title: Woman Pleads Guilty to $359M Fraud Involving Claims for Unnecessary Respiratory Tests Submitted with COVID-19 Tests

body_text: A California woman pleaded guilty today to fraudulently submitting claims to governmental and private insurance programs during the COVID-19 pandemic for expensive and medically unnecessary respiratory pathogen panel (RPP) tests. “Those who stole from government health programs during the COVID-19 pandemic not only violated federal law, they betrayed the public trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “As this action to disrupt a $359 million scheme, and the Department’s recent announcement involving over 300 defendants and over $830 million in alleged COVID-19 fraud make clear, the Justice Department will continue to find and hold accountable those who defrauded American taxpayers during the pandemic.” “Today’s plea marks an end to this costly health care fraud scheme in which bad actors fraudulently ordered medically unnecessary tests to reap ill-gotten gains,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Through coordination and close collaboration with our partners, the public can rest assured that the FBI will work relentlessly to protect our healthcare system and hold those accountable who attempt to illegally exploit it.” According to court documents, from June 2020 to April 2022, Lourdes Navarro, 64, of Glendale, conspired with Imran Shams to obtain nasal swab specimens from residents and staff at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation facilities, and students and staff at primary and secondary schools, for the purported purpose of conducting screening tests to identify and isolate individuals infected with COVID-19. Obtaining those samples enabled Matias Clinical Laboratory, dba Health Care Providers Laboratory (HCPL), to perform RPP tests on some of the specimens, even though only COVID-19 testing had been ordered and even though there was no medical justification for conducting RPP tests. Navarro and Shams submitted, through HCPL, approximately $359 million in claims for the unnecessary RPP tests to Medicare, the Health Resources and Services Administration COVID-19 Uninsured Program, and a private health insurance company, and were reimbursed approximately $54 million. “The defendant used her management position at a clinical testing laboratory to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic for personal gain,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case demonstrates the Criminal Division’s continued resolve in working with our partners to root out bad actors who steal from government health programs.” “I would like to thank our law enforcement partners, as well as my dedicated team of investigators, analysts, and attorneys, for bringing this fraud scheme to light and shutting it down,” said Inspector General Christi A. Grimm of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “Stealing public money is unacceptable in any circumstance, but particularly egregious when taking advantage of a public health emergency.” Navarro pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 23, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Shams previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 9, 2024. The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Gary A. Winters and Raymond E. Beckering III of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maxwell Coll for the Central District of California obtained seizure warrants and is handling forfeiture. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed the Medicare program for more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Pharmacy Owner Pleads Guilty to $25M Health Care Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A New York man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud Medicare and Medicaid of more than $25 million for medically unnecessary prescriptions that were induced by kickbacks and bribes. According to court documents, Dacheng Lu, aka Bruce Lu, 44, of Great Neck, was a part owner of 888 Pharmacy Inc. (888) and Huikang Pharmacy Inc. (Huikang). Between January 2015 and December 2022, Lu and his co-conspirators referred Medicare beneficiaries and Medicaid recipients to medical practices that prescribed medically unnecessary topical medications and pain patches, which 888 and Huikang billed to Medicare and Medicaid. In exchange for writing medically unnecessary prescriptions, Lu and his co-conspirators provided the medical practices kickbacks and bribes in the form of rent and office staff. Lu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 24, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York, Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Assistant Director in Charge James Smith of the FBI New York Field Office made the announcement. HHS-OIG and the FBI are investigating the case. Trial Attorney Patrick J. Campbell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 24 federal districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who collectively have billed the Medicare program for more than $19 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Washington Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling from Sutter County Business

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Tamara Mannisto, 58, of Ocean Park, Washington, pleaded guilty today to one count of bank fraud, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, from February 2007 through November 2016, Mannisto worked for a company located in Rio Oso that was in the business of mechanical food processing and farming. In her role at the company, Mannisto’s duties included preparing checks for the owners to sign. Beginning in at least January 2012, and continuing through October 2016, Mannisto carried out a fraudulent scheme to steal over $900,000 from her employer. As part of the scheme, Mannisto created company checks and made them payable to herself, without authorization and for amounts not due her. To make the checks appear legitimate, Mannisto forged the owners’ signatures on the checks or stamped them with one of the owners’ signatures. Falsely posing as the checks’ lawful payee, Mannisto deposited the checks in bank accounts she controlled. This case is a product of an investigation by the IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Thuesen is prosecuting the case. U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley is scheduled to sentence Mannisto on March 28, 2024. She faces a sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the court’s discretion after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.


title: Middletown man arrested for coercing, exploiting children online

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – Federal agents arrested a Middletown man this morning on charges alleging he exploited and coerced child victims online. William Scott Elam, 52, allegedly connected with an estimated 20 minor females on sites and apps like Omegle and Discord and pretended to be a 14-year-old. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, in July 2023, the FBI in Milwaukee was made aware of a potential child victim through a report to law enforcement that originated with a mandated reporter. The report involved a 12-year-old victim. It is alleged the victim met Elam on Omegle, a free online chat website that allows users to socialize without the need to register. The service randomly pairs users in one-on-one chat sessions where they chat anonymously using the names “you” and “stranger.” Elam and the victim allegedly exchanged Discord contact information and began chatting on the app. Elam allegedly pretended to be a 14-year-old male and coerced the child victim to send him live sexual material by telling her that he would log off Discord and cut himself if she did not comply. It is alleged that Elam also pretended to be a 14-year-old cousin to his other persona. Using the second persona, he allegedly coerced the victim into sending new live sexual content by threatening to show “his cousin’s mom” her previous encounters with Elam. A search of Elam’s Discord account revealed similar sexual encounters with at least three other minor victims between October and December 2022. It is alleged that Elam also instructed one victim to self-harm via cutting on live video in addition to coercing the victim to perform sex acts live on camera. Elam appeared in federal court in 1:30pm today. His detention hearing is scheduled for 1:30pm tomorrow before Chief Magistrate Judge Karen L. Litkovitz. Sexually exploiting children is a federal crime punishable by a prison range of 15 to 30 years in prison. Coercion and enticement carries a potential penalty of at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey is representing the United States in this case. A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. # # #


title: Kern County Residents Charged with Federal Explosives Violations

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Joseph Roy Vigneault, 20, of Lake Isabella, and Michael Roy Anglin, 21, of Wofford Heights, charging them with the receipt and transportation of explosives without a license and distributing explosives to a non-licensed person. Vigneault was also charged with stealing explosive materials from a licensed manufacturer, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, in May 2023, Vigneault is alleged to have been involved in the theft of over 700 pounds of Hydromite, an explosive and blasting agent, from Austin Powder West LLC, a licensed explosives manufacturer. The Hydromite contained ammonium nitrate, which is used militarily as an explosive and has been used in several terrorist acts, including the Oklahoma City bombing. Vigneault then recruited Anglin to assist in selling the Hydromite to another individual for a profit. The buyer resided in Wofford Heights. Neither Vigneault, Anglin, nor the buyer were licensed to handle or transport explosives as required by federal law. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Richmond Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Firearm at the Scene of an Active Shooting

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

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man pleaded guilty today to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to court documents, on March 29, 2023, officers of the Richmond Police Department responded to a call of an active shooting near the intersection of Williamsburg Road and Government Road. Units arrived at that location within minutes of receiving the report and went to the parking lot of the Krispie’s Chicken restaurant, which was near the intersection where the shooting reportedly occurred. When they arrived, they saw Devon Martin, 30, wearing a hoodie which appeared to have a heavy, L-shaped object in the right pocket of the hoodie. As the officers approached Martin, he got into the passenger side of a vehicle. The officers ordered Martin to exit the vehicle and then conducted a pat down of his person. They found in Martin’s possession a Taurus, 9mm firearm in the pocket of his hoodie. Martin was previously convicted in 2019 in the Eastern District of Virginia for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Martin is scheduled to be sentenced on January 11, 2024. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Summer L. Speight accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen E. Anthony is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 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. 3:23-cr-96.


title: Second Executive Admits Participating in $150 Million Fraud on Qualcomm

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 5, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Ali Akbar Shokouhi, the primary investor of a technology company sold to Qualcomm for over $150 million, pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting his role in a massive fraud. Shokouhi, a San Diego resident, pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering related to a transaction involving proceeds of the fraud on Qualcomm. In his plea agreement, Shokouhi admitted that he schemed with co-defendant Karim Arabi and others to hide both Arabi’s and Shokouhi’s involvement in Abreezio—the tech firm that they marketed to Qualcomm. Arabi was a Qualcomm employee throughout the entire marketing period, and hiding his involvement in the firm and the development of its patented technology allowed Abreezio’s principals to claim that the company was an “angel-funded” outside firm while disguising its true connections to Qualcomm. In that regard, Shokouhi admitted Arabi was intimately involved in Abreezio’s formation, development, and marketing to Qualcomm, including choosing the “Abreezio” name. Shokouhi further admitted that he referred to Arabi by a different name in text messages with co-conspirators to obscure Arabi’s involvement in Abreezio. According to court documents, Qualcomm agreed to pay roughly $180 million for Abreezio—$150 million of which was paid in October 2015. Like co-defendant Sanjiv Taneja, who recently pleaded guilty and admitted his own role in the fraud, Shokouhi acknowledged that he never actually met the purported creator of Abreezio’s core technologies, who is Arabi’s family member and was never involved in the company’s technical or strategic decision-making as far as Shokouhi knew. Shokouhi further admitted that he and Arabi concealed Shokouhi’s involvement in Abreezio in part because Shokouhi had previously been terminated from Qualcomm because of a conflict-of-interest violation. As part of his plea agreement, Shokouhi agreed to forfeit over $16 million that he personally received from Qualcomm’s purchase of Abreezio, and to pay restitution. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas W. Pilchak, Janaki G. Chopra and Eric R. Olah. DEFENDANTS Case Number 22-CR-1152-BAS Karim Arabi Age: 57 San Diego, CA Sanjiv Taneja Age: 60 Cupertino, CA Ali Akbar Shokouhi Age: 64 San Diego, CA AGENCIES Federal Bureau of Investigation Internal Revenue Services, Criminal Investigation United States Marshals Service *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Canadian Resident Indicted for Human-Smuggling and Assault Charges

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that Andres Morales-Murrieta, 30, will be arraigned in the District of Vermont on October 6, 2023. A federal grand jury sitting in Burlington, Vermont returned a two-count indictment this afternoon alleging that Morales-Murrieta brought a migrant without legal status to the United States on September 21, 2023, and that he physically assaulted and resisted a federal agent when confronted. Morales-Murrieta made an initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on a criminal complaint alleging similar charges on September 25, 2023, and he was ordered detained pending further proceedings. According to court records, United States Border Patrol agents disrupted a human-smuggling event in which Morales-Murrieta led a group of migrants from rural Canada into the United States near Ballard Road in the town of Highgate, Vermont on September 21, 2023. A Border Patrol Agent located the group and watched many of them enter a vehicle at approximately 2:15 a.m. The vehicle departed the area while one man from the group—later identified as Morales-Murrieta, a resident of Montreal, Quebec—stayed behind and began walking north. The agent attempted to reach Morales-Murrieta, but he noticed the agent and ran. Two agents were able to locate Morales-Murrieta shortly thereafter. When they attempted to detain him, Morales-Murrieta physically resisted, tried to escape, and struck one of the agents with his fists and elbows. He was ultimately restrained and arrested by the agents. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Morales-Murietta remains presumed innocent unless and until he is convicted of a crime. As presently charged, Morales-Murietta faces a maximum sentence of 5 years of imprisonment for the human-smuggling offense and a maximum sentence of 8 years of imprisonment for the assault. The actual sentence following any conviction would be determined with reference to Federal Sentencing Guidelines. U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the rapid response and efforts of the United States Border Patrol. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Lasher and Colin Owyang. Morales-Murrieta is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls, Esq.


title: Over One Million Rounds of Ammunition Seized En Route from Iran to Yemen Transferred to Ukrainian Armed Forces

component: National Security Division (NSD)

body_text: On Oct. 2, the United States transferred approximately 1.1 million 7.62mm rounds of ammunition to the Ukrainian armed forces. This ammunition had been seized by U.S. Central Command naval forces from a flagless vessel in the Arabian Sea enroute from Iran and destined for Yemen, where sanctioned groups including Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) directly support the Houthi movement. The Justice Department then filed a civil forfeiture action against the seized munitions, resulting in a July 20 order by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia transferring title to the United States. “With this weapons transfer, the Justice Department's forfeiture actions against one authoritarian regime are now directly supporting the Ukrainian people's fight against another authoritarian regime,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We will continue to use every legal authority at our disposal to support Ukraine in their fight for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.” “The forfeiture and transfer of a major ammunition cache, once destined to serve the Iranian regime’s destabilizing efforts abroad, represents the Justice Department’s commitment to countering authoritarian aggression around the world,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Together, with partner agencies and departments, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure the nation’s security by vigorously enforcing U.S. sanctions and imposing costs on hostile regimes in accordance with the rule of law.” “Our office will continue to use all the tools in our arsenal to disrupt the IRGC’s efforts to sow discord,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “The transfer of these assets to the Ukrainian armed forces will now aid an important partner in its fight against unwarranted aggression.” According to court documents in the civil forfeiture action, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command seized the ammunition and other munitions on or about Dec. 1, 2022. The documents alleged a sophisticated scheme by the IRGC to clandestinely ship weapons and munitions to entities contrary to U.S. interests. The government’s forfeiture action was part of a larger investigation of an Iranian weapons-smuggling network. The network was involved in the illicit trafficking of advanced conventional weapons systems and components by sanctioned Iranian entities that directly support military action by the Houthi movement in Yemen and the Iranian regime’s campaign of terrorist activities throughout the region. The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington Field Office and Defense Criminal Investigation Service (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office are leading the larger investigation of the Iranian weapons-smuggling network, with substantial assistance from the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in conducting the seizure. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stuart D. Allen, Brian P. Hudak, Rajbir S. Datta, and Anna D. Walker for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney S. Derek Shugert of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section litigated the case, with support from Paralegal Specialists Brian Rickers and Angela De Falco.


title: Two Georgia men sentenced for trafficking fentanyl

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: SAVANNAH, GA: Two Georgia men, including one from Bryan County, have been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl. Darien Cothern , 34, of Marietta, Ga., was sentenced to 42 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and Javarus McKinney , a/k/a “Jody,” 34, of Richmond Hill, Ga., was sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by six years of supervised release, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. McKinney was convicted after a four-day trial in March on charges of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Fentanyl; and Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Fentanyl in or Near Schools, but acquitted on enhanced charges related to the death of an overdose victim. Cothern pled guilty to Distribution of Fentanyl, and his plea acknowledged that the death resulted from the fentanyl the victim purchased from Cothern. “Fentanyl is an addictive synthetic opioid that has flooded this country, and nearly 300 people in the United States die each day from drug overdoses including those from fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to hold accountable those who deal in deadly illegal drugs.” Richmond Hill Police officers initiated an investigation Aug. 12, 2020, after a 25-year-old male victim was found dead in a residential pool. An autopsy determined the man had a fatal dose of fentanyl in his system at the time of his death. Working with agents from the Savannah Office of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, investigators identified McKinney as a Richmond Hill-area distributor of counterfeit Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, and determined Cothern obtained the pills from McKinney and sold them to the victim. “The Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT) is committed to collaborating with and assisting our fellow law enforcement agencies,” said CNT Director Michael G. Sarhatt. “This year alone, Chatham County has encountered over 65 overdose deaths, exceeding numbers from 2022. This abundant influx of fentanyl creates a significant threat to not only our community but to surrounding counties as well. CNT considers this a significant concern and is utilizing every asset to rid this hideous poison from our community. The sentences given to these defendants send a clear message to those distributing fentanyl on our streets: they will be caught and serve a lengthy prison term.” “Fentanyl is extremely dangerous to the consumer and leaves behind a trail of devastation and destruction,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration. “The defendants in this case had total disregard for the safety of others.” The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team, and the Richmond Hill Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darron J. Hubbard and Frank M. Pennington II.


title: Laredo ophthalmologist charged in repetitive harmful eye procedure fraud scheme

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: LAREDO, Texas - A 54-year-old Austin resident has been indicted for health care fraud and money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Dr. Michael Hochman made his initial appearance today and is set for arraignment Oct. 12 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos. A federal grand jury returned the five-count indictment Sept. 27. According to court documents, Hochman is an ophthalmologist who owned and operated Michael A. Hochman P.A. and Laredo Laser & Surgery Ltd. in Laredo. The charges allege Hochman falsely diagnosed vulnerable patients with ophthalmological diseases and various degenerative eye conditions. Hochman allegedly directed optometry staff to conduct fraudulent, repetitive and excessive medical procedures on patients to maximize profits. According to the indictment, Hochman caused Medicare and other health care benefit programs to remit payment for millions of dollars in proceeds into various corporate and personal bank accounts. The false and fraudulent claims Hochman allegedly submitted to Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare totaled $402,536,174. As a result of the false and fraudulent claims, Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare paid approximately $13,317,914, according to the charges. The indictment also alleges Hochman used the proceeds of the fraud scheme to purchase a private airplane, luxury vehicles, high-end antiques, collectible coins and other luxury items. If convicted, Hochman faces up to 10 years in prison for one count of health care fraud. He also faces four counts of money laundering, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. All charges also carry a possible $250,000 maximum fine. The FBI, Texas Attorney General’s Office - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Defense Criminal Investigative Services, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Veteran Affairs – OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tina Ansari, Cynthia Villanueva, Tyler White and Grace Murphy are prosecuting the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced- October 2023

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – United States Attorney Clint Johnson announced the results of the October 2023 Federal Grand Jury A. The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence. Jacob Robin Gilmartin . Second Degree Murder in Indian Country. Jacob Robin Gilmartin, 30, a Cherokee citizen from Skiatook is charged with second degree murder in Indian country for allegedly causing a fatality collision while under the influence of a controlled substance. Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the FBI are the investigating agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-315-GKF Austin Lee Huffman . Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country; Kidnapping in Indian Country; Witness Tampering by Using and Threatening Physical Force. Austin Lee Huffman, 21, a Cherokee citizen from Broken Arrow, is charged with kidnapping, assault and witness tampering for allegedly assaulting and strangling his live-in girlfriend and then refusing to let her leave. Broken Arrow Police Department and FBI are the investigating agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Richard is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-322-GKF Jason Mark Long. Assault with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country and Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence . Jason Mark Long, 45, of Pryor is charged with assault with intent to do bodily harm in Indian country and carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence for allegedly pulling the victims hair and placing a gun to her head while threatening to kill her. The Mayes County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigating agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Nelson and Michele Hulgaard are prosecuting the case. 23-CR-325-GKF Jin Kai Chen . Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute. Jin Kai Chen, 48, a Chinese national legally residing in Overland Park, Kansas, is charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute after he was allegedly found with over 100 kg of marijuana. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Homeland Security Investigations are the investigating agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nasar is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-316-GKF Joshua Keller. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute . Joshua Keller, 39, of Grove is charged with possession of meth with intent to distribute. The Grove Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigating agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-324-GKF Carlon Wayne Smith. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country and Injury to Personal Property in Indian Country . Carlon Wayne Smith, 50, of Tulsa is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian country and injury to personal property in Indian country. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigating agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Cyran is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-314-JFH Juan Antonio Martinez-Pasillas . Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Juan Antonio Martinez-Pasillas, 32, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawful reentry of a removed alien for unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously deported and removed on or about December 23,2020, at or near Del Rio, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cymetra Williams is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-319-JFH Eduardo Montoya Ibarra . Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien . Eduardo Montoya Ibarra, 53, a Mexican national is charged with unlawful reentry of a removed alien for unlawfully reentering the United States after being previously deported on or about December 15, 2006, at or near Nogales, Arizona. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney David D. Whipple is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-323-GKF Oscar Gaudalupe Lopez-Lara . Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien . Oscar Gaudalupe Lopez-Lara, 44, a Mexican national is charged with unlawful reentry of a removed alien for unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously deported and removed on or about March 15, 2010, at or near Laredo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-326-GKF Jose Reyes- Palos. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien . Jose Reyes-Palos, 32, a Mexican national is charged with unlawful reentry of a removed alien for unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously deported and removed on or about August 7, 2019, at or near Laredo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Anderson is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-327-GKF


title: Congressional Campaign Treasurer Pleads Guilty to Conspiring with Congressional Candidate in Campaign Finance Fraud Scheme

body_text: The former treasurer for a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives pleaded guilty today to conspiring with a congressional candidate to commit wire fraud, make materially false statements, obstruct the administration of the Federal Election Commission (FEC), and commit aggravated identity theft. According to court documents, Nancy Marks, 58, of New York, was the treasurer for the principal congressional campaign committee of a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives during the 2022 election cycle in New York’s Third Congressional District. During this election cycle, Marks and the candidate devised and executed a fraudulent scheme to obtain money for the campaign by submitting materially false reports to the FEC on behalf of the campaign in which they inflated the campaign’s fundraising numbers for the purpose of misleading the FEC, a national party committee, and the public. Specifically, the purpose of the scheme was to ensure that the candidate and his campaign qualified for a program that the national party committee administered, pursuant to which the national party committee would provide financial and logistical support to the candidate and his campaign committee. To qualify for the program, the candidate had to demonstrate, among other things, that his congressional campaign had raised at least $250,000 from third-party contributors in a single quarter. To meet this financial benchmark and to further demonstrate to the national party committee that the congressional candidate’s campaign was financially viable, Marks and the candidate agreed to falsely report to the FEC that at least 10 family members of Marks and the candidate had made contributions to the campaign, when Marks and the candidate both knew that these individuals had not made the reported contributions. In addition, Marks and the candidate agreed to falsely report to the FEC that the congressional candidate had loaned the campaign significant sums of money, including in one instance a $500,000 loan, when, in fact, the congressional candidate had not made the reported loans and, at the time the loans were reported, did not have the funds necessary to make such loans. Through the execution of this scheme, Marks and the candidate ensured that the candidate met the necessary financial benchmarks to qualify for the program that the national party committee administered. As a result of qualifying for the program, the congressional campaign received financial support. Marks is scheduled to be sentenced on April 12, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York, and Assistant Director in Charge James Smith of the FBI New York Field Office made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case, with assistance from the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. Trial Attorneys Jacob Steiner and John Taddei of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Harris, Anthony Bagnuola, and Laura Zuckerwise for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Rachel Friedman. Former Trial Attorney Jolee Porter of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section provided substantial contributions to the prosecution.


title: Husband and wife sent to prison for $8M health care fraud

body_text: HOUSTON – Two Missouri City home health agency owners have been ordered to federal prison after admitting to defrauding millions from Medicare, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Vincent Nwabeke, 72, pleaded guilty April 20 to false statements in a health care matter, while Victoria Nwabeke, 70, admitted to conspiracy to commit health care fraud Sept. 16, 2019. U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now ordered Victoria Nwabeke to serve 48 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. She must also pay $8,523,917.11 in restitution to Medicare. Vincent Nwabeke was previously sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,084,996 in restitution to Medicare. The Nwabekes co-owned Vital Ambulatory Healthcare Inc. from 2012 to 2018, Victoria Nwabeke obtained patient referrals by paying kickbacks to marketers and patients and bribing physicians to authorize medically unnecessary home health services for Vital patients. She also admitted to billing Medicare over $8 million in fraudulent claims for home health services. Vincent Nwabeke was Vital’s Chief Financial Officer. He admitted that in 2018 he filed a fraudulent cost report to Medicare attempting to disguise the kickback payments his wife made as legitimate business expenses. The Nwabekes were permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The FBI, Department of Health and Human Services‐Office of Inspector General and Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Olson and DOJ Trial Attorney Drew Pennebaker are prosecuting the case.


title: Atlanta Resident Supplying Armed Meth, Fentanyl Organization Pleads Guilty

body_text: MACON, Ga. – The supplier of an armed methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking organization who was providing kilogram quantities of narcotics out of her high-rise condominium located in Atlanta’s Buckhead community pleaded guilty to her crimes today. Heather Breland, 39, of Atlanta, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting co-defendant Randall Heath’s possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell. Breland faces a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum of life in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and a maximum $10,000,000 fine. Co-defendant Randall Heath, 62, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine today and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a maximum $1,000,000 fine. The remaining seven co-defendants indicted in this case have all previously entered guilty pleas: Raiford Reeves aka “RH,” 43, of Warner Robins, Georgia, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and faces a mandatory minimum of ten years imprisonment up to a maximum of life in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release; Travis Warthen aka “Trap,” 39, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and faces a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum of life in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release; Jeremiah Kaleta, 46, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison to be followed by at least three years of supervised release; Lucretia Snellgrove, 51, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison to be followed by at least three years of supervised release; Kendall Howard, 31, of Centerville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to unlawfully conspire to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release; Kenneth Maddox, 31, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to unlawfully conspire to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release; and Luis Acosta, 35, of Centerville, pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to unlawfully conspire to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release. Sentencing will occur for all defendants at dates determined by the Court. The defendants are not eligible for parole. “Heather Breland went to great lengths to evade justice for supplying kilos of deadly narcotics to her network of drug distributors in Central Georgia. Ultimately, she was caught and will now be held accountable for her crimes, along with her co-defendants,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “This case is the result of a lengthy investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force, a group of law enforcement agencies working hand-in-hand across the Middle District of Georgia to crack down on criminal organizations doing the most harm in our communities.” “These violent and dangerous drug traffickers are enriching their lives by profiting off someone else’s pain and addiction,” stated Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “These defendants will now face significant federal prison time.” “Heather Breland and Randall Heath were involved in an organized network designed to peddle poison onto the streets of our community. Most law enforcement agencies don’t have the resources to handle investigations to combat organizations like this one. We are fortunate to have federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in Middle Georgia that recognize the benefit of working together in order to keep our communities safe,” said Peach County Sheriff Terry W. Deese. “The successful prosecution and disruption of this organization exemplifies what can be done when local, state and federal agencies work together. These efforts have made Warner Robins and Peach County safer. I am extremely proud of the part our officers provided in this case and its outcome,” said Warner Robins Interim Police Chief Roy Whitehead. According to court documents, DEA agents and local law enforcement investigated co-defendant Reeves’s Warner Robins-based drug trafficking organization between Oct. 2021 and June 2022. Breland—the supplier to the organization—was distributing kilogram quantities of narcotics, primarily methamphetamine and fentanyl, to Reeves out of her condominium located in the Buckhead community in Atlanta. Law enforcement obtained court orders to intercept the phone calls and text messages from cell phones belonging to Breland and Reeves and conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Reeves. Reeves would supply other co-defendants with some of the narcotics to sell. Agents observed Breland travel to Macon to provide narcotics to Reeves; she also had a self-storage unit in Macon on Riverside Drive to store drugs. Agents learned Breland was planning to provide co-defendant Heath with narcotics. On May 21, 2022, Heath took an airport shuttle service to Atlanta; Breland ordered Heath a ride-hailing service from the shuttle station to her condominium. Heath returned to Macon on the same shuttle service on May 25 and was seen exiting the shuttle station with a suitcase and got into his car. A traffic stop was conducted, and a K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics in the car. Agents found a kilogram of methamphetamine inside his suitcase. On May 26, agents executed a search warrant at a motel Reeves and co-defendant Howard occupied in Warner Robins; Reeves was in the process of flushing methamphetamine down a toilet when agents entered the room. Agents seized methamphetamine, fentanyl, oxycodone, alprazolam, clonazepam, codeine and a 9mm semi-automatic pistol. That same day, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Breland’s condominium. Breland immediately fled in her Range Rover as agents arrived. In her residence, agents seized 3.266 kilograms of pure methamphetamine, 14.72 grams of fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a .22 magnum caliber revolver, two cellphones and $78,353 cash. On the same day, agents executed a search warrant at her storage unit in Macon and seized eight pounds of marijuana in a Louis Vuitton duffle bag. Following the execution of the search warrant, Breland fled to North Carolina, created a fictitious license plate, and changed her hair length and color. She was arrested by U.S. Marshals on Oct. 20, 2022, at a hotel and casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. When she was arrested, she had methamphetamine and ID cards with a similar appearance but false identifying information. Breland has seven prior felony convictions for forgery, possession of methamphetamine, burglary and identity fraud. Co-defendant Reeves has prior convictions for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Warner Robins Police Department, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Peach County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes is prosecuting the case.


title: United States Files Civil Complaint Against Local School and Owner Alleging VA Education Assistance Benefits Fraud

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: Jackson, Miss. - Todd W. Gee, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, announced today that the United States filed a civil complaint against April Tucker Beard and her barber school, April’s Mane Attraction, Inc., Academy, seeking treble damages and penalties for defrauding the United States Department of Veterans Affairs’ Post-9/11 GI Bill education assistance program. The United States alleges that Beard and her school unlawfully received VA education assistance funds in the amount of $235,734 to which she was not entitled. As part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill program, the VA provides tuition and fee payments directly to qualifying schools, including non-degree schools such as AMA/Academy, on behalf of eligible veterans. These benefits are part of the United States’ promise to support veterans after honorably serving our country. To qualify as an institution eligible to receive VA education assistance funds, the school must submit a written application with supporting documents to the State’s Approving Agency. Beard and AMA/Academy received such approval in May 2017. Thereafter, the school’s certifying official must submit separate enrollment certifications for each enrolled veteran certifying the course in which the veteran is being enrolled, the start and end dates of the enrollment period, the number of hours per week the veteran will attend class, and the cost of tuition and fees for the course. In addition, the school certifies that it will comply with all program requirements under Title 38, which includes charging comparable tuition for VA and non-VA students. Requiring consistent and comparable tuition ensures that the VA is paying fair market value tuition rates and also provides protection for the government so that it is not funding education for non-VA students. The United States alleges in its complaint that from July 2017 to November 2019, Beard and AMA/Academy made or caused to be made false statements to the VA regarding veteran students’ enrollment in her barber training program to obtain VA funding. The United States alleges that Beard and her school charged inflated tuition and fees for VA students in the amount of $22,400 as compared to $50/week or $2,400 for non-VA students. According to the United States, Beard did not maintain accurate attendance records, did not maintain complete and accurate payment ledgers, and did not provide course instruction and certificates of completion to VA students in accordance with program rules and as she certified in application and enrollment documents submitted to the VA. “The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides important educational and training opportunities to our nation’s veterans, which we must protect from fraud, waste, and abuse,” said United States Attorney Gee. “This office will continue to help safeguard the integrity of VA programs intended to benefit those who serve our nation.” “Safeguarding Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit funds is a top priority for our agency,” said Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s South Central Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this case.” This investigation was the result of a dedicated and coordinated effort from the VA OIG, the Veterans Benefits Administration, Education Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, SDMS.


title: Frank James Sentenced to Life In Prison for Subway Mass Shooting

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Frank James was sentenced today by United States District Judge William F. Kuntz, II to 10 concurrent life sentences in prison, plus 10 years to run consecutively for shooting 10 people during an attack on the New York City subway in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, on April 12, 2022. James previously pleaded guilty to all 11 counts of a superseding indictment, which included 10 counts of committing a terrorist attack or other violence against a mass transportation vehicle—one count for each gunshot victim—and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of his violent attack. Merrick B. Garland, United States Attorney General, Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence. “Today’s life sentence delivered the necessary penalty for Frank James, who callously carried out a mass shooting on a crowded subway car, attempting to kill innocent people, and spilling much blood. He wounded 10 victims in his calculated attack and terrorized many more,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “I hope that this sentence brings some closure to the many victims of this violent attack and comfort to the city at large in knowing that justice was done.” Mr. Peace praised the exceptional efforts of the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force for the investigation and speedy apprehension of the defendant. He also extended his appreciation to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for their assistance. “Today, Frank James was rightfully sentenced for his deliberate and calculated act of terror against our city. He aimed to kill innocent people, who were simply going about their daily lives amid the morning rush. It is because of the dogged determination and vigilance of the investigators of the FBI New York’s Joint Terrorism Task force that James was brought to justice and is facing the consequences he rightfully deserves,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith. “Today’s outcome hopefully brings solace to the many victims of Mr. James, who carried out a horrifying act of terrorism in a cold, calculated, premeditated manner,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “From the moment Mr. James committed this appalling crime, we and our law enforcement partners shrank his world until he had nowhere to turn – and the people of New York City worked alongside us. In addition to our colleagues at the FBI, the ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, I thank and commend New Yorkers for their vigilance in helping bring this unseemly episode to a just conclusion.” During rush hour on the morning of April 12, 2022, James used a Glock 17 pistol he legally purchased to conduct a mass shooting on an N subway train in Brooklyn. James planned his act of terror for years—purchasing smoke bombs, disguises, firearms, and ammunition. He scouted the location for his attack and completed multiple practice runs. As part of his attack, James, disguised in an orange reflective jacket and yellow hard hat to look like an MTA employee, set off a smoke-bomb in a subway car before opening fire on his captive victims. Panicked passengers ran to the far end of the subway car, allowing James to shoot at his victims more easily. When the defendant started shooting, the train was between stations and then temporarily stalled, leaving victims trapped. In total, the defendant fired at least 32 bullets and 10 victims were struck by his gunfire. Dozens more suffered from smoke inhalation and other mental and physical injuries due to the defendant’s attack. James then fled the scene of the attack, changing his clothing frequently to evade detection while law enforcement engaged in a 36-hour manhunt to find him and bring him to justice. At some point after the shooting, James purchased a burner phone which he used to follow the coverage of his attack while hiding from law enforcement. For example, James watched 31 videos of news reports about his subway shooting. He also watched a James Bond chase scene from the movie “No Time to Die” 10 times after the attack. Finally, James turned himself in by calling the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline on April 13, 2022, the day after the mass shooting. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara K. Winik and Ellen H. Sise are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Magdalena St. Surin and the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. The Defendant : FRANK JAMES Age: 64 Milwaukee, Wisconsin E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-214 (WFK)


title: Illegal Possession and Distribution of Narcotics Results in Federal Prison Sentences for Two Men

body_text: SHREVEPORT/MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of two men from North Louisiana for illegal possession and distribution of narcotics and a firearm. Johnathan Davon Hill , 28, of Vivian, Louisiana , was sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 117 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for illegal possession of narcotics and a firearm. On July 1, 2022, law enforcement agents with the U.S. Marshals Service’s Fugitive Task Force and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to stop a vehicle in which Hill was a passenger but the vehicle fled from law enforcement. The vehicle eventually reached a dead-end street and Hill fled from the vehicle and ran into the woods. A K9 unit arrived, and officers entered the woods and found Hill hiding. He was arrested for having for outstanding warrants. While officers were searching for Hill, the driver of the vehicle in which Hill was a passenger was detained. Officers observed in plain view inside the vehicle bags with what appeared to be marijuana, white powder, and pills. A search of the vehicle was conducted, and officers found a large amount of suspected ecstasy pills, marijuana and cocaine, as well as a firearm under the driver’s seat. Hill admitted to officers that the narcotics and firearm belonged to him. Hill pleaded guilty to the charges on June 7, 2023. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service’s Fugitive Task Force and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Weber. In a case from the Monroe Division of the Western District of Louisiana, United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced Joshua Bosley , 35, of Sterlington, to 110 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for distribution of methamphetamine. According to information presented in court, on March 8, 2022, in the Western District of Louisiana, Bosley knowingly and intentionally distributed 109.5 grams of pure methamphetamine to an individual in exchange for cash. An indictment was returned by the grand jury in February 2023 and Bosley pleaded guilty to the charge on June 12, 2023. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and ATF and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mike Shannon. The investigation and conviction of Bosley is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. # # #


title: Hartford Felon Admits Possessing Loaded Handgun

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GABRIEL HORACE WILLIAMS-BEY, 34, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 30, 2022, Hartford Police seized a loaded semi-automatic pistol from inside a vehicle that Williams-Bey was driving. Williams-Bey’s criminal history includes a state firearms conviction, multiple state narcotics convictions, and a federal narcotics conviction for which he was sentenced, in June 2016, to eight years of imprisonment and four years of supervised release. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. Williams-Bey was released from federal prison in August 2021 and was on federal supervised release at the time of this offense. At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Williams-Bey faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. He also faces additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release. Williams-Bey has been detained in federal custody since July 12, 2022. This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Previously Removed Foreign National Prosecuted and Arrested in Salt Lake County for Allegedly Possessing Over 12,000 Fentanyl Pills

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment charging a foreign national living in Salt Lake County for possessing over 12,000 blue M30 pills containing fentanyl with the intent to distribute. According to court documents, Oscar Noe Cota-Galaviz, 38 of West Jordan, Utah, allegedly illegally possessed over 12,000 fentanyl pills. On Sept. 20, 2023, during an execution of a search warrant of Cota-Galaviz’s residence, agents found approximately 10,000 blue “M30” pills containing fentanyl hidden inside a mattress in Cota-Galaviz’s residence. Agents also found approximately 1,000 blue pills containing fentanyl wrapped in a plastic container in Cota-Galaviz’s pants pocket. Cota-Galviz told agents the pills were “vitamins.” After obtaining a search warrant for Cota-Galaviz’s storage unit, detectives found approximately 1,500 blue “M30” pills containing fentanyl hidden inside a charcoal bag inside of the unit. Cota-Galaviz is a previously removed foreign national from the United States. Cota-Galaviz is charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and illegal reentry. The defendant had his initial court appearance on Oct. 5, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Kelsy B. Young for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Congressional Campaign Treasurer Pleads Guilty to Conspiring With a Congressional Candidate to Defraud

body_text: CENTRAL ISLIP, NY – Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Nancy Marks, the former treasurer for a candidate for the United States House of Representatives, pleaded guilty to conspiring with a congressional candidate to: (a) commit wire fraud; (b) make materially false statements; (c) obstruct the administration of the Federal Election Commission (FEC); and (d) commit aggravated identity theft. Today’s proceeding was held before United States District Judge Joanna Seybert. When sentenced, Marks faces up to five years in prison, as well as restitution and a fine. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Nicole M. Argentieri, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty plea. “With today’s guilty plea, Marks has admitted that she conspired with a congressional candidate to lie to the FEC and, by extension, the public about the financial state of the candidate’s campaign for New York’s Third Congressional District, falsely inflating the campaign’s reported receipts with non-existent contributions and loans,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “My Office will continue holding accountable those who perpetrate a fraud on the public and the institutions that help maintain transparency in the electoral process.” Mr. Peace expressed his thanks to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance with the investigation. “Marks engaged in criminal conduct intended to deceive and defraud the American public. This guilty plea holds her responsible for those various fraudulent schemes and brazen misrepresentations,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith. “The FBI will continue to investigate all allegations of campaign finance abuse to ensure openness, fairness, and transparency in our election process.” According to court filings and facts presented during the plea proceeding, Marks was the treasurer for the principal congressional campaign committee of a candidate for the United States House of Representatives during the 2022 election cycle in New York’s Third Congressional District (the “Candidate”). During this election cycle, Marks and the candidate devised and executed a fraudulent scheme to obtain money for the campaign by submitting materially false reports to the FEC on behalf of the campaign in which they inflated the campaign’s fundraising numbers for the purpose of misleading the FEC, a national party committee, and the public. Specifically, the purpose of the scheme was to ensure that the Candidate and his campaign qualified for a program administered by the national party committee, pursuant to which the national party committee would provide financial and logistical support to the Candidate and his campaign committee. To qualify for the program, the Candidate had to demonstrate, among other things, that his congressional campaign had raised at least $250,000 from third-party contributors in a single quarter. To meet that financial benchmark and to further demonstrate to the national party committee that the congressional candidate’s campaign was financially viable, Marks and the Candidate agreed to falsely report to the FEC that at least 10 family members of Marks and the Candidate had made contributions to the campaign, when Marks and the Candidate both knew that these individuals had not made the reported contributions. In addition, Marks and the Candidate agreed to falsely report to the FEC that the congressional candidate had loaned the campaign significant sums of money, including in one instance a $500,000 loan, when, in fact, the congressional candidate had not made the reported loans and, at the time the loans were reported, did not have the funds necessary to make such loans. Through the execution of this scheme, Marks and the Candidate ensured that the Candidate met the necessary financial benchmarks to qualify for the program administered by the national party committee. As a result of qualifying for the program, the congressional campaign received financial support. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section, the Long Island Criminal Division, and the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Harris, Anthony Bagnuola, and Laura Zuckerwise, along with Trial Attorneys Jacob Steiner and John Taddei, are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Rachel Friedman. Former Trial Attorney Jolee Porter of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section also provided substantial contributions to the prosecution. The Defendant : NANCY MARKS Age: 58 Shirley, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-197 (JS)


title: Medical facility settles claim alleging failure to provide effective communication services to deaf individuals

body_text: HOUSTON – A local rehabilitation center has agreed to a settlement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure it provides appropriate auxiliary aids and services to individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired when providing medical services, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. In November 2021, authorities received a complaint alleging Park Manor of CyFair failed to provide effective communication to an individual who is deaf and uses American Sign Language (ASL) as his primary means of communication. Park Manor did not provide a qualified ASL interpreter, as the ADA defines, to communicate information related to his medical care, symptoms and treatment plan. Under the settlement agreement, Park Manor will revamp its training for new and existing employees regarding interpreter services, have specific and uniform criteria for determining when an interpreter is needed and what interpreter services are adequate. They will also keep detailed records of these decisions and accommodations. “My office is committed to protecting the rights of people who have not traditionally had a voice,” said Hamdani. “Having equal access to health care services - which includes the ability to effectively communicate with your health care provider - is a fundamental right. It must be accessible to all. If not, my office will investigate and bring enforcement actions against you to ensure compliance with the ADA.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Myra Siddiqui handled the matter. This case is a part of the Department of Justice’s Barrier-Free Health Care Initiative, which seeks to enforce the ADA’s prohibition of discrimination against individuals with disabilities by health care providers. Through the Barrier-Free Health Care Initiative, U.S. Attorneys’ offices across the nation and the Department of Justice - Civil Rights Division target their enforcement efforts on a critical area for individuals with disabilities - access to medical services and facilities. The Barrier-Free Health Care Initiative is a multi-phase initiative that includes effective communication for people who are deaf or have hearing loss, physical access to medical care for people with mobility disabilities and equal access to treatment for people who have HIV/AIDS. The Department of Justice has a number of publications available to assist entities to comply with the ADA, including a Business Brief on Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Hospital Settings . Visit the ADA for more information and to access these publications. ADA Complaints may be filed Department of Justice or within the Southern District of Texas .


title: Waterbury Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun Offenses

body_text: TAVAUGHN WRIGHT, also known as “Teddy,” 29, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for narcotics and firearm offenses related to his role in a violent Waterbury street gang. Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Maureen T. Platt, State’s Attorney for the Waterbury Judicial District; Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division. According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address escalating violence in Waterbury, the FBI, ATF, and Waterbury Police have been investigating multiple Waterbury-based groups whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. The investigation revealed that Wright, a member of the 960 gang, was distributing narcotics and using a location on Buckingham Street to store and process narcotics. On February 13, 2020, investigators executed search warrants at Wright’s residence on Bucks Hill Road and the Buckingham Street location. The search of Wright’s residence revealed nearly 500 dose bags of heroin/fentanyl and other items, and the search of the Buckingham Street location revealed approximately 60 dose bags of heroin/fentanyl, a loaded 9mm handgun, and other items. Analysis of the firearm revealed that it was stolen in Maine in 2016. Wright’s criminal history includes felony convictions, and it is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. Wright has been detained since February 13, 2020. On June 13, 2023, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, ATF and Waterbury Police Department, with the assistance of the Watertown Police Department, New Milford Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone, John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Natasha M. Freismuth, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildesen, Jr. and Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Arroyo of the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office, who have been cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in this matter. This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. 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: Two Defendants, Including One Who Posed as a Lawyer, Convicted for Fraud Related to a Debt Elimination Scheme

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – A federal jury returned guilty verdicts yesterday convicting Willie Lamont Hicks, a/k/a “Will Woodward” and “CW,” age 50, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Mary Ann Mendoza, a/k/a “Mary Ann Manuel,” “Trinity,” “M3,” and “Emily James,” age 49, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, on federal charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud related to a debt elimination and wealth management fraud scheme. The conviction was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Guy Petrillo of the Mid-Atlantic Region - Federal Housing Finance Agency - Office of Inspector General; Special Agent in Charge Javan Wilson of the U.S. Department of the Treasury - Office of Inspector General; Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy; and Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department. According to the evidence presented at their seven-day trial, from August 2011 to at least September 2017, Hicks and Mendoza, who represented themselves as partners and as husband and wife, held in-person trainings purporting to educate victim-debtors on how to discharge consumer debt, including mortgage debt, credit card debt, and automobile financing debt. Hicks and Mendoza also marketed wealth management services to victims, including purporting to set up a family office and to fund business opportunities. As detailed in trial testimony, during the debt elimination classes, Hicks, who claimed to be an attorney, and Mendoza told victims that on the back of their social security cards and birth certificates, there was a number that unlocked access to a special bank account with funds owed to the victims by the U.S. government. The defendants also informed the victim-debtors that they could create or use “trusts” into which they could transfer their assets without transferring any attendant consumer debt, or to obtain return on investment. The evidence proved that Hicks, Mendoza, and their co-conspirators offered to effectuate the discharge of the debt held by the victims or other purported services for a fee, including a fee equal to a percentage of the victim-debtors’ outstanding debt. The defendants accepted payment in the form of cash, wire transfers, personal and cashier’s checks, and the use of the victim-debtors’ credit. Victim-debtors also paid the defendants through liquidating their retirement savings, the leasing of apartments, and the purchase of vehicles and office equipment and supplies. Hicks and Mendoza caused one victim to transfer almost $100,000 from the victim’s bank account to fraudulent corporate entities controlled by the defendants in 2017, including by interstate wire transfer. Trial testimony showed that victim-debtors were induced into providing the defendants with over a million dollars in cash and other forms of payment during the period of the conspiracy. According to the evidence also presented at trial, Hicks, Mendoza, and their co-conspirators used the victims’ personal identifying information without the victims’ knowledge or permission and provided the victims with fraudulent documents, including Internal Revenue Service forms, memorandums of agreement, intake forms, and other materials that the defendants claimed were necessary for discharging debt. The evidence showed that Hicks, Mendoza, and their co-conspirators mailed the fraudulent paperwork to the victim-debtors’ creditors, lenders, and the Internal Revenue Service purporting to effectuate the discharge of the victim’s debts. The defendants each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for each of four counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has scheduled sentencing for defendant Hicks for January 11, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., and for defendant Mendoza for January 12, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the Mid-Atlantic and Central Regions of the Federal Housing Finance Agency - Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of the Treasury - Office of Inspector General, the Montgomery County Police Department, and the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Barron thanked the United States Marshals, the Hinesville, Georgia Police Department, the Gwinnett County, Georgia Police Department, the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Offices of Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Georgia, Eastern District of Texas, New Jersey, and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Coreen Mao and G. Michael Morgan, who are prosecuting the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Diamond Bar Man Sentenced to Nearly 2 Years in Federal Prison for Groping a Sleeping Passenger on a Cleveland-to-Los Angeles Flight

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Diamond Bar man was sentenced today to 21 months in federal prison for intentionally touching the inner thigh of a sleeping woman seated next to him on a flight from Cleveland to Los Angeles in February 2020. Mohammad Jawad Ansari, 50, was sentenced by United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha, who also ordered the defendant to pay a $33,750 fine, $1,600 in restitution, a $100 special assessment, and an additional $5,000 special assessment. Furthermore, Ansari was ordered to register as a sex offender. At the conclusion of a four-day trial, a jury on May 9 found Ansari guilty of one count of abusive sexual contact. On February 17, 2020, Ansari boarded a flight from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport. Ansari occupied a window seat in the 10 th row, while the victim occupied the middle seat next to him. The victim, who was wearing a dress, fell asleep shortly after takeoff and the armrest separating Ansari from the victim was down. At some point during the flight to Los Angeles, Ansari placed his left hand on the victim’s right knee and, without the victim’s consent, moved his hand to her inner thigh. The person sitting in the aisle seat next to the victim witnessed Ansari’s hand touching the victim’s inner thigh. The victim woke up, pushed Ansari’s hand away, left her seat, and informed a flight attendant about what had happened. The flight attendants observed Ansari during the remainder of the flight and believed he was pretending to sleep. “[Ansari] committed a serious offense that caused immediate and long-lasting harm to [the victim],” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “In the immediate aftermath, [Ansari’s] groping left [the victim] shocked and afraid and witnesses testified that she sobbed for the remainder of the flight…. [On flights, the victim] now struggles to fall asleep because she is constantly concerned about ‘what if someone touches me.’” The FBI and the Los Angeles Airport Police investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Samuel J. Diaz and James A. Santiago of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section prosecuted this case. The FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office has issued a public service announcement to bring awareness to the problem of sexual assault on airplanes. Victims of in-flight sexual misconduct – either verbal or physical – or their loved ones are encouraged to report the incident to a flight attendant and to your nearest FBI field office or to submit a tip online to the FBI at https://tips.fbi.gov/ .


title: Wisconsin and Missouri Residents Sentenced to Prison for Bank Fraud

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on September 28 and October 4, 2023, respectively, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced both Jimmy A. Walker (age: 30) and Marialuwisa A. Prado (age: 26) to 14 months’ imprisonment and 3 years’ supervised release after they pled guilty to bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344. According to court records, Prado is a Wisconsin resident, and Walker resides in Missouri. In May 2022, while Prado was working for a private mail-sorting business in Brookfield, Wisconsin, she stole mail that contained a check in the amount of $600,263.55. The check had been written by a Wisconsin corporation, and was made payable to another Wisconsin corporation, for business-related services. It never reached the intended recipient. Instead, Prado sent the stolen check by FedEx to Walker in Missouri, who had previously set up a sham bank account under the name of the Wisconsin business. Walker opened the account at a bank branch in Olivette, Missouri, and then drove to a different branch of the same bank in nearby Ballwin, Missouri, where he deposited the stolen check. Fortunately, bank officials flagged the transaction and prevented any funds from being unlawfully withdrawn. In sentencing both defendants, Judge Griesbach cited the significant dollar value at issue, the potential economic loss to the businesses and banks, the defendants’ planning and scheme, and the breach of trust in stealing mail from Prado’s former employer. The judge reasoned that although both defendants lacked a criminal record, the offense warranted significant punishment and a strong deterrent message. “The prison sentences in this case were the direct result of excellent collaboration between local and federal law enforcement,” stated U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “Law enforcement’s work – and the attentive bank employees who flagged the transaction – directly prevented the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars and ensured that these defendants are serving prison sentences instead of reaping the benefits of their criminal conduct.” The case was investigated by the Oshkosh Police Department and the Green Bay office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from law enforcement agencies in the State of Missouri. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy W. Funnell. # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Over Five Thousand Fentanyl Pills

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl. Alexis Radhames Diaz Tejeda, 45, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Jan. 5, 2024. Diaz Tejeda was arrested and charged in July 2022. On March 7, 2022, during a video-recorded controlled purchase in Dorchester, Diaz Tejeda provided a confidential source with a sample of 15 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. On June 1, 2022, Diaz Tejeda again met with the confidential source during a controlled purchase in Lawrence, this time providing 996 fentanyl pills. On July 6, 2022, Diaz Tejeda was arrested in Dorchester while attempting to meet the confidential source to sell another 4,000 fentanyl pills. During a subsequent search of Diaz Tejeda’s Dorchester residence, 4,034 fentanyl pills were found. In total, Diaz Tejeda conspired to distribute approximately 5,500 fentanyl pills to the confidential source. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 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 and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department’s Gang Unit and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Boston Tax Preparer Sentenced for $2 Million Tax Fraud

body_text: BOSTON – The owner of a tax preparation business in Jamaica Plain was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for preparing false tax returns for his clients. Joseph Rodriguez, 73, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 15 months in prison and one year of supervised release. Rodriguez was also ordered to pay restitution of $110,462. In February 2023, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count of aiding or assisting in filing a false tax return. On numerous occasions between 2014 and 2017, Rodriguez prepared and filed federal income tax returns for clients in which he included inflated and ineligible expenses on his clients’ Schedules A for medical and dental expenses, charitable contributions and unreimbursed employee business expenses. By inflating Schedule A deductions, Rodriguez decreased his clients’ taxable income and effectively increased the clients’ tax refunds. As a result, Rodriguez caused more than $2 million in tax loss to the IRS. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Dodson man admits assault charge after vehicle crash on Fort Belknap Indian Reservation

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Dodson man today admitted an assault charge after he drifted into the oncoming lane while driving and crashed into another vehicle, seriously injuring the other driver, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Marvin James Cole, 27, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Cole faces a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 6, 2024. Cole was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged that on June 22, 2022, Cole crashed his GMC truck into a Dodge Avenger driven by the victim, identified as John Doe, on Highway 66 near Harlem, on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Doe suffered serious injuries and ultimately was treated at a hospital in Seattle. A toxicology report showed amphetamine and methamphetamine in Cole’s blood. Cole agreed that he likely drifted into the other lane when he looked at his phone. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Fort Belknap Law Enforcement, Montana Highway Patrol and Phillips County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Man Sentenced for Running Child Obscenity Website

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A California man was sentenced today to 33 years and nine months in prison for multiple obscenity crimes involving children. According to the indictment, Ron Kuhlmeyer, 65, of Santa Rosa, operated a website that globally distributed stories about the rape, murder, and sexual abuse of prepubescent children. Law enforcement determined that Kuhlmeyer was running his obscenity website from Belize. Kuhlmeyer wrote many of the stories himself but also published the works of other offenders, including stories that had been previously published on Mr. Double, another website dedicated to publishing writings that detail the sexual abuse of children. Some of the stories on Kuhlmeyer’s website described the rape, torture, and murder of children, while others were accompanied by lifelike computer-generated images of prepubescent children being sexually abused. On June 13, Kuhlmeyer pleaded guilty to five counts of importation or transportation of obscene matters and one count of distributing obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children. Kuhlmeyer was previously convicted of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child in Sonoma County, California, in 2008 and served six years in state prison. In June 2021, Thomas Arthur, the owner of Mr. Double, was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas, Special Agent in Charge Francisco Burrola of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, and Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigation Division made the announcement. HSI and the FBI investigated the case, with assistance from the government of Belize. Trial Attorneys Austin M. Berry and Adam Braskich of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandi Young for the Western District of Texas prosecuted 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 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 .


title: St. Louis Man Admits Six Armed Robberies

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis, Missouri on Thursday admitted committing six armed robberies in a three-month period in 2021, including the robbery of two cell phone stores twice. Bruce Franklin, 64, pleaded guilty to six counts of robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted robbing the Boost Mobile store at 3636 Page Boulevard on August 26 and September 10, the T-Mobile at 4167 Lindell Boulevard on September 4 and September 20, the MetroPCS at 3949 Lindell Boulevard on September 17, and the Family Dollar at 11123 Bellefontaine Road in St. Louis County on October 27. Franklin stole cash from registers, and in one case, a handgun belonging to an employee. Franklin was accompanied by Kristie Meeks during the September 17 and September 20 robberies. Meeks, 47, of Kansas City, Missouri, pleaded guilty September 27 to two counts of robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Both Franklin and Meeks are scheduled to be sentenced January 22. The robbery charges carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and the felon in possession charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. The brandishing charge carries a mandatory minimum term of seven years in prison. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Dunkel is prosecuting the case.