title: Court Sentences Armed Carjacker to 10 Years in Prison

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Gianni Saunders, 21, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on July 2, 2024, to 10 years of incarceration followed by five years of supervised release by the Honorable Errol Arthur in Superior Court for the District of Columbia, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Saunders was sentenced for the May 24, 2023, armed carjacking of a handyman who was getting out of his car in the 2800 block of Denver Street SE to do a repair job. Saunders received the benefit of the Youth Rehabilitation Act over the government’s objection. Armed carjacking carries a mandatory minimum term of 15 years of incarceration. The Youth Rehabilitation Act allows for judges to sentence beneath mandatory minimum terms. A jury in the District of Columbia convicted Saunders of armed carjacking, armed robbery, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence on January 30, 2024. According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 1:24 pm on May 24, 2023, the victim pulled up to the 2800 block of Denver Street SE to make repairs inside a residential building when Saunders approached him, armed with a gun with an extended magazine, and demanded the victim’s car keys, which were hung around his neck. Saunders then drove off in the victim’s black Honda Civic, parking the car outside his residence later that afternoon. Two days later, on May 26, 2023, Maryland police officers attempted to pull over the stolen car, which led to a high-speed pursuit that ended when the defendant crashed the stolen car into five other cars on Oxon Hill Road in Maryland. Saunders was pulled out of the driver’s seat. A search of the car recovered a gun with an extended magazine with the defendant’s DNA on it. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of the officers of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Carjacking Task Force. Invaluable assistance was provided by the Forest Heights Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Abu Alawy and Antoinette Sakamsa and Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Renee Prather; Information Technology Specialist William Henderson and Supervisory Information Technology Specialist Stephanie Vice; Supervisory Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Katina Adams-Washington; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared English, who investigated the case. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Gimenez and Iris McCranie, who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: Crime Spree Committed by Three South Louisiana Men Ends in Lengthy Federal Prison Sentences

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: LAKE CHARLES, La. – Three men who went on a crime spree starting in Madison, Louisiana, through Kentwood, Louisiana and McComb, Mississippi, down to Beaumont, Texas, and ending in Vinton, Louisiana, have been sentenced in federal court, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Each defendant pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced the defendants as follows: Evan Aaron Ard , 22, of Hammond, was sentenced to 123 months in prison. Jaylon Deshon Brumfield , 25, of Lake Charles, was sentenced to 120 months in prison. Taurus Terrell Finley , 22, of Hammond, was sentenced to 131 months in prison. Each defendant will also serve 5 years of supervised release following their release from prison. The three defendants were charged in a Bill of Information with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence in connection with a string of robberies that they committed between April 14, 2022, and April 27, 2022. During this period of time, Ard, Brumfield, and Finley conspired to take property from multiple businesses and people, including Bordertown Travel and their cashier, by force, threat and violence. Each defendant admitted to using a firearm in furtherance of the robbery of Bordertown Travel to help them obtain property from them by threat and force. In addition, the three defendants stole multiple vehicles, firearms, property from convenience stores, and robbed individuals at gunpoint along the way. This crime spree finally ended after the robbery of the store in Vinton, Louisiana after all three defendants attempted to flee in a stolen vehicle at a high rate of speed from police which resulted in spikes being employed followed by a foot chase of Ard, Brumfield, and Finley until apprehended by police. “These three defendants left many victims frightened and scarred by the threats of gun violence and robbery committed against them,” said United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “They had no care of others’ property or life as they made their way across three states committing these robberies. Thanks to the cooperation of many state and local, as well as federal law enforcement agency partners, this crime spree came to an end without the loss of life. I commend the efforts of all those agencies involved in this investigation and we will continue to join together to keep these cold-hearted individuals off of our streets.” “For twelve days, this trio terrorized victims at multiple gas stations and convenience stores,” said Lyonel Myrthil, Special Agent in Charge of FBI New Orleans. “The FBI appreciates its local and state partners for helping to shorten their crime spree. The FBI is committed to working hard with communities across Louisiana to change this culture of violence.” The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Casey Richmond. # # #


title: Easton Man Charged in Superseding Indictment with Scheme to Purchase Home in Relative's Name Using COVID Relief Funds

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – An Easton man was charged yesterday in a superseding indictment for allegedly using Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to secretly purchase a home in the name of a close relative. Bill Dessaps, 47, was charged in a superseding indictment with a second count of wire fraud conspiracy. Dessaps was previously indicted in January 2024 on one count of wire fraud conspiracy, one count of money laundering, and one count of bank fraud. In January 2024 , five other individuals were charged for their alleged involvement in the PPP fraud scheme. According to the charging document, Dessaps – the operator of an Abington-based used car dealership – allegedly conspired with individuals in Massachusetts and Florida to submit a fraudulent PPP application on behalf of Dessaps’s dealership. It is alleged that the application they prepared and submitted for Dessaps’s dealership falsely stated that the dealership had 40 employees and average monthly payroll expenses of $334,720. As a result of the applications, it is alleged that the lender disbursed a PPP loan of $836,800 to Dessaps. After receiving these funds, Dessaps allegedly made kickback payments to one or more of the individuals who assisted with the application. The superseding indictment further alleges that, after Dessaps received the PPP loan, he purchased a $750,000 home in the name of a straw buyer—his close relative—because his credit score would have prevented him from obtaining a mortgage on favorable terms, and because he purchased the home using PPP funds, a purchase the PPP prohibits. It is alleged that Dessaps, his close relative, and a real estate agent submitted false mortgage application documents to a lender, including forms and forged records that inflated the relative’s income and assets. For a portion of the home costs, Dessaps allegedly transferred PPP proceeds into a joint bank account that he and his relative controlled. After a lender denied the close relative’s application for a secondary loan for the remaining funds, Dessaps and his real estate agent allegedly arranged a sham gift of $127,500 from the real estate agent’s girlfriend to the close relative, which Dessaps wired to the girlfriend. Through these and other misrepresentations, Dessaps obtained a $510,000 mortgage on the home and lived in it. The original indictment also charged Dessaps with attempting to obtain a “Second Draw” PPP loan through another fraudulent application in March 2021. The charges of wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the scheme, whichever is greater. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of money involved in the laundering transaction. The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the scheme, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Holcomb of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra W. Amrhein of the Asset Recovery Unit are prosecuting 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 . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: President of Freight Forwarding Company Indicted for Allegedly Smuggling Goods from the United States to Russia

body_text: BOSTON – The President of a freight forwarding company has been indicted for allegedly smuggling goods from the United States into Russia without a license. Kirill Gordei, 34, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States; one count of smuggling goods from the United States; and one count of export of a spectrometer which is a commerce control item. Gordei was arrested on June 30, 2024 in Florida and was released on conditions following an initial appearance in the Middle District of Florida yesterday. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. Gordei is a citizen of Belarus and the United States who resides in Hallandale, Fla. He is the President of Apelsin Logistics, a freight forwarding company, located in Hallandale Beach, Fla. Apelsin also has an address in Russia and two websites both of which are registered and hosted in Russia. According to the indictment, on or about Aug. 11, 2023, Gordei allegedly falsely claimed that he was shipping an Orbitrap Exploris GC 240 Mass Spectrometer – an item that delivers high data quality and versatility to accelerate scientific discovery for academic, industry research, government and omics laboratories – to Uzbekistan when it was, in fact, destined for Russia. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, a series of stringent export controls were implemented that restrict Russia’s access to the technologies and other items that it needs to sustain its attack on Ukraine. As of April 8, 2022, license requirements for exports, reexports and transfers to or within Russia were expanded to cover the most sensitive items subject to controls on a Controlled Commerce List. The Spectrometer, which was valued at over $600,000, was on the Controlled Commerce List and required a license from the Bureau of Industry and Security to export to Russia. “By allegedly smuggling sensitive technology to Russia, Mr. Gordei undermined the critical framework established to protect national security. This case highlights the importance of enforcing export controls, especially regarding sensitive items on the Controlled Commerce List, which include technologies vital to scientific and industrial advancement. Our office will prosecute those who attempt to circumvent U.S. laws for personal or commercial gain, particularly when such actions have potential implications for global security,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “As alleged, Gordei defrauded U.S. government export regulators and smuggled advanced scientific technology to Russian customers, placing personal profit over national security,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department will use every available tool to disrupt illicit supply chains used to funnel illegally sophisticated technologies to Russia and other hostile powers.” “Freight forwarders play an outsized role in the export of items overseas and, accordingly, are expected to help uphold the law rather than subvert it,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod. “Here, Kirill Gordei — the president of a freight forwarding company — is alleged to have willfully evaded restrictions designed to degrade the Russian war machine by obfuscating the value and ultimate destination of a mass spectrometer.” The charge of Export of Commerce Control Items provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of smuggling goods from the United States provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States provides for a sentence of five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and Assistant Secretary Axelrod made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Marshals Service; and the Transportation Security Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura J. Kaplan of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case with assistance from Trial Attorney Christopher Magnani of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence & Export Control Section. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Recidivist Pittsburgh Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Large-Scale Distribution of Cocaine

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on July 2, 2024, to 15 years in prison on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Kevin Rucker, 53. According to information presented to the Court, over the course of nearly a year, Rucker supplied multiple kilograms of cocaine to other drug traffickers in the Pittsburgh area. During the conspiracy, Rucker was responsible for the possession or distribution of at least 35 kilograms of cocaine. Rucker was previously convicted in 2015 in federal court in Pittsburgh of conspiring to distribute heroin. Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman noted that Rucker was a recidivist drug trafficker responsible for large-scale trafficking in the Pittsburgh area, and that Rucker served as a ringleader in the conspiracy. In addition to the term of incarceration, Judge Stickman also ordered Rucker to serve 10 years of supervised release following his release from prison. “The successful investigation and prosecution of Kevin Rucker was the result of a coordinated effort between the United States Attorney’s Office and multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Our office remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the Western District of Pennsylvania from drug traffickers—particularly large-scale, repeat offenders like Rucker—and the harm their criminal activities inflicts on our communities.” Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rucker. This prosecution is part of two Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: New York Man Pleads Guilty to Traveling to Louisiana to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with Fifteen-Year-Old Female

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PETER NEALON (“ NEALON”) , age 66, from Schenectady, New York, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Darrel James Papillion to interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(b). According to court documents, beginning on or about July 17, 2023, NEALON met law enforcement personnel operating in an undercover capacity posing as a fifteen-year-old female (FM1) on Instagram. Over the next several months, NEALON engaged FM1 in overtly sexual conversations and, on multiple occasions, transmitted images and videos depicting what he claimed to be his erect penis. Beginning in about July 2023, and continuing on multiple occasions until on or about March 27, 2024, during his communications with FM1, NEALON told FM1 that he intended to visit her in Louisiana to engage in sex with FM1 and explained, in considerable detail, the sex acts he intended to perform. In February 2024, NEALON used a messaging application to communicate with someone he believed to be a fourteen-year-old female, who was FM1’s friend (FM2). During conversations with FM1 and FM2, NEALON expressed an intent and expectation to engage in various forms of sexual contact with FM1 and FM2, individually and collectively. In March 2024, NEALON discussed logistics of his trip with FM1 and, on about March 19, 2024, booked flight and hotel reservations from Albany, New York, to New Orleans, Louisiana. NEALON travelled by plane to New Orleans on about March 27, 2024, in furtherance of his intent to engage in sexual acts with FM1 and FM2. NEALON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty (30) years. NEALON also faces at least five (5) years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. NEALON may also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing before Judge Papillion has been scheduled for October 8, 2024. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Briana Williams and Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Springfield Man was Sentenced to Over Nine Years in Prison for Firearms Charges

body_text: BOSTON – A Springfield man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Springfield for firearms offenses. Benjamin Hunter-Blake, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 114 months in prison followed by 36 months of supervised release. In April 2024, Hunter-Blake pleaded guilty to one count each of felon in possession of firearm and ammunition, unlawful possession of machinegun, and unlawful possession of unregistered firearm (a silencer). On Jan. 27, 2023, during a search of Hunter-Blake’s Springfield residence five pistols, including a .40 caliber pistol with an attached “Glock switch” machinegun conversion device and an assault rifle style pistol with silencer and a high capacity drum magazine containing 22 rounds of ammunition; four other Glock switches; and a large collection of ammunition, large capacity magazines, and other firearms-related items were seized. Hunter-Blake’s mobile phone, which contained evidence that Hunter-Blake had been obtaining and distributing other firearms, including Glock switches, to other individuals, including at least one person with a felony conviction, after two state firearms convictions and while on pretrial home conferment for a third state firearms case was also found. Hunter-Blake was convicted twice in state court on firearms felonies and is currently under indictment and house arrest for a third state firearms case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance provided by the Springfield Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.


title: South Carolina Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Carjacking

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that, on June 28, 2024, ONIS WASHINGTON (“ WASHINGTON”) , age 25, a resident of South Carolina, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to 180 months of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for carjacking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119. On January 2, 2022, in the 1000 block of Carondelet Street, WASHINGTON and his co-defendant forcefully stole a car from the victim and fled in the stolen vehicle. Louisiana State Police and the New Orleans Police Department located the vehicle, but it refused to stop. Following a chase, WASHINGTON and his co-defendant hit several vehicles and crashed the stolen vehicle, before fleeing on foot. WASHINGTON was later arrested in South Carolina. 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. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: St. Cloud Man Pleads Guilty To Attempting To Entice A 14-Year-Old Child To Engage In Sexual Activity

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Daniel Michael Mohat (27, St. Cloud) has pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Mohat faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, in August 2022, law enforcement engaged in an online undercover multi-agency operation based out of Nassau County, for the purpose of identifying and apprehending individuals using the internet to exploit juveniles for sexual activity. During the operation, Mohat contacted one of the undercover agents, who was posing as a 14-year-old girl, via social media. Over the course of several days, Mohat engaged in a sexually oriented conversation with the undercover agent. On multiple occasions, Mohat requested that the “girl” create explicit videos and pictures of herself and send them to him. This case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Felon Caught with Fentanyl, Cocaine Base Sentenced to 150 Months in Prison

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Wednesday sentenced a convicted felon caught with guns, fentanyl and crack cocaine to 150 months in prison. After an investigation by the FBI and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department led to a May 2023 court-approved search of Devion X. Gordon’s home in Wellston, Missouri, investigators found a loaded .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol. They found 803 grams of fentanyl and 507 grams of cocaine base, $18,000 cash, four digital scales, two blenders with purple and white residue, boxes of plastic bags, empty blue and red capsules and two notebooks containing names, numbers, emails and dollar amounts owed and paid. Gordon, 29, of Wellston, Missouri, pleaded guilty in March to charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Gordon is a convicted felon and is barred from possession of firearms. The FBI and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Goeke prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Tampa Man Who Was A Fugitive For Nearly 15 Years Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Possess With Intent To Distribute Over 100 Kilograms Of Marijuana

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Zecki Halum, (40, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana. Halum faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, in August 2009, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) received information that a recreational vehicle (RV) would be used to transport approximately 200 pounds of marijuana from Arizona to the Middle District of Florida. Agents tracked the RV as Halum’s co-conspirator, Dale Wetherholt, drove the RV to Florida. Upon Wetherholt’s arrival in Tampa, he was met by a vehicle driven by another co-conspirator with Halum in the passenger seat. Wetherholt, Halum, and the co-conspirator followed each other first to a convenience store parking lot, and then to a church parking lot in Crystal Springs, where they planned to unload the marijuana from the RV. At that time, agents arrested Halum and his coconspirators. Agents searched the RV and found over 100 kilograms of marijuana packaged in bales and wrapped in a manner consistent with drug trafficking. Halum was indicted on September 23, 2009. In February 2010, Halum violated the conditions of his pretrial release, failed to appear for court, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Halum was arrested on the warrant on March 29, 2024. Wetherholt pleaded guilty on November 12, 2009, to the same offense and was sentenced on April 30, 2010, to 30 months in federal prison. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jeff Chang and Kelley Howard Allen.


title: Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Opioid Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jesus Emmanuel Davis, 24, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to distribution of protonitazene and isotonitazene. According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 7, 2023, Davis sold five pills to a confidential informant in Charleston. The West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory confirmed that the pills contained protonitazene and isotonitazene, synthetic opioids potentially more dangerous and deadly than fentanyl. Davis is scheduled to be sentenced on October 3, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million 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 Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin is 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. 2:24-cr-51. ###


title: Choir teacher sentenced for receiving child pornography from another local resident

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 33-year-old Mexican citizen has been sentenced for receiving child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Orlando Diaz-Ramirez pleaded guilty Sept. 8, 2023, admitting he received 300 videos of child pornography from Israel Flores, 22, Los Fresnos. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now sentenced Diaz to 97 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard that Diaz had an additional eight GB of child pornography on his Dropbox account and that he was employed as a choir teacher at a local middle school at the time of the offense. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that by engaging in the receipt of this material, Diaz’ actions fed into the market for the production of child pornography and the possible victimization of future children. Flores was also previously sentenced to 97 months in prison. Diaz and Flores must also pay $24,000 and $21,000, respectively, to known victims. Both men will also be ordered to register as sex offenders and must serve five years on supervised release, during which time they will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Not a U.S. citizen, Diaz is expected to face removal proceedings following his sentence. In October 2020, authorities conducted an investigation identifying an individual uploading child pornography to a Dropbox account. They linked the associated IP address to a residence in Donna that belonged to Diaz. In April 2021, authorities executed a federal search warrant at the location. At that time, he admitted to downloading child pornography through Kik and uploading it to his Dropbox account. He also stated he possessed a USB drive containing child pornography which he received from Flores. Authorities then contacted Flores at his residence in Los Fresnos who admitted he provided the USB to Diaz. He had used his Kik account to access accounts in Mega, a cloud-based storage and file hosting service, to obtain the child pornography. Flores then downloaded the material onto the USB drive. A review of the USB drive revealed 300 videos of child pornography including prepubescent minors under the age of 12 engaged in sexual acts with adults. Diaz and Flores will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page .


title: Ex-Husband Sentenced for Assault and Burglary of Pregnant Ex-Wife’s Home

body_text: WASHINGTON – James Miller, 41, of Virginia, was sentenced today for burglary, simple assault, and destruction of property in a break-in that took place in Northwest Washington in the middle of the night, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). On January 10, 2024, a Superior Court jury returned a guilty verdict, following a trial for burglary, simple assault, and destruction of property. Miller was sentenced today by Superior Judge Robert A. Salerno to five years in prison. According to the government’s evidence, Miller broke into his pregnant ex-wife’s home by breaking through the front door on September 19, 2023. Immediately upon breaking into her home, the defendant charged at his ex-wife and assaulted her by grabbing her by the throat and throwing her to the ground. After she got back up, the defendant grabbed her by her bathrobe and threw her onto the couch. Both the victim and her 22-year-old-daughter, who was hiding upstairs, called 911. Police arrived quickly at 1:49 a.m. and arrested Miller on scene. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Callie Hyde and Matthew Covert of the Domestic Violence unit, who prosecuted the case.


title: Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Faces Mandatory Minimum of 15 Years in Prison

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

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison. Bernard Caston, 54, pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Jackson. According to court documents, Caston and Fredrick Harper, 44, both of Jackson, stole four firearms from another individual on February 24, 2018. Caston and Harper were stopped by a Jackson police officer when they were driving to another location in Jackson to sell the stolen guns. Caston will be sentenced on October 1, 2024. He will be sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act based on his prior felony convictions for crimes of violence, including a federal armed bank robbery conviction and multiple house burglary convictions in Hinds County. Under the Armed Career Criminal Act, Caston will face a minimum of 15 years in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Harper previously pled guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and was sentenced to serve 188 months in prison. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement. The case was investigated by the ATF and the Jackson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amber Jones and Dave Fulcher are prosecuting the case.


title: Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Wednesday sentenced a methamphetamine dealer to 188 months in prison. Marcus M. Nelson, 42, of Cairo, Illinois pleaded guilty in March in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to two counts of distributing methamphetamine. He admitted selling meth on two occasions to a confidential informant who told Drug Enforcement Administration agents about past purchases of multiple ounces of meth from Nelson. On July 10, 2023, Nelson sold 157 grams of meth for $1,600 to the informant at a Cape Girardeau home. On July 16, 2023, he sold 446 grams, or nearly one pound, of meth for a downpayment of $2,500 and a later payment of $700 more. Nelson’s sentence will run consecutive to any prison sentence he receives for violating his parole on a robbery conviction. Nelson was sentenced to 140 months in prison after a 2001 conviction for conspiracy to distribute and distribution of cocaine base in the Southern District of Illinois. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Willis prosecuted the case.


title: Former Defense Contractor and his Wife Indicted for Evading U.S. Taxes on Profits from Selling Jet Fuel to U.S. Military

component: Tax Division

body_text: WASHINGTON – A 30-count indictment was unsealed today in U.S. District Court charging Douglas Edelman, 72, a former defense contractor, and Delphine Le Dain, 58, his wife, with a decades-long scheme to defraud the United States and evade taxes on more than $350 million in income Edelman made as a defense contractor during the United States’ post-9/11 military efforts in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Edelman was arrested today in Ibiza, Spain, based on the U.S. criminal charges. The United States will seek Edelman’s extradition to stand trial in the United States. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia and Acting Deputy Assistant U.S. Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. According to the indictment, between 2003 and 2020, Edelman allegedly was the 50% owner of Mina Corp. and Red Star Enterprises (Mina/Red Star), a defense contracting business that received more than $7 billion from contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense to provide jet fuel to U.S. troops in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Working with Le Dain and several other co-conspirators, Edelman allegedly engaged in a years-long scheme to conceal his profits from Mina/Red Star, including by concealing his income in undisclosed foreign bank accounts, creating false documents, and making false statements that Le Dain who, as a French citizen residing abroad, did not have U.S. tax obligations, founded and owned Mina/Red Star. Le Dain allegedly signed some of false documents, including those that purported to “gift” Edelman money for certain personal expenses. The indictment further alleges that to carry off his scheme, Edelman conveyed this false story of Le Dain’s ownership to various arms of the U.S. government, including to a Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives during a 2010 Congressional investigation, to the Department of Defense during contract negotiations, to the Internal Revenue Service in a 2015 application to the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program, and to the Department of Justice in a 2018 presentation. Until approximately 2015, Edelman allegedly did not file any U.S. individual tax returns and did not pay any tax on the tens of millions of dollars he was allegedly making each year from Mina/Red Star. In 2015, Edelman allegedly filed false returns for tax years 2007 to 2014 claiming that his business interests, income, and assets belonged to Le Dain. From 2015 to 2020, Edelman allegedly filed false tax returns claiming that his only income was as a consultant, and that he had no interests in any foreign businesses. The indictment further alleges that Edelman directed his profits from Mina/Red Star into banks known at the time to shield account holder identities from U.S. authorities, in countries such as Switzerland, the Bahamas, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. He allegedly held the accounts in the name of non-U.S. entities created in countries such as Panama, Belize, and the British Virgin Islands. Edelman allegedly always controlled the money in these accounts and used it to fund his other business ventures around the world, including a business selling internet services to U.S. troops and contractors at Kandahar Air Base in Afghanistan, a Mexican fuel infrastructure project, and a music television franchise in Eastern Europe. Edelman allegedly also used the money to buy a ski chalet in Austria, a house in Spain, a townhouse in London, and multiple yachts—all of which were purchased in the name of nominees. Edelman and Le Dain are charged with conspiring to defraud the United States and 15 counts of tax evasion. Edelman also is charged with two counts of making false statements to the United States, and 12 counts of willfully violating his foreign bank account reporting obligations, as part of a pattern of unlawful activity. If convicted, Edelman and Le Dain face up to five years in prison for the conspiracy count, as well as five years in federal prison for each tax evasion count. Edelman also faces up to five years in prison for each false statement count and 10 years in federal prison for each count of willfully violating foreign bank account reporting while engaged in a pattern of unlawful activity involving more than $100,000 per year. They each face a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. IRS Criminal Investigation and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction are investigating the case, with assistance from His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs of the United Kingdom. Assistance was also provided by the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5), which brings together the taxing authorities of Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Guardia Civil of Spain provided assistance with Edelman’s arrest. This case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Nanette Davis, Assistant Chief Sarah Ranney, and Trial Attorney Ezra Spiro of the Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold of the District of Columbia. An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ### 24cr239


title: Former Defense Contractor and His Wife Indicted for Evading U.S. Taxes on Profits from Selling Jet Fuel to U.S. Military

body_text: An indictment was unsealed today charging Douglas Edelman, a former defense contractor, and Delphine Le Dain, his wife, with a decades-long scheme to defraud the United States and evade taxes on more than $350 million in income Edelman made as a defense contractor during the United States’ post-9/11 military efforts in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Edelman was arrested on July 3 in Spain based on the U.S. criminal charges. The United States will seek Edelman’s extradition to stand trial in the United States. According to the indictment, between 2003 and 2020, Edelman allegedly was the 50% owner of Mina Corp. and Red Star Enterprises (Mina/Red Star), a defense contracting business that received more than $7 billion from contracts with the Department of Defense to provide jet fuel to U.S. troops in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Working with Le Dain and several other co-conspirators, Edelman allegedly engaged in a lengthy scheme to hide his profits from Mina/Red Star, including by concealing his income in undisclosed foreign bank accounts, creating false documents and making false statements that Le Dain — who, as a French citizen residing abroad, did not have U.S. tax obligations — founded and owned Mina/Red Star. Le Dain allegedly signed some of the false documents, including those that purported to “gift” Edelman money for certain personal expenses. The indictment further alleges that to carry out his scheme, Edelman conveyed this false story of Le Dain’s ownership to arms of the U.S. government, including to a Subcommittee of the House of Representatives during a 2010 Congressional investigation, to the Department of Defense during contract negotiations, to the Internal Revenue Service in a 2015 application to the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program, and to the Justice Department in a 2018 presentation. Until approximately 2015, Edelman allegedly did not file any U.S. individual tax returns and did not pay any tax on the tens of millions of dollars he was allegedly making each year from Mina/Red Star. In 2015, Edelman allegedly filed false returns for tax years 2007 to 2014, claiming that his business interests, income, and assets belonged to Le Dain. From 2015 to 2020, Edelman allegedly filed false tax returns reporting that his only income was as a consultant, and that he had no interests in any foreign businesses. The indictment further alleges that Edelman directed his profits from Mina/Red Star into banks known at the time to shield account holder identities from U.S. authorities, in countries such as Switzerland, the Bahamas, Singapore and United Arab Emirates. He allegedly held the accounts in the name of non-U.S. entities created in countries such as Panama, Belize and the British Virgin Islands. Edelman allegedly always controlled the money in these accounts and used it to fund his other business ventures around the world, including a business selling internet services to U.S. troops and contractors at Kandahar Air Base in Afghanistan, a Mexican fuel infrastructure project and a music television franchise in Eastern Europe. Edelman allegedly also used the money to buy a ski chalet in Austria, a house in Spain, a townhouse in London and multiple yachts — all of which were purchased in the name of nominees. Edelman and Le Dain are charged with conspiring to defraud the United States and 15 counts of tax evasion. Edelman is also charged with two counts of making false statements to the United States, and 12 counts of willfully violating his foreign bank account reporting obligations, as part of a pattern of unlawful activity. If convicted, Edelman and Le Dain face up to five years in prison for the conspiracy count, as well as up to five years in prison for each tax evasion count. Edelman also faces up to five years in prison for each false statement count and ten years in prison for each count of willfully violating foreign bank account reporting while engaged in a pattern of unlawful activity involving more than $100,000 per year. They each face a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction are investigating the case, with assistance from His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs of the United Kingdom. Assistance was also provided by the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5), which brings together the taxing authorities of Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and United States. Assistance with the arrest was provided by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Guardia Civil of Spain. Senior Litigation Counsel Nanette Davis, Assistant Chief Sarah Ranney and Trial Attorney Ezra Spiro of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Pekin Man Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Filing a False Tax Return

component: USAO - Illinois, Central

body_text: PEORIA, Ill. – A Pekin, Illinois, man, Kenin L. Edwards, 59, was sentenced on July 1, 2024, to 21 months in federal prison for making and subscribing a false tax return. Edwards will also serve one year of supervised release and is required to pay restitution, in addition to a $10,000.00 fine. At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid, the government presented evidence that Edwards was employed in the logging business as a timber buyer. His employment included contract work between landowners and sawmills, and he was paid a commission for the deals that he closed. In late 2017, Edwards formed a partnership with his son, which he named Edwards & Sons Log Purveyors. For the tax years 2014 through 2018, Edwards underreported income totaling $2,100,365.00 to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), resulting in a total federal tax loss of $180,626.00. In addition, he underreported income totaling $673,359.00 to the Illinois Department of Revenue (“IDR”), resulting in a total state tax loss of $22,004.00. Edwards has a remaining tax loss due to the IRS of $6,346.00 and has paid the tax loss to the IDR. Interest and penalties due to both the IRS and IDR have not yet been paid. A federal grand jury returned a 14-count indictment against Edwards in March 2021. Counts One through Four involved mail fraud and Counts Five through Seven were wire fraud charges. Counts Eight through Fourteen related to the filing of false tax returns. Edwards pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return in November 2023, pursuant to a written agreement. The court dismissed the remaining charges at sentencing upon the government’s motion. A ruling on the restitution amount due will be made at a later date. The statutory penalties for filing a false tax return are up to three years imprisonment; up to one year of supervised release; and a fine of up to $100,000.00. The case investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Illinois Department of Revenue. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Bass, Douglas F. McMeyer, and Sarah E. Seberger represented the government in the prosecution.


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Federal Drug and Weapons Violations

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –GERARD TURNER (“TURNER”) , age 22, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to 87 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, along with a $400 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8); possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2); possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). According to court documents, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at TURNER’s residence in July, 2023. TURNER possessed distributable quantities of marijuana; a loaded Romarm/Cugir Model Mini Draco, 7.62x39-millimeter semi-automatic pistol; rounds of various calibers of ammunition, including a loaded pistol magazine and loaded drum magazine; and a machinegun conversion device, which is designed to turn a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic machinegun. TURNER has prior felony convictions for simple burglary, illegal use of weapons, and illegal possession of stolen things. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Montebello Man Found Guilty of Distributing Fentanyl that Resulted  in Victim’s Fatal Overdose at Long Beach Drug Rehabilitation Clinic

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A federal jury today found a Montebello man guilty of distributing fentanyl to a buyer who then distributed it to a victim who the next day suffered a fatal overdose of the powerful synthetic opioid at a Long Beach drug treatment facility in late 2021. Juan Carlos Gutierrez, 33, a.k.a. “Johnny G,” was found guilty of one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and serious bodily injury, a felony offense that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. According to evidence presented at an eight-day trial, Gutierrez on December 9, 2021, distributed fentanyl to co-defendant Jayleen Feusier, 36, of South Gate. Previously that night, Feusier agreed to get fentanyl for the victim, a 34-year-old man who was residing at a Long Beach drug treatment facility. In exchange for $60, Feusier agreed to get the fentanyl for the victim from Gutierrez. Later that night, Feusier broke off approximately one gram of the fentanyl that Gutierrez provided to her, packaged it in a small plastic baggie, and placed the baggie, a lighter, and drug paraphernalia into a small box. She then placed the small box into a bag with a black t-shirt to mask the contents, ordered an Uber delivery service, and placed the item on the backseat of the vehicle to be delivered to the victim at the rehabilitation facility. Feusier then sent a link to the victim so he could track the Uber as it traveled to him. At around 11 p.m. that night, the victim jumped a fence and retrieved the package from the Uber vehicle then went back inside the drug treatment facility. Approximately six hours later, the victim’s body was discovered inside the facility’s living room. Drug paraphernalia sent by Feusier was discovered nearby the victim. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled that the victim’s death was caused by a fentanyl overdose. United States District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr. scheduled an October 15 sentencing hearing for Gutierrez, who has been in federal custody since May 2023. Feusier, who has been in federal custody since February 6, pleaded guilty on March 5 to one count of distribution of fentanyl. She faces up to 20 years in federal prison at her sentencing hearing, which is expected to occur in the coming months. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Long Beach Police Department investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy K. Beecher and Danbee C. Kim of the General Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Wethersfield Man Charged with Distributing Narcotics to Overdose Victim

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Meriden Police Chief Roberto Rosado today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging JIMMY LASSUS, 39, of Wethersfield, with distribution of fentanyl and oxycodone. The charge stems from an investigation of an overdose death in October 2023. The indictment was returned on June 25, 2024. Lassus appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty. He has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on April 11, 2024. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning of October 6, 2023, Meriden Police responded to a residence on a report of a suspected overdose and found a 27-year-old woman unresponsive in a bedroom. She was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased. The investigation revealed that for several months before the victim’s death, the victim engaged in numerous drug-related text message conversations with Lassus. The text messages revealed that Lassus supplied the victim with oxycodone, and that he supplied her with fentanyl that she ingested in the hours before she died. The victim stated in text messages and in a journal entry that it was her first time using fentanyl. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the victim’s death to be caused by acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, benzodiazepines, xylazine, and oxycodone. If convicted of the charge in the indictment, Lassus faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Meriden Police Department, with the assistance of the Wethersfield Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan Keefe and Reed Durham.


title: Georgia Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Drug Trafficking Offense

body_text: GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Frederick Anthony Forbes, 52, of McDonough, Georgia, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison, after previously having been found guilty by a federal jury for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence. “Our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners work tirelessly to keep us safe by removing addictive and deadly controlled substances from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “We remain committed to support their efforts through the investigation and vigorous prosecution of criminals bringing drugs into North Florida. The imposed sentence illustrates the significant consequences of harming our citizens through illicit drug trafficking activities.” The evidence showed that Forbes, who was previously convicted of cocaine trafficking in 1994, was engaged in a longstanding conspiracy with other individuals to distribute cocaine. The conspiracy used coded language and counter-surveillance to avoid detection, as well as a commercial trucking business as a cover for narcotics trafficking. “Drug trafficking has a devastating impact on our communities, and drug distributors, like Mr. Forbes, put profits over the lives of our citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Deanne Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division. “This investigation highlights DEA’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to hold those who threaten the safety and health of our Florida communities accountable for their actions.” Evidence, including testimony, surveillance, wiretap intercepts, and two kilograms of powder cocaine seized from Forbes in September of 2022, established that Forbes coordinated the purchase, delivery, and re-sale of cocaine, acting as a supplier for dealers in the Northern District of Florida and elsewhere. Investigation led to the seizure of nearly four kilograms of powder cocaine from Forbes and co-conspirators, seizure and forfeiture of a commercial tractor trailer used by Forbes to transport narcotics, and the indictment and conviction of two co-conspirators. Forbes’ prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of supervised release. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in coordination with the Gainesville Police Department, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney David Byron prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . 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, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Illegal Alien and Two Others Sentenced to Federal Prison in Organ Transplant Scheme

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: An illegal alien and two other individuals who conspired to obtain over $500,000 in federally funded health care benefits, including a kidney transplant, were sentenced to prison on June 24, 2024, and July 2, 2024. Jeremias Otoniel Herrera Rosales (“Herrera Rosales”), age 37, from Worthington, Minnesota, originally from Guatemala, received a 16-month prison term after a February 7, 2024, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Jennifer Guadalupe Herrera (“Herrera”), age 43, from Worthington, Minnesota, received a one-month prison term after a February 9, 2024, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Jaklyn Guerra (“Guerra”), age 52, from Wells, Minnesota, received a one-month prison term after a February 6, 2024, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Evidence in the defendants’ criminal case established that Herrera Rosales was a citizen of Guatemala with no legal status in the United States. No later than 2012, Guerra and Herrera provided Herrera Rosales with the name, date of birth, and social security number of D.G. Herrera and Herrera Rosales were married, and Guerra is Herrera’s sister. Beginning no later than 2015, Herrera Rosales assumed D.G.’s identity and used D.G.’s identification documents to apply for Medicare and Minnesota Medicaid benefits. The United States funds Medicare and, through a cost-sharing arrangement, also partially funds Minnesota Medicaid benefits. Between 2015 and 2020, Herrera Rosales obtained more than $500,000 in benefits from Medicare, Minnesota Medicaid, and the Social Security Administration using D.G.’s identity without D.G.’s knowledge or consent. As part of the scheme, Herrera Rosales gained placement on the organ donor registry under the false and fraudulent pretense that he was D.G. and eligible for a kidney transplant. In 2019, Herrera Rosales obtained a federally funded kidney transplant in Minnesota. Herrera Rosales in his plea agreement admitted that, because he received the kidney transplant fraudulently, another person who needed the kidney did not receive it. The defendants were sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Herrera Rosales was sentenced to 16 months of imprisonment, Herrera was sentenced to one month of imprisonment, and Guerra was sentenced to one month of imprisonment. All three defendants were ordered to make $510,949.61 in restitution as a joint and several obligation. Each defendant must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after their respective prison terms. There is no parole in the federal system. Herrera Rosales is being held in United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. Herrera and Guerra were released on bonds previously set and are to surrender to the United States Marshal on future dates. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy L. Vavricek and Ronald Timmons and investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-4062. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Controlled Substances Act Violation

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JASON LONIE (“LONIE”) , age 47, pled guilty on July 2, 2024, before United States District Judge Darrel James Papillion to possession with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). As a result of his guilty plea, LONIE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years and up to forty (40) years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least four (4) years of supervised release, and payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. According to court documents, LONIE was investigated as a methamphetamine supplier in Orleans Parish. During the course of the investigation, LONIE was arrested, searched and found in possession of 84 grams of methamphetamine in his backpack, that he intended to distribute. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Hartford Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and Cocaine

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS IVAN DIAZ, 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 33 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine. According to court documents and statements made in court, the Connecticut State Police obtained an arrest warrant for Diaz after his DNA was found on a gun that was thrown from a vehicle during a State Police pursuit on March 8, 2022. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force had also identified Diaz as a fentanyl trafficker. Diaz was located and arrested on state charges on November 3, 2022. At the time of his arrest, Diaz possessed approximately 35 grams of fentanyl, 23 grams of cocaine, and five grams of crack cocaine. Diaz was charged by indictment on April 26, 2023. On June 6, 2023, he was arrested pursuant to a federal arrest warrant at the Hartford Superior Courthouse, where he had a pending state case. At the time of his arrest, a search of a fanny pack he possessed revealed approximately 40 grams of fentanyl and 18 grams of crack. Diaz has been detained since his federal arrest. On January 2, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth L. Gresham and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis, and Trial Attorney Brian P. Leaming of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.


title: Oregon man arrested for indecent exposure after flight from Oregon to New Hampshire is diverted to Buffalo

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Neil McCarthy, 25, of Oregon, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with indecent exposure, which carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a $5,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated according to the complaint, on July 3, 2024, the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (NFTA) Police were called to Gate 2 at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, to respond to a report made by an American Airlines flight that a man exposed himself and urinated in the aisle of the aircraft while the plane was in flight. The aircraft was diverted from the original destination of Manchester, New Hampshire, to Buffalo. When the flight landed, an officer boarded the airplane and spoke to a flight attendant, who said that McCarthy had exposed himself and urinated on the flight. McCarthy was taken into custody and escorted off the plane. McCarthy made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released on his own recognizance. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority Police, under the direction of Chief Brian Patterson and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Engineer charged with obstructing a criminal investigation into the cause of the Yanky 72 plane crash

component: USAO - Mississippi, Northern

body_text: OXFORD, MS – A former Robins Air Force Base employee has been arrested for making false statements and obstructing justice during a federal criminal investigation into a 2017 military plane crash that claimed the lives of 16 service members. On July 10, 2017, a United States Marine Corps KC-130 transport aircraft known as “Yanky 72” crashed near Itta Bena, Mississippi, resulting in the death of fifteen Marines and one Navy Corpsman. On Tuesday morning, JAMES MICHAEL FISHER, formerly of Warner Robins, Georgia and currently residing in Portugal, was arrested on an indictment issued by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Mississippi charging him with obstruction of justice and false statements during a criminal investigation into the cause of that crash. According to the indictment, FISHER, 67, a former propulsion engineer with the C-130 program office at Robins Air Force Base, engaged in a pattern of conduct intended to avoid scrutiny for his past engineering decisions related to why the crash may have occurred. Specifically, the indictment alleges that FISHER knowingly concealed key engineering documents from criminal investigators and made materially false statements to criminal investigators about his past engineering decisions. FISHER is charged with two false statements and two obstruction of justice charges. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge would determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner of the Northern District of Mississippi; and Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) made the announcement. AFOSI, DCIS, and NCIS are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Leary and Philip Levy are prosecuting the case. 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: Jury Finds District Man Guilty of Armed Burglary and Multiple Armed Assaults for Attack on Woman and Child

body_text: WASHINGTON –Sean Branch, 31, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty by a jury of first-degree burglary while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and other charges in a morning home invasion and violent assault of a woman and her twelve-year-old son that took place in Southeast Washington D.C. on September 11, 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Branch was also found guilty of three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of second-degree cruelty to children, and two counts of threats to do bodily harm. The verdict was returned on July 3, 2024, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Michael O’Keefe presided over the trial. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Branch faces a mandatory minimum of five years’ imprisonment for his offenses. According to the government’s evidence, Branch had developed a friendship with the adult victim in the summer of 2020, which led to Branch storing belongings in her apartment. In the days leading up to the offense, Branch and the adult victim argued over whether Branch could continue to store his belongings there. On September 11, 2020, shortly after 8:30 a.m., Branch broke into the apartment of the victims. After breaking into the home through an exterior window, Branch, wearing a ski mask, approached the woman and her child in the living room. He struck the woman in the face with the gun, causing her to bleed extensively, and then dragged them to the back bedroom while repeatedly demanding his belongings. Branch eventually pointed the gun at the child’s head and threatened to kill both victims. Branch then fled the scene. The victims identified the assailant based on the assailant’s voice and the context of the offense. Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department recovered surveillance footage showing the assailant fleeing from the ground floor balcony, wearing a ski mask. Officers also recovered a pair of sweatpants and jacket along the defendant’s flight path that was consistent with the assailant’s appearance on video. Branch was eventually linked to the recovered clothing through DNA testing. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle White who indicted the case in 2021. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Covert and Katharine Yaske of the Domestic Violence Unit.


title: SDTX hosts historic reentry simulation

body_text: HOUSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) hosted, for the first time in its history, a reentry simulation for law enforcement, lawyers and probation, non-profit agencies, city personnel and relevant community members to mimic the challenges people who leave prison often face when reintegrating into society, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. The event was held at the United Way of Greater Houston July 2 and was designed to provide a deeper appreciation for the complexity of reentry and a stronger commitment to support policies and programs that address these challenges. The simulation placed participants in the shoes of someone recently released from prison. In the exercise, attendees were given a detailed profile and had to navigate daily tasks under constraints similar to those formerly incarcerated people face. They had to try to find employment, secure housing, attend probation meetings or access necessary services - all with limited time, financial resources and facing significant bureaucratic hurdles. A debrief and discussion about the criminal justice system and the complexities of reentry followed the simulation. “This empathy, I hope, will lead to tomorrow’s second chances,” said Hamdani. When individuals leave prison, they face significant challenges that act as barriers to reintegration - securing employment, finding stable housing, accessing healthcare and mental health support, and reconnecting with family and community. Without proper support, the risk of recidivism increases dramatically. However, effective reentry programs that provide holistic support aimed at addressing this myriad of challenges can make a difference. By offering job training, educational opportunities, substance abuse treatment, mental health services and housing assistance, these programs create a supportive framework for individuals to rebuild their lives. Research consistently demonstrates that communities with robust reentry initiatives see significant reductions in recidivism rates. This not only promotes community safety but also reduces the financial burden on the justice system and taxpayers. The simulation provided an eye-opening opportunity to participants. Some expressed the understanding of the immense difficulties those reentering society often face. The experience of frustration, anxiety and the constant pressure to comply with numerous requirements while trying to rebuild a life provided insights that mere statistics and reports cannot convey. The SDTX is committed to raising awareness about the importance of reentry and to supporting initiatives that promote successful reintegration into society. “I hope by combining the strengths of effective reentry programs and the enlightening experience of reentry simulations, we can forge a justice system that not only reduces recidivism but also honors the humanity and potential of every individual,” said Hamdani. “Stakeholders who truly understand and empathize with the struggles of reentry can become powerful advocates for the necessary changes in policy and practice.” Hamdani praised the work of Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Krystal Walker Noble, who organized and led the effort on behalf of the SDTX. “The hurdles returning citizens face demonstrate how they continue to pay a debt to society long after completing a term of imprisonment,” said Noble. “By hosting this reentry simulation, the SDTX has encouraged community partners to join us in reducing recidivism throughout the district.” For more information, please contact Noble at Krystal.Walker.Noble@usdoj.gov.


title: Las Vegas Business Owner Sentenced To Prison For Submitting Over $700,000 In Fraudulent Invoices To Hospital

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas business owner was sentenced Tuesday to 21 months in prison for submitting over $700,000 in false invoices to a hospital, causing the hospital to mail checks to the defendant for products not provided to the hospital. According to court documents, beginning in 2020 and continuing through June 14, 2022, Roland Sagun Torres devised a scheme to defraud a hospital located in Nevada. As part of the fraudulent scheme, Torres used the names of at least 100 patients and doctors at the hospital to submit false invoices from his business for products that he did not provide to the hospital. In total, Torres’s submission of these false invoices caused the hospital to mail checks to Torres’s company in the amount of $712,000 for products he never provided. On November 3, 2023, Torres pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. In addition to imprisonment, United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro sentenced Torres to three years of supervised release and ordered Torres to pay $712,000 in restitution. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement. This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Edward Veronda prosecuted the case. ###


title: Buffalo man who threatened to blow up the VA pleads guilty

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Demont Coston, 56, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Romer to assault upon a federal employee, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Henning, who is handling the case, stated that on September 12, 2023, Coston called the U.S. Veterans Affairs Crisis Line and made repeated threats to blow-up the Buffalo VA facility. Later that same day Coston again called the VA Crisis Line and stated that “I should go blow... I should go burn the building down.” On September 14, 2023, Coston texted the Crisis Line that “The VA haven't done (expletive) for me in 30 years, it’s time to get rid of it, by any means necessary.” Coston also said that he would be “Taking out all V.A. facilities, but I have 1 n mind first” and “I'm in DC, near the main VA ha ha ha good, I know where to hit them.” The plea is the result of an investigation by the VA Medical Center Police, under the direction of Chief Richard King and the VA Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Algieri. Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. before Judge Roemer. # # # #


title: Federal jury convicts Florida woman on four counts of wire fraud for operating illegal debt collection businesses

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal jury has convicted Angela Burdorf, 44, of New Port Richey, Florida of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Franz M. Wright and Aaron J. Mango, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that between March 2016 and May 2017, Burdorf conspired with others to operate various illegitimate debt collection businesses in Western New York, from Kenmore, Buffalo, Lackawanna, to the Town of Niagara. The businesses employed fraudulent means to collect on debts, to re-collect on debts already collected, to over-collect on debts actually owed, and to process and transfer payments related to the collection of such debts. Burdorf’s businesses, and the businesses she associated with, used false and threatening statements during collection telephone calls in an effort to induce the payment of debts, including referencing criminal statutes, and threatening to file criminal complaints and/or arrest warrants. Debtors were routinely routed to employees who posed as attorneys during the calls, in order to intimidate debtors and collect payment. The verdict is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso; the Federal Matthew Miraglia; and the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward. Sentencing is scheduled for November 26, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, who presided over the trial. # # # #


title: Jury Finds District Man Guilty of Armed Robbery

body_text: WASHINGTON – Antone Watkins, 29, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a Superior Court jury of armed robbery and other firearm-related offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The verdict was returned on July 3, 2024, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Robert Salerno scheduled sentencing for September 19, 2024. According to the government’s evidence, at around 10:47 p.m., on June 17, 2022, the victim was led into an alley near Howison Place and N Street SW. In that alley, Watkins brandished a firearm and hit the victim across the face with it, chipping his tooth. Watkins and two others then robbed the victim of his cash, chains, watch, and car keys. Video footage showed Watkins running from the alley, getting into the victim’s truck, and driving off. Further video footage showed Watkins only a few minutes later rummaging through the victim’s belongings in the truck. Police arrested Watkins on September 15, 2022. Watkins has been detained since his arrest. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Rubb of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Probation Office from early in the case and through trial. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Levy and Gregory Evans.


title: Felon Sentenced to Third Time in Federal  Prison for Possession of a Firearm

body_text: PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois man, Alan Andrew Collins, 39, of the 800 block of West MacQueen Avenue, has been sentenced to 55 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm. Collins has previously been convicted of felony offenses in 2004 and 2005 in Cook County, as well as two prior federal convictions for possession of a firearm in the Central District of Illinois in 2008 and 2014. He was also ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid, the government established that, in November 2022, the ATF and Peoria Police executed a federal search warrant at Collins’ house on MacQueen Avenue. During the search, Collins exited his bedroom where agents later located a loaded semi-automatic 9mm pistol on the nightstand next to the bed. The gun was loaded with a 16 round magazine and live ammunition, including a round in the chamber. During the search, police also located a 9mm 30-round extended magazine loaded with live ammunition, an ammunition speed loader, and additional rounds of ammunition. Collins admitted that his fingerprints and DNA would be on the gun because he had handled it. However, he disclaimed ownership of the gun, indicating his girlfriend had bought it and left it at his house. Collins was arrested in November 2022 following a federal complaint. He was indicted by a federal grand jury two weeks later. Collins entered a guilty plea in February 2024. He has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest. The statutory penalties for a felon in possession of a firearm are up to 15 years imprisonment; up to 3 years of supervised release; and a fine of up to $250,000.00. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Peoria Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution. The case against Collins 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: Jury Convicts Marion Man of Attempted Enticement of a Minor

body_text: A man who attempted to entice a minor to engage in sex acts was convicted by a jury on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, after a one-and-a-half-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Cory Gall, age 30, of Marion, Iowa, was found guilty of attempted enticement of a minor. The evidence at trial showed that, in December 2023, Gall exchanged text messages with a person who stated that she was 13 years old. The person was actually an undercover law enforcement officer. Gall sent messages describing sex acts he could perform with the minor, and he traveled to Hiawatha, Iowa, to meet with her. Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Gall remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Gall faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $5,100 in special assessments, and supervised release for 5 years to life following any imprisonment. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Hiawatha Police Department. 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.” Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is CR 24-32. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Hogansburg Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearm Crimes

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Joseph Thompson, age 37, of Hogansburg, New York, pled guilty yesterday to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), New York Field Division, made the announcement. As part of his guilty plea, Thompson admitted that in June 2023, he arranged to meet another individual at a parking lot in Massena, NY, for the purpose of selling marijuana in exchange for firearms. Thompson admitted that he gave the individual approximately 18 pounds of marijuana in exchange for 7 semiautomatic pistols and ammunition magazines. During the transaction, Thompson said that he was a “middle guy,” and that he had a contact in Montreal who would pay him approximately $2,000 to $2,300 for each firearm. Thompson was arrested immediately after the transaction. At sentencing, Thompson faces at least five years and up to life in federal prison, a total maximum fine of $500,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 2 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. ATF investigated the case, with assistance from Quebec Provincial Police, St. Regis Tribal Police, New York State Police, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Massena Police Department, and U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case.


title: Lexington Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of Firearm and Fentanyl Trafficking Charges

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Lexington man, David Hager, 27, was sentenced on Wednesday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, to 120 months, for two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession of a machine gun, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. In May 2023, agents with ATF, received information that David Hager was distributing fentanyl and firearms. During the investigation, ATF purchased 15 firearms and a machine gun conversion device from Hager. ATF also purchase approximately 10 grams of fentanyl from Hager. After these purchases, a search warrant was executed at Hager’s residence, where agents located three additional firearms (one of which was stolen), multiple high-capacity magazines, suspected explosive devices, and approximately 37 grams of fentanyl. Hager had previously been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Under federal law, Hager must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon Hager’s release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by ATF, with assistance from the Lexington Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. — END —


title: Lexington Man Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl Resulting in Overdose Death

body_text: FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Lexington man, Eeston Thomson, 22, was sentenced on Wednesday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, to 240 months in prison, for distribution of acetylfentanyl and fentanyl resulting in an overdose death. According to his plea agreement, on June 26, 2022, law enforcement responded to reports of an unresponsive victim. When law enforcement arrived, the victim was pronounced dead, and it was suspected that he died from a fentanyl overdose. Law enforcement searched the residence and found piece of a blue pill on the kitchen counter, which was later confirmed to contain acetylfentanyl and fentanyl. Law then enforcement searched the victim’s phone and found an Instagram conversation between the victim and Thomson from June 25, 2022, discussing the purchase of pills. When Thomson found out about the victim’s death, he admitted to a friend that he had sold the victim the pills, and believed he was responsible for his death. Under federal law, Thomson must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentencing. The investigation was conducted by the DEA and the Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Greenfield is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. — END —