title: St. Louis Teacher’s Killer Sentenced to Two Consecutive Life Terms in Prison

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Ronnie L. White on Tuesday sentenced the man who fatally shot a pregnant St. Louis schoolteacher at the behest of her boyfriend to two consecutive terms of life in prison. Judge White called Phillip J. Cutler’s crime the “most heinous” he had seen in his career. A jury in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in March found Cutler, 46, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, guilty of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and the murder-for-hire of Jocelyn Peters and her unborn child, Micah Leigh, in 2016. Peters’ boyfriend, Cornelius M. Green, 42, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty on Feb. 28, 2024, to the same charges and admitted hiring Cutler, his longtime friend, to kill Peters. Peters was 31 weeks pregnant with Green’s child. Green was principal of Carr Lane Middle School and used cash stolen from the school to fund the murder. Green, who was also involved in sexual relationships with several other women and was separated from his wife, researched ways to secretly end the pregnancy after learning that Peters was pregnant, according to a sentencing memo filed by the government. When that plan failed, he contacted Cutler, a childhood friend, and they planned the murder in a series of phone calls. On March 7, 2016, Green sent Cutler a UPS package containing $2,500 cash. On March 21, Cutler arrived in St. Louis. Green took a train trip to Chicago to establish his alibi for the murder, giving Cutler the keys to his Kia Optima and Peters’ apartment. On March 24, Cutler drove Green’s car to Peters’ apartment in the 4200 block of West Pine in St. Louis, let himself in using Green’s keys, and shot Peters in the eye using a potato as a silencer. Peters was working on baby shower invitations at the time she was killed. Green ensured there would be potatoes in the residence prior to Cutler’s arrival by going shopping with Peters. At 6:14 a.m. the next morning, Cutler confirmed to Green that Jocelyn and the baby had been killed. Green then bought his return train ticket, and Cutler then went to North Riverfront Park in St. Louis to dispose of evidence. Upon arriving back in St. Louis, Green got his car back from Cutler and went to Peters’ apartment, where he called 911 to report her death. He pretended he had no knowledge of the circumstances leading to the deaths. Cutler was detained for questioning that same night, after he attempted to retrieve the Kia Optima from the crime scene at Green’s direction. When told he was being detained, Cutler ate two pieces of paper from a notebook in his pocket. Peters’ friends and family repeatedly described her as “magic,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Becker said in court Tuesday. Peters’ mother and aunt spoke about the impact of her death on their family. Dr. Nicole Conaway, principal at Mann Elementary School when Peters taught there, also spoke. She called Peters a “natural teacher” who was a “bright light” wherever she went and would start each school day “full of joy.” Dr. Conaway, who had to break the news of Peters’ murder to her 23 third-grade students, said little seemed to console the children or adults at Mann in the days after her death. She said she was called to Peters’ former classroom one day to find a student threatening to throw himself off a balcony in the stairwell, saying he “hated life and wanted to go be with Ms. Peters.” Green is scheduled to be sentenced June 25. As part of the plea, the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office has agreed to dismiss their case against Green for the murders if he is sentenced to life in federal prison. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) and the FBI investigated the case, which is being prosecuted in cooperation with the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Becker and Zachary Bluestone are prosecuting the case. Former SLMPD Detective Mark Biondolino was the case agent.


title: Cedar Rapids Contractor Sentenced to Federal Prison for Scamming Derecho Victims

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A Cedar Rapids, Iowa, contractor who scammed victims of the 2020 derecho was sentenced on June 11, 2024, to four years in federal prison. Scott Gregory Adkins, age 48, received the prison term after a February 1, 2024, guilty plea to one count of wire fraud. In a plea agreement, Adkins admitted that, from December 2020 through March 2022, he devised and perpetrated a scheme to defraud his customers, including victims of the 2020 derecho. Adkins was a contractor doing business as “Adkins Home Improvements LLC.” On August 10, 2020, a severe storm, commonly referred to as a derecho, struck multiple counties in the Northern District of Iowa, as well as other parts of the States of Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. Media reporting on the event, citing public and private sources, have estimated that the derecho, with winds exceeding 100 mph, caused an estimated total of $7.5 billion in damage across the affected states. The derecho caused long-duration power outages across the Northern District of Iowa and the larger region, millions of acres of crops were damaged or destroyed, and numerous semi-trucks were blown off major interstate highways. Just within the city of Cedar Rapids, power was cut to nearly all of the city’s residents by the derecho, and damage estimates indicate that over 1,000 housing units were rendered unlivable while hundreds of additional homes suffered damage. Many of the city’s businesses were also damaged during the storm. Adkins organized “Adkins Home Improvements LLC” in October 2020, approximately two months after the derecho. By means of “Adkins Home Improvements LLC,” Adkins offered home repair services to victims of the derecho, as well as other individuals in the Cedar Rapids area who needed projects completed in the tight-labor, post-derecho construction market. As a part of his scheme, Adkins offered to provide construction services and materials to prospective customers of “Adkins Home Improvements LLC,” including but not limited to victims of the derecho. Adkins provided estimates to those customers and demanded substantial advance deposits or downpayments before undertaking work on the projects. Instead of completing the projects, Adkins spent some of the advanced funds on personal expenses, including but not limited to food, and transferred other such funds to a family member by means of a mobile payment service. Adkins also made false statements and excuses to his customers about the status of their projects to conceal his illicit use of the funds and to lull his customers into a false sense of security. In total, Adkins stole over $190,000 from 22 victims as part of his scheme. One of Adkins’ victims was an elderly widow who suffered roof damage to her Cedar Rapids residence from the derecho. Adkins has a lengthy criminal history, including theft-related convictions in Iowa and Michigan. Adkins was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Adkins was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $192,770.72 in restitution the victims. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Adkins is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-66-LTS-MAR. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Former Colorado Resident Sentenced to Life in Prison for Federal Hate Crimes and Firearm Offenses Related to Mass Shooting at Club Q

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Anderson Lee Aldrich, 24, formerly of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was sentenced to 55 concurrent life sentences to run consecutive to 190 years in prison after pleading guilty to 74 hate crimes and firearms charges related to the Nov. 19, 2022, mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQIA+ establishment in Colorado Springs. According to the plea agreement, Aldrich admitted to murdering five people, injuring 19, and attempting to murder 26 more in a willful, deliberate, malicious, and premediated attack at Club Q. According to the plea, Aldrich entered Club Q armed with a loaded, privately manufactured assault weapon and began firing. Aldrich continued firing until subdued by patrons of the Club. As part of the plea, Aldrich admitted that this attack was in part motivated because of the actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity of any person. “Fueled by hate, the defendant targeted members of the LGBTQIA+ community at a place that represented belonging, safety, and acceptance – stealing five people from their loved ones, injuring 19 others, and striking fear across the country,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Today’s sentencing makes clear that the Justice Department is committed to protecting the right of every person in this country to live free from the fear that they will be targeted by hate-fueled violence or discrimination based on who they are or who they love. I am grateful to every agent, prosecutor, and staff member across the Department – from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, to the Civil Rights Division, the ATF, and FBI – for their work on this case. The Justice Department will never stop working to defend the safety and civil rights of all people in our country.” “The 2022 mass shooting at Club Q is one of the most violent crimes against the LGBTQIA+ community in history,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI and our partners have worked tirelessly towards this sentencing, but the true heroes are the patrons of the Club who selflessly acted to subdue the defendant. This Pride Month and every month, the FBI stands with the survivors, victims, and families of homophobic violence and hate.” “ATF will not rest until perpetrators like this defendant are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Director Steven Dettelbach of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “I hope today’s life sentence brings at least some peace to the victims and survivors of this senseless, horrific tragedy. That this sentence should come during Pride month reinforces how far we have left to go before all communities, including all LGBTQIA+ communities, are safe here. It also shows how far ATF and all our partners will go to ensure hatred does not win.” “The defendant’s mass shooting and heinous targeting of Club Q is one of the most devastating assaults on the LGBTQIA+ community in our nation’s history. This sentence cannot reclaim the lives lost or undo the harms inflicted. But we hope that it provides the survivors, the victims’ families, and their communities a small measure of justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Our message today should be loud and clear. No one should have to fear for their life or their safety because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. The Justice Department will vigorously investigate and prosecute those who perpetrate hate-fueled, bias-driven attacks.” “Hate has no place in our country and no place in Colorado” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch for the District of Colorado. “I hope that today’s sentence demonstrates to the victims and those connected to this horrific event that we do not tolerate these heinous acts of violence.” The FBI Denver Field Office, Colorado Springs Police Department, and ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alison Connaughty and Bryan Fields for the District of Colorado and Trial Attorney Maura White of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.


title: New Indictment Alleges Aaron Rossi Committed Fraud in COVID-19 Testing

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PEORIA, Ill. – A grand jury today indicted a Morton, Illinois man, Aaron Rossi (“Rossi”), 40, on six counts of healthcare fraud, one count of mail fraud, and four counts of wire fraud for allegedly defrauding the State of Illinois and public and private health insurance companies out of hundreds of thousands of dollars during the COVID-19 pandemic. The indictment alleges that Reditus Laboratories, LLC (“Reditus”), located in Pekin, Illinois, was a full-service pathology laboratory which offered various testing services for patients and clients. As part of those services, Reditus had the capability to run PCR tests for infectious diseases, including the COVID-19 virus. After the COVID pandemic reached the United States in early 2020, Rossi and Reditus began processing COVID-19 PCR tests which were paid for with both public and private health insurance programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Healthlink, and the Health Resources & Services Administration's Uninsured Program. Beginning as early as October 2020, and continuing to at least November 2021, Rossi established policies and procedures at Reditus that directly benefitted himself financially and defrauded healthcare providers. Services provided were mischaracterized in order to receive payment for services that were not actually rendered. This resulted in the six counts of healthcare fraud alleged in the indictment. In addition, Rossi and Reditus had a contract with the State of Illinois to provide COVID-19 PCR testing. The contract, signed by Rossi as CEO for Reditus, was a flat-rate contract. Reditus could only invoice the State for the difference between what a patient’s healthcare coverage paid and the agreed-upon flat rate arranged with the State. Rossi, however, developed a scheme to bill both the healthcare providers and the State, resulting in Reditus fraudulently receiving double payments for the same COVID-19 PCR tests, one from the State and one from another health insurance provider. This conduct was the basis for the one mail fraud count and the four wire fraud counts alleged in the indictment. Rossi previously plead guilty to charges of filing false federal tax returns and taking funds from his former employer, Central Illinois Orthopedic Surgery in Bloomington on February 6, 2024. In that case, Rossi admitted to taking funds without the knowledge or permission of his employer and fraudulently purchasing personal items that he had delivered to his home. Due to multiple bond violations, Rossi has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since September 2023, and remains in custody on that case pending his sentencing—currently schedule for July 2, 2024. Today’s indictment alleges new offenses and conduct that are separate from his initial case and which took place after the conduct in his first case had concluded. If convicted, on the new offenses, Rossi faces maximum statutory penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment for each of the healthcare fraud charges, and up to 20 years imprisonment for each of the mail fraud and wire fraud charges. Each of the 11 charges could also incur a $250,000 fine. Imprisonment could be followed by 3 years of supervised release for each count. The case investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Internal Revenue Service; the Federal Bureau of Investigation—Springfield Division; the Department of Labor—Employee Benefit Security Administration; Office of Personnel Management—Office of Inspector General; and Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas F. McMeyer and Tanner K. Jacobs represent the government in the prosecution. Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.


title: United States Files Fair Housing Act Lawsuit Against Toll Brothers And Related Entities For Failure To Construct Apartments With Features Accessible To Persons With Disabilities

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that the United States has filed a federal Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) lawsuit against TOLL BROTHERS, INC. and TOLL BROTHERS REALTY TRUST (collectively, “TOLL BROTHERS”), relating to their failure to design and construct new apartment buildings so as to be accessible to persons with physical disabilities. The lawsuit also names certain TOLL BROTHERS affiliates as well as other entities that participated in the design or construction of these residential complexes, as well as a condominium association whose cooperation is essential to ensure retrofits. Upon filing suit, the United States also submitted to the Court a proposed consent decree with LENDLEASE (US) CONSTRUCTION LMB, INC. f/k/a BOVIS LEND LEASE LMB, INC., (“LENDLEASE”), which participated in the design and construction of one such building. This settlement is subject to the review and approval of the U.S. District Judge assigned to the case. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “This is the 19th suit that this Office has filed to remedy the failure of real estate developers to comply with the Fair Housing Act. We appreciate Lendlease’s cooperation in taking responsibility for its actions so that more properties are more accessible to more people. This Office will remain vigilant in ensuring that developers and architects comply with the FHA and remedy inaccessible housing in this District.” The FHA’s accessible design and construction provisions require multifamily housing complexes constructed after January 1991 to have basic features accessible to persons with disabilities. According to the allegations in the Complaint: The inaccessible conditions at TOLL BROTHERS’ buildings include excessively high thresholds at building entrances and entrances to common use areas, common use bathrooms that lack grab bars, excessively high thresholds at entrances to individual apartments and within the apartments, and bathrooms in individual apartments that lack sufficient clear floor space for people who use wheelchairs. These features in the common use areas of TOLL BROTHERS’ buildings, as well as in the buildings’ apartment interiors, did not meet the specifications set forth in the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines, Design Guidelines for Accessible/Adaptable Dwellings. The Complaint identifies, by way of example, inaccessible conditions at the following five properties: The Sutton, at 959 First Avenue, New York, New York 10022. 49 North 8th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11211 (“North 8th”). Based upon an investigation by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), the Complaint names several entities as defendants that were involved in the design and construction of North 8 th : LENDLEASE (with whom, as noted above, the Government has reached an agreement subject to Court approval); GREENBERGFARROW ARCHITECTS; TOLL LAND XIII LIMITED PARTNER; TOLL NORTHEAST LP COMPANY, INC.; and NORTH8 CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., which has been named as a defendant not because it created the accessible conditions but because its cooperation is essential to making retrofits to the property. 3000 Goldfinch Boulevard in Princeton, New Jersey (“Parc at Princeton Junction”). The Complaint names TB PRINCETON VILLAGE LLC as a developer of the Parc at Princeton Junction. 134 Plymouth Road in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania (“Parc Plymouth Meeting”). The Complaint names TB-BDN PLYMOUTH APARTMENTS as a developer of Parc Plymouth Meeting. 10 Provost Street, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302. Similar inaccessible conditions existed at nine additional properties: Emerson at Edge on the Hudson, 203 Legend Drive, in Sleepy Hollow, New York; 160 Morgan Street in Jersey City, New Jersey; 527 Old Bridge Turnpike in East Brunswick, New Jersey; 900 Wessex Place in Princeton, New Jersey; 45 North Main Street in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania; 275 2nd Avenue in Needham, Massachusetts; 2150 Astoria Circle in Herndon, Virginia; and 1011 1st Street, SE and 200 K Street, NE in Washington, D.C. Due to the inaccessible conditions at the buildings they designed and constructed, TOLL BROTHERS engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of rights protected by the FHA and denied such rights to people with disabilities. The Complaint seeks a court order directing TOLL BROTHERS to retrofit individual apartments as well as the public and common use areas of the buildings so that they are accessible, to adopt policies and procedures to ensure FHA compliance in future constructions, and to compensate people who suffered discrimination due to the inaccessible conditions. Under the settlement with LENDLEASE, LENDLEASE agreed to establish procedures to ensure FHA compliance at future development projects and agreed to institute policies and training to ensure that their employees and agents will comply with the FHA’s accessibility requirements. LENDLEASE also agreed to pay a civil penalty of $10,000, commensurate with its role in designing and/or constructing North 8 th . People who believe they may have experienced discrimination due to the inaccessible conditions at the above-named buildings developed by TOLL BROTHERS may contact the Civil Rights Complaint account at USANYS-CivilRights@usdoj.gov , use the Civil Rights Complaint Form available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s website http://www.justice.gov/usao/nys/civilrights.html , or send a written report to: U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York 86 Chambers Street, 3rd Floor New York, New York 10007 Attention: Chief, Civil Rights Unit The suit against TOLL BROTHERS is the 19th lawsuit filed by this Office with developers and architects to remedy inaccessible housing in this District, including suits against The Durst Organization, Glenwood Management, Silverstein Properties, Related Companies, and Atlantic Development. * * * Mr. Williams thanked HUD for its assistance on the investigation. The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Kennedy and Danielle J. Marryshow are charge of the case.


title: Orlando Man Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy Involving Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, And Firearms

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that George Andrew Pherai-Bogeajis (35, Orlando) today pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and possessing firearms in furtherance of that conduct. Pherai-Bogeajis faces a minimum mandatory of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement and court documents, in March 2024, Pherai-Bogeajis was surveilled paying a known DEA target nearly $150,000 in exchange for a duffle bag. On April 9, 2024, DEA agents searched Pherai-Bogeajis’s primary residence in Orlando and a stash house in Ocoee that he was known to use. Pherai-Bogeajis had approximately 68 kilograms (around 150 pounds) of methamphetamine, nearly a kilogram of fentanyl, four firearms used to protect drugs and drug proceeds, $717,480 in currency, and vehicles used in the offenses, including two vehicles that contained secret compartments to conceal drugs and proceeds during transport. Pherai-Bogeajis has agreed to forfeit the currency that is proceeds of the offense, as well as the firearms and vehicles used to facilitate the offense. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Orlando Police Department, the Ocoee Police Department, the Oviedo Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.


title: Former Corrections Officer Sentenced to Probation for Attempting to Smuggle Narcotics Into Prison

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A former Corrections Officer was sentenced to probation yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy involving cocaine, fentanyl and other controlled substances. Gregorit Sanchez, 29, of Haverhill was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to five years’ probation with the first year to be served on home detention. The court determined that Sanchez’s Guidelines Sentencing Range under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines was 30-37 months in prison. The government recommended a sentence of 30 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In March 2024, Sanchez pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and other controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and other controlled substances. In December 2021 , Sanchez was charged along with 20 other individuals. Sanchez was a Corrections Officer with the Middleton House of Correction in Middleton, Mass. On Nov. 11, 2021, Sanchez attempted to smuggle a package containing fentanyl, cocaine, Suboxone and other contraband into the Middleton House of Correction for co-defendant Elvis DeJesus, who was being held in the Middleton House of Correction after his arrest on state firearms charges. DeJesus intended to distribute the drugs inside the jail. Sanchez was stopped as he arrived to work at the jail and the package was seized. The package contained 33 grams of fentanyl pills, 1 gram of crack cocaine, 14 grams of powder cocaine, and Suboxone sublingual films, as well as cigarettes and a SIM card for a contraband cellphone that Sanchez had previously procured for DeJesus and that DeJesus used to coordinate drug distribution from inside the jail. DeJesus pleaded guilty in June 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 15, 2024. The charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and other controlled substances, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and other controlled substances provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf . Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Lawrence Police Department; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Massachusetts State Police; Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Essex County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Ferguson, Deputy Chief of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit, is prosecuting the case. 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: Jacksonville Woman Sentenced To Over 4 Years In Federal Prison For Conspiracy To Create And Distribute Animal Crush Videos

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger today sentenced Nicole Danielle Devilbiss (35, Jacksonville) to four years and three months in federal prison for conspiracy to create and distribute animal crush videos. Devilbiss entered a guilty plea on February 13, 2024. She has been in custody since her arrest on October 31, 2023. According to court documents, in September 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information regarding an individual residing in Jacksonville who was identified as an administrator of a messaging application group chat that was dedicated to the abuse, torture, and death of various-aged monkeys. The HSI investigation revealed that numerous people involved in the group exchanged hundreds, if not thousands, of messages about the abuse and torture of monkeys, as well as videos depicting the abuse and torture of monkeys. The purpose of the group was to fund, view, distribute, and promote animal crush videos that depicted, among other things, the torture, murder, and sexually sadistic mutilation of animals, specifically baby and adult monkeys. The co-conspirators agreed to create animal crush videos using videographers and animals in other countries, to include Indonesia, which would then be sent to the United States. The name of the group changed multiple times to innocuous names that were inconsistent with the goals and interests of the group, which appeared to be to avoid detection by law enforcement. This investigation led to the identification of Devilbiss as a member of that group. Law enforcement obtained some of those messages and videos that were exchanged involving Devilbiss, which detailed her interest in the abuse and torture of monkeys. Devilbiss and her co-conspirators collectively funded the creation of animal crush videos using online payment applications. Co-conspirators outside the United States received this funding and used it create animal crush videos. During the execution of a search warrant at Devilbiss’s residence, numerous electronic devices were seized. Law enforcement found numerous videos depicting the torture of monkeys on Devilbiss’s devices. Law enforcement also located a journal that detailed Devilbiss’s interest in obtaining a monkey locally to abuse to create additional content. “This investigation uncovered an unsettling underworld dedicated to the torment, torture, and exploitation of innocent animals,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Through our relentless pursuit of justice, alongside our Sheriffs with Clay County, Jacksonville, and St. Johns County, we have exposed a network of depraved people inflicting unspeakable cruelty on monkeys, who record their suffering and share it for profit and perverse pleasure.” This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Washington and Elisibeth Adams.


component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – Anderson Lee Aldrich, 24, formerly of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was sentenced to 55 concurrent life sentences to run consecutive to 190 years in prison after pleading guilty to 74 hate crimes and firearms charges related to the Nov. 19, 2022, mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQIA+ establishment in Colorado Springs. According to the plea agreement, Aldrich admitted to murdering five people, injuring 19, and attempting to murder 26 more in a willful, deliberate, malicious, and premediated attack at Club Q. According to the plea, Aldrich entered Club Q armed with a loaded, privately manufactured assault weapon and began firing. Aldrich continued firing until subdued by patrons of the Club. As part of the plea, Aldrich admitted that this attack was in part motivated because of the actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity of any person. “Fueled by hate, the defendant targeted members of the LGBTQIA+ community at a place that represented belonging, safety, and acceptance – stealing five people from their loved ones, injuring 19 others, and striking fear across the country,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Today’s sentencing makes clear that the Justice Department is committed to protecting the right of every person in this country to live free from the fear that they will be targeted by hate-fueled violence or discrimination based on who they are or who they love. I am grateful to every agent, prosecutor, and staff member across the Department – from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, to the Civil Rights Division, the ATF, and FBI – for their work on this case. The Justice Department will never stop working to defend the safety and civil rights of all people in our country.” “The 2022 mass shooting at Club Q is one of the most violent crimes against the LGBTQIA+ community in history,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI and our partners have worked tirelessly towards this sentencing, but the true heroes are the patrons of the Club who selflessly acted to subdue the defendant. This Pride Month and every month, the FBI stands with the survivors, victims, and families of homophobic violence and hate.” “The defendant’s mass shooting and heinous targeting of Club Q is one of the most devastating assaults on the LGBTQIA+ community in our nation’s history. This sentence cannot reclaim the lives lost or undo the harms inflicted. But we hope that it provides the survivors, the victims’ families, and their communities a small measure of justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Our message today should be loud and clear. No one should have to fear for their life or their safety because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. The Department of Justice will vigorously investigate and prosecute those who perpetrate hate-fueled, bias-driven attacks.” “Hate has no place in our country and no place in Colorado” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch for the District of Colorado. “I hope that today’s sentence demonstrates to the victims and those connected to this horrific event that we do not tolerate these heinous acts of violence.” “ATF will not rest until perpetrators like this defendant are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Director Steven Dettelbach of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “I hope today’s life sentence brings at least some peace to the victims and survivors of this senseless, horrific tragedy. That this sentence should come during Pride month reinforces how far we have left to go before all communities, including all LGBTQIA+ communities, are safe here. It also shows how far ATF and all our partners will go to ensure hatred does not win.” The FBI Denver Field Office, Colorado Springs Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alison Connaughty and Bryan Fields for the District of Colorado and Trial Attorney Maura White of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.


title: Huntington Man Sentenced to Prison for Straw Purchase Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Maximillian Keaton, 51, of Huntington, was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for aiding and abetting making false statements in acquisition of firearms. According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 22, 2023, Keaton traveled with Daniel Lee Ferguson to a Barboursville business where Ferguson purchased for Keaton a Springfield Armory model Hellcat 9mm pistol. Keaton admitted that he asked Ferguson to buy the firearm for him because his prior felony conviction prohibits him from purchasing or possessing a firearm. Keaton further admitted that he showed Ferguson the firearm he wanted him to buy and provided Ferguson with the money for the purchase. Ferguson falsely certified on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Federal Firearms Transaction Records Form 4473 that he was the buyer of the firearm when Ferguson knew he was purchasing it for Keaton. Keaton further admitted that Ferguson purchased two other firearms for him at Cabell County businesses, a Bersa model Thunder 380 .380-caliber pistol on August 14, 2019, and a Springfield Armory model Prodigy 9mm on February 25, 2023. Ferguson falsely certified on the ATF Form 4473 for each purchase that he was the buyer of the firearm when he knew he was purchasing it for Keaton. Ferguson, 46, of Huntington, pleaded guilty on October 23, 2023, to making false statements in acquisition of firearms and awaits sentencing. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph F. Adams and Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case. This case was prosecuted under the criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022. BSCA is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms. 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. 3:23-cr-151. ###


title: Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining Nearly $50,000 in COVID-Relief Funds

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to fraud and false statements charges in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain pandemic-related relief funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Antawn Davis, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of making false statements. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for Sept. 16, 2024. Davis was charged and arrested in February 2024 along with over 40 alleged Heath Street Gang members/associates, who were charged with racketeering conspiracy; drug trafficking; firearms charges; and financial frauds, including COVID-related fraud. In April and May 2021, Davis submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of his purported business. The applications contained multiple false statements, including the purported business’ total gross income in 2020 and the purpose of the loan. Davis also submitted false tax records in support of his loan applications. Based on the fraudulent applications, Davis received approximately $49,999 in PPP loans, which he then spent on non-business-related expenses, including transactions at a casino and at Saks Fifth Avenue. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The charge of making false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Harry T. Chavis Jr, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Hoefle and Lucy Sun of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting 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 . 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 document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: 10 Minneapolis Gang Members Charged with Illegal Possession of Firearms and Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – Ten members of a south Minneapolis street gang have been charged in federal court for various crimes including illegal possession of firearms, possession of a machinegun, and drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. “Violent criminals who carry guns pose a deadly threat to communities and, as recent tragedies show, to the law enforcement officers and first responders who are sworn to protect us all,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger. “Our federal resources are focused on holding accountable those who threaten the safety of our communities. My message to the community: We are working for you, for your families and your children, to make sure violent crime continues to drop and we can all enjoy our beautiful cities this summer.” The Minneapolis street gang known as the 10z are involved in narcotics and firearms trafficking in south Minneapolis, as well as violent crime throughout the Minneapolis metropolitan area. The focal point of the 10z criminal activity is the area around Peavey Park at the intersection of Franklin and Chicago Avenues. The 10z are affiliated with another gang, the 20z, which operate in the same south Minneapolis territory. The following ten members of the 10z/20z gang are charged with firearms violations and fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine trafficking: Don Buddie Austin, 32, is charged with possessing a firearm as a felon. Albert William Bratton, 28, is charged with possession a firearm as a felon. Paul Antonio Early, 32, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Toraus Marquis Eason, 44, is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and MDMA, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Billy Ismael Hawkins, 34, is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon. Jaquan Lavelle Jackson, 29, is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Bernard Augusta Mack, 29, is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Joshua Benjamin Scott, 37, is charged with possession of a firearm. Austin Joevon Toy, 22, is charged with possession of a machine gun. Armond Quinton Wright, 33, is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. These cases are the result of investigations conducted by the Minneapolis Police Department and the FBI. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian C.S. Weir. An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. austin_indictment.pdf bratton_indictment.pdf early_indictment.pdf eason_indictment.pdf hawkins_indictment.pdf jackson_indictment.pdf mack_indictment.pdf scott_indictment.pdf toy_indictment.pdf wright_indictment.pdf


title: Fort Myers Felon Sentenced To More Than 3 Years For Unlawfully Possessing Loaded Firearm

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Ernest Jeshad Foster (32, Fort Myers) to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Foster to forfeit the firearm and ammunition possessed during the offense. Foster entered a guilty plea on February 28, 2024. According to court records, on August 23, 2023, officers from the Fort Myers Police Department conducted a routine traffic stop on a vehicle in which Foster was the front seat passenger. Upon approaching the vehicle, law enforcement observed Foster reaching into the glove compartment and quickly shutting it. As soon as Foster exited the car, the glove compartment popped open and officers saw a firearm, which was later identified as loaded Taurus handgun. As a seven-time convicted felon, Foster is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Fort Myers Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth. 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 out 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 first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking and Making Antisemitic Threats Targeting Synagogues and Jewish-Owned Businesses

component: Civil Rights - Criminal Section

body_text: Donavon Parish, 29, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, pleaded guilty today to one count of cyberstalking and five counts of abuse and harassment using a telecommunications device. Parish also admitted to a special finding that he targeted his victims based on their actual and perceived religion. According to court documents, during April and May 2022, the defendant used a voiceover internet protocol service to make a series of phone calls to synagogues and Jewish-owned businesses in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. In these calls, the defendant spoke to individuals answering the telephone calls on behalf of their respective institutions, at which time he repeatedly referenced the genocide of approximately six million Jewish people during the Holocaust, stating, among other things, “Heil Hitler,” “all Jews must die,” “we will put you in work camps,” “gas the Jews” and “Hitler should have finished the job.” Parish is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24 and faces a statutory maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $1.5 million fine and a $600 special assessment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Mathew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement. The FBI Philadelphia Field Office is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Justin Sher of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Jeanette Kang for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi.


title: Joplin Chiropractor Sentenced for Child Pornography

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., chiropractor was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography. Eric Hedman, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to seven years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Hedman to 10 years of supervised release following incarceration. Hedman will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life. Hedman, who operated his own practice at Hedman Chiropractic at the time of the offense, pleaded guilty on Dec. 14, 2023, to receiving and distributing child pornography. Hedman sent a video and a photo of child pornography to two other users of the Kik messenger in July and August 2022. Kik made two Cybertipline Reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which forwarded the reports to the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force for investigation. Investigators searched Hedman’s multiple Kik accounts and discovered 31 files that contained child pornography. The images depicted children as young as two years old. Additionally, log files indicated that Hedman had transmitted child pornography to at least six other users on July 8 and 9, 2022. On Dec. 6, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hedman’s residence and seized his computer and cell phone. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force. Project Safe Childhood 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."


title: Fort Myers Felon Sentenced To Federal Prison For Unlawfully Possessing Loaded Firearm

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Coroy Dontavia Flournoy (40, Fort Myers) to three years and five months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Flournoy to forfeit the firearm and ammunition he possessed during the offense. Flournoy entered a guilty plea on February 28, 2024. According to court records, on February 21, 2023, Flournoy was arrested at a home in Fort Myers in connection with an active warrant, after which law enforcement searched the residence and found a loaded Glock handgun, multiple magazines, and several dozen rounds of ammunition under the mattress of a bed inside the house. DNA analysis performed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement later linked the firearm to Flournoy, a multi-time convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. At the time of the conduct charged in this case, Flournoy was on Florida state probation for a firearm-related offense. This case was investigated by the Cape Coral Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth. 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 out 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 first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Maine Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Charges

body_text: BOSTON – A member of a nationwide drug trafficking ring pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to drug trafficking charges. During the investigation, over 160 pounds of pure methamphetamine, as well as an AK-47, a Glock with no serial number, two loaded Smith & Wesson handguns and over 4,200 rounds of ammunition were seized. An illegal marijuana grow operation with hundreds of marijuana plants was also dismantled. Emil Dzabiev, 44, of Scarborough, Maine, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Oct. 2, 2024. Dzabiev was arrested and charged along with seven others in July 2021 and was subsequently charged in a superseding indictment that added three defendants in September 2021. In late 2020, Reshat Alkayisi was identified as a large-scale methamphetamine trafficker, who distributed multi-pound quantities to customers throughout the New England area. Dzabiev was identified as one of Alkayisi’s regular customers who routinely purchased methamphetamine and redistributed it in Maine. In May 2021, Dzabiev was stopped after a meeting with Alkayisi and found in possession of approximately 455 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine in his vehicle. Dzabiev is the 10th defendant to plead guilty in the case. Alkayisi pleaded guilty in April 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, 2024. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Correction; Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office; and Concord, Hudson, Peabody, Reading, Watertown and Waltham Police Departments. Assistance was also provided by the Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea Porter and Katherine Ferguson of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. This case 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 details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced To 46 Months For Possessing A Loaded Firearm Illegally

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Jddarrian Christopher Irons (33, Fort Myers) to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Irons to forfeit the firearm and ammunition possessed during the offense. Irons entered a guilty plea on February 28, 2024. According to court records, on October 5, 2023, officers from the Fort Myers Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Irons was the front seat passenger. During the traffic stop, Irons initially misidentified himself to the officers by providing a false name and date of birth. Then, when officers searched the car, they found a loaded Smith and Wesson handgun in a fanny pack wedged between the front passenger seat—where Irons had been sitting—and the door. Minutes earlier, before getting into the vehicle, Irons had been seen wearing the fanny pack in a nearby apartment complex. As a multi-time convicted felon who had recently been released from a seven-year state prison sentence, Irons is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Fort Myers Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth. 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 out 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 first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Huntington Man Sentenced to Prison for Child Pornography Crime

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Derick Russell Legg, 48, of Huntington, was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, for receipt of child pornography. Legg must also register as a sex offender. According to court documents and statements made in court, from on or about September 19, 2019, through on or about January 28, 2020, Legg used peer-to-peer file sharing programs to receive digital media files depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Legg further admitted that he possessed 668 images and 321 videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on an external hard drive in Huntington on or about January 30, 2020. Legg also admitted to possessing additional images and videos of child pornography on his cell phone. Many of the images and videos possessed by Legg depict known child victims, prepubescent minors and minors subjected to sadistic or masochistic conduct. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew J. Tessman and Julie M. White prosecuted the case. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . 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. 3:22-cr-40. ###


title: Zuni Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse Against Children

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for sexually abusing two young girls on the Pueblo of Zuni reservation in New Mexico. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, Rodney Waikaniwa , 51, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, sexually assaulted two minor victims, Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2. Jane Doe 1 was assaulted between September 21, 2000, and September 20, 2001. Jane Doe 2 was assaulted between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2015. He committed the crimes at shared residences with the victims within the Pueblo of Zuni. Jane Doe 1 was approximately 8 years old at the time of the abuse and Jane Doe 2 was approximately 6 years old at the time of the abuse. Upon his release from prison, Waikaniwa will be subject to a 15-year term of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case. # # #


title: Jacksonville Beach Man Sentenced To 5 Years For Conspiracy To Distribute Cocaine

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Diandre Murel (30, Jacksonville Beach) to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine. Murel entered a guilty plea on October 23, 2023. According to court documents, Murel and another individual were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for distributing cocaine in the Jacksonville Beach area. During the course of the investigation, Murel went to Atlanta and purchased almost a kilogram of cocaine. Murel was stopped in Baker County on his way back from Atlanta. Deputies from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office searched the car and located the cocaine. DEA agents and officers from the Jacksonville Beach Police Department then executed a search warrant at a condo where Murel was renting a room. Law enforcement located additional cocaine, three firearms, and over 100 rounds of ammunition inside Murel’s room. Murel’s plea agreement includes a provision that he forfeit the firearms and ammunition seized by law enforcement. This case was investigated by the DEA, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, and the Baker County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot.


title: Robbinsdale Man Indicted for Illegal Possession of Machineguns, Ammunition

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Robbinsdale man has been indicted for illegally possessing machineguns, firearms, and ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on or about November 2, 2023, Ronnie Bila Shaka, 42, knowingly possessed three 9mm pistols and two pistols equipped with a machinegun conversion device commonly known as a “switch” or “auto sear,” which enables the weapon to be fired as a fully automatic by a single pull of the trigger. Shaka also possessed multiple rounds of ammunition. Because Shaka has prior felony convictions in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. The indictment charges Shaka with one count of possessing firearms as a felon, one count of unlawful possession of machineguns, and one count of possessing ammunition as a felon. Shaka was arraigned yesterday in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Douglas L. Micko. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Robbinsdale Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and the Crystal Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth S. Shnider is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Rikers Island Corrections Officer Sentenced To Over Three Years In Prison For Conspiring To Smuggle Contraband In Exchange For Bribes

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JASON SKEET was sentenced to 37 months in prison for conspiring to smuggle contraband to inmates at Rikers Island in exchange for bribes between January 2020 and June 2022. SKEET smuggled contraband, including marijuana, to inmates approximately 100 times during that period. SKEET previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery before U.S. District Judge Jennifer H. Rearden, who imposed today’s sentence. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Jason Skeet flagrantly abused his position of public trust by repeatedly smuggling contraband to inmates in exchange for bribes. Rikers Island is less safe, for inmates and officers alike, when corrections officers accept bribes to smuggle contraband. This prosecution and today’s sentence reflect this Office’s commitment to bring accountability to those in the corrections system who abuse their positions of trust.” According to the Complaint, the Information, court filings, and public court proceedings: From approximately January 2020 through June 2022, the defendant conspired with others to smuggle contraband, including marijuana, cigarettes, and food, to inmates housed at the Northern Infirmary Command on Rikers Island in exchange for bribes. The defendant smuggled contraband for inmates housed on Rikers Island approximately 100 times between the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and June 2022 in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars in bribe payments. For example, on April 20 and May 9, 2022, an inmate (“Inmate-1”), using a contraband cellphone, texted the defendant requesting cigarettes and marijuana. On each occasion, SKEET agreed to smuggle in the contraband in exchange for $1,000, and Inmate-1 proceeded to transfer $1,000 via CashApp into an account identified by SKEET. With respect to the May 9, 2022, contraband request, SKEET, referencing two Ziploc bags containing marijuana, texted Inmate-1, in part, “two BIG zip coming your way.” The contraband cellphone used by Inmate-1 was later recovered by law enforcement and found to contain the below photographs, taken only a few days after SKEET agreed to smuggle bags of marijuana for Inmate-1. SKEET later acknowledged during a voluntary interview with law enforcement officers that he smuggled contraband to inmates on Rikers Island approximately 100 times since the start of the pandemic in exchange for bribes. In imposing a sentence at the top of the advisory Sentencing Guidelines range, Judge Rearden remarked that SKEET’s “conduct was serious and dangerous and reflected an extraordinary lack of respect for the law.” * * * In addition to the prison term, SKEET, 46, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $45,644. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Department of Investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Z. Margulies, Jonathan E. Rebold, and Derek Wikstrom are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Postal employee ordered to pay restitution for  COVID payroll protection loan fraud

component: USAO - Mississippi, Northern

body_text: OXFORD, Miss. – A Southaven woman was ordered to pay more than $80,000 in restitution following her conviction for making a false application for and receiving COVID-19 Payroll Protection loans. According to court records, LaSonja Jones, 42, previously pled guilty to applying for PPP COVID-19 loans with false information about eligibility of two personal businesses she owned to obtain Federal moneys from the Small Business Administration. Jones was an administrative employee of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at the time she made the false applications. At a sentencing hearing on Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Jones to time served in prison with five years of supervised release and ordered her to pay $80,433 in restitution. “The federal government made billions of dollars available to businesses that needed help to stay afloat during the pandemic, and people like this defendant stole that money,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “To add insult to injury, the defendant worked for the government at the same time that she was actively stealing from the government, and I appreciate the efforts of the Postal Service to bring her to justice.” “This case is an example of our unwillingness to tolerate payroll protection fraud, especially by individuals who are placed in positions of authority to protect and investigate this very fraud,” said U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Michael Ray. “I thank Special Agent Jonathan Sawant and AUSA Paul Roberts for their commitment to bringing this case to resolution.” The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General’s Office of Professional Responsibility investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Roberts prosecuted the case.


title: Members of Brooklyn-Based “Bully Gang” Convicted of Racketeering, Murder and Gang-Related Crimes

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: On Thursday and today, a federal jury in Brooklyn convicted Moeleek Harrell, Derrick Ayers, Franklin Gillespie and Anthony Kennedy on 21 counts of an eighth superseding indictment charging them variously with racketeering, murder, murder conspiracy, robbery, drug offenses, money laundering and bribery of state correction officers. The defendants are members of a violent Brooklyn-based street gang known as the “Bully Gang,” which operated and committed crimes in and around Bedford Stuyvesant with a headquarters located at 1625 Fulton Street. Harrell was one of the founders and the leader of the Bully Gang; Ayers was a high-ranking member; Kennedy was a longstanding member; and Gillespie was a violent enforcer for the gang. Today’s verdicts followed a 13-week trial before United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan. When sentenced, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of life in prison and mandatory minimum sentences ranging from 15 to 55 years. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Bryan Miller, Special Agent-in-Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Division (ATF), Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), and Jocelyn Strauber, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), announced the verdict. “With today’s convictions, the leadership of the Bully Gang has been taken down and their criminal enterprise is a shell of the violent crew that wreaked havoc on Bedford Stuyvesant, other parts of New York City and the Eastern Seaboard with murder, broad daylight shootings, robberies, arsons, drug trafficking and bribery of correction officers at Rikers Island to facilitate a drug trafficking scheme,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “They used force and violence against rivals, terrorized the surrounding communities and enriched themselves and their members with the illicit proceeds of their criminal activities. These lawless, so-called ‘Bullies’ have been held responsible for their crimes thanks to the outstanding work by law enforcement agents and detectives who, together with our excellent prosecutors, brought this comprehensive investigation to a successful conclusion.” “These convictions put an end to the reign of terror committed by this gang, shattering the myth that criminals can commit atrocious acts without consequence. This is the result of a multi-year investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies spanning multiple jurisdictions. I commend our law enforcement partners—NYPD, NYC Department of Investigations, and our law enforcement partners in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maine and prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office—for their relentless efforts in making our communities safer,” stated ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Miller. “In particular, I am proud of the men and women of ATF NY and the ATF/NYPD Joint Firearms Task Force, who fight every day to prevent violence in any form, and are committed to dismantling and disarming violent gangs that plague our streets. ATF once again reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting the public from violent offenders.” “These convictions represent the culmination of an extensive investigation combined with a vigorous prosecution,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “The stakes could not have been higher because these gang members were responsible for an assortment of despicable crimes, including murder, robbery, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and bribery. A powerful message has been sent: Our city will not tolerate such criminal activity, and the NYPD and our law enforcement partners will keep working tirelessly to identify and investigate these enterprises and bring the individuals involved to justice.” DOI Commissioner Strauber stated: “The violence and drug trafficking in which these defendants engaged had far-reaching effects, including compromising the security of the City’s jails through the bribery of City correction officers used to traffic drugs from gang members to inmates on Rikers Island. I thank the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, the ATF and the NYPD for their partnership on this significant investigation and their commitment to bring to justice those who would jeopardize the safety of our communities through gang violence.” MURDER CONSPIRACY, MURDER AND FIREARMS OFFENSES Ayers was convicted of murdering Jonathan Jackson, an associate of the rival “Stukes Crew” gang, at a gender reveal party for Harrell’s child on March 3, 2018, in Brooklyn. Gillespie was convicted of conspiring to murder Mike Hawley in April 2020 to prevent him from informing authorities about the murder of Paul Hoilett in Brooklyn on April 11, 2020. Hawley was murdered in Queens four days later, on April 15, 2020. Ayers and Harrell were convicted of conspiring to murder the leader of the Stukes Crew, whom they stalked by aggregating information from public databases, including the locations where their cars were ticketed. That stalking led to at least three occasions in 2017 and 2018, when the gang members shot at their rivals and injured some of them. Ayers and Harrell were convicted of conspiring to murder Chris King, who had previously killed a Bully Gang member. King was stalked, including having his court appearances tracked, and was ultimately shot outside a Queens restaurant. A woman who was with King at the time was also wounded. Both survived their injuries. Finally, Harrell, Ayers, Gillespie and Kennedy were convicted of illegal possession, brandishing and discharge of firearms. NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING CONSPIRACIES Harrell and Kennedy were convicted of conspiring to smuggle drugs into Rikers Island from at least 2019 until 2021. During that time, members of the Bully Gang arranged for papers and comic books soaked in synthetic cannabinoids, also known as “K2,” to be mailed to inmates at Rikers, smuggled in by third parties, including correction officers and sold to inmates. Once inmates received the K2-soaked papers, they sold smaller quantities to other inmates at a substantial profit. Harrell, Ayers, Kennedy and Gillespie were convicted of a separate, years-long scheme to transport large quantities of drugs, including cocaine base, heroin and fentanyl, from New York and New Jersey to Maine, where members and associates of the Bully Gang sold the drugs out of stash houses. The narcotics were transported in vehicles equipped with concealed compartments, also called “traps,” that were professionally installed. Ayers was also convicted of running numerous “stash houses” in Maine, from which his underlings sold drugs on behalf of the conspiracy. MONEY LAUNDERING Harrell and Kennedy were convicted of laundering the illicit proceeds from the Rikers drug sales by transferring thousands of dollars each month into CashApp accounts and making wire transfers to co-conspirators through intermediaries. A portion of this money was used to purchase more K2 and bribe correction officers at Rikers. Also, Harrell and Ayers were convicted of laundering the illicit proceeds from the lucrative East Coast drug trafficking scheme. Harrell, Ayers and their co-conspirators purchased high-value assets, including expensive jewelry and vehicles. They also disguised the proceeds of the scheme by having co-conspirators, some of whom had legitimate jobs, use the cash to make ostensibly legitimate purchases that were actually for the benefit of Harrell and Ayers. BRIBERY Harrell and Kennedy were convicted of participating in the Rikers Island drug trafficking scheme by bribing correction officers at Rikers. Harrell’s leadership of the gang continued even after his detention at Rikers, where he led a drug trafficking, bribery and money laundering scheme responsible for smuggling drugs into the jail through the use of co-conspirators and the payment of bribes to correction officers. ROBBERY Gillespie was convicted of robberies on consecutive days in August 2020, in downtown Manhattan. Gillespie and others in the Bully Gang pointed firearms, including a large Mac-10-style firearm, at their victims while demanding their money, jewelry and shopping bags. After the robberies, Gillespie was arrested with some of the same firearms. * * * * * The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict with respect to several remaining counts of the eighth superseding indictment, which charged Ayers with causing Jackson’s death through the use of a firearm; Gillespie with causing Hoilett’s death through the use of a firearm and illegally possessing, brandishing and discharging a firearm in connection with that death; and Gillespie and Kennedy with causing Hawley’s death through the use of a firearm and illegally possessing, brandishing and discharging a firearm in connection with that death. A mistrial was declared as to those counts. The Office intends to retry the defendants on those counts that the jury was unable to reach a verdict. Those charges are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Since 2020, 53 members and associates of the Bully Gang have been publicly charged with a variety of crimes in connection with this investigation, and 49 have been convicted. Three defendants are awaiting trial, and one is a fugitive. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section and Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Drew G. Rolle, Lindsey R. Oken, Joy Lurinsky and Victor Zapana are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Lead Legal Administrative Specialist Samantha E. Ward and Paralegal Specialists Emily Moosher and William Daniels, as well as Intelligence Analyst Eungee Hwang and a number of EDNY Criminal Investigators and Special Agents. The Defendants: DERRICK AYERS (also known as “Dee” and “Mel”) Age: 37 Rahway, New Jersey MOELEEK HARRELL (also known as “Moe Money”) Age: 34 Brooklyn, New York FRANKLIN GILLESPIE (also known as “Spazz” and “Frankie Gino”) Age: 33 Newark, New Jersey ANTHONY KENNEDY (also known as “Biggie”) Age: 38 Queens, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No.: 20-CR-239 (BMC)


title: Leader of International Drug Trafficking Organization Operating in Lane County Sentenced to Federal Prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—The leader of an international drug trafficking organization operating in Lane County, Oregon, responsible for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine into the state between 2018 and 2020, was sentenced to federal prison today. Victor Diaz-Ramirez, 33, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. “While communities across our state continue to struggle with the ongoing drug crisis, there are criminal enterprises, like the Diaz-Ramirez drug trafficking organization, whose sole purpose is to profit from addiction and suffering. This far-reaching investigation demonstrates the deep commitment of all involved law enforcement agencies to combatting drug trafficking and keeping our communities safe,” said Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eugene and Medford Branch Offices. “Drug traffickers like Mr. Diaz-Ramirez prey on our communities by peddling large amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, often to our most vulnerable,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle Field Division. “I am gratified that the hard work of DEA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our many partners from law enforcement agencies across Oregon led to the lengthy sentence Mr. Diaz-Ramirez received in this case. Justice was truly served.” According to court documents, from at least March 2018 through August 2020, while operating out of Mexico, Diaz-Ramirez helped lead an international drug trafficking organization responsible for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine from Mexico into the United States. Diaz-Ramirez’s organization used a network of associates to transport the drugs from Southern California to Oregon and deliver them to local distributors in exchange for cash. As part of this investigation, law enforcement seized more than 178 pounds of methamphetamine, 12 pounds of heroin, six pounds of fentanyl, 18 rifles, three rifle optics, and ammunition. Investigators also forfeited approximately $1.2 million from the organization, including more than $400,000 in cash. In total, 35 people—including sources of supply in Mexico, couriers, local cell operators in Lane County, and first and second level distributors responsible for sales in and around Eugene—were charged and have been convicted for their roles in Diaz-Ramirez’s organization. On August 5, 2020, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Diaz-Ramirez with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On November 1, 2023, Diaz-Ramirez pleaded guilty to a one-count superseding criminal information charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. This case was investigated by DEA, FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Springfield Police Department, Eugene Police Department, Lane County Sherriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (LINE), and Douglas Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (DINT). It was prosecuted by Joseph Huynh and Judi Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon. This prosecution is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the U.S. 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: South Carolina Man Sentenced to Over 30 Years for Sex Trafficking

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Aaron T. Simmons, 26, of Greenville, South Carolina, was sentenced today to 365 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release after he pleaded guilty in November 2023 to one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of sex trafficking of a minor. “This significant prison sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s brutal conduct inflicted on victims, including a minor, for many months” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The sexual exploitation of victims in this manner robs them of their freedom, dignity and sense of security, and stands to scar them for life. Such venal, rapacious conduct is unacceptable in our society. The Justice Department will use all the tools at its disposal to prosecute sex traffickers and to seek justice for the survivors of human trafficking.” “Our office will continue to bring every resource we have to bear to stop human trafficking in South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “Those who victimize human beings, especially children, in this heinous manner will be held accountable.” According to court documents, the defendant used physical beatings, threats, intimidation, control and psychological manipulation to coerce three adult victims to engage in repeated commercial sex acts in the Greenville area between August 2019 and August 2020. The defendant also provided a 17-year-old minor victim for commercial sex acts in the Greenville area between August 2019 and November 2019. The FBI Columbia Field Office and Greenville Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Fisher Sherard for the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Francisco Zornosa of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking .


title: Bronx Man Convicted Of December 2021 Murder And Attempted Robbery In Aqueduct Park Walkway

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the conviction of RICARDO FERGUSON, a/k/a “Maybach,” for the December 5, 2021, murder of Robert Brown, Sr. inside of the Aqueduct Park walkway in the University Heights neighborhood of the Bronx. FERGUSON shot Brown in the head and attempted to steal crack cocaine and money from Brown’s pockets during a dispute over drug sales. The defendant was found guilty following a six-day trial before U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Ricardo Ferguson murdered Robert Brown, Sr. by shooting him in the head in the middle of a New York City park in broad daylight. Today’s conviction sends an important message to drug dealers who commit violent crimes that they will be apprehended and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.” According to the allegations in the Indictment and evidence at trial: FERGUSON and others participated in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in the vicinity of the Aqueduct Park walkway in the University Heights neighborhood of the Bronx. In the months leading up to the murder, FERGUSON and his co-conspirators threatened Robert Brown, Sr. because Brown had been selling bags containing larger quantities of crack cocaine than the other dealers in the park. On December 5, 2021, FERGUSON and a co-conspirator attacked and attempted to rob Brown in the Aqueduct Park walkway. During the attempted robbery, FERGUSON pulled out a gun and shot Brown in the head. Brown was 63 years old at the time of the murder. * * * FERGUSON, 38, of the Bronx, New York, was convicted today of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; attempted Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; murder through the use of a firearm, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; and using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, which was brandished and discharged, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The statutory minimum and maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. FERGUSON is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Berman on October 9, 2024. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), the Special Agents and NYPD Task Force Officers from the Special Investigations Division assigned to the Southern District of New York, and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area analysts. The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominic Gentile, Jun Xiang, Mathew Andrews, and Peter Davis are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Ananya Sankar.


title: Buxton Woman Who Stole from Employer for 7+ Years Sentenced for Wire Fraud, Filing a False Tax Return

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Buxton woman was sentenced on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Portland for two counts of wire fraud and one count of making and subscribing a false tax return. U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Christine Bangs , 64, to a year plus a day in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Bangs was also ordered to pay $536,352.33 in restitution to her victim and $70,323 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for taxes on the income derived from the fraud that she failed to report. She was also ordered to forfeit any property, real or personal, which was derived from the proceeds of her crime, including $105,009.53 seized from a bank account in her name. According to court records, from March 2014 until June 2021, Bangs used her professional position as operations manager and access to her employer’s credit card, bank accounts and payroll for her own personal gain. Bangs used the corporate credit card to make approximately $197,936 in personal purchases, including $12,414.96 for tickets to a New England Patriots vs. Dallas Cowboys game, and stole an additional $255,645 from the victim by making approximately 213 wire transfers over the 7+ years. Of the money Bangs stole, she spent more than $176,000 on entertainment, tickets & dining. The U.S. Attorney’s Office does not identify victims of crime and is therefore not identifying Bangs’ former employer. Bangs omitted $183,386 in income when filing a personal tax return in 2020. The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. ###


title: Las Vegas Man Sentenced To Prison For Bank Fraud

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced Friday by United States District Judge James C. Mahan to 43 months in prison for using stolen debit and credit cards and checks to make fraudulent purchases at retail stores. According to court documents, from January 2023 to March 8, 2023, Andy Phouphayry, devised and carried out a scheme to fraudulently obtain debit and credit cards and checks for the purposes of withdrawing cash or making fraudulent purchases at retail stores in Las Vegas. As part of the scheme, Phouphayry stole debit or credit cards or checks from the mail. He would fraudulently obtain pin numbers for the debit and credit cards. Furthermore, he would steal victims’ checks and alter them so that they could be deposited into other victims’ bank accounts. Phouphayry deposited a stolen check into a victim’s bank account, then he fraudulently used a debit card in the name of that victim to withdraw cash from the victim’s account. On March 8, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Phouphayry’s hotel room. Law enforcement found stolen mail including checks totaling more than $150,000. As a result of this scheme, Phouphayry stole mail from more than 10 victims and he caused at least $20,256.02 in loss to the bank. Phouphayry pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. In addition to imprisonment, Phouphayry was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $22,473.12. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada made the announcement. The United States Postal Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Edward Veronda prosecuted the case. ###


title: St. Paul Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Producing Child Pornography in Cyberstalking and Child Exploitation Case

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – A St. Paul man has been sentenced to 240 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release for producing a video depicting his sexual abuse of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to the defendant’s guilty plea and court documents, beginning in July 2019 through February 2023, Chedor TV, 40, created multiple online personas on apps such as Discord and Snapchat to cyberstalk a minor victim. He used aliases such as “Chang Vang” and “Hailey Ly” to pose as a minor and communicate with the minor victim, sending her sexually explicit pictures. During this time, while the minor victim was unaware that TV was cyberstalking her using these online aliases, TV also secretly recorded the minor victim while she was naked in the shower at his residence. TV also recorded a sexually explicit video depicting the minor victim while she was asleep at his residence. When the minor victim tried to cease contact with TV’s online persona “Chang,” TV threatened to share publicly explicit videos and images he took of the minor victim without her knowledge, causing her substantial emotional distress. TV was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Eric C. Tostrud. During sentencing, Judge Tostrud remarked that all of TV’s conduct towards the minor victim “is just appalling” and that the produced sexual abuse imagery “reflects depravity.” Judge Tostrud also reflected that TV’s conduct was “likely to have a grave, lifelong impact” on the minor victim and her family. TV pleaded guilty on January 10, 2024, to one count of production of child pornography and admitted to cyberstalking the minor victim in his plea. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the St. Paul Police Department and the FBI. It was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary A. Taylor prosecuted the case.