florida Man Sentenced To 55 Months for Skimming Credit Cards, Identity Theft, and Transporting Stolen Goods in Colorado Springs Area

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Yamany Guerra-Pena, 36, a Cuban national and Miami, Florida resident, was sentenced to 55 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution to multiple victims in the amount of $76,980 after pleading guilty to one count of bank fraud, one count of identity theft, and one count of conspiracy to transport stolen goods and altering motor vehicle identification numbers (VINs). According to the plea agreement, from 2021 through early 2023, Guerra-Pena and others installed numerous skimmers on gas pumps in the Colorado Springs area, which were used to steal customers’ bank account numbers. Guerra-Pena used that data to manufacture fraudulent clone-cards. Those clone-cards were used to purchase thousands of dollars’ worth of diesel fuel, which was resold on the black market. Guerra-Pena also stole personal vehicles and heavy construction equipment, removed the VINs, and sold the vehicles to unwitting buyers in the Miami area. “Stopping criminals like Guerra-Pena who prey on innocent Coloradans is a critical priority of our office,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “This case is an excellent example of how local and federal law enforcement work together to protect our communities.” “This sentencing demonstrates our collective resolve to deter crimes threatening our financial infrastructure,” said Special Agent in Charge Marc DellaSala, U.S. Secret Service, Denver Field Office. “We are dedicated to disrupting all schemes which undermine our nation’s financial security and negatively impact law-abiding Americans. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners at the Colorado Springs Police Department for their dedication to this effort.” “The Colorado Springs Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit takes these types of crimes seriously because of the significant impact they have on individual community members and local businesses who are the ones truly victimized by these ‘skimming’ crimes,” said Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez. “We are thankful for the impact that we can have on these types of criminal operations with the help of our federal partners.” United States District Court Judge William J. Martinez presided over the sentencing. The United States Secret Service Denver Field Office, and the Colorado Springs Police Department handled the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Tim Neff handled the prosecution. Case Number: 23-cr-00037-WJM


title: Bonners Ferry Woman Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Involvement in a Fentanyl Overdose Death

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: COEUR D’ALENE – Twyla Dawn Basil, 46, of Bonners Ferry, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl that resulted in serious bodily injury and death. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered that Basil pay restitution to the family of the victim. Upon completion of her prison sentence, Basil will also be required to serve an additional three years of supervised release. According to court records, on October 28, 2022, an inmate at the Boundary County Jail was found unconscious in her cell. Despite attempts to revive her by medical personnel, the victim ultimately died. A toxicology report and autopsy showed that the victim had a lethal dose of fentanyl in her system at the time of her death. The coroner ultimately determined that she died of a fentanyl overdose. Local, state, and federal officers began an immediate investigation into the victim’s death. Jail staff learned that shortly before the victim was found dead, Basil, who was in custody with her, had provided the victim with fentanyl she had smuggled into the facility. Basil had been arrested the day before for driving while under the influence of fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for severe pain management and prescribed in the form of transdermal patches or lozenges. While prescription fentanyl can be diverted for misuse, most cases of fentanyl-related overdoses in the U.S. are linked to illegally made fentanyl that is sold through illicit drug markets for its heroin-like effect. Idaho has seen a massive influx of these pills in the last several years. Often, the pills are mass-produced by criminal drug networks and falsely marketed as legitimate prescription pills. The pills are made to look like prescription opioids such as oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and alprazolam (Xanax); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall). Criminal drug trafficking networks also increasingly distribute illicit fentanyl in powder form. In addition to cases in which fentanyl powder is consumed on its own, authorities have found fentanyl powder mixed with other street drugs. “No matter the location or the circumstances, any fentanyl-caused death is an intolerable tragedy,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “We have re-doubled our efforts to train law enforcement to help us investigate and prosecute fentanyl deaths. While we are seeing some signs of progress, we will continue the battle against fentanyl for as long as it takes.” “The Idaho State Police remains steadfast in our commitment to protect our communities from the devastating impact of fentanyl and other illicit drugs,” said Captain Paul Berger with ISP District 1. “This case underscores the tragic consequences of fentanyl trafficking and highlights the critical need for ongoing collaboration between agencies. Together, we will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who bring this deadly substance into our state, holding them accountable for the harm they cause. We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and reaffirm our dedication to preventing further tragedies caused by this dangerous drug.” U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the Idaho State Police and the and the North Idaho Narcotics Enforcement (NINE) Taskforce for their thorough investigation on this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryce Ellsworth prosecuted the case. The NINE Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional group of law enforcement officers working together to target drug trafficking in North Idaho. The task force is comprised of agents and officers from the Idaho State Police, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Border Patrol, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the National Guard Counter Drug Program. ###


title: Bloomington Woman Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Racially Motivated Stabbing of 18-Year-old IU Student of Asian Descent

component: Civil Rights - Criminal Section

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Billie Davis, 57, of Bloomington, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for committing a federal hate crime. The sentence comes after Davis pleaded guilty to willfully causing bodily injury to a victim with a knife, because the victim was of Chinese descent. According to court documents, on January 11, 2023, an 18-year-old woman of Chinese descent enrolled at Indiana University at Bloomington, was riding a Bloomington Transit bus. Davis boarded the bus and sat behind the student. As the student stood to exit the bus, Davis reached for a folding knife from inside her pocket and stabbed the student in the head approximately seven to ten times. The victim exited the bus screaming in pain. Davis’ attack against the victim caused multiple stab wounds and cuts, requiring medical attention including sutures and staples. After the attack, Davis sat back down on the bus, where she remained until other passengers confronted her. When Davis exited the bus, another passenger followed and confronted her about the stabbing. Davis used racist slurs when referring to the victim and claimed the victim posed a threat to the bus because she was Asian. Davis was arrested by Bloomington Police. Davis described the victim to police as “some Asian f*cking c*unt” and said she attacked the victim because she was of Chinese descent and so that there was “one less enemy.” “Racially motivated violence has no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant targeted a young woman, who was simply riding a public bus to school, solely because she was Chinese. The sentence imposed for these vicious hate crimes should send a strong message that perpetrators of hate-fueled violence will be held accountable. The Justice Department is steadfast in its commitment to investigating and prosecuting hate crimes wherever they occur in our country.” “Every person deserves to feel safe in their own community, and no one should be made to fear violence on their way to school simply because of who they are,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Violent hate should have no safe harbor in Indiana or anywhere in our great country. That’s why our Department of Justice has prioritized prosecution of hate crimes and community outreach through our United Against Hate initiative. In recent years we’ve sadly seen an increase of bias crimes targeting people of Asian descent, and the serious federal prison sentence imposed here should demonstrate our commitment to stopping this hate. Anyone who has suffered a potentially hate-based violent incident should call 911 to address immediate safety issues, and then report the event to the Department of Justice or FBI. Together we can make our community safer for everyone.” “The FBI remains committed to protecting the civil rights of all individuals and this case should serve as a reminder that hate fueled actions will not be tolerated,” said FBI Indianapolis Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert “Alex” Middleton. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and ensure those who perpetrate such acts of hate are held accountable.” The FBI Indianapolis Field Office and Bloomington Resident Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Bloomington Police Department. The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter A. Blackett, Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section, and Trial Attorney Barry Disney of the Criminal Division’s Mental Health Litigation Unit, who prosecuted the case. If you have concerns regarding Civil Rights violations in the Southern District of Indiana, you can now report them to our office via email USAINS-CivilRights@usdoj.gov or using our online form. ###


title: Indiana Woman Sentenced for Racially Motivated Attack Against a Woman of Chinese Descent

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: An Indiana woman was sentenced today to 72 months in prison and three years of supervised release for committing a federal hate crime. On Sept. 17, Billie Davis, 57, pleaded guilty to willfully causing bodily injury to a victim, identified in court papers only by her initials, Z.F., through the use of a dangerous weapon (a knife), because of Z.F.’s actual and perceived race and national origin. “Racially motivated violence has no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant pulled out a knife and viciously attacked a young woman who was simply riding a public bus to school, seriously injuring her because she was of Chinese descent. The sentence imposed for this heinous hate crime should send a strong message that perpetrators of hate-fueled violence will be held accountable. The Justice Department is committed to protecting every American from hate crimes by investigating and vigorously prosecuting those who carry out such heinous attacks.” “Every person deserves to feel safe in their own community, and no one should be made to fear violence on their way to school simply because of who they are,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana. “Violent hate should have no safe harbor in Indiana or anywhere in our great country. That’s why our Justice Department has prioritized prosecution of hate crimes and community outreach through our United Against Hate initiative. In recent years we’ve sadly seen an increase of bias crimes targeting people of Asian descent, and the serious federal prison sentence imposed here should demonstrate our commitment to stopping this hate. Anyone who has suffered a potentially hate-based violent incident should call 911 to address immediate safety issues, and then report the event to the Justice Department or FBI. Together we can make our community safer for everyone.” “The FBI remains committed to protecting the civil rights of all individuals and this case should serve as a reminder that hate fueled actions will not be tolerated,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert “Alex” Middleton of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and ensure those who perpetrate such acts of hate are held accountable.” According to documents filed in connection with this case, on Jan. 11, 2023, Z.F., a woman of Chinese descent who was enrolled at Indiana University at Bloomington, was riding a Bloomington Transit bus on her way to school. Davis boarded the bus, sitting behind Z.F. As Z.F. stood to exit the bus at her stop, Davis reached for a folding knife from inside her pocket and stabbed Z.F. in the head approximately seven to 10 times. Davis later admitted to the police that she attacked Z.F. because she was Chinese and because Davis believed Z.F. was the “enemy.” Davis used racist slurs when referring to Z.F. The FBI Indianapolis Field Office, Bloomington Resident Agency, investigated the case, with assistance from the Bloomington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter A. Blackett for the Southern District of Indiana, Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Trial Attorney Barry Disney of the Criminal Division’s Mental Health Litigation Unit prosecuted the case.


title: San Antonio Financial Advisor Arrested, Charged With Obstruction of Justice

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman was arrested Tuesday in San Antonio on criminal charges related to allegedly obstructing and attempting to obstruct an ongoing federal fraud investigation. According to court documents, the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation are conducting a federal investigation into an investor fraud scheme in San Antonio and Lubbock. The indictment alleges that Brooklynn Chandler Willy, 45, obstructed and attempted to obstruct that investigation by producing false documents in response to a federal grand jury subpoena. According to the charging documents, Willy was the owner of a San Antonio based company named Queen B Advisors LLC, doing business as Texas Financial Advisory (TFA), and was the owner of Chandler Capital Holdings. Among other services, TFA purported to provide asset management and financial planning services. The indictment alleges that in or around May 2021, Willy recommended that a married couple invest $500,000 into a company, using Chandler Capital as the agent to execute and deliver contracts. The couple agreed and wrote a check for Chandler Capital to deposit for their agreed upon investment. The indictment alleges that rather than depositing the check for its intended investment, Willy used the $500,000 for her own purposes, including personal credit card payments, payments to other investors, and payments to another business owned and controlled by Willy. According to the indictment, in response to a federal grand jury subpoena, Willy produced a false loan agreement which falsely purported to have been signed by the victims. Willy again produced this document to federal agents during an interview on Nov. 19, 2024, and made false statements about this document and other matters. Willy is charged with one count of obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct, an official proceeding, one count of false statement, and one count of aggravated identity theft. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. The FBI and IRS-CI are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joe Blackwell and Kelly Stephenson 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: Massachusetts Businessman Sentenced for Million Dollar Payroll Tax Fraud Scheme

body_text: BOSTON – A Dorchester man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston to a multi-year tax fraud scheme in which he failed to pay employment taxes for his temporary employment agency. Det Tran, 62, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Leo T. Sorokin to one year and a day in prison, to be followed by three years supervised release and ordered to pay more than $2.5 million in restitution. In September 2024, Tran pleaded guilty to two counts of failure to collect and pay over employment taxes. From at least 2018 through 2021, Tran owned and operated HTP Temp. Inc. (HTP), an agency that provided temporary workers for client businesses. During that time, Tran paid $8 million in “off the books” cash wages to HTP employees. Through his concealment of these cash wages, Tran caused his accountant to prepare false quarterly filings to the IRS for HTP’s employee wages and tax withholdings between 2018 and 2021. As a result, Tran evaded more than $2.1 million in employment taxes owed to the IRS. United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jonathan Wlodyka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. The United States Attorney’s Office would also like to thank the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts for their assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Saltzman of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.


title: 2 Defendants Charged in U.S. Courts as Part of Global Crackdown on ‘Booter’ Services Offering Distributed Denial-of-Service Attacks

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Justice Department today announced the court-authorized seizure of 27 internet domains associated with some of the world’s leading DDoS-for-hire services, as well as criminal charges against two defendants who allegedly oversaw computer attack platforms commonly called “booter” services. Federal law enforcement is now seizing the websites that allowed paying users to launch powerful distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks that flood targeted computers with information and prevent them from being able to access the internet. Booter services such as those named in this action allegedly attacked a wide array of victims in the United States and abroad, including educational institutions, government agencies, gaming platforms and millions of people. In addition to affecting targeted victims, these attacks can significantly degrade internet services and can completely disrupt internet connections. The websites targeted in this operation were used to launch millions of actual or attempted DDoS attacks targeting victims worldwide. While some of these services claimed to offer “stresser” services that could purportedly be used for network testing, the FBI and DCIS determined these claims to be a pretense, and “thousands of communications between booter site administrators and their customers…make clear that both parties are aware that the customer is not attempting to attack their own computers,” according to an affidavit filed in support of court-authorized warrants to seize the booter sites. “Booter services facilitate cyberattacks that harm victims and compromise everyone’s ability to access the internet,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “This week’s sweeping law enforcement activity is a major step in our ongoing efforts to eradicate criminal conduct that threatens the internet’s infrastructure and our ability to function in a digital world.” “Cybercrime service providers, such as those criminals operating DDoS for hire booter websites, affect victims in Alaska and across the world,” said United States Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Because of the scope of the threat, we have partnered with law enforcement in the United States and abroad to achieve meaningful disruptions of these services in order to protect critical internet infrastructure and services.” “Whether you launch a DDoS attack or hire a DDoS service to do it for you, the FBI considers it a crime. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting essential services and our critical infrastructure with DDoS attacks that can cost victims valuable time, money and reputational harm,” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “With the FBI’s mix of unique authorities, capabilities, and partnerships, potential users and administrators should think twice before buying or selling these illegal services. Victims of cybercrime are urged to contact their local FBI field office or file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.” “DDoS attacks are a potent cyber weapon with the proven potential to disrupt critical information systems and infrastructure,” said Special Agent in Charge Kenneth DeChellis of the Defense Criminal Investigative Services (DCIS), Cyber Field Office. “Today’s action against DDoS-for-hire services demonstrates the resolve of the DCIS and global law enforcement partners to disrupt the use of these services by hacktivist groups and cybercriminals.” “In this coordinated law enforcement effort, the FBI seized and disabled powerful computer attack platforms that offered DDoS-for-hire services,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “This action demonstrates our shared commitment with domestic and international law enforcement partners in combatting cybercrime and defending our digital infrastructure.” Law enforcement has conducted interviews with U.S. customers of these services, with future interviews expected, and authorities are continuing to investigate both administrators and customers of booter services around the world. This coordinated law enforcement action comes shortly before the Christmas holiday period, which typically brings a significant increase in DDoS attacks across the internet. Relatedly, one defendant has been charged federally in Los Angeles and one defendant has been charged federally in Anchorage, Alaska, in connection with DDoS-for-hire services. Central District of California Prosecutors in Los Angeles this week unsealed one indictment charging one defendant with running booter services. Ricardo Cesar Colli, a.k.a. “TotemanGames,” 22, of Brazil, is charged with conspiracy to violate and violating the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act related to the alleged operation of a booter service named Securityhide.net (formerly known as Securityhide.com). Assistant United States Attorney Aaron Frumkin of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section is prosecuting the case. Assistant United States Attorney James E. Dochterman of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section is handling the seizure of the domains. District of Alaska Prosecutors in Alaska have indicted one defendant with being the administrator of significant booter services. That indictment remains under seal, as the United States continues to work with international partners to pursue an arrest and extradition. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Alexander, Ainsley McNerney, and Seth Brickey are prosecuting the case. In conjunction with the website seizures, Homeland Security Investigations, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, and the Netherlands Police have launched an advertising campaign using targeted placement ads in search engines, which are triggered by keywords associated with DDoS activities. The purpose of the ads is to deter potential cyber criminals searching for DDoS services in the United States and around the globe, as well as to educate the public on the illegality of DDoS activities. In recent years, booter services have continued to proliferate as they offer a low barrier to entry for users looking to engage in cybercriminal activity. These types of DDoS attacks are so named because they result in the “booting” or dropping of the targeted computer from the internet. For additional information on booter and stresser services and the harm that they cause, please visit: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/anchorage/fbi-intensify-efforts-to-combat-illegal-ddos-attacks . The cases announced today are being investigated by the FBI’s Anchorage and Los Angeles field offices, Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s Cyber East and Cyber West field offices, and HSI’s Columbus field office, with additional support provided by the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division. Invaluable assistance was provided by Germany’s Bundeskriminalamt (BKA); the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency; the Netherlands Police; Polish Central Cybercrime Bureau; Brazilian Federal Police, High Tech Crimes Coordination; EUROPOL; and the Brandon Police Service in Manitoba, Canada. Akamai, Cloudflare, Digital Ocean, Entertainment Software Association, Flashpoint, Google, Oracle, PayPal, Unit 221B, the University of Cambridge, and other valued private sector partners provided additional assistance. These law enforcement actions were taken in conjunction with Operation PowerOFF, an ongoing, coordinated effort among international law enforcement agencies aimed at dismantling criminal DDoS-for-hire infrastructures worldwide, and holding accountable the administrators and users of these illegal services. In previous law enforcement actions involving prosecutors and investigators in Los Angeles and Anchorage over the last four years, the Justice Department charged nine defendants who facilitated DDoS-for hire services and seized more than 75 internet domains associated with DDoS-for-hire services. The multi-prong investigation announced today builds on the success of the prior cases by targeting all known booter sites, shutting down as many as possible, and undertaking a public education campaign. 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: Chicago Man Charged in Federal Court With Trafficking Dozens of Firearms to West Africa

body_text: CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been charged with federal firearm violations for allegedly trafficking dozens of firearms from the United States to the West African nation of Ghana. A criminal complaint filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Chicago charges ANTHONY NEE AMOO, 54, with willfully exporting firearms in violation of U.S. laws and regulations. Nee Amoo was arrested on Monday and remains in federal custody. A detention hearing is set for Thursday at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cole. According to the complaint, Nee Amoo purchased 71 firearms in northern Illinois from 2006 to 2024 and exported them to Ghana by either personally traveling with the guns or shipping them in vehicles or barrels. The complaint alleges that Nee Amoo did not declare the firearms or inform the shippers about them. He also lacked a U.S. license to export the guns, the complaint states. For each of the 29 firearms Nee Amoo purchased since October 2020, he signed a federal form warning him that exporting a firearm without proper authorization from the U.S. government subjects him to a fine or imprisonment, the charges allege. The complaint was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys LeighAnn M. Thomas and Michael Maione. The investigation is being conducted in coordination with ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago . The CGIC is a centralized law enforcement hub that focuses exclusively on investigating and preventing gun violence in Chicago and throughout northern Illinois. The CGIC is an interagency collaboration that brings together - under one roof - federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and intelligence analysts to move quickly to investigate and prosecute violent crimes. Disrupting illegal firearms trafficking is a centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s cross-jurisdictional strike force aimed at reducing gun violence. As part of the Chicago firearms trafficking strike force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office collaborates with the FBI, ATF, Chicago Police Department, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in the Northern District of Illinois and across the country to help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms and identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes. Holding firearm offenders accountable through federal prosecution is also a focus of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) – the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Attorney's Office and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses. The public is reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The charge in the complaint is punishable by up to ten years in federal prison. nee_amoo_complaint.pdf


title: New Jersey Contractor Pleads Guilty To Negligent Release Of Asbestos

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Tyler Amon, the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, New York (“EPA-CID”), and Jocelyn E. Strauber, the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced today that JOSE CORREA, a New Jersey-based contractor, pled guilty to one count of negligently causing the release of asbestos into the ambient air, thereby placing other persons in imminent danger of death and serious bodily injury, in violation of the Clean Air Act. CORREA pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As he admitted in court today, Jose Correa decided to cut corners by failing to hire an asbestos abatement contractor to safely remove floor tiles and mastic from a supermarket in East Harlem. Correa instead had construction workers complete this dangerous work—without providing them with basic safety equipment—and put in harm’s way those he had a responsibility to protect. This Office remains committed to protecting all individuals from the harms caused by environmental crimes.” EPA-CID Special Agent in Charge Tyler Amon said: “Asbestos exposure can cause cancer, lung disease, and other serious respiratory diseases. In this case, General Contractor Correa failed to hire trained and certified asbestos abatement professionals. Defendant Correa did the work ‘on the cheap,’ negligently putting workers and others at risk.” DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said: “Abatement of asbestos poses serious safety risks to workers and to the public if handled improperly, and federal regulations governing abatement are intended to reduce those risks. Today, the general contractor responsible for an illegal abatement at a Harlem supermarket pleads guilty to a felony, showing that flouting those regulations has serious consequences. I thank the NYC Department of Environmental Protection for notifying DOI and prompting this investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Criminal Investigation Division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for their partnership on this case.” According to the Information that was filed today in Manhattan federal court as well as other public statements made in court: From at least in or about November 2022 to in or about December 2022, CORREA was employed as the general contractor for a construction project at a supermarket in East Harlem, Manhattan. CORREA removed asbestos-containing floor tiles and mastic from the supermarket floor without hiring an asbestos abatement contractor to perform the work. CORREA instead used his own construction workers to remove the floor tiles and mastic and failed to provide the workers with protective gear such as masks and protective suits. CORREA’s actions caused the release of asbestos material into the ambient air and placed the construction workers in imminent danger of death and serious bodily injury. * * * CORREA, 66, of Englewood, New Jersey, pled guilty to one count of negligently causing the release of asbestos into the ambient air, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the EPA-CID and DOI. The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Rothman is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Federal Indictment Charges South Carolina Duo With Conspiracy To Commit Extortion, Cyberstalking, and Wire Fraud For Scheme That Resulted A Victim's Death

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal grand jury in Charlotte has charged Trysten Anthony Cullon, 26, and Jade Ashlynn Stone, 25, both of South Carolina, with conspiracy to commit extortion, cyberstalking, and wire fraud for a scheme to defraud a vulnerable victim and his immediate family members using extortive and threatening text messages, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to allegations in the indictment, from September 5 to September 8, 2024, the defendants conspired to engage in an extortive and threatening text message conspiracy and a cyberstalking conspiracy that targeted a victim identified in court documents as C.T. The indictment alleges that C.T. had an intellectual disability and was classified as Educable Mentally Disabled. Because of his disability, C.T. was extensively supported by his immediate family and did not live on his own. C.T. was also employed at a fast-food restaurant chain in Charlotte. The indictment alleges that Cullon and Stone used a stolen phone to send C.T.’s family members multiple harassing and intimidating text messages demanding money and threatened to provide derogatory and embarrassing information to C.T.’s employer, including salacious claims that C.T. was a pervert, that he harassed girls, and that he paid girls for sexual pictures, unless they were paid. Further, the indictment also alleges that Cullon and Stone conspired to defraud C.T. by stealing cellular telephones and other personal items and making and attempting to make transfers using C.T.’s CashApp and PayPal accounts. The indictment alleges that, as a result of the substantial emotional distress caused by the extortive and threatening text messages sent by the defendants, C.T. committed suicide. The defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit extortion and wire fraud conspiracy, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each offense. They are also charged with conspiracy to commit cyberstalking which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The charges against Cullon and Stone are allegations, and the defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The FBI investigated the case, with substantial assistance from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.


title: Quincy Food Market Settles Allegations of Food Safety Law Violations

body_text: BOSTON – Quincy Convenience Store, a retail food market in Quincy, Mass. and its owners and operators, Wei Zheng and Cun Yong Liu, have entered into a consent decree with the government to resolve allegations that they repeatedly violated the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) by selling and offering to sell, illegally imported, misbranded, non-federally inspected meat, meat food products, poultry and poultry products. Under the consent decree, Quincy Convenience Store, Ms. Zheng and Mr. Liu face significant penalties if violations of the FMIA and PPIA continue. The consent decree also permanently enjoins Quincy Convenience Store, Ms. Zheng and Mr. Liu from further violating the FMIA and the PPIA and provides investigators with broad access to inspection of the premises and business records in the future. The proposed consent decree was filed with the court and is subject to judicial approval. “Consumers deserve to trust that the food they purchase is produced and sold under safe and sanitary conditions,” said United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This consent decree not only holds the defendants accountable for their repeated failures to comply with federal food safety laws but also protects the public by ensuring rigorous oversight moving forward. Our office will continue to work diligently to uphold the integrity of the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act, safeguarding the health and safety of our communities.” “The sale of illegally imported, misbranded, and non-inspected meat and poultry products undermines the integrity of our food safety system and puts public health at risk,” said USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service Administrator Dr. Denise Eblen. “This consent decree reflects our commitment to holding businesses accountable and ensuring compliance with federal safety laws. We will continue to take all necessary steps to protect American consumers.” The government filed its complaint after investigators with the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued numerous warnings to Quincy Convenience Store, Ms. Zheng and Mr. Liu to stop purchasing, illegally importing, selling and offering for sale misbranded and non-federally inspected meat, meat food products, poultry and poultry products. In addition, the USDA has cited Quincy Convenience Store, Ms. Zheng and Mr. Liu for repeatedly failing to maintain the required business records of the purchase, transport, sale and offer to sell meat, meat food products, poultry and poultry products. During the latest USDA inspection, investigators observed Quincy Convenience Store offering for sale over 440 pounds of non-federally inspected and misbranded meat, meat food products, poultry and poultry products, including 34 pounds of meat and poultry illegally imported from China. U.S. Attorney Levy and USDA FSIS Administrator Eblen made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Sharobem of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter.