title: U.S. Attorney Announces Human Trafficking Task Force Partnership in Southeastern North Carolina

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Michael Easley announced efforts to combat human trafficking, including expansion of a dedicated task force in Southeastern North Carolina, including Wilmington and Jacksonville. This task force partnership follows the launch of a similar effort in the Raleigh-Cary area last year. As part of the annual observation of January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Easley also highlighted several successful human trafficking prosecutions led by his office. In 2023, 12 defendants received sentences averaging 98 months, with one defendant receiving a sentence of more than 32 years in prison. Numerous other individuals are facing charges that have not yet resolved. “Our unique task force model is dismantling networks in North Carolina. Today we are expanding upon the work already underway in Southeastern North Carolina, bringing together our law enforcement and community partners to rescue victims and prosecute those who are exploiting vulnerable individuals for labor, services, or commercial sex,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “I commend the work of the FBI and our local partners to lay the groundwork for this expanded partnership.” The dedicated human trafficking task force for Southeastern North Carolina will meet regularly to share intelligence and investigative leads, receive specialized training, develop investigative tools and expertise for law enforcement agencies, and to foster community partnerships to provide the services needed to assist trafficking victims. The task force includes law enforcement partners from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), N.C. State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, Carteret County Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville Police Department, and the Whiteville Police Department, as well as federal and state prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office and the North Carolina District Attorney’s Offices for the 5th and 6th Prosecutorial Districts. "For years the FBI and our local law enforcement partners have been working tirelessly to combat human trafficking along North Carolina's coast," said Robert M. DeWitt, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI. "We are deeply appreciative to the U.S. Attorney's Office Eastern District for dedicating additional resources to join our mission to hold those accountable who enslave others for their own profit." “Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is proud to be part of this all-important human trafficking task force working in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office and our local, state, and federal partners,” said Kyle D. Burns, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of HSI Charlotte, which covers both North and South Carolina. “Human trafficking is a heinous crime that affects the most vulnerable members of society and by dedicating significant resources to this endeavor, we’re able to work jointly to dismantle these criminal organizations that seek to exploit these victims for their own financial gain.” “The Sheriff's Office has had a zero-tolerance approach to human trafficking,” said New Hanover Sheriff Ed McMahon. “We will continue to dedicate resources and work with our partners to eradicate this evil crime.” “The criminals and criminal organizations involved in human trafficking deserve the full attention of prosecutors and law enforcement. Justice for them should be swift and resolute. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is proud to join our partners and we applaud this effort to bring justice to those who so rightly deserve it,” said North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Director Robert Schurmeier. Prosecution of Human Traffickers Finally, the office is highlighting several human trafficking prosecutions from 2023 that have helped to put traffickers and members of their organizations behind bars. Notable cases from 2023 include the following: USA v. Timothy Bavaro (No. 7:20-CR-115-M) On March 14, 2023, Timothy Bavaro was sentenced to 180 months in prison and ordered to pay nearly $90,000 in restitution to multiple victims for his role as the leader and organizer of a prostitution enterprise that he operated from at least 2015 to 2019 across various states (including New York, South Carolina, and North Carolina), victimizing at least seven women. Information from the victims and a cooperating witness all provided information regarding Bavaro’s prostitution business, including Bavaro’s physical abuse of victims and the fear that many victims cited as the reason they continued engaging in commercial sex for his financial gain. Victims reported they were required to give Bavaro anywhere from 50-100% of their earnings while still having to pay their expenses, leaving them with little to nothing. Bavaro appealed, but on December 21, 2023, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the sentence imposed by the district court and dismissed the remainder of Bavaro’s appeal. USA v. Yomere Juan Busbee (No. 5:20-CR-393-M) On March 24, 2023, Busbee – a violent pimp and drug dealer from Fayetteville – was sentenced to 390 months in prison. In September 2022, a federal jury in Wilmington found Busbee guilty on six counts related to the kidnapping of four victims, including a minor, as well as several drug and gun offenses that came to light during an investigation into the defendant’s sex trafficking activities. Two co-defendants pled guilty and received sentences of 108 and 90 months, respectively. USA v. Roderick Wall (No. 7:22-CR-90-D) On May 25, 2023, the court sentenced Roderick Wall to 78 months in prison for his role in a drug conspiracy, during which he facilitated commercial sex out of his house. According to court documents and information presented in court, Wall posted online advertisements for sexual services and allowed females to engage in commercial sex out of his home, often while supplying the females with drugs. Wall’s wife and two minor children lived in the home with him and were present during some of the drug transactions and during a search warrant on August 18, 2021. Additionally, Wall sold fentanyl to a pregnant woman, and home surveillance footage showed another pregnant female injecting fentanyl supplied by Wall. USA v. Kevin Harold Rudolph (No. 5:19-CR-336-FL) Marcus Antwan Gambrell and co-defendant Kevin Rudolph were charged with sex trafficking of a 14-year-old minor and using the internet to promote prostitution. In addition, Gambrell faced charges for manufacturing child pornography, and Rudolph for possession of a firearm by a felon. Rudolph pled guilty to sex trafficking of a minor and aiding and abetting and was sentenced to 180 months in prison on April 5, 2023. USA v. Ok Hwa Lee, et al . (No. 7:21-CR-00079) From January to April 2023, the court sentenced five defendants who had been indicted in connection with an investigation into illicit massage parlors where sexual services were being provided. The indictment charged them with conspiracy, bribery, and operating an illegal prostitution enterprise in interstate commerce. All five defendants pled guilty in 2022, and all five were sentenced in 2023 to 10 years collectively. The leader of the organization, Ok Hwa Lee, 55, was sentenced to 34 months in prison. Shanyu Song, 50, and Xuejin Bai, 51, were sentenced to 26 and 12 months and one day, respectively. Additionally, Lee was ordered to forfeit $151,000; Song $146,000; and Bai $55,000. Ming Ji Cao was sentenced to 18 months, and a $1000 fine, and Og Bun Park was sentenced to 15 months and a $750 fine. USA v. Brittney McCoy, et al. (No. 7:23-CR-22-M-RJ) In March 2023, Brittney Chantel McCoy was indicted with sex trafficking of a minor and operating an illegal prostitution enterprise in interstate commerce. McCoy pled guilty to sex trafficking of a minor on August 9, 2023, and is set for sentencing in January 2024. Melody Faye Nobles was initially charged with McCoy but was also subsequently indicted in a superseding indictment in August 2023, charging sex trafficking of a minor and operating an illegal prostitution enterprise in interstate commerce. Nobles allowed her co-defendant, McCoy, and a then 16-year-old minor victim to engage in commercial sex in her home in Wilmington, NC, in exchange for a portion of the money that McCoy and the minor earned. Later that same month, Nobles allowed the minor to travel to Jacksonville, NC, to engage in commercial sex, again in exchange for the proceeds. Nobles pled guilty to operating an illegal prostitution enterprise in interstate commerce in September 2023 and was sentenced on December 12, 2023, to 48 months imprisonment and ordered to register as a sex offender. USA v. Brieania Shidae Pinnock, et al. (No. 5:23-CR-210-FL-KS) In June 2023, the government indicted Brieania Shidae Pinnock, charging her with eight human trafficking and child pornography offenses, including conspiracy, sex trafficking of a minor, production of child pornography, operating an illegal prostitution enterprise in interstate commerce, and distribution of child pornography. Co-defendant Trinity Sky Alston was charged with four counts, including sex trafficking of a minor, child pornography. Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. USA v. Christopher Todd Evans (No. 7:23-CR-82-M-RJ) In July 2023, the government indicted a long-term human trafficking investigation, charging two human trafficking-related counts, including promotion or facilitation of prostitution and operating an illegal prostitution enterprise in interstate commerce. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. USA v. Deangelo Taborn, et al. (No. 7:23-CR-92-D-BM) In August 2023, the government indicted DeAngelo Rarhem Taborn and co-defendant on Imani Jovianna Franco on multiple human trafficking and firearm offenses, including conspiracy, sex trafficking, interstate travel for prostitution by coercion or persuasion, interstate travel for prostitution (Mann Act), operating an illegal prostitution enterprise in interstate commerce and felon in possession of a firearm. Taborn faces eight charges and Franco faces seven. Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. *** If you or anyone you know needs help or has information to provide regarding a potential human trafficking situation, please contact law enforcement by calling 911 if the situation appears unsafe, or contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline: https://humantraffickinghotline.org/ 1-888-373-7888 *Text 233733 Email: help@humantraffickinghotline.org A copy of this press release is located on our website .


title: California Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking and Related Offenses for Forcing Victim to Engage in Commercial Sex Across the Country

component: Civil Rights - Criminal Section

body_text: A federal jury in the Southern District of Mississippi convicted Michael Deon Fulcher, 54, with sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution. The co-defendant, Jonzie Hamilton, 35, previously pleaded guilty to interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution. “The defendant preyed upon this vulnerable victim and used sexual violence and threats of physical harm to coerce her into commercial sex for his own financial gain,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We thank this victim for bravely facing her trafficker. The Justice Department will vigorously prosecute these cases to hold human traffickers accountable and bring justice to their victims.” “This way this victim was trafficked across multiple states and then into Mississippi is an example of how human trafficking affects our entire nation,” said U.S. Attorney Todd Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi. “We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute human traffickers, like the defendant, as part of our efforts to bring an end to this horrible crime.” “The FBI takes allegations of sex trafficking very seriously and we are determined to rigorously investigate human trafficking actors,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Jackson Field Office. The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Fulcher used sexual assault, threats of violence, isolation, control, psychological manipulation and emotional abuse to compel the victim to engage in commercial sex between April and June 2020. Fulcher lured the physically injured victim into his car in Las Vegas by making false promises to help her, but then brought her to his home, where he sexually assaulted her. Shortly afterwards, Fulcher brought the victim to California, where he acted in concert with Hamilton to compel the victim to engage in commercial sex acts over the course of several weeks. Fulcher required the victim to follow his strict rules, threatened the victim with physical harm, confiscated her money and Social Security debit card and even had an unlicensed dentist pull out her teeth. Fulcher also sent the victim and Hamilton across the country for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex, stopping in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana and eventually Mississippi where the victim ran away. While the victim was on the road, Fulcher required the victim to send him all of her earnings and continued his coercive scheme by threatening the victim with physical harm, controlling her access to her phone, isolating her from anyone she knew and refusing to allow her to receive much-needed medical treatment. A sentencing hearing for Fulcher is scheduled for April 30. Fulcher faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and mandatory restitution for the sex trafficking charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hamilton’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 31. The FBI Gulfport Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Kate Alexander and Francisco Zornosa of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones for the Southern District of Mississippi. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking .


title: Charleston Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Weapon Violation

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — Dontrell Lamar Watson, 34, of Charleston, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon. Evidence presented to the court showed that on May 5, 2022, officers with the Charleston Police Department stopped Watson for a traffic violation. Watson was the driver and only occupant. During the encounter, officers smelled marijuana and told Watson they were going to search his vehicle. Watson then claimed there was a gun in the trunk. During the search, officers located a fully loaded 9mm pistol with a 15-round magazine under the driver seat where Watson was located. After his arrest, Watson convinced a family member to attempt to accept responsibility for the firearm. However, investigators quickly realized that individual was not being truthful. Watson has multiple felony convictions on his record prohibiting him from possessing a firearm. This was his third conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Watson to 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow is prosecuting the case. ###


title: North Charleston Man Sentenced to Over 16 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Ice and Meth

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. —Maurice “Black” Adams, 29, of North Charleston, was sentenced to more than 16 and a half years in federal prison for distributing ice, methamphetamines, cocaine, and fentanyl. Evidence presented to the court showed that Adams was one of 15 defendants indicted for distributing significant amounts of drugs imported from Mexico. The conspirators used various methods to have the controlled substances delivered to the United States, including various mail services. The packages would be mailed from Arizona and other western states to addresses in South Carolina. Adams took delivery of at least 1.8 kilograms of methamphetamines, one kilogram of cocaine, almost one kilogram of fentanyl, and more than two kilograms of ice during his participation in the conspiracy. United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Adams to 198 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, the North Charleston Police Department, and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Kittrell is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Clinton Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography Charges

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Clinton man was sentenced on Thursday, January 11, 2024, to 210 months in federal prison for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography. According to public court documents presented at the time of the plea hearing, Andrew Robert William Comstock, 36, was identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a member of a Kik chat group that was actively sharing child sexual abuse material. In November 2022, FBI agents interviewed Comstock, who admitted to receiving and viewing child sexual abuse material on Kik. Multiple items were seized from Comstock’s person and residence. Pursuant to a search warrant, a tablet was located at Comstock’s residence that contained numerous images of child sexual abuse material and multiple Kik messages regarding the trading of child sexual abuse material to other users. After completing his term of imprisonment, Comstock is required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Comstock was also ordered to pay $18,000 in restitution. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the FBI. 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 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, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.


title: Rock Island, Illinois Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Ammunition Charge

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Rock Island man was sentenced on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, to 67 months in federal prison for felon in possession of ammunition. According to public court documents at the time of his plea hearing, George Harper, Jr., 34, was involved in a shooting incident located at the Kwik Star on 1650 West Kimberly Road in Davenport, Iowa. During the shooting, Harper fired multiple rounds from a firearm possessed unlawfully. Prior to his possession of the ammunition, Harper had been convicted of felon in possession of a firearm in Scott County, Iowa. After completing his term of imprisonment, Harper, Jr. is required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department. 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN, an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime, is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Davenport Man Sentenced to 100 Years in Federal Prison for Production and Distribution of Child Pornography

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced on January 16, 2024, to 100 years in federal prison for Producing, Distributing, and Possessing Child Pornography. There is no parole in the federal system. According to public court documents and evidence presented at trial, David Michael Woods, 51, sexually abused two children in his care, allowed other adult men to sexually abuse the children, produced recordings of the abuse and other sexual images of the children, and distributed the images he produced to others. Woods was convicted after a jury trial in September 2023. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department. 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 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, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . / For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.


title: Bronx Attorney Charged With Large-Scale Immigration Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael Alfonso, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging Bronx-based immigration attorney KOFI AMANKWAA and his son, KOFI AMANKWAA, JR., with carrying out a large-scale immigration fraud scheme. The defendants will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Kofi Amankwaa, an immigration attorney, and his son, Kofi Amankwaa, Jr., sought to make a mockery of the U.S. immigration system by conspiring to defraud the United States and commit immigration fraud. Amankwaa and his son allegedly exploited the Violence Against Women Act — a law that allows noncitizen victims of domestic abuse a path to lawful permanent residence status — for their own financial gain by falsely claiming that their clients were victims of domestic abuse. Thanks to the dedicated actions of our law enforcement partners and the career prosecutors of this Office, the defendants must now answer for these crimes.” HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso said: “Kofi Amankwaa is charged with deceitful practices whereby he allegedly victimized clients who relied on his legal assistance with their immigration process. HSI is committed to protecting the applicants, petitioners, and requestors of U.S. citizenship who, unfortunately, are often at risk of falling for scams or fraud. HSI is thankful for the collaboration in this investigation with other Department of Homeland Security components, as well as other federal agencies, who continue to help us combat document and benefit fraud.” According to the allegations in the Complaint: [1] From September 2016 through November 2023, AMANKWAA and AMANKWAA, JR., met with clients and directed them to sign fraudulent Form I-360 Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”) Petitions falsely stating that the clients were abused by their U.S. citizen children. AMANKWAA also signed the petitions, under penalty of perjury, as the attorney preparer. The defendants used the filing of the fraudulent Form I-360 VAWA Petitions, among other filings, as a basis to request advance parole travel documents for their clients — documents that enable individuals without legal status in the United States to travel abroad temporarily and return. The defendants then directed their clients, upon obtaining the advance parole travel documents, to travel abroad and return to the United States. Last, the defendants used the fraudulently procured advance parole as a basis for their clients to apply for lawful permanent resident status. The defendants carried out this illegal scheme knowing that their clients had not, in fact, been abused by their children or without ever asking whether any such abuse occurred. Moreover, the defendants were often unsuccessful in obtaining lawful permanent resident status for their clients because the clients’ immigration applications were denied on the basis of fraud, among other reasons. The defendants typically charged their clients $6,000 for their services, plus administrative fees. In November 2023, following numerous complaints by clients regarding the fraudulent abuse allegations, AMANKWAA’s license to practice law in the State of New York was suspended. * * * KOFI AMANKWAA, 69, and KOFI AMANKWAA, JR., 37, both of South River, New Jersey, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit immigration fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of immigration fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the HSI. Mr. Williams also thanked the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Office of Fraud Detection and National Security for their support in this investigation. He also noted that the New York State Attorney General’s Office separately initiated a parallel civil proceeding against AMANKWAA and AMANKWAA, JR., today. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Z. Margulies is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Nineteen-Time Convicted Felon Charged With Possessing A Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Luis Rosado (28, Winter Park) with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Rosado faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Rosado that the United States intends to forfeit a Taurus pistol, a Radical Firearms rifle, a Silver Eagle shotgun, and Sellier & Bellot and Norma ammunition, which is alleged to be involved in the offense. According to the indictment, on August 20, 2023, Rosado possessed a pistol, a rifle, a shotgun, and various ammunition. At the time of the alleged offense, Rosado had 19 prior felony convictions. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orlando Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sartoian. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Two Defendants Charged With Obstruction Of Justice In Connection With Sentencing Proceedings

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Erin Keegan, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”); and Edward A. Caban, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of a Complaint charging LEO HERNANDEZ with obstruction of justice in connection with his October 2022 sentencing proceeding in a federal narcotics case. HERNANDEZ will be presented today before the Honorable Sarah Netburn. Mr. Williams and Christopher Hileman, the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Office of Inspector General (“State-OIG”), also announced the unsealing of an indictment charging OBIOMA IWOBI with obstruction of justice in connection with his March 2023 sentencing proceeding in a federal fraud case. IWOBI’s case has been assigned to the Honorable Naomi Reice Buchwald. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Leo Hernandez and Obioma Iwobi allegedly provided false information to federal judges in improper attempts to obtain leniency at sentencing. The obstruction of justice charges announced today should send a clear message that this Office will not tolerate attempts by criminal defendants to manipulate the court system.” HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan said: “As alleged, Leo Hernandez has shown once again he is neither reformed nor remorseful for the crimes of which he is accused. I commend HSI New York’s Border Enforcement Security Task Force and our law enforcement partners for their continued emphasis on securing justice.” State-OIG Special Agent in Charge Christopher Hileman said: “Our office commends and appreciates the vigilance and efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York in addressing the alleged attempts by a subject to obtain leniency during his sentencing hearing through the submission of false attestations. This indictment shows that the U.S. criminal justice system will hold accountable those who seek to deceive and defraud it.” According to the allegations in the Complaint charging HERNANDEZ and the Indictment charging IWOBI: [1] HERNANDEZ was prosecuted for participating in a conspiracy to distribute narcotics in United States v. Leo Hernandez , No. 20 Cr. 79 (RMB). In advance of the sentencing proceeding in that case, HERNANDEZ obstructed the sentencing proceeding by, among other things, (i) falsely stating to the U.S. Probation Office for the Southern District of New York that he had an opioid addiction, which was then incorporated into HERNANDEZ’s presentence investigation report, and (ii) causing his attorney in that case to make false representations to the Court in connection with sentencing regarding HERNANDEZ’s purported addiction, including a claim that the addiction motivated the criminal conduct for which HERNANDEZ was prosecuted. However, in truth and in fact, HERNANDEZ had no such addiction and provided false information to the Court in an improper attempt to obtain leniency at sentencing. IWOBI was prosecuted for participating in a fraud and identity theft scheme in United States v. Obioma Iwobi , No. 22 Cr. 652 (ER). In advance of the sentencing proceeding in that case, IWOBI caused false and fraudulent letters to be submitted, and caused false and misleading statements to be made, to the Court in an improper attempt to obtain leniency at sentencing. * * * HERNANDEZ, 42, of Staten Island, New York, and IWOBI, 43, who is currently incarcerated in Seagoville, Texas, are each charged with one count of obstruction of justice, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI, HSI New York’s Border Enforcement Security Task Force’s Trade Enforcement and Interdiction Group, the NYPD, and State-OIG. The cases are being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel P. Rothschild and Robert B. Sobelman are in charge of the HERNANDEZ prosecution. Assistant U.S. Attorney T. Josiah Pertz is in charge of the IWOBI prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint and Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the Indictment and the description of the Complaint and Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: U.S. Attorney Recognizes Human Trafficking Prevention Month

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. - January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. To commemorate the month and continue to raise awareness about this important issue, U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea reaffirmed his office’s commitment to fight against human trafficking by bringing traffickers to justice, assisting trafficked victims, and enhancing public awareness through community outreach. Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of a person for labor, services, or commercial sex, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion that is physical and/or psychological. The exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion is used by the trafficker. “Human trafficking is a despicable crime that is happening, unfortunately, right here in Wisconsin,” said U.S. Attorney O’Shea. “Our federal prosecutions, described below, show our commitment to combat human trafficking and bring traffickers to justice. But there’s more work to be done. That’s why today, and every day, we are committed to working with our law enforcement partners, victim service providers, government entities, and the community to combine and strengthen our anti-trafficking efforts.” U.S. Attorney O’Shea encouraged victims to come forward. “If you are a person forced into prostitution or human trafficking, help is available. There are advocates committed to help you find support and resources. There are local, state, and federal law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating human trafficking. There are prosecutors who will work with law enforcement to hold traffickers accountable.” U.S. Attorney O’Shea further encouraged anyone who knows about human trafficking to come forward, “Human trafficking is especially pervasive because people don’t want to get involved or are too afraid to come forward. If you know or suspect that someone is being trafficked, please report it using the contact numbers below. You can save that person’s life and the lives of many others. Most often, you can remain anonymous.” Our Office’s Human Trafficking Prosecutions The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s ongoing anti-trafficking efforts have resulted in many prosecutions that have led to convictions and prison sentences. In 2023, our prosecutions resulted in a notable sentencing and guilty plea: United States v. Adrian Edwards . On November 9, 2023, Edwards, 40, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for sex trafficking a minor. Edwards encountered the 16-year-old victim in Utah in January 2021, when the two were at a mutual friend’s house. The victim confided to the defendant that she had a difficult home life and he offered to help her with a place to stay if she needed it. A few days later, the victim called Edwards to take him up on his offer. He bought her a train ticket to Iowa, where he picked her up and brought her to Wisconsin. When she arrived in Wisconsin, he told her she was expected to perform sex acts for money. He immediately took pictures of her and posted ads on websites offering various sexual services in exchange for money. Edwards set the prices, arranged the meetings, arranged for hotels, and kept the bulk of the money gained from the trafficking activity. Edwards was indicted in July 2021, and a federal arrest warrant was issued. He was ultimately arrested in January 2022 in Arizona. United States v. Austin Koeckeritz . On November 23, 2023, Koeckeritz, 40, River Falls, Wisconsin, pled guilty to one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and one count of sex trafficking of a minor. According to court documents, Koeckeritz used force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion to compel one adult victim into engaging in commercial sex acts in the River Falls area between August 2020 and August 2022. Koeckeritz also caused a minor victim to engage in commercial sex acts in between October 2021 and January 2022. Sentencing is scheduled for April 11, 2024, at 01:00 pm before Chief Judge James D. Peterson. How to Report Human Trafficking If you believe you or someone else are the victim of human trafficking or have information about a potential trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Specialists are available to answer calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also send a text to 233733 or submit a tip online.


title: New prosecutor joins U.S. Attorney’s Office in Clarksburg

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA — The U.S. Attorney’s Office has added a new prosecutor to its Clarksburg location. United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Will Rhee has joined his office and will handle a diverse criminal caseload, to include violent crime and white-collar cases. Rhee was a professor at the West Virginia University College of Law for the past 15 years and prior to that, served as a Trial Attorney with the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Rhee is a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army, having received numerous awards to include the Army Commendation Medal. “I am thrilled to add Will Rhee to our team,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “His deep knowledge of the law, his prior experience with the Department of Justice, and his commitment to public service make him the perfect fit to assist with the busy criminal docket in Clarksburg and elsewhere.” Rhee earned his undergraduate degrees from Yale and his law degree from Northwestern. ###


title: Collinsville Man Convicted by Jury for Sexually Abusing Incapable Victim

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: A federal jury convicted Cody Paul Miller, 46, of Collinsville and a member of the Cherokee Nation, Friday for Sexual Abuse of an Incapable Victim in Indian Country. “Cody Miller rationalized his actions knowing the victim was intoxicated. This is unacceptable and criminal,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This office and our law enforcement partners will bring to account those who commit acts of sexual violence.” According to court documents, the 18-year-old victim was staying the night at Miller’s house with two of her friends, whom were both under 18 years of age. The victim brought alcohol to Miller’s home and began consuming it with Miller. Miller told the police that the victim was intoxicated, but he engaged in several sexual acts with her, none of which the victim remembered. Later, the victim woke up to Miller sexually assaulting her. She repeatedly asked the defendant to stop, and he did not. After leaving Miller’s home, the victim went to a friend’s home where she disclosed what Miller did. After receiving encouragement from her friend, the victim contacted police. When the defendant was questioned by police, he told officers that the victim “got drunk really fast that night” and even “fell off the bed” because she was so drunk. Miller told law enforcement that the intimacy was mutual and that he stopped when the victim asked him to stop. Miller will remain in custody until he is sentenced at a later date. He faces up to life imprisonment. The FBI and Collinsville Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria G. Luster and Matthew P. Cyran prosecuted the case.


title: Wilmington Blood Gang Member Receives 84 Month Sentence for Possessing a “Ghost Gun” and Ammunition After Fleeing from Police

body_text: WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Wilmington man was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. On September 6, 2023, Trevon Keoni Di’Jae Brown, age 24, pled guilty to the charge. According to court documents and other information presented in court, on November 18, 2022, the Wilmington Police Department attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by Brown. Brown attempted to evade the police by dangerously weaving through traffic, but eventually hit a parked car. The defendant then fled on foot but was quickly apprehended. Officers retraced the defendant’s path of escape and located a loaded 9mm privately made firearm (“ghost gun”) with a large capacity magazine with 25 rounds in it in the backyard of a residence. Ballistic testing revealed that the firearm was used in a shooting in Wilmington on June 12, 2022. “This sentence is yet another example of how dangerous felons increasingly turn to untraceable ghost guns for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “These weapons in the wrong hands pose a significant threat to our communities and we will continue to fully enforce the law against those who break it.” Privately made firearms or “ghost guns” are firearms that are made by a person other than a licensed manufacturer and do not have a serial number placed on the firearm by a license manufacturer at the time the firearm was produced. Brown has multiple prior criminal convictions including, but not limited to, carrying a concealed weapon, resisting a public officer, carrying a concealed gun, and possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver cocaine. Brown was also validated as a member of the United Blood Nation by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction and by the Wilmington Police Department. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, the Wilmington Police Department’s Gun Crime Task Force, and the Wilmington Police Department investigated the case and Special Assistant United States Attorney William Van Trigt prosecuted the case. Van Trigt is a prosecutor with the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office assigned to the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute federal violent crimes and other criminal matters. This has been made possible by a grant funded by New Hanover County. The conviction is a result of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) initiative which is a collaborative effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with the community, to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, and interagency coordination and intelligence-led policing. A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:23-cr-00050BO-001. ###


title: Man Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Stolen  Identities and Bank Fraud

body_text: Dennis Antonio Bonner, 66, was sentenced to 48-months in prison for a week-long crime spree in March 2023, where he accessed, or attempted to access, the bank accounts of two victims with accounts at First National Bank. “Identity theft causes financial and emotional wreckage for victims,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Our economic crimes team is determined to stop these callous crooks and put them behind bars where they belong.” Bonner, a resident of New York, travelled to First National Bank branches in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and North Carolina to withdraw money from the personal bank accounts of his victims. Bonner presented a fraudulent driver’s license in order to access the victim’s accounts. In total, he withdrew $38,500 from the victims’ bank accounts. He attempted to withdraw an additional $20,000 at a First National Bank Branch in Nags Head, North Carolina where he was ultimately stopped and arrested by local law enforcement. Bonner previously pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft in September 2023. He admitted to working with unindicted third parties to get fraudulent identification cards made and gain access to the personal identifying information and bank account information of the two individuals with accounts at First National Bank. Bonner has previously been convicted and sentenced for similar theft and impersonation crimes. Since 2011, he’s faced charges in more than seven separate states for financial crimes, including identity theft, forged instruments, impersonation, possession of counterfeit identity cards, credit card theft, larceny, and forgery. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Haughton prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-00159. ###


title: Elizabeth City Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Trafficking Heroin and Fentanyl Causing an Overdose Death

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Tyrese Stokley, a/k/a “Ty,” age 39 of Elizabeth City, was sentenced to 240 months in prison for distributing heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine in the Elizabeth City area. The distribution of fentanyl resulted in an overdose death on February 29, 2020. “Fentanyl overdoses are ravaging our communities and driving down American life expectancy. Drug dealers lacing fentanyl into their products should take note. The party is over, we are coming for you,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “The defendant’s actions, which directly resulted in the tragic overdose death, show a blatant disregard for human life. Individuals should be on notice that we will stop at nothing to bring those responsible for perpetuating this overdose crisis to justice.” On March 1, 2020, the Currituck Sheriff’s Office began investigating the fentanyl overdose death of a young woman. Ultimately, the investigation revealed that Stokley was responsible for sourcing the drugs that were distributed to the young woman which caused her death on February 29, 2020, from fentanyl toxicity. According to court documents and information presented in court, The Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Elizabeth City Police Department, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the Kill Devil Hills Police Department, Nags Head Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine from Stokley. Stokely was responsible for distributing 59.99 grams of cocaine, .2 gram of fentanyl, and 45.3 grams of heroin. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Judge James C. Dever III. The Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Elizabeth City Police Department, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the Kill Devil Hills Police Department, Nags Head Police Department, Kitty Hawk Police Department, Southern Shores Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 2:21-CR-00016-D. ###


title: Shelby County Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Shelbyville, Ky., man, Clinton Lyon Mayes, 51, was sentenced on Wednesday, January 10, to 120 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Gregory VanTatenhove, for possession of child pornography. According to his plea agreement, Mayes appeared for a reporting day with the Kentucky Probation and Parole department. He admitted that he had a smart phone that contained “young” pornography. The Parole Officer searched the phone and located images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Under federal law, Mayes must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Robert Holman, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Filed Division; Russell Coleman, Kentucky Attorney General; and Sheriff Timothy Mark Moore, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by U.S. Secret Service, ATF, Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov — END —


title: Virginia Man and Woman Convicted of Forced Labor at Gas Station and Convenience Store for Multiple Years

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – Following a two-week trial, a federal jury on Friday convicted a Richmond-area couple with conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor, harboring for financial gain, and document servitude in connection with their operation of a gas station and convenience store in North Chesterfield. The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that, between March 2018 and May 2021, Harmanpreet Singh, 30, and Kulbir Kaur, 43, forced the victim, Singh’s cousin, to provide labor and services at Singh’s store, including working as the cashier, preparing food, cleaning, and managing store records. Singh and Kaur used various coercive means, including confiscating the victim’s immigration documents and subjecting the victim to physical abuse, threats of force and other serious harm and, at times, degrading living conditions, to compel him to work extensive hours for minimal pay. “These defendants engaged in an egregious bait-and-switch, luring the victim with false promises of an education in the United States and instead subjecting him to grueling hours, degrading living conditions, and a litany of mental and physical abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Forced labor and human trafficking are abhorrent crimes that have no place in our society, and I am grateful to our team of prosecutors, agents, and support staff for ensuring that justice was done in this case.” In 2018, the defendants enticed the victim, then a minor, to travel to the United States with false promises of helping enroll him in school. After arriving in the United States, the defendants took his immigration documents and immediately put him to work. They also left the victim at the store to sleep in a back office for days at a time on multiple occasions, limited his access to food, refused to provide medical care or education, used surveillance equipment to monitor the victim both at the store and in their home, refused his requests to return to India, and made him overstay his visa. The evidence further showed that Singh pulled the victim’s hair, slapped and kicked him when he requested his immigration documents back and tried to leave, and on three different occasions threatened the victim with a revolver for trying to take a day off and for trying to leave. “The defendants exploited the victim’s trust and his desire to attend school in the United States, and then inflicted physical and mental abuse against him, all so they could keep him working for their profit,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Human trafficking is a disgraceful and unacceptable crime, and this verdict should send the very clear message that the Justice Department will investigate and vigorously prosecute these cases to hold human traffickers accountable and bring justice to their victims.” “These convictions demonstrate the FBI’s commitment to seeking justice for victims of human trafficking and should also serve as a reminder to those who seek to engage in this illegal activity,” said Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI Richmond Field Office. “We will continue working with our local, state and federal partners to aggressively identify, investigate and bring those responsible to justice.” A sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 8. Singh and Kaur face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and mandatory restitution for the forced labor charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia; Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; and Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Avi Panth and Peter S. Duffey for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Matthew Thiman of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org/ . Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-92.


title: Monroe County Man Sentenced To Eight Years’ Imprisonment For Attempting To Entice A Minor

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on January 19, 2024, Matthew Robinson, age 31, formerly of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for attempting to entice a minor online. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Robinson pleaded guilty to attempting to entice an individual under the age of 18 to engage in sexual intercourse, between July 16, 2022 and August 2, 2022. During that time period, Robinson exchanged sexually explicit conversations and photographs with a person that he believed to be 13 years of age. Robinson has been in custody since his arrest on August 2, 2022. The case was investigated by agents from Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood , a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . # # #


title: Member for the Elite Assassin Millas Gang Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Firearms Offenses Involving Murder and Assault In-Aid-Of Racketeering

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Tyshawn Corbett, also known as “Reck,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto to 45 years in prison. In September 2022, the defendant pleaded guilty to three firearm offenses involving murder or assault in-aid-of racketeering, each of which carried a mandatory consecutive term of 10 years. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department, announced the sentence. “For years, Corbett inflicted violence on rivals and terrorized the East New York community with impunity, but with today’s sentence, he has been punished for his repeated, flagrant disrespect for the law,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “My Office is deeply committed to combating gang violence and will continue to work tirelessly with federal and local law enforcement to dismantle these groups.” “Everyone who was subjected to the intimidation and brutality perpetrated by Mr. Corbett can breathe easier today with news of this meaningful prison sentence,” stated NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “The NYPD, in close partnership with our colleagues at the FBI and the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District, will continue to focus its resources on the relatively small number of criminals responsible for driving the violence in New York City. Neither we nor the people we serve will ever stand for our neighborhoods to be overrun by illegal drugs, guns, and associated gang violence, and I commend the investigators and prosecutors involved in this case for their steadfast commitment to our public safety mission.” According to court filings and transcripts, Corbett was a long-time member of the East New York-based Elite Assassin Millas (E.A.M.), a set of the Bloods street gang that operated primarily in East New York. The gang made money through fraud and drug dealing, particularly sales of crack cocaine and marijuana. The gang’s members murdered or attempted to murder its rivals to maintain its power. E.A.M. even referred to its East New York-based chapter as “Gun Town” for the level of violence its members and associates committed and perpetuated. Within the gang, Corbett developed a reputation as a “shooter” for being willing to shoot and kill other people. In this case, Corbett pleaded guilty to committing three shootings. In April 2015, Corbett shot and killed Michael Tenorio. Then, between 2016 and 2018, Corbett engaged in extensive efforts to stalk and kill another individual (John Doe #1). Corbett attempted to shoot and kill John Doe #1 in March 2016 but John Doe #1 survived the shooting. When that murder attempt failed, Corbett and other members of E.A.M. stalked John Doe #1 to try to kill him again. On June 28, 2018, Corbett located John Doe #1 and fired at him repeatedly at close range, striking him approximately six times. John Doe #1 survived the shooting but was left paralyzed. Evidence presented during the trial of a co-defendant showed that Corbett participated in at least four additional shootings over the years. The government’s case has led to the convictions of six members and associates of E.A.M. in addition to Corbett, including E.A.M.’s leader, Quandel Smothers, who was convicted at trial and is scheduled to be sentenced in March 2024. 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 government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Siegel, Genny Ngai and Matthew Galeotti are in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant : TYSHAWN CORBETT (also known as “Reck”) Age: 32 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-213 (KAM)


title: Five Marylanders Facing Federal Charges for a Fraud Scheme Involving the Theft of Checks From the Mail

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging five Marylanders with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and bank fraud and related charges in connection with a fraud scheme involving more than 600 stolen checks with a face value of over $5 million. The indictment was returned on December 7, 2023, and unsealed late on January 19, 2024. Charged in the indictment are: Tianna Cosby, a/k/a “Mendoza,” age 23, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Marche Sisco, age 26, of Suitland, Maryland; Tommi Cosby, age 21, of District Heights, Maryland; Biniah Carter, age 24, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; and Zion Oluwademilade Adeduwon, age 22, of Bowie, Maryland. Tianna Cosby and Biniah Carter were arrested on January 19, 2024, and are expected to have initial appearances today at 1:30 p.m. and 2:15 p.m., respectively, in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gina L. Simms. Law enforcement has not yet located Marche Sisco, Tommi Cosby, and Zion Oluwademilade Adeduwon. The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Postal Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; Executive Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Krafels of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General – Mid Atlantic Field Office; and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department. According to the 18-count indictment, Tianna Cosby and Sisco stole and caused the theft of personal and business checks belonging to victims that had been mailed through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Specifically, the indictment alleges that Sisco used her position as a USPS mail handler assistant at the Washington Network Distribution Center (NDC) to steal checks from the NDC, then communicated regarding the sale and distribution of over 600 stolen checks with Cosby. These checks had a face value of more than $5 million. In addition to stealing checks from the NDC, the indictment alleges that the conspiracy also obtained checks by stealing them from USPS collection boxes. Further, the indictment alleges that Tianna Cosby, Tommi Cosby, Carter, and Adeduwon recruited “account mules” – individuals whose bank accounts are used to deposit illegally acquired checks and proceeds of the scheme. The conspirators then collected and shared account mule information, which included banking and identity information. The defendants allegedly also used and transferred the means of identification of at least five identity theft victims. As detailed in the indictment, the conspirators altered the stolen checks to reflect payment to account mules, deposited the fraudulent checks into the bank accounts belonging to the account mules, then engaged in financial transactions, including ATM withdrawals and account transfers, to obtain the proceeds. If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and bank fraud and for each count of bank fraud; and a mandatory two years, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for each count of aggravated identity theft. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the Prince George’s Police Department Strategic Investigations Division - Financial Crimes Unit for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bijon A. Mostoufi, Raganath Manthripragada, and Elizabeth Wright, who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Iowa City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Ammunition Charges

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man was sentenced on Thursday, January 18, 2024, to 120 months in federal prison for Felon in Possession of Ammunition. According to public court documents and sworn testimony during sentencing, Sanchez Lavelle Watson, 43, was identified by law enforcement after officers were dispatched to an apartment complex in Iowa City in reference to a man waving a gun and threatening others. Officers located a vehicle that was known to have left the scene and initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. Watson was identified as the driver prior to Watson fleeing from police in the vehicle. The vehicle eventually stopped, and Watson proceeded to flee on foot. Nearby the stopped vehicle, officers located a fanny pack containing a handgun with an extended magazine and marijuana. The fanny pack was known to be associated with Watson. As a convicted felon, Watson is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. After completing his term of imprisonment, Watson will be required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department. 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN, an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime, is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement with Oklahoma State Agency to Ensure Oklahoma Mobile Apps Are Accessible to People with Disabilities

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it secured a settlement agreement with Service Oklahoma, a state agency, to resolve its findings that the agency violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by maintaining a mobile application that is inaccessible to individuals with disabilities. “When public entities make services available through mobile apps, they may not exclude people with disabilities by failing to make their technology accessible,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Through this agreement, Service Oklahoma will ensure their mobile apps comply with the ADA by removing barriers that prevent Oklahomans with disabilities from accessing public services. As more state and local governments turn to mobile apps for critical public services, the Justice Department will work to ensure that people with disabilities are guaranteed the ADA’s promise of equal access.” The department investigated Service Oklahoma’s predecessor entity based on a complaint from a blind Oklahoma resident alleging that the Oklahoma Mobile ID Application is inaccessible to individuals with vision disabilities. In November 2023, the department issued a letter of findings concluding that the mobile app imposes critical accessibility barriers for people with vision disabilities. The department found that Service Oklahoma violates the ADA by denying people with disabilities equal access to the mobile app and by failing to ensure that communications with them are as effective as communications with others. Under the agreement, Service Oklahoma will ensure that any mobile app that it creates, administers or maintains is accessible to individuals with disabilities and conforms to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Version 2.1, Level AA, which are industry guidelines for making web content accessible. Service Oklahoma will take other corrective actions, including soliciting accessibility feedback and requests from the public, retaining an ADA coordinator, providing ADA training to employees and reporting to the department. This settlement agreement is part of the Civil Rights Division’s Tech Equity Initiative to combat disability discrimination that occurs through technology such as websites and mobile apps. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 (TTY 833-610-1264) or visit www.ada.gov . For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt . If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, you may file a complaint online at www.civilrights.justice.gov/ .


title: Two Business Owners Pleaded Guilty to Federal Program Theft in Relation to the Misappropriation of Operational Funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico –Martin D. Cruz-Vázquez, President of FiveStar Pest Control Inc. (FiveStar), and Luis O. Agosto-Meléndez, President of CoolBreeze Air Conditioning, Inc. (CoolBreeze) pleaded guilty to the theft of federal program funds provided by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the administration of Public Housing Projects (PHPs) in Puerto Rico. According to court documents, Martin D. Cruz-Vázquez utilized FiveStar to obtain fraudulent contracts with American Management and Administration Corporation (AMAC) and to submit fraudulent invoices for work that was not rendered. From 2014 to August 2022, Martin D. Cruz-Vázquez illegally obtained approximately $363,937 in HUD operational funds that were earmarked for the administration of PHPs. Similarly, from 2014 to August 2019, Luis O. Agosto-Meléndez utilized CoolBreeze to obtain fraudulent contracts with AMAC causing the theft of approximately $73,199.46 in HUD operational funds. Both schemes were carried out with the assistance of AMAC’s management, including president Walter Pierluisi-Isern, who were convicted in 2023 for related federal program theft in excess of $3.7 million. See https://www.justice.gov/usao-pr/pr/walter-pierluisi-isern-eduardo-pierluisi-isern-and-american-management-and . “The U.S. Department of Justice will continue to prosecute those who attempt to defraud government programs,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “These plea agreements send a clear message to those who misuse government funds that they will be held accountable for their crimes.” “The guilty pleas relating to theft of funds from a HUD program meant to benefit low-income families is a signal that repercussions await all those that would seek to illegally obtain taxpayer dollars through fraudulent schemes,” said HUD OIG Southeast Region Special Agent-in-Charge, Jerome Winkle. “HUD OIG remains committed to working with our prosecutorial and law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of HUD’s programs and ensure vulnerable people in our communities are provided critical resources upon which they can rely.” The defendants Luis O. Agosto-Melendez and Martin D. Cruz-Vazquez are scheduled to be sentenced on April 12, 2024 and April 30, 2024, respectively, and face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General investigated this case with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Christine Amy is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Louisiana Man Arrested for Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Charges During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: A Louisiana man has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges, including for assaulting law enforcement during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election. Edward Richmond Jr., 40, of Geismar, Louisiana, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with felony offenses of civil disorder, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon, and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. In addition to the felonies, Richmond is charged with several misdemeanor offenses, including disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, and violent entry and disorderly conduct. Richmond was arrested today in Baton Rouge and will make his initial appearance in the Middle District of Louisiana. According to court documents, Richmond traveled to Washington, D.C., from Ohio with a group of approximately nine other individuals who planned to attend the rallies planned for the day. Richmond wore a black helmet, goggles, shoulder pads, an orange two-way radio, and a Louisiana State Flag patch on his chest during the attack. Court documents say that video footage taken from the U.S. Capitol building closed-circuit television (“CCTV”) footage from Jan. 6, 2021, depicts Richmond in the area of the Lower West Terrace Tunnel that day. This area was the site of some of the most violent attacks against law enforcement officers on January 6th. In addition to the CCTV footage, Richmond is seen on body-worn camera footage using a baton to strike law enforcement officers in the Lower West Terrace Tunnel multiple times. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Louisiana. This case is being investigated by the FBI's Washington Field Office, which identified Richmond as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) #182 on its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Baton Rouge Resident Agency of the New Orleans Field Office, U.S. Capitol Police, and the Metropolitan Police Department. In the 36 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,265 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 440 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov. A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Michigan Man Sentenced to 280 Months for Armed Fentanyl Trafficking

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Detroit man, D’Angelo S. Yarbrough, 31, was sentenced to 280 months in federal prison on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Karen K. Caldwell, for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to Yarbrough’s plea agreement, on September 22, 2022, Yarbrough was arrested by law enforcement for an outstanding arrest warrant at the Bluegrass Airport. During a search of Yarbrough’s vehicle, law enforcement located approximately 60 grams of pressed fentanyl pills, along with narcotics trafficking equipment including a blender, a press, and a large quantity of cutting agents. In addition to these items, officers also located a loaded firearm, which was determined to be machinegun. Yarbrough pleaded guilty to the charges in August 2023. Under federal law, Yarbrough must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, ATF, and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paco Villalobos prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. -END-


title: Former West Virginia Official Pleads Guilty to Making False Statement

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Timothy Priddy, 49, of Buffalo, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today to making a false statement. Priddy admitted that he lied to federal investigators about the verification of invoices for COVID-19 testing that he certified while an official with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR). According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 2, 2022, Priddy was director of WVDHHR’s Center for Threat Preparedness when he was interviewed by federal agents. Priddy had previously been deputy director, and his duties in that position had included reviewing and verifying the accuracy of certain invoices submitted to WVDHHR by vendors supplying COVID-19 testing and mitigation services prior to certifying the invoices for payment. The agents asked Priddy about invoices submitted by a particular vendor that had billed the State of West Virginia for tens of millions of dollars for COVID-19 testing and related services. Priddy admitted that he knew the agents were investigating the vendor for suspected fraudulent billing, and that information relative to the invoices and subsequent payment was material to that investigation. One series of invoices of interest to the federal investigation related to a COVID-19 testing program for K-12 students, faculty and staff returning to school after the winter holiday break. Priddy certified the K-12 testing program invoices without making any effort to verify their accuracy. Priddy falsely told the agents that he certified the invoices only after two individuals working with the K-12 testing program verified the invoices involved. Priddy admitted that he knew that statement was false. “After completely failing to verify invoices seeking tens of millions of public dollars, Mr. Priddy significantly affected an important investigation into that spending with his false statement,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. Priddy is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the West Virginia Legislature’s Commission on Special Investigations. "No matter your job or status in the community, it is a federal crime to lie to the FBI," said acting Special Agent in Charge Mike Shanahan. "Priddy lied to the FBI during a critical moment in the investigation. This conviction should serve as a reminder that those who lie to federal agents will face serious criminal consequences for their actions." Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Hanks, Holly Wilson and Kathleen Robeson and former Assistant United States Attorney Philip Wright prosecuted 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. 2:23-cr-162. ###


title: Nigerian Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Wire Fraud Charges

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Nigerian national, and Dallas, Texas resident, was sentenced on Thursday, January 18, 2024, to 87 months in federal prison for wire fraud charges. According to public court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Emmanuel Azubuike Ogbeide, 28, was a member of a fraudulent business email compromise (BEC) scheme with his father, Kingsley Ogbeide, and his girlfriend, Vemuna Katjaimo, in the Southern District of Iowa. BEC scams are initiated by tricking employees of legitimate businesses to change their bank information via email. Large sums of money are subsequently wired to illegitimate bank accounts controlled by fraudsters. Ogbeide knowingly falsified bank accounts with co-defendants, Kingsley Ogbeide and Vemuna Katjaimo, and directly defrauded various businesses in the Southern District of Iowa and elsewhere. Following the fraudulent money wires from the businesses, Ogbeide actively participated in moving large sums of money between fraudulent accounts to avoid detection. After completing his term of imprisonment, Ogbeide will be required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Ogbeide, joint and severable with the other co-defendants, was also ordered to pay $1,587,127.87 in restitution to the business victims. Co-defendants, Kingsley Ogbeide and Vemuna Katjaimo, were sentenced on September 20, 2023, to 121 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release and time served, respectively. https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia/pr/ugandan-man-sentenced-121-months-federal-prison-money-laundering-charge . United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects Over $4.5 Million in Restitution for Victims, Criminal Fines, and Other Penalties in Fiscal Year 2023

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: BOISE – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today that the office’s Financial Litigation Program, which is part of the Asset Recovery Division, collected over $3.5 million in criminal monetary penalties, which includes restitution, fines, and assessments, and in civil debts for the fiscal year that ended September 30, 2023. In some cases, the U.S. Attorney’s Office worked in conjunction with litigating components of the U.S. Department of Justice. Of the total collected, approximately $2 million were criminal restitution, fines, and/or assessments, and approximately $1.5 million were civil debts. In addition, the Asset Forfeiture Unit, the other part of the Asset Recovery Division, deposited to the Asset Forfeiture Fund approximately $1 million in proceeds and instruments of crime in criminal and civil forfeiture actions. In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, through the Financial Litigation Program, collected approximately $1.9 million in criminal restitution that was or will be distributed to victims of crime. Other criminal collections such as fines go into the Crime Victims Fund. From there, funds are distributed to the Idaho Crime Victims Compensation Program, the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance, and similar programs across the country. Money recovered from the illegal proceeds of criminal activity through forfeiture is returned to victims, used to offset the costs of operating federal prisons, and shared with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to help fight crime. Other recoveries go back to agency creditors. “Our Asset Recovery Division works tirelessly to recover money for victims and recouping the ill-gotten gains of those convicted of federal crimes in Idaho,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “As taxpayers, we should all be proud of the outstanding work these dedicated public servants have done over the past year.” As for civil debts and penalties, the Financial Litigation Program collects civil penalties for violations of regulations involving, among other things, controlled substances, environmental protection, damage to federal property, and procurement fraud. It also collects civil debts for defaulted loans from federal taxpayer-funded programs. ###


title: Former Chief Operating Officer of Illinois Hospital Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Charge

body_text: CHICAGO — The former Chief Operating Officer of an Illinois hospital pleaded guilty today to a federal fraud charge for illegally pocketing more than $620,000 in hospital funds. ROBERT SPADONI was an attorney who worked as a Vice President and COO of the hospital. Spadoni admitted in a plea agreement that from 2013 to 2021, he orchestrated a scheme in which he approved the hospital’s payment of invoices to a vendor company that purportedly provided administrative support and compliance services. In reality, the vendor company – Medical Education Solutions, Inc. – had been established by Spadoni for the purpose of executing the scheme. Spadoni opened a bank account for the company in a relative's name and steered the hospital’s payments into it. Spadoni concealed the fraud scheme by paying $1,500 a month in cash to another hospital employee to actually provide the administrative and compliance services. As a result of the fraud scheme, Spadoni obtained approximately $622,500 in payments from the hospital, the plea agreement states. Spadoni admitted in the plea agreement that he used the money for his own benefit, including restaurant meals and hotel stays, as well as transferring $225,805 into his 401(k) account. Spadoni, 59, of Darien, Ill., pleaded guilty to a mail fraud charge. The conviction is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly set sentencing for April 30, 2024. The guilty plea was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Kwame Raoul, Illinois Attorney General. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chester Choi. Spadoni plea agreement


title: Former CEO of Whittier Health Clinic Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison for Running Multimillion-Dollar Scheme to Defraud Medi-Cal

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – The former president and CEO of a Whittier medical clinic was sentenced today to 124 months in federal prison for submitting fraudulent billings to a Medi-Cal health care program that provides family planning services to low-income Californians who lack health insurance. Vincenzo Rubino, 59, of Valencia, was sentenced by United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II, who also ordered him to pay $3,815,478 in restitution and entered a money judgment of $2,308,028. Rubino pleaded guilty in August 2023 to nine counts of health care fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Rubino pleaded guilty mid-trial when the prosecution had nearly finished presenting its case to the jury. Rubino founded, owned and operated Santa Maria’s Children and Family Center, a Whittier-based medical clinic based registered as a non-profit public benefit corporation and enrolled as a Family Planning, Access, Care and Treatment (Family PACT) provider run through Medi-Cal. From November 2014 to August 2017, the center submitted fraudulent claims totaling nearly $5 million to the Family PACT program for family planning services that were never provided, often using the information of patients who were recruited at off-site locations with offers of free diabetes testing. To submit many of these claims, Rubino used the names of two medical providers who were not employed at Santa Maria’s. The patients did not see these providers – a physician’s assistant and an elderly doctor who was himself a patient in a skilled nursing facility during much of the scheme. The Medi-Cal program paid more than $2.3 million dollars on the fraudulent claims, as well as an additional approximately $1.5 million to a pharmacy and laboratory for claims stemming from referrals from Santa Maria based on the same services that were never delivered. “This defendant took advantage of health-care services intended for people in need,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Instead of allowing that money to go where it was intended, Rubino stole millions of dollars through sham claims to Medi-Cal for family planning services that either were unnecessary or unprovided. Today’s sentence highlights my office’s resolve to protect the most vulnerable in our community.” “Vulnerable families across California trusted Santa Maria’s Children and Family Center to receive high quality care for their health,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Yet, the defendant knowingly exploited patients and healthcare benefit programs for their personal gain. At the California Department of Justice, we remain committed to holding bad actors, like Vincenzo Rubino accountable for defrauding Californians and stealing from taxpayer-funded programs. I want to thank the U.S. Department of Justice for their partnership in this investigation.” The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the California Department of Justice investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristen A. Williams of the Major Frauds Section and David H. Chao of the General Crimes Section prosecuted this case. Assistant United States Attorney Tara B. Vavere of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section is handling the asset forfeiture portion of this case.


title: Houma Doctor Charged with Distributing Misbranded Injectable Contraceptives to Patients

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that MICHELLE ANDRE , age 48, a physician residing in Houma, La. was charged on January 9, 2024 with distribution of misbranded drugs, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 331. According to court documents, from April 2018 through March 2023, ANDRE introduced misbranded drugs, including medroxyprogesterone, into interstate commerce. The medroxyprogesterone lacked adequate directions for use in its labeling. If convicted, ANDRE faces up to one year in prison and up to one year of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Food and Drug Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit and Paul Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Three Waterbury Residents Charged with Trafficking Fentanyl Pills

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that RAMONA ESPINOSA, 57, MANUEL LIRIANO, 38, and JOSE COLLADO, 36, all of Waterbury, have been charged with federal fentanyl distribution offenses. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force identified Espinosa, Liriano, and Collado as fentanyl pill traffickers. In September 2023, investigators made two controlled purchases of a total of 550 fentanyl pills from Espinosa. On November 29, 2023, investigators made a controlled purchase of 2,000 fentanyl pills from Espinosa and, on that date, identified Collado as her drug supplier. On December 12, 2023, a court-authorized search of a Waterbury residence shared by Espinosa and Liriano resulted in the seizure of approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills. Espinosa was arrested on a federal criminal complaint at that time. Liriano was arrested on December 16 and Collado was arrested on December 27. On December 27, 2023, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Espinosa, Liriano, and Collado with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. In addition, the indictment charges Espinosa with one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, which also carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and Espinosa with three counts, and Liriano and Collado with one count, of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Espinosa appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Liriano and Collado were previously arraigned and also entered pleas of not guilty. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Espinosa, Liriano, and Collado are each released on a $50,000 bond pending trial. This matter is being investigated the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.