title: Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Melvin Pearson Jones, 40, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 3, 2023, Jones sold a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant at his Huntington apartment for $300. Jones admitted to the transaction, and to arranging it beforehand with the confidential informant. Jones further admitted to selling approximately 6.11 grams of heroin and fentanyl to the confidential informant in Huntington on August 9, 2023. Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on June 10, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-1. ###


title: Alamogordo Man Charged with Possessing Unregistered Weapon Used in Police Officer Killing

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

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Jeffrey C. Boshek II, Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, announced that Dominic Cruz De La O appeared in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of an unregistered weapon made from a shotgun. De La O, 27, of Alamogordo, will remain in temporary custody pending a detention hearing, which is scheduled for Feb. 22, 2024. According to the criminal complaint, on July 15, 2023, De La O allegedly shot and killed Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson during a traffic stop with a modified 12-gauge shotgun. The barrel length of the shotgun was 16 inches, and the overall length was 25.5 inches. The shotgun stock had been removed and replaced with a pistol grip. On July 26, 2023, ATF agents received information that Jonah Apodaca allegedly provided the modified shotgun to De La O. Apodaca, 32, of Alamogordo, appeared in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of a firearm by a felon on Feb. 12, 2024. Apodaca will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the current charges, De La O faces up to 10 years in prison and Apodaca faces 15 years in prison. De La O also faces state charges including first-degree murder, aggravated fleeing, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence, and other lesser charges stemming from the July 15, 2023, death of Officer Ferguson. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Alamogordo Police Department, New Mexico State Police, and the Otero County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case. View Del La O's Criminal Complaint View Apodaca's Criminal Complaint # # # 24-76


title: Former VA Pharmacy Tech Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Prescription Medications from Veterans

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – A Kerrville man was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 42 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, theft of government property and possession of stolen mail. According to court documents, Scott Mitchell Brown, 38, was a pharmacy technician at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Kerrville. Using his position, Brown devised a scheme to steal narcotics that were being shipped from the pharmacy to VA patients, stealing the narcotics and selling them for profit to individuals in the Kerr County area. One of the individuals was his codefendant John Swiencki. Swiencki introduced Brown to another codefendant, David Jeffrey Hughes Jr. Brown and Hughes proceeded to break into mailboxes and steal prescribed narcotics from veterans, using patient records obtained by Brown to identify the mailboxes. In September 2022, Swiencki was sentenced to 12 months in prison. Hughes was sentenced to 35 months in prison in December 2022. “Brown's misuse of his position with the VA is a repugnant betrayal by a public servant against our nation’s veterans,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “These veterans rely on the care and compassion of the VA to assist them with ailments and disabilities. Instead, the veterans victimized by Brown and his codefendants were met with cruelty and greed. My office and the Department of Justice will continue to seek justice for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.” “Medical professionals stealing controlled substances intended for our nation’s veterans cannot be tolerated. This sentence should send a strong message that those who would abuse their positions of trust will be caught and held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper of the VA Office of Inspector General’s South Central Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks its law enforcement partners and the US Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this joint investigation.” The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, VA Police, Kerr County Sheriff's Office, Kerrville Police Department, and Kerr County District Attorney's Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fidel Esparza III prosecuted the case. ###


title: Terrebonne Parish Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ANTHONY MONREAL-FABELA , age 22, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 15, 2024 to 36 months imprisonment, five (5) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. MONREAL-FABELA previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) and 846. According to court documents, MONREAL-FABELA was arrested on July 27, 2022, for conspiring with his co-defendant, Diogo Hernandez, to possess with intent to distribute twenty kilograms of cocaine that had been smuggled into the Port of New Orleans via container ship. This case was investigated by the United States Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Customs and Border Protection, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Financial Crimes Unit.


title: Former Bank Employee Convicted After Four-Day Trial for Using His Position to Facilitate a Bank Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – After deliberating less than 90 minutes, a federal jury convicted Jalen Craig McMillan, age 30, of Jessup, Maryland, for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. The jury returned its verdict late on February 16, 2024. The guilty verdict was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland and Special Agent in Charge Christina Bentham of the U.S. Secret Service – Baltimore Field Office. According to the evidence presented at his four-day trial, McMillan used his position as a “Member Service Representative” at a federal credit union to facilitate both the opening of accounts in the names of identity theft victims and subsequent financial transactions, including assisting with loans. As detailed at trial and in court documents, co-defendant Archie Paul and his co-conspirators obtained, possessed and used fictitious identities and the personal identifying information (“PII”) of real persons (the “victims”), which Paul and co-defendant John Fitzgerald Washington used to manufacture and procure false identification documents displaying the PII of the victims, but photographs of others. Paul, co-defendant Tiffany Rainel Williams and others then used the false identification documents to impersonate the victims and with the help of McMillan and other conspirators, open bank accounts and conduct financial transactions in their names, including making large withdrawals from the victims’ accounts. In addition to the conspiracy and bank fraud charges, McMillan was convicted of aggravated identity theft for providing the identifying information of a bank customer to Paul, knowing that it would be used to facilitate the fraud. Specifically, the evidence proved that McMillan used his special access to the bank’s customer database to steal confidential PII belonging to Victim 5, a customer at the bank. McMillan provided that information to Paul. A co-conspirator subsequently opened a bank account using Victim 4’s PII and Victim 5’s banking information. McMillan serviced the transaction and assisted the co-conspirator in obtaining a $10,000 loan in Victim 4’s name, which the co-conspirator immediately withdrew in cash. Trial evidence proved that the conspirators intended to fraudulently obtain more than $400,000 from the bank and successfully defrauded the bank of more than $150,000. Co-defendants Paul Archie, a/k/a “Carter Hill” and “Zion Davis,” age 31, of Laurel, Maryland; John Fitzgerald Washington, age 52, of Waldorf, Maryland, and Tiffany Rainel Williams, age 37, of Glenarden, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing. McMillan faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for the conspiracy and for each count of bank fraud and a mandatory sentence of two years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed for aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte has scheduled sentencing for McMillan on June5, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the U.S. Secret Service for its work in the investigation and thanked the City of Laurel Police Department for its assistance. Mr. Barron also thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Bijon Mostoufi and Ranganath Manthripragada, who are prosecuting the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: South Texan imprisoned for producing child pornography of two minors for over a year

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 34-year-old Weslaco man has been sentenced for possession of child pornography and sexual exploitation of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Ulysses Rubalcava pleaded guilty Oct. 31, 2023. U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. considered victim impact statements and imposed a total of 360 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court noted Rubalcava’s remorse, but explained how society deems these crimes as particularly heinous and that the court must protect children and the public to deter this type of crime. Garza was further ordered to serve 24 years on supervised release following the completion of his sentence. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. A restitution hearing has been scheduled for April 23. The investigation began in June 2021 when authorities learned of concerning behavior and photos believed to be the sexual assault of a child. Law enforcement conducted a search of Rubalcava’s cellphone in which they discovered numerous saved child pornography files including the sexual assault of two minors. Following an investigation, authorities determined Rubalcava had been grooming and abusing two minor girls for more than a year. He eventually began producing child pornography images and videos of himself with the young girls. Rubalcava will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana C. Cano prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page .


title: Wiggins Man Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Prison  for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: Gulfport, Miss. – A Wiggins man was sentenced to 237 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 20 fentanyl pills. According to court documents, Riley Alexander Wallace, 31, sold 20 fentanyl pills to an individual in Stone County on August 9, 2022. Wallace was indicted by a federal grand jury and pled guilty on October 27, 2023, to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. The DEA reports that two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, and one kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. More facts on fentanyl can be found at https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl and https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl . U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune of Homeland Security Investigations made the announcement. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Rose prosecuted the case.


title: Gulfport Woman Sentenced to Over 17 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute 264 Grams of Methamphetamine

body_text: Gulfport, Miss.– A Gulfport woman was sentenced to 225 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 264 grams of methamphetamine. According to court documents, on July 1, 2020, law enforcement agents received information that packages containing narcotics were being delivered to Mary Lou Harmon, 61, at an address in D’Iberville, Mississippi. Harmon and a co-conspirator would receive the packages at the address and then distribute the narcotics. On July 8, 2020, two packages were sent to the address and law enforcement stopped the distribution. One of the packages addressed to Mary Lou Harmon contained 264 grams of pure methamphetamine. Harmon was indicted by a federal grand jury, and she pled guilty on November 2, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Acting Special Agent in Charge Mike Arnett of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Rose prosecuted the case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor- led, intelligence driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Two Maryland Residents Found Guilty of Multimillion Dollar Scheme to Defraud Apple Inc. out of 5,000 iPhones

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Haotian Sun, 33, and Pengfei Xue, 33, both Chinese nationals, were found guilty today by a federal jury for participating in a sophisticated scheme to defraud Apple out of millions of dollars’ worth of iPhones, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood, of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Washington Division; and Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon, of Homeland Security Investigations, Washington Field Office. Sun, of Baltimore, and Xue, of Germantown, MD, were found guilty by a federal jury in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud, which carry a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy J. Kelly scheduled sentencing for June 21, 2024. According to the government’s evidence, between May 2017 and September 2019, Sun, Xue, and other conspirators defrauded Apple Inc. by submitting counterfeit iPhones to Apple for repair to get Apple to exchange them with genuine replacement iPhones. Sun and Xue received shipments of inauthentic iPhones from Hong Kong at UPS mailboxes throughout the D.C. Metropolitan area. They then submitted the fake iPhones, with spoofed serial numbers and/or IMEI numbers, to Apple retail stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers, including the Apple Store in Georgetown. Trial evidence showed that conspirators submitted more than 5,000 inauthentic phones to Apple during the conspiracy, intending to cause a loss of more than $3 million to Apple. Sun and Xue used various aliases during the scheme. They were arrested on December 5, 2019. This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kondi J. Kleinman, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorney Ryan Dickey of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. Essential work was provided by Paralegal Specialists Sona Chaturvedi, Liliana Villamizar, Mariela Andrade, and Amanda Rohde, as well as former Paralegal Specialist Michon Tart, all of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.


title: Portland Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Child Sexual Exploitation  and Drug Offenses

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Portland man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland today for sexually exploiting a child and drug trafficking. U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Sebastian Demers , 32, to 15 years on the child exploitation count and one year on the drug count, to be served consecutively, followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay the victim and the victim’s family $15,843.27 in restitution. Demers pleaded guilty on December 9, 2022. According to court records, in November 2020, Demers befriended a 14-year-old child online and soon thereafter began engaging in illegal sexual contact with the victim. Even after the victim’s parents obtained a protection order against Demers, Demers continued to pressure the victim to see him and threatened to harm the victim and the victim’s family if the victim did not comply. Demers took several sexually explicit photos and videos of the victim, which investigators later found on Demers’ cell phone. Demers also plied the victim with alcohol and drugs and told the victim that he sold drugs. In April 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at Demers’ residence and found cocaine and other evidence of drug trafficking. Homeland Security Investigations and the Portland Police Department investigated the case Reports of child sexual exploitation are increasing: In 2022, The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline received approximately 32 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation. That included more than 80,500 reports of online enticement of children for sexual acts and more than 31 million reports of child sexual abuse materials. Victimization can take place across every platform, including social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, etc. To make a CyberTipline Report, visit https://report.cybertip.org /. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741 . Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Two Men Indicted for Federal Firearm and Drug Offenses

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on February 8, 2024, TEVIN MARCELIN , age 29, and DERRICK DOUGHTY , age 32, both from New Orleans, were charged in a seven-count superseding indictment for violations of federal gun and drug laws. In Count 1, MARCELIN and DOUGHTY are charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, marijuana, and cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). If convicted of Count 1, MARCELIN and DOUGHTY face up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. In Count 2, MARCELIN and DOUGHTY are charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A). If convicted of Count 2, MARCELIN and DOUGHTY face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, to run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. In Count 3, MARCELIN is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). In Count 4, DOUGHTY is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). If convicted of Counts 3 or 4, MARCELIN or DOUGHTY face up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. In Count 5, MARCELIN is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine and fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). If convicted of Count 5, MARCELIN faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. In Count 6, MARCELIN is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A). If convicted of Count 6, MARCELIN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, to run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. In Count 7, MARCELIN is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). If convicted of Count 7, MARCELIN faces up to15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. As to each charged count against either MARCELIN or DOUGHTY , they also face payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Teen Admits Role in Several New Haven Gang Shootings, Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Charge

body_text: DEVIN SUGGS, also known as “JB,” 19, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to a racketeering offense stemming from his role in a violent New Haven street gang. Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson. According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, the ATF, FBI, DEA and New Haven Police Department, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, have been investigating an ongoing gang war between members and associates of the Exit 8 street gang and rival gangs in the Hill section and other areas of the city. The Exit 8 gang is named after the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven. Recently, younger members of Exit 8 are identifying themselves with the word “Honcho,” which is derived from the street name of an Exit 8 member who was murdered on Quinnipiac Avenue in February 2020. The investigation revealed that Suggs and other members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms, and, since June 2018, have committed at least three murders and 16 attempted murders. Exit 8 members and associates also stole vehicles, at times from outside of the state, and used those stolen vehicles when committing acts of violence. Gang members also promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence through text messaging and the use of social media applications and websites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube. Suggs pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, and specifically admitted that he took part in five shootings of rival gang members between April 2021 and January 2023. As a result of these shootings, on April 27, 2021, a rival gang member was shot in the leg; on May 14, 2021, a rival gang member was shot in the leg and torso; and on May 20, 2021, one victim was shot in the back and another victim was shot in the leg. On January 20, 2023, Suggs and other Exit 8 members stole an SUV in Scarsdale, New York, and, later that day, committed a drive-by shooting of a rival gang member in New Haven. The victim was shot in the head, but survived the attack. At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Suggs faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Suggs has been detained since August 3, 2023. This investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens, Rahul Kale and Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis. This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity, and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs. PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Brian Walshe Sentenced for Scheme to Sell Counterfeit Warhol Paintings

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced today in connection with a years-long, multi-faceted art fraud scheme involving two purported Andy Warhol paintings. Brian R. Walshe, 49, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Walshe was also ordered to pay restitution of $475,000. In April 2021 , Walshe pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud, interstate transportation for a scheme to defraud and unlawful monetary transaction. In early November 2016, a buyer found two Andy Warhol paintings for sale on eBay. The paintings were two of Warhol’s “Shadows,” a series of untitled, abstract canvas paintings from 1978. The original listing price for the paintings was $100,000. In the advertisement, Walshe – the eBay seller - included a picture of an invoice for the two Warhol Shadow paintings with Warhol Foundation numbers and a purchase price of $240,000. The buyer believed the paintings were authentic and between Nov. 3 and 5, 2016, arranged with Walshe to purchase the artwork outside of eBay for $80,000. Walshe and the buyer signed a contract which specified that the buyer had three days to terminate the contract and get a full refund if the buyer did not accept the artwork. On Nov. 7, 2016, the buyer’s assistant flew to Boston to retrieve the paintings, providing Walshe with a cashier’s check for $80,000. The cashier’s check was deposited that day into an account that Walshe controlled and $33,400 was subsequently withdrawn in the following 14 days. On Nov. 8, 2016, the buyer removed the paintings’ frames and found no Warhol Foundation authentication stamps and noticed that the canvasses and staples looked new. When he compared the paintings to the photographs from the eBay listing, they did not look identical. The buyer concluded that the paintings he purchased from Walshe were not authentic. The buyer then repeatedly attempted to contact Walshe, who initially did not respond, and then made excuses for the delay in refunding the buyer’s money. Walshe initially gained access to the paintings through a victim who was his friend. While visiting the victim in South Korea, Walshe told the victim that he could sell some of the art for a good price. The victim agreed and let Walshe take the two Shadow paintings and other fine art pieces. A subsequent investigation revealed that Walshe sold the original Shadow paintings to a gallery in 2011. Those paintings passed through multiple hands until they were sold to buyers outside the country. To date, the government has not regained possession of the original Shadow paintings. Additionally, the investigation also revealed that, sometime in 2011, Walshe obtained a different set of replica Shadow paintings from an artist who did not know Walshe’s purpose. In 2015, Walshe sold that set to another victim who resided in France. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. The Lynn Police Department provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy E. Moran, Kunal Pasricha and Philip A. Mallard of the Criminal Division and Carol E. Head, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Man and woman charged in elder fraud conspiracy

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On Feb. 1, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a man and a woman for their alleged involvement in an elder fraud conspiracy. Monique C. Clarke, aka Monique Clark-Mootoo, aka Rebecca White, and aka Mark Hilton, 28, a Jamaican national, and Jon-Michael Hudson, 33, a resident of Jamaica, were charged in federal court by indictment with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Allegedly, the criminal enterprise targeted a total of 51 elderly victims throughout the United States and incurred in a total loss of more than $6.6 million dollars. According to the allegations in the indictment, court documents, and statements made during court hearings, from October 2020 through January 2021, Clarke and Hudson were allegedly engaged in laundering proceeds from a criminal enterprise that targeted elderly victims throughout the United States. As alleged in a court document, members of the criminal enterprise engaged in a lottery scam. The co-conspirators made telephone calls to elderly victims and told them that they had won a lottery contest prize of millions of dollars. The victims were told that to collect the prize, they must pay fees for shipping, taxes, insurance, and customs processing, among other things. The co-conspirators then asked the victims to send the funds (generally, via personal checks and cashier’s checks) to third-party individuals, commonly known as money mules, who are known for receiving and moving money that is fraudulently acquired from victims. Then, these individuals allegedly deposited the checks into their bank accounts, withdrew the cash and sent it to Clarke and other co-conspirators via a courier service. A court document further alleges that Clarke received over $500,000 of $1,653,473 from the proceeds of five victims’ losses. Clarke and Hudson allegedly deposited a portion of the fraudulently obtained proceeds into Clarke’s bank accounts. Later, Clarke allegedly wired transferred $150,000 to a car dealer’s bank account in Jamaica for the purchase of a 2020 AMG GT 63 S Coupe Mercedes Benz. On Feb. 14, Clarke and Hudson made their initial appearances in federal court. On Feb. 20, Hudson had his detention hearing. Clarke’s detention hearing was continued to Feb. 23. If convicted, Clarke and Hudson each face up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with other mitigating, aggravating, and statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami, made the announcement. HSI Ft. Lauderdale investigated the case with assistance from the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph A. Cooley is prosecuting it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Klco is handling asset forfeiture. If you or someone you know has been a victim of elder fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 ( 833–372–8311 ). Victims or witnesses can also contact the HSI Tip Line by calling (866) 347-2423 . If you have received a scam phone call, email, or message, you may also report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov. The Department of Justice is committed to helping protect American seniors. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and not to provide personal identifiable information (PII), such as a social security number, or money in response to false claims. For information regarding the Department’s Elder Justice Initiative visit https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice . The Department of Justice also offers a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime at https://www.ovc.gov . An indictment contains mere allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 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 24-cr-60023. ###


title: Gangster Disciples Assistant Chief Enforcer Sentenced to Life in Prison for Gang-Related Murders

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MACON, Ga. – A high-ranking member of the Gangster Disciples convicted of a murderous conspiracy stemming from gang-related retribution that resulted in the shooting deaths of three Athens, Georgia, men was sentenced to life in federal prison without parole today. Lesley Chappell Green, aka “Grip,” 35, of Stone Mountain, was sentenced to life in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Feb. 20. Green, along with two co-defendants, was convicted by a federal jury of Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) conspiracy on Aug. 17, 2023. Green is not eligible for parole. “No sentence could ever ease the pain that Lesley Green inflicted on the families of the murder victims in this tragic case,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The Gangster Disciples are a strategically violent organization whose members willingly committed these monstrous crimes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia will join with our law enforcement partners to prosecute such crimes to the fullest extent of the law.” “While this life sentence can never undo the loss of the affected family, it sends a message that justice will prevail,” said Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters. “We are grateful to our officers for their continued support of this case and those involved in the prosecution. Our community is safer because of your efforts.” “Protecting the safety of our communities is fundamental to what we do at the FBI,” said Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Special Agent of FBI Atlanta Athens office. “The FBI is committed to reducing violent crime and combating the threat people like Lesley Green pose to our communities and residents. We are proud to work alongside our local, state and federal partners to bring violent members of criminal organizations the Gangster Disciples to justice.” Two co-defendants convicted with Green at trial will be sentenced on March 20 in Macon: Philmon Deshawn Chambers, aka “Dolla Phil,” 35, of Atlanta was convicted of Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) conspiracy; Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering - Murder (VICAR-Murder); Carry and Use of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence; and Causing the Death of a Person Using a Firearm. Chambers faces a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison for the VICAR-Murder offense, and a maximum of life in prison for each of the remaining offenses. Co-defendant Andrea Paige Browner, aka “Drea,” 29, of Athens, Georgia, was convicted of Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) conspiracy; Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering - Murder (VICAR-Murder); and Causing the Death of a Person Using a Firearm. Browner faces a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison for the VICAR-Murder offense, and a maximum of life in prison for each of the remaining offenses. Two co-defendants previously entered guilty pleas and will be sentenced on March 22 in Macon: Robert Maurice Carlisle, aka “Different,” 37, of Lithonia, Georgia, pleaded guilty to Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) conspiracy on June 8, and is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison; and Shabazz Larry Guidry, aka “Lil Larry,” 29, of Decatur, Georgia, pleaded guilty to Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) conspiracy on June 8 and is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison. According to court documents, Chambers held a “Position of Authority” within the national Gangster Disciples criminal organization, which included overseeing members of the “Enforcement Team.” The Enforcement Team is directed to discipline gang members using physical assault or murder. Co-defendant Green was a member of the Enforcement Team and held the title of “Assistant Chief Enforcer.” Co-defendant Browner was a member of the “Sisters of the Struggle” (SOS), a parallel female component of the Gangster Disciples, and held a leadership position in the gang. Evidence presented at trial proved that on Dec. 10, 2018, Gangster Disciples member Walter Brown was murdered in Athens, Georgia. Chambers and Browner sought retaliation for Brown’s death and believed three unnamed Athens residents were responsible. On Dec. 14, 2018, Browner met Rodriquez Apollo Rucker, of Athens, at a downtown Athens hotel and learned that Rucker was related to one of the individuals she believed killed Brown. Browner texted Chambers, and Chambers came to the motel. Chambers followed Rucker home and shot and killed him. Browner notified an associate of the Gangster Disciples that she and Chambers would be leaving town because the police would be looking for them. Browner was taken into custody in Mt. Enterprise, Texas, on Dec. 15, and Chambers got away. Chambers was suspicious that someone was cooperating with law enforcement and focused his suspicions on Derrick Ruff and Joshua Jackson who were, in fact, not cooperating with law enforcement. Chambers incorrectly concluded that Ruff and Jackson were “snitches” and directed Green, who held a subordinate position on the Enforcement Team, to carry out the murders of Ruff and Jackson. Text messages and intercepted phone calls between Chambers, Green, Carlisle and Guidry revealed that Ruff and Jackson were lured by Green, as directed by Chambers, to drive from Athens to Lawrenceville to break into storage sheds and steal items to send to Chambers as “aid and assistance” as he was hiding out from law enforcement in a Gangster Disciple “safe house” in Killeen, Texas. The ruse worked, and Ruff and Jackson were murdered on Dec. 19 and their bodies concealed in the storage unit until March 17, 2019, when police with the assistance of cadaver sniffing dogs located them. Additional messages between Chambers, Green, Carlisle and Guidry showed that they conspired to dispose of the victims’ bodies, which included potentially burning the bodies or dumping the bodies in a landfill. Law enforcement recovered the bodies and made arrests before these plans could be carried out. This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. The case is being investigated by FBI Athens Resident Agency Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Gwinnett County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison of the Middle District of Georgia is prosecuting the case with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Walker of the Middle District of Georgia and the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Violent Crimes and Racketeering Section.


title: Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Stephen Michael Wolford, 32, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 29, 2023, a law enforcement attempted to initiate a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Wolford near the intersection of 27th Street and Ninth Avenue in Huntington. Wolford admitted that he fled in the vehicle, speeding in excess of 90 miles per hour before wrecking the vehicle and flipping it on its roof on the 1400 block of 28th Street. Wolford further admitted that he attempted to flee on foot before he was caught and arrested. Officers found a Smith & Wesson Model M&P .40-caliber pistol at the location of the vehicle crash. Wolford admitted to possessing the firearm and further admitted to bringing the firearm into a Huntington business on March 28, 2023, and showing it to a store employee while shopping for accessories for the firearm. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Wolford knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for grand larceny in Cabell County Circuit Court n August 15, 2017. Wolford is scheduled to be sentenced on June 20, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-84. ###


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office warns of COVID fraud scam

body_text: The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming would like to warn members of the public about a recent COVID fraud enforcement scam that has surfaced in other parts of the country. The victim receives a document or documents warning that he or she is being investigated for fraud under the Paycheck Protection Program (also known as PPP). The documents state that an arrest warrant has been issued and that in order to “lift the warrant” the victim needs to go to a crypto currency kiosk to make a designated payment. The documents purport to have been issued by the Department of Justice’s Civil Division-Commercial Litigation Branch. The public is reminded that requests or demands for payment to third parties in exchange for quashing a warrant are never legitimate. If you or someone you know has been a target of this latest scam, please contact the FBI at 1-800-225-5324 (1-800-CALL-FBI).


title: Sex Offender Charged with Child Exploitation Offenses

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging MICHAEL SZWARC, 36, of Derby, with child exploitation offenses. As alleged in the indictment and in court filings, Szwarc was convicted in 2013 in state court of possession of child pornography in the second degree, and in 2022 in federal court of receipt of child pornography. In January 2024, while Szwarc was on federal supervised release, his federal probation officer conducted an unannounced visit to his home and discovered him in possession of an unauthorized laptop. The probation officer seized the laptop. A subsequent examination of the device by the FBI revealed multiple images of child pornography. The indictment charges Szwarc with receipt of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and with possessing and accessing with intent to view child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The penalties in this matter are enhanced because of Szwarc’s prior federal and state convictions for possessing child pornography. Szwarc has been detained since his arrest on February 9, 2024. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings. This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com .


title: Two Foreign Nationals Convicted of Multimillion-Dollar Scheme to Defraud Apple Inc. Out of 5,000 iPhones

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal jury in the District of Columbia convicted two Chinese nationals today for participating in a sophisticated scheme in which they submitted more than 5,000 inauthentic phones to Apple Inc., intending to cause a loss of more than $3 million to Apple. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from May 2017 to September 2019, Haotian Sun, also known as Hao Sun, Jack Sun, and Frank Sun, 33, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Pengfei Xue, 33, of Germantown, Maryland, along with their co-conspirators, submitted counterfeit iPhones to Apple for repair to get Apple to exchange them with genuine replacement iPhones. Sun and Xue received shipments of inauthentic iPhones from Hong Kong at UPS mailboxes throughout the D.C. Metropolitan area. They then submitted the fake iPhones, with spoofed serial numbers and/or IMEI numbers, to Apple retail stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers. In 2017, Sun opened eight UPS Store mailboxes using his Maryland driver’s license and university identification card. U.S. postal inspectors arrested Sun and Xue in December 2019. The jury convicted Sun and Xue of mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud. They are scheduled to be sentenced on June 21 and each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia, Inspector in Charge Damon Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Washington Division, and Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington Field Office made the announcement. USPIS and HSI investigated the case. Trial Attorney Ryan Dickey of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kondi J. Kleinman for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.


title: Ocean Springs Man Sentenced to Over 17 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Over 1200 Grams of Methamphetamine

body_text: Gulfport, Miss. – An Ocean Springs man was sentenced to 211 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 1,231 grams of methamphetamine. Dante Ladon Evans, 48, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Gulfport. According to court documents, Evans was on supervised release when a probation officer went to his residence and discovered narcotics. Further investigation revealed that Evans was in possession of 1,231 grams of methamphetamine. Evans pled guilty on November 6, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Rose.


title: Convicted Corpus felon heads to prison for illegal possession of ammunition and handgun

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 31-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been sentenced following his conviction for felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Adalberto Pena pleaded guilty June 13, 2023. U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Pena to serve 87 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional information regarding Pena’s history of possessing firearms as a convicted felon, which includes four incidents in the 14 months preceding his arrest. The four prior incidents involved 10 firearms and included a silencer. The investigation revealed Pena was possibly involved in selling narcotics and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. On Dec. 22, 2022, law enforcement conducted surveillance at his residence in Corpus Christi. At that time, authorities saw a vehicle leave the house without license plate lights and initiated a traffic stop. Pena informed law enforcement he did not have identification. Authorities then conducted a search of his vehicle which revealed 9mm and .223 ammunition inside the cup holder as well as a Taurus handgun with a loaded magazine in the glove box. Pena was previously convicted of a felony for possession of cocaine in 2011. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law. Pena will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Liesel Roscher prosecuted the case. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old, evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.


title: Wichita man sentenced to 25 years in prison for causing fentanyl death

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for giving a man a fentanyl pill which caused his death. According to court documents, in October 2023, Tyler Ralls, 35, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance which resulted in death. On July 31, 2019, Ralls gave Michael Marsalla, 35, a pill that Ralls knew was laced with fentanyl. Ralls admitted knowing that Marsalla wasn’t a user and thus didn’t have a tolerance for fentanyl. The next day when Ralls couldn’t reach Marsalla by phone, he drove to Marsalla’s house and found him unresponsive. Ralls dialed 911, and emergency responders pronounced Marsalla deceased at the scene. An autopsy determined the victim died of fentanyl toxicity. “Michael Marsalla’s vibrant life was cut short because of a single pill,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher. “This 25-year prison sentence is one of the most severe handed down for a fentanyl causing death case in the history of the District of Kansas. Ideally this outcome will become a cautionary tale to fentanyl traffickers about the repercussions they face for their crimes, because our office is firmly committed to prosecuting those who peddle this poison in our communities.” The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Valley Center Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak prosecuted the case. ###


title: St. Lucie County robber sentenced to federal prison

body_text: MIAMI – On Feb. 15, a St. Lucie County woman was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for attempted Hobbs Act robbery, after previously pleading guilty in November 2023. On April 21, 2023, Jennifer Scee, 48, of St. Lucie County, Florida, entered a pharmacy in Port St. Lucie, approached a pharmacy associate, who was behind the counter, and demanded Dilaudid, a brand name for hydromorphone, an opioid. When the associate asked Scee for her prescription, Scee displayed a weapon while she continued to demand the medication. When the associate told Scee that she did not have any Dilaudid, Scee jumped over the counter and pointed the weapon at the associate’s chest. After the associate started yelling and banging on the counter, Scee fled the scene. Port St. Lucie Police Department officers obtained video surveillance from the plaza where the pharmacy is located, which shows Scee wearing a long-sleeved white shirt, black leggings, a black hat covering, and a surgical mask covering her face entering and fleeing the pharmacy on foot. Later, law enforcement officers also obtained surveillance footage showing a 2001 – 2005 Honda Civic Coupe with a sunroof and dark tinted windows pulling into the parking lot at the nearby plaza shortly before the robbery and leaving the parking lot shortly after the robbery. Law enforcement officers confirmed that a 2004 Honda Civic Coupe was registered to Scee in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Later, law enforcement arrested Scee at her residence in Port St. Lucie. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office and Chief Richard R. Del Toro, Jr. of the Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD) announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks. FBI Miami and PSLPD investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Porter prosecuted it. This case stems from Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. 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-14043. ###


title: Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Kenard Jerlonnie Moore, also known as “Lonnie,” 41, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of a quantity of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 28, 2023, Moore sold approximately 16 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 63 grams of a substance that Moore represented was fentanyl to a confidential informant for $1,400. The transaction occurred behind Moore’s 28th Street residence. Moore admitted to the transaction, and further admitted that he arranged the transaction when the confidential informant contacted him earlier that day about purchasing fentanyl and methamphetamine. A forensic analysis confirmed that the methamphetamine had a net weight of 16.6 grams and the suspected fentanyl contained no controlled substances. Moore is scheduled to be sentenced on June 10, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-3. ###


title: Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty To Trafficking Firearms From Alabama Into Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to illegally transporting dozens of firearms from Alabama into Massachusetts. Jahquel Pringle, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to illegally transport firearms; two counts of illegal transportation or receipt in state of residency of firearm purchased or acquired outside of state of residency; and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for June 6, 2024. Pringle was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2022 along with co-defendants Brandon Moore, Jarmori Brown and Kobe Smith. According to the charging documents, Pringle, Brown, Moore and, allegedly, Smith conspired to obtain at least 24 firearms from Alabama, where Moore lived, and then transport them to Boston. In two separate trips in July and August 2020, Pringle traveled from Boston to Alabama on a commercial bus to pick up the firearms from Moore and then transported the firearms, concealed within luggage, back to Boston by bus. At least seven of the firearms have been recovered from the streets of Boston and surrounding communities. Pringle was captured on video firing one of the firearms in Alabama. Pringle is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction. In July 2023 , Brown was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to his role in the conspiracy. Moore’s case was transferred to the Middle District of Alabama where he has since pleaded guilty. Smith remains in federal custody pending trial. Both the interstate transportation charge and the conspiracy charge provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. This case is being prosecuted by the Major Crimes Unit. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Glendale Man Sentenced for Using Credit and Debit Card Skimmers at Gas Stations to Steal Nearly $200,000 in Fresno and Southern California

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Akop Dongelyan, 47, of Glendale, was sentenced today to 364 days in prison for conspiring to commit credit and debit card fraud, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, in November 2015, Dongelyan and co-defendant Artak Vardanyan went on a crime spree in Fresno and Southern California where they stole multiple victims’ credit and debit card information through skimmers placed at gas stations. They then used that information to make counterfeit credit and debit cards and stole over $195,000 from the victims’ accounts. On Feb. 12, 2024, Vardanyan was sentenced to 11 months in prison. This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Barton and Arelis Clemente prosecuted the case.


title: Federal Jury Convicts Minneapolis Man for Insider Trading Scheme

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – A federal jury has convicted a Minneapolis man in an insider trading conspiracy involving nonpublic negotiations for the acquisition of a medical device company valued at $1.6 billion, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Bildtsen. According to evidence presented at trial, beginning in January 2018 through at least August 2020, Doron “Ron” Tavlin, 68, of Minneapolis, and Afshin “Alex” Farahan, 57, of Los Angeles, engaged in an insider trading conspiracy. The conspiracy involved nonpublic information about the acquisition of Mazor Robotics, an Israeli-based company that specialized in robotics for spinal procedures, by Medtronic, Inc., an Ireland-based medical device company that primarily operated from its executive headquarters in Minneapolis. Tavlin, while working as vice president of business development at Mazor Robotics, learned material, nonpublic information about Medtronic’s potential acquisition of his company. In violation of federal law and his duty to his former employer, Mazor Robotics, Tavlin tipped this information about the acquisition to his friend, Farahan, and instructed him to keep the information secret. Farahan knew that Medtronic’s imminent acquisition of Mazor would likely result in an increase in Mazor’s stock price. Farahan used the nonpublic information to quickly buy more than $1 million of Mazor stock throughout August and September 2018. The morning after the acquisition was announced, Farahan immediately sold all the stock he had purchased over the preceding weeks, which resulted in a combined profit of over $500,000 for himself and one other individual. According to evidence presented at trial, after the acquisition occurred, Tavlin learned that the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) was investigating certain trades of Mazor securities that occurred prior to the publicly announced acquisition. As part of its inquiry, FINRA asked Tavlin, and other insiders who knew about the secret acquisition negotiations, whether he knew any of the parties who traded in Mazor securities leading up to the public announcement. In January 2019, Tavlin responded to FINRA’s inquiry by falsely denying that he recognized any names on a list of persons and entities that purchased Mazor securities, which included Farahan. According to evidence presented at trial, the insider trading conspiracy included an agreement between Tavlin and Farahan that Farahan would pay money to Tavlin in exchange for the material, nonpublic information. For example, in October 2019, Farahan gave Tavlin a $25,000 check in exchange for the information that Tavlin had provided about Mazor Robotics leading up to the acquisition. On February 16, 2024, following a nine-day trial before U.S. District Judge Donovan W. Frank, Tavlin was found guilty on one count of conspiracy to commit insider trading and ten counts of securities fraud and aiding and abetting securities fraud. Another defendant, David Jay Gantman, 58, of Mendota Heights, was found not guilty on one count of conspiracy to commit insider trading and six counts of securities fraud. Farahan pleaded guilty on August 4, 2022, to one count of conspiracy to engage in insider trading. Sentencing hearings for both defendants will be scheduled at a later time. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew S. Ebert, Robert M. Lewis, and William C. Mattessich tried the case.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Charges in Multi-State Meth and Money Laundering Conspiracy

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Charges in Multi-State Meth and Money Laundering Conspiracy First of 24 Co-Conspirators Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that 24 individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. On February 5, 2024, U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced the first of 24 co-conspirators, Marissa Apodaca, 36, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Apodaca was further ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. She pleaded guilty to the charge of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance on October 30, 2023. Additional Defendants charged in the widespread conspiracy include: Nathan Johnson, 38, of Denver, Colorado Michele Johnson, 48, of Steen, Minnesota Matthew Thomas, 51, of Denver, Colorado Jesse Richmond, 50, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota Tony Hunter, a/k/a “Ox,” 52, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota Lance Brunsting, 55, of Denver, Colorado Darrin Johnson, 42, of Denver, Colorado Hanna Felling, 39, of St. Cloud, Minnesota Nicholas Ganske, 44, of Tea, South Dakota Donald Wise, 42, of Crooks, South Dakota Jesus Salamo-Roche, 63, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota Misty Turner, 34, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota Jessica Knight, 45, of Presho, South Dakota Christopher Spider, 44, of Presho, South Dakota Sapphire Big Eagle, 29, of Lower Brule, South Dakota Sunny Big Eagle, 48, of Lower Brule, South Dakota Donald Wagner, 68, of Denver, Colorado Donovan Pinkston, 37, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota Destiny Wilson, 34, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota Caitlin Schmidt, 29, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota Nicholas Sherard, 35, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota Cody Schmidt, 35, of Steen, Minnesota Terry Rider, 48, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota The grand jury also charged Nathan Johnson, Michele Johnson, Matthew Thomas, and Jesse Richmond with Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, and Tony Hunter with possession of a firearm by a felon. All individuals were indicted on August 8, 2023. The Indictments allege that from an unknown date through July 26, 2023, the above-listed individuals conspired with others to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in South Dakota and elsewhere. The money laundering charges allege that from an unknown date to July 26, 2023, the four above-listed defendants conspired to conduct financial transactions which involved the proceeds from this drug conspiracy. The charges are merely accusations, and the individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Since Indictment, each defendant has appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy and pleaded not guilty. Nathan Johnson, Michele Johnson, Matthew Thomas, Jesse Richmond, Tony Hunter, Nicholas Ganske, Donald Wise, Jesus Salamo-Roche, Donald Wagner, Nicholas Sherard, and Terry Rider all face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years upon conviction for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and a maximum of life in federal prison. All other defendants face a penalty upon conviction for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance of up to 20 years in federal prison. The money laundering charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. The investigation is being led by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from other law enforcement agencies such as: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Brookings Police Department, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, Rock County (MN) Sheriff’s Office, Worthington (MN) Police Department, and Mitchell Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen. ###


title: South Florida Man Arrested in Relation to Shooting at the Palm Beach Gardens Mall

body_text: MIAMI - Kamarcio Mitchell, 28, of West Palm Beach, had his initial appearance this morning before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in West Palm Beach on a criminal complaint charging him with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Mitchell’s arrest, on Feb. 16, was the result of a joint response by local, state, and federal law enforcement partners following a shooting that occurred at the Palm Beach Gardens Mall (The Gardens Mall) on Valentine’s Day. According to allegations in the criminal complaint, on Feb. 14, Mitchell was at The Gardens Mall with a firearm. Surveillance video captured Mitchell on the second level of The Gardens Mall near a retail store. Mitchell followed another male onto the escalator and was manipulating an object under his shirt. Mitchell was then fired upon by the other male and shot. Mitchell fled the mall to the parking lot, leaving a trail of blood. A loaded firearm that had been disassembled was found in the parking lot by police, near the blood trail. Mitchell was later treated for his injury at a local hospital where he admitted to being shot. The investigation by law enforcement determined that the firearm found in The Gardens Mall parking lot was a loaded handgun that had previously travelled in interstate commerce. Mitchell is a convicted felon and based upon his prior criminal history is charged in the criminal complaint as an Armed Career Criminal. If convicted, Mitchell faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years to a maximum sentence of life. The United States has sought the pretrial detention of Mitchell. A detention hearing has been scheduled before the West Palm Beach Duty Magistrate Judge on Feb. 27. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for March 5. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, U.S. Marshal Gadyaces S. Serralta of the U.S. Marshals Service, Chief Clinton Shannon of the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department, and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest and charges. The Office of State Attorney Dave Aronberg for the 15 th Judicial Circuit – Palm Beach County provided invaluable assistance. Assistant United States Attorney John McMillan is prosecuting the case. This prosecution is a part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through the PSN program a broad spectrum of law enforcement and community stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs to reduce violence crime and gun violence, and to make our local neighborhoods safer for everyone. A criminal complaint contains allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 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 24-8057-BER. ###


title: Two L.A. County Men Charged with Armed Robbery in Connection with Spree Targeting Massage Parlors in L.A. and Orange Counties

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: SANTA ANA, California – Two Los Angeles County men were charged today in a federal criminal complaint alleging they committed more than a dozen armed robberies of massage parlors in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Andy Cuellar, 28, of Hawthorne, and Arturo Morales, 27, of Downey, were arrested last Friday and are scheduled to make their initial appearances tomorrow in United States District Court in Santa Ana. The defendants are charged with interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act) and using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. Their arraignment is expected in the coming weeks. According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, on the evening of February 16, Cuellar drove the getaway vehicle – a black Jeep Grand Cherokee – with Morales as the passenger to multiple massage parlors before robbing one such business in Torrance. After the robbery, Cuellar and Morales allegedly were located less than two miles away at a gas station, standing at the back of the Jeep and going through items taken in the robbery, throwing some of them in the trash. Once law enforcement arrived on scene, the defendants allegedly fled on foot and discarded items they had stolen. At the time of his arrest, Morales was found to have approximately $4,000 in cash on his person while Cuellar carried $400 and was found to have the same type of clothing – including a blue Los Angeles Dodgers baseball cap – identified in previous robberies of massage parlors, the affidavit alleges. After the defendants were arrested, law enforcement searched the Jeep, in which they found a .38-caliber firearm that had been reported stolen in 2018, according to the affidavit. Law enforcement believes that Cuellar and Morales are responsible for at least 12 additional armed robberies, including the alleged robberies of massage parlors from January 12 to January 29 in Santa Ana, Reseda, Venice, Orange, Bellflower, and Redondo Beach. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, Cuellar and Morales will face statutory maximum sentences of 20 years in federal prison for the robbery charge and life in federal prison for the firearm charge. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Orange County Violent Crime Task Force (OCVCTF) is comprised of federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the ATF, the Brea Police Department, the Santa Ana Police Department, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and the Fullerton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Butler and Jena A. MacCabe of the Violent and Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Convicted Ponzi Schemer and Alleged Conspirator Indicted for Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Scheme and Obstruction of Justice

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey man whose 24-year federal prison sentence was commuted after being twice convicted of defrauding investors of a total of $230 million was indicted today with one other conspirator in another fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. The indictment charges Eliyahu “Eli” Weinstein, aka Mike Konig, 48, and Aryeh “Ari” Bromberg, 49, with conspiracy to commit securities fraud, securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Three of Weinstein and Bromberg’s alleged conspirators, Christopher Anderson, 47, Richard Curry, 36, and Alaa Mohamed Hattab, 35, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and are awaiting sentencing. Charges via criminal complaint are still pending against two of Weinstein and Bromberg’s alleged conspirators, Joel Wittels and Shlomo Erez. “A federal grand jury in New Jersey has charged Weinstein and Bromberg with defrauding victim investors out of tens of millions of dollars. As alleged, soon after Weinstein got out of jail after receiving a Presidential commutation, he picked his Ponzi schemer’s playbook back up and allegedly started ripping off victims again. Weinstein allegedly used a fake name and worked with Bromberg and others to falsely promise access to deals involving scarce medical supplies, baby formula, and first-aid kits supposedly destined for wartime Ukraine. Weinstein didn’t try to make his prior victims whole – he made more victims, as alleged in the indictment. This office will aggressively investigate and prosecute fraudsters who allegedly prey on innocent investors.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “The adage ‘history repeats itself’ proves true in the case we’ve built against Weinstein and his co-conspirators,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “We allege he persuaded investors to put money into several ventures, based on taking advantage of the COVID pandemic, the baby formula shortage, and even the war in Ukraine. Our investigation shows those ventures weren’t real, and to use the exact words the subjects used - it was a Ponzi scheme. Weinstein squandered his pardon from the highest office in this country for similar criminal behavior. He now faces justice, a second time.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Weinstein was convicted two times in New Jersey federal court for defrauding investors. His first case involved a real estate Ponzi scheme, and his second case stemmed from additional fraud Weinstein committed while on pretrial release. For these crimes, which resulted in combined losses to investors of approximately $230 million, Weinstein was sentenced to serve 24 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. On Jan. 19, 2021, after Weinstein had served less than eight years, the President of the United States at that time commuted Weinstein’s term to time served, leaving intact the rest of his sentence. Soon after being released from prison, Weinstein began orchestrating a new scheme to solicit money from investors through a company called Optimus Investments Inc. (Optimus). Using the fake name “Mike Konig,” Weinstein ran Optimus with Bromberg and Wittels. They kept Weinstein’s true name and identity hidden because, as Weinstein acknowledged in a secretly recorded conversation, investors wouldn’t give them “a penny” if they learned of Weinstein’s involvement. Weinstein, Bromberg, and Wittels received the bulk of investor money through a second company, Tryon Management Group LLC, which was owned and controlled by Anderson and Curry. Tryon promised these individual investors – consisting mostly of friends and family – lucrative opportunities to invest in deals involving COVID-19 masks, scarce baby formula, and first-aid kits supposedly bound for wartime Ukraine. Posing as Mike Konig, Weinstein provided the information for these supposed deals. Based on that information, investors gave money to Tryon, believing the deals were legitimate and not knowing about Weinstein’s involvement. In turn, Tryon transferred those funds to Weinstein, through Optimus. In February 2022, almost immediately after Tryon and Optimus started receiving investor money, Tryon was unable to pay its investors. Rather than reveal this information to investors, the conspirators agreed to pool money from existing investors of both Optimus and Tryon and use it to make monthly payments to other investors in a Ponzi-like fashion. The conspirators concealed this arrangement from investors by falsely telling investors that the payments derived from legitimate investment returns, not other investors’ money. In late August 2022, Weinstein revealed his true identity to Anderson and Curry, admitting in a secretly recorded meeting, “I am Eli Weinstein.” In another recorded August 2022 meeting, Weinstein admitted to misappropriating Tryon investor money and making various false statements and sending fake documents concerning the purported Optimus deals. Weinstein acknowledged that he was conducting a Ponzi scheme, stating, “I finagled, and Ponzied, and lied to people to cover us.” Once Anderson and Curry learned that Mike Konig was actually Weinstein, they agreed with Weinstein, Bromberg, and other conspirators to continue concealing Weinstein’s identity from investors and to raise additional money to pay off existing Tryon investors, all in an effort to stop the Ponzi scheme from falling apart and to cover up the fraud. In addition to defrauding investors, Weinstein and Bromberg also conspired to obstruct justice. They helped hide Weinstein’s assets that should have been used to pay over $200 million in restitution that he still owes his previous victims. They also concealed Weinstein’s myriad business activities, which he was required to disclose to the court and which were expressly prohibited by the terms of his supervised release. In multiple secretly recorded conversations, Weinstein discussed his intent to conceal his various assets from the government. In one such conversation, Weinstein referenced hidden assets that he “can’t touch” while on supervised release because he’d otherwise “go to jail.” Weinstein then boasted, “I just told you something that no one in the world knows because I hid money. Get it?” The conspiracy and substantive securities fraud charges are each punishable by a maximum of 5 years in prison and a $5 million fine. The conspiracy and substantive charges of wire fraud are punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of either $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. The obstruction conspiracy charge is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a maximum fine of either $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, with the investigation leading to the charges in this case. He also expressed appreciation for the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the direction of Antonia Apps, Director of the SEC’s New York Regional Office. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Fayer, Carolyn Silane, and Marko Pesce of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations against Weinstein, Bromberg, Wittels, and Erez are merely allegations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. weinsteinbromberg.indictment.pdf


title: Violent Offender Who Illegally Possessed Firearm Sentenced To Over 17 Years In Federal Prison

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—Montrel Hammond, a multi-convicted felon who has a violent criminal history, will spend over 17 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr. On October 3, 2023, Hammond, 31, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Moody did not assess the defendant a fine but did sentence Hammond to also serve not more than five years of supervised released. Hammond, who has a prior conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, was indicted on July 5, 2023, on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The maximum penalty Hammond faced was not less than 15 years and no more than life in prison and a fine of $250,000. There is no parole in the federal system. Hammond’s sentence was based on the offense as well as his documented violent criminal history involving women and children. Hammond also has a prior conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm as well as prior convictions for domestic battery, possession of a controlled substance, and residential burglary. On October 27, 2022, Little Rock Police Department officers stopped a 2008 black Santa Fe that matched the description of a vehicle suspected in the breaking and entering of several other vehicles in the area. The driver, Montrel Hammond, was taken into custody and interviewed regarding his involvement in the suspected breaking or entering offenses. He admitted at that time to breaking into a 2021 Toyota Rav4 and stealing several credit cards. The defendant’s vehicle was searched and the stolen credit cards were located. During this search, a 9 mm firearm was found under the driver’s seat. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance of the Little Rock Police Department. # # # This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @EDARNEWS


title: Palm Beach County Armed Career Criminal and Drug Dealer Sentenced to 45 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: MIAMI – A Palm Beach County man was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison. The sentence comes after a federal jury in West Palm Beach convicted him on multiple drug trafficking and firearms charges related to his participation in a conspiracy to sell a synthetic opioid, commonly sold as fentanyl, cocaine, and Eutylone (a synthetic cathinone with effects akin to Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), and his possession of a machinegun in furtherance of those crimes. On or about March 3, 2022, the West Palm Beach Police Department executed a search warrant at a West Palm Beach residence. Willie Boone, 24, was detained on scene. During the search, officers recovered multiple controlled substances, including N-Pyrrolidino Etonitazene, Eutylone, and cocaine. Other evidence included two of Boone’s cellphones and two firearms, one of which was a Glock Model 17 pistol with a machinegun conversion device. That conversion device, commonly known as a “Glock Switch” rendered the pistol fully automatic. Boone had previously been convicted of three felony drug-trafficking offenses and was prohibited from possessing a firearm, including the unregistered machinegun. Forensic evidence recovered from the cellular telephones and Boone’s DNA on the Glock Model 17 pistol confirmed his possession of the firearm and possession in the charged drug conspiracy. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, and West Palm Beach Police Department Chief Frank Adderley announced the conviction. ATF and the West Palm Beach Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shannon O’Shea Darsch and Alexandra Chase are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabrielle Charest-Turken for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 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 22-cr-80175. ###


title: Ada Resident Sentenced For Murder, Kidnapping, Arson, Burglary, Voluntary Manslaughter, Assault And Prison Contraband Charges

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that Kalup Allen Born, age 25, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced to a total of 608 months imprisonment related to three separate cases. For crimes related to a murder committed in January 2017, Born was sentenced to 450 months imprisonment for Murder in Indian Country – Second Degree, Kidnapping in Indian Country, Arson in Indian Country, and First Degree Burglary in Indian Country. The sentences will run concurrently to each other, and consecutive to his other sentences. For crimes related to a prison attack in December 2020, Born was sentenced to 121 months imprisonment for one count of Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country. The sentence will run consecutive to his other sentences. For crimes related to a prison attack in April 2023, Born was sentenced to 37 months of imprisonment for one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, and one count of Possession of Contraband in Prison. The sentence will run consecutive to his other sentences. The charges arose from investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal, the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office, and the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office. On December 5, 2022, Born pleaded guilty to one count of Murder in Indian Country—Second Degree, one count of Kidnapping in Indian Country, one count of First Degree Burglary in Indian Country, and one count of Arson in Indian Country for his January 2017 crimes. According to investigators, on January 15, 2017, Born broke into an Ada residence, threatened and assaulted the occupant with a knife, stole the victim’s vehicle, then kidnapped and forced the victim into the car. As he drove south, Born backed the vehicle over the side of a bridge, sending it over the edge and down into the creek bed below. The victim suffered severe blunt force trauma, including a ruptured organ and a pelvic injury, and ultimately died from the injuries sustained in the incident. Born then made his way to a second home nearby, which he burglarized, stealing a blanket, a knife, a wallet, and electronics. From there, Born proceeded to yet a third residence, where he broke in and set the home ablaze with the occupants still inside. A bystander was able to rescue the occupants from the fire and Born was captured nearby. In December 2020, while being held on charges for these crimes, Born killed a fellow inmate in the Pontotoc County Justice Center in a brutal and sustained attack. On June 7, 2022, a federal jury convicted Born at trial for one count of voluntary manslaughter. On April 24, 2023, Born stabbed a Muskogee County Jail inmate repeatedly with a homemade knife and attempted to throw the inmate over a railing. On January 3, 2024, Born entered a guilty plea to one count of assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, and one count of Possessing Contraband in Prison. The crimes occurred in Pontotoc County and Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. “The crimes committed by Born are gut-wrenching and there is no question the sentencing is just,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. “The FBI is responsible for investigating the most serious crimes in Indian Country and along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to aggressively pursue these cases. The FBI is committed to protecting all of the tribal communities we serve, helping victims, and ensuring that justice is met for violent offenders. Born decided to continue his life of crime even while in prison. He clearly did not learn his lesson and continued to terrorize the lives of others. The FBI is grateful to the law enforcement agencies that contributed to this investigation and led to Born’s conviction.” “The enormity of these heinous acts cannot be overstated,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “Born has proven to be a threat to society both inside and outside the walls of the prison system. This sentence ensures he will spend a substantial portion of his life, if not all, behind those walls where his actions are as limited as possible.” The Honorable John F. Heil, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the sentencing hearings. Born will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Conway and T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.