title: Ethete woman sentenced for distribution of methamphetamine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Beatrice Irene Willis, 52, of Ethete, Wyoming, was sentenced to 65 months’ imprisonment with three years’ supervised release for distribution of methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Dec. 19 in Cheyenne. According to court documents, in October of 2023, the Safe Trails Task Force, led by the FBI, received information that Willis was selling controlled substances from her residence in Ethete. On Jan. 19, agents conducted a controlled buy of two ounces of methamphetamine from Willis. During a follow-up interview, she admitted to regularly distributing controlled substances on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The Safe Trails Task Force investigates drug trafficking on the Wind River Indian Reservation, and in surrounding communities, with an emphasis on identifying and stopping the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl. In addition to the FBI, task force members include the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, the Riverton Police Department, the Lander Police Department, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Willis was indicted on May 16 and pleaded guilty on June 25. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted this case. Case No. 24-CR-00077


title: The U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures An Agreement Resolving ADA Complaint Involving A New Jersey Medical Practice

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: Agreement Removes Discriminatory Barriers to Individuals with Vision and Hearing Disabilities NEWARK, N.J. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey secured a settlement agreement to resolve allegations that Advanced ENT & Allergy discriminated against a prospective patient who is deaf and has low vision in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Following an investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office found that Advanced ENT & Allergy, which has eleven offices in southern New Jersey, violated the ADA by refusing to provide in-person sign language interpretation services where doing so was necessary for deaf and low vision patients to effectively communicate. Instead, the practice relied exclusively on screen-based, remote interpretation, even when those services could not accommodate patients and prospective patients who could not effectively see a screen due to their vision disability. These findings are based, in part, on evidence gathered by the U.S. Department of Justice Fair Housing Testing Program. Under the settlement agreement, Advanced ENT & Allergy will, among other things, implement a non-discrimination policy to ensure that individuals with disabilities are afforded full and equal opportunities to its benefits and services. The medical practice will also ensure that it will provide in-person interpretation services to patients and prospective patients with disabilities who require that service to effectively communicate. Advanced ENT & Allergy will also provide mandatory ADA training to its employees. It is anticipated that Advanced ENT & Allergy will be acquired by ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP effective January 1st, and will do business under that new name. ENT and Allergy Associates had no role in conduct at issue in the complaint. The ADA prohibits places of public accommodation, such as Advanced ENT & Allergy, from discriminating on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations. Individuals who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may file a complaint with the U.S Attorney’s Office’s Civil Rights Division at http://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement/complaint. Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Department of Justice’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD). The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily B. Goldberg of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Civil Rights Division. advancedentallergy.settlement.pdf


title: Armed Career Criminal Sentenced To 15 Years For Possessing Ammunition As A Convicted Felon

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Leon Williams (35, Clearwater) to 15 years in federal prison for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon under the Armed Career Criminal Act. The court also ordered Williams to forfeit a Taurus firearm, a Sig Sauer firearm, and assorted rounds of ammunition, which were possessed in connection with the offense. Williams pleaded guilty on July 25, 2024. According to court documents, on January 3, 2024, officers from the Clearwater Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence in Clearwater where Williams resided with his co-defendant, Robert Pugh. The search warrant was obtained after a series of controlled purchases of cocaine from Williams. During the search, two loaded firearms – a Taurus handgun and a Sig Sauer handgun – were found in the residence. Approximately 60 grams of marijuana and 70 grams of cocaine were also found inside, along with digital scales and other paraphernalia for drug distribution. Additional rounds of ammunition were also found in Williams’ bedroom. Williams admitted to ownership of the ammunition found in his bedroom and DNA evidence was later obtained connecting Williams to the Sig Sauer handgun. Prior to the offense, Williams had been convicted of multiple felonies, including nine convictions for the sale of controlled substances. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. Robert Pugh was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on September 18, 2024. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clearwater Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang. This case is part of the 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 for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Kalispell woman admits fraud, aggravated identity theft charges in scheme that used hospital patient records

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MISSOULA — A Kalispell woman accused in a scheme to activate and use stolen credit or debit cards with personal information obtained from patient records at Kalispell Regional Medical Center admitted to fraud charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. The defendant, Alecia Mae Leonetti, 50, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Leonetti faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised on the wire fraud charge and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft charge. U.S. Magistrate Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for April 24, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Leonetti was released pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that between September 2020 and December 2020, Leonetti’s co-defendant, Krista Hall, was employed at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Because of Hall’s employment, she had access to the hospital’s patient records. Leonetti would obtain stolen credit or debit cards and then contact Hall for Hall to look up the cardholder’s personal identifying information. Leonetti would use the personal identifying information to activate the stolen card and then use the card to make purchases or withdraw cash. In one instance, Leonetti obtained a Glacier Bank credit card belonging to John Doe, obtained Doe’s personal identifying information from Hall and activated the card. Leonetti admitted to law enforcement she accumulated more than $2,400 in charges at several Kalispell businesses over two days in September 2020. Hall has pleaded not guilty to charges in the case and is pending trial. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Orlando Man Pleads Guilty To Distributing Over Nine Pounds Of Methamphetamine

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Desean Williams (38, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Williams faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. According to the plea agreement, on January 31, 2024, Williams distributed approximately 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine to another individual at a gas station in Marion County. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.


title: Ocala Man Pleads Guilty To Attempting To Meet A 13-Year- Old To Engage In Sexual Activity

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Alexander Thomas Daugherty (24, Ocala) today pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Daugherty faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. According to the plea agreement, on September 20, 2024, a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) posed undercover as a 13-year-old girl on an online social media platform. Daugherty contacted the undercover agent’s account and, after learning the child’s age, discussed engaging in sexual activity. Daugherty arranged to meet the minor for sex at a predetermined location in Marion County. Daugherty then traveled to the location and was arrested by law enforcement. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Medicare Advantage provider Independent Health to pay up to $98m to settle False Claims Act suit

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Independent Health Association and its affiliate, Independent Health Corporation (collectively, Independent Health) have agreed to pay up to $98 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting or causing the submission of invalid diagnosis codes to Medicare for Medicare Advantage Plan enrollees to increase payments that Independent Health received from Medicare. Independent Health is headquartered in Buffalo, New York. Under Medicare Advantage, also known as the Medicare Part C program, Medicare beneficiaries have the option of enrolling in managed care insurance plans called Medicare Advantage Plans (MA Plans). MA Plans are paid a per-person amount to provide Medicare-covered benefits to beneficiaries who enroll in one of their plans. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which oversees the Medicare program, adjusts the payments to MA Plans based on demographic information and the diagnoses of each plan beneficiary. The adjustments are commonly referred to as “risk scores.” In general, a beneficiary with diagnoses more expensive to treat will have a higher risk score, and CMS will make a larger risk-adjusted payment to the MA Plan for that beneficiary. Independent Health operates MA plans for beneficiaries living in western New York. As alleged by the United States, Independent Health created a wholly owned subsidiary, DxID LLC, to retrospectively search medical records and query physicians for information that would support additional diagnoses that could be used to generate higher risk scores, and DxID provided these services to Independent Health and other MA Plans. The United States filed a complaint alleging that, from 2011 through at least 2017, Independent Health, with the assistance of DxID and its founder and chief executive, Betsy Gaffney, knowingly submitted diagnoses to CMS that were not supported by the beneficiaries’ medical records in order to inflate Medicare’s payments to Independent Health. “To protect the integrity of Medicare and other federal health care programs, my office is committed to ensuring that each and every dollar meant for Medicare beneficiaries is spent appropriately and in accordance with the law,” said U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross for the Western District of New York. “As this settlement makes clear, we will diligently pursue those who defraud government programs.” “The government expects those who participate in Medicare Advantage to provide accurate information to ensure that proper payments are made for the care received by enrolled beneficiaries,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Granston of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “Today’s result sends a clear message to the Medicare Advantage community that the United States will take appropriate action against those who knowingly submit inflated claims for reimbursement.” “Medicare Advantage Plans that attempt to game federal programs for profit must be held accountable through rigorous oversight and enforcement,” said Deputy Inspector General Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out fraud, waste and abuse in federal health care programs.” Under the terms of the settlement , Independent Health will make guaranteed payments of $34,500,000 and contingent payments of up to $63,500,000 on behalf it itself and DxID, which ceased operations in 2021. The settlement is based on Independent Health’s ability to pay. Gaffney will separately pay $2,000,000. In connection with the settlement, Independent Health entered into a five-year corporate integrity agreement (CIA) with HHS-OIG. The CIA requires, among other things, that Independent Health hire an Independent Review Organization to annually review a sample of Independent Health’s Medicare Advantage patients’ medical records and associated internal controls to help ensure appropriate risk adjustment payments. The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Teresa Ross, a former employee of Group Health Cooperative, now Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington (Kaiser). Under the qui tam provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The Act permits the government to intervene in such lawsuits as it has done in this case. Ms. Ross will receive at least $8,212,500 of the settlement announced today. Ms. Ross also alleged that Kaiser employed DxID to identify additional diagnoses to be submitted to Medicare for risk adjustment, and the United States previously settled those claims with Kaiser. The United States’ intervention in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to HHS, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). Assistant U.S. Attorney David Coriell and investigator Peggy McFarland for the Western District of New York and Attorneys Samson Asiyanbi and David Wiseman of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section handled the matter, with assistance from the HHS-OIG Buffalo Regional Office. The case is captioned United States ex rel. Ross v. Independent Health Association et al. , No. 12-CV-0299(S) (WDNY). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. # # # #


title: Registered Sex Offender sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession of images of child sexual abuse

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle –A 53-year-old Des Moines, Washington, man, who is a registered sex offender, was sentenced today to ten years in prison for possession of images of child sexual abuse, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Edward James Creed was on Washington State Department of Corrections supervision when he was found to have unapproved electronic devices in his residence and images of child sexual abuse on his phone. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson said, “creating a market for this material perpetuates the horrific abuse of children.” According to records filed in the case, Creed previously served more than ten years in state custody for a 2008 Kitsap County conviction for rape of a child. He was released in 2017 but was returned to custody for a time in 2019. In March of 2024, community corrections review of his phone revealed that he had collected seventy images of child sexual abuse. After his arrest, a search of his room at the sex offender residence revealed that he had a number of unapproved electronic devices. In asking for the ten year sentence Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson wrote to the court, “In light of the defendant’s demonstrated sexualized interest in minors, it bears repeating that it is exceedingly troubling Creed successfully completed a sexual deviancy treatment program in prison and after two relatively short periods of time in the community was caught seeking out (2020) or successfully obtaining (2024) child sexual abuse material and unlawfully accessing the internet to do so…. He has proven history of deceiving those tasked with monitoring him in the community and has demonstrated a significant commitment to do so.” Judge Evanson ordered Creed to be on 15 years of supervised release to follow prison. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Washington State Department of Corrections. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson. This case was also brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to Over 16 Years of Imprisonment for Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – Tommie Conner , 49 , of Memphis, has been sentenced to 200 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren announced the sentence today. According to evidence presented in court, on March 4, 2021, an officer with the Memphis Police Department observed a Dodge Durango speeding on American Way. The Durango was pulled over and the driver, later identified as Conner, fled. Conner was later located by officers who arrived at the scene. While investigating the offense, officers saw a handgun in plain view in the Durango. Officers obtained a search warrant and recovered a loaded SCCY 9mm pistol. Conner is a felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms. Specifically, in 1993, Conner pled guilty to two counts of robbery and three counts of aggravated robbery in state court and was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration. In 2005, Conner was convicted in federal court in the Western District of Tennessee for being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 15 years of federal imprisonment after he was determined to be an armed career criminal. In September 2021, Conner was indicted in the Western District of Tennessee for being a felon in possession of a firearm. In June 2024, a jury found Conner guilty of that offense. It also found that at least three of Conner’s prior offenses occurred on different occasions, as required for him to be sentenced as an armed career criminal under the ACCA (Armed Career Criminal Act). On December 19, 2024, United States District Court Senior Judge John T. Fowlkes sentenced Conner to 200 months in federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) Initiative, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the (PSN) Gun Task Force, the Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Acting U.S. Attorney Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Wagner and Jermal Blanchard who prosecuted this case on behalf of the government and the law enforcement partners who investigated this case. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: More Than a Dozen Cardiology Practices Will Pay Over  $17.7 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Concerning Inflated Medicare Reimbursements

component: Office of the Inspector General

body_text: WASHINGTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today the resolution of False Claims Act violations against 16 separate cardiology practices and associated physicians, located across 12 states, and their agreement to pay a total of $17,761,564 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by overbilling Medicare for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia was involved in 14 of these settlements, resulting in a total of $10,601,970.97. The remaining amount was captured by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky. The Department of Justice also announced these settlements . Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals are radioisotopes bound to biological molecules that target specific organs, tissues or cells within the human body and are used to diagnose and in some cases, treat certain cancers and diseases. In 13 states and the District of Columbia, Medicare Part B reimburses healthcare providers for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals based on the provider’s acquisition cost. In those jurisdictions, Medicare’s contractors have published guidance explaining the reimbursement methodology and providers’ obligation to accurately report their invoice cost for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals. The government alleged that the settling cardiology practices regularly reported inflated acquisition costs to Medicare for these drugs. In each of the settlements, the conduct occurred for at least a year, and in some instances, the conduct extended over a period of more than 10 years. “Practices and providers who overcharge the government and fail to return overpayments compromise our healthcare programs,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “When people see the wrong and report it, we have the tool we need to put a stop to this type of irresponsible conduct. So I applaud the whistleblowers who came forward in this case.” “The integrity of federal healthcare programs depends upon compliance with billing rules that are used to determine reimbursement,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are committed to ensuring that Medicare funds are expended appropriately.” The settling medical practices and associated physicians have agreed to pay the following amounts: • Heart Clinic of Paris, P.A. and Arjumand Hashmi ($2.6m) • Scranton Cardiovascular Physician Services, LLC ($2,369,111) • Shannon Clinic ($996,856) • Edward W. Leahey M.D. Professional Association and Edward Leahey ($894,679) • Metropolitan Cardiovascular Consultants, LLC and Ayim Djamson ($846,888) • Cardiology Center of New Jersey, LLC, Mario Criscito, Frank Iacovone, and Sameer Kaul ($740,000) • Clovis Cardiology Associates LLC and Mahamadu Fuseini ($600,000) • James R. Higgins M.D., Inc. and James Higgins ($395,537) • TrustCare Health, LLC ($279,407) • Taj Medical, Inc. ($240,000) • White River Diagnostic Clinic, PLC, Margaret Kuykendall, and Seth Barnes ($234,490) • Boulder Medical Center, PC ($160,000) • (USAO-WDKY) Western Kentucky Heart & Lung Associates PSC and Mohammed Kazimuddin ($6,750,000) • (USAO-WDKY) Family Medical Specialty Clinic, PLLC, Melecio Abordo, and June Abadilla ($409,594) “These practitioners overbilled the Medicare program by grossly exaggerating the acquisition costs of drugs used in diagnostic imaging of the heart,” said Michael A. Bennett, United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky. “This Office is committed to protecting our federal health care programs, and we will hold accountable anyone who seeks to exploit them.” “Medicare providers are required to be honest and accurate in the costs they report for reimbursement,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon, for the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate alleged false claims act violations and ensure the integrity of the Medicare program.” The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by relators Jasjit Walia and Preet Randhawa in the District of Columbia and the Western District of Kentucky. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The whistleblowers will receive a total of approximately $2.2 million from the settlements announced today. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the United States Attorney’s Offices for the District of Columbia and Western District of Kentucky, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Counsel to the Inspector General and Office of Investigations. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The matter was handled by Trial Attorney James Nealon and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Schecter and Matt Weyand from Western District of Kentucky, and Stephen DeGenaro and John C. Truong from the District of Columbia. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Alleged Fentanyl Trafficker Extradited From Honduras To Face Charges In San Francisco

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – The government of Honduras extradited Gustavo Erazo, a Honduran national, to the United States this week to appear on charges stemming from his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in the San Francisco Bay Area. The extradition marks the sixth extradition of an alleged drug trafficker from Honduras to the Northern District of California this year. On Jan. 5, 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Erazo, 49, at the time a resident of Oakland, and two other defendants, on charges of conspiring to distribute fentanyl and possessing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine with the intent to distribute those substances. Erazo was charged in four of the eight counts in the indictment: Count Charge Statute(s) Statutory Maximum Prison Term 1 Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A)(vi) Life 2 Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A)(vi) Life 3 Possession with Intent to Distribute 100 Grams or More of Heroin 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B)(i) 40 years 4 Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Cocaine 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B)(ii) 40 years According to a criminal complaint filed before the indictment, Erazo was arrested in November 2022 outside an apartment in Berkeley, Calif. At the time of his arrest, Erazo was carrying a backpack in which he had nearly four pounds of suspected drugs, including almost a kilogram of suspected fentanyl and more than half a pound each of suspected heroin and suspected cocaine. Inside the apartment, law enforcement officers found nearly 21 pounds of suspected drugs, including nearly 15 pounds of suspected fentanyl, more than two pounds of suspected cocaine, and more than one pound of suspected heroin. Officers also found drug manufacturing equipment, two firearms, ammunition, and cash inside the apartment. According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) learned after Erazo was charged in federal court that he had traveled back to Honduras. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Honduran authorities and the DEA to secure the arrest and extradition of Erazo, who arrived back in the United States on Dec. 19, 2024. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim today for arraignment on the indictment and further proceedings. Erazo is next scheduled to appear in court for a status hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa J. Cisneros on Dec. 23, 2024. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Erazo faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000,000 on Counts 1 and 2, and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000,000 on Counts 3 and 4. He also faces a lifetime term of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment on each count. Any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by a court only upon consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and DEA Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Parker is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Jessie Chelsea and Linda Love. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DEA, with assistance from the San Francisco Police Department.


title: Chinese National Indicted in El Paso, Texas, and Arrested in Las Vegas for Alleged Conspiracy to Sell Equipment Used to Manufacture Counterfeit Pills

component: Civil Division

body_text: A federal grand jury in the Western District of Texas charged a Chinese national with two counts related to alleged distribution of pill press equipment that can be used by criminals to manufacture illegal drugs laced with fentanyl. Department of Homeland Security agents arrested the defendant, Xaiofei Chen, at a trade show in Las Vegas on Oct. 29. According to the criminal complaint supporting her arrest warrant, Chen sold pill press machines that can be used with molds, stamps or dies mimicking commonly prescribed controlled substances to produce counterfeit pills that appear indistinguishable from legitimate pharmaceutical drugs. Specifically, the criminal complaint alleges that Chen worked for a Chinese-based company that sold die molds and equipment, and that Chen sold pill press equipment and counterfeit die molds to buyers in the United States. The complaint further alleges that Chen avoided Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) disclosure requirements by dismantling equipment and shipping parts in separate packages into the United States. This equipment allegedly included counterfeit dies, including M30 dies meant to mimic a common prescription drug but which are regularly used to make fake opioid pills. The complaint alleges that the packages that Chen sent also were mislabeled to conceal the illegal equipment that they contained. The Controlled Substances Act prohibits the sale of pill press equipment and counterfeit die molds to individuals who intend to use these machines unlawfully and requires reporting of certain equipment sales. Counterfeit pills made on such equipment can be laced with fentanyl and other dangerous drugs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl and related substances have devastated communities across the United States and fuel the ongoing drug overdose epidemic, which the CDC recently estimated killed approximately 107,000 Americans in 2023. Fentanyl overdose is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 49. In recent years, more than half of counterfeit pills tested have been found to have a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. “The fentanyl epidemic has taken hundreds of thousands of American lives, and this case reflects the department’s unwavering commitment to prosecuting every level of the deadly fentanyl supply chain,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will continue to protect Americans by prosecuting those involved in the unlawful sale of parts and equipment that can be used to manufacture counterfeit pills.” “The defendant allegedly sold equipment that can be used to make dangerous opioid pills harmful to American families,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to prevent the distribution of equipment commonly used in the manufacture of these destructive drugs.” A federal court in Nevada ordered Chen, a foreign national, detained pending her trial in El Paso where the indictment was returned on Nov. 20. The indictment charges Chen with one count of conspiracy to distribute and import a tableting machine used to manufacture a controlled substance and one count of conspiracy to distribute dies designed to imprint and reproduce the trademark, trade name and other identifying mark and imprint of another. If convicted, Chen faces a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge would determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. HSI and Customs and Border Protection are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Edward E. Emokpae, Scott B. Dahlquist and Kaitlin Sahni of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Franco Gregory and Donna S. Miller for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case. Attorneys Colin Trundle and Sarah Williams of the Consumer Protection Branch also provided valuable assistance. An indictment or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: East Bay Man Who Claimed His Marijuana Distribution Business Was A “Nonprofit” Sentenced To Over Three Years For Pandemic Relief Loan Fraud

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – A Brentwood man was sentenced yesterday to 37 months in prison for defrauding the United States by obtaining approximately $300,000 in COVID-19 relief funds for his “nonprofit” that was an unlicensed marijuana distribution business. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Rita F. Lin, U.S. District Judge, following defendant’s guilty plea on two counts of wire fraud. According to court documents, Thanh Duy Nguyen, 53, ran and was the sole officer of T&A Distribution, an unlicensed interstate marijuana trafficking scheme with grow houses around the Bay Area. Nguyen used T&A Distribution to obtain two Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act authorized the SBA to provide EIDL loans to small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first application, which he submitted in April 2020, Nguyen certified that he was not engaged in any illegal activity as defined by federal law, even though he knew that his marijuana distribution business was illegal under federal law. Nguyen fraudulently claimed that T&A Distribution was a nonprofit in the business of “Antiques/Collectibles,” when its business was marijuana distribution. Nguyen also made other false statements, including about T&A Distribution’s gross revenue and employee count. The true amount of T&A Distribution’s gross revenues in the 12 months before Jan. 31, 2020, was approximately $2.4 million. On a second EIDL application, which he submitted in June 2020, Nguyen again falsely certified that he was not engaged in any illegal activity as defined by federal law, and misrepresented T&A Distribution as a nonprofit in the business of “Miscellaneous Services.” He also made false statements about the business’s gross revenues, cost of operations, and employee count. As a result of the falsified applications, Nguyen received approximately $300,000 in EIDL funds. He used a significant amount of the loan funds for his marijuana distribution business and for gambling. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Lin sentenced Nguyen to three years of supervised release and to pay $300,000 in restitution and $300,000 in forfeiture. Nguyen will begin serving his sentence on Feb. 28, 2025. United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris, and SBA Office of Inspector General (OIG) Special Agent in Charge of the Western Region Weston King made the announcement. 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. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Tartakovsky prosecuted the case with the assistance of Sara Slattery. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by DEA and SBA OIG.


title: Alexandria Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a Machine Gun

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

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, La. – Kaelin Williams , 27, of Alexandria, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell for illegal possession of a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Williams was sentenced to 30 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release. Williams was charged in an indictment with one count of illegal possession of a machine gun and he pleaded guilty to the charge on August 21, 2024. On March 1, 2024, a federal search warrant was executed on Williams and his brother’s residence in Alexandria. At the time of the execution of the search warrant, Williams was the sole occupant of the residence and was found with two machine guns, both being Anderson Model AM-15 AR-Type multi-caliber pistols each containing a machine gun conversion device. In addition, law enforcement agents found several additional machine gun conversion devices, often referred to as “Glock switches.” Williams acknowledged to agents that he knew the “Glock switches” were illegal and that they turned a firearm into a machine gun. The case was investigated by the ATF, Homeland Security Investigations and Alexandria Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren L. Gardner. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn . # # #


title: Justice Department Sues State of Louisiana for Incarcerating People Beyond Their Release Dates

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department filed a federal lawsuit today against the State of Louisiana and Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (LDOC) alleging that the state and LDOC maintain a pattern or practice of confining incarcerated people for weeks and months after they have fully completed their prison sentences and are legally entitled to be released, in violation of the 14th Amendment. “Every person in the United States, whether incarcerated or otherwise, enjoys certain fundamental rights,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Foremost among them is the right to individual liberty. The Founders were keenly aware of the potential abuse of power when government can arbitrarily take away a person’s freedom without a lawful court order specifying the period of their confinement. In this context, the right to individual liberty includes the right to be released from incarceration on time after the term set by the court has ended. To incarcerate people indefinitely, as LDOC does here, not only intrudes on individual liberty, but also erodes public confidence in the fair and just application of our laws. The Justice Department looks forward to proving its case in court.” The lawsuit is the result of a multi-year investigation into allegations of systemic overdetention in LDOC’s system conducted by the department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle, Eastern and Western Districts of Louisiana. As required by the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), the department provided the state with written notice of the supporting facts for these alleged conditions, and the minimum remedial measures necessary to address them in a report issued on Jan. 25, 2023. CRIPA authorizes the department to act when it has reasonable cause to believe there is a pattern or practice of deprivation of constitutional rights of individuals confined to correctional facilities operated by or on behalf of state or local government. Today’s lawsuit seeks injunctive relief to remedy deficient conditions identified by the department’s investigation. The lawsuit does not seek monetary damages. While the State has made marginal efforts to address the systemic deficiencies leading to overdetention, these steps are inadequate to address the deficiencies, which are longstanding and well-known to the State. The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle, Eastern and Western Districts of Louisiana are handling the case. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the department by phone at 1-833-492-0097 or by email at community.louisianadoc@usdoj.gov . For more information about the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section . Additional information about the Eastern, Middle and Western U.S. Attorneys’ Offices is available at www.justice.gov/usao-edla , www.justice.gov/usao-mdla and www.justice.gov/usao-wdla .


title: Sixteen Cardiology Practices to Pay a Total of $17.7M to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Concerning Inflated Medicare Reimbursements

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Sixteen separate cardiology practices and associated physicians, located across 12 states, have agreed to pay amounts totaling $17,761,564 to resolve allegations that they each violated the False Claims Act by overbilling Medicare for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals. Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals are radioisotopes bound to biological molecules that target specific organs, tissues or cells within the human body and are used to diagnose and, in some cases, treat certain cancers and diseases. In 13 states and the District of Columbia, Medicare Part B reimburses healthcare providers for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals based on the provider’s acquisition cost. In those jurisdictions, Medicare’s contractors have published guidance explaining the reimbursement methodology and providers’ obligation to accurately report their invoice costs for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals. The government alleged that the settling cardiology practices regularly reported inflated acquisition costs to Medicare for these drugs. In each of the settlements, the conduct occurred for at least a year, and in some instances, the conduct extended over a period of more than 10 years. “The financial stability of federal healthcare programs depends upon providers complying with applicable billing rules,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are committed to ensuring that Medicare funds are expended appropriately and to pursuing those who knowingly fail to do so.” The settling medical practices and associated physicians have agreed to pay the following amounts: Western Kentucky Heart & Lung Associates PSC and Mohammed Kazimuddin ($6,750,000) Heart Clinic of Paris P.A. and Arjumand Hashmi ($2,600,000) Scranton Cardiovascular Physician Services LLC ($2,369,111) Shannon Clinic ($996,856) Edward W. Leahey M.D. Professional Association and Edward Leahey ($894,679) Metropolitan Cardiovascular Consultants LLC and Ayim Djamson ($846,888) Cardiology Center of New Jersey LLC, Mario Criscito, Frank Iacovone, and Sameer Kaul ($740,000) Clovis Cardiology Associates LLC and Mahamadu Fuseini ($600,000) Family Medical Specialty Clinic PLLC, Melecio Abordo, and June Abadilla ($409,594) James R. Higgins M.D. Inc. and James Higgins ($395,537) TrustCare Health LLC ($279,407) Taj Medical Inc. ($240,000) White River Diagnostic Clinic PLC, Margaret Kuykendall, and Seth Barnes ($234,490) Veinguard Heart & Vascular Center P.C. and Fareeha Khan ($195,000) Boulder Medical Center PC ($160,000) Wellspring Cardiac Care P.A. ($50,000). “Practices and providers who overcharge the government and fail to return overpayments compromise our healthcare programs,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “When people see the wrong and report it, we have the tool we need to put a stop to this type of irresponsible conduct. So, I applaud the whistleblowers who came forward in this case.” “These practitioners overbilled the Medicare program by grossly exaggerating the acquisition costs of drugs used in diagnostic imaging of the heart,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “This office is committed to protecting our federal health care programs, and we will hold accountable anyone who seeks to exploit them.” “Medicare providers are required to be honest and accurate in the costs they report for reimbursement,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate alleged false claims act violations and ensure the integrity of the Medicare program. ” The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by relators Jasjit Walia and Preet Randhawa in the District of Columbia and the Western District of Kentucky. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The whistleblowers will receive a total of more than $2.7 million from the settlements announced today. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Columbia and Western District of Kentucky, with assistance from the HHS Office of Counsel to the Inspector General and Office of Investigations. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). Trial Attorney James Nealon of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Schecter and Matt Weyand for the Western District of Kentucky and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Truong and Stephen DeGenaro for the District of Columbia handled the matter. The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. View the Heart Clinic of Paris settlement agreement here. View the Leahey settlement agreement here. View the Scranton settlement agreement here. View the Metropolitan settlement agreement here. View the Shannon Clinic settlement agreement here. View the Family Medical Specialty Clinic settlement agreement here. View the Taj Medical settlement agreement here. View the TrustCare settlement agreement here. View the Veinguard settlement agreement here. View the Wellspring settlement agreement here. View the White River settlement agreement here. View the WKHL settlement agreement here. View the Boulder Medical Center settlement agreement here. View the CCNJ settlement agreement here. View the Clovis settlement agreement here. View the Higgins settlement agreement here.


title: Two New Haven Men Found Guilty of Fentanyl Trafficking Offenses

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a jury in Bridgeport federal court has found LUIS SALAMAN , also known as “Bebe,” 42, and JESUS SEGUINOT , also known as “Chuchi,” 34, guilty of fentanyl trafficking offenses. A trial before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill began on December 9 and the jury returned guilty verdicts on multiple counts of a superseding indictment late yesterday afternoon. According to the evidence presented during the trial, in October 2021, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force learned that Salaman was distributing large quantities of narcotics throughout New Haven. The investigation revealed that Salaman worked with Seguinot and others to distribute fentanyl. Between November 2021 and March 2022, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of distribution quantities of fentanyl from Salaman, Seguinot, and their associates. The jury found Salaman and Seguinot guilty of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and Salaman guilty of three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The jury found Salaman not guilty of four counts, and Seguinot not guilty of one count, of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl. At sentencing, which is scheduled for March 13, Salaman faces a term of imprisonment of at least 10 years, and Seguinot faces a term of imprisonment of at least five years. Salaman faces enhanced penalties because of a prior conviction for a serious violent felony. Salaman has been detained since his arrest on April 5, 2022. Seguinot was arrested on April 10, 2023, and is released on a $100,000 bond. This investigation has been conducted by FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Ruff and David T. Huang.


title: Twin Drug Traffickers Each Receive Life Sentences

body_text: Just 12 months after an Amarillo methamphetamine trafficker received a life sentence, his twin brother was sentenced to life in prison for similar crimes, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Landis Charles Barrow, 46, was charged in February 2023. After a six-day trial, a jury convicted Mr. Barrow of one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession of intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in August. Landis Barrow was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk. His twin brother, Mandis Barrow, was convicted at a separate trial of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of distribution methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was sentenced in January by the same judge. According to evidence presented at Landis’ trial, Landis sold, or facilitated the sale, of large quantities of methamphetamine to a confidential source on three occasions in late 2022. During a February 2023 search of Landis’ residence, DEA agents discovered pound quantities of methamphetamine, two large baggies of cocaine, drug scales and paraphernalia, $7,000 in cash, a firearm, and a drug ledger with Landis’ name written in it. During a call made from the Randall County Detention Center, he admitted to being part of a criminal organization. During his trial testimony, Landis admitted to distributing approximately 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of controlled substances for a Mexican Cartel. Landis admitted to running a “crew” of individuals, and that he was a “gangster.” Landis admitted to carrying a firearm with him at all times. Court documents and trial testimony reflect that Landis Barrow is a suspect in a murder investigation involving his alleged retaliation for the theft of a large quantity of drugs and money that occurred in November 2022 at second residence associated with him. During the sentencing hearing, Judge Kacsmaryk ruled that Landis had, in fact, made credible threats of violence to shoot or harm people he believed were involved in the robbery. Judge Kacsmaryk further found that Landis had perjured himself during his trial testimony. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division – Amarillo Resident Agency conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Potter County Sheriff’s Office, the Randall County Sheriff’s Office, the Amarillo Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Marie Bell and Sean Long prosecuted the case.


title: Former Maury County, Tennessee, Corrections Officer Sentenced for Obstructing Civil Rights Investigation

body_text: A former corrections officer of the Maury County, Tennessee, Jail was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Nashville, Tennessee, to 60 months in prison and two years of supervised release. James Stewart Justice was previously convicted of falsifying a record in a federal civil rights investigation for a report he wrote in response to allegations that he had sexually abused an inmate in his custody. “Everyone who serves in law enforcement knows of their duty of candor,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “That duty of candor is at its highest when responding to serious allegations such as the sexual abuse of an inmate in the officer’s care. The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously prosecute officers who disregard that duty and obstruct federal civil rights investigations.” “When he authority that corrections officers are given is abused, it’s not just the civil rights of prison inmates that are threatened, but the public’s trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “This sentencing should be a reminder that the FBI will vigorously investigate these kinds of cases and bring to justice any law enforcement officer who violates the constitution and trust of the people." According to court documents, Justice, formerly known as James Stewart Thomas, wrote an official report for the Maury County Jail in response to allegations that he sexually abused an inmate he guarded in a hospital room while the inmate recovered from major surgery. In his report, the defendant 1) falsely claimed that he had reported to two Maury County Jail supervisors that an inmate had made sexual advances toward him while the inmate was in his custody at the hospital; 2) falsely claimed that those two Maury County Jail supervisors both advised him not to write a report about those alleged sexual advances by the inmate; and 3) omitted a claim he later made to criminal investigators that he had a sexual relationship with the inmate after the inmate’s release from custody. The FBI Nashville Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nani Gilkerson for the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Agreement With Washoe County To Ensure Polling Place Access To Voters With Disabilities

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: RENO – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada has entered into an agreement with the Washoe County Board of Commissioners to resolve a compliance review that identified numerous physical barriers at polling sites. The agreement resolves the United States’ investigation into Washoe County’s compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by a state or local government in any of its programs or services. The agreement will be in place through the 2026 and 2028 election cycles. “We must continue to protect the rights of all Nevadans to participate in one of the most fundamental rights we possess, voting rights,” said Sue Fahami, First Assistant United States Attorney, District of Nevada. “That is why we are proud to protect the rights of voters with disabilities to cast their ballot in person, privately, independently and without barriers. We are grateful for Washoe County’s commitment to helping accomplish this mutual goal.” On June 11, 2024, during Nevada’s primary election, the United States surveyed 10 polling locations in Washoe County. The surveys found a multitude of architectural and equipment barriers both in the exterior of polling sites and inside voting areas rendering the facilities inaccessible. These physical barriers included obstructions at accessible voting stations, unreachable voting machine controls, missing accessibility signage at parking spaces, surface openings from the public sidewalk to the accessible entrance, gaps and level changes. As part of the agreement, Washoe County will train poll workers on the County’s obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and how to employ temporary measures if necessary. It will also use the technical assistance of an accessibility expert and an evaluation form for each current and prospective polling place based on ADA architectural standards. Washoe County will also survey polling locations for accessibility throughout the term of the agreement. Importantly, when selecting future polling sites, Washoe County will ensure that new locations are ADA accessible. The United States Attorney’s Office will monitor the agreement and provide technical assistance. The Washoe County investigation is part of the Department of Justice’s ADA Voting Initiative, which focuses on protecting the voting rights of individuals with disabilities across the country. A hallmark of the ADA Voting Initiative is its collaboration with jurisdictions to increase accessibility at polling places. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Ednin D. Martinez. If you believe you have been discriminated against based on disability, please submit a report www.civilrights.justice.gov . For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 (TTY 1-833-610-1264) or visit www.ada.gov . ### voluntary_compliance_agreement_between_the_u.s.a._and_washoe_county_nevada_dj_no_204_46_180_with_attachment_u.s.a_0.pdf


title: Man Convicted by Jury for Killing a Woman Retrieving Personal Items from His Girlfriend’s Apartment

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Amard Jefferson, 25, of Ft. Washington, MD, was found guilty by a Superior Court jury of one count of second-degree murder while armed, for the August 2021 murder of 20-year-old Kendall Brown, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Jefferson was also convicted of obstruction of justice for trying to convince his girlfriend to tell authorities that she killed Kendall Brown – not him. Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt scheduled sentencing for February 14, 2025. Jefferson faces a statutory maximum sentence of 60 years in prison. According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 4:28 p.m., on August 7, 2021, in the 3000 block of Nelson Place, Southeast, Ms. Brown and two others went to the apartment of Jefferson’s girlfriend to retrieve personal items that one of them left behind after moving out of the apartment. While there, a verbal argument occurred. The defendant, who was not initially involved in the verbal argument, escalated the argument by introducing and reaching for his firearm and threatening the women that he was going to “call his men.” Shortly thereafter, and without cause or justification, the defendant shot Ms. Brown. After locking the decedent into the apartment, the defendant fled with his girlfriend and a minor child. As he fled the crime scene, he stashed the murder weapon -- a black 9mm ghost gun – in a drainpipe a few blocks away.. Defendant Jefferson continued his efforts to prevent legal accountability a few days after his arrest when he attempted, through text messages and phone calls from the D.C. Department of Corrections, to convince his girlfriend to affirmatively and falsely take blame for the murder. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Kubo and Stephanie Dinan.


title: Anchorage man arrested for receiving, distributing, possessing child pornography

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was arrested last night at his residence on criminal charges related to his alleged receipt, distribution and possession of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). According to court documents, on Aug. 13, 2024, Anthaney O’Connor, 25, reported another individual to law enforcement, who he claimed wanted to commit sexual assaults against minors. He alleged the other individual sent him CSAM and links to applications known to be utilized by individuals seeking sexually explicit materials portraying minors. Law enforcement searched O’Connor’s phone. Upon review, law enforcement discovered that O’Connor possessed two images of CSAM that the individual allegedly sent him. Law enforcement also discovered information indicating that O’Connor discussed creating virtual reality generated CSAM using a photo someone had surreptitiously taken of a prepubescent boy at a local store. O’Connor allegedly possessed roughly six artificial intelligence (AI)/cartoon drawing/images depicting CSAM, four CSAM images and two videos containing CSAM. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on O’Connor’s residence on Dec. 19, 2024, and agents discovered additional CSAM images and videos on his computer, some of which were AI images/anime depicting prepubescent children. Law enforcement also discovered two electronic storage devices and a computer hard drive hidden in the vents of O’Connor’s bedroom closet. The contents of these devices are pending review. O’Connor is charged with one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography. If convicted, O’Connor faces up to 20 years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department are investigating this case as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Caille Petursson is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. UPDATE: This release has been amended to include U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations as an assisting agency. ###


title: Man Sentenced to 18 Year Prison Term For Killing a Man in Southeast Washington

body_text: WASHINGTON – Antoine Lynch, 38, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for shooting Delonte Maxwell in the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Ave. Southeast in Washington DC, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The United States Attorney’s Office requested a 26 year sentence which would have been the top of Lynch’s 14-26 year guidelines range. Lynch pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed, on March 22, 2024, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. According to the government’s evidence, Lynch initially got into a verbal dispute with Mr. Maxwell as he was walking by Lynch’s residence. Lynch chased Mr. Maxwell away but when he later heard from a friend that Mr. Maxwell was still in the neighborhood, he left his residence armed with a firearm to find Mr. Maxwell. Accompanied by his friend and Lynch’s young daughter, Lynch found Mr. Maxwell walking along the sidewalk and proceeded to shoot him at point blank range as they passed each other. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant United States Attorney Kacie Weston, Paralegal Specialist Grazy Rivera, and Victim/Witness Advocate Christina Bloodworth. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Ganjei, who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: Justice Department Proposes New Regulations to Modernize Foreign Agents Registration Act Administration and Enforcement

component: National Security Division (NSD)

body_text: The Justice Department submitted to the Federal Register yesterday a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to update and clarify regulations issued under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). FARA requires persons in the United States who are acting as agents of foreign principals and engaged in certain specified activities to make periodic public disclosures of their relationship with the foreign principal, as well as activities, receipts, and disbursements in support of those activities. Disclosure of the required information facilitates evaluation by the government and the American people of the activities of such persons in light of their function as foreign agents. The act authorizes the Attorney General to issue regulations, which were last amended in 2007. The Justice Department’s proposed rule would make changes to key regulations, including those relating to the commercial exemption, the exemption for persons whose activities do not serve predominantly a foreign interest, and the exemption for persons qualified to practice law. The proposed rule also would modernize regulations relating to labeling informational materials in light of the significant technological changes that have occurred since the regulations were last amended more than a decade ago. In December 2021, the department issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) with 19 questions to solicit comments about regulations on a range of topics, and the proposed rule reflects the department’s careful consideration of views submitted through this process. An unofficial version of the NPRM is available here ; the official version will be published in the Federal Register. Written comments on the NPRM may be submitted within 60 days of its publication in the Federal Register at www.regulations.gov . The NPRM will be followed by final regulations issued later.


title: Des Moines Individuals Charged in Joint State and Federal Investigation of Fentanyl Trafficking Organization

body_text: DES MOINES, Iowa – A federal grand jury in Des Moines returned a three-count indictment charging five Des Moines individuals with offenses related to fentanyl trafficking. The following individuals are charged in the Indictment: · Devonte Darnell Hassell, also known as “Domo”, “Dom”, and “Rose”, 28, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and distribution of fentanyl. He faces a mandatory minimum 10-year prison sentence and a maximum sentence of life in prison. · Ryan Redmond, also known as “Chiefy”, 31, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and distribution of fentanyl. He faces a mandatory minimum 5‑year prison sentence and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. · Kevin Stanley Harris, Jr., also known as “Rylo” and “Big Hands”, 42, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and distribution of fentanyl. He faces a mandatory minimum 10-year prison sentence and a maximum sentence of life in prison, as he is alleged to have a prior serious drug felony conviction. · Adonis Angel Devora, 43, is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. She faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. · Ricky Jamall Ellis, 30, is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. He faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. These individuals were all arrested on December 18, 2024: four in Des Moines, and one in Houston, Texas. The same day, thirteen federal search warrants were executed, which resulted in the seizure of approximately 610 grams of heroin/fentanyl mixture, approximately 135 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 260 grams of marijuana, as well as 19 firearms and more than $13,000 in U.S. currency. The charges stem from a months’ long investigation into fentanyl distribution within the Des Moines area. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Des Moines Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and FBI Des Moines Central Iowa Gang Task Force (CIGTF) are investigating the case, with assistance from the Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Narcotics Enforcement (DNE), Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Patrol SWAT, United States Marshals Service, Ames Police Department, West Des Moines Police Department, Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force (MINE), Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Story County Sheriff’s Office, Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force (MIDTF), Central Iowa Drug Task Force (CIDTF), Suburban Emergency Response Team (SERT), Metro Special Tactics and Response (STAR), the Chicago, Illinois Police Department, and the Houston, Texas Police Department. This investigation 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. 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: Nine Quad Cities Men Sentenced to Federal Prison in Violent RICO Conspiracy

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – Nine Quad Cities men, Don Christopher White, Jr., Raheem Jacques Houston, Deaguise Ramont Hall, Michael Linn Cross, Devell Carl Lewis, Lashawn D James Hensley, Simmeon Terrell Hall, Devante Atwell French, and Cortez Deangelo Cooper, Jr., were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a racketeering conspiracy, which engaged in a years-long pattern of violence, including murder, attempted murder, and drug trafficking. According to public court documents and evidence presented at trials and sentencings, these Fifth Street gang members, also known as the “Arsenal Courts Posse,” “Zone Fifth,” “Fifth Street Mafia,” “Rock Town Money Getters (RTMG),” and “Money Team,” were members and associates of a coordinated violent criminal enterprise based out of Rock Island, Illinois, but engaged in racketeering activity in Davenport and Rock Island, whose purpose was to distribute controlled substances, obtain money and shoot at rival gang members, specifically the 12th Street, Savage Life, and Boom Gang street gangs. Evidence at trial demonstrated the criminal enterprise was connected to dozens of shooting investigations and at least seven homicides over the course of two decades. Some of the activity connected to this enterprise included the following incidents: On August 6, 2006, Andrell Hearn was shot and killed in Rock Island. On August 19, 2006, White and other Fifth Street associates drove by an outdoor family gathering in Davenport where 12th Street members were present and discharged firearms into the group resulting in the death of Vincelina Howard. On August 6, 2011, a shooting outside the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds involving Fifth Street members and members of a rival Davenport group. On September 5, 2012, French and another Fifth Street associate fired shots at a rival gang member in Davenport. On March 31, 2013, several members of a rival Davenport gang were standing in front of the Chorus Line when Fifth Street member Demarko Williams walked into the parking lot and fired multiple shots at the group. In January 2014, Demarko Williams was sentenced to a 100-month federal prison sentence for possessing a firearm as a felon. On September 2, 2015, Fifth Street associate Juwan Johnson shot and killed Lewis Woodson, a rival gang member, in Davenport. On January 3, 2020, officers responded to a shots-fired incident in or near the Davenport parking lot of the Quad City Times building and seized a large number of casings that were later matched to firearms used by Fifth Street members. On May 23, 2020, a dispute over a dice game at a family gathering in Rock Island led to a shootout between Fifth Street associates and others, resulting in the death of Timon Mayfield. Between May 24 and 31, 2020, multiple shootings in the same Rock Island neighborhood where Mayfield was killed left seized casings that were later matched to firearms used by Fifth Street associates. On June 1, 2020, while the City of Davenport was experiencing civil unrest, this criminal enterprise participated in two shootings in Davenport in which they fired in excess of 60 shots and seriously injured two men. Specifically, on June 1, 2020, White, Lewis, Deaguise Hall, Cross, Hensley, and Cooper were present at Necker’s Jewelers to commit a burglary. While there, the group saw a man they had mistaken for a rival gang member. Cooper and others fired 33 rounds from four guns seriously injuring the victim. Just a few hours later, White, Houston, Deaguise Hall, Cross, Hensley, Lewis, and others were in a Davenport alley when a truck occupied by three Davenport police officers entered the alley. Immediately, four Fifth Street associates fired more than 30 rounds at the truck occupied by the officers. Evidence at trial showed Fifth Street members thought the truck was occupied by a rival group. One police officer was struck and injured by the gunfire. One of the officers returned fire. As a result of this exchange, Marquis Tousant died. White, Houston, Deaguise Hall, Cross, Hensley, and Lewis fled the alley shooting in a high-speed car chase through Davenport. They were eventually apprehended. Officers located seven firearms, a large amount of ammunition, large-capacity magazines, including a 50-round drum magazine, face masks, and gloves inside the vehicle. Three of these firearms were later matched to fired casings in the Davenport alley. On December 4, 2021, White and another Fifth Street associate shot at a victim in a vehicle on Middle Road in Davenport. On December 8, 2021, White and another Fifth Street associate were involved in a shooting near the Centennial Bride and River Drive in Davenport. They mistook two men in a vehicle for rivals. On February 25, 2022, White shot a man during a dispute in Moline, Illinois. On March 27, 2022, French shot a victim near the rear door of his residence on Locust Street in Davenport. On April 19, 2022, French shot a victim in the yard of a residence in retaliation for a prior shooting of a Fifth Street associate. SENTENCES On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the following defendants were sentenced: Don Christopher White, Jr., 39, was sentenced to 40 years of imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy, and two charges for felon in possession of a firearm, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. White was also ordered to pay $22,784.20 in restitution. Raheem Jacques Houston, 32, was sentenced to 30 years of imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of a firearm, followed by a three -year term of supervised release. Houston was also ordered to pay $16,012.52 in restitution. Deaguise Ramont Hall, 35, was sentenced to 33 years of imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy and for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Hall was also ordered to pay $16,012.52 in restitution. Michael Linn Cross, 32, was sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Cross was also ordered to pay $16,012.52 in restitution. LaShawn D. James Hensley, 32, was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Hensley was also ordered to pay $16,012.52 in restitution. * * * The following defendants were sentenced on December 19, 2024: Devante Atwell French, 31, was sentenced to 30 years of imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of ammunition, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Simmeon Terrell Hall, 36, was sentenced to 30 years of imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Devell Carl Lewis, 37, was sentenced to 18 1/2 years of imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Lewis was also ordered to pay $16,012.52 in restitution. Cortez Deangelo Cooper, Jr., 31, was sentenced to 13 1/2 years of imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of ammunition, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. * * * Previously, on July 11, 2024, Brandon Deshane Branigan, 34, was sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment for the same racketeering conspiracy, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. * * * “Violent crime against our community and attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated,” said Davenport Police Chief Jeffery Bladel. “These individuals demonstrated a blatant disregard for the safety of our Quad City community; especially in the case of the 2020 ambush and attempted murder of three of our officers. I’m proud of our department’s unwavering dedication to holding criminals accountable and protecting those who serve. My sincere thanks to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their steadfast commitment to justice.” * * * Two defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing: Ricky Lee Childs, Jr., 40, is scheduled to be sentenced on January 23, 2025, for racketeering conspiracy. As part of this investigation, he was also charged with felon in possession of a firearm and sentenced to 110 months of imprisonment in case number 3:22-cr-021. Childs faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment. Timothy Justin Beaver, 30, is scheduled to be sentenced on February 13, 2025, for racketeering conspiracy and for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Beaver faces a maximum sentence of 40 years of imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the United States sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. * * * Two defendants are awaiting trial. Kylea Dapri Cartwright, Jr., 28, is charged with racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of ammunition. One of the racketeering acts alleges that on July 5, 2020, Cartwright shot a victim. Rasheem Damonte Bogan, 33, is charged with racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of a firearm. One of the racketeering acts alleges that on June 1, 2020, Bogan shot a victim. Both are scheduled for a jury trial beginning Monday, February 10, 2025. They each face a maximum of 30 years of imprisonment. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. * * * United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the Rock Island Police Department, with assistance from the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Criminal Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Drug Enforcement Administration.


title: Marshalltown Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearm Charges

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DES MOINES, Iowa – A Marshalltown man was sentenced on December 12, 2024 to 204 months in federal prison for possessing a distribution quantity of methamphetamine and carrying a firearm in relation to his drug trafficking. According to public court documents, Anthony James Shearer, 39, was found in possession of more than 40 grams of methamphetamine during a traffic stop in February 2024. At the time, he has absconded from his parole for a 2020 state drug trafficking conviction. In a backpack inside the car, Shearer had two loaded firearms. After completing his term of imprisonment, Shearer will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force. 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Three El Dorado Men sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Firearms Converted into Machine Guns

component: USAO - Arkansas, Western

body_text: EL DORADO, ARKANSAS – Three El Dorado Men have been sentenced in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, El Dorado Division, for Possession of Machineguns in violation of federal law. According to court documents, on April 24, 2022, Officers with the El Dorado Police Department executed a search warrant at an apartment complex in the El Dorado Area to locate a wanted individual Mark Oliver Wade , age 23, of El Dorado, Arkansas. A search of the residence uncovered one stolen firearm and one firearm was converted to fire in fully automatic mode. United States District Court Judge Susan O. Hickey sentenced Wade to thirty- three (33) months in federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow. On March 29, 2023, Officers with the El Dorado Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in El Dorado, Arkansas. Markayleo Alonzo James , age 22, of El Dorado, Arkansas, was encountered by law enforcement during this incident. Officers found that James was in possession of a firearm that was converted to fire in fully automatic mode. United States District Court Judge Susan O. Hickey sentenced James to twenty- four (24) months in federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow. Additionally on May 23, 2023, Officers with the El Dorado Police Department initiated a traffic stop on another vehicle in El Dorado, Arkansas. Inshiqaq Qalam Qiyama II , age 23, of El Dorado, Arkansas, was encountered by law enforcement during this incident. Officers found that Qiyama was in possession of a firearm that was converted to fire in fully automatic mode. United States District Court Judge Susan O. Hickey sentenced Qiyama to twenty- seven (27) months in federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow. “Glock switches and other automatic weapon conversion kits create a significant danger to both law enforcement officers and innocent civilians,” said United States Attorney David Clay Fowlkes. “These conversion devices are simple to make and sell but are capable of changing ordinary handguns and rifles into incredibly dangerous fully automatic weapons. These weapons are hard to control and can cause massive property damage and potential loss of life. With these weapons, even civilians in their homes are in danger from the numerous, uncontrolled rounds fired using conversion kits. These cases send an important message to our communities: we will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals in possession of illegal automatic weapons and conversion kits. Keeping our communities safe is the most important part of our mission in Western Arkansas.” The El Dorado Police Department’s CID/CAD divisions and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Briana Robbins and Trent Daniels prosecuted the cases. 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 . Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov .


title: First of Multiple Individuals Sentenced for Federal Kidnapping Conviction

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – Cortez Blake, 23, of Detroit was sentenced to 16 years and 6 months in federal prison yesterday following a conviction for federal kidnapping, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today. Ison was joined in the announced by Special Agent in Charge James M. Deir of the ATF in Michigan. Cortez Blake was found guilty of kidnapping on August 12, 2024, after a jury trial. In total seven people were charged with conspiracy to kidnap and kidnapping from this incident. Five people have been convicted. Blake and Nasir Lewis, 24, were convicted of kidnapping at trial, while Maijah Greene, 24, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap; and Shatonnia Kimbrough, 21, pleaded guilty to kidnapping. The trial of a sixth individual, Semaj Ayers, remains pending. The final defendant, Karamoh Turner, was acquitted at trial. Two additional people were convicted of the carjacking that precipitated the kidnapping. Jamar Lee-Stinson pleaded guilty to carjacking and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to 11 and a half years in prison in May 2024. Amiaya Bryant also pleaded guilty to carjacking and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in June 2024. During the trial, the evidence established that the defendants worked with others to kidnap and beat their victim. The kidnappers wrongly believed the victim took part in a carjacking and the kidnapping was to retaliate and extract information from the victim. According to the testimony, a group of armed men took the victim from a local business. The kidnappers first drove the victim to an empty lot in Detroit where the victim was beaten. The kidnappers then took the victim to a residence controlled by Blake, where the victim was held at gunpoint and beaten intermittently for hours. Finally, the victim was abandoned miles away on the roadside. At trial, the evidence further established that the victim was held against her will at gunpoint in a house in Detroit where she was physically beaten. This was done in part to get information from her. Cellphones were used to recruit and direct others to join the kidnapping of the victim. Cortez Blake intentionally assisted in the kidnapping by participating in the beating and interrogation of the victim. “Street justice cannot take place in this community. This sentence sends the first message in this case, and beyond, that one alleged wrong cannot justify retribution. This senseless cycle of violence will not be tolerated, and my office will continue to hold those who engage in violence, even if in the name of vengeance, accountable no matter the circumstances,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. "This sentence is proof that ATF Detroit and its state and local partners have zero tolerance for anyone who chooses to use an illegal firearm to retaliate, intimidate, and/or harm a member of our community. Cortez Blake’s actions are reprehensible. He and his partners-in-crime kidnapped and beat a Detroit community member with an illegal firearm. Blake is a common-day coward who puts gang membership and nonsensical gang loyalty above everything else, including his humanity. In my experience,” said Special Agent in Charge James Deir, “Blake is an ATF posterchild of the type of thug ATF is laser-focused on identifying, prosecuting, and ultimately removing from our community. As such, he is the most deserving candidate for federal prosecution and Detroit is safer with him not in the city any longer.” The United States Attorney’s Office and the ATF are focused on prosecuting those individuals who are using firearms to commit violent acts against people in the Eastern District of Michigan. The strategy is a part of the United States Attorney’s Office’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN continues to be the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders works together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. PSN is an evidence-based program that focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs to pursue lasting reductions in crime. These charges are just some of the tangible results of this joint effort. The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to work together to reduce violence in our communities. Along with ATF, this case has been investigated with the assistance of the Office of Inspector General – U.S. Department of Labor, the United States Marshals Service, the Detroit Police Department’s Gang Intelligence Unit, and the Michigan Department of Corrections.


title: Arsonist Who Built and Fired Two Improvised Explosive Missiles Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who had already been convicted of felony arson who illegally built and fired two improvised explosive missiles was sentenced December 5, 2024 to 10 years in federal prison. Daniel Graben, age 60, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 18, 2024, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon. Evidence in the case revealed on the morning of February 28, 2022, a resident of rural Plymouth County observed what he thought was a “low flying mortar” over his house. He then heard it explode in the distance. He then saw a second object cruising above his house and heard it also explode in the distance. Another witnesses reported hearing a “very large explosion.” A third person reported an unexplained and unattended grass fire near the intersection of Plymouth County Roads C44 and K18. The fire was more than 1,000 yards away from any roadway or obvious combustible spark. The Akron Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire, and a criminal investigation ensued. Law enforcement discovered the wreckage of two improvised explosive missiles, connected them to Graben, and searched his Sioux City, Iowa home pursuant to a federal search warrant. In Graben’s townhouse, which was in a populated area of town and near a school, law enforcement found firearms, ammunition, powerful military-grade explosive material, other explosive materials, bomb-making materials (some of which were consistent with the materials found in the missile wreckage), 110 (non-missile) explosive devices (containing black and flash powder), and 14 (non-missile) explosive devices. In 2008 Graben had been convicted of arson and threatening a crime with intent to terrorize another in the State Courts of California. In 2012 Graben had been convicted of possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance in the State Courts of Idaho. Graben was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 120 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. He was also ordered to pay a fine. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is 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. Graben is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated by the Plymouth County Sherriff’s Office, the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Iowa State Fire Marshall Division, the Sioux City, Police Department, and the United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-04071. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.