title: Former Chairman of 1 Global Pleads Guilty to Running $250 Million Securities Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Carl R. Ruderman, 82, former chairman of 1 Global Capital LLC (“1 Global”) pled guilty yesterday to a $250 million securities fraud scheme. Four of Ruderman’s co-conspirators have already pleaded guilty for their role in this fraud, including two lawyers who provided him with false legal cover to skirt federal securities laws. Ruderman pled guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. In his plea agreement, Ruderman agreed to a sentence of 5 years, the statutory maximum, and to a forfeiture money judgment of over $250 million. 1 Global was a commercial lending business based in Hallandale Beach, Florida, that made the equivalent of “pay day” loans to small businesses at high interest rates, termed merchant cash advance loans (“MCAs”). Ruderman was the chairman of 1 Global. Ruderman admitted that he and others made false and misleading representations to investors and potential investors as to the profitability of 1 Global’s business in marketing materials and periodic account statements. According to plea documents, investors were falsely told that 1 Global had audited financials by a public accounting firm, that the investor’s money would be spent on the MCAs, and that they could expect double-digit returns on their investments, among other things. Ruderman admitted that he spent 1 Global’s investor’s money on credit card payments, vacation travel, insurance payments for his art collection and valuable jewelry, drivers, nannies, housekeepers, mortgage payments for his house, tuition, and payments for a luxury car. Ruderman also admitted that he diverted 1 Global investor money to businesses benefitting him and his family, without the investors’ knowledge. Questions arose during the operation of the business as to whether 1 Global was offering or selling a security and whether the investment offering was required to be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Ruderman admitted in plea documents that he knew that if 1 Global’s investment offering were determined to be a security, it would undermine the ability of 1 Global to raise funds from retail investors and to continue to operate without substantial additional expenses and reporting requirements. Ruderman also admitted that he directed a lawyer, Jan Atlas, to author two opinion letters in 2016 containing false information that allowed 1 Global to skirt federal securities laws. Four of Ruderman’s co-conspirators pleaded guilty for their roles in the fraud. Alan G. Heide, 65, of Lake Worth, Florida, the former 1 Global chief financial officer, pleaded to a single count information, charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud (case no. 19-cr-60231), and was sentenced to 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Roy K. Altman. Judge Altman also ordered Heide to pay over $57 million in restitution to the victims of the scheme. Andrew Dale Ledbetter, 81, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and securities fraud (case no. 20-cr-60103), and was sentenced by Judge Altman to 60 months in prison. Judge Altman also ordered Ledbetter to pay over $148 million to the victims of the scheme. Steven Allen Schwartz, 78, of Delray Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and securities fraud (case no. 20-cr-60003), and was sentenced to 24 months in prison by Judge Altman. Judge Altman also ordered Schwartz to pay over $36 million in restitution to the victims of the scheme. Jan Douglas Atlas, 78, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and securities fraud (case no. 19-cr-60258), and was sentenced to eight months in prison by Judge Altman. Judge Altman also ordered Atlas to pay over $29 million in restitution to the victims of the scheme. 1 Global filed for bankruptcy on July 27, 2018. As of that time, according to documents from related cases, 1 Global had more than 3,400 investors and had raised more than $250 million during the scheme. The bankruptcy case, In re: 1 Global Capital LLC, et al., No. 18-19121-RBR (S.D. Fla.), remains pending. The SEC previously filed civil fraud actions related to the 1 Global Fraud, captioned, SEC v. 1 Global Capital LLC and Carl C. Ruderman, Case No. 18-61991-CV-BB (S.D. Fla.); SEC v. Alan G. Heide, Case No. 19-62047-CV-FAM (S.D. Fla.); SEC v. Jan Douglas Atlas, 19-62303-CV-WPD (S.D. Fla.); SEC v. Steven A. Schwartz, Case No. 20-80008-CV-DMM (S.D. Fla.); and SEC v. Andrew Dale Ledbetter, Esq., Case No. 20-61972-CV- (S.D. Fla.). Information about the related cases can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/1Global-Capital . U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, Matthew D. Line, Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Kyle A. Myles of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Atlanta Region, made the announcement. U.S. Attorney Lapointe commended the investigative efforts of FBI Miami, IRS-CI Miami, and the FDIC-OIG, Atlanta Region, for their assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Young and Amanda Perwin are prosecuting this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff is handling asset forfeiture. A complaint, information, or indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-CR-20303-CMA. ###


title: U.S. Attorney’s Offices In Ohio And Michigan Reach Settlement With Huntington National Bank To Make Online Banking More Accessible To Social Security Representative Payee Account Holders And Disabled Beneficiaries

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: CLEVELAND – United States Attorneys in Ohio and Michigan today announced a settlement agreement with Huntington National Bank that will make its services more accessible to Social Security Representative Payees (SSRP) and their beneficiaries with disabilities. Huntington National Bank fully cooperated with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Ohio and Eastern District of Michigan to reach a settlement that will restore access to SSRPs who use online services the bank had previously restricted on behalf of beneficiaries with disabilities. In February 2021, Huntington terminated the ability of individuals acting as SSRPs to use Huntington’s electronic banking services. Account holders with disabilities and their authorized representatives were thereby barred from full and equal access to the numerous online banking services Huntington offers. Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits banks like Huntington from discriminating against account holders with disabilities. Under the terms of the agreement, Huntington must provide SSRPs with full access to its online banking system. The agreement also requires Huntington to notify both current and past account holders that it has changed its policies. Rebecca C. Lutzko, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio; Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Dawn N. Ison, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan announced the settlement. “SSRPs provide an invaluable service to disabled Social Security beneficiaries, and it is critical that we protect their right to use the same banking conveniences available to non-disabled customers, to ensure that they can take care of the basic needs of disabled beneficiaries” said Northern District of Ohio U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko. “This settlement shows that we will continue to staunchly enforce the ADA and give Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities equal access to online banking,” said Southern District of Ohio U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “I commend the attorneys in my office and our counterparts in Northern Ohio and Eastern Michigan for their dedication to this important issue.” “Collaborating with our partners to ensure our civil rights laws are enforced is one of my key priorities,” said Eastern District of Michigan U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison. “Ensuring equal online banking access to those who need it most, like disabled individuals who use SSRP accounts, is crucial,” she added. The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. In agreeing to the settlement terms, Huntington denied all liability under the ADA. Individuals can submit complaints to the Civil Rights Division through its complaint portal at www.ada.gov/complaint . For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt . For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Michigan and Ohio Reach Settlement with Huntington National Bank to Make Online Banking More Accessible to Social Security Representative Payee Account Holders and Disabled Beneficiaries

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: Detroit, MI -- U.S. Attorneys in Michigan and Ohio today announced a settlement agreement with Huntington National Bank that will make its services more accessible to Social Security Representative Payees (SSRP) and their beneficiaries with disabilities. Huntington National Bank fully cooperated with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Ohio, and Northern District of Ohio to reach a settlement that will restore access to people with disabilities who use SSRP online services the bank had previously restricted. SSRPs manage Social Security benefits for people who are unable to do so for themselves, often due to disability. Benefits are direct deposited into accounts owned by beneficiaries, but only SSRPs have access to the funds to ensure that they are used to pay for needs such as food, shelter, and medical expenses. SSRPs are not compensated for this work and are usually family members or friends who are stepping up to help a loved one. In February 2021, Huntington terminated the ability of individuals acting as SSRPs to use Huntington’s electronic banking services. Account holders with disabilities and their authorized representatives were thereby barred from full and equal access to the numerous online banking services Huntington offers. Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits banks like Huntington from discriminating against account holders with disabilities. Under the terms of the agreement, Huntington must provide SSRP account holders, and their beneficiaries, full access to its online banking system. The agreement also requires Huntington to notify both current and past account holders that it has changed its policies. Dawn N. Ison, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan; Rebecca C. Lutzko, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio; and Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio announced the settlement. “Collaborating with our partners to ensure our civil rights laws are enforced is one of my key priorities,” said Eastern District of Michigan U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison. “Ensuring equal online banking access to those who need it most, like disabled individuals who use SSRP accounts, is crucial,” she added. “SSRPs provide an invaluable service to disabled Social Security beneficiaries, and it is critical that we protect their right to use the same banking conveniences available to non-disabled customers to ensure that they can take care of the basic needs of disabled beneficiaries,” said Northern District of Ohio U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko. “This settlement shows that we will continue to staunchly enforce the ADA and give Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities equal access to online banking,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “I commend the attorneys in my office and our counterparts in Northern Ohio and Eastern Michigan for their dedication to this important issue.” The full and fair enforcement of the ADA is a priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, the Northern District of Ohio, and the Southern District of Ohio. This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nedra Campbell from the Eastern District of Michigan, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Downey from the Southern District of Ohio, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Heyer from the Northern District of Ohio. Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination or experienced a civil rights violation in the Eastern District of Michigan can submit a complaint with its U.S. Attorney’s Office by email at usamie.civilrights@usdoj.gov or by phone at (313) 226-9151. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmi/programs/civil-rights . Individuals can also submit complaints to the Civil Rights Division through its complaint portal at www.ada.gov/complaint. For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov .


title: U.S. Attorney Lapointe Speaks with Students and the Community at his Alma Mater Miami Edison Senior High School

body_text: MIAMI — Recently, U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida took a trip down memory lane when he hosted a community engagement meeting where he graduated high school. Miami Edison Senior High School Principal James Dominique and the school’s staff graciously welcomed Lapointe back to his alma mater. As Principal Dominique’s message reads on the school’s homepage, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Lapointe acknowledged the impact of those words by adding that our united “village is called upon to raise, educate, serve, and protect our children. For many, education starts at home but not everyone has that opportunity. For our youth to grow into successful and productive citizens, we must all come together to offer our support and mentorship. We need to safeguard the youth of today so that, hopefully, they never become a victim or commit a crime.” The auditorium of Miami Edison Senior High School was full of both students and community stakeholders who listened intently as Lapointe gave his opening remarks. Afterward, audience members lined up in the aisle to ask questions of the Edison graduate who was appointed by President Joe Biden to serve as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer for the District. Lapointe is the first African American to lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and the first Haitian-born individual to serve as a U.S. Attorney in any office across the Nation. One question directed at Lapointe during the community program was what advice he would give young adults. “Understand from the get-go that education is your only way out,” he said. “You can’t count on a trust fund. When I was growing up we didn’t have a choice—we knew it was education. That’s the core element of success and how we made it through.” One of the primary missions of the United States Attorney's Office is to ensure that federal crimes affecting the people in the Southern District of Florida are investigated and that the perpetrators are prosecuted, convicted, and punished. Common sense and experience have taught us, however, that we cannot prosecute, arrest, and punish our way out of the problems that illegal drug use, violent crime, and criminal gangs visit upon our community. Prosecution alone will not eliminate the threat they pose to our way of life. Every sector and member of our community, including Edison High School students, has an important role to play in our efforts to put an end to these problems. Lapointe recounted what it was like growing up in the Miami Edison Senior High School area. “I lived right over there on 12 th and 59 th ,” he said. “[I] Had pots and pans all over the apartment floor to catch rain because the roof leaked. I know what you’re going through because I have lived it. And if I can make it, then you all can make it too.” During his high school years, Lapointe used visualization to help him remain focused and in a positive mindset. “I would sit on top of our building on 12 th Street and from there I could see an outline of downtown in the distance,” he said. “And I would say to myself, ‘This is where I should be.’ And that helped me.” Years later, Lapointe found himself exactly where he envisioned one day being–in downtown Miami, working as a lawyer. Lapointe encouraged the students to stay the course, to make smart decisions, to read as much as possible, and to seek the guidance of others in their time of need. The program at Miami Edison Senior High School was put together by the Law Enforcement Coordination and Community Outreach Section (LEC/COS) of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe speaks to a group of community members and Miami Edison Senior High School students during a recent community engagement event. Lapointe, an Edison graduate himself, stressed the importance of education and making good decisions. ###


title: Florissant Man Sentenced to 135 Months in Prison for Five Armed Robberies

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig on Friday sentenced the armed robber of five Florissant, Missouri businesses to 135 months in prison. Judge Fleissig also ordered Kevin E. West Jr., 23, of Florissant, to pay $7,022 in restitution. West admitted stealing the cash from two registers and a safe at a Dollar Tree store at 700 North Lindbergh Boulevard on May 26, 2021. On Dec. 1, 2021, West robbed a different Dollar Tree at 14020 New Halls Ferry Road by demanding cash from a register and the safe at gunpoint. On Jan. 2, 2022, West robbed cash from the register at the Subway at 2544 North Lindbergh Boulevard and three days later he robbed a GameStop at 14031 New Halls Ferry Road. On Jan. 28, 2022, he robbed a different Subway, at 8444 North Lindbergh Boulevard, and threatened to shoot the clerk if she didn’t hurry up and hand over money from the cash register, his plea agreement says. West pleaded guilty in June to five counts of robbery and one count of possession and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. This case was investigated by the Florissant Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda Lane prosecuted the case.


title: Minnesota Man Pleaded Guilty to the Theft of the “Ruby Slippers” from the Classic 1939 Film “The Wizard of Oz”

component: USAO - North Dakota

body_text: Fargo – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that Terry Jon Martin, age 76, of Grand Rapids, MN, pleaded guilty before Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz, U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, Duluth, MN, to one count of theft of major artwork, an object of cultural heritage from the care, custody, or control of a museum. Investigation revealed that in 2005, Martin stole an authentic pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film, “The Wizard of Oz,” from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. At the time of theft, the slippers were ensured for $1 million but current fair market appraisal value the slippers at $3.5 million. The ruby slippers, which were recovered by the FBI and Grand Rapids Police Department in July 2018, are one of the four remaining pairs and are widely viewed as among the most recognizable memorabilia in American film history. Sentencing date for Terry Martin has not been scheduled, as a result, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota will have no additional comment or statements until sentencing has been completed. A press release announcing the sentencing is forthcoming. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Grand Rapids, MN, Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Greenley, District of North Dakota. This matter was assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 515(a). Previous News Release for this investigation can be seen at: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nd/pr/fbi-recovers-stolen-ruby-slippers-wizard-oz ###


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Hobbs Act Robbery

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on October 12, 2023, KADEEM ROMAIN , age 23, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to Count 1 of a superseding indictment for attempted Hobbs Act robbery, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C § 1951(a). The maximum penalty is up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. According to public records, ROMAIN , who was inside a vehicle with at least one other individual, struck an armored car carrier as he exited a Popeyes restaurant after delivering/picking up money. The carrier dropped a bag of money when he was struck, however before anyone in ROMAIN’s vehicle could exit to retrieve the bag, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, who witnessed the attack, responded to the scene. The two assailants fled in their vehicle, but it became disabled only a short distance away. ROMAIN was finally apprehended by an NOPD detective approximately a mile from the Popeyes. 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 track violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit handled the prosecution.


title: Former Army Reservist Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Government Funds

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that former United States Army reservist CHRISTOPHER O’CONNOR pled guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of government funds. O’CONNOR stole $18,825.83 from the United States Department of the Army by claiming reimbursement for the performance of military funeral honors ceremonies that never occurred. Through his former position as an Army pay technician, O’CONNOR submitted a total of $101,858.19 in fraudulent military funeral honors payment requests for himself and others. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2000 authorizes military funeral honors (MFH) for active-duty soldiers, retirees, and veterans. At a family’s request, eligible persons can receive military funeral honors, including the folding and presenting of the United States flag and the playing of “Taps.” According to court documents, starting in or about January 2013, and continuing until in or about August 2016, O’CONNOR, and co-conspirators conspired to obtain money from the United States under false pretenses by submitting false applications for MFH payment requests for services that had not been performed, to the Department of the Army. O’CONNOR proposed submitting false MFH pay requests in the co-conspirators’ names in exchange for each sharing their proceeds with O’CONNOR . In addition to receiving a split of the fraudulent MFH payments from the co-conspirators, O’CONNOR also submitted and received approximately $18,825.83 in fraudulent MFH payment requests for himself. As a result of this conspiracy, the United States government was defrauded out of approximately $101,858.19. O’CONNOR faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, including Special Agents Dustin Stevens, John Hiniker, Jeffrey Riedeman, and Denny Richter. Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Bogalusa Man Charged with Federal Drug and Firearm Charges

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that BENJAMIN HOLMES , age 33, of Bogalusa, was indicted on October 12, 2023, on one (1) count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C), two (2) counts of Distribution of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C), one (1) count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C), one (1) count of Possession of Firearms during a Drug Trafficking Offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), one (1) count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), and one (1) count of Maintaining a Drug-involved Premises, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 856(a). According to the indictment, HOLMES had been using his residence in Bogalusa, to facilitate the sale and distribution of fentanyl as well as to store firearms and ammunition. HOLMES is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction. If found guilty of any one of Counts 1 through 4, HOLMES faces a maximum of twenty years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. As to Count 5, he faces a minimum of five years up to life imprisonment, to be served consecutively to any other counts. As to Count 6, he faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. As to Count 7, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. All seven counts also carry a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. United States Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana State Police, and Bogalusa Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Former Greenup County Sheriff Sentenced for Federal Program Fraud

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: FRANKFORT, Ky. — The former Greenup County Sheriff, Keith Cooper, 70, was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison on Friday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, for one count of mail fraud and one count of federal program fraud. According to his court documents, Cooper was the Greenup County Sheriff for approximately 20 years, until retiring in December 2018. Cooper’s position gave him access to funds the Sheriff’s Office seized from drug trafficking investigations, including a bank account designed to hold those proceeds. Over a four-year period, Cooper made numerous unauthorized cash withdrawals and unlawfully retained proceeds from drug trafficking investigations instead of depositing them into the account. Cooper wrongfully took $58,230 in proceeds, which included $46,100 in unexplained cash withdrawals from the bank account and $12,130 in forfeited proceeds that should have been deposited. Cooper also wrongfully took $29,458.87 in ammunition paid for with Sheriff’s Office funding and wrongfully used county funds to pay for $1,837.26 in fuel used during his personal trips in 2018. Under federal law, Cooper must serve 85 percent of his prison sentences. Upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for one year. Cooper was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisville Field Office; and Daniel Cameron, Kentucky Attorney General, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Kentucky Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigation. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Boone. -END-


title: Connecticut Woman Sentenced to Prison for Concealing Knowledge of Massachusetts Man’s Murder

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAMARI SMITH, also known as “Dakota,” 34, of Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 25 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for failing to report to law enforcement information she knew about the murder of a Massachusetts man in December 2020. According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 24, 2020, Brandon Batiste and Calvin Roberson, also known as “Cutty,” kidnapped Francisco Roman, Jr., 28, at gunpoint from a residence in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Batiste and Roberson threatened to harm Roman if he did not comply with their orders, handcuffed him, and stole cash, marijuana, and other items from Roman. Batiste and Roberson forced Roman into the rear of Roman’s 2010 Acura ZDX, and transported Roman and the other 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. Batiste and Roberson then drove a separate car to an apartment that Roberson shared with Smith in Waterbury, and took most of the property stolen during the robbery, including a Gucci hat, earrings, a necklace with an “F” pendant, and a PlayStation 5, into the apartment. On December 26, 2020, Smith wore the hat, earrings, and necklace in a video on Snapchat. The following day, Smith received information that Roman’s family members had seen the Snapchat video, and that the items she wore belonged to Roman, who had been murdered. Instead of notifying law enforcement, Smith disposed of the items by selling them. In an interview with the FBI on February 11, 2021, Smith lied about what she knew about Roberson’s actions and her role in the disposal of the stolen property. On June 5, 2023, Smith pleaded guilty to misprision of felony. Smith, who is released on a $150,000 bond, is required to report to prison on December 13. Batiste and Roberson have each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and one count of causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm. They are detained while awaiting sentencing. This investigation is being 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull. U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts for their assistance in this matter.


title: Jury convicts Kansas man of vehicle fraud scheme

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal jury convicted a Kansas man of defrauding car dealerships, financial institutions, and title loan companies. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Montressa “Monty” Cunningham, 42, of Junction City was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, seven counts of bank fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and five counts of money laundering. Beginning about December 2018, Cunningham applied for loans to purchase vehicles from Kansas dealerships. He submitted applications to financial institutions using other people’s social security numbers, false residential addresses, and counterfeit pay stubs showing fabricated monthly incomes, places of employment, and lengths of employment. As a result, Cunningham received seven vehicle loans totaling approximately $264,000. As part of the scheme, once Cunningham received the titles, he altered the documents to remove the lien holder’s name and address. He used the altered titles to register the vehicles in either Kansas or Georgia to receive clear titles. Cunningham then either sold the vehicles for cash or used the clear titles as collateral for cash loans. Title loan companies and individuals who purchased the vehicles paid Cunningham approximately $85,010 in cash. The U.S. Secret Service and the Kansas Department of Revenue, Office of Special Investigations are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara Walton and Lindsey Debenham are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Terrebonne Man Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl and Firearms Violation

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe sentenced JOSHUA PICOU , age 30, of Houma, Louisiana, to 78 months imprisonment for violating the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, PICOU distributed a substance containing fentanyl and cocaine on May 27, June 2, and June 22, 2021. Later, on June 24, 2021, he possessed forty (40) grams or more of fentanyl, twenty-eight (28) grams or more of cocaine base, and a quantity of cocaine, with the intent to distribute those substances. On that same date, he was in possession of two firearms, a Glock Model 17 handgun and a Springfield Armory Model XDM-9, which he was prohibited from possessing due to his criminal history. Judge Ashe sentenced PICOU to 78 months on each of the five counts to which he pleaded guilty, with the time to run concurrently, to be followed by four years of supervised release. PICOU was also ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count for a total of $500. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Homeland Securities Investigations and the Terrebonne Parish Sherriff’s Office in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Former Wethersfield Resident Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Narcotics

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHANE J. SAWICKI, 29, of Farmington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing legitimate and counterfeit prescription pills, and other drugs. According to court documents and statements made in court, Sawicki first came to the attention of law enforcement as a result of an investigation into a drug overdose that occurred outside of his Wethersfield apartment on September 18, 2021. Subsequent investigation revealed that Sawicki was connected to a drug trafficking organization in Illinois that was coordinating the sale and shipment of Xanax and crystal methamphetamine from California, and that he was receiving mailed packages containing Farmapram, which is a Mexican brand of alprazolam (Xanax). In April 2022, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of a package that was mailed from California to Sawicki’s Wethersfield address. The package contained two bottles containing a total of 180 Farmapram pills. Investigators also identified four similar parcels that had been mailed to Sawicki’s address prior to April 2022. On April 29, 2022, investigators conducted a court authorized search of Sawicki’s apartment and seized thousands of counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, a small quantity of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, a distribution quantity of cocaine, numerous other bags and containers of assorted pills of different colors and shapes, a container of MDMA, and three bottles of Farmapram pills. A subsequent search of Sawicki’s cell phone revealed photographs of large quantities of pills, a large amount of U.S. currency, and numerous text message conversations regarding the sale of illicit substances. Sawicki was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 7, 2022. He pleaded guilty on February 16, 2023. Sawicki, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on December 15. This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Wethersfield Police Department. The DEA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham.


title: Port Townsend, Washington, man arrested for creating images of child sexual abuse

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Tacoma – A 32-year-old Port Townsend, Washington man was arrested yesterday on a criminal complaint charging him with production of images of child sexual abuse, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Matan Liyor Goodman is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Tacoma at 2:00 PM today. According to records filed in the case, the investigation began with a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that a user of Kik Messenger had uploaded suspected images of child sexual abuse. Review of the computer records indicated the person uploading the images resided in Western Washington and the information was forwarded to the Internet Crimes against Children Task Force at the Seattle Police Department. An agent with Homeland Security Investigations connected the computer information with Goodman at an address in Port Townsend. Further investigation revealed that Goodman is a registered sex offender due to convictions in California. Law enforcement obtained a judicially approved search warrant to search Goodman’s home and person, including any electronic devices belonging to him. Following the search, Goodman was taken into federal custody on probable cause. The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Due to his prior convictions, Goodman faces a mandatory minimum 25 years in prison if convicted of Production of child pornography. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in partnership with the Seattle Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), with assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Victoria Cantore and Matthew Hampton.


title: Member of Catalytic Converter Theft Crew Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Springfield man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his role in a regional organized theft crew that stole catalytic converters from over 470 vehicles, robbed jewelry stores and stole ATMs. Nicolas Davila, 25, of Springfield, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce; two counts of interstate transportation of stolen property; and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The drug charge arises from cocaine found during the search of Nicolas Davila’s residence as part of the catalytic converter theft investigation. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Jan. 9, 2024. Davila and six other men were arrested on April 12, 2023 , and charged with offenses related to the theft, transportation and sale of stolen catalytic converters taken from over 470 vehicles during 2022 and 2023. Catalytic converter theft has become a nationwide problem across a multitude of state, local, and federal jurisdictions 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. Nicholas Davila was a member of an organized crew that allegedly stole catalytic converters from at least 471 vehicles across Massachusetts and New Hampshire in 2022 and 2023 alone. It is believed that a significant number of additional thefts have not been identified or were not ever reported to law enforcement.. According to court documents, the crew was skilled and able to locate and cut away the catalytic converter from a vehicle within a minute in most instances – often utilizing battery operated power-tools, car jacks. It is alleged that, on numerous occasions, the defendants targeted more than 10 vehicles in a single night, with one night reporting thefts from 26 vehicles. 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. On May 17, 2023, Torres pleaded guilty to his role in the catalytic converter theft conspiracy. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 14, 2023. On May 24, 2023, Oyola pleaded guilty to the ATM and jewelry store burglaries and will be sentenced at a later date. In addition to the federal charges, Nicolas Davila faces a pending murder indictment in Hampden County Superior Court. The case in Hampden County Superior Court is being prosecuted by the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office. 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. The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to twenty years, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. 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 District of Connecticut, the Northern District of Oklahoma and the Eastern District of California; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the New England State Police Information Network (NESPIN). 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 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, 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 defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Del Rio Armed Career Criminal Pleads Guilty To Possessing Ammunition

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Kenneth Lorenzo Jackson (48, Del Rio) has pleaded guilty to possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. Jackson faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in federal prison under the Armed Career Criminal Act. A sentencing date has not been set. According to the plea agreement, on May 12, 2022, at approximately 3:45 a.m., a Tampa Police Department (TPD) patrol officer on patrol near Bush Boulevard and 14 th Street North stopped Jackson, who was driving a grey Dodge Caliber, for not to wearing a seatbelt. The officer requested Jackson’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Jackson grabbed a backpack from the passenger side footwell and searched for his documents. As the officer stood over the vehicle’s open window, he looked into the bag which Jackson was rummaging through and saw the handle of a firearm inside the bag. The officer reached into the vehicle to position the backpack opening towards the driver’s side window to confirm what he saw, then grabbed the backpack immediately from Jackson’s hands and Jackson was removed from the vehicle and detained by another TPD officer. Officers discovered numerous plastic baggies containing a white rock-like substance in Jackson’s pocket during a safety pat down. The substance was Dimethylpentylone, a Schedule I controlled substance. Inside the backpack, officers discovered a Rohm Gesellschaft RG-12 .22 caliber firearm and six rounds of ammunition. An inventory search of the vehicle also revealed a metal box that contained a small amount of suspected cocaine and other drug paraphernalia. Jackson is a multiple time convicted felon who has not had his right to own or possess firearms or ammunition restored, therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. At the time he committed this offense he knew that he was a convicted felon. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Shauna S. Hale. 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: Former Prison Guard Pleads Guilty to Using Excessive Force, Obstructing Justice

component: USAO - Illinois, Southern

body_text: EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A former correctional officer at Pinckneyville Correctional Center pled guilty to federal charges for beating a restrained inmate. Christian L. Pyles, 25, of Christopher, Illinois, pled guilty in a U.S. District courtroom to violating the inmate’s civil rights by using excessive force under color of law and conspiracy to obstruct justice by falsifying incident reports. Former officer Cord A. Williams, 35, of Vergennes, Illinois, was also charged in the indictment and pled guilty on July 18. The charges arose from an incident in which an inmate was beaten while fully restrained in handcuffs and leg irons on April 24, 2022. According to court documents, the beating occurred to punish the inmate, because the inmate had previously punched a different correctional officer. The act of retaliation caused the inmate to suffer severe injuries including facial fractures, multiple lacerations requiring 25 stitches, a chipped tooth and lung damage. As part of their official duties, correctional officers are required to write incident reports to accurately document any unusual incidents they observe or are reported to them, including disturbances or the use of force. The conspiracy count states Williams, Pyles and others colluded to file false reports about the incident and undermine the amount of force used. Pyles is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 23, 2024, and the sentence hearing for Williams is set for Nov. 6, 2023. The deprivation of civil rights charge is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison while the conspiracy to obstruct justice charge can result in up to five years imprisonment. The Illinois State Police are leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft is prosecuting the case.


title: Mt. Pleasant Man Sentenced for Aggravated Sexual Abuse On Indian Reservation

body_text: BAY CITY - A 39-year-old resident of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in federal prison on charges of aggravated sexual abuse, announced U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison. Jason Morris Pego was sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas L. Ludington. He pleaded guilty to the charges on June 28, 2023. According to court records, in 2016 or 2017 Pego, engaged in sexual acts with a 7-year-old child that was in his care. Pego took photographs of the victim during his sexual assaults and kept them on his cell phone. Pego also threatened the victim and the victim’s sibling that he would hurt them and their family if they told anyone about the assaults. The crimes occurred on the Isabella Reservation in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. “The deplorable acts committed by this defendant justify the 30-year sentence imposed in this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “My office is dedicated to protecting our tribal communities from sexual violence, especially our children, and ensuring that the perpetrators of these horrific crimes are held accountable.” “Protecting children from dangerous predators is a top priority for our office," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “While the harm Mr. Pego is alleged to have inflicted cannot be undone, our hope is that the sentencing brings a sense of justice to the victim and their family. “ The case was investigated by the Saginaw Chippewa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roy Kranz. The FBI investigates the most serious crimes in Indian Country, including child sexual and physical abuse, and requests the help of the public by reporting these violations to 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324) or submitting tips online to http://tips.fbi.gov .


title: Activity in the United States Attorney's Office

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

body_text: Possession of Child Pornography Charles Victor Flint , age 63, of Sundance, Wyoming, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on October 2, 2023. Flint was indicted in May and pled guilty in July. According to court documents, on March 1, 2023, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation executed a search warrant based on CyberTips received by the Wyoming Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Flint had previous state convictions in Colorado for internet luring of a child and attempted sexual assault of a child. Investigators found child pornography and child erotica images on devices owned and used by Flint. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christyne M. Martens. Firearm Offense Joshua Ray Germer, age 39, of Buffalo, Wyoming, was sentenced to 28 months’ imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on October 3, 2023. Germer was indicted in May and pled guilty in July. According to court documents, Germer, a convicted felon on probation, was found in possession of a Walther pistol, several different calibers of ammunition and suspected suppressors, when probation officers conducted a routine search of his home. The crime was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Coppom. Drug Trafficking Tyler Christian Sims, age 31, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 94 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Oct. 11. Sims was indicted in May and pled guilty in July. According to court documents, an investigation led by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) followed evidence leading to drugs being delivered to Sims’ residence through the U.S. Postal Service. Postal inspectors conducted a controlled delivery and seized approximately 200 grams of meth from two shipments that were addressed to Sims. This crime was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and DCI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore. Ashley Hyatt , age 35, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 65 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on October 6. Hyatt was indicted in May and pled guilty in July. According to court documents, on Sept. 25, 2022, a deceased woman was found in her bedroom. Investigators found a foil with a burnt blue pill next to her with 4 more blue fentanyl pills in her bedroom. The woman’s cell phone contained text conversations showing that she had purchased the fentanyl pills from Hyatt on Sept. 24, 2022. Further investigation revealed that Hyatt was involved with distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine from September through her arrest on May 18, 2023. This investigation included the seizure of approximately 280 grams of methamphetamine and 472 pills of fentanyl from her residence in Oct. 2022, and the possession of approximately 60 grams of fentanyl from her arrest on May 18. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood. About the United States Attorney’s Office The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include: Environmental Justice The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Project Safe Childhood Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious. Project Safe Neighborhoods Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. Victim Witness Assistance The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect. To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking


title: Meriden Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GERARDO NUNEZ-IRIZARRY, also known as “Indio,” 45, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, between June and August 2021, law enforcement made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Nunez-Irizarry. In November 2021, Nunez-Irizarry agreed to sell a 50-gram quantity of fentanyl. On November 18, 2021, investigators stopped Nunez-Irizarry’s car in Meriden as he drove to an arranged location to complete the transaction and seized approximately 50 grams of fentanyl. He was arrested on related state charges at that time. On January 5, 2023, Nunez-Irizarry pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Nunez-Irizarry, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on November 17. This matter was investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Task Force, which includes participants from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments. The investigation has been supported by the Meriden Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, which includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: Former U.S. Congressional Candidate Convicted of Federal Election Campaign Act Violations and False Statements

body_text: BOSTON – A former candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 3rd Congressional District of Massachusetts was convicted today by a federal jury in Boston of charges of violating the Federal Election Campaign Act and false statements. Abhijit Das, a/k/a “Beej,” 50, of North Andover, Mass., was convicted of one count of accepting excessive campaign contributions, one count of conduit contributions, one count of conversion of campaign funds, and two counts of making a false statement. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Jan. 17, 2024. In June 2021, Das was indicted by a federal grand jury. “Protecting our elections through campaign finance laws is crucial in defending transparency and accountability in our government and a well-functioning democracy,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Mr. Das illegally solicited and accepted donations, used the money for a different purpose and hid his actions. He lied to the government and to the voters. He abused the campaign finance process and thought he could get away with it. Today’s speedy verdict by the jury after two-weeks of evidence should send a resounding message that the light of justice will always find its way to political candidates who break the law.” “Today, Abhijit Das was convicted of orchestrating a calculated scheme to blatantly violate federal campaign finance laws to further his candidacy for Congress and his business ventures at the expense of voters and the electoral process,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Mr. Das solicited his friends and family for at least $125,000 in illegal campaign contributions, used that money for his own business expenses, debts, and a 100-foot super yacht, and then lied about it. The FBI will continue pursuing investigations like this one in order to ensure the continued integrity of our electoral process.” Das was a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 3rd Congressional District of Massachusetts in the 2017-2018 election. To inflate his fundraising numbers, Das devised a scheme in or about December 2017 to solicit personal loans from friends and close associates in excess of the $2,700 legal limit. On or about Dec. 17, 2017, Das emailed a contributor asking for a friend to support his campaign to reach a specific fundraising goal of over $450,000 by the end of the year and indicated that reaching that goal might need “some engineering.” Das advised a member of his campaign that he would “aggregate” the loans into “one batch” and execute a main transfer into the campaign account. Further, Das caused three different individuals to contribute approximately $125,000 to his campaign and structured the contributions as personal loans to a family member to circumvent Federal Election Commission (FEC) reporting requirement and contribution limits. Das falsely claimed that the funds from the excessive contributions were his own personal funds and engaged in illegal conduit contributions to his campaign. In addition, between January and May 2018, Das withdrew approximately $314,500 in funds from his campaign account and used at least $267,000 of these funds to pay outstanding debts for his hotel business relating to vendors, the hotel’s yacht and real estate taxes unrelated to his congressional campaign. In making these withdrawals, Das sought to conceal his conversion of campaign funds by instructing bank tellers to report the withdrawals as separate withdrawal and deposit transactions, rather than direct transfers. Das aided and abetted in the submission of false information in quarterly reports to the FEC by overstating the amount of cash-on-hand the Das-for-Congress Campaign had in its campaign bank account. For example, in June 2018, Das reported that his campaign’s total amount of cash-on-hand was approximately $440,000, when in fact the amount of cash-on-hand in the campaign bank account was less than $5,000. In June 2023, Das was separately indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on 10 counts of wire fraud, alleging he diverted more than $5 million in escrow funds from his clients’ accounts for personal expenses. Das has pleaded not guilty and has been on release pending trial in that case. Each of the charges provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI Boston SAC Cohen and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil J. Gallagher Jr. and Elysa Wan of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case.


title: Repeat Federal Fraudster Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Identity Theft

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Portsmouth man was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for a wire fraud and identity theft scheme. According to court documents, in March 2021, Dominique M. Avery, 29, assumed the identity of another person and secured incorporation documents for a business that claimed to provide technology services, Home Technology Innovations, LLC (HTI). Avery used those fraudulently obtained documents, as well as a forged check and the personal identifying information (PII) of several other individuals, to cause an out-of-state payroll services company to make more than $150,000 in direct deposits into various bank accounts. These fraudulently obtained funds were purportedly for the salaries of HTI’s employees. In reality, HTI had no employees, and Avery was able to access and spend a substantial portion of the funds deposited into each account before the scheme was discovered. Avery was previously convicted of similar federal fraud offenses. Avery’s recent offense occurred only months after he completed his prior federal sentence. Avery used the PII of several of the victims in the prior case to commit these new crimes. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Mozzi prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-017.


title: Man Sentenced For Over $500,000 COVID-19 Relief Fraud And Money Laundering Scheme

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Nevada man was sentenced yesterday to two years and four months in prison for fraudulently obtaining over $500,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program loans that the Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and then laundering the money through family, friends, and others. According to court documents, Brandon Casutt, 52, of Henderson, submitted multiple false and fraudulent applications to the SBA and four SBA lenders on behalf of two entities he controlled, seeking to fraudulently obtain more than $5.7 million. Two of Casutt’s fraudulent applications ultimately received funding: a PPP loan for approximately $350,000 in the name of a purported business called Sky DeSign, and an EIDL program loan for approximately $150,000 in the name of a purported charity called Skyler’s CF Foundation. While the loan applications affirmed falsely that each entity had numerous employees, significant payroll expenses, and substantial revenue, neither entity had employees nor paid any wages. After receiving the PPP money, Casutt laundered it by writing dozens of fake payroll checks – each in the amount of approximately $8,330 – to himself, family members, and friends. On many of the checks, Casutt falsely wrote “pandemic pay” or “back pay” in the check memo. Casutt cashed or deposited these fake paychecks. Then, within days and at Casutt’s direction, the money was diverted back to a bank account under Casutt’s control. Casutt then used the money to buy a house in Henderson. On Aug. 26, 2020, Casutt pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of concealment money laundering. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Al Childress of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Phoenix Field Office, and Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement. IRS-CI and the FBI Las Vegas Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorney Sara Hallmark and Assistant Chief Cory E. Jacobs of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric C. Schmale for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Oliva and Daniel Hollingsworth for the District of Nevada. In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the PPP. Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 200 defendants in more than 130 criminal cases and has seized over $78 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/ppp-fraud . ###


title: Child Sex Trafficker Sentenced to Life in Prison

component: USAO - Texas, Northern

body_text: A DeSoto man who drugged young girls and then forced them into commercial sex was sentenced today to Life in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Anjum Zafar Mian, 42, was convicted in July 2023 following a two day trial of fifteen counts involving sex trafficking of adults and minors, as well as, sexual exploitation of children. He was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor. “With the declaration of a life sentence, HSI is yet again successful in removing a dangerous predator from the community,” said HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Lester R. Hayes Jr. “Investigating those who exploit children is one of our highest priorities. We will use every resource available in seeking prosecution of those who traumatize and victimize our most vulnerable." “I am extremely proud of the men and women who worked diligently together in order to bring justice to each of the survivors,” said Arlington Police Chief Al Jones. According to evidence presented at trial, Mr. Mian forced at least two young girls – ages 16 and 17 – to engage in commercial sex by intimating that he would harm their family if they did not comply. He brought another 17 year old down from Oklahoma, would not allow her to go back home when she asked, and made her engage in commercial sex. He also attempted to traffick an adult woman from Oklahoma, who called the police after he assaulted her. The victims testified that Mr. Mian, who also went by the “AJ” and “Dre,” used explicit photos of them to advertise sexual services online. He communicated with customers via messaging apps, then plied the girls with drugs and alcohol, delivered them to customers, and demanded they turn all proceeds over to him. Two of the victims testified that Mr. Mian raped them while they were unconscious. The Arlington Police Department conducted the investigation in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Office and with the assistance of the Dallas Police Department, DeSoto Police Department, Fort Worth Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety. This was a North Texas Trafficking Task Force case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandie Wade and Matthew Weybrecht prosecuted the case. If you believe you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, call local law enforcement or the 24/7 confidential National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.


title: Atlanta-based financial advisor sentenced for COVID-relief fraud scheme

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA - Paul Kwak has been sentenced for a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme related to a COVID relief program. Three co-conspirators were previously sentenced to prison as well. “When the government stepped in to help the millions of Americans suffering economically during the pandemic, some sought an opportunity to exploit the system and enrich themselves,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Kwak not only submitted his own fraudulent applications, but he recruited others to his scheme, resulting in millions of dollars of fraudulent applications to the SBA’s relief program.” “Profiteering off federal government relief programs intended to support American small businesses is inexcusable,” said SBA OIG’s Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite. “This sentencing is further evidence that greed has no place in SBA programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.” “Not only did Kwak defraud the government by applying for relief funds for companies that did not exist, but he also recruited and taught others how to do the same,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Let this sentence be a message that the FBI will continue to hold accountable anyone who abuses taxpayer dollars and diverts them from people that actually need them.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: Paul Kwak conspired with others to submit millions of dollars of fraudulent EIDL applications in the names of shell companies that had no employees and conducted no business activities. The EIDL program is an emergency relief program run by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provided millions of Americans with much needed economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. An EIDL application must provide, among other information, the amount of revenue the business generated in the 12 months prior to the application and the number of employees. The applicant must certify that the information is correct and that he or she is legally eligible to apply for an EIDL. Kwak filed fraudulent EIDL applications and recruited and taught others to file fraudulent applications, totaling over $2 million. Kwak posted related videos on his YouTube channel, where he provided financial and investment advice before the pandemic. In a May 2020 video titled “EIDL, disaster assistance you don’t have to pay back,” Kwak explained, in Korean, that applicants could receive tens of thousands of dollars in assistance without collateral or a co-signor, using only the applicant’s electronic signature. One of his clients, according to Kwak, had recently received $150,000 in EIDL proceeds. Kwak conspired with others, including Joosoo Choi-Bang, Jon Sun Hun, and Sook Hee Kim, each of whom previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced. Ultimately, the SBA paid over $1 million as a result of the fraudulent applications. Kwak has agreed to forfeit three homes and a Mercedes GLS 580 purchased with fraud proceeds. He has also agreed to forfeit over $1.6 million from multiple bank accounts associated with the fraud. Paul Kwak, 65, of Braselton, Georgia, was sentenced to three years, four months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,198,300. Kwak was convicted of these charges on June 20, 2023, after he pleaded guilty. Choi-Bang was sentenced to one year, six months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release. Huh and Kim were sentenced to two years in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release. This case was investigated by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Huber prosecuted the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Orlando Man Pleads Guilty To Attempting To Entice A 15-Year-Old Child To Engage In Sexual Activity

body_text: Ocala, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Victor Aguilar (31, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Aguilar faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, in May 2023, Aguilar responded to a social media posting from an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 15-year-old child. Aguilar engaged in sexually oriented conversation, detailing for the undercover officer what he planned to do with the minor. The two discussed meeting locations, including a mall in the Ocala area. A few hours later, Aguilar told the undercover officer he had arrived at the mall in Ocala to meet with the minor. As Aguilar was waiting, deputies arrived and arrested him. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Secret Service, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Belkis H. Crockett and Tyrie K. Boyer. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Former Nursing Home Worker Charged with Wire Fraud in “Ghost” Employee Fraud Scheme

component: Civil Division

body_text: Washington – A federal grand jury in Chicago returned an indictment charging a former nursing home employee with seven counts of wire fraud. According to court documents, Alisha Richardson, 44, of Chicago, devised a scheme to defraud her employer, a Chicago-area nursing home, of funds by falsifying records to generate payments to individuals who never worked at the facility (so-called “ghost” employees). The indictment alleges that, as part of the scheme, Richardson created false records to make it appear as though the individuals were employed as Certified Nursing Assistants, when in fact they were not working at the nursing home. The indictment further alleges that Richardson logged false hours for these “ghost” employees, which caused the nursing home to issue paychecks. According to the indictment, some “ghost” employees cashed the checks and shared the proceeds with Richardson. The indictment further alleges that on other occasions Richardson forged endorsement signatures for the individuals and deposited the paychecks into her own bank accounts. As a result of the scheme, the nursing home paid out over $100,000 for work that was never performed. “These charges reflect the department’s commitment to hold criminals accountable for their wrongdoing,” said Principal Deputy Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We thank the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General for their tireless efforts in investigating this case.” “The FBI and its partners work tirelessly to ensure that those who engage in illegal activity do not go unpunished,” said Executive Assistant Director Timothy Langan of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch. “This indictment shows our commitment to that sentiment and should deter others from engaging in fraudulent activities.” “Individuals who fraudulently obtain funds that were otherwise intended to support the delivery of health care services unlawfully redirect valuable resources away from people in need of medical care,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Chicago Region. “HHS-OIG remains committed to working together with our law enforcement partners to identify and investigate those who allegedly engage in fraud targeting our federal health care programs.” The FBI and the HHS-OIG investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorneys Raquel Toledo and James T. Nelson of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Julien for the Northern District of Illinois. Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Indictment


title: Worcester Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

body_text: BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Lawrence Rutherford, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 78 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2023, Rutherford pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. During a search of Rutherford’s residence in June 2019 two loaded .22 caliber pistols and approximately 613 rounds of ammunition was seized. Rutherford is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to several prior felony convictions punishable by more than one year in prison. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division; and Interim Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Greg A. Friedholm and John T. Mulcahy of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Charges

body_text: BOSTON – A registered sex offender pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) via multiple groups on a messaging app. Angel Figueroa, 51, of Fall River, pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Jan. 26, 2024. In December 2021, Figueroa was arrested and has been in federal custody since that time. Figueroa was identified as an active member of at least four messaging applications where CSAM was being disseminated. A forensic examination of Figueroa’s cell phone revealed approximately 523 images and 72 videos of CSAM depicting children as young as infants. At least one image depicted bondage of a child under two years old. During an interview with law enforcement, Figueroa admitted that he downloaded, saved and viewed CSAM using apps on his cell phone and had been doing so for one or two years. Figueroa is a registered sex offender based upon a 2013 Massachusetts state court conviction for indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years old. The charge of receipt of child pornography after a prior conviction provides a sentence of at least 15 years and up to 40 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography after a prior conviction provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, in New England; and Fall River Chief of Police Paul Gauvin made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Soto, Meghan C. Cleary, and J. Mackenzie Duane of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Dominican Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering the United States and Distributing Fentanyl

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to reentering the United States and distributing fentanyl after previously being deported. Juan Carlos Santos-Ocasio, a/k/a “Cristhian Aybar-Done,” 40, was indicted on one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Jan. 10, 2024. Santos-Ocasio was initially arrested and charged in November 2022 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2022 In October 2007, Santos-Ocasio was arrested in the Bronx, N.Y., on heroin distribution conspiracy charges. Santos-Ocasio is a citizen of the Dominican Republic and did not have legal authority to be present in the United States. In November 2008, Santos-Ocasio pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of New York to heroin distribution conspiracy and was subsequently sentenced to 37 months in prison. He was removed from the United States upon completion of his sentence in the summer of 2010. Sometime after his removal, Santos-Ocasio reentered the United States unlawfully. In November 2022, he was arrested in Lawrence for allegedly reentering the United States without authorization. In addition to being in the U.S. without authorization, Santos-Ocasio also distributed 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The charge of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. 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; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Brown of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.


title: Man Convicted of Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal jury convicted a Wisconsin man today for possessing images depicting the sexual abuse of children. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Joseph M. Thomas, 43, of Kenosha, saved and viewed child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on hard drives he stored in his residence from 2017 to 2021. Law enforcement uncovered Thomas’s stash of CSAM after observing that someone accessing the internet from his residence in 2021 appeared to be downloading CSAM over an online file-sharing network. The FBI then obtained a warrant to search Thomas’s residence and seized multiple hard drives and other digital devices. A forensic examination of those devices revealed that Thomas had used them to save and view CSAM and to search for similar material online. The jury convicted Thomas of one count of possessing child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 1, 2024, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. In 2011, Thomas was convicted of the repeated sexual assault of a young child. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office made the announcement. The FBI investigated the case. Trial Attorney William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan J. Paulson for the Eastern District of Wisconsin are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Chelsea Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition

body_text: BOSTON – A Chelsea man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for federal firearms offenses. Miguel Reyes, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Patti B. Saris to two years in prison and three years of supervised release. On Mar. 16, 2023, Reyes pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition. On two separate occasions in August 2020, Reyes was found in possession of a Beretta, Model U22, .22 LR caliber pistol and ammunition and a Glock, Model 48, 9 mm pistol and ammunition. Additionally, at the time of his arrest in Chelsea in May 2021, Reyes was found in possession of a Glock replica, polymer 80 and ammunition. Due to a prior felony conviction, Reyes is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Chelsea Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Saltzman of the Criminal Division prosecuted 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: Former CEO Pleads Guilty to Causing the Distribution of Adulterated and Misbranded Medical Devices Intended to Treat Migraine Headaches

body_text: Mark Wright, 67, pleaded guilty on Oct. 11 in federal court to misdemeanor charges of causing the introduction of misbranded and adulterated devices into interstate commerce. According to documents filed with the court, from July 2013 to July 2017, Wright served as the chief executive officer of Dolor Technologies Inc., a Utah-based medical device company. Dolor sold a device known as the SphenoCath, which was intended to treat migraine headaches by administering nerve blocks to the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a collection of nerves located in the midface of the skull. As part of his guilty plea, Wright admitted that Dolor did not seek approval or clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to distribute the SphenoCath for this intended use, rendering the SphenoCath devices adulterated and misbranded under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Wright also admitted that, while FDA had recommended in April 2014 that Dolor proceed with investigational studies regarding the SphenoCath’s safety and effectiveness, Dolor never conducted any such study. Instead, Wright and Dolor continued to market the SphenoCath with the intention that it be used to treat migraine headaches by administering SPG nerve blocks. Among other things, Wright provided healthcare providers with marketing materials and unsolicited directions for unapproved use of the SphenoCath. U.S. Magistrate Judge Cecilia M. Romero presided at the plea hearing and set sentencing for Nov. 8. “Patients must be able to trust that they are being treated with medical devices that have been shown to be safe and effective,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to take action against companies and individuals that put public health at risk by not complying with the law.” “The United States will continue to prosecute those who flout the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by marketing unapproved, adulterated, and misbranded drugs and devices to the public,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah. “These individuals pose a danger to the community and put the public’s health and safety at risk.” “U.S. consumers rely on the FDA to ensure that their medical devices are safe and effective for their intended uses,” said Special Agent in Charge George M. Scavdis of the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who threaten the health of consumers by evading FDA requirements.” The FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations investigated the case. Trial Attorneys David Hixson and Emily C. Powers of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Strain for the District of Utah prosecuted the case. Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah, visit its website at www.justice.gov/usao-ut .