title: The Boeing Company to Pay $8.1 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

component: Civil Division

body_text: The Boeing Company, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, has agreed to pay $8,100,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims and making false statements in connection with contracts with the U.S. Navy to manufacture the V-22 Osprey, a tiltrotor military aircraft. The settlement announced today resolves allegations that from approximately 2007 through 2018, Boeing failed to comply with certain contractual manufacturing specifications in fabricating composite components for the V-22 at its facility in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. Specifically, the government contends that Boeing failed to perform required monthly testing on autoclaves used in the composite cure process and was not in compliance with additional requirements related to the testing. “The government expects contractors to adhere to contractual obligations to which they have agreed and for which they have been paid,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our commitment to hold accountable contractors who violate such obligations and undermine the integrity of the government’s procurement process.” “All government contractors have a responsibility to follow the obligations and protocols set forth by their contracts,” said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “This office is committed to accountability and protection from false claims as shown in cases such as this.” “Maintaining the integrity of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain is a top priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty of the DCIS Northeast Field Office. “The DoD expects its contractors to adhere to contract specifications and provide quality products to the U.S. military. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of contractors circumventing required testing protocols and submitting false claims during the DoD procurement process.” “The integrity of the military procurement process, and ultimately warfighter safety and our national security, demand that our contractors comply strictly with manufacturing requirements, including protocols for equipment testing,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS and our partners remain committed to rooting out any noncompliance with manufacturing specifications that threatens warfighter readiness.” The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by former employees of Boeing who worked in composites fabrication and autoclave operations with the V-22 program. 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 qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Roath et al. v. The Boeing Company , No. 16-cv-6547 (E.D. Pa.). The Relators will receive $1,539,000 in connection with the settlement. 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. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, with assistance from the DCIS, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, as well as subject matter experts from the Defense Contract Management Agency and the Naval Air Systems Command. This matter was handled by Trial Attorney Amy Likoff of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel Sweet and David Degnan for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. Settlement


title: Madison Man Sentenced to 26 Months for Illegal Gun Possession

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Shawndale James, 26, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 26 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. James pleaded guilty to this charge on June 12, 2023. On December 21, 2021, Madison police officers stopped a vehicle in which James was a passenger. Officers observed a loaded .40 caliber handgun sticking out from under the seat where James was sitting. James denied that he knew about or touched the gun. The Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory later examined swabs taken from the gun and concluded that James’ DNA matched the DNA found on the gun. James had prior felony convictions for driving a stolen vehicle and conspiracy to deliver heroin. At the time of his arrest, he was out on bail in a state case charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm. At sentencing, Judge Peterson said that James had a substantial criminal history and had to make a choice between spending time with his family or peers who are negative influences on the street. Judge Peterson noted that if James does not make a change now, he is facing a lot more time in prison. Judge Peterson also ordered three years of supervised release to follow the prison term. The charge against James was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case. This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.


title: Massachusetts Owner of a Garbage Collection Business Pleads Guilty to Filing a False Tax Return and Cash Structuring

component: Tax Division

body_text: A Massachusetts woman pleaded guilty today to filing a false tax return and engaging in a pattern of financial transactions designed to avoid bank currency transaction reporting requirements. According to court documents and statements made in court, Michele L. Letourneau of Charlton was the President, Treasurer and majority owner of a commercial trash collection and removal business. Between January 2016 and December 2020, Letourneau skimmed business income by directing her office staff to separate checks written to her company that contained “Inc.” in the payee description from those that did not. Those checks that included “Inc.” were logged into the company’s customer tracking system and accounting ledgers and deposited into the business bank account. The separated checks were given to Letourneau after being logged into the company’s customer tracking system, but not into the accounting ledgers. Instead, Letourneau regularly batch deposited a vast majority of the checks missing the “Inc.” into a personal bank account she jointly held with another, purposely keeping each deposit under $10,000 to illegally avoid bank reporting requirements for currency transactions in excess of $10,000, commonly referred to as structuring. Once available, Letourneau would then withdraw the exact amount as was deposited. In all, Letourneau admitted to structuring 196 deposits and withdrawals knowing that banks were required to issue a report for a currency transaction in excess of $10,000. In total, Letourneau structured approximately $1,261,724 worth of transactions from 2016 to 2020 and did not disclose this income or the bank account to the preparers of her corporate and personal tax returns. Letourneau admitted to filing a false 2018 personal return that substantially underreported her income for that year and, in total, her conduct during this period caused a tax loss to the IRS in the amount $472,167. Letourneau is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 4, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for filing a false return and five years for cash structuring. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts made the announcement. IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant Chief Jorge Almonte and Trial Attorney George Meggali of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Former Chair Of Marijuana Board, Rick Johnson, Sentenced To 55 Months In Federal Prison For Bribery

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: Johnson Obtained More Than $110,000 In Bribe Payments; U.S. Attorney Mark Totten Affirms Commitment to Fight Public Corruption GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Rick Vernon Johnson, 70, of LeRoy, Michigan, was sentenced to serve 55 months in federal prison and fined $50,000 for soliciting and accepting bribes in his role as the former Chairperson of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Licensing Board (MMLB). Johnson was also ordered to forfeit an additional $110,200. Following his release from prison, Johnson will serve two years on supervised release. U.S. District Court Judge Jane Beckering imposed the sentence. “Rick Johnson’s brazen corruption tainted an emerging industry, squandered the public’s trust, and scorned a democracy that depends on the rule of law,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “My office stands ready to fight public corruption whenever and wherever we find it, without fear or favor, following the evidence wherever it leads, with independence and impartiality.” Rick Johnson was a member and the Chairperson of the MMLB between May 2017 and April 2019. Prior to his appointment to that Board, Johnson worked as a lobbyist in Lansing, Michigan, and served as Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives between 2001 and 2004. Johnson received at least $110,200 in bribes while he was MMLB Chair, including cash payments, flights to Canada on private aircraft, and commercial sex paid for by others. Co-defendant John Dalaly, who was sentenced to 28 months in federal prison by Judge Beckering on September 14, 2023, paid Johnson $68,200 in bribes. Co-defendants Brian Pierce and Vincent Brown, who will be sentenced on October 18, 2023, paid $42,000 to or for the benefit of Johnson. Johnson took several steps to conceal the bribes, such as using a second “burner” phone and laundering bribes through various limited liability companies he controlled to hide their purpose. In addition, several bribe payers referred to Johnson using the alias “Batman.” In return for those payments, Johnson provided an unfair advantage to bribe payers in the form of his favorable vote on license applications, his help and support throughout the licensing process, and confidential inside information pertaining to the MMLB’s work and other applicants. The remaining defendants, Brian Pierce and Vincent Brown, will be sentenced for conspiracy to commit bribery on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., respectively, in Grand Rapids. Judge Beckering will also impose those sentences. “Public corruption is the top criminal investigative priority for the FBI,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan . “I am thankful for the outstanding FBI personnel for their daily commitment to following the facts, not politics, wherever they lead, particularly in this case. The FBI continues to urge concerned citizens to report public corruption information they believe they may have by calling FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submitting tips online at tips.fbi.gov.” Assistant United States Attorneys Chris O’Connor and Clay Stiffler are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. Filed Governments Sentencing Memorandum Johnson ### MEDIA NOTE: U.S. Attorney Totten’s remarks following today’s sentencing can be viewed on the U.S. Attorney’s Facebook Page at streamed live @usao.wdmi on the U.S. Attorney’s Facebook Page . Previous press releases concerning this case can be viewed by visiting the below links. Oakland County Businessman Sentenced to 28 Months in Federal Prison for Paying Bribes to Rick Johnson Four Charged in State Bribery Scheme Rick Johnson, former Chairperson of the Michigan Medical Licensing Board, and three others have agreed to plead guilty and cooperate in ongoing investigation


title: New Haven Teen Admits Assisting Armed Robbery of North Haven Gas Station

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT SMITH, also known as “Robbie,” 19, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to offenses related to his role in the gunpoint robbery of a North Haven gas station last year. According to court documents and statements made in court, ATF and the New Haven Police Department investigators identified an individual who is alleged to have committed a series of gunpoint robberies and a carjacking that occurred in late June and early July 2022. The investigation revealed that Smith assisted the individual commit an armed robbery of a Shell Gas Station located at 195 State Street in North Haven on July 6, 2022. Smith pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of aiding and abetting the carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least seven years. Smith has been detained since January 3, 2023. This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) with the assistance of the New Haven, East Haven, West Haven, Ansonia, and North Haven Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel J. Gentile and Sean P. Mahard. U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorneys for the Judicial Districts of New Haven and Ansonia/Milford for their cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter. The prosecution 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. In May 2021, the Justice 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. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and Smith’s co-defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Assault of a Federal Officer Gets Man 18 Months in Prison

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Last week, Jorge Oliverio Moran-Can, 42, of Guatemala, was sentenced by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to 18 months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release. Moran-Can was previously convicted of one count of Assault of a Federal Officer. A jury convicted Moran-Can on April 24, 2023, of assaulting a United State Border Patrol agent by intentionally shoving the agent down a steep, rocky incline. The agent sustained minor injuries. The U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Houston, Frances Kreamer Hope, and Matthew C. Cassell, District of Arizona, Tucson, handed the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR 22-01661-TUC-SHR RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-141_Moran-Can # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Boise Tax Return Preparer Convicted by Jury of Filing False Tax Returns Sentenced to One Year in Federal Prison

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: BOISE – Andres Sanchez, 34, of Boise, was sentenced to one year in federal prison for willfully aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false or fraudulent tax returns on behalf of several clients, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. Sanchez was convicted of six counts after a four-day jury trial in U.S. District Court before the Honorable B. Lynn Winmill. The federal jury was unable to reach a verdict on one remaining count. During the trial, the jury heard evidence that Sanchez worked as a paid tax return preparer in Boise. For tax returns filed for tax years 2014, 2015, and 2016, the jury heard evidence that Sanchez counseled his clients to include ineligible dependents on their tax returns to increase tax refunds. The ineligible dependents resulted in dependency exemptions and refundable tax credits for Sanchez’s clients, including the child tax credit, additional child tax credit, and earned income credit. The ineligible dependents resulted in significant refunds in many cases where Sanchez’s clients would have otherwise owed taxes. After Sanchez completes his prison term, he will serve one year of supervised release wherein he will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office. In addition to the prison sentence, Sanchez was ordered to pay $38,119 in restitution. “Prosecuting tax cheats is about ensuring fairness for the rest of Idahoans who follow the law,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “We will continue to hold accountable anyone who prepares false tax returns and undermines the integrity of our tax system.” “Tax return preparer fraud remains a top priority for IRS Criminal Investigation and we will continue to identify, investigate and recommend the prosecution of abusive return preparers,” said Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge, Denver Field Office. “I applaud the efforts of our special agents working these cases for promoting voluntary compliance with our tax laws, and reinforcing the message that tax preparers who file false information on tax returns will be prosecuted.” U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the investigative work of the IRS Criminal Investigation, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Mazorol and Darci Crane prosecuted the case. ###


title: Odessa Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Meth

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: PECOS – An Odessa man pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. According to court documents, Angel Vargas-Valdivia, 23, attempted to enter the United States from Mexico through the Presidio Port of Entry on August 8. During a Customs and Border Protection inspection, officers noticed evidence of tampering on the rear quarter panels of Vargas’s vehicle, as well as abnormally heavy vehicle doors. X-ray imaging revealed anomalies within the vehicle’s quarter panels, side doors, rear cargo door, trunk and roof. Further inspection revealed 154 bundles weighing approximately 72.2 kilograms. A crystal-like substance extracted from the bundles tested positive for properties of methamphetamine. Vargas pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. A sentencing date has not been set. Vargas faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and HSI Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola, El Paso Division, made the announcement. HSI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Van Greenbaum is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Bossier City Man Sentenced for Illegally Distributing and Possessing Cocaine

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

body_text: SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Demetrius Demontrae Richmond , 26, of Bossier City, Louisiana , was sentenced today by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote. Richmond was sentenced to 51 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine. According to information presented in court, Richmond began obtaining cocaine and crack cocaine from an individual in approximately January 2020. Richmond would purchase the narcotics from this individual at various places in Shreveport and then distribute to other individuals. Richmond admitted to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 267 grams of powder cocaine and 72 grams of crack cocaine. The case was investigated by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy. The investigation and conviction of Richmond is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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. # # #


title: Project Safe Neighborhoods Cases Result in Federal Prison Sentences for Two Men

body_text: LAKE CHARLES, La. – Two men were sentenced today for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced the following defendants: Gregory Dewayne McCummings , 34, of Lake Charles, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, with credit for time served. According to information introduced in court, McCummings was involved in a traffic stop with deputies from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. During the encounter, McCummings was searched, and deputies found a clear plastic baggie in his pants pocket. He admitted that the baggie was used to store marijuana and previously did contain marijuana. Inside his vehicle, deputies found a backpack with a loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber firearm, a large plastic baggie containing multiple smaller plastic baggies with suspected marijuana, a clear plastic bottle containing a liquid believed to be PCP, and a clear plastic bottle containing suspected ecstasy pills. McCummings has a prior felony conviction and knew he was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. He pleaded guilty to the charge on May 31, 2023. Melvin Blake, Jr. , 30, of Lake Charles. Blake was sentenced to 21 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, with credit for time served. On November 2, 2021, detectives with Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office executed a permitted search of a residence on Ellis Street in Lake Charles, wherein Blake was present. Deputies recovered a Smith & Wesson, Model 910, 9mm semi-automatic pistol from the bedroom. Blake admitted that the firearm belonged to him and that he had purchased it from someone for $150. He has a prior felony conviction and knew he was prohibited from possessing the firearm. Blake pleaded guilty to the charge on May 31, 2023. These two cases were investigated by ATF and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel J. McCoy. These cases are 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: Acadiana Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Production of Child Pornography

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Jason Eric Lott , 40, of the Acadiana area in Louisiana , has been sentenced by United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays to 360 months (30 years) in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for production of child pornography. Lott developed a relationship with a 12-year-old minor female. Unbeknownst to the minor victim’s parents, Lott began engaging in a sexual relationship with the victim. In addition, Lott produced images of the minor victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct with him. The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Luke Walker. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . # # #


title: County Water District Agrees To Pay Over $1.5 Million To Resolve False Claims Act Allegations That It Knowingly Retained Overpayment Of Federal And State Grant Funds

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – The Clearlake Oaks County Water District (District), located in Lake County, California, has agreed to pay approximately $1.6 million to resolve claims that it failed to repay federal and state grant funds that it received, but was not entitled to keep. In February 2017, severe winter storms, flooding, and mudslides affected California counties statewide. In June, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared a major disaster and allowed eligible entities, including public entities, to apply for assistance in the form of reimbursement for disaster-related expenses from FEMA and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). One such applicant was the District, a county water district formed pursuant to the California Water Code. The United States alleges that following the District’s application for disaster relief funds, the District received reimbursements from FEMA and Cal OES for expenses for which the District had already been reimbursed by its insurer California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA). The United States alleges further that the District knew the funds it received from FEMA and Cal OES were an overpayment, but instead of returning those funds, retained the funds in violation of the False Claims Act and state law. The United States alleges that the District knowingly concealed the funds and made false statements to the United States and Cal OES material to its obligation to return the funds. These false statements included quarterly reports in which the District stated that it had not received excess funds and project closeout certifications in which the District claimed that it was entitled to the full dollar amount approved without deducting the amount it had already received from its insurer. “FEMA disaster relief funds play a critical role in helping communities recover from natural disasters,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. “It is unacceptable for any entity, including a public entity, to divert funds from these programs through fraud and enrich itself at the expense of the American taxpayer. This Office will continue to pursue recipients of disaster relief funds that misused the program by retaining funds to which they were not entitled.” Dr. Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said, “DHS OIG is grateful for our collaboration with our partners in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. Together, we ensured that more than $1.1 million are repaid to the United States. We will continue to aggressively investigate and support the prosecution of these kinds of fraudsters to ensure that appropriated relief funds are accounted for and used for the purpose Congress intended.” The total amount of the settlement to be paid is $1,589,725.50, plus interest. Of that amount, the District will pay $1,192,294.12 to the United States and $397,431.38 to Cal OES. The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Nicole Mitchell, a former employee of the District. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Nicole Mitchell v. Clearlake Oaks County Water District , Case No. 1:20-cv-02388 (N.D. Cal.). Assistant U.S. Attorney Savith Iyengar is handling this matter for the government, with assistance from Garland He. The investigation and settlement resulted from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California and DHS-OIG. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating fraud in federal grants. 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 Homeland Security Office of Inspector General at www.oig.dhs.gov/hotline. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Third Defendant in Amazon Fraud Scheme Sentenced to Prison

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KENOY STEWART, 27, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to nine months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding Amazon.com, Inc. (“Amazon”). According to court documents and statements made in court, Stewart created multiple vendor accounts with Amazon allowing him to sell merchandise through the website on a third-party basis. He often opened the accounts using false names, email addresses and other identifying information. After setting up the accounts, Stewart represented to Amazon that he was shipping it valuable merchandise to be held for sale by the company. In reality, he would not ship the merchandise, and would later falsely claim that it had been lost, supporting his false claims with fabricated documents. Amazon sent Stewart a series of refunds for the purportedly lost merchandise. Through this scheme, Stewart defrauded Amazon of $1,063.762.82. Judge Thompson ordered him to pay full restitution. On February 10, 2022, Stewart, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Stewart, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 30. Two other individuals involved in this scheme pleaded guilty to the same charge. On September 5, 2023, Stewart’s brother, Oshane Stewart, who defrauded Amazon of approximately $742,000, was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment. On September 27, 2023, Rajhni Yankana, who defrauded Amazon of approximately $210,000, was sentenced to five months of imprisonment and five months of home detention. This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from Amazon. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor M. Reardon and Christopher W. Schmeisser.


title: Woman sentenced for arson of Wellspring Health Access Clinic in Casper

body_text: Lorna Roxanne Green , age 22, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 60 months in prison with three years of supervised release, to follow her prison term, for arson of the Wellspring Health Access Clinic located in Casper. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on September 28, 2023. According to court documents, on May 25, 2022, Casper Police Department officers responded to the Wellspring Health Access Clinic based on a report of suspicious activity. Officers observed smoke coming from the east side of the building and dispatched the Casper Fire Department who responded and extinguished the fire. Through witness accounts and video surveillance, investigators identified a suspect who had gained entry by breaking a window, pouring gas in the facility, then leaving just prior to the report of suspicious activity. Green was arrested on March 21, 2023, in Casper by the Casper Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Green admitted that she set fire to the clinic, which was under construction at the time and planned to offer OB/GYN services, gender-affirming care, and abortion procedures. U.S. Attorney Nicholas Vassallo said, “No matter what an individual’s opinions or objectives may be, the use of violence and property destruction to advance them is never acceptable. This was a reckless and serious crime which endangered the community and caused significant financial harm to the clinic’s owner. The sentence imposed today, five years of federal incarceration, appropriately reflects the gravity of Ms. Green’s offense.” “This sentence reflects the FBI’s commitment to vigorously pursue investigations into crimes against pregnancy resource centers, faith-based organizations and reproductive health clinics,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “We will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners such as ATF and Casper Police to hold responsible anyone who commits criminal actions, no matter the perpetrator’s justification.” “Arson is the business of ATF, and is not only dangerous, but often deadly,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. “We are grateful for our longstanding partnerships with the FBI, Casper Police Department and Casper Fire Department. This allowed for the swift deployment and use of ATF resources such as Special Agents, Certified Fire Investigators, and our Forensic Science Lab all of which collectively contributed to our origin and cause determination.” This crime was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Casper Police Department. Case No. 23-CR-00066


title: Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Mexican man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a Mexican-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that sought to establish a cocaine distribution network in the Boston area. Joel Enrique Armenta Castro, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to four years in prison and two years of supervised release. On June 29, 2023, Castro pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. In August 2022, an investigation began into a DTO based in Mexico that was seeking to set up a cocaine distribution network in the Boston area. The investigation subsequently identified Castro a member of the DTO who came to Boston to facilitate the distribution of multiple kilograms of cocaine. On Aug. 29, 2022, Castro drove from Boston to a service plaza on the Massachusetts Turnpike in Ludlow where he obtained 15 kilograms of cocaine intended for distribution by the DTO from the back of a tractor trailer. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea E. Porter of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Southbridge Man Sentenced for Distributing Methamphetamine

body_text: BOSTON – A Southbridge man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for methamphetamine distribution. Christopher Williams, 35, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to one year in prison, followed by a term of two years supervised release. In September 2021, Williams pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. On two occasions in January 2021, Williams sold multiple ounces of methamphetamine to an undercover officer for $4,500 in Southbridge. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Southbridge Police Chief Shane Woodson made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett of the Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.


title: Boeing to Pay $8.1 Million to Resolve Alleged False Claims Act Violations Arising from Manufacture of V-22 Osprey Aircraft

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: The Boeing Company will pay $8,100,000 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to adhere to critical manufacturing specifications in the production of composite parts for V-22 Osprey military aircraft, announced United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero. The allegations against Boeing were brought to light by three whistleblowers who worked at Boeing’s manufacturing facility in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. The United States alleges that Boeing falsely certified to the government that it had complied with all manufacturing specifications for the fabrication of certain composite parts for the V-22 Osprey aircraft. Composite parts for the V-22 Osprey are manufactured using a process that involves curing these parts in autoclaves. The autoclaves are large, precisely controlled chambers that regulate temperature and pressure over the extended period of time required to properly cure composite parts. Every composite part used in the V-22 must be cured at a particular temperature and pressure. The V-22 manufacturing specifications require Boeing to assure the accurate performance of the autoclaves by performing monthly temperature uniformity surveys, among other requirements. Temperature uniformity surveys are intended to verify that an autoclave is performing at expected temperatures or identify when an autoclave deviates from specified temperatures. The United States contends that Boeing failed to comply with manufacturing specifications for certain V-22 composite parts manufactured at the Ridley Park facility. The government alleges that Boeing failed to conduct routine checks designed to ensure the consistent performance of autoclaves in which composite parts were cured. Specifically, the United States alleges that from 2007 through 2018 Boeing failed to perform monthly temperature uniformity surveys on autoclaves, failed to collect and analyze temperature uniformity survey data on a monthly basis, failed to verify that calibration and certification tags on autoclaves were current, and failed to direct random surveillance of autoclave processes – all in violation of the V-22 manufacturing specifications. The United States further alleges that Boeing failed to use appropriate thermal testing equipment and failed to maintain required documents concerning autoclave testing. “Taxpayers deserve to get what they pay for, and members of our military deserve to know that no shortcuts have been taken in the manufacture of aircraft and other equipment upon which they depend. My office will continue to investigate vigorously all credible allegations of government contractors cutting corners and submitting false certifications in connection with payments from the Treasury,” said United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Jacqueline C. Romero. “Maintaining the integrity of the U.S. Department of Defense supply chain is a top priority for the Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The Department of Defense expects its contractors to adhere strictly to contract specifications when providing products to the U.S. military,” stated Patrick J. Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office. Hegarty continued: “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to investigate allegations of contractors circumventing required testing protocols and submitting false claims during the procurement process.” “The integrity of the military procurement process, and ultimately warfighter safety and our national security, demand that our contractors comply strictly with manufacturing requirements, including protocols for equipment testing,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Greg Gross of the Navy Criminal Investigative Service Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS and our partners remain committed to rooting out any noncompliance with manufacturing specifications that threatens warfighter readiness.” The False Claims Act provides for whistleblowers to receive a portion of the amount recovered because of their disclosures. In this case, the three whistleblowers collectively will receive $1,539,000 of the settlement proceeds. The government’s investigation was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Joel M. Sweet and David A. Degnan, Auditor Dawn Wiggins, and Investigator Jeffrey Braun, all of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, along with Trial Attorney Amy Likoff of the U.S. Department of Justice Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Special Agents of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Navy Criminal Investigative Service. The whistleblower lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Robert C. Roath, et al. v. The Boeing Company , No. 16-cv-6547 (E.D. Pa.). The whistleblowers are represented by F. Emmett Fitzpatrick, III of Flamm Walton Heimbach and Joseph D. Mancano of Mancano Law, PLLC. The settlement is not an admission by Boeing that it is liable under the False Claims Act.


title: Local Property Owner to Pay $90,458 to Resolve Alleged False Claims Act Violations Arising from HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced today that a local property owner will pay $90,458 to settle allegations that he violated the False Claims Act by charging a low-income tenant more than the amount permitted under the property owner’s agreement with the government under the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8). The government alleges that under the Housing Choice Voucher Program, David Krmpotich of Montgomery County was permitted to charge rent in an amount agreed upon by Krmpotich, the tenant, and a public housing agency administering the rent subsidy program. Under the program rules and the parties’ lease, the tenant was required to pay Krmpotich rent equal to a portion of the tenant’s income, and the federal government was required to pay the balance of the agreed total rent. Krmpotich was prohibited from charging the tenant more than the tenant’s allocation of the total rent amount. Nevertheless, the government alleges Krmpotich demanded that the tenant pay an additional $125.00 to $185.00 per month in unlawful and undisclosed supplemental rent payments. United States Attorney Romero stated, “A deal is a deal. Property owners receiving rent subsidies from government’s coffers must live with the deal they agree to and not secretly and illegally demand more from tenants, whether money or anything else of value. The conduct alleged here is an affront to the integrity of the Housing Choice Voucher Program – a program designed to promote safe and affordable housing for low-income tenants – and to the taxpayers who pay for the program. My office is committed to bring accountability to those who break the rules.” “This settlement represents our commitment to protecting HUD beneficiaries from bad actors seeking to enrich themselves by preying on HUD-housing participants,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Rice of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. “HUD OIG will continue to pursue and bring to justice landlords who fraudulently overcharge HUD-assisted tenants in violation of Federal law.” The allegations against Krmpotich were brought to the attention of the United States by a whistleblower. The False Claims Act provides for whistleblowers to receive a portion of the amount recovered because of their disclosures. In this case, the whistleblower will receive $16,282 of the settlement proceeds. The government’s investigation was led by Assistant United States Attorney Joel M. Sweet, Investigator Jeffrey Braun, and investigators from HUD OIG. The whistleblower lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Catherine Spearman Jackson v. David Krmpotich, No. 22-cv-1613 (E.D. Pa.). The claims asserted by the United States are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Lowell Man Indicted for Armed Bank Robbery

body_text: BOSTON – A Lowell man has been indicted in connection with the April 2023 robberies of three banks in Worcester. Joselito Santiago-Matias, 33, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Worcester on one count of bank robbery and two counts of armed bank robbery. He will appear in federal court in Worcester at a later date. According to the indictment, Santiago-Matias robbed a Santander Bank in Worcester on April 3, 2023; a Berkshire Bank in Worcester using a dangerous weapon on April 12, 2023; and a Santander Bank in Worcester using a dangerous weapon on April 19, 2023. The charge of bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of armed bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to up to 25 years, five years of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Worcester Police Department Interim Chief Paul B. Saucier made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan D. O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Additional Five-Year Sentence for Prison Assault

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Robert Cameron Foust, 39, of Alabama, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to five years in prison. Foust will serve his five years consecutive to the sentence he is currently serving in CR 09-10100-JTM (District of Kansas). Foust previously pleaded guilty to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. On October 18, 2018, Foust, an inmate at the Federal Bureau of Prison’s Federal Correctional Center, in Tucson, Arizona, attacked another inmate with a prison-made knife. The victim fell to the ground and Foust continued to stab him. In total, the victim sustained more than 20 non-life-threatening wounds. Foust later told agents that had the victim resisted or defended himself during the stabbing event, Foust would have “smoked” the victim. Foust also admitted that he had made the five-inch knife. At the time of the attack, Foust was already serving a 185-month sentence for Commercial Robbery, Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The FBI and the Federal Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Serra M. Tsethlikai, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-19-00841-TUC-SHR RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-142_Foust # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Charges

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ANA GABRIELA FLORES-GONZALEZ (“FLORES”) , age 32, a Mexican National, pleaded guilty on September 28, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, on March 10, 2022, officers conducted an interdiction traffic stop and seized approximately 4,889 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 1,978 grams of suspected cocaine from FLORES, that she was transporting from Houston, Texas to Sumter, South Carolina. FLORES faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Her sentencing is scheduled for January 18, 2024. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Biloxi Police Department in Biloxi, Mississippi. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Felon Sentenced to 30 Months Imprisonment on Federal Gun Charge

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ORONDE GABRIEL , age 39 of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to 30 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). GABRIEL was also sentenced to three (3) years of supervised release following his release from prison and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. According to court documents, GABRIEL was in an automobile accident on September 27, 2021. A police officer observed the crash and found GABRIEL in possession of a fully loaded Taurus Model G2C, nine-millimeter handgun, with an extended high-capacity magazine. GABRIEL was previously convicted of conspiracy to make false and fictitious statements in connection with the acquisition of a firearm in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Orleans Levee District Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit.


title: Lutcher Man Pleads Guilty to Federal  Controlled Substances Act Violation

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RYAN FREMIN , age 39, a resident of Lutcher, Louisiana, pled guilty to an indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute, five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A) and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, on July 2, 2020, a confidential source informed agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration that FREMIN was returning from Houston, Texas to the Eastern District of Louisiana, with a quantity of methamphetamine that he intended to distribute. Agents intercepted FREMIN in Geismar, Louisiana and seized approximately two pounds of methamphetamine from him. FREMIN made four prior trips to Houston. On each of those trips, FREMIN met with Leonel Gonzalez, obtained a kilogram of methamphetamine, and returned to the Eastern District of Louisiana to distribute the methamphetamine. FREMIN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, a term of supervised release of at least five years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.


title: New York Man Sentenced for Fraud Scheme and Aggravated Identity Theft

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that EMMANUEL COBBS , age 34, of New York, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to 48 months in federal prison for his role in opening fraudulent bank accounts in New Orleans. COBBS’s sentence is comprised of 24 months for bank fraud conspiracy, and a mandatory consecutive sentence of 24 months for aggravated identity theft. Judge Milazzo also sentenced COBBS to three years of supervised release and the payment of a $200 mandatory special assessment fee. According to court documents, in February 2020, in New Orleans, COBBS and a co-conspirator, also a New York resident, opened fraudulent checking accounts in other people’s names without their permission. The defendants used these victims’ accounts to cash counterfeit checks drawn from other customers’ accounts. They also fraudulently obtained, and used, debit cards to rent vehicles, allowing them to avoid being easily tracked. This investigation began with the discovery of fake identification cards, discarded at a rental car agency at the Louis Armstrong International Airport. Homeland Security Investigations developed evidence to show that the man pictured in the fake cards ( COBBS’s co-conspirator) had committed fraudulent transactions at various bank branches. Agents later learned that COBBS had assisted in the fraud. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Field Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne, Senior Litigation Counsel, is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Four Time Deported Honduran National Sentenced to 24  Months for Illegal Re-Entry

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – LUIS ALFREDO LEZAMA-RAMIREZ , age 43, was sentenced for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), on September 28, 2023 announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, LUIS ALFREDO LEZAMA-RAMIREZ (" LEZAMA-RAMIREZ “), admitted reentering the United States after being previously deported on June 8, 2018. LEZAMA-RAMIREZ had also been deported in 2006, 2009, and 2012. LEZAMA-RAMIREZ was sentenced by Judge Carl J. Barbier, to 24 months in federal prison. He will be deported once again, following completion of his sentence. He was also ordered to pay a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: South L.A. Man Guilty of Illegal Gun Sales, Including ‘Ghost Guns’

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A federal judge today convicted a South Los Angeles man of participating in a scheme in which he and others illegally sold 22 guns and three silencers. Jonathan Perez, 34, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, and one count of possessing an unregistered firearm silencer. The evidence at trial showed that Perez and his co-conspirators sold 22 guns and three firearm silencers over the course of seven transactions to a confidential informant. In a text to an associate that was introduced as evidence in the trial, Perez said he was “selling straps to the cartel.” Perez personally manufactured many of the 18 “ghost guns” that were sold to the informant during the transactions in 2017. Today’s conviction follows a three-day bench trial in August before United States District John A. Kronstadt, who scheduled a sentencing hearing for January 25. When he is sentenced, Perez will face a statutory maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison as a result of his conviction on the three counts. Two other defendants in this case pleaded guilty in 2018 and 2021 to separate charges stemming from a related narcotics conspiracy. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Declan T. Conroy of the General Crimes Section and Assistant United States Attorney Maria Jhai of the Violent and Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Repeat felon sentenced for illegally possessing loaded assault rifle

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 33-year-old Houston resident and repeat violent felon has been ordered to prison for illegally possessing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Joseph Terrell Goody pleaded guilty May 25. U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now ordered Goody to serve 57 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. On Sept. 26, 2020, law enforcement stopped Goody for traffic violations. At that time, they found him to be holding an assault rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition. A struggle ensued, but authorities were able to subdue detain Goody and secure the weapon. The investigation revealed Goody has served multiple state prison sentences for felony convictions including robbery, burglary of a habitation, continuous assault of a family member and possession of a controlled substance. As such, he is prohibited per federal law of possessing firearms or ammunition. Goody will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Tallichet prosecuted the case.


title: Tax preparer receives jail time

body_text: HOUSTON – The owner of Montalvo Tax Service has been ordered to federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jean Montalvo pleaded guilty June 30 to one count of making and subscribing a false return. U.S. District Judge David Hittner varied upward and ordered Montalvo to serve 36 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by one year of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard how she suffered from numerous medical conditions and was sorry for her actions. However, Judge Hittner imposed the longer sentence due to her criminal history and the loss amount in the case. The court also ordered the defendant to pay $508,350 in restitution. As part of her plea, Montalvo admitted she began filing tax returns under her business in Angleton in 2010. She charged a fixed fee and would either collect her from her clients’ income return or from a direct payment. From 2014 through 2016, Montalvo willfully failed to report a portion of the amount she received for customer fees. As a result of her scheme, the IRS suffered a loss of $197,136. She also filed approximately 58 federal income tax returns for the calendar years 2014 through 2017 which contained false and fraudulent items. Some of those included charitable contributions, qualified fuel property, business meals, business mileage and entertainment expenses. Based on these false and fraudulent filings, there was an additional tax harm of $311,214. Montalvo was taken into custody after the sentencing where she will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rodolfo Ramirez and James Hu are prosecuting the case.


title: Kenton County Man Sentenced to 204 Months for Armed Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: COVINGTON, Ky. — An Erlanger, Ky., man, Johnathan Paul Hornsby, 32, was sentenced to 204 months in federal prison on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to his guilty plea agreement, on September 30, 2022, Hornsby was stopped for a traffic violation and was arrested by law enforcement because of an active warrant. Law enforcement found a loaded handgun, 16.8 grams of methamphetamine, and over $500 in his pocket. Hornsby admitted that he intended to distribute some portion of methamphetamine to others and he possessed the firearm to protect himself, his drugs, and his drug proceeds from robbery. Hornsby pleaded guilty in May 2023. Under federal law, Hornsby must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release, he will be under supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Tom Grau, Florence Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Florence Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke. -END-


title: Man who arranged cross-country drug shipment sent to prison

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 49-year-old Alamo resident has been sentenced to prison for selling eight kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Daniel Zintura Sr. pleaded guilty May 25 to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has how ordered Zintura to serve 151 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence regarding Zintura’s criminal history which included a prior federal drug trafficking conviction for which he was on supervised release at the time he committed this offense. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Zintura’s repeated criminal conduct, the large amount of narcotics involved in his case and his prior conviction for the same offense. Judge Ramos also noted how drugs can destroy communities. In March 2022, Zintura arranged for the transportation of eight kilograms of cocaine across the United States to Maryland for him. On March 17, 2022, he met another individual at a local home improvement store to hand off the cocaine to be transported to Houston. Law enforcement immediately arrested him and took him into custody. Zintura will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara J. De Peña prosecuted the case.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty  to Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control Acts

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CHARLES ROY , age 34, of New Orleans, pled guilty to a three-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute forty (40) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B), felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, on July 20, 2021, Louisiana State Police Troopers providing security at the Hampton Inn and Suites Hotel in New Orleans observed ROY , who had an outstanding arrest warrant, at the hotel. The following day, troopers and Special Agents with the Office of Homeland Security arrested ROY . While advising ROY of his rights, the troopers and agents smelled marijuana on ROY and the backpack he was carrying. The troopers and agents searched the backpack and seized two bags containing approximately fifty (50) grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and heroin, a digital scale, and a FN Model Five-Seven, 5.7x28 millimeter semi-automatic handgun, with an aftermarket “UTG” attached laser/flashlight, and a loaded magazine containing 26 rounds. 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. This case was investigated by the Louisiana State Police and the Office of Homeland Security. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Ithaca-Area Man Sentenced on Child Pornography Convictions

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Randolph Bullock, age 67, of Dryden, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 97 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Acting Special Agent in Charge Alfred Watson of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). As a part of his prior guilty plea, Bullock admitted that in January of 2018 and April of 2021, he possessed images of child pornography on three separate devices, including images of prepubescent minors. In reaching its sentence, the Court found that the defendant had committed a prior pattern of activity involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of two minor children who were four and six years old at the time of the conduct. United States District Court Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also sentenced Bullock to 20 years of supervised release following his term of incarceration, and ordered him to pay restitution of $3,000.00 each to two of the children whose images he possessed. Upon release from imprisonment, Bullock must also register as a sex offender. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York State Police, Tompkins County Sheriff’s Department, Village of Dryden Police Department and the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Grabowski as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/ .


title: Cohoes Man Sentenced to 135 Months on Drug and Obstruction Convictions

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Andrew O’Connor, age 36, of Cohoes, New York, was sentenced today to 135 months in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, for trafficking methamphetamine in the Capital Region and obstructing of justice. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Alfred A. Watson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Ketty Larco-Ward, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), made the announcement. As part of his guilty plea, O’Connor admitted that he distributed ounce quantities of methamphetamine in Cohoes in March, April, and June 2022, and had a shipment of over one pound of methamphetamine sent to him around June 15, 2022; investigators seized the package before it could reach O’Connor. O’Connor also admitted that after his arrest on federal charges, he contacted a co-conspirator to make arrangements to have the co-conspirator delete the information on several of O’Connor’s cell phones. This case was investigated by USPIS and the FBI’s Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes FBI Special Agents and members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin C. Segovia prosecuted the case.


title: Middle District of Georgia Receives $7.6+ Million in Public Safety Grants

component: Department of Justice

body_text: Macon, Ga. – U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary announced today that the Justice Department is awarding more than $7.6 million to support public safety and community justice activities in the Middle District of Georgia. The grants, from the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will help build community capacity to curb violence, serve victims and youth, improve behavioral health response, expand officer safety and support evidence-based juvenile justice strategies. “These grants address many of the greatest concerns our citizens have today, which boil down to safer communities for all,” said U.S. Attorney Leary. “This kind of support for our community and law enforcement partners’ efforts goes hand in hand with our focused efforts to reduce violence and hold the most violent offenders accountable.” 15 grants for local community, civic, government and law enforcement groups in the cities of Albany, Americus, Athens, Butler, Columbus, Macon, Thomasville, Tifton and Warner Robins were announced for the Middle District of Georgia, including but limited to: Area Committee to Improve Opportunities Now, Inc., based in Athens, received $784,194 to supports its 36-county program providing employment coaching and mentoring for young people before and after their release from the criminal justice system. This WORKS, Inc., in partnership with the Dougherty County School System in Albany, received a $999,524 grant to provide a schoolwide behavioral health program, including antiviolence education. The Muscogee County School District in Columbus received a $998,567 grant to support its efforts to prevent group-based retaliatory violence with programs supporting educators and law enforcement. Columbus received $119,951 to purchase items in support of its law enforcement, including four ballistic vests, 64 protective stab vests for jail personnel, two K-9 units and a community-wide early warning smart phone app for emergency notification. Macon-Bibb received $385,000 to expand its domestic violence unit with an additional investigator and prosecutor. The Taylor County School District in Butler received $999,952 to improve school safety and increase access to mental health care for students. Thomasville received $437,185 to launch a law enforcement and mental health co-responder program to assist with real-time responses to community crises. Georgia received 89 awards totaling $148 million dollars. More information about the awards announced today can be found by visiting www.ojp.gov/funding/fy23awards . “Everyone in this country deserves to be safe in their communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “That is why, in addition to continuing our efforts to identify and prosecute the most violent criminals, the Justice Department is putting every available resource to work to support the efforts of our law enforcement and community partners nationwide. This significant investment will go directly to state and local programs that support the victims of crime, support officer safety and wellness, build the public trust in law enforcement essential to public safety and help make all of our communities safer.” The more than 3,700 OJP grants being awarded this fiscal year will support state, local and community-based efforts and evidence-based interventions that reduce violence, crime and recidivism while delivering treatment and services to those at-risk of justice system involvement. Funding will expand partnerships between criminal justice professionals and behavioral health experts, help people safely and successfully transition from confinement back to their communities, reach crime victims in underserved areas, steer young people away from justice system contact, improve the management of sex offenders and support a wide range of research and statistical activities that will help justice system professionals meet community safety challenges. “Across the country, the Justice Department is working side-by-side with our partners in state and local law enforcement to combat violent crime by using our federal resources to amplify their work on the front lines,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “The billions of dollars in grants announced today will augment those efforts and the tools law enforcement is using to curb violence, counter deadly drug abuse and promote safety and public trust. Together with our state and local partners, the Department will continue to do everything we can to protect the communities we all serve.” “The Department of Justice is investing in community-based approaches to violence prevention, law enforcement health and wellness, Tribal courts, improved services for victims, research and data collection efforts, reentry programs and much more,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “The grants announced today further our commitment to working with our state, Tribal and local partners to increase public safety, build police-community trust, and ensure safe, healthy and just communities for all.” “Every sector of our society — not only the justice system, but nonprofit and faith-based groups, local leaders, and advocates, and people with lived experience who serve as credible messengers — plays a critical role in ensuring public safety and public health,” said OJP Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon. “The Office of Justice Programs is proud to make these substantial investments in building community infrastructure and supporting communities as co-producers of safety and justice.” Grants will support five major community safety and justice priorities: Awards totaling more than $1 billion will promote safety and strengthen trust , helping communities tackle the proliferation of gun violence in America and restore bonds of trust between community residents and the justice system. Grants will support innovative and evidence-based strategies designed to prevent and reduce violent crime, support the health and safety of law enforcement and public safety professionals, promote rehabilitation and reentry success, and address the rise in hate crimes across the country. More than $437 million in grant awards will accelerate justice system reforms designed to achieve equal justice and fair treatment for all. Grants will expand access to services among historically underserved and marginalized communities, reduce counterproductive involvement in the justice system, increase opportunities for diversion and build pathways to treatment for people with substance use and mental health disorders. Over $192 million will improve the fairness and effectiveness of the juvenile justice system by supporting developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive interventions for youth. Funding will ensure that young people are served at home in their communities whenever possible, are equipped to transition to a healthy adulthood free of crime and are protected from violence and abuse. More than $1.7 billion will expand access to victim services by investing in programs that provide trauma-informed and culturally responsive services to victims. Funding will support thousands of local victim assistance programs across the country and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory, while helping these programs build their capacity to reach those disproportionately affected by crime and victimization. Over $418 million in awards will advance science and innovation to strengthen the base of knowledge that policymakers and practitioners can use to design and deploy effective community safety strategies. Awards will support research and data collection on a wide range of public safety issues, help maintain timely and accurate criminal history records, and improve the capacity of crime labs and forensic analysts to solve crimes, absolve the innocent and deliver justice to victims. In addition, OJP will award more than $611 million to continue its support of other previously funded programs and congressionally directed spending.


title: COVID Fraud Lands Norman Man in Federal Prison for Two Years

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Earlier this week, BRIAN LEE FOSTER , 54, of Norman, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve two years in prison for his role in a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ("CARES") Act fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On September 7, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Foster, charging him with making false statements to a financial institution on loan applications under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The CARES Act provided more than $2 trillion in relief for individuals and businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act also authorized the U.S. Small Business Administration to create the PPP to promote lending to small businesses affected by the pandemic for job retention and certain other expenses. According to the indictment, Foster applied for and obtained more than $40,000 in PPP loans in his name and the name of another. The indictment alleges that Foster made false statements on the PPP loan applications, by providing false payroll information and providing false tax documentation. The indictment alleges Foster used the loan proceeds for his personal benefit. On November 15, 2022, Foster pleaded guilty to Count 2 of the indictment and admitted that he made false statements to a financial institution on a PPP loan application. He further admitted to submitting false income information in connection with the loan application. At a sentencing hearing yesterday, U.S. District Judge Scott Palk sentenced Foster to serve 24 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the court noted that the defendant’s conduct was dishonest and demonstrated his willingness to lie for personal gain, at the risk of others who were entitled to relief benefits. The court also noted that Foster committed the offense while awaiting sentencing in another federal criminal case and ordered Foster to pay $21,474.76 in restitution to the U.S. Small Business Administration. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Perry prosecuted the case. Reference is made to court filings for further information.


title: Ada Resident Pleads Guilty To Assault Resulting In Serious Bodily Injury In Indian Country

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Amya Elise Walker, age 20, of Ada, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. On May 13, 2023, Walker violently attacked an elderly woman at an Ada residence, leaving the victim with multiple bruises and lacerations requiring medical care. The crime occurred in Pontotoc County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charges arose from an investigation by the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Walker will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.


title: Gurley Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possession of Child Pornography

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Daniel D. Konruff, 45, of Gurley, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for possession of child pornography. Konruff was sentenced to 120 months in prison and will also serve 16 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Additionally, Konruff was ordered to pay $4,000 in restitution to victims of his crimes. On May 13, 2022, Konruff’s personal cellphone was reviewed by a Cheyenne County Nebraska probation officer pursuant to the conditions of Konruff’s state probation. The probation officer observed child pornography on the device. The device was seized, and a search warrant was obtained to download and further review the phone’s contents. The forensic download revealed multiple child pornography files. Konruff was convicted in 2017, in case #CR17-13 in the District Court for Cheyenne County, Nebraska, with two counts of attempted possession of child pornography. 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 www.justice.gov/psc. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office, and Kearney Police Department.


title: Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking Crime

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Cameron Woods, 44, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Woods to 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. On April 16, 2022, Lincoln Police Department officers noticed a vehicle sitting at an intersection with a green light in Lincoln. Officers got out to check on the vehicle and saw Woods asleep at the wheel. Officers also saw a partially empty bottle of liquor on the passenger seat. When officers attempted to put the vehicle in park, Woods woke up and grabbed a purple Crown Royal bag from the center console area that contained a clear self-seal baggie with 110 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine verified through forensic lab testing. Woods was arrested and subsequently indicted on the drug trafficking crime. A criminal history check revealed that Woods had previously been convicted of trafficking methamphetamine in 2011 and was sentenced to a 6-year prison term. This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.


title: Fraudulent Nursing Diploma Scheme Leads to  Federal Convictions

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Twenty defendants have pled guilty or been convicted at trial in U.S. District Court in South Florida for their participation in a wire fraud scheme, known as Operation Nightingale, that created an illegal licensing and employment shortcut for aspiring nurses. According to public records, residents of Florida, along with individuals from other states, were charged for their involvement in a scheme to sell fraudulent nursing degree diplomas and transcripts obtained from accredited Florida-based nursing schools to individuals seeking licenses and jobs as registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs). The bogus diplomas and transcripts qualified purchasers to sit for the national nursing board exam and, after passing it, to obtain licenses and jobs in various states as RNs and LPN/VNs. The overall scheme involved the distribution of more than 7,600 fake nursing diplomas issued by three South Florida-based nursing schools: Siena College in Broward County, Florida (Fla.), Palm Beach School of Nursing in Palm Beach County, Fla., and Sacred Heart International Institute in Broward County. These schools are now closed. Nursing applicants used the fraudulent diplomas to obtain RN or LPN/VN licenses in various states and nursing jobs with unwitting health care providers throughout the country. The following defendants have pled guilty or were convicted at trial for their involvement in the fraudulent nursing diploma scheme (sentencing information is noted where available): Defendants Associated with Fraudulent Nursing Diplomas and Transcripts from Siena College – Stanton Witherspoon, of Burlington County, New Jersey (N.J.), pled guilty on August 24, 2023, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Case No. 23-60005-Cr-Smith). Witherspoon is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2, 2023. Alfred Sellu, of Burlington County, N.J., pled guilty on August 18, 2023, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Case No. 23-60005-Cr-Smith). Sellu is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2, 2023. Rene Bernadel, of Westchester County, New York (N.Y.), pled guilty on August 24, 2023, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Case No. 23-60005-Cr-Smith). Bernadel is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2, 2023. Eunide Sanon, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., pled guilty on March 14, 2023, to an information charging her with conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Case No. 23-60013-Cr-Moreno). Sanon was sentenced on May 23, 2023, to 27 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit $1,287,633. Defendants Associated with Fraudulent Nursing Diplomas and Transcripts from Palm Beach School of Nursing – Krystal Lopez, of Palm Beach County, Fla., pled guilty on May 10, 2023, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Case No. 23-60007-Cr-Singhal). Krystal Lopez is scheduled to be sentenced on December 14, 2023. Damian Lopez, of Palm Beach County, Fla., pled guilty on May 10, 2023, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Case No. 23-60007-Cr-Singhal). Damian Lopez is scheduled to be sentenced on December 14, 2023. Francois Legagneur, of Nassau County, N.Y., pled guilty on May 10, 2023, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Case No. 23-60007-Cr-Singhal). Legagneur is scheduled to be sentenced on December 13, 2023. Reynoso Seide, of Union County, N.J., pled guilty on May 10, 2023, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Case No. 23-60007-Cr-Singhal). On September 19, 2023, Seide was sentenced to 24 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Yelva Saint Preux, of Suffolk County, N.Y., pled guilty on May 10, 2023, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Case No. 23-60007-Cr-Singhal). Preux is scheduled to be sentenced on December 14, 2023. Palm Beach School of Nursing’s owner Johanah Napoleon pled guilty, on November 21, 2022, to wire fraud (Case No 22-60111-Cr-Smith) and conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Case No. 22-60118-Cr-Smith). Napoleon was sentenced on July 18, 2023, to 21 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to forfeit $3.2 million. Defendants Associated with Fraudulent Nursing Diplomas and Transcripts from Sacred Heart International Institute – Rhomy Louis, of Suffolk County, N.Y., pled guilty on September 15, 2023, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Case No. 23-60010-Cr-Smith). Louis is scheduled to be sentenced on November 28, 2023. Simon Itaman, of Harris County, Texas (TX), pled guilty on September 15, 2023, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Case No. 23-60010-Cr-Smith). Simon Itaman is scheduled to be sentenced on November 28, 2023. Anna Itaman, of Harris County, TX, pled guilty on September 15, 2023, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Case No. 23-60010-Cr-Smith). Anna Itaman is scheduled to be sentenced on November 28, 2023. Serge Jean, of Harris County, TX, pled guilty on September 15, 2023, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Case No. 23-60010-Cr-Smith). Serge Jean is scheduled to be sentenced on November 28, 2023. Ludnie Jean, of Harris County, TX, pled guilty on September 15, 2023, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Case No. 23-60010-Cr-Smith). Ludnie Jean is scheduled to be sentenced on November 28, 2023. Cimoyne Alves, of Lincoln, Rhode Island, pled guilty on August 18, 2023, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Case No. 23-6006-Cr-Smith). Alves is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30, 2023. Charles Etienne, of Lake Worth, Fla., pled guilty on April 11, 2023, to an information charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Case No. 23-60012-Cr-Singhal). Etienne is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2, 2023. Nadege Auguste, of Coral Springs, Fla., was found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on September 28, 2023. Auguste is scheduled to be sentenced on January 3, 2024. Defendants Associated with Fraudulent Nursing Diplomas and Transcripts through PowerfulU Healthcare Services LLC - Geralda Adrien, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud (Case No. 21-60198-Cr-WPD) and was sentenced on August 10, 2022, to 27 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to forfeit $3,309,000. Woosevelt Predestin, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud and was sentenced on August 10, 2022, to 27 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to forfeit $3,309,000 (Case No. 21-60198-Cr-WPD). U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe; Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri, FBI, Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Omar Pérez Aybar, HHS-OIG, made the announcement. FBI Miami and HHS-OIG Miami investigated these cases. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations, Miami Field Office; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General; and Florida Attorney General-Florida Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Mid-Atlantic Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Clark is prosecuting these cases and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff is handling asset forfeiture. A complaint, information, or indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov . ###


title: Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Braden Rogers, age 23, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after he plead guilty in federal court on March 22, 2023, to Possession of Child Pornography. Evidence at Rogers’ sentencing hearing established that between May 1, 2020, and August 10, 2021, Rogers possessed over 100 videos of child sexual abuse material including material depicting prepubescent children or children who had not attained the age of 12. Evidence further established that Rogers used social media to distribute material that portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct or sexual abuse and exploitation of an infant or toddler to others. Rogers was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 66 months’ imprisonment and fined $500. He was also ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution to the victims. Rogers must also serve a 5-year term of supervised released following the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Rogers is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit and investigated by the Iowa Division of Inspections & Appeals, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Sioux City Police Department, The Drug Enforcement Administration, Iowa Medicaid Fraud Unit, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-04020. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Palm Beach County Career Offender Sentenced to More than Twelve Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Fentanyl

body_text: MIAMI – On September 22, 2023, career offender Monfort Desir, 36, of Lake Worth, Florida was sentenced by United States District Judge Aileen M. Cannon to 151 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl. According to the court record, the investigation of Desir began when law enforcement searched a decedent’s phone relating to an overdose death and identified a phone number related to narcotic sales. Thereafter, an undercover law enforcement officer contacted Desir and requested fentanyl. On February 23, 2022, Desir distributed fentanyl capsules to the undercover officer. Xylazine and para-fluorofentanyl were also identified in the fentanyl capsules that Desir distributed. Para-fluorofentanyl is a fentanyl analogue. Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative that is not approved for human use and can cause amputation of the limbs. Narcan is ineffective in the event of an overdose on xylazine. Desir continued to distribute fentanyl capsules to the undercover officer on five separate occasions. Xylazine and para-fluorofentanyl continued to be identified in the fentanyl capsules. Prior to his commission of the offenses, Desir had two prior, separate felony convictions for the sale of cocaine. Desir was therefore subject to being sentenced as a career offender under the United States Sentencing Guidelines. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) made the announcement. Mr. Lapointe praised the investigative efforts of DEA and PBSO. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon O’Shea Darsch prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-cr-80050. ###