title: Omaha Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl Analogue

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Emmanuel Zakaria, 33, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced March 20, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of fentanyl analogue. United State District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Zakaria to 48 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Zakaria is released from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. On June 14, 2022, investigators conducted a controlled purchase operation, which resulted in the seizure of approximately 300 fentanyl pills. On June 28, 2022, investigators arrested Zakaria and conducted a post- Miranda interview with Zakaria, who admitted to the involvement of distributing fentanyl pills. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Omaha Police Department.


title: Atlanta Meat Market Owner Sentenced to Federal Prison in $10 Million Food Stamp Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – Uttam Halder has been sentenced to federal prison for a $10 million scheme to purchase Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits from low-income recipients. After his arrest, Halder became a fugitive, fled to Mexico, and attempted to flee to Istanbul, where he was apprehended by foreign authorities with a counterfeit Mexican passport. “The federal government trusted Halder to safeguard precious SNAP funds designed to alleviate hunger but he abused that trust to fuel his greed by profiting from a multimillion-dollar scheme to fraudulently redeem SNAP benefits,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Despite Halder’s attempt to flee, the coordinated response from multiple agencies and foreign law enforcement returned him to the United States to face justice for his crimes.” “Today’s sentence serves not only as just punishment for this defendant but also as a notice to others who seek to prey on defrauding the taxpayer through SNAP,” said Miles Davis, Special Agent-in-Charge, USDA-Office of Inspector General. “Purchasing those benefits for cash and sharing Point-of-Sale terminals will be vigorously investigated. This collaborative effort with our state and federal partners demonstrates that wherever you are, we will find you and fully hold you accountable for the law.” “Halder’s attempt to defraud the government and evade prosecution was thwarted due to the diligence of HSI and its law enforcement partners,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony J. Patrone, who oversees HSI operations in Georgia and Alabama. “For those contemplating similar crimes, HSI will tirelessly pursue those engaged in fraud schemes that violate the public trust.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: Uttam Halder owned and operated a small meat market in Atlanta called Big Daddy’s Discount Meat (“Big Daddy’s”). Halder enrolled Big Daddy’s as a retailer for the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) in 2014. SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is designed to alleviate hunger among low-income families by providing benefits on Electronic Benefit Transfer (“EBT”) cards that can be exchanged for eligible food items. USDA regulations state that SNAP benefits may not be purchased or sold in exchange for cash. Between 2015 and 2020, Halder loaned his EBT terminals to two stores, Food World and Big Brother Mini Supermarket, contrary to SNAP rules. Co-conspirator Paltu Roy, the operator of Big Brother Mini Supermarket, and another co-conspirator who operated Food World, agreed to share profits with Halder from Big Daddy’s terminals used illegally at those stores. After receiving Big Daddy’s EBT terminals, both stores made cash payments to customers in return for redeeming their SNAP benefits at the rate of roughly 50 cents on the dollar. During this six-year period, Big Daddy’s terminals collected more than $10 million in fraudulent redemptions of SNAP benefits, and Halder shared a substantial portion of the profits. Following his arrest in January 2021, Halder was released on bond. Contrary to his bond conditions, Halder fled and became a fugitive in late 2022. In June 2023, foreign authorities in Turkey located Halder when he attempted to enter Istanbul from Cancun, Mexico with a fake passport. Halder was returned to the United States and placed into custody. Uttam Halder, 43, of Decatur, Georgia, has been sentenced to 68 months of incarceration, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $10,340,986. On September 19, 2023, Halder pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of failure to appear. His co-conspirator, Paltu Roy, 51, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on December 9, 2021. Roy was sentenced on April 20, 2022, to three years and one month in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay $3,071,235 in restitution to the USDA. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan P. Kitchens prosecuted the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Two Plead Guilty to 2022 Gun Store Burglary in Patrick County

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: DANVILLE, Va. – A pair of men from the Carolinas, who in the pre-dawn hours of a September morning in 2022 burglarized a Patrick County gun store, pled guilty last week in U.S. District Court in Roanoke. Bradley Wayne McCraw, 43, of Gaffney, S.C., and Justin Darrell Whitaker, 31, of Mooresville, N.C., each pled guilty to one count of stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee and aiding and abetting in the same, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to court documents, in September 2022, McCraw and Whitaker stole a truck, attached a chain from it to the back door of the Rabbit Ridge Gun Shop and Range, and yanked it open. Surveillance video captured them wearing masks and entering the store where they proceeded to steal more than a dozen firearms, including shotguns, rifles, and pistols. Both McCraw and Whitaker entered into plea agreements with the government in which the defendants would be sentenced to a range between 100 to 150 months in prison. United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Craig B. Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriffs’ Offices in Cherokee County, South Carolina, Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Cleveland County, North Carolina also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin B. Johnson is prosecuting the case.


title: Attorney And Former Bank Director Sentenced To 30 Months In Prison For Bank Fraud

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that MENDEL ZILBERBERG was sentenced today to 30 months in prison in connection with a scheme to obtain a fraudulent $1.4 million loan from Park Avenue Bank. The defendant was a member of Park Avenue Bank’s board of directors at the time of the offense. ZILBERBERG was previously found guilty following a one-week trial before U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels, who imposed today’s sentence. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Those entrusted with the stewardship of financial institutions must uphold their responsibilities with integrity, not exploit their positions. Mendel Zilberberg’s manipulation of his roles as a legal practitioner and a director of Park Avenue Bank exemplifies a disturbing breach: one that led to a staggering loss for the institution. Safeguarding the integrity of our financial systems is imperative, and this Office will not tire in our mission to track down those who pose threats to this vital cornerstone of stability.” According to the allegations contained in the Indictment, the evidence offered at trial, and matters included in public filings: In or about 2009, ZILBERBERG conspired with a co-defendant, Aron Fried, and others to obtain a fraudulent loan from Park Avenue Bank (the “Bank”). Knowing that the co-conspirators would not be able to obtain the loan directly, the co-conspirators recruited a straw borrower (the “Straw Borrower”) to make the loan application. The Straw Borrower applied for a $1.4 million loan from the Bank on the basis of numerous lies, as directed by ZILBERBERG and his co-conspirators. ZILBERBERG used his privileged position at the Bank to ensure that the loan was processed promptly. Based on the false representations made to the Bank and ZILBERBERG’s involvement in the loan approval process, the Bank issued a $1.4 million loan to the Straw Borrower, which was quickly disbursed to ZILBERBERG and his co-conspirators through multiple bank accounts and transfers. In total, ZILBERBERG received more than approximately $500,000 of the loan proceeds. The Straw Borrower received nothing from the loan and ultimately defaulted, resulting in a loss to the Bank of over $1 million. On November 15, 2022, Fried pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. On April 10, 2023, Judge Daniels sentenced Fried to one year and one day in prison. * * * In addition to the prison term, ZILBERBERG, 65, of Monsey, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $1,066,853 in restitution and $506,000 in forfeiture. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Office of the Inspector General. This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dina McLeod, Daniel G. Nessim, and Kimberly Ravener, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Joseph Carbone, are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Texas Man Charged With Orchestrating Digital Currency Scam That Bilked Investors out of More Than $10 Million

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: CHICAGO — A Texas man has been indicted in Chicago on federal fraud charges for allegedly orchestrating a digital currency scam that bilked investors out of more than $10 million. ROBERT DUNLAP, 52, of Houston, Texas, is charged with four counts of mail fraud in an indictment returned in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Dunlap was arrested last week in Virginia. He appeared Monday in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and was ordered to be removed in custody to Chicago. According to the indictment and a criminal complaint previously filed in the case, Dunlap from 2018 to 2023 worked with others to market and sell a purported digital asset called “Meta-1 Coin” through the “Meta-1 Coin Trust.” Dunlap made numerous false and misleading statements to potential and actual investors, including claims that Meta-1 Coin was backed by as much as approximately $44 billion in gold and art, the indictment states. The charges accuse Dunlap of falsely claiming that an accounting firm had audited the gold and certified its value. The purported art collection was alleged to have included works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Vincent Van Gogh, and other acclaimed artists. Dunlap caused the market price and trading volume of Meta-1 Coin to be inflated on the “Meta Exchange” – a website created by Dunlap – by fraudulently using automated software programs, the indictment states. Investors were allegedly falsely told by Dunlap that they could withdraw their investments at any time by exchanging Meta-1 Coin for other cryptocurrencies or conventional currencies, including U.S. dollars. Dunlap created numerous legal, insurance, and other documents in an effort to conceal the fact that he did not possess the gold or art, the indictment states. The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey B. Rubenstein. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each count of mail fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Dunlap indictment Dunlap complaint


title: Rock Valley Man Pleads Guilty to Meth Conspiracy

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Terrance Buescher, age 58, from Rock Valley, Iowa, pled guilty on March 15, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. At the plea hearing, Buescher admitted that from April 2022 through January 2023, he was involved in a conspiracy that distributed at least 20 pounds of methamphetamine in the Rock Valley area. Buescher further admitted to obtaining pounds of methamphetamine about every ten days from a source in Colorado to distribute in Northern Iowa for about nine months. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Buescher was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the guilty plea and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Buescher faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office, and the Rock Valley Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-4014. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement with North Carolina Printing Company to Resolve Claims of Immigration-related Discrimination

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement agreement with Printful Inc. (Printful), an on-demand printing and fulfillment company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. The agreement resolves the department’s determination that Printful violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by discriminating against a worker based on her citizenship status when checking her permission to work, and by having a discriminatory policy requiring non-U.S. citizens to present specific documents to prove their permission to work. “Companies cannot reject workers’ valid documents or require specific or unnecessary documents based on citizenship status when checking their permission to work,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable employers who run afoul of our nation’s civil rights laws.” The department’s investigations determined that Printful rejected a lawful permanent resident’s valid driver’s license and Social Security card, even though those documents were sufficient to prove her permission to work, and required her to present her Permanent Resident Card (sometimes referred to as a “green card”). The Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) also concluded that Printful maintained at least a year-long policy, starting from July 2022 to July 2023, of requiring non-U.S. citizens to present specific documents to prove their permission to work while allowing U.S. citizens a choice of documents. Federal law allows all workers to choose which valid, legally acceptable documentation to present to demonstrate their identity and permission to work, regardless of citizenship, immigration status or national origin. Employers cannot demand more documents than are necessary or specify documentation they prefer to see as part of this process. Under the terms of the settlement, Printful will pay civil penalties to the United States and backpay to the worker who filed a complaint. The agreement also requires Printful to train its personnel on the INA’s anti-discrimination requirements, revise its employment policies and be subject to departmental monitoring and reporting requirements. IER is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. Among other things, the statute prohibits discrimination based on citizenship status and national origin in hiring, firing or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices ; retaliation and intimidation . Find more information on how employers can avoid discrimination when verifying someone’s permission to work on IER’s website . Learn more about IER’s work and how to get assistance through this brief video . Applicants or employees who believe they were discriminated against based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin in hiring, firing, recruitment or during the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9 and E-Verify); or subjected to retaliation, may file a charge . The public can also call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); sign up for a live webinar or watch an on-demand presentation ; email IER@usdoj.gov or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites. Sign up for email updates from IER.


title: El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con una imprenta con sede en North Carolina que resuelve acusaciones de discriminación relacionada con la inmigración

body_text: El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo conciliatorio con Printful Inc. (Printful), una empresa de impresión y logística a la carta con sede en Charlotte, Carolina del Norte. El acuerdo resuelve la determinación del Departamento que Printful infringió la ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA, por sus siglas en inglés) cuando discriminó a un trabajador por motivos de su estatus de ciudadanía a la hora de verificar su permiso para trabajar, y al tener una política discriminatoria que requiere que los no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. presenten documentos específicos para demostrar su permiso para trabajar. «Al verificar su permiso para trabajar, las empresas no pueden rechazar documentos válidos de los trabajadores ni tampoco requerir que entreguen documentos específicos o innecesarios, con base en su estatus de ciudadanía», afirmó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «El Departamento de Justicia seguirá responsabilizando a los empleadores que vulneren las leyes de derechos civiles de nuestra nación». Las investigaciones del Departamento determinaron que Printful rechazó la licencia de conducir y la tarjeta del Seguro Social válidas de un residente permanente legal, aunque esos documentos eran suficientes para demostrar su permiso para trabajar, y le exigió que presentara su tarjeta de residente permanente (a veces denominada «tarjeta verde»). Por otra parte, la Sección de Derechos de Inmigrantes y Empleados («IER», por sus siglas en inglés), de la División de Derechos Civiles, también concluyó que Printful mantuvo una política durante al menos un año, eso es, desde julio del 2022 hasta julio del 2023, de exigir que los no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. presentasen documentos específicos para demostrar su permiso para trabajar mientras ofrecía una selección de documentos a ciudadanos de los EE. UU. Las leyes federales permiten a todos los trabajadores elegir la documentación válida y legalmente aceptable que desean presentar para demostrar su identidad y permiso para trabajar, independientemente de su estatus de ciudadanía, estatus migratorio o nacionalidad de origen. Los empleadores no pueden exigir más documentos de los necesarios ni especificar la documentación que prefieren ver como parte de este proceso. En virtud de los términos del acuerdo, Printful pagará sanciones civiles a los Estados Unidos y pagos retroactivos al trabajador que presentó una reclamación. El acuerdo también requiere que Printful capacite a su personal en cuanto a los requisitos antidiscriminatorios de la INA, que revise sus políticas de empleo y que se someta a los requisitos de supervisión y declaración departamentales. La IER es responsable de hacer cumplir la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA. Entre otras cosas, la ley prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de estatus de ciudadanía y nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión, prácticas documentales injustas y represalias e intimidación . Puede obtener más información sobre cómo los empleadores pueden evitar la discriminar al verificar el permiso para trabajar de alguien en el sitio web de la IER . Aprenda más sobre el trabajo de la IER y cómo conseguir ayuda mediante este vídeo corto . Aquellos aspirantes o empleados que creen haber sido discriminados por motivos de su ciudadanía, estatus migratorio o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido, reclutamiento o verificación de la elegibilidad para trabajar (Formulario I-9 e E-Verify) o sujetos a represalias pueden presentar una denuncia . El público también puede llamar a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores al 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); llamar a la línea directa de la IER para empleadores al 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); inscribirse a un seminario en línea gratuito o visualizar una presentación a la carta; enviar un correo electrónico a IER@usdoj.gov ; o visitar los sitios web de la IER en inglés y español . Inscríbase para recibir actualizaciones por correo electrónico desde la IER.


title: Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking and Immigration Offenses

body_text: A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty on March 15, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City. Juan Cardona-Tinajero, 34, from Guadalajara, Mexico, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and being an illegal alien in United States. At the plea hearing, Cardona-Tinajero admitted that from January 2023 to September 22, 2023, he and others in the conspiracy agreed to distribute at least 18 pounds of methamphetamine. Cardona-Tinajero also admitted that he was caught receiving approximately nine pounds of methamphetamine by mail which he intended to further distribute. Cardona-Tinajero was receiving packages through the U.S. postal service from California which contained methamphetamine that he distributed in Sioux City area. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Cardona-Tinjaro remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. On the drug convictions, Cardona-Tinajero faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment. On the immigration conviction, he faces a possible maximum sentence of not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Shawn S. Wehde and Kevin C. Fletcher and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-4063 and 23-4072. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement on FBI Quarterly Uniform Crime Report

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the release of the FBI Quarterly Uniform Crime Report : “In May 2021, the Justice Department launched our violent crime reduction strategy aimed at addressing the spike in violent crime that occurred during the pandemic. “Since then, our prosecutors, agents, and grantmaking experts have worked in close partnership with police departments and communities across the country to go after the recidivists and gangs that are responsible for the greatest violence; to seize illegal guns and deadly drugs; to make critical investments in hiring more law enforcement officers; and to fund evidence-based, community violence intervention initiatives. “We know that hard fought progress can easily slip away, and we must remain focused and vigilant. But today, we are encouraged by this data indicating a decrease in violent crime in communities across the country in 2023 compared to the prior year, including an over 13% decline in homicides. This important indicator of declining violent crime comes in the wake of other encouraging data we have seen released within the last year. “The Justice Department will continue to remain laser-focused on working with our law enforcement and community partners to drive down violent crime. We will not rest until every community in our country is safe.”


title: Florida Woman Admits to Elder Financial Fraud

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Spring Hill, Florida, woman has pled guilty to defrauding a Berkeley County man who suffered from dementia. Wendy Renee Bunner, age 48, pled guilty on Monday to one count of money laundering. According to court documents and statements made in court, Wendy Bunner conspired with her husband to obtain a $280,318.73 cashier’s check from a United Bank account belonging to the elderly victim to purchase real estate in Charles Town, West Virginia. Samuel Bunner, husband of Wendy Bunner, previously pled guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. According to court documents, Samuel Bunner defrauded the same victim of $1,906,229 by selling his real estate, emptying his investment and bank accounts, and opening a credit card in his name. Together, the Bunners used the money taken from the victim for their own personal benefit and purchased homes, campers, cars, and hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of consumer goods. “The Bunners took advantage of a vulnerable victim to fund a lifestyle that they otherwise could not have afforded,” said United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to pursue those who prey upon the elderly to ensure that there is accountability when this type of conduct occurs.” Samual Bunner faces up to thirty (30) years in prison and Wendy Bunner faces up to ten (10) years in prison. Sentencing hearings for each will take place later this year. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. The Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Florida, and FBI-Tampa assisted with the matter. U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.


title: Idaho Man Pleads Guilty to Hacking Computers of the City of Newnan and a Griffin Medical Clinic

body_text: NEWNAN, Ga. - Robert Purbeck, also known as “Lifelock,” and “Studmaster,” who hacked into the computer servers of the City of Newnan and a Griffin medical clinic, and then targeted at least 17 other victims across the United States – in the process stealing personal information of more than 132,000 individuals – has pleaded guilty today to federal charges of computer fraud and abuse. “Purbeck breached computer systems in our district and across the country, stole vast amounts of personal information, and aggravated his crimes by weaponizing sensitive data in an egregious attempt to extort his victims,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Cyber-attacks on health care facilities and local governments pose a grave risk to the security of personal information. Our office is committed to tirelessly coordinating with our law enforcement partners to help safeguard the sensitive information of citizens by combatting cybercrime threats from within and outside this district.” “FBI Atlanta continues to be unrelenting in bringing cybercriminals to justice and determined to defeat and disrupt campaigns targeting critical infrastructure,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Keri Farley. “Helping victims of crime is the FBI’s highest priority. The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue these criminal actors wherever they attempt to hide and ensure they are held accountable under the law.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: in June 2017, Purbeck purchased access to the computer server of a Griffin, Georgia medical clinic on a darknet marketplace. He then used the stolen credentials to gain unauthorized access into computers of the medical clinic and stole medical records and other documents, which contained sensitive personal information of over 43,000 individuals, including names, addresses, birthdates, and social security numbers. Subsequently, in February 2018, Purbeck purchased access to a City of Newnan, Georgia Police Department server on a darknet marketplace. Purbeck then used these stolen credentials to hack into the city’s computer systems and steal records consisting of police reports and documents, which included personal information of more than 14,000 people. On August 31, 2019, as part of an FBI investigation, agents executed a federal search warrant on Purbeck’s home in Meridian, Idaho. During the search, the FBI seized multiple computers and devices, which contained personal information of over 132,000 individuals obtained through numerous data breaches, including the City of Newnan, the Griffin medical clinic, and at least 17 other victims throughout the United States. As part of his plea agreement, Purbeck agreed to pay more than $1 million in restitution to these victims. Sentencing for Purbeck, 44, of Meridian, Idaho, is scheduled for June 18, 2024, 2024, at 10:30 am before Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten Sr. in the United States Courthouse in Newnan, Georgia. This case is being investigated by the FBI Atlanta Field Office, with valuable assistance provided by the FBI Boise, Idaho Resident Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Herskowitz, Nathan Kitchens, Alex Sistla, and Nicholas Evert, and Trial Attorney Brian Mund of the U.S. Department of Justice Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho has also provided valuable assistance in this case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Leader of Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – A Brownwood man was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 420 months in prison for conspiring to import and possess methamphetamine for a drug trafficking organization. According to court documents, Jacob Andrew Mendoza, 37, of Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico was held accountable for supplying multiple illicit drugs to be smuggled into the U.S., including 56.8 kilograms of methamphetamine along with heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, and “Ice” with a purity level of 99%. Mendoza was indicted in December 2020 for one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to import methamphetamine. He was taken into federal custody May 26, 2021 in San Angelo and pleaded guilty to both charges of the indictment on Oct. 17, 2022. “Mendoza was a career offender and the leader of a Mexican drug trafficking organization that set out to profit from trafficking their drugs into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Thanks to our partners at Homeland Security Investigations, federal law enforcement has dismantled another DTO and aggressively prosecuted many of its members.” “This lengthy sentence highlights the success of HSI’s collaborative efforts in combating drug trafficking along the southern border,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee for HSI San Antonio. “HSI is committed to holding those accountable who recklessly push this poison into our communities.” HSI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Fleming and Larry Fadler prosecuted the case. ###


title: Memphis Man Sentenced to Over 12 Years for Illegal Possession of Firearm

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – A federal judge recently sentenced a Memphis man to more than 12 years in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz announced the sentence today. According to information presented in court, on September 16, 2022, officers observed Carl Turner, 26, driving a white 2020 Kia Optima matching the description of a vehicle that had been reported stolen the night before. The officers activated their blue lights and sirens for a traffic stop but Turner reversed and drove towards the officers’ squad cars, striking one and disabling it in the process. Turner then led officers in a high-speed car chase for two miles through a residential neighborhood. After Turner crashed the Kia into a utility pole, he ran away from the officers on foot and tossed a brown backpack during the chase. Officers detained Turner and recovered the brown backpack, which contained a Bersa .380 caliber automatic pistol. On November 20, 2023, Turner pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Turner on March 14 to 150 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. 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 PSN Gun Task Force investigated this case for federal prosecution with assistance from the Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. United States Attorney Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorney Eileen Kuo, who prosecuted this case, as well as law enforcement partners who investigated the case.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office reaches settlement with Kansas hospital after complaint of disability discrimination

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: KANSAS CITY, KAN. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement with a Kansas medical facility to resolve allegations that the hospital failed to reasonably accommodate a deaf patient by not providing a sign language interpreter in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher announced today. Under the settlement, Prime Healthcare Services – Providence, LLC doing business as Providence Medical Center (“PMC”), located in Kansas City, Kansas, agrees to compensate the aggrieved deaf individual for his inability to effectively communicate with the medical team during his five-day hospital stay. In addition, PMC agreed to change its policies and practices to come into compliance with their obligations under the ADA, which include: • providing patients and companions who are deaf or hard of hearing with appropriate auxiliary aids and services that are necessary for effective communication; • designating at least one employee as an ADA Administrator or ADA Co-Administrators who will be on call and available twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week to answer questions and provide appropriate assistance regarding auxiliary aids and services including qualified interpreters; • maintaining a log for requests for qualified interpreters on site or through video remote services that documents the time and date the request, patient’s name, the time and date of the scheduled appointment; and • establishing a complaint resolution mechanism to investigate disputes regarding effective communication with deaf patients and companions. “All patients deserve clear explanations about the nature of their diagnosis and medical treatment so they can have a full understanding of their options and make well-informed decisions about their healthcare,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher. “A patient’s disability doesn’t relieve a medical facility and its staff of their obligation to provide effective communication.” Individuals who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may file a complaint with the U.S Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Unit at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ks/civil-rights or they may call (855) 321-5549. Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov , or by calling the Department of Justice’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TDD). The United States is represented by Assistant United States Attorney, Andrea L. Taylor of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas City, Kansas. ###


title: Member of Catalytic Converter Theft Crew Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Springfield, Mass. man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to his role in a regional organized theft crew that stole catalytic converters from nearly 500 vehicles, robbed jewelry stores and stole ATMs. Carlos Fonseca, 33, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce and interstate transportation of stolen property. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for June 21, 2024 In April 2023, Carlos Fonseca was arrested and charged along with six others in connection with the theft, transportation and sale of stolen catalytic converters taken from at least 496 vehicles across Massachusetts and New Hampshire in 2022 through April 2023 alone. It is believed that a significant number of additional thefts have not been identified or were not ever reported to law enforcement. Fonseca participated in thefts of catalytic converters from 103 vehicles over the course of 13 separate instances between Aug. 23, 2022 and Oct. 4, 2022 – most of which targeted vehicles in more than one municipality over the course of a single night. According to court filings, there has been a precipitous decline in catalytic converter thefts reported in Massachusetts as a result of the April 2023 takedown – with only seven reported incidents of catalytic converter theft over the past 11 months following the arrests, in comparison to the hundreds of thefts reported during the nine-month period prior. Catalytic converter theft has become a nationwide problem across the country due to the high-valued precious metals they contain – some of which are more valuable than gold, with black-market prices being more than $1,000 each in recent years. The theft of a vehicle's catalytic converter results in damage that renders the vehicle inoperable – both mechanically and legally under EPA regulations – until properly replaced. Fonseca was a member of a skilled, organized theft crew that utilized battery operated power-tools, car jacks to cut away and steal catalytic converters from vehicles across Massachusetts and into New Hampshire. The catalytic converter thefts were predicated upon the use of an internet application that provided real-time pricing for catalytic converters quantifying the commodity prices of the amounts of precious metal in a particular vehicle’s converter. Equipped with special knowledge of the values on the black market and technical skill with vehicles, the defendants targeted specific makes and models of vehicles to maximize the profits. The theft crew would travel hundreds of miles, hours on end in a single night, to specific locations, including home driveways and business parking lots where large numbers of these vehicles were located. On numerous occasions, the crew targeted more than 10 vehicles in a single night, with one night resulting in thefts from 26 vehicles. The thefts resulted in losses of approximately $5,000 per vehicle with certain trucks costing over $10,000 to repair. This amounts to an approximate $2 million in losses suffered by more than 300 separate victims who were forced to deal with their vehicles being disabled for potentially weeks on end. The more than 300 victims included businesses and individuals across Massachusetts and parts of New Hampshire, including a food pantry, automotive businesses, tradesmen, a bakery, single parents, a home healthcare provider and the elderly. Some businesses were repeatedly targeted on multiple nights. Once in possession of the stolen catalytic converters, the crew would then sell them to Jose Torres, who would accumulate stolen catalytic converters from multiple theft crews and then in turn sell them to scrap dealers in the Northeast – transacting approximately $30,000 to $80,000 in stolen catalytic converters per week. In particular, Torres sold stolen catalytic converters to scrap dealers who have since been charged federally for interstate transportation of stolen property and money laundering in the District of Connecticut, the Eastern District of California and Northern District of Oklahoma. Fonseca is the sixth defendant to plead guilty in the case. Torres pleaded guilty in May 2023 and scheduled to be sentenced on a later date. The crew’s alleged leader Rafael Davila has pleaded not guilty and remains pending trial. The charge of conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of interstate transportation of stolen property each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of 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; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Kevin Gallagher, Director of Operations for the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Northern District of Oklahoma and the Eastern District of California; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office; and the New England State Police Information Network. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. Over 70 local police departments in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut contributed to this investigation through the submission of their investigations of catalytic converter thefts and burglaries in their jurisdiction. The Massachusetts Police Departments contributing to the investigation were Abington, Acton, Andover, Auburn, Bedford, Bellingham, Beverly, Billerica, Burlington, Bridgewater, Canton, Carver, Chelmsford, Concord, Cranston, East Hampton, Easton, Fitchburg, Framingham, Franklin, Gardner, Hampton, Hanover, Haverhill, Hingham, Holliston, Holyoke, Hudson, Ipswich, Lawrence, Leominster, Lynn, Malden, Mansfield, Maynard, Medford, Marlborough, Methuen, Middleton, Milford, Millbury, Needham, Newton, Northborough, Norwell, Norwood, Peabody, Pembroke, Plymouth, Randolph, Rockland, Sharon, Shrewsbury, Springfield, Sterling, Sturbridge, Sudbury, Tyngsborough, Walpole, Waltham, Watertown, West Bridgewater, Weymouth, Wilmington, Woburn and Worcester. The New Hampshire Police Departments contributing to the investigation were Bow, Concord, Derry, Hooksett, Hudson, Londonderry, Manchester, Salem and Windham. The South Windsor and Windsor Connecticut Police Departments also contributed to the investigation. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Tulsa Man Sentenced as Repeat Offender for Distributing Child Pornography while Failing to Abide by Sex Offender Requirements

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: Today, U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Mikaili Diwani Cohn, 26, to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography; and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Upon his release, Cohn will be required to abide by sex offender registration requirements. In Cohn’s first federal case, he pleaded guilty in June 2017 to Possession of Child Pornography and was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment, followed by 20 years supervised release. After being released, Cohn registered his residence following the offender registration requirements. However, in April 2022, U.S. Probation officers observed Cohn living at a different address with his girlfriend and her child. When Cohn was arrested, officers recovered evidence that showed Cohn used a social media application to send and receive sexually explicit videos of minors. Cohn will remain in custody pending transfer to U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The U.S. Probation Office, U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC .


title: North Tonawanda man indicted by a federal grand jury, charged with selling fentanyl and cocaine causing a death

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Ernest Green a/k/a Fire a/k/a Burn a/k/a Ern the Burn a/k/a Dread a/k/a B Love, 41, of North Tonawanda, NY, with distribution of fentanyl causing death, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between 2019 and May 27, 2020, conspired with others to sell fentanyl and cocaine. The indictment also alleges that on May 27, 2020, Green sold fentanyl which resulted in the deaths of three individuals identified as J.Y., T.M., and D.R. Green, who is currently serving a 120-month federal sentence following a 2022 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, was arraigned today before U.S Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. “Fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and other illegal narcotics are deadly poisons that are finding their way into our communities and onto our streets because of defendants like Ernest Green,” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “Our office is working every day with our law enforcement partners at all levels to track down these defendants, whose actions show no regard for human lives. Ernest Green has been indicted on multiple charges, including selling fentanyl, cocaine, and causing the death of another person. This office will dedicate time and resources to the prosecution of all individuals who committee these types of crimes in our community.” Green is the fifth defendant in the last six months to be accused of selling fentanyl and cocaine that resulted in a death or serious bodily injury. Other defendants include: Michael Paonessa is charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl. According to the criminal complaint, Paonessa sold fentanyl and cocaine that led to the death of an individual identified as R.A. Darryl Sweat was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of distribution of cocaine, fentanyl, and para-fluorofentanyl, causing death, possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine, fentanyl, and para-fluorofentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to the indictment, Sweat sold cocaine and fentanyl, which resulted in the death of an individual identified as V.O. Lloyd Smith, Jr. was charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Smith allegedly sold fentanyl and cocaine to two individuals who overdosed and had to be revived with multiple doses of Narcan. Rashaun Cruel was charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl. Cruel allegedly sold fentanyl and cocaine which resulted in the deaths of two individuals. Green’s indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in Charge Frank Tarantino, III, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Keith Glass, and the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Man Sentenced for Murder of Department of Defense Employee Stationed Overseas

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A U.S. citizen was sentenced today to 16 years and eight months in prison for killing his mother, a U.S. Department of Defense civilian employee stationed at a naval base in the Kingdom of Bahrain. According to court documents, on Jan. 31, 2021, Giovonni Z. Pope, 30, killed his mother in the apartment they shared in Bahrain by stabbing her with a knife. At the time, Pope’s mother was employed as a U.S. Department of the Navy civilian employee, assigned to Naval Support Activity Bahrain, and Pope was living with her as a dependent. After fatally stabbing his mother, Pope cleaned her body and removed evidence of the murder from the apartment. He then left in his mother’s car. On Feb. 1, 2021, Pope was apprehended by Bahraini authorities. On Feb. 11, 2021, Pope was ordered detained and removed from Bahrain to the United States pursuant to the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act. Pope was charged on March 4, 2021, in the District of Maryland with one count of murder while employed by or accompanying the armed forces outside the United States. Pope pleaded guilty on Nov. 3, 2023, to second degree murder. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland; Acting Special Agent in Charge Joseph R. Rothrock of the FBI Baltimore Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge John Parkinson of the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Middle East Field Office made the announcement. The FBI and NCIS investigated the case. Trial Attorney Brian Morgan of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Cunningham for the District of Maryland prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance.


title: Prior felon arrested on new child pornography charge

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jordan Brodie, 37, of LeRoy, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with the receipt, distribution and possession of child pornography following a previous conviction for possession of child pornography. Brodie faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, a lifetime period of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in May 2023, Brodie, a convicted sex offender who was under the active supervision of the Genesee County Probation Department, became involved in a chat application in which he and others traded child pornography. Brodie uploaded at least one of the images to a different social media platform, which then reported the image to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigation by the New York State Police determined that the upload took place from Brodie’s home in LeRoy. A subsequent search warrant resulted in the seizure of Brodie’s phone, and the contents of the social media account that uploaded the image, both of which revealed images of child pornography depicting children less than 12 years old. The images included children, some as young as six-years-old, engaged in sexual conduct with adults. In May 2021, Brodie was convicted of child pornography charges in Genesee County and was on probation. Brodie made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was detained. The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, Lyons, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei II, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Waterbury Man Sentenced to 29 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Kidnapping and Murder of Massachusetts Man

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CALVIN ROBERSON, also known as “Cutty,” 41, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 348 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in the kidnapping and murder of a Massachusetts man in 2020. According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 24, 2020, Roberson and Brandon Batiste kidnapped Francisco Roman, Jr., 28, at gunpoint from a residence in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Roberson and Batiste threatened to harm Roman if he did not comply with their orders, handcuffed him, and stole cash, marijuana, and other items from Roman. Roberson and Batiste forced Roman into the rear of Roman’s car and transported Roman and the stolen property to Connecticut. Batiste shot and killed Roman while the car was en route to Hartford. They then drove the car to Shultas Place in Hartford and left it parked on the street. Roberson and Batiste then drove a separate car to an apartment that Roberson shared with Shamari Smith in Waterbury, and took most of the property stolen during the robbery into the apartment. Shortly before 9 p.m. on December 26, 2020, Hartford police and fire personnel responded to Shultas Place and found Roman’s car engulfed in flames. After the fire was extinguished, investigators discovered Roman’s body with multiple gunshot wounds in the rear of the vehicle. Roberson has been detained since his arrest on February 11, 2021. On April 27, 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnaping, and causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm. Batiste pleaded guilty to the same charges and, on December 20, 2023, was sentenced to 42 years of imprisonment. Smith, who lied to law enforcement about what she knew about the robbery, kidnapping, and murder, and her role in the disposal of the stolen property, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony. On October 13, 2023, she was sentenced to 25 months of imprisonment. This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, FBI’s Springfield Gang Task Force, Massachusetts State Police, Hampden County (Mass.) District Attorney’s Office, Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Division, Chicopee Police Department and Springfield Police Department, with the assistance of the Waterbury Police Department and the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull and Trial Attorney Brian P. Leaming of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.


title: U.S. Citizen Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Federal Prison for the Murder of His Mother, a Department of Defense Employee Working In Bahrain

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Giovanni Pope, age 30, to 200 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for the murder of his mother, a Department of Defense civilian employee working in Bahrain. The federal charge was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge John Parkinson of the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Middle East Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office. On November 3, 2023, Pope pleaded guilty to second degree murder in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. According to the plea agreement, on January 31, 2021, Pope killed his mother in the apartment they shared in Bahrain, by stabbing her with a knife he obtained from the kitchen. At the time, Pope’s mother was employed as a United States Department of the Navy civilian employee, assigned to Naval Support Activity, Bahrain, and Pope was living with her as a dependent. As detailed in court documents, after fatally stabbing his mother, Pope cleaned her body and removed evidence of the murder from the apartment. He then left in his mother’s car. He was apprehended by Bahraini authorities on February 1, 2021. Pope admitted to law enforcement that he got a knife from the kitchen, went into the living room where his mother was seated, and fatally stabbed her. Pope further admitted that after killing his mother, he purchased an airline ticket to return to the United States, departing on the morning of February 2, 2021. On February 11, 2021, Pope was ordered detained and removed from Bahrain to the United States pursuant to the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act. On March 4, 2021, Pope was charged by indictment in the District of Maryland with one count of Murder while Employed by or Accompanying the Armed Forces Outside the United States. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron and Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri commended the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the FBI for their work in the investigation and thanked the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs for its assistance. Mr. Barron and Ms. Argentieri thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Michael Cunningham and Trial Attorney Brian Morgan of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, who prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Former DuBois Resident Sentenced to More than Five and a Half Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of DuBois, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on March 14, 2024, to 70 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his convictions for violating federal narcotics laws resulting from a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny counties, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Brent Coder, 57. According to information presented to the Court, Coder sold two ounces of methamphetamine to a confidential source on August 19, 2020. A month later, Pennsylvania State Police troopers seized approximately one and a half pounds of methamphetamine from Coder’s vehicle, resulting in Coder’s indictment. Federal agents executed a search warrant at Coder’s residence on August 31, 2021, with investigators seizing an additional pound of methamphetamine and four firearms during the search. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Coder. The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and Clarion Borough Police Department also assisted. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Final Defendant Sentenced To Over 12 Years In Prison For Role In Conspiracy To Distribute Over 1,000 Pounds Of Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: RENO – The final defendant involved in a large methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy was sentenced Monday by United States Chief District Judge Miranda M. Du to 145 months in prison for his role in a large methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy. According to court documents, in 2014, Nassrollah Behmard fled to Mexico to avoid being arrested for his involvement in a Washoe County drug trafficking case. In March 2022, the FBI learned that Behmard, who was still in Mexico, was conspiring with co-conspirators located in Reno and Los Angeles to distribute multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine in the Reno area. From March 2022 to June 2022, Behmard and his co-conspirators were responsible for distributing over 140 pounds of methamphetamine. On June 6, 2022, Behmard arranged with co-conspirator Ramon Guadalupe Sanchez Maldonado to deliver 100 pounds of methamphetamine from Los Angeles to Reno. Law enforcement intercepted the methamphetamine and traced it back to a clandestine lab located in the Los Angeles area. Law enforcement dismantled the lab and seized approximately 1,000 pounds of methamphetamine. In June 2022, a federal grand jury in Reno charged Behmard, also known as “Benny” and “Michael Holt,” and his co-conspirators Sanchez Maldonado, Melissa Ann Longo, Owen Eugene Dick, and Jesus Sanchez Vargas with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and related offenses including money laundering. Maldonado was sentenced to 120 months in prison, Longo was sentenced to 57 months in prison, and Dick was sentenced to 57 months in prison. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement. The FBI Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force, comprised of the FBI, Reno Police Department, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Gaming and Control Board, Nevada Department of Corrections, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case with assistance by the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, the San Bernardino Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Andolyn Johnson prosecuted the case. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF . If you have information of potential drug trafficking, call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit an anonymous tip online at TIPS.FBI.GOV. ###


title: Sharon Resident Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Sharon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to time served on her conviction for conspiring to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Kayla Fair, 36, who has served approximately 16 months in prison. Judge Bissoon also ordered Fair to serve three years of supervised release following her imprisonment. Fair pleaded guilty in this case to conspiring to distribute cocaine in October 2021. Prior to imposing sentence, the Court was informed that Fair, along with her co-defendant Zachariah Owens, conspired to distribute cocaine from their apartment in Sharon, Mercer County, with several of their children residing in the apartment at that time. Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Mercer County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the prosecution of Fair.


title: Akua Mosaics, Inc. and its President Plead Guilty to a Conspiracy to Smuggle Goods into the United States to Avoid Paying Over $1 Million in Duties and Tariffs

component: USAO - Puerto Rico

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Kenneth Fleming and Akua Mosaics, Inc. (“Akua Mosaics”) pleaded guilty today to a conspiracy to smuggle goods into the United States in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 545, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. According to the plea agreements, from 2021 through June 2022 Akua Mosaics and its president, Kenneth Fleming, conspired to defraud the United States by smuggling and clandestinely importing porcelain mosaic tiles manufactured in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), by falsely representing to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that said merchandise was of Malaysian origin. This was done with the intent to avoid paying antidumping duties of approximately 330.69%, countervailing duties of approximately 358.81%, and other duties of approximately 25% which were owed when importing these tiles from PRC to the United States. Fleming and Akua Mosaics conspired with Shuyi Mo, a citizen and resident of PRC. Between October 2021 and January 2022, these caused a container with porcelain tiles manufactured in PRC to be shipped from PRC to Malaysia. They caused “Made in Malaysia” labels to be placed on boxes containing porcelain tiles manufactured in PRC and then caused a container with porcelain tiles manufactured in PRC to be shipped from Malaysia to Puerto Rico misrepresenting the country of origin as Malaysia, when in fact, PRC was the country of origin. The total amount of unpaid duties and tariffs on this shipment was approximately $1,090,000. Mo was arrested on April 29, 2023 in the Northern District of California while attempting to the leave the United States. See May 3, 2023 Press Release . Mo pleaded guilty on to his participation in the conspiracy and was sentenced on September 1, 2023 to the approximately four month term of imprisonment he had served and was removed from the United States. Fleming and Akua Mosaics face a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a payment of $1,090,000 in restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Juan Global Trade Investigations Group (GTIG) in collaboration with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander L. Alum is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Fayette County Man Sentenced to 18 Years  for Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, Dakota Douglas Himes, 27, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, to 18 years in prison, for attempted production of child pornography. According to his plea agreement, from February 23 to February 27, 2019, Himes engaged in online chats with a New Jersey man who had a toddler son. In the chats, the New Jersey man talked about abusing the toddler and discussed his preferred method of sharing sexually explicit imagery of the toddler, prompting Himes to ask if he could see “live” sexually explicit images of the toddler. Although the New Jersey man did not create new images in response to Himes’s request, he sent Himes an image of the toddler’s genitals that had been taken earlier in the day. In his guilty plea, Himes admitted that he attempted to receive sexually explicit images of a minor via the Internet and had previously received sexually explicit images of the minor via the Internet. Under federal law, Himes must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 25 years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Russell Coleman, Kentucky Attorney General, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, with computer-forensic assistance from the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . — END —


title: Alabama Man Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Preparation of False Tax Returns

body_text: FRANKFORT, Ky . – A Boaz, Ala. man, Jeremy Clay Guthrie, 45, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, for wire fraud and aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. According to his guilty plea agreement, Guthrie was employed as the manager of the Frankfort, Ky. branch of a privately owned aviary supply business, until he was fired on September 27, 2017. During his last two years as a manager, he stole over $550,000 from his employer and customers, by charging customer credit and debit cards for products but diverting payment for those products to his own personal company, Guthrie’s Naturals. He also altered the pay-to lines on checks from customers and routinely offered customers unauthorized discounts in exchange for cash payments, embezzling much of the cash he received. Guthrie also created false pick tickets for sales to customers of his employer’s products, concealed those sales from his employer, and pocketed the proceeds. The Defendant also failed to disclose all the income he received from this fraudulent scheme to his tax preparer or the IRS, for tax years 2016 and 2017. Ultimately, Guthrie agreed that he underreported his income by $325,543and admitted that he intentionally concealed a significant portion of his company sales and other unlawfully obtained proceeds and spent proceeds from unreported sales and cash transactions, in part, to fund a drug addiction. At sentencing, the Court found that the criminal loss caused by Guthrie’s crimes was between $550,000 and $1,500,000. An order of restitution to the victims remains pending. Under federal law, Guthrie must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Karen Wingerd, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Cincinnati Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation; Robert Holman, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service; and Chris Quire, Franklin County Sheriff, jointly announced the sentence. The federal investigation was conducted by IRS-CI, USSS, and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Tashena A. Fannin. – END –


title: Former President And CEO Of Metal Finishing Company Sentenced To 30 Months In Prison For Fraud

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN JOSE – Harry Corl, III was sentenced today to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay $253,625.50 in restitution to over 30 victim employees and shareholders, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Klaus Placke, Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration, San Francisco Regional Office. Corl, now of Pittsburg, California, was indicted on several wire fraud and money laundering counts by a federal grand jury on November 29, 2018. On September 25, 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349. According to court filings, from 2008 to 2014, Corl and his estranged wife and co-defendant were executive officers for Nu-Metal Finishing, Inc. They also served as trustees of the company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust, or ESOP, which provided retirement benefits and savings to the company’s employees by purchasing and investing company stock for their collective benefit. As trustees, the Corls had a fiduciary duty to competently manage the ESOP’s cash, stock, and assets and act in the best interests of the employee-shareholders. They failed to do so. As set forth in the government’s sentencing memorandum, from 2011 to 2014, Corl used Nu-Metal’s corporate accounts to pay for numerous personal expenses wholly unrelated to the business of a metal finishing company. For example, Corl used corporate funds to purchase extravagant jewelry from Tiffany & Co. and made lease payments on a Ferrari 599 GTB coupe, listing Nu-Metal Finishing as a lessee. Corl also used corporate funds to lease a Bentley and to purchase outright a Mercedes S63 sedan. The Corls flaunted their luxury car collection on social media. Furthermore, in May 2014, the Corls arranged a fraudulent sale of Nu-Metal. In all formal written agreements and conversations with all parties involved, the Corls represented themselves as the sole owners of the company, falsely stating that the ESOP had been terminated and was no longer a concern. In reality, the ESOP and another shareholder owned well over 50% of the company’s outstanding stock and were owed their corresponding portion of the proceeds from the company’s sale. However, Corl immediately transferred nearly the entire sale proceeds to his personal accounts and moved to Texas. To date, the employees who participated in the ESOP, all laid off after the sale of the company, have not received any portion of the sale proceeds owed to them. As indicated in the filed victim impact statements, these victims lost expected retirement income, and some have suffered serious financial distress a result. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Edward J. Davila, U.S. District Judge, who also sentenced Corl to pay $253,625.50 in restitution, serve a three-year period of supervised release, and pay a $100 special assessment fee. The defendant will begin serving his sentence on June 13, 2024. Marissa Harris is the Assistant U.S. Attorney prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sahib Kaur. The prosecution is the result of a four-year investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration.


title: Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

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

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man pled guilty today to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to court documents, Marcus Allen Brown, 44, was found with a firearm after Jackson Police responded to a reported disturbance at an apartment complex. Brown has multiple previous felony convictions for burglaries of homes and businesses. Brown will be sentenced on July 8, 2024. Because of Brown’s prior felony convictions, he may be subject to the Armed Career Criminal Act, in which case he will face a minimum of 15 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 Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement. The case is being investigated by the ATF and the Jackson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Watsonville Man Sentenced To 38 Months In Prison For Firearm Crimes

body_text: SAN JOSE – Carlos Manuel Ruiz-Montanez was sentenced yesterday to 38 months in prison for crimes related to illegal firearms sales, including the sale of machineguns, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani. The sentence was handed down by the Hon. Edward J. Davila, United States District Judge. Ruiz-Montanez, 22, of Watsonville, pleaded guilty to one count of Illegal Possession and Transfer of Machineguns, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(o), and one count of Dealing in Firearms Without a License, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1)(A), on October 2, 2023. He was charged by Information on August 26, 2022. According to court documents, from February 11, 2020, to September 13, 2021, Ruiz-Montanez sold and helped facilitate the sale of eight firearms, including a short-barrel shotgun, two machineguns, a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and an assault rifle (AR) style pistol. The AR-style pistol was a “ghost gun,” meaning it was privately made and did not bear a serial number. In addition to the prison term, Judge Davila ordered Ruiz-Montanez to serve three years of supervised release to begin after his prison term is completed. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal C. Hong prosecuted the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by ATF, the Salinas Police Department, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Special Service Unit, and the California Highway Patrol.


title: Norwalk Inn Agrees to Permit Service Animals in Americans with Disabilities Act Settlement

component: Civil Rights - Disability Rights Section

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with the Norwalk Inn and Conference Center (“Norwalk Inn”), located in Norwalk, to resolve allegations that the facility was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”). The settlement agreement resolves an ADA complaint filed by an individual with disabilities alleging that the Norwalk Inn required the removal of a service animal from the Inn as a condition of service in July 2023. As a result of the settlement agreement, the Norwalk Inn is in the process of posting signage indicating “Service Animals Welcome,” implementing a “Service Animal Policy,” which includes the types of legally permissible inquiries Norwalk Inn employees may make of a customer who enters the facility with a service animal, and training employees regarding the policy. Under federal law, private entities that own or operate places of “public accommodation,” including hotels and restaurants, are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability. The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities. The Justice Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties. U.S. Attorney Avery noted that the owners of Norwalk Inn have worked cooperatively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to promptly address the ADA issues without litigation. Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700. Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY). More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Brown, Jr. of the District of Connecticut in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.


title: Vermont Man Charged with Bank Robbery

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Samuel W. Blatt, age 32, of Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint with bank robbery. On Friday, March 15, 2024, following an investigation involving numerous law enforcement offices, Mr. Blatt was arrested in Burlington. He is currently being held on state charges. An initial appearance in U.S. District Court will be scheduled at a later date. According to court records, investigators have tied Mr. Blatt to bank robberies in Essex, Johnson, and Winooski, as well as an attempted bank robbery in Burlington. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Mr. Blatt is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Mr. Blatt faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigative collaboration that occurred among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Chittenden County Gun Violence Task Force, the police departments of Winooski, Burlington, Williston, Essex, and Milton, the Investigations Unit of Vermont DMV Enforcement and Safety, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Border Patrol, the Sheriff’s Departments of Grand Isle and Lamoille Counties, and the Vermont State Police. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Colin Owyang. Counsel is yet to be appointed for Mr. Blatt.


title: Colorado man admits criminal endangerment charge for vehicle crash on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Colorado man accused of drinking alcohol and causing a one-vehicle crash on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in which a passenger suffered significant injuries admitted to a criminal endangerment charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Bryson Elijah Owens-Johnson, 29, of Denver, Colorado, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with criminal endangerment. Owens-Johnson faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for July 17. Owens-Johnson was released pending further proceedings. In court documents, the government alleged that on July 29, 2021, near St. Mary, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Owens-Johnson was drinking with co-workers at a local bar. The group left the bar at closing time and six of them got into Owens-Johnson’s sedan. Owens-Johnson was traveling north on Highway 89 when he veered off the road, striking the guardrail almost head-on and damaging multiple steel and wood posts connected to it. Witnesses confirmed that everyone had been drinking alcohol at the local bar and that Owens-Johnson had been looking at his phone and veering on the roadway. Medical records from the Indian Health Service showed that Owens-Johnson had a blood alcohol concentration of .093 almost two hours after the crash was reported. One of the passengers, identified as John Doe, who is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Indian Tribe, suffered significant injuries and continues to receive ongoing medical care. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case. The Montana Highway Patrol, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and FBI conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Maryland MS-13 Gang Member Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Participating in a Racketeering Conspiracy, Including a Murder

component: Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Oscar Efrain Zavala Urrea, age 23, an El Salvadoran national residing in Silver Spring, Maryland, today to 25 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his participation in a racketeering conspiracy, including a murder, related to his activities as part of the MS-13 gang. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris of Homeland Security Investigations Baltimore; Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy. According to court documents, La Mara Salvatrucha gang, also known as “MS-13,” is an international criminal organization composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador, with members operating in the State of Maryland, including Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Frederick County, and throughout the United States. In Maryland and elsewhere, MS-13 members are organized in “cliques,” smaller groups that operate in a specific city or region. MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence, both to maintain membership and discipline within the gang and against rival gangs. One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible. Participation in criminal activity by a member, particularly in violent acts directed at rival gangs or as directed by gang leadership, increases the respect accorded to that member, resulting in that member maintaining or increasing his position in the gang, and opens the door to promotion to a leadership position. As detailed in the plea agreement, from at least January 2020, Zavala Urrea was a member or associate of the MS-13 Fulton Locos Salvatruchas (“FLS”) clique and agreed with members of MS-13 to conduct and participate in the gang’s affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity that included murder, conspiracy to commit murder, extortion and drug distribution. In the Spring of 2020, a MS-13 member, who was a former roommate of Victim 20, was assaulted by Victim 20 and others because they believed that MS-13 member had stolen property from Victim 20. After being told of the assault, MS-13 members indicated that the gang would have to retaliate against Victim 20 to maintain its standing. MS-13 gang members also believed that Victim 20 was associated with the rival 18th Street gang, which was another sufficient reason to kill him. According to the plea agreement, over the course of several weeks Zavala Urrea and other MS-13 members met to plan the murder of Victim 20, including discussing what role each participant would play, conducted surveillance to determine when Victim 20 left the apartment, and obtained guns to be used in the murder. The night of May 25, 2020, Zavala Urrea and other MS-13 gang members gathered in a park in Silver Spring, Maryland, and Zavala Urrea met with each gang member to discuss the plan to murder Victim 20, which was to happen the next morning. As detailed in court documents, on May 26, 2020, at approximately 7:05 a.m., two FLS MS-13 gang members approached Victim 20 as he left his apartment in Silver Spring, Maryland and fired handguns at him repeatedly, hitting him eight times. Victim 20 died as a result of being shot. Following the murder, Zavala Urrea and a co-conspirator traveled to Annapolis where they met a third MS-13 gang member. Zavala Urrea and the co-conspirator changed their clothes and disposed of the old clothing. They gave the third gang member a backpack containing two firearms for safe keeping. A few days later, Maryland State Police stopped the third gang member who had the backpack containing the two firearms. Zavala Urrea admitted that, to assist the gang to raise money, he also participated in the sale of marijuana and the collection of extortion money from brothels and other businesses, providing the proceeds to gang leadership. Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement. The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know. You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or you can call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN, an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime, is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. United States Attorney Barron commended the FBI, HSI, Montgomery County Police Department, and the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth S. Clark and Anatoly Smolkin, who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psnexile and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #