title: Man Charged for Torturing Prisoners

body_text: A Tennessee man was arraigned today on charges that he tortured prisoners during the armed conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s. According to a superseding indictment returned on Dec. 6, Sead Miljković, aka Sead Dukic, 51, of Chattanooga, was allegedly a member of the Obezbjeđenje objekata i lica (OBL), a police force of the so-called Autonomous Province of Western Bosnia (APZB). The OBL was responsible for guarding APZB headquarters at the Old Fort, a castle overlooking the town of Velika Kladuša, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Between December 1994 and August 1995, soldiers of the former Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina who had been captured in fighting against APZB armed forces were transported from detention camps to perform forced labor at the Old Fort under Miljković’s and other OBL members’ supervision and control. “Sead Miljković allegedly tortured prisoners and then decades later lied about his identity to obtain a U.S. passport,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Neither the passage of time nor a defendant’s concealment efforts will prevent us from bringing human rights violators to justice and ensuring that perpetrators of torture cannot seek refuge in the United States.” “The superseding indictment’s torture charges are serious human rights abuses that cannot go unpunished,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee. “We thank our investigative partners on this case for their outstanding efforts to gather evidence required for these charges.” Miljković and other OBL members allegedly inflicted severe and sustained beatings on the prisoners, using a metal pipe, rifle butt, and shovel handle, causing the victims to lose consciousness or suffer other injuries. Miljković and other OBL members also allegedly threatened prisoners with death, intentionally withheld water even while forcing the prisoners to perform hard physical labor, forced the prisoners to fight one another, and pushed one victim’s head down on a knife or bayonet as if to impale his throat on the blade. “Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is resolute in its commitment to protecting human rights and the pursuit of justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of HSI Nashville. “The United States in not a safe haven for war criminals and human rights violators. Thanks to the dedication of our HSI Chattanooga special agents, Miljković will now have to answer these allegations in court.” Miljković is charged with three counts of inflicting torture on prisoners under his supervision. In June, Miljković was charged in a three-count indictment with passport fraud for allegedly making false statements relating to his true name and date of birth. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. HSI Chattanooga investigated the case, with support from HSI Vienna, HSI Newark, and HSI’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, and assistance from the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service Houston Field Office, Chattanooga Police Department Special Victims Unit, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and Tennessee Highway Patrol. The Justice Department thanks the Ministry of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, which were instrumental in furthering the investigation. Trial Attorneys Elizabeth Nielsen and Chelsea Schinnour of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecution Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Woods for the Eastern District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case, with assistance from HSRP historians. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance. Members of the public who have information about human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact U.S. law enforcement through the HSI tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or through the ICE online tip form at www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Federal Jury Convicts Violent Convicted Felon for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – A federal jury found a San Antonio man, previously convicted of aggravated robbery, guilty of illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Dylan James Rivas, 25, who was convicted of Aggravated Robbery in Bexar County in 2017, illegally possessed a firearm during a five-day span in April 2020. On April 13, 2020, Rivas attacked and pistol-whipped his girlfriend with the firearm, before shooting at her parents’ house early the next morning. Then, on April 17, 2020, Rivas shot another person with the firearm during an argument. That same day, San Antonio Police Department detectives tracked down Rivas and arrested him after he left a house on the west side of San Antonio. Detectives recovered the Glock 9mm caliber pistol that Rivas used in the shootings from inside the house. Rivas was found guilty of one count of felon in possession of a firearm and faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment. He remains in federal custody awaiting sentencing on March 13, 2024. The ATF and SAPD investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Nowinski and Eric Fuchs are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Anonymous tips involving gang crime and wanted fugitives can be submitted at www.stopsanantoniogangs.org . ###


title: Ninth Defendant Pleads Guilty in Large-Scale Sacramento Cocaine and Heroin Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Tyrone Anderson, 43, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to traffic at least 5,000 grams of cocaine and 280 grams of cocaine base and one count of conspiracy to traffic heroin, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Anderson is among the 15 federal defendants arrested in 2021 and charged in a 45-count indictment for trafficking narcotics as part of a DEA-led multi-agency operation targeting cocaine and heroin traffickers in North Sacramento. Anderson was intercepted during wiretaps in 2018 and 2019 trafficking kilograms of cocaine and heroin and was arrested in possession of two firearms. This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the California Department of Justice, the California Highway Patrol, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sacramento Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron L. Desmond and Aaron D. Pennekamp are prosecuting the case. Anderson is scheduled to be sentenced on March 7, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley. Anderson faces at least 10 years and a maximum of life in prison and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. On March 16, 2023, Arlington Caine, 48, of Rio Linda, was sentenced to 22 months in prison on two counts of using a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. On Dec. 8, 2022, Michael Hampton, 57, of Vallejo, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine. On Nov. 17, 2022, Charles Carter, 36, of Sacramento, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine. On Sept. 29, 2022, Jason Tolbert, 45, of Sacramento, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. On Feb. 22, 2023, Dwight Haney, 52, of Sacramento pleaded guilty to two counts of using a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Haney is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 8, 2024. On Jan. 26, 2023, Jerome Adams, 56, of North Highlands, pleaded guilty to two counts of using a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Adams is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 18, 2024. On Dec. 1, 2022, Bobby Conner, 51, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty to two counts of using a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Conner is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 18, 2024. On Nov. 17, 2022, Andre Hellams, 40, of North Highlands, pleaded guilty to two counts of using a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Hellams is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 8, 2024. Charges are pending against the following defendants: Maurice Bryant, 51, of Antelope; Yovanny Ontiveros, 41, of Sacramento; Alex White, 61, of North Highlands; Steven Hampton, 61, of Sacramento; Wilmer Harden, 52, of Elk Grove; and Mark Martin, 62, of Sacramento. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. The Sacramento Strike Force is a co‑located model that enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.


title: Louisiana man sentenced to ten years for transportation of a minor  across state lines for sexual purposes

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: OXFORD, Miss. – A Louisiana man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for transporting a minor across state lines with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Ronald Latiolais, III, age 28, met a Mississippi teen online and began chatting with her using an online application. In April of 2019, Latiolais drove from Louisiana to Mississippi to meet the 13-year-old girl. During their conversations, the minor revealed to Latiolais that she was underage. Despite knowing she was underage, Latiolais went to the teen’s house during the middle of the night, cut the screen on the minor’s bedroom window, and escaped undetected with the teen. Latiolais admitted to committing sexual acts with the minor during a stop on the drive from Mississippi to Louisiana. The minor was recovered at Latiolais’ house the next day. At the conclusion of the March 2022 trial of this case, a jury found Latiolais guilty of transporting a minor in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in unlawful sexual activity, a charge requiring a mandatory minimum sentence of 120 months in prison. Latiolais has remained in jail since August of 2022, and was sentenced on Thursday to serve 120 months in prison. Upon release from prison, Latiolais will remain on supervised release for five years and must register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner of the Northern District of Mississippi announced the sentence on Thursday afternoon. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation with assistance from local law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Parker S. King and Julie Addison prosecuted the case.


title: Captain and Co-Captain Sentenced for Maritime Smuggling Effort That Left Three Dead

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – December 14, 2023 SAN DIEGO – The captain and co-captain of a boat that capsized off Imperial Beach during a 2022 smuggling incident, resulting in the deaths of three people, were sentenced in federal court today to 54 and 50 months in prison, respectively. Jorge Armando Preciado-Vasquez, the captain, and Alexis Martinez-Preciado, the co-captain and navigator, attempted to smuggle seven adults and an unaccompanied minor from Mexico into the United States over Thanksgiving weekend in 2022. The victims were a 39-year-old woman and 47-year-old man, both from Mexico; and a still unidentified young woman, believed to be from Guatemala. According to plea agreements and the government’s sentencing documents, the defendants navigated the open-hull craft from Mexico on the open ocean through the night until they approached Imperial Beach early in the morning on November 26. As they approached the shore, at approximately 6 a.m., the defendants directed all eight people on board to take off their life vests, a common practice so passengers are quicker and more inconspicuous making their way to the shore. Soon after removing the life jackets, however, the panga boat overturned as shown in the images below. The three victims drowned despite the best efforts of surfers, witnesses and Imperial Beach lifeguards to rescue them. Two bodies were recovered that morning; the third was discovered on the beach days later. “This case is a horrible tragedy and three lives were needlessly lost when profiteering overtook caution,” said U. S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Criminal smuggling organizations consistently disregard the welfare of the human beings they smuggle.” “Maritime human smuggling is an incredibly dangerous tactic which has claimed numerous lives. However, transnational criminal organizations have no regard for human life and continue to enrich themselves using the tactic,” said Chad Plantz, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations San Diego. “HSI is committed to using all means at our disposal to investigate and hold accountable those placing human beings at substantial risk of injury and death.” This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Horn and Ronald Sou. DEFENDANTS Case Number 22-CR-2928-TWR Jorge Armando Preciado-Vasquez Age: 30 Baja California, Mexico Alexis Martinez-Preciado Age: 20 Baja California, Mexico SUMMARY OF CHARGES Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain and Aiding and Abetting – Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii); Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2 Penalties: Mandatory minimum of three years and maximum of ten years in prison, and up to a $250,000 fine AGENCIES Homeland Security Investigations – San Diego Marine Task Force United States Border Patrol United States Customs and Border Protection United States Coast Guard San Diego County Sheriff’s Department San Diego Harbor Police Department San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office


title: Former Idaho Resident Indicted as a “Money Mule” for Laundering Funds from Wire Fraud and Bank Fraud Schemes

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: BOISE – Andrew Samargis, 69, a former Idaho resident was charged yesterday for conspiring to commit money laundering and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business by collecting money from various wire and bank frauds schemes and then sending the funds to his coconspirators, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. The indictment alleges that from approximately October 2017 through July 2020, Samargis conspired with others to operate as a money mule by receiving at least $1 million of financial fraud proceeds into accounts that he controlled and then conducting financial transactions with the proceeds to disguise the nature and source of the funds. The wire fraud and bank fraud schemes included credit card fraud, counterfeit check-cashing fraud, and COVID-19 funding fraud. A money mule is a person who transfers illegally acquired money on behalf of other individuals and typically receives compensation for providing their services. It is further alleged that Samargis transmitted the proceeds of the fraud schemes to coconspirators through cash withdrawals, cashier’s checks, and wire transfers, at times disguising the purpose of the transfer by providing false descriptions to the banks. Despite banks repeatedly closing his accounts due to fraud, Samargis continued to serve as a money mule for the fraud schemes. Samargis is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. If convicted of the most serious crime, Samargis faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, a $500,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the investigation by the United States Secret Service, Spokane Resident Office, together with the assistance from the United States Secret Service Tucson and Las Vegas Offices, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney Campbell is prosecuting the case. This month, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, have released a series of PSAs as part of the “Don’t Click December” Consumer Protection Campaign. This campaign is an effort to raise public awareness and alert Idahoans to dangers from online scams and fraud scheme. For more information, and to view the PSAs, please visit: justice.gov/usao-id/public-service-announcements An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Four Individuals Charged with Laundering Millions from Cryptocurrency Investment Scams Known as ‘Pig Butchering’

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Three Southland residents and a fourth defendant have been named in a seven-count indictment charging them with participating in a scheme to launder the proceeds of cryptocurrency investment scams and other fraudulent schemes involving millions of dollars in victim funds, the Justice Department announced today. Two of the defendants – Lu Zhang, 36, of Alhambra, and Justin Walker, 31, of Cypress – were arrested Tuesday morning. The other two defendants – Joseph Wong, 32, Rosemead, and Hailong Zhu, 40, Naperville, Illinois – are currently being sought by federal authorities. The indictment charges all four defendants with conspiracy to commit money laundering, concealment money laundering, and international money laundering. Zhang, Walker, Wong and Zhu allegedly conspired to open shell companies and bank accounts to launder victim proceeds of cryptocurrency investment scams – also known as “pig butchering” – and other fraudulent schemes. They allegedly transferred the funds involved in the fraud schemes to domestic and international financial institutions. The overall fraud scheme in the related pig-butchering syndicate involved at least 284 transactions and resulted in more than $80 million in victim losses. More than $20 million in victim funds were directly deposited into bank accounts associated with the defendants. According to court documents, pig butchering fraud schemes (a term derived from a foreign-language phrase used to describe these crimes) consist of scammers encountering victims on dating services or social media, or through unsolicited messages or calls, often masquerading as a wrong number. Scammers initiate relationships with victims and slowly gain their trust, eventually introducing the idea of making a business investment using cryptocurrency. Victims are then directed to other members of the scheme operating fraudulent cryptocurrency investment platforms and applications, where victims are persuaded to make financial investments. Once funds are sent to scammer-controlled accounts, the investment platform often falsely shows significant gains on the purported investment, and the victims are thus induced to make additional investments. Ultimately, the victims are unable to withdraw or recover their money, often resulting in significant losses for the victims. After their arrests, Zhang and Walker appeared yesterday in United States District Court in Los Angeles, where they both entered not guilty pleas. Zhang was ordered detained, and Walker was ordered released on bond. A trial was scheduled for February 6, 2024. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Each of the charges for conspiracy to commit money laundering, concealment money laundering, and international money laundering carry a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in federal prison. This case was announced by United States Attorney Martin Estrada, Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge William Mancino of the U.S. Secret Service’s Criminal Investigative Division. The U.S. Secret Service’s Global Investigative Operations Center is investigating the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maxwell Coll of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section and Nisha Chandran of the Cyber & Intellectual Property Crimes Section, and Justice Department Trial Attorney Stefanie Schwartz. AUSA Coll and Ms. Schwartz are part of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section’s (CCIPS) National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET), which is jointly prosecuting the case with the United States Attorney’s Office. If you or someone you know is a victim, report it to the www.IC3.gov . In the report, please reference “Pig Butchering PSA” and include as much information as possible in the complaint including names of investment platforms, cryptocurrency addresses and transaction hashes, bank account information, and names and contact information of suspected scammers. Maintain copies of all communications with scammers and records of financial transactions.


title: 85-Year Old D.C. Man Charged With Killing His 81-Year-Old Wife

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Steven Schwartz, 85, of Washington, D.C., was arrested earlier today on the charge of second-degree murder while armed in the stabbing death of his 81-year-old wife, Sharron Schwartz, on December 10, 2023, at their D.C. home, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves announced. Defendant Schwartz was arraigned today in D.C. Superior Court, via video appearance, where he entered a plea of not guilty. The Honorable Magistrate Judge Sherry Trafford found probable cause that the defendant committed the murder and held him without bond pending his preliminary hearing on January 2, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., before Judge Demeo in Courtroom 303. In announcing the arrest, U.S. Attorney Graves commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and Assistant United States Attorney Nebiyu Feleke for his efforts in prosecuting this case. An arrest on a complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.


title: Two Los Angeles County Men Agree to Plead Guilty in Connection with Bribery Scheme to Unlawfully Obtain Tribal Police Badges

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Two Los Angeles-area men who unlawfully sold or purchased police badges from a southeastern San Diego County tribe – one who lied to the FBI about the scheme, the other who was arrested while high on drugs while carrying a stash of firearms and claiming to be a police officer – have agreed to plead guilty, the Justice Department announced today. The two defendants named in court papers filed Tuesday are: Colin Gilbert, 80, of Marina del Rey, who has agreed to plead guilty to one count of making false statements, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison; and Akiva Grunewald, 45, of West Los Angeles, who has agreed to plead guilty to one count of bribery, a crime that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison. Gilbert and Grunewald are expected to formally enter guilty pleas in the coming weeks. According to court documents, beginning in 2016, Gilbert and others recruited wealthy people to join the Manzanita Tribal Police Department. Gilbert lived approximately 177 miles – three hours by car – from the Manzanita Reservation, was not a member of and had no affiliation with the Manzanita Tribe. The wealthy individuals were asked to make a large payment, ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 and sometimes styled as a “donation,” in exchange for membership in the Manzanita PD, which they wanted because of the benefits they believed having law enforcement credentials would bring them. In August 2019, Gilbert arranged for an individual whom Gilbert understood had no prior law enforcement experience or training to become a member of the Manzanita Tribal Police Department after making a $5,000 payment. The buyer told Gilbert that his primary motivation for obtaining the badge was so he could carry a concealed firearm without a permit. During a November 2019 interview with the FBI, Gilbert lied, in part, by telling agents “…everybody that I had brought on had proper credentials, had the proper training, had everything done correctly,” according to his plea agreement. Gilbert then falsely told the FBI that everyone, including the newest recruit, had taken a specific law enforcement training class before receiving credentials, even though Gilbert knew this individual had not. After his interview with the FBI, Gilbert called the new recruit and asked him to return the credentials and, if ever asked, deny having received them. For his part, in July 2018, Grunewald corruptly gave the Manzanita Tribal Police Department chief $20,000, intending to obtain a tribal police badge. Grunewald had never served as, or trained to become, a law enforcement officer and had never served in the military or as a private security officer. Instead, Grunewald’s motivation was to conceal-carry firearms in California without getting a permit. After obtaining the badge, in August 2018, Grunewald – then an addict and unlawful user of oxycodone and other narcotics – was pulled over by Culver City Police after an officer saw Grunewald run across a busy street and enter a black Range Rover that was missing a front license plate, had tinted windows, and had a rear license plate that rightfully belonged to a different car. During the traffic stop, Grunewald displayed his Manzanita PD badge out of his window and identified himself as a police officer. Grunewald “was shaking visibly, sweating, and appeared extremely nervous,” his plea agreement states. The police officer asked Grunewald to exit the vehicle after Grunewald said he was carrying a firearm on his right hip. During a search of the vehicle and Grunewald himself, law enforcement recovered two loaded firearms, approximately 43 oxycodone pills, a police gun belt with handcuffs, a collapsible baton, a tactical vest, pepper spray, and numerous other badges and credentials associated with other law enforcement agencies. After his August 2018 Culver City arrest resulted in the seizure of his badges, Grunewald then asked the Manzanita Tribal Police chief for another badge. Grunewald then used these new credentials to purchase several firearms, including a semi-automatic rifle. During these gun buys, Grunewald lied on federal forms that he was not an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance when, in fact, he was. In May 2019, Los Angeles Police arrested Grunewald, who possessed firearms and ammunition and was under the influence of oxycodone at the time, following multiple 911 phone calls reporting indecent exposure at a gas station, with an undressed man – Grunewald – in distress, hitting himself. Grunewald, who was sweating profusely, again identified himself as a police officer and told law enforcement he had taken Percocet and Ambien. Police found two Manzanita PD badges and other law enforcement ID on Grunewald’s person. Police searched Grunewald’s black Range Rover and found four firearms, including the semi-automatic rifle, along with more than 200 rounds of ammunition. Federal prosecutors in October 2021 secured a guilty plea from Anthony Reyes Vazquez, 51, of Oxnard, who admitted to stealing more than $300,000 while serving as the head of the Manzanita Tribal Police from 2012 to 2018. Vazquez pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in San Diego to one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. Vazquez sold fake badges to buyers who made substantial payments to become members of the Manzanita Tribal Police Department and have privileges available to law enforcement officers, such as carrying concealed weapons. Vazquez is scheduled for sentencing on April 29, 2024. The FBI in Los Angeles and San Diego investigated this matter with substantial assistance from the Culver City Police Department and the Los Angeles Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Frances S. Lewis of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Los Angeles Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Prison for COVID-19 Business Loan Fraud Schemes and for Firearms and Ammo Crime

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A downtown Los Angeles man was sentenced today to 63 months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining more than $150,000 – and attempted to obtain an additional $1.85 million – in COVID-relief loans for several companies he claimed to own and operate, and for illegally possessing firearms – including three AR-style rifles – and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Sean Schoepflin, 44, a.k.a. “Sean Fitzgerald,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Fernando M. Olguin, who ordered Schoepflin immediately remanded into custody at today’s hearing. At the conclusion of a three-day trial in late 2022, a jury found Schoepflin guilty of two counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering. At a separate two-day trial that concluded on August 16, a jury found Schoepflin guilty of one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. From April 2020 to October 2021, Schoepflin made numerous false statements to the United States Small Business Administration to secure more than $150,000 – and attempting to secure an additional $1.85 million – in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) for his business. In applying for the EIDL loans, Schoepflin falsely stated that the business entity he created had several employees and more than half a million dollars in revenue, and that he would use the EIDLs for working capital for the business. Schoepflin also falsely stated on loan application that he had never been convicted of a felony. In fact, his purported business, Capital Adventures Inc., had no employees and little to no revenue. Schoepflin used the EIDLs largely for personal expenses, and he had previously been convicted of multiple felonies. For example, Schoepflin falsely stated in the loan application that Capital Adventures had revenues of $560,000 in a one-year period just before the pandemic. When an SBA employee sent an email to Schoepflin requesting Capital Adventures’ business tax return to show proof of the company’s existence as a business entity, Schoepflin sent an unsigned tax form that stated that Capital Adventures had gross sales or receipts of $625,112 in 2019. In fact, Capital Adventures did not file the required IRS form for 2019 until July 2021, after it requested and was denied an increase for its EIDL. Furthermore, between February 2018 and April 2020, Capital Adventures’ bank accounts had total deposits of approximately $35,000. “While the rest of the world was grappling with the effects of the worst pandemic in modern history…Sean Schoepflin saw this time as an opportunity to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from American small businesses for his own gain,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “[Schoepflin]…utilized four fictitious companies over the span of a year to apply repeatedly for COVID-19 funds to which [he was] not entitled.” In March 2022, federal law enforcement searched Schoepflin’s residence in connection with his COVID fraud scheme. While there, agents recovered nine firearms, including three AR-style assault rifles, and more than 4,000 rounds of ammunition belonging to Schoepflin. Schoepflin is not permitted to possess firearms or ammunition because of his felony convictions dating back to the late 1990s in Florida state court, which include witness tampering, cocaine possession, and burglary. Schoepflin’s wife, Erika Leon, 46, a.k.a. “Erika Fitzgerald,” also of downtown Los Angeles, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of wire fraud in the COVID fraud case. She is expected to go to trial early next year. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The FBI and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration investigated this matter. The Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service provided substantial assistance with the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Solomon Kim and David C. Lachman of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this case. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Bridgeport Man Who Trafficked Cocaine Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS CEPEDA, also known as “Doogie,” 35, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine. According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Connecticut State Police determined that a drug trafficking organization headed by Landdy Rodriguez, also known as “Oso,” was obtaining kilogram-quantities of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico. In the summer of 2021, investigators also intercepted phone calls during which Reinaldo Colon Oliveras, while incarcerated in a federal prison in Atlanta and using a smuggled cell phone, arranging the shipment of cocaine to Rodriguez and his associate, Thomas Marra. Rodriguez and Marra further distributed the drug to a network of associates. During the investigation, Rodriguez also directed his cousin, Jaime Rodriguez, to deliver to him five kilograms of cocaine from Florida. Landdy Rodriguez was also supplied with cocaine from Salvador Crespo, who ran an underground bar in Bridgeport. The investigation further revealed that Landdy Rodriguez facilitated multiple transactions of fentanyl. On August 27, 2021, Cepeda purchased 400 grams of cocaine from Landdy Rodriguez and Crespo. Cepeda was arrested on October 26, 2021. A search of Cepeda’s residence on that date revealed approximately 210 grams of cocaine and 84 grams of crack cocaine. Cepeda has been detained since his arrest. On December 15, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Landdy Rodriguez, Colon, Marra, Jaime Rodriguez, and Crespo pleaded guilty to related charges and have been sentenced. This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Waterbury Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Milford, Norwalk, Stamford and Stratford Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth L. Gresham, John T. Pierpont, Jr., and Brendan J. Keefe through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Jury convicts cartel leader in murder-for-hire conspiracy

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: LAREDO – A federal jury has convicted a 40-year-old Mexican citizen residing in Laredo on multiple counts for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, kidnapping and murder-for-hire, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. The jury deliberated for approximately one hour before finding Noe Gonzalez-Martinez aka Tocayo guilty on all counts as charged following a three-day trial. Gonzalez-Martinez was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, murder-for-hire conspiracy, murder for hire, conspiracy to kidnap, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking related crime and interstate travel in aid of racketeering. During the trial, the jury heard evidence that between Sept. 7, 2021, and Sept. 13, 2021, Gonzalez-Martinez, a leader and manager of the Cartel Del Noreste (CDN), and several other CDN members traveled from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, into Laredo. There, Gonzalez-Martinez solicited the help of other CDN affiliates to recruit, plan and coordinate the kidnapping and murder of an individual the Cartel believed had stolen from them. The investigation revealed Gonzalez-Martinez communicated via cellphone with co-conspirators to plan and coordinate the recovery of drugs and proceeds from the intended victim. In addition, Gonzalez-Martinez provided co-conspirators with an address where they could retrieve firearms and a vehicle to execute the murder. On Sept. 13, 2021, co-conspirators took possession of an automobile and firearms to carry out the murder. The firearms included a Colt Government Model caliber .45 pistol, Trooper MKIII caliber .357 magnum revolver, Bushmaster caliber .223-5.56 mm rifle and a Colt AR-15 A2 caliber .223. Law enforcement set up the arrest of three “sicarios” (hitmen) who were secreted into Laredo by the CDN. The sicarios were led to a vehicle and firearms in an undercover operation. Authorities apprehended all three sicarios during a joint law enforcement operation. The jury also heard testimony from all law enforcement agencies involved in the operation. Authorities detailed their investigation into the cellphones used by the CDN to commit this crime, the firearms obtain by the CDN and the defendants border crossing. A co-conspirator provided insider knowledge of the CDN and its operations. Additionally, he admitted to the jury he was a sicario, a hired killer for the CDN and his participation in the crime. Co-conspirators Juan Antonio Martinez-Padilla aka Juan Antonio Martinez-Lopez or Otoniel Martinez-Padilla, 58, Gregorio Gonzalez-Barragan, 33, and Rodolfo Reyna-Zapata, 25, all from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, previously pleaded guilty to the kidnapping conspiracy and are pending sentencing on that charge. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos presided over the trial and set sentencing for March 25, 2024. At that time, Gonzalez-Martinez faces up to life in federal prison. He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the Laredo Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys José Angel Moreno and Steven Chamberlin prosecuted the case.


title: Justice Department Publishes Model Legislation to Help States Reduce Gun Violence and Improve Gun Safety

component: Office of the Deputy Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department published two pieces of model legislation for states to consider to help address the continuing epidemic of gun violence affecting communities across the country. The model legislation is drawn from commonsense gun-safety statutes already on the books in a broad cross-section of states. First, the Department published model legislation to help states craft appropriate requirements for securing firearms kept in residences and vehicles and to ensure that those firearms do not fall into the hands of children, teens, and prohibited persons. Second, the Department published model legislation to help states craft appropriate requirements for the prompt reporting of lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement. The resources for states announced today follow model legislation on extreme risk protection orders first published by the Justice Department in June 2021. “Whether stolen from lawful gun owners or found by children and teens, unsecured firearms are responsible for thousands of injuries and deaths across our country each year,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “We cannot resign ourselves to losing our neighbors, our loved ones — even our children — to misuse of firearms that could have been kept safely out of reach. The model legislation announced today provides states with new tools to improve the safety of legally-owned firearms and reduce the tragic toll of gun violence in our communities.” Empirical evidence shows that the secure storage of firearms saves lives. Keeping firearms and ammunition locked has been associated with a lower risk of firearm injuries for children and teens in homes where guns are stored. Safe storage protects both minors and adults by preventing unintentional shootings and decreasing the risk of gun suicides, gun thefts, and criminal discharges of firearms. Based on similar laws already on the books in over a dozen states, the model secure-storage legislation will help additional states craft laws to reduce the risks associated with unattended firearms. Every year, thousands of firearms are lost or stolen out of vehicles, businesses, and private homes. The timely reporting of lost and stolen firearms allows police to develop investigative leads and identify patterns that might indicate the involvement of illicit firearms traffickers. Based on similar laws already in effect across 15 states and D.C., the model theft/loss-reporting legislation will help additional states craft laws to ensure prompt and responsible engagement with local law enforcement. These model bills provide a framework that will help more states enact sensible gun-safety laws. Both pieces of model legislation are accompanied by detailed commentary that will make it easier for states to assess various policy options and select appropriate requirements, notices, and penalties. The Justice Department encourages states to consider adopting their own versions of this model legislation to ensure safer communities across the country. The model legislation on secure firearm storage is available here . The model legislation on reporting lost and stolen firearms is available here .


title: Remaining Defendants Sentenced in Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – The remaining defendants in a deadly fentanyl distribution network were sentenced to federal prison today for a variety of crimes including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, carrying firearms in furtherance of the distribution of fentanyl, and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death or serious bodily injury. A total of eleven defendants were sentenced in the Southern District of Iowa as follows: Kyrell Deshawn Wells, 21, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced to 360 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl on October 18, 2023; Ja’cara P. Baker, 42, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced to 300 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl on October 18, 2023; Alejandro Diaz, 34, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced to 216 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl Resulting in Death or Serious Bodily Injury, and Carrying a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime on March 16, 2023; Janelle Lee Cline, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced to 156 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl Resulting in Death or Serious Bodily Injury on February 16, 2023; Christian Blaize Arman, 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl on December 12, 2023; Edward James Arman, 32, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl on December 12, 2023; Samantha Mae Neemann, 35, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced to 168 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl Resulting in Death or Serious Bodily Injury on April 13, 2023; Hai D. Nguyen, 30, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced to 45 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl on April 13, 2023; Megan Kayleen Johnson, 27, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced to 168 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl Resulting in Death or Serious Bodily Injury on March 16, 2023; Richard Andrew Null, 26, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, sentenced to 150 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, and Carrying a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime on December 12, 2023; and Jarik Mathew McPherson, 30, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, sentenced to 120 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl on December 12, 2023. This investigation began in January 2022, after the Council Bluffs Police and Fire Departments responded to a Council Bluffs residence where an adult female had overdosed on fentanyl. After that victim died, law enforcement began a lengthy investigation into individuals who were actively conspiring to distribute fentanyl in the Omaha and Council Bluffs metro area. Ultimately, investigators identified Kyrell Wells and Ja’cara Baker as the primary distributors of fentanyl to others, including the members of the conspiracy listed above. The fentanyl pills distributed by this organization in the Omaha, Lincoln, and Council Bluffs areas resulted in at least eleven overdoses and six deaths. Kyrell Wells, Alejandro Diaz, Hai Nguyen, and Richard Null were also found in possession of firearms. Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said “The Kyrell Wells fentanyl trafficking organization received and distributed more than 10,000 fentanyl pills every five days. The organization was connected to more than seventeen overdoses. Six people in our community died. The FBI and our local, state, and federal partners are dedicated to disrupting and dismantling the most significant drug trafficking organizations in our community.” This case was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, Omaha Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the FBI. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. Fentanyl has become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills often resemble pharmaceutical pills, but contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. Visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website to learn more about One Pill Can Kill .


title: Derry Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with Importing, Manufacturing, and Distributing Steroids

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Derry man pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute steroids and causing a drug to become misbranded after shipment in interstate commerce, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Ralph Cardarelli, 44, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute steroids and causing a drug to become misbranded after shipment in interstate commerce. U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for April 2, 2024. Cardarelli was indicted on August 16, 2023. During the execution of a search warrant at Cardarelli’s residence on March 23, 2023, federal investigations discovered over 4800 vials and bottles of suspected controlled substances and prescription drugs, including: Nandrolone Phenylpropionate; Trenbolone Acetate; Dromostanolone Propionate; Boldenone Undecylenate; Testosterone Propionate; Trenbolone Enanthate; Nandrolone Decanoate; Testosterone Enanthate; and Testosterone Cypionate. These drugs are commonly known as steroids. Evidence was also discovered through the search warrant that Cardarelli was importing these drugs, manufacturing, and packaging them in his residence, and dispensing the drugs without requiring a prescription. The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The Food & Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Derry Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Lewistown Man Sentenced To 40 Months’ Imprisonment On Drug And Firearms Charges

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Troy Allen Shirey, age 48, formerly of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to serve 40 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised released based upon his previously entered guilty plea to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Shirey was prohibited from possessing firearms because of an active Protection From Abuse (PFA) order issued in Mifflin County. On March 8, 2021, United States Marshals executed a search warrant at Shirey’s residence in Lewistown and recovered approximately 30 grams of methamphetamine, 23 packets of fentanyl, $1140 in cash, a digital scale, and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia indicating drug distribution. In addition, four firearms were seized including a handgun with an obliterated serial number and another handgun reported missing. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the United States Marshals, the Lewistown Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Baer and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Justice Department Announces Funding Opportunities to Support Public Safety in Tribal Communities

body_text: The Justice Department today announced the opening of the 2024 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) period for comprehensive funding to American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes. CTAS funding supports crime prevention activities, victim services and coordinated community responses to violence in Indian Country. Administered by the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), the solicitation includes guidance on how federally recognized Tribal governments and Tribal consortia can apply for funding to aid in the development of a comprehensive and coordinated approach to public safety and victimization. “The Office of Justice Programs is committed to working with Tribes and Tribal communities to provide a wide array of services and supports to help keep their communities safe,” said Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon of OJP. “Our grants provide funding to Tribes for their juvenile justice and criminal justice systems, including providing support to victims and families, helping to strengthen Tribal court systems and enabling tribes to develop, expand or strengthen approaches along the juvenile justice continuum.” The funding from OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and Office for Victims of Crime, along with funding from the COPS Office, can be used for a range of public safety and justice-related projects and services. These include enhancing law enforcement, advancing fair and effective adult and juvenile justice systems and reducing juvenile delinquency and improving youth outcomes. In addition, the grants serve American Indian and Alaska Native victims of child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence and elder abuse. “The COPS Office is well aware of the vital role Tribal law enforcement plays in ensuring the safety and well-being of our Native American communities,” said Director Hugh T. Clements Jr. of the COPS Office. “Our commitment to providing them with the resources they need — including officers, equipment and training — is unwavering. By investing in the capabilities of Tribal law enforcement, we strengthen the fabric of justice that spans across state, local, Tribal, and territorial jurisdictions.” In FY 2023, the department awarded 182 CTAS grants, amounting to more than $96 million in CTAS funding to 111 Tribes and Tribal consortia across the United States. The grants.gov application deadline for CTAS is March 5, 2024, at 8:59 p.m. ET, and the JustGrants deadline is March 12, 2024, at 8:59 p.m. ET. The department will also facilitate a series of webinars to guide applicants through the application process. Details, including how to register for these webinars, will be made available online in the coming weeks here .


title: Importer agrees to pay $798,334 to resolve allegations of underpayment of customs duties

component: USAO - Texas, Eastern

body_text: SHERMAN, Texas – U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs of the Eastern District of Texas announced today that Homestar North America, LLC has agreed to pay $798,334 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to pay customs duties owed for furniture imports from China. Customs laws require importers to pay duties determined by the actual value of the goods imported. Liability to pay duties arises immediately and automatically upon the importation of goods into the United States. This settlement resolves allegations that Homestar North America, LLC and its parent company Homestar Corporation, conspired to underreport the value of imported goods delivered to Homestar North America, LLC in the United States following the two increases on Section 301 tariffs for certain products manufactured in China under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. The two increases respectively took effect September 24, 2018 and June 15, 2019. Specifically, the government alleged that from September 2018 through December 2022, falsified invoices were created and submitted to the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) containing false, lower values for the goods Homestar North America, LLC received from Homestar Corporation, its Chinese parent company, to avoid payment of the increased duties owed. The government contended that a second set of invoices containing the true, actual value of the goods imported were withheld from CBP but were then used to ensure that Homestar North America, LLC paid its parent company and supplier the actual value of the imported goods. The government alleged that this false invoicing practice resulted in undervaluation of goods imported into the United States, which resulted in a loss of revenue to the United States. “Imported goods are necessary for the consumer-economy in the United States. However, companies that wish to gain access to the United States' markets must comply with all laws regarding the import of their goods, including the obligation to disclose the actual value of imported goods and to pay the duties owed as a result of importation,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. “Instead of complying with those obligations, Homestar chose to disregard its obligations and improve its bottom line. Our office will aggressively pursue any company that similarly chooses its bottom line over compliance with the law.” “CBP’s Consumer Products and Mass Merchandising Center of Excellence and Expertise worked in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to review thousands of documents, hundreds of entry summaries, and analyzed financial reports provided by Homestar, as relevant to the undervaluation and payment allegations,” said Director Gregory Alvarez of the CBP Atlanta Field Office. “CBP is proud of the investigative work and analysis done by its employees on this case and will continue to work collaboratively with inter-agency stakeholders to safeguard our nation’s economic security.” The civil settlement resolves claims brought by a relator under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. These provisions allow a private party, known as a relator, to file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam action is captioned U.S. ex rel. Larry J. Edwards, Jr. v. Homestar North America, LLC , Cause No. 4:21-cv-00148 (E.D. Tex.). As part of today’s resolution, the whistleblower will receive approximately $151,683. The resolution obtained was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Texas with assistance from CBP and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations. The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Betty Young for the Eastern District of Texas. The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. ####


title: Fruitland Man Charged with Abandonment and Abuse of a Child

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Logan Nelson appeared in federal court on an indictment charging him with 3 counts of abandonment and abuse of child resulting in great bodily harm. Nelson, 20, of Fruitland, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. According to the indictment, in October 2022, Nelson placed Jane Doe, a minor, in a situation which endangered her life, causing great bodily harm to her ulna, humerus, ribs, tibia and right fibula. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the most serious allegation, Nelson faces a minimum of 18 years and up to 54 years in prison. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case. View the Indictment here # # # 23-282


title: Hernandez Man Charged with Federal Firearms Trafficking Offenses

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the El Paso Division of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), announced today that Isaiah Rojas appeared in federal court on a 7-count indictment charging him with 3 counts of firearms trafficking, straw purchasing firearms, possession a firearm not registered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, unlawful possession and transfer of a machine gun, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Rojas, 27, of Hernandez, New Mexico, will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled. According to the indictment, on May 16, 2023, Rojas purchased and provided firearms to another person with the belief that the recipient intended to use the firearms in furtherance of a felony or drug trafficking crime. Later, on June 3, 2023, Rojas provided rifles with a barrel length less than 16 inches and an overall length of less than 26 inches that were not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record to another individual. Lastly, on Sept. 6, 2023, Rojas provided machineguns with obliterated serial numbers to another individual. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Rojas faces up to 25 years in prison. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations jointly investigated the case. 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. View the Indictment here # # # 23-283


title: Evansville Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution Resulting in the Overdose of a 28-Year-Old Kentucky Woman

body_text: EVANSVILLE- Johntavis Matlock, 31, of Evansville, Indiana, has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison. In September of 2023 , a federal jury found Matlock guilty of distribution of heroin and fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury. According to court documents and evidence introduced during trial, on December 11, 2020, Kentucky law enforcement officers responded to the overdose of 28-year-old, Lindsey Wiley in her Kentucky residence. Knowing about this near-death overdose, Matlock continued to invite Lindsey to buy heroin laced with fentanyl. On February 28, 2021, EMS and local law enforcement responded to another overdose at the same residence. This time, they found Wiley deceased. The cause of death was determined to be an overdose caused by fentanyl intoxication. An examination of Wiley’s cell phone revealed that Wiley frequently purchased controlled substances from Matlock. From June of 2020 through February of 2021, Matlock coordinated with Wiley to sell her both heroin and fentanyl out of his home in Evansville, Indiana. During the sentencing hearing, evidence was admitted showing that children lived in the residence from which Matlock sold heroin and fentanyl mixtures to Lindsey Wiley. “The tragic death of Ms. Wiley highlights the tremendous danger posed by trafficking of fentanyl and other opioids,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “Substance use disorder is a devastating disease that international drug cartels and local dealers greedily exploit. Thanks to the hard work of our prosecutors, the DEA, EPD, ISP, and our partners in Kentucky law enforcement, no more families will lose a loved one because of this defendant while he is in federal prison.” “The DEA would like to continue to extend their deepest condolences to the Wiley family for the tragic passing of Ms. Lindsey Wiley. Additionally, the DEA would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana for their diligent work in prosecuting this important case. The collaborative work of all agencies in this case has led to some solace for the Wiley family and the community that loved Lindsey so dearly. Individuals like Mr. Matlock who recklessly distribute deadly poisons, like fentanyl, in our communities must be held accountable and the sentence imposed today was righteous and justified,” said Special Agent in Charge, Mike Gannon. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Indiana State Police, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, Evansville Police Department, Henderson County (Kentucky) Sheriff’s Office, and the Pennyrile (Kentucky) Narcotics Task Force investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman. Judge Brookman also ordered that Matlock be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Kristian Mukoski and Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. One kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. Seven out of 10 illegal fentanyl tablets seized by the DEA now contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug. One Pill Can Kill : Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill . Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of death in the United States. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late. ###


title: Former Massachusetts State Police Troopers Convicted of Conspiring to Steal Overtime Funds and Wire Fraud

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – Former Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Lieutenant Daniel J. Griffin and former MSP Sergeant William W. Robertson were convicted by a federal jury in Worcester yesterday of conspiracy, federal programs fraud and wire fraud in connection with an overtime scheme dating back to 2015. Just prior to trial, on Nov. 27, 2023, Griffin pleaded guilty to four additional counts of wire fraud and 11 counts of filing false tax returns. Griffin, 60, of Belmont and Robertson, 61, of Westborough, were each convicted of one count of conspiracy, one count of theft concerning a federal program and four counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for March 20, 2024. The defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2020. From 2015 through 2018, Griffin, Robertson and other troopers in the Traffic Programs Section at State Police Headquarters in Framingham, conspired to steal thousands of dollars in federally funded overtime by regularly arriving late to, and leaving early from, overtime shifts funded by grants intended to improve traffic safety. During the course of the conspiracy, Griffin made and approved false entries on forms and other documentation to conceal and perpetuate the fraud. When the MSP overtime misconduct came to light in 2017 and 2018, Griffin, Robertson and their co-conspirators took steps to avoid detection by shredding and burning records and forms. After an internal inquiry regarding missing forms, Griffin submitted a memo to his superiors that was designed to mislead them by claiming that missing forms were “inadvertently discarded or misplaced” during office moves. Additionally, Griffin spent significant time running his security business, Knight Protection Services, during hours that he was collecting regular MSP pay and overtime pay. From 2012 to 2019, Griffin collected almost $2 million in KnightPro revenue. Of that total, Griffin hid over $700,000 in revenue from the IRS and used hundreds of thousands of dollars in KnightPro income to fund personal expenses, such as golf club expenses, car payments, private school tuition and expenses related to his second home on Cape Cod. Prior to yesterday's jury conviction, Griffin pleaded guilty on Nov. 27, 2023 to defrauding a private school attended by two of his children from at least 2016 to 2019 by concealing his KnightPro income and filing materially misleading financial aid applications, which understated his income and assets by hundreds of thousands of dollars. Despite Griffin’s lucrative MSP salary and KnightPro business, Griffin obtained over $175,000 in financial aid from the private school over the course of several years. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of federal program fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of filing false tax returns provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts; Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Chao and Adam Deitch of the Public Corruption Unit are prosecuting the case.


title: Former Operator of Two Municipal Golf Courses Found Guilty of Tax Conspiracy and Making False Statement

body_text: BOSTON – The former operator of two municipal golf courses in Western Massachusetts has been convicted by a federal jury in Springfield of conspiring to defraud the United States and making a false statement. Kevin M. Kennedy, 45, of East Longmeadow was convicted on Dec. 11, 2023 of conspiracy to defraud the United States and making a false Statement to a federally insured financial institution. The defendant was acquitted of embezzlement from a local government receiving federal benefits, wire fraud, money laundering and unlawful monetary transactions. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for March 1, 2024. “This guilty verdict underscores the serious consequences for those who conspire to defraud the United States. No one is above the law, and we will vigorously pursue those who engage in illicit schemes to line their own pockets,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The jury found that Kevin Kennedy defrauded the United States for the sole purpose of enriching himself. This type of fraud has consequences for every American taxpayer,” said Harry Chavis Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston. “As a result of this verdict, Kennedy now stands as a convicted felon, and will be sentenced for his actions.” Kennedy owned and operated Kennedy Golf Management Inc., through which he managed the City of Springfield’s two public golf courses, Franconia Golf Course and Veterans Memorial Golf Course. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Kennedy conspired with two individuals to evade taxes he owed on money received from his company. Kennedy paid for, mostly in cash, the construction of two custom homes in East Longmeadow and on Cape Cod. To induce the bank to provide him a mortgage for part of the East Longmeadow home, Kennedy submitted a home purchase contract to the bank that falsely reflected a total purchase price reduced by the $160,000 cash downpayment he had made. Just prior to trial, Kennedy pleaded guilty to four counts of filing a false individual income tax return for 2011 through 2014, during which he also admitted to filing a false return in 2009 and 2010. For each of those years, Kennedy did not report to his return preparer all of the cash and checks his management company received from his operation of the golf courses. The charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of making a false statement provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The tax fraud charges each provide for a sentence of up to three years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division; and IRS SAC Chavis made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow and Neil L. Desroches of the Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Eric B. Powers of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Texas Man on Supervised Release Sentenced to Federal Prison for Armed Bank Robbery in Irmo

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Deveon Nathaniel Gibbs, 29, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to committing armed bank robbery. He was sentenced to an additional term of 24 months in federal prison for violations of his supervised release. Evidence presented to the court showed that Gibbs, who was on supervised release for a prior federal bank robbery conviction in Texas, along with a coconspirator, pepper sprayed ATM technicians as they serviced an ATM at First Citizens Bank at 949 Lake Murray Blvd. in Irmo on Aug. 19, 2022. Witnesses provided statements that they believed Gibbs was armed at the time of the robbery. Additional evidence showed that Gibbs and his coconspirator fled to a nearby apartment complex where they entered a vehicle and ultimately drove to Texas. Gibbs and his coconspirator stole over $77,000 before fleeing the scene. Law enforcement was able to recover approximately $55,000 along Gibbs’ flight path and clothing that contained Gibbs’ DNA. Gibbs was detained without bond and pleaded guilty to the single-count indictment. United States District Judge Cameron Currie sentenced Gibbs to 92 months in federal prison to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision for the Aug. 2022 armed bank robbery. Gibbs was also sentenced to an additional 24 months of imprisonment to run consecutively for his violations of the terms of his supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Gibbs’ criminal history includes prior state convictions for theft and burglary, as well as a prior federal conviction for bank robbery. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Irmo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein prosecuted the case. ###


title: Indictment Charges Eight Men in an Interstate Fentanyl and Cocaine Conspiracy

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

body_text: WASHINGTON – A 19-count indictment charges eight men from the metropolitan Washington D.C. area with participating in an interstate fentanyl and cocaine conspiracy believed responsible for distributing multi-kilogram quantities of narcotics in the region. The announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, of the Washington Division, FBI Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chris Tremblay, of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, Inspector in Charge Damon Wood, of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division, and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department. Charged are Samuel Braxton, 55, formerly of Washington, D.C., Ronnie Rogers, 68, of Washington D.C., Wayne Glymph, 57, of Port Tobacco, MD, Ricky Jackson, 65, of Washington, D.C., Kevin Quattlebaum, 57, of Upper Marlboro, MD, Michael Owens, 36, of St. Charles, MD, and Michael Stewart, 59, of Washington, D.C. As of November 29, 2023, seven of the eight defendants are in custody. The indictment alleges overlapping conspiracies to possess and distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine. DEA chemists determined that a portion of the fentanyl powder contained carfentanil, an animal tranquilizer 100 times more potent than fentanyl. “This group of defendants was allegedly supplying deadly fentanyl and carfentanil - a fentanyl analogue that is 100 times more potent than regular fentanyl - across multiple states in kilogram quantities,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “As I have said before, anyone selling this poison on our streets or funneling these drugs to our community will find themselves on the wrong end of a criminal investigation. With the dedicated legion of law enforcement partners, we will pursue those people regardless of where - in the United States or the world - they may be.” “Fatal drug poisonings caused by deadly drugs like fentanyl are the most significant threats throughout the United States and in our area, in particular,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Forget. “These poisonings are driven by drug traffickers and local gangs involved in violent crimes. Thanks to the investigation by DEA and local, state, and federal partners, the indictments mentioned today led to dismantling a multi-state drug trafficking organization that was involved in distributing unprecedented amounts of fentanyl within and beyond the Nation's Capital.” According to the indictment, the fentanyl distribution conspiracy and the cocaine distribution conspiracy ran from at least July 2021 and August 2022, respectively, until November 2023, when arrests were executed. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized more than eight kilograms of high potency fentanyl, some of which was at least 65% pure; more than 6,000 fake pills containing fentanyl produced to resemble OxyContin; and more than six kilograms of cocaine. Law enforcement also seized eight firearms, of which at least one had armor-piercing capabilities nicknamed “the cop killer;” and more than $70,000 in cash and money orders, including money intercepted that was intended for the purchase of kilogram quantities of fentanyl. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains steadfast in its collaboration with law enforcement partners, standing side by side to relentlessly pursue individuals infiltrating our communities with this deadly drug,” Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge – Washington Division. We remain committed in eradicating these illicit substances from the U.S. mail and consequently safeguarding our customers and employees.” “The amount of Fentanyl on our streets is disturbing. It is constantly ripping apart families and loved ones and having a profound impact on our communities,” Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith said. “Our detectives investigate each overdose case to get to the root of where illegal drugs are entering our community and work with our federal partners to hold people responsible accountable.” CHARGES DEFENDANT AGE ADDRESS CHARGES Samuel Braxton 55 FCI Fort Dix, NJ (formerly D.C. Metro) (1) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Four Hundred Grams or More of Fentanyl and One Hundred Grams or More of Heroin Ronnie Rogers (10 total charges) 68 Washington, D.C. (1) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Four Hundred Grams or More of Fentanyl and One Hundred Grams or More of Heroin; (2) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Five Hundred Grams or More of Cocaine, and a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base; (10) (13) Unlawful Distribution of Forty Grams or More of Fentanyl (two charges); (12) (16) (18) (19) Attempted Unlawful Possession with Intent to Distribute Four Hundred Grams or More of Fentanyl (four charges); (15) Unlawful Possession with Intent to Distribute Four Hundred Grams or More of Fentanyl; (17) Attempted Unlawful Possession with Intent to Distribute One Hundred Grams or More of Heroin; Wayne Glymph 57 Port Tobacco, MD (1) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Four Hundred Grams or More of Fentanyl and One Hundred Grams or More of Heroin Ricky Jackson 65 Washington, D.C. (1) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Four Hundred Grams or More of Fentanyl and One Hundred Grams or More of Heroin Kevin Quattlebaum 57 Upper Marlboro, MD (2) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Five Hundred Grams or More of Cocaine, and a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base Michael Owens 36 St. Charles, MD (1) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Four Hundred Grams or More of Fentanyl and One Hundred Grams or More of Heroin; (2) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Five Hundred Grams or More of Cocaine, and a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base Michael Stewart (11 total charges) 59 Washington, D.C. (1) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Four Hundred Grams or More of Fentanyl and One Hundred Grams or More of Heroin; (2) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Five Hundred Grams or More of Cocaine, and a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base; (3) (4) (6) (8) (9) Unlawful Distribution of a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl (five charges); (5) Unlawful Possession with Intent to Distribute Forty Grams or More of Fentanyl; (7) (11) (14) Unlawful Distribution of Forty Grams or More of Fentanyl (three charges) This operation 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. This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the Alexandria Police Department, and the Metropolitan Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Washington Field Division, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, U.S. Bureau of Prisons, Montgomery County Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Interdiction Unit, Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Arlington County Police, Virginia State Police, Loudoun County Sherriff’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Eliopoulos, William Hart, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Stempel, all of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Man Indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 8, 2023, ANACLETO SILVA-HERRERA , a/k/a “Chofer,” age 37, was indicted for possession with intent to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). If convicted, SILVA-HERRERA faces a minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years up to a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, at least five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This 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. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Simon City Royals Gang Member Sentenced to over 21 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Meridian, Mississippi man and Simon City Royals gang member was sentenced to 262 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute approximately 630 grams of methamphetamine. According to court documents, Jeremy Lovell, 45, was found in possession of approximately 630 grams of methamphetamine and two firearms during the execution of a search warrant at his residence on May 3, 2022. Through the investigation, law enforcement determined that from 2020 to 2022, Lovell distributed more than 104 pounds of methamphetamine in Lauderdale County. Lovell has prior convictions for burglary of a commercial building and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement. The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department, East Mississippi Drug Task Force, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam T. Stuart prosecuted the case. 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.


title: Fall River Man Charged with Passport Fraud and Other Offenses

body_text: BOSTON – A Fall River man has been arrested on charges related to passport fraud and other offenses. Hector Eduardo Arias Mejia, 43, was charged with misuse of a Social Security number, aggravated identity theft and making a false statement in an application for a United States passport. Arias Mejia will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Dec. 20, 2023. According to court documents, Arias Mejia, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, applied for a United States passport and a Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Real ID using the name and other biographical information of a resident of Puerto Rico. Arias Mejia allegedly used the stolen identity when he was previously arrested, charged and convicted on numerous state court cases. The charge of misuse of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years of in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of making a false statement in an application for a United States passport provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by Homeland Security Investigations in Santo Domingo; Puerto Rico Department of Public Safety; U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Eleven men sentenced to federal prison for role in drug trafficking organization

body_text: ATLANTA - Abdul Jamal Ali, Norian Anderson, Kasman Cox, Mark Antonio Goines, Alonzo Heard, Michael Mack, Tremaine Malcom, Hassan Pope, Roger Solario, Joseph Strickland, and Renardo Thomas have been sentenced for their roles as members of a drug trafficking organization in the metro-Atlanta area that was successfully disrupted following a federal, state, and local law enforcement investigation. “The distribution of narcotics throughout our communities continues to pose a public safety and health threat that we must steadfastly confront,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Through our partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, we have successfully disrupted this organization’s supply chain, prosecuted the distributors and suppliers of these dangerous drugs, and sent a strong message to others involved in polluting our communities with these illegal substances.” “Justice will always prevail as the most powerful force to remove these individuals off of the streets and out of our communities,” said Thomas E. Brown, U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Georgia. “Through hard work, this criminal enterprise has been dismantled,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “These violent drug traffickers had no regard for the potential impact of their actions.” "Drug trafficking organizations are an imminent threat to our communities,” said Dan R. Salter, Executive Director, Atlanta-Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AC HIDTA) Task Force. “Federal, state and local law enforcement officers that make up this task force are committed to ridding our communities of these drug trafficking organizations spreading poison and violence in our neighborhoods.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: In 2020, Drug Enforcement Administration special agents, and Atlanta-Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force officers, identified a prolific drug trafficker in Atlanta, Hassan Pope. Federal investigators learned that Pope was coordinating multiple narcotics transactions around his residence in College Park and maintaining a drug stash apartment in east Atlanta. Over the course of the investigation, agents identified many of Pope’s associates and obtained evidence of ongoing trafficking of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Agents also identified Alonzo Heard and Tremaine Malcom as assisting Pope in his distribution and Abdul Jamal Ali, Norian Anderson, Kasman Cox, Mark Antonio Goines, Michael Mack, Roger Solario, Joseph Strickland, and Renardo Thomas as drug distributors working with or connected to Pope. Federal, state, and local law enforcement investigators obtained and executed multiple search warrants at locations utilized by the group’s drug trafficking organization and seized distribution quantities of drugs, hundreds of thousands of dollars of drug proceeds, firearms, vehicles, and other property used in the commission, or purchased with the proceeds, of the offenses. Each of the following defendants pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and/or firearms offenses and received the following sentences imposed by U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross: Abdul Jamal Ali, 41, of Decatur, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of nine years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release; Norian Anderson, a/k/a “Knot,” 50, of Jonesboro, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of four years, eight months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release; Kasman Cox, a/k/a “Cat” and “Tamario Davis,” 44, of Fayetteville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and received a sentence of 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release; Mark Antonio Goines, a/k/a “Luckie,” 43, of Hampton, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of five years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release; Alonzo Heard, a/k/a “Pee-Wee,” 51, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of eight years, three months in prison, to be followed by eight years of supervised release; Michael Mack, a/k/a “Stank,” 49, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release; Tremaine Malcom, a/k/a “Twin,” 34, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of four years, 10 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release; Hassan Pope, a/k/a “Ali,” “Hot,” and “Tyrone Dunn,” 46, of College Park, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and received a sentence of 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release; Roger Solario, 29, of Marietta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of five years, three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release; Joseph Strickland, a/k/a “Joe,” 45, of Decatur, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of eight years, four months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release; and Renardo Thomas, a/k/a “Donald Garwood,” 44, of Fairburn, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of six years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Marshals Service, with valuable assistance provided by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Department of Corrections, Marietta Police Department, and South Fulton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary S. Howard and Teresa M. Stolze prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .