title: Justice Department Hosts Ukrainian Prosecutors for Training on Investigating and Prosecuting Environmental Crimes

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: This week, the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division’s (ENRD) Environmental Crimes Section hosted eight guests from the Ukraine Prosecutor General’s Office for a series of training and study sessions relating to the investigation and prosecution of environmental crimes, including environmental crimes committed in the wake of Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine. “This training on investigating and prosecuting environmental crimes is just one part of our efforts to hold accountable under law those who bear responsibility for the Russian regime’s brutal crimes,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will work with our Ukrainian partners to hold the Russian regime accountable for the atrocities it is committing in the course of its unjust war in Ukraine.” The study visit began on Monday and concluded on Wednesday. Attorney General Garland welcomed the group on Wednesday, as the study visit is a part of a broader collaboration between the Justice Department and the Ukraine Prosecutor General’s Office. The two departments entered into a Memorandum of Understanding when the Attorney General and Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin met in Washington in September 2022. The Department and Prosecutor General’s Office committed to cooperate on investigations and prosecutions related to potential war crimes and related criminal offenses committed following or during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Pursuant to that agreement, ENRD has been providing requested assistance to Ukraine as it explores several avenues to hold Russia accountable for the environmental toll of its invasion. During the training, U.S. and Ukrainian prosecutors and experts provided overviews of Ukrainian and U.S. environmental crime statutes and enforcement programs, shared investigative techniques, considered a number of relevant case studies and identified additional areas for collaboration. Joining ENRD for the training were personnel from the Department’s War Crimes Accountability Team, which is based in the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP), as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard. Support was also provided by the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group (ACA), which is funded by the U.S. State Department, the European Union, and the Government of the United Kingdom. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland with members of the Ukraine Prosecutor General’s Office


title: Justice Department Statements on District Court Ruling Enjoining American Airlines and JetBlue’s Northeast Alliance

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter for the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division issued the following statements today regarding the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts’s ruling in favor of the Justice Department and the Attorneys General of six states and the District of Columbia in their civil antitrust lawsuit to stop the Northeast Alliance between American Airlines and JetBlue: “Today’s decision is a win for Americans who rely on competition between airlines to travel affordably,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will continue to protect competition and enforce our antitrust laws in the heavily consolidated airline industry and across every industry.” “We are pleased with the court’s decision. The outcome of this litigation recognizes the value of competition in the airline industry,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We are grateful to our state law enforcement partners and the dedicated and talented Antitrust Division staff that investigated and tried this important case.” The court’s decision follows a multi-week trial that began in September 2022. The Justice Department sued to stop American Airlines and JetBlue from continuing the Northeast Alliance. The Northeast Alliance is a series of agreements between American Airlines and JetBlue through which the two airlines have consolidated their operations in Boston and New York City. The court ruled that JetBlue and American Airlines’ decision to stop competing in Boston and New York, where they are major players, violated Section 1 of the Sherman Act because it increased fares and reduced choice for American travelers in many domestic markets for scheduled air passenger service.


title: Grand Island Man Sentenced for Distribution of Methamphetamine

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Zakaria Hassan, 30, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 15, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment following his conviction for distribution of 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. The sentence was enhanced because Hassan had a prior conviction for a serious drug felony. Hassan forfeited his car and $17,533 cash to the government because the car and cash were proceeds of his drug dealing. After he completes his prison sentence, Hassan will also serve 10 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. In February of 2021, Hassan sold approximately 113 grams of methamphetamine to a cooperating witness in Grand Island. The drugs were sent to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Bureau where an analyst confirmed the presence of at least 96 grams of pure methamphetamine. In September 2021, Hassan supplied approximately 85 grams methamphetamine to a cooperating witness in Grand Island. In January 2022, Hassan was arrested in Lincoln after police officers found a distribution amount of methamphetamine in his pocket and in the engine compartment of his car. During a search of his Grand Island residence later that month, police found more drugs, paraphernalia, and $15,893 cash. This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, and the Trident Drug Task Force, which is made up of officers from the Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff, Hastings Police Department, Adams County Sheriff, Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Falls City Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute of Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Daniel Lock, 35, of Falls City, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 17, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 42 months’ imprisonment following his conviction for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. After he completes his prison sentence, Lock will also serve three years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Between January and June of 2021, Lock and co-defendant Taylor Zimmerling distributed methamphetamine in and around Falls City. Several cooperating witnesses told investigators that Lock and Zimmerling, who is set to be sentenced on July 6, delivered distribution quantities of methamphetamine to them. On June 3, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at Lock’s residence in Falls City. Investigators located approximately 55 grams of methamphetamine, scales, packaging material, cash, and a police scanner. A search of cell phones belonging to Lock and Zimmerling revealed messages consistent with drug delivery, sales, and distribution. Lock admitted that the drugs found at the residence belonged to him. A forensic scientist at the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab found the drug seizure to contain at least 44 grams of pure methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office.


title: Johnstown Man Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison and 4 Years of Supervised Release for Possessing with Intent to Distribute Narcotics

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Johnstown, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 108 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release on his convictions of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, LSD, cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, and THC, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines, imposed the sentence on Andrew Colvin age 30, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. According to information presented to the court, in connection with the guilty plea, on or about October 7, 2019, Colvin possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of marijuana. Further, on or about October 9, 2019, Colvin possessed with the intent to distribute one gram or more of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and quantities of marijuana, cocaine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), ketamine, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). . Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Mr. Rivetti commended the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Cambria County Drug Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Safe Streets Task Force for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Colvin.


title: Nanty Glo Man Sentenced to 106 Months in Prison and 5 Years of Supervised Release for Possessing Firearms and Narcotics

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Nanty Glo, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 106 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on his convictions of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking fine, and possession with intent to distribute LSD, cocaine, MDMA, methamphetamine, morphine, ketamine, cocaine, and PSP Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines, imposed the sentence on Seth Long age 38, of Nanty Glo, Pennsylvania. According to information presented to the court, on or about June 3, 2020, Long was found in possession of numerous firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Further, on or about June 3, 2020, Long possessed with intent to distribute quantities of a mixtures and substances containing detectable amounts of methylenedioxymethampehtamine (MDMA), heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), methamphetamine, morphine, phencyclidine (PCP), cocaine and ketamine. Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Mr. Rivetti commended the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Long.


title: Brookdale Hospital Agrees to Civil Settlement to Resolve Allegations that Former Employees Defrauded a Federally Funded Nutrition Program

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: The Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, a nonprofit hospital based in Brooklyn, has agreed to pay $300,000 to the United States to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act based on the conduct of former employees who engaged in a scheme to defraud the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Brookdale cooperated fully throughout the investigation. The settlement agreement, which resolved claims under the Federal False Claims Act, was approved yesterday by United States District Judge I. Leo Glasser. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Bet hanne M. Dinkin s, Special Agent-in-Charge, United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), announced the settlement. “Our Office worked with Brookdale to arrive at a fair and just resolution that holds Brookdale accountable while crediting its cooperation,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This settlement demonstrates our Office’s commitment to holding healthcare providers accountable when their employees engage in misconduct that defrauds federal programs like the USDA-funded WIC program.” Mr. Peace expressed his gratitude for the support of the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Special Investigations for their assistance in investigating these claims. “The WIC program was created to provide food and nutrition to those who truly need this assistance,” stated USDA-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins. “Those who are involved in fraud and abuse of USDA-funded programs will be investigated by our office to the fullest extent. Our joint investigation with the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Special Investigations identified those who sought to defraud WIC. USDA-OIG will continue to dedicate investigative resources, working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, in order to protect the integrity of these programs.” The USDA-funded WIC program provides grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for lower-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children who are found to be at nutritional risk. The United States contends that between 2010 and 2016, former Brookdale employees, including the former director of Brookdale’s WIC program, engaged in a scheme to defraud the WIC program by, among other things, causing ineligible persons to be qualified for WIC benefits and misappropriating WIC program funds. The United States further alleges that these former employees falsified time sheets and other records concerning work purportedly performed by breastfeeding peer counselors, and falsified budget records to inflate Brookdale’s purported requirements for WIC funds. The settlement includes the resolution of a civil action brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act against Brookdale. Under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the settlement if the government takes over the case and reaches a monetary agreement with the defendant. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Young v. The Brookdale Hospital Medical Center , No. 19-CV-2272 (E.D.N.Y.). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. The government’s case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Castiglione. The Defendant : The Brookdale Hospital Medical Center E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CV-2272 (ILG)


title: Wisconsin Man Charged With Hacking Fantasy Sports And Betting Website

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a six-count criminal Complaint charging JOSEPH GARRISON in connection with a scheme to hack user accounts at a fantasy sports and betting website (the “Betting Website”) and sell access to those accounts in order to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from them. GARRISON surrendered this morning in New York, New York, and will be presented this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge James L. Cott. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Garrison used a credential stuffing attack to hack into the accounts of tens of thousands of victims and steal hundreds of thousands of dollars. Today, thanks to the work of my Office and the FBI, Garrison learned that you shouldn’t bet on getting away with fraud.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “As alleged, Garrison attained unauthorized access to victim accounts using a sophisticated cyber-breaching attack to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars. Cyber intrusions aiming to steal private individuals’ funds represent a serious risk to our economic security. Combatting cyberattacks and holding the responsible threat actors accountable in the criminal justice system remains a top priority for the FBI.” As alleged in the Complaint: [1] On or about November 18, 2022, GARRISON launched a “credential stuffing attack” on the Betting Website. During a credential stuffing attack, a cyber threat actor collects stolen credentials, or username and password pairs, obtained from other large-scale data breaches of other companies, which can be purchased on the dark web. The threat actor then systematically attempts to use those stolen credentials to obtain unauthorized access to accounts held by the same user with other companies and providers in order to compromise accounts where the user has maintained the same password. Here, in connection with the attack on the Betting Website, there was a series of attempts to log into the Betting Website accounts using a large list of stolen credentials. GARRISON and others successfully accessed approximately 60,000 accounts at the Betting Website (the “Victim Accounts”) through the credential stuffing attack. In some instances, the individuals who unlawfully accessed the Victim Accounts were able to add a new payment method on the account, deposit $5 into that account through the new payment method to verify that method, and then withdraw all the existing funds in the Victim Account through the new payment method ( i.e ., to a newly added financial account belonging to the hacker), thus stealing the funds in the Victim Account. Using this method, GARRISON and others stole approximately $600,000 from approximately 1,600 Victim Accounts. Law enforcement executed a search on GARRISON’s home in February 2023. In that search, they located programs typically used for credential stuffing attacks. Those programs require individualized “config” files for a target website to launch credential stuffing attacks, and law enforcement located approximately 700 such config files for dozens of different corporate websites on GARRISON’s computer. Law enforcement also located files containing nearly 40 million username and password pairs on GARRISON’s computer, which are also used in credential stuffing attacks. On GARRISON’s cellphone, law enforcement also located conversations between GARRISON and his co-conspirators, which included discussions about how to hack the Betting Website and how to profit from the hack of the Betting Website by extracting funds from the Victim Accounts directly or by selling access to the Victim Accounts. In one particular conversation, GARRISON discussed, in substance and in part, how successful he was at credential stuffing attacks, how much he enjoyed credential stuffing attacks, and how GARRISON believed that law enforcement would not catch or prosecute him. Specifically, GARRISON messaged the following, in substance and in part: “fraud is fun . . . im addicted to see money in my account . . . im like obsessed with bypassing shit.” * * * GARRISON, 18, of Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; unauthorized access to a protected computer to further intended fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; unauthorized access to a protected computer, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; wire fraud conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison. The minimum and maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. Williams also thanked the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin for their assistance in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead and Micah Fergenson are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Fentanyl distributor sentenced to prison

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: GAINESVILLE, Ga. - Jamerris Head has been sentenced to 12 years for selling fentanyl after pleading guilty to distribution of a controlled substance on July 13, 2022. “Fentanyl has claimed too many lives, especially from our youth,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for working hard to prevent this deadly drug from claiming more lives in accidental overdoses.” “Fentanyl poisonings have taken a terrible toll on our communities.” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “This criminal must now face the consequences of his actions.” “Fentanyl is a dangerous and highly toxic drug that has wreaked havoc in far too many communities. Disrupting the manufacturers and distributers of this poison remains a high priority for the GBI’s drug enforcement offices,” said Mike Register, Director, Georgia Bureau of Investigation. According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: Between April and August of 2021, Jamerris Head sold multiple ounces of fentanyl on several occasions during controlled purchases by law enforcement. At the time of his arrest, agents seized approximately one kilogram of fentanyl, in both pill and powder form, and two firearms. Jamerris Head, 39, of Buford, Georgia, was sentenced to 12 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Keen prosecuted the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Beech Grove Felon Sentenced to Over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm After Fleeing Police

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- John E. Lamond II, 38, of Beech Grove, Indiana, has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a firearm. According to court documents, on September 2, 2020, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers observed a vehicle, driven by Lamond, begin to travel in reverse upon seeing a fully marked police car. Lamond continued to drive recklessly in reverse in the middle of the road for two blocks. When officers activated their emergency lights and initiated a traffic stop, Lamond exited his vehicle and fled into a nearby home. After being instructed multiple times to stop running, Lamond was arrested by officers. During a search of the vehicle, officers found a 9mm handgun between the driver’s and passenger’s seats belonging to Lamond. The vehicle was also determined to be stolen. Lamond is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his six previous felony convictions including criminal confinement, carrying a handgun without a license, receiving stolen auto parts, criminal recklessness, strangulation, and possession of methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers, Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division, and Randal Taylor, Chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department made the announcement. “This dangerous, convicted felon has no business owning a firearm, and in-fact, is prohibited from doing so by federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Myers “I commend the outstanding first responders who protected the public by arresting a dangerous criminal who through his actions has shown an utter disregard for the law. The serious sentence imposed today will protect the public from further crimes by Mr. Lamond and demonstrates that our office will work closely with our local and federal partners to make our communities safer.” ATF and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Lamond be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 2 years following his release from federal prison. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Pamela S. Domash, who prosecuted this case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: Former Department of Veterans Affairs Procurement Supervisor Guilty of Pocketing Kickbacks

component: USAO - Illinois, Northern

body_text: CHICAGO — A former procurement supervisor at the Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Chicago has admitted in federal court that he pocketed kickbacks from the president of a medical supply company to steer the company product orders that the VA paid for but never received. While serving as a supervisor in the medical center’s Central Supply department, THOMAS E. DUNCAN received thousands of dollars in kickbacks paid in cash and checks from DANIEL DINGLE, the president of a medical supply company based in the Chicago suburb of Dolton. The checks were made payable to Helping Hands Properties LLC – a third-party entity managed by Duncan – and contained false and misleading memo entries in order to conceal and disguise the existence and purpose of the kickbacks. In exchange for the kickbacks, Duncan used his official position at the VA to fraudulently initiate and approve purchases of products from Dingle’s company, knowing that many of the products would not actually be delivered to the VA. The fraud scheme began in 2012 and continued until 2019. In late 2018, after Duncan became aware that the VA Inspector General’s Office was investigating his conduct, Duncan created fake invoices from Helping Hands purporting to document work performed for Dingle’s company. Duncan also told Dingle to falsely tell investigators that the payments Duncan received from Dingle’s company were for work performed by Helping Hands. Duncan, 39, of Chicago, and Dingle, 52, of Riverdale, Ill., each pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of wire fraud, which is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Steven C. Seeger set Duncan’s sentencing for Nov. 30, 2023. Dingle’s sentencing has not yet been scheduled. It is the government’s position that the defendants owe restitution of approximately $1,719,219 to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The amount of restitution will be determined by the Court at the time of sentencing. The guilty pleas were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Gregory Billingsley, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Central Field Office. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heidi Manschreck.


title: Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. Kelvin Bradley, 48, of Michigan, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 19, 2020, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle on Washington Street in Charleston. Bradley was a passenger in that vehicle, and admitted that he possessed a Colt, .38 Special revolver that was found in the vehicle. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Bradley knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for aggravated stalking in the Third Judicial Circuit, Wayne County, Michigan, on September 3, 2002. Bradley is scheduled to be sentenced on September 14, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Nowles Heinrich and Negar Kordestani are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-98. ###


title: Mississippi Man Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Attempting to Transfer Obscene Material to a Minor

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – COLBI TRENT DEFIORE , age 30, of Carriere, Mississippi, was sentenced on May 17, 2023 by United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance to 63 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to attempting to transfer obscene matter to a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1470, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Judge Vance ordered that DEFIORE’S sentence run consecutively to any sentence imposed by another section of court based on DEFIORE’S violation of his supervised release in United States v. Defiore , Case No. 19-230 (E.D. La.). Additionally, Judge Vance ordered DEFIORE to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. DEFIORE will also be required to register as a sex offender. According to court documents, DEFIORE was an adult male resident of Carriere, Mississippi who was released on August 19, 2022 from a federal correctional institution upon completion of his sentence in an unrelated matter. Only days after his release, DEFIORE acquired a cellular phone and posted on a social media application that he desired a young girl. Undercover FBI agents saw the post, pretended to be a fourteen-year-old female (“Minor”), and began corresponding with DEFIORE . During the correspondence on August 24, 2022, and August 25, 2022, DEFIORE provided additional factual details about himself, including his age, location, and recent release from prison. He also expressed an interest in engaging in sexual activity with Minor at her location in Slidell, Louisiana. DEFIORE told Minor that he was attempting to obtain transportation to Slidell and provided Minor with directions to his location. He then encouraged her to travel to his location so they could engage in sexual activity. Further investigation revealed that, between about August 24, 2022, and August 25, 2022, DEFIORE sent the same or similar pictures to approximately four other individuals he believed to be minors under the age of sixteen (16) years old. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Craig Wilkins Imprisoned on Firearms Charge

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Craig Wilkins, 38, of Rutland, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Burlington to 30 months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to a charge that he possessed two handguns as a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered that Wilkins serve three years of supervised release following completion of his prison term. Wilkins has been detained without bail since his arraignment last year. According to court records, on October 31, 2021, Rutland police officers and emergency medical personnel responded to a grocery store parking lot after a citizen reported that two people appeared to be unconscious inside a vehicle. When officers arrived, the two occupants – Craig Wilkins, who was in the driver’s seat and a female who was in the rear – were conscious but appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Wilkins was asked to step out of the car for questioning and when he did so a round of ammunition fell to his feet. Wilkins is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition because he has prior Vermont felony convictions for distributing narcotics. Authorities impounded the automobile and obtained a state court warrant to search it. In a backpack that was on the front passenger seat and in the glove compartment, officers recovered two handguns, about 177 grams of cocaine base, and about 15 grams of fentanyl. Federal agents obtained a warrant for Wilkins’ arrest on April 12, 2022 and a federal grand jury in Burlington indicted Wilkins on drug and gun charges later that month. Wilkins pleaded guilty to the gun charge last September. The case was investigated by the Rutland Police Department and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Wilkins is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn .


title: Destrehan Man Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CHRIS HABISREITINGER , age 53, a resident of Destrehan, Louisiana, was sentenced to forty-five months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release and $200.00 in mandatory special assessment fees after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 846, and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, in February 2020, Drug Enforcement Administration agents identified HABISREITINGER as an ounce-quantity methamphetamine drug trafficker. During the investigation, several controlled purchases from HABISREITINGER were conducted and, agents identified his source of supply as Eric Rodriguez. On March 25, 2020, agents arrested Rodriguez and HABISREITINGER . HABISREITINGER later confirmed to agents that he was an ounce-level methamphetamine trafficker who had been doing such for approximately three months prior to his arrest, and that Rodriguez was his supplier. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Fentanyl Dealer Gets More Than 24 Years for Selling Fentanyl that Resulted in Young Man’s Overdose Death

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A fentanyl dealer was sentenced today to 292 months in federal prison for distributing a mixture and substance containing cyclopropyl fentanyl that killed a 20-year-old. Shamel Nesbitt, 32, was convicted by a jury on the charge on August 31, 2022. Nesbitt was living in Smithfield at the time the crime was committed. “Fentanyl is killing Americans in record numbers and shortening American life expectancy,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Our overdose crisis won’t be solved by prosecution alone, but sentences like this are a warning to drug pushers who lace fentanyl into their supply. Those who cause death will face severe consequences.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, Shamel Nesbitt was investigated in November 2017 by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office for the distribution of cyclopropyl fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, where death resulted. The investigation began on November 19, 2017, after Lucas Urbina, 20, was rushed to the hospital by several friends after using a controlled substance and overdosing. A second friend of Urbina’s also suffered an overdose from using the same substance. At that time, hospital staff were able to resuscitate both Urbina and his friend. Urbina’s friend regained consciousness and became stable after a short period of time. He left the hospital and was approached by law enforcement when he was attempting to get into a vehicle. He was searched and law enforcement discovered he had a bag of suspected narcotics along with two syringes. While Urbina was revived, he never regained consciousness. Urbina died on November 22, 2017. Samples of Urbina’s blood taken upon admission to the hospital were sent to the toxicology section of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to see what substances were present. Test results showed a lethal level of cyclopropyl fentanyl. Urbina also had low levels of morphine and clonazepam in his blood. His death was ruled an accidental overdose. Law enforcement immediately began investigating to determine who distributed the narcotics to Urbina and his friends. Text messages and dialed phone numbers showed Urbina was reaching out to someone listed as “Mista” in his phone. Officers were able to quickly link the number to Shamel Nesbitt who had given it to law enforcement as his number when he was cited for a traffic violation a few months earlier. Law enforcement was able to access Urbina’s Facebook account and saw he was communicating with another Facebook user with a name of “Chris Nesbitt.” In the Facebook messages between Urbina and Nesbitt, it was clear Urbina was attempting to buy drugs from Nesbitt. Officers got a search warrant for Nesbitt’s Facebook page. They noticed pictures posted by “Chris Nesbitt” were of Shamel Nesbitt. Multiple messages on Nesbitt’s Facebook page reference him by the nickname “Mista.” Law enforcement received a search warrant for Nesbitt’s home and found heroin package material, nitrile gloves and marijuana. Nesbitt made statements to law enforcement that he saw Urbina that day but claimed that he didn’t sell him any narcotics. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after the sentencing was concluded. U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle presided over the trial. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson and Brandon Boykin prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00226-BO. ###


title: Three Members of ‘Straw-Purchasing’ Conspiracy Sentenced in Federal Court After Duo Illegally Purchased 17 Firearms on Behalf of Violent Felon

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Alexandria Flick, 23, of Bloomington, Indiana, has been convicted of a felony and sentenced to 3 years of federal supervised probation after pleading guilty to making false statements in connection with the purchase of sixteen firearms. Flick is the third and final defendant to be sentenced in connection with this straw-purchasing conspiracy. In December 2022, Ariel Campbell was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to making false statements in connection with the purchase of a firearm for a felon. In March 2022, Antoine Sutton was sentenced to 74 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to court documents, between October 2020 and February 2021, both Flick and Campbell purchased a total of 17 firearms on behalf of Sutton from American Arms, a federally licensed firearms dealer in Bloomington, Indiana. Video surveillance footage from American Arms shows both Flick and Campbell entering the business with Sutton on different occasions. All three individuals are seen on camera looking at various firearms and accessories on multiple occasions. Sutton attempted to put money towards purchasing a rifle from American Arms and told the store employee that Campbell would pay the remaining balance and fill out the required ATF firearms purchase form. Flick and Campbell would often accompany Sutton at American Arms, or they would communicate via text message about which firearms Sutton wanted purchased. Sutton then resold the straw purchased firearms via Snapchat. When Flick and Campbell made the purchases, they falsely affirmed on federal firearms purchase documents that they were the actual buyer of the firearms, when in fact, they were purchasing them for Sutton. A search of Campbell’s cellphone revealed text messages between her and Sutton, in which she asked what kind of ammunition she should buy and how much. While Campbell was physically in the American Arms store, Sutton sent her a screenshot of the specific gun he wanted from an online listing to which Campbell replied with a photo of the same gun in-store. Campbell also texted, “I’ll grab guns for you whenever, I really don’t care.” On February 25, 2021, Flick drove Sutton to a location where Sutton sold a rifle, equipped with a high-capacity magazine and loaded with 26 rounds, to an individual for $700. Multiple firearms that Flick and Campbell purchased for Sutton have been recovered during criminal investigations in both Indiana and Chicago. Sutton is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his previous felony convictions of dealing in cocaine, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division, and Michael Diekhoff, Chief of Bloomington Police Department made the announcement. “People who illegally buy guns for criminals share responsibility for the violence afflicting our communities,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “These illegal ‘straw purchases’ are a form of gun trafficking that fuels gun violence everywhere. Illegally armed criminals and those who put the guns in their hands must be identified and prosecuted. I commend the diligent work of the ATF and the Bloomington Police Department to dismantle this gun trafficking conspiracy and hold these criminals accountable.” “I will echo U.S. Attorney Myers statement,” stated Daryl McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “Those who divert firearms from lawful commerce into the hands of felons bear responsibility for the crime in our community, and we will continue to work with our partners to identify them and bring them to justice.” The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case with valuable assistance provided by the Bloomington Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus Stinson. Judge Stinson also ordered that Flick be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for xx years following her release from federal prison. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Chicago Gun Trafficking Strike Force and has prioritized investigation and prosecution of gun trafficking crimes. On July 22, 2021, the Department of Justice launched five cross-jurisdictional strike forces to help reduce gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. These gun trafficking strike forces are designed to ensure coordination across jurisdictions and help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms from source cities, through other communities, and into five key market regions: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region and Washington, D.C. ###


title: Louisville Man Sentenced to Over 17 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced today for methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. According to court documents, Charles Bethel, 45, was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in prison, followed by a 7-year term of supervised release, for possessing with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of a methamphetamine mixture and over 40 grams of a fentanyl mixture. There is no parole in the federal system. The case was investigated by the ATF and the Louisville Metro Police Department, with assistance from the Evansville Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl prosecuted the case. ###


title: Tallahassee Man Sentenced To 25 Years In Federal Prison For Possession Of A Firearm By A Convicted Felon

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

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Troy M. Hill, 43, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison following his conviction on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “Our law enforcement partnerships play a vital role in fighting crime and protecting the public,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence, of a habitual armed career criminal, is another example that working jointly with our partners continues to make our community safer.” Hill was convicted by a federal jury in December 2022. Evidence introduced at trial revealed that on February 16, 2021, Hill was arrested by the Tallahassee Police Department and was found by the arresting officers to be in the possession of a firearm. Hill was sentenced as an armed career criminal due to his numerous felony convictions for crimes of violence and serious drug offenses. “Every day officers put their lives on the line to curb violent crime in our community,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “This sentencing and the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement and judicial partners sends a message to the community that those who perpetrate crimes in our community will be held accountable. It also highlights the importance of joint programs like Project Safe Neighborhood which are vital in enhancing the safety of everyone in the community.” Hill’s imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release. “This is a great example of combining ATF’s expertise in federal firearm laws with the talent of the Tallahassee Police Department,” said Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard, ATF Tampa Field Division. “Partnerships like this are the backbone of how we help keep communities safe.” The case resulted from a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the Tallahassee Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer. 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. As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: United States Attorney’s Office Honors Law Enforcement Personnel for Exceptional Service

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces the recipients of the 2023 Law Enforcement Awards in honor of National Police Week. More than 30 federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel are being recognized for their contributions to the success of federal cases during the 2022 calendar year. These awards recognize the outstanding collaboration, investigative achievement, victim service, and exceptional contributions to identifying critical intelligence by federal agents, state, and local officers, and a K9. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Hampshire will host a formal ceremony to honor these individuals in September 2023. “Law enforcement personnel, and their families, make sacrifices every day in order to put their service to our communities first,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The Law Enforcement Awards are an opportunity for us to thank the officers for their hard work, their families for their sacrifices, and to recognize their part in obtaining justice.” The category of the Outstanding Collaboration Award recognizes individuals who demonstrated outstanding efforts or overcame significant challenges in collaborating with multiple agencies. The following departments and agencies are being honored: Alton Police Department Internal Revenue Service Federal Bureau of Investigation New Hampshire State Police Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations U.S. Postal Inspection Service The Investigative Achievement Award is limited to those whose activities have substantially and significantly contributed to a particular USAO prosecution. The following departments and agencies are being honored: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General Federal Bureau of Investigation Manchester Police Department U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration U.S. Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration The Exceptional Contribution to a Federal Investigation/Prosecution Award is reserved for recipients whose actions impact law enforcement’s ability to achieve certain capabilities. In this case, the recipients enabled law enforcement to identify critical intelligence. The following department is being honored: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Recipients in two cases will also receive the Victim Service Award for extraordinary assistance to victims of a federal crime. The following departments and agencies are being honored: Alton Police Department U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office ###


title: Kanawha County Man Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Calvin Butler, 25, of Dunbar, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation, including six months on home detention, and ordered to pay $18,540 in restitution for a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) COVID-19 relief loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The CARES Act, enacted in March 2020, offered emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This assistance included forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program. Businesses applying for PPP loans had to certify that the business was in operation on February 15, 2020, and were required to provide documentation showing their prior gross income from either 2019 or 2020. According to court documents and statements made in court, Butler provided his personal information to an individual he met on the Instagram social media platform who offered to apply for a PPP loan on Butler’s behalf in exchange for $2,000 of the loan proceeds. On April 25, 2021, this individual electronically submitted an application falsely stating that Butler operated a barbershop and that it had received $77,000 in gross income in 2020. Butler admitted that he knew he was not eligible to receive a PPP loan. The fraudulent PPP loan application was approved and $16,040 was electronically deposited from a financial institution in Tennessee to Butler’s account at a bank in South Charleston, West Virginia, on June 7, 2021. Butler admitted that he knew the deposit was the result of the fraudulent PPP loan application. Butler further admitted that he withdrew the fraudulently obtained money in $5,000 increments to benefit himself personally and not for any legitimate business expenses. Butler pleaded guilty to wire fraud. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), the West Virginia State Auditor’s Public Integrity and Fraud Unit, and the Litigation Financial Analyst with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Blackwell prosecuted the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-161. ###


title: Ten-Time Felon Sentenced to 20 Years for Selling Heroin and Fentanyl and Possessing Guns

body_text: NEW BERN, N.C. – A Fayetteville, North Carolina man who now has ten felony convictions was sentenced today to 240 months in prison for drug conspiracy charges involving heroin and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. On October 4, 2022, Kennard Fisher pled guilty to the charges. According to court documents and other information presented in court, in September 2019, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office determined that Fisher, 46, was distributing fentanyl and heroin from his home. Officers executed a search warrant at the home and found fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, three guns, including a Glock 17 9mm, and nearly $2,000 in cash. When officers arrested Fisher on federal charges in December 2020, they found more heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and another gun in the same home. Fisher has nine prior state felony convictions, including six convictions for drug trafficking or firearms offenses. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caroline Webb and Nicholas Hartigan prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-CR-537.


title: Superseding Indictment Charges Maryland Man with Wire Fraud, Identity Theft, and Drug-Related Counts, in Addition to Original Charges for COVID-19 Cares Act Unemployment Benefits Fraud and Illegal Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment yesterday against Ryan E. Dales, age 34, of Baltimore, Maryland, that adds possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking activity, a fraud scheme and aggravated identity theft to the original charges of illegal possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon and with wire fraud, relating to the submission of fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The superseding indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, of the National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG). The CARES Act, enacted in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, created the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which expanded states’ ability to provide UI for workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including workers who otherwise wouldn’t be eligible for UI benefits. The eight-count superseding indictment alleges that beginning in December 2020 and continuing through about September 2021, Dales submitted applications for UI benefits that contained false statements, misrepresentations, and omissions related to his employment, his eligibility to received UI benefits, and his purported businesses, including their existence, operation, and profits. Dales allegedly submitted a fictitious tax form in support of his applications. According to the superseding indictment, Dales illegally possessed a firearm on January 20, 2023. Also on January 20, 2023, Dales allegedly possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and the superseding indictment alleges that Dales possessed a second firearm—a Polymer 80 9mm firearm without a serial number, commonly known as a “ghost gun”—in furtherance of his drug trafficking. Finally, the superseding indictment alleges that from August 2022 until September 2022, Dales defrauded business and financial institutions, using the personal identifying information of identity theft victims, to obtain merchandise for his personal benefit and for the benefit of his associates. Specifically, as detailed in the superseding indictment, Dales obtained forged and counterfeit South Carolina driver’s licenses, each bearing Dales’ photograph, but the name and identifying information of three identity theft victims. Dales, and others working with Dales, submitted fraudulent applications for lines of credit using the names and personal information of the identity theft victims. Once the lines of credit were approved, Dales allegedly purchased a high-end lawn mower from each of three victim businesses, in the names of the three identity-theft victims, for a total of $44,137.70. For each purchase, Dales presented the victim business with the counterfeit South Carolina driver’s license in the same name as the victim on the line of credit used to make the purchase, but which had Dales’s photo on it. Dales allegedly made no payments in connection with the line of credit accounts established in the names of the three victims and each account still has an outstanding balance. More information on the allegations against Dales may be found here . If convicted, Dales faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm; a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, and up to life in federal prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for each of four counts of wire fraud; and a mandatory two years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for aggravated identity theft. 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. No initial appearance is currently scheduled. Dales remains detained. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. The District of Maryland COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force is one of three strike forces established by U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI and DOL-OIG for their work in the investigation. United States Attorney Barron and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Riley are prosecuting the case. Mr. Barron also recognized the assistance of the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao/md . # # #


title: Former Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Indicted for Enticement of a Minor and Penalties for Registered Sex Offenders

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: A federal grand jury recently returned a two-count indictment charging Todd Eric Tripp, age 34, of Sorrento, Louisiana, with enticement of a minor and felony offense involving a minor by a registered sex offender. Tripp appeared for his arraignment and pled not guilty to the pending charges. According to the criminal complaint that preceded the indictment, between approximately July and October 2020, Tripp sexually abused a minor on at least five occasions at Tripp’s home and at hotels. Tripp, a registered sex offender, was previously convicted of state offenses involving minors. If convicted of these charges, Tripp faces a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison. This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ascension Parish Sherriff’s Office, and the York County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward H. Warner and Criminal Chief Jamie A. Flowers Jr. NOTE: An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.


title: Texas woman sent to prison for exporting pistols to Mexico

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 33-year-old Spring resident has been ordered to prison for exporting firearms and ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Brenda Belinda Barba pleaded guilty April 7, 2022. Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez ordered Barba to serve 36 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence regarding WhatsApp messages Barba sent on the morning of her arrest negotiating the purchases and transport of the firearms. In handing down the sentence, the court noted how cartels use any and all types of firearms and all firearms pose a danger to the safety of all communities. Judge Alvarez also highlighted how Barba’s story about taking the firearms to her family’s ranch did not coincide with messages she sent describing her willingness to take as many and transport as often as needed. At the time of her plea, Barba admitted to attempting to unlawfully exporting a Glock 9mm pistol, Glock .22 caliber pistol, four Glock pistol magazines and 550 rounds of various caliber ammunition. On Nov. 29, 2021, Barba attempted to exit the United States at the Anzalduas Port of Entry. At that time, she told law enforcement she had nothing to declare, to include firearms and ammunition. However, upon inspection of the vehicle, authorities discovered two pistols, magazines and ammunition concealed in her handbag. She told agents that she had purchased the firearms at an Academy Sports and Outdoors store and was planning to take them to her family’s ranch in Mexico. Barba was not a licensed gun exporter and did not have permission to export the guns to Mexico. Barba was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lee Fry and Rick Blaylock prosecuted the case. This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods ( PSN ) Program. In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old, evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Honors And Remembers Fallen Law Enforcement Officers During National Police Week

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – In recognition of National Police Week, United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 14, 2023, through Saturday, May 20, 2023. “We join communities and our law enforcement partners across the nation to honor and remember the federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement officers who were killed or injured in the line of duty,” said United States Attorney Frierson. “Every day, courageous law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. We honor their courage, valor, service, and sacrifice.” In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s law enforcement community. This year, memorial events ran May 9 - 20. According to statistics reported by the FBI through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 118 law enforcement officers were killed in line of duty in 2022. Of these, 60 officers died as a result of felonious acts, and 58 officers died in accidents. LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website. The names of 556 fallen officers were added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial. The names were read on Saturday, May 13, 2023, during the 35th Annual Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C. There are currently 23,785 names engraved on the Memorial. For more information about National Police Week, please visit https://nleomf.org/policeweek . ###


title: Cecil County Woman Sentenced to 80 Years in Federal Prison for Charges Related to Her Sexual Abuse of an Infant

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland - U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Summer Nichole McCroskey, age 25, of Elkton, Maryland, today to 80 years in federal prison, followed by 80 years of supervised release, for her participation in a conspiracy to sexually abuse a child from the age of approximately four months to two years old, for producing and distributing videos and images documenting the sexual abuse of a child and for possession of child pornography. McCroskey has been detained since her arrest in February 2022. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Cecil County State’s Attorney James Dellmyer; and Cecil County Sheriff Scott Adams. McCroskey previously pleaded guilty to each of the 16 counts with which she is charged in the indictment, admitting that she and her co-conspirator, Lawrence Aquilla Colby, IV, sexually abused a child, starting at the time the victim was approximately four months of age through at least October 2021, when the victim was two years old. Both McCroskey and Colby participated in the abuse. McCroskey produced videos and images documenting their sexual abuse of the child, which she distributed to Colby and others, using an encrypted messaging application. As detailed in court documents, if not for the collaboration of international law enforcement agencies and the work of the FBI in Baltimore, McCroskey and Colby’s abuse and exploitation of the victim would be ongoing. Videos documenting the victim’s abuse were seen by international law enforcement partners on internet platforms as early as May 2020. In December 2021, information connecting the videos to the United States was developed and on February 11, 2022, the FBI connected the videos to one of McCroskey’s social media accounts, searched her residence and arrested McCroskey and Colby. Lawrence Aquilla Colby, IV, a/k/a “Buddy,” age 34, of Elkton, Maryland, also pleaded guilty. Colby faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to sexually exploit a child and for each of five counts of sexual exploitation of a child; a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for each of three counts of receipt of child pornography; and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for Colby on August 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI, the Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Budlow and Colleen E. McGuinn 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 www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: 44 Individuals Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Roles in a Multimillion-Dollar Fraudulent Scheme to Obtain COVID-19 Relief Funds

component: USAO - Puerto Rico

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, announced the indictment of 44 individuals for their participation in a multi-million-dollar fraudulent scheme to illegally obtain federal recovery funds under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Grand Jury charged the defendants with multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering. The charging documents allege that from April 2020 through May 2023, the defendants and their co-conspirators caused the submission of at least 52 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications seeking the illegal disbursement of at least $1,237,855 in federal recovery funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Bank 1. “These defendants stole over $1 million through fraudulent means and used those funds to support their own personal lifestyles, taking needed resources from those whose legitimate businesses were suffering from losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Federal programs such as these are set up to help those in need, not to benefit criminals. Prosecution of those who illegally obtain government benefits will continue to be a priority for our office.” The United States Secret Service, the Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Treasury Department, the Puerto Rico Bureau of Special Investigations, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, and the Guaynabo Municipal Police. According to court documents, defendant Hendrick Socorro Sánchez Orta, a.k.a. “Cuba/Tito”, together with Manfred A. Pentzke Lemus, a.k.a. “Man/Contable/El Gestor”, Rodolpho R. Pagesy Roussel, a.k.a. “El Banquero”, Augusto A. Lemus Berrios, a.k.a. “Primo”, Jonatan Ben David Prieto Ruiz De Val, a.k.a. “Johnny Millones”, Ligia María Lemus De Pentzke, and others knowingly devised a scheme to defraud the SBA and Bank 1 to obtain federal money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises submitted through applications for EIDL and PPP loans made available to help small businesses recover from the impact of the pandemic through the CARES Act. Pentzke Lemus, Pagesy Roussel, Lemus Berrios, Prieto Ruiz De Val, and Lemus De Pentzke were previously charged in April in a separate indictment. The defendants are: [1] Hendrick Socorro Sánchez Orta, a.k.a. “Cuba/Tito” [2] Julia E. Pastrana Romero [3] Hillary Sánchez Santiago [4] Harold H. Sánchez Santiago [5] Yeimyliz E. Díaz Pastrana [6] Alex Gotay Concepción [7] Alexandra Dávila Ortiz [8] Alexis X. Pantoja Díaz [9] Ángel M. Martínez Martínez [10] Arnaldo X. Rodríguez Camacho [11] Betzaida Ortiz García [12] Carlos E. Peña Santiago [13] Christian J. Rivera Renovales [14] Denisse Y. Rodríguez De Jesús [15] Divad Román Estrada [16] Eduardo Pastrana Morales [17] Félix D. Lara Vázquez [18] Héctor I. Santiago Díaz [19] Iris Y. Díaz Pérez [20] Ivelisse Nieves Irizarry [21] Jan A. Hernández Martínez [22] Javier Vélez Torres [23] Jesús E. Soto Lozada [24] Josearyam Gotay León [25] Joseph Morales Santiago [26] Juan L. Rivera Mundo [27] Katty M. De León Delgado [28] Kenned A. Velázquez Toledo [29] Luis E. Reyes Sandoval [30] Luis A. Rodríguez De Jesús [31] Marla Pereira Medina [32] Nicole M. Suárez Padilla [33] Oscar López Cruz [34] Rafael J. Mejías González [35] Reynaldo López Agrinzoni [36] Ricardo J. Ramos Moyet [37] Roberto Gotay Concepción [38] Ruth D. Trinidad De León [39] Sergio A. León Pérez [40] Tomás E. Cátala Suárez [41] Wanda M. Rodríguez Feliciano [42] Wendee P. Cedeño Rosa [43] Yadisha Morales Santiago [44] Yoel Rivera Hernández The CARES Act authorized federal assistance through the issuance of SBA loans to small businesses and non-profit entities that experienced revenue loss due to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. The EIDL program was one such loan assistance program for small businesses. To procure the loan, applicants had to fill out an online application detailing operational information for the 12‑month period prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the number of employees in the business, the gross business revenues realized, and the cost of goods sold. Another form of assistance provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of United States taxpayer funds in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, such as interest on mortgages, rent and utilities, through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The indictment alleges that the defendants and their co-conspirators submitted at least 52 fraudulent EIDL and PPP loan applications containing materially false and fraudulent information and false documents, including false and fictitious tax documents, payroll records, bank records, and identification documents, to procure the disbursement of EIDL and PPP assistance loans by Bank 1. The indictment further alleges that the defendants and their co-conspirators directed the recipients of the fraudulently obtained PPP and EIDL loans to remit a portion of the proceeds of the loans to the defendants and their co-conspirators and used the loan proceeds to benefit themselves and others, and to pay for expenses prohibited under the requirements of the EIDL and PPP programs. The court documents claim that defendant Manfred A. Pentzke Lemus was the principal organizer of the fraudulent scheme and the efforts to launder the proceeds; defendant Rodolpho R. Pagesy Roussel worked at Bank 1 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and used his position to obtain the approval of fraudulent PPP applications; defendant Augusto A. Lemus Berríos assisted in the preparation of fraudulent PPP applications; defendant Jonatan Ben David Prieto Ruiz De Val acted as a money courier and coordinated the delivery of “kickback” payments to further the fraudulent scheme; defendant Ligia María Lemus De Pentzke received “kickback” payments from proceeds of the fraudulent scheme and forwarded them to her co‑conspirators; and defendant Carlos Manfredo Pentzke Chamorro received fraudulent PPP and EIDL loans in furtherance of the conspiracy. The defendants, including [1] Hendrick Socorro Sánchez Orta, a.k.a. “Cuba/Tito”, are also alleged to have recruited other unindicted co-conspirators to not only obtain additional EIDL and PPP loans under false pretenses, but recruit others to submit fraudulent applications. The United States seized approximately $848,957.96 in proceeds of this scheme from Bank 1, which are currently subject to forfeiture. If convicted, the defendants are facing up to 30 years in prison for the wire fraud counts. Hendrick Socorro Sánchez Orta is also facing up to 20 years of imprisonment for the money laundering count and a forfeiture allegation of the following assets: a. One Burgundy 2003 Hummer H2 b. One Gold 2013 Lexus ES 350 c. One 2015 Chrysler 300 d. One Caterpillar Electrical Power Generator 19.4 kW with Transfer Switch e. Assorted Fitness Equipment Valued at Approximately $40,000 This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy R. Henwood and Daniel J. Olinghouse. 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: Former NYPD Police Officer Sentenced to 33 Months Imprisonment for Engaging in Bribery Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Michael Perri, a former New York City Police Department (NYPD) police officer, was sentenced by United States District Judge Rachel P. Kovner to 33 months of imprisonment and a $25,000 fine for conspiring to use interstate facilities to commit bribery. Perri has already paid the government over $158,000 in forfeiture. During the relevant period, Perri was a recently retired NYPD police officer formerly assigned to the 107th Precinct in Queens. Perri pleaded guilty to the charge in November 2022. Perri’s co-defendant, James Davneiro, a NYPD police officer in the 107th Precinct during the relevant period, was sentenced in March 2023 to one year of imprisonment after pleading guilty to the same offense. Another of Perri’s co-defendants, Giancarlo Osma, also a NYPD police officer with the 107th Precinct during the relevant period, was sentenced in April 2023 to 14 months’ imprisonment, after pleading guilty to the same offense. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence. “Michael Perri, after retiring from the NYPD, conspired with two police officers to betray their oaths and the public with promises of easy money, and as a result, they have all been sentenced to prison for their corruption,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office will vigorously investigate and prosecute public servants and their associates who exploit their positions of power for private gain.” “Dedicated to uncovering and eradicating corruption in all its forms, investigators with our Internal Affairs Bureau worked tirelessly since the outset of this case,” stated NYPD Commissioner Sewell. “There must always be zero tolerance for such betrayals of public trust. I thank our partners with the FBI’s Public Corruption Unit and everyone from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District who helped to guide this case through to its conclusion.” According to court filings, Perri orchestrated a scheme to pay thousands of dollars in bribes to co-defendants Davneiro and Osma for their corrupt agreement to assist an automobile repair and tow trucking business that Perri had begun operating upon his retirement from the NYPD (the “Business”). Beginning in May 2020, Davneiro and Osma responded to automobile accidents and directed the damaged vehicles to the Business operated by Perri, instead of using the NYPD’s Directed Accident Response Program (DARP), which requires NYPD officers to identify an appropriate licensed tow trucking business to respond to the scene of the automobile accident and remove the damaged vehicles from the scene. To ensure that no particular business receives favored treatment, NYPD officers are required to use a computer system that randomly selects a licensed tow trucking business. Davneiro and Osma bypassed DARP and directed damaged vehicles directly to the Business in exchange for thousands of dollars in bribe payments paid by Perri. Perri, Davneiro, and Osma continued to participate in the scheme until May 2021, when they were arrested. In total, Davneiro and Osma steered at least 73 vehicles damaged in automobile accidents to Perri, resulting in total profits to the Business of more than $150,000. In exchange, Perri paid Davneiro and Osma more than $50,000 in bribes in total. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan C. Harris is in charge of the prosecution. The Defendants : JAMES DAVNEIRO Age: 44 Bayside, New York GIANCARLO OSMA Age: 40 Deer Park, New York MICHAEL PERRI Age: 34 East Islip, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-508 (RPK)


title: Ohio man sentenced to 15 years for methamphetamine trafficking

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – An Akron, Ohio, man was sentenced today to 188 months in prison for transporting hundreds of grams of crystal meth to be sold in Hancock County. William E. Maddox, Jr., 53, pled guilty in January to possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. Maddox was traveling from Akron to the Weirton area, transporting hundreds of grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” or “ice.” During a traffic stop, officers found more than 200 grams of ice, along with nearly 500 grams of marijuana, inside the vehicle. The Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.


title: New Jersey Man Charged With Gunpoint Robbery Of Manhattan Electronics Store

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Keechant L. Sewell, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), and John B. DeVito, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), announced the arrest of IGGAL COPELAND for robbing at gunpoint an electronics store in Manhattan while a 74-year-old store employee was opening for business. COPELAND was arrested this morning and will be presented today before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge James L. Cott. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The defendant’s alleged conduct was violent and callous. He and another suspect allegedly forced their way into an electronics store disguised as FedEx workers, held a gun to an elderly store employee’s head, hit the employee in the back of the head with the gun, and threatened that if the employee did not open a safe within the store, they would harm the employee’s young granddaughter while on her way to school. This Office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who commit violent robberies and terrorize hardworking New Yorkers.” NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “This arrest by the ATF/NYPD SPARTA Join Robbery Task Force is another example of New York City’s strong law enforcement partnerships combatting violent crime and holding accountable anyone who endangers people in our communities. We vow to remain relentless in identifying and investigating anyone who wields an illegal gun on our streets. Due to the efforts of our investigators and the prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District, this defendant now faces the prospect of significant federal prison time.” ATF Special Agent in Charge John B. DeVito said: “This allegedly brazen and horrendous crime against anyone, let alone a hardworking New York family, is both atrocious and unacceptable within our society. The men and women of ATF NY’s SPARTA (Strategic Pattern Armed Robbery Technical Apprehension) group will continue to work with our partners at the NYPD Manhattan Robbery Squad to protect the public from those who terrorize our communities. Swift investigative follow up and this arrest highlight the indispensable work of our collaborative effort to identify and stop violent criminals on the streets of New York.” According to the allegations contained in the Complaint and court filings: [ [1] ] On or about April 21, 2023, COPELAND and another individual (“CC-1”) robbed at gunpoint (the “Robbery”) an electronics store in New York, New York (the “Store”). COPELAND and CC-1 drove to the Robbery using a vehicle with stolen plates that was abandoned in Brooklyn after the Robbery. To gain access to the Store, COPELAND and CC-1 disguised themselves as FedEx employees while a 74-year-old store employee (“Victim-1”) was opening the Store for business in the morning. The FedEx uniforms the defendant wore are pictured below: COPELAND and CC-1 forced Victim-1 to a back room and attempted to gain access to a safe. While CC-1 held a gun to Victim-1’s head, COPELAND said, “Stop yelling” and “Open the door [to the safe] . . . do you want your granddaughter [to overhear] when she comes down for school.” COPELAND then said, “I’m about to kill his grandbaby . . . he’s fuckin’ playing games.” After attempting unsuccessfully to gain access to the safe, COPELAND and CC-1 took approximately $1,500 from Victim-1. They then ran to the front of the Store and CC-1 pushed the 73-year-old female employee of the Store (“Victim-2”) to the ground. Two individuals outside of the Store heard screams coming from Victim-2 inside the Store, intervened to stop the Robbery, and unsuccessfully attempted to stop COPELAND and CC-1 from fleeing the scene. * * * COPELAND, 46, of Union City, New Jersey, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and one count of Hobbs Act robbery, which each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of using and brandishing a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The mandatory minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the ATF and NYPD, in particular, the Strategic Patterned Armed Robbery Technical Apprehension (“SPARTA”) Task Force, which is composed of agents and officers of the ATF and the NYPD. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey W. Coyle is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Missouri Couple Sentenced for Unlawfully Obtaining COVID-19 Jobless Benefits

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A St. Charles, Missouri husband and wife were each sentenced to five years of federal probation today after unlawfully obtaining $26,917 in unemployment benefits provided for by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. The CARES Act provided for a temporary emergency increase in unemployment compensation benefits, referred to as the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC). The CARES Act also created the PUA program, which provided unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended unemployment benefits. The FPUC and PUA programs are collectively referred to as pandemic unemployment benefits and even though these benefits are administered by the states, they are funded in part by the federal government. According to court documents and statements made in court, Robert Notgrass, 51, and Rhonda Notgrass, 46, lived in Washington, West Virginia, when Robert Notgrass was employed as a pastor of a local church from before January 1, 2018, until he was released from that position on June 1, 2020. On August 15, 2020, Rhonda Notgrass applied for pandemic unemployment benefits with WorkForce West Virginia, the agency that administers the pandemic unemployment benefits for West Virginians. Rhonda Notgrass falsely claimed that she was unemployed as a direct result of a pandemic or major disaster. Robert Notgrass helped his wife complete the application and submitted a letter on her behalf in furtherance of the false claim. On September 16, 2020, Rhonda Notgrass received approximately $14,150 in pandemic unemployment benefits payment from WorkForce West Virginia. The payment included federal monies from the CARES Act. Rhonda Notgrass admitted that she knew she was not entitled to receive the pandemic unemployment benefits. Rhonda Notgrass pleaded guilty to theft of government property. Robert Notgrass admitted to wrongly receiving $12,767 in pandemic unemployment benefits. Robert Notgrass pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the theft of government property. The couple has fully paid the $26,917 in court-ordered restitution. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General (OIG) and WorkForce West Virginia. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Erik S. Goes and Kathleen Robeson prosecuted the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:23-cr-16 and 2:23-cr-17. ###