title: U.S. Attorney’s Office staff strive to make path to re-entry easier for returning citizens

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Hundreds of job seekers recently attended Miami-Dade County’s 305 Second Chance Job & Resource Expo at the Main Library in downtown Miami and United States Attorney’s Office staff were present to provide helpful community resources. Many job seekers previously had been in prison. That is a major impediment to landing a job with a good company, but couple that with a lack of education and these job seekers are starting out with two strikes against them. That’s why it’s so critical to reduce employment barriers so returning citizens have a chance to become productive. Otherwise, they are much more likely to reoffend and end up right back in prison. “Many people we saw at the expo were so grateful for the opportunity to apply for jobs and get resource information in one location,” said Law Enforcement Coordination Specialist Mark McKinney, U.S. Attorney’s Office. “You can’t help but feel inspired and want to help them as best you can.” Approximately 25 employers were onsite to take applications and in some instances conduct on-the-spot interviews. Also available were social services, health and wellness, educational and vocational training, and resume development resources. “We can bring someone on in as little as a week, depending on the position,” said a recruiting specialist with a local community organization. “Certain positions such as a preschool teacher may need an associate or bachelor’s degree. It just depends on the job they are trying to get.” In some instances, a criminal record could impact certain job opportunities for returning citizens. However, the Job & Resource Expo showed that there are positions that could be a match for a number of returning citizens. Also, a couple of government programs give prospective employers financial incentives to hire returning citizens—either through bonds or tax credits. “There appears to be momentum toward helping returning citizens find a living wage and that’s a good thing,” said Law Enforcement Coordination/Community Outreach Section Chief J.D. Smith. “Our office provides resource information to returning citizens and hosts re-entry simulations to educate community members on how difficult re-entry can be. Educating the public is key because many either don’t know or don’t think about the challenges facing returning citizens. We should want them to succeed because when they do better, our communities do better.” Opportunities to get involved with returning citizens abound. “We encourage our non-profit and faith-based partners to mentor returning citizens and assist them to overcome re-entry barriers and hurdles,” said Smith. Hundreds of job seekers attended the recent Miami-Dade County’s 305 Second Chance Job & Resource Expo at the Main Library in downtown Miami. Pictured above, a returning citizen receives resource information from U.S. Attorney’s Office staff. ###


title: Serial Bank Robber Admits to Four Bank Robbery Charges

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A Rhode Island man previously convicted of robbing seven banks dating back to 1997, today admitted to a federal judge in Providence that he robbed three banks and attempted to rob a fourth all within a three-day span in January 2021, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. Vaughn Watrous, 47, pleaded guilty today to four counts of bank robbery. The defendant’s sentences will be determined at a future date by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Watrous admitted to robbing three banks in Providence and Cranston on January 19, 20, and 21, 2021; and attempting to rob a fourth bank in North Providence on January 21, 2021. According to court records, Watrous was previously convicted of multiple bank robberies in 1997, 2003, and 2013. In 1997 he was convicted in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City, Utah, on a charge of bank robbery and sentenced to 51 months in federal prison; in 2003 in U.S. District Court in Providence on two counts of bank robbery and sentenced to 76 months of incarceration; and in October 2015 in U.S. District Court in Providence on four counts of bank robbery and sentenced in February 2016 to a term of incarceration of 92 months. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julianne L. Klein. The matter was investigated by the FBI, with the assistance of the Providence, Cranston, and North Providence Police Departments. ###


title: Dover Man Sentenced For “Straw Purchasing” Firearms

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

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that Jordan Harmon, 25, of Dover, was sentenced on April 15, 2024, to three years’ incarceration for straw purchasing firearms. The Honorable Colm F. Connolly, Chief Judge, United States District Court for the District of Delaware imposed sentence. According to court documents, in 2020, Harmon purchased a total of 19 semi-automatic pistols from a federally licensed firearms dealer in Delaware. Federal firearm laws provide that, at the time of purchase, gun buyers must certify in writing that the firearm is being purchased for the buyer and not for someone else. Harmon falsely certified on a federal firearm transaction form that he was purchasing the 19 firearms for himself. In fact, Harmon was illegally purchasing the guns for others, a scheme known as “straw purchasing.” To date, law enforcement officers have recovered seven of the semi-automatic pistols. The investigation to recover the remaining firearms is ongoing. U.S. Attorney Weiss said, “Straw purchasing firearms for individuals who cannot legally purchase guns is a threat to public safety. I commend the Dover Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives for their hard work in investigating this case. For anyone considering purchasing a firearm for someone who cannot legally purchase one on their own, consider the end result in Mr. Harmon’s case – federal prison.” The case was investigated by the Dover Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edmond Falgowski. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-110.


title: Two Former Employees of New Jersey Mortgage Lending Business Charged for Roles in Mortgage Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Two men have been charged in connection with their roles in a large-scale mortgage fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Christopher J. Gallo, 44, of Old Tappan, New Jersey, and Mehmet A. Elmas, 32, a U.S. citizen who resides in Turkey, are charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. They appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court and were each released $200,000 unsecured bond. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Gallo and Elmas were previously employed by a New Jersey-based, privately owned licensed residential mortgage lending business. Gallo was employed as a senior loan officer and Elmas was a mortgage loan officer and Gallo’s assistant. From 2018 through October 2023, Gallo and Elmas used their positions to conspire and engage in a fraudulent scheme to falsify loan origination documents sent to mortgage lenders in New Jersey and elsewhere, including their former employer, to fraudulently obtain mortgage loans. Gallo and Elmas routinely mislead mortgage lenders about the intended use of properties to fraudulently secure lower mortgage interest rates. Gallo and Elmas often submitted loan applications falsely stating that the listed borrowers were the primary residents of certain proprieties when, in fact, those properties were intended to be used as rental or investment properties. By fraudulently misleading lenders about the true intended use of the properties, Gallo and Elmas secured and profited from mortgage loans that were approved at lower interest rates. The conspiracy also included falsifying property records, including building safety and financial information of prospective borrowers to facilitate mortgage loan approval. Between 2018 through October 2023, Gallo originated more than $1.4 billion in loans. The conspiracy to commit bank fraud charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, and special agents of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robert Manchak, with the investigation leading to today’s arrests. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shontae D. Gray of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. galloelmas.complaint.pdf


title: Burlington County Couple Convicted of Forced Labor and Other Federal Crimes

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – A Burlington County, New Jersey, couple was convicted today of forced labor and other crimes related to their coercive scheme to compel two victims to perform domestic labor and childcare in their home, harbor the victims knowing that they were unlawfully present in the United States and unlawfully confiscate the victims’ passports, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced. Bolaji Bolarinwa, 50, was found guilty of two counts of forced labor, one count of alien harboring for financial gain and two counts of document servitude following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams in Camden federal court. The jury also convicted Isiaka Bolarinwa, 67, of two counts of forced labor and one count of alien harboring for financial gain. The defendants were each acquitted of a second count of alien harboring for financial gain. “These defendants engaged in an egregious bait-and-switch, luring the victims with false promises of a life and an education in the United States, and instead subjected them to grueling hours, physical abuse and psychological abuse. Forced labor and human trafficking are abhorrent crimes that have no place in our society, and I am grateful to our team of prosecutors, agents and support staff for ensuring that justice was done in this case.” U.S..Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “The defendants exploited the victims’ trust and then inflicted physical and mental abuse against them, all so they could keep the victims working for their profit,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said. “Human trafficking is a heinous crime, and this verdict should send the very clear message that the Justice Department will investigate and vigorously prosecute these cases to hold human traffickers accountable and bring justice to their victims.” “Imagine showing up in a foreign land, hoping for a better life, and ending up trapped with no place to go and no one to turn to for help,” FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “The victims in this investigation suffered in unimaginable ways at the hands of their captors, enduring years of physical and mental abuse. Human trafficking often takes on many different forms and can hide in plain sight. I want to commend the agents and victim specialists who worked on this case, alongside our partners at the US Attorney's Office. We want everyone to know if you or anyone you know is a victim – you can come to us for help. We will bring your tormentors to justice.” According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial: From December 2015 to October 2016, Bolaji and Isiaka Bolarinwa – originally from Nigeria, but living in New Jersey as U.S. citizens – recruited two victims to come to the United States and then coerced them to perform domestic labor and childcare services for their children through physical harm, threats of physical harm, isolation, constant surveillance and psychological abuse. The defendants engaged in this venture knowing that both victims were out of lawful status while working in their home. Once the first victim arrived in the United States in December 2015, Bolaji Bolarinwa confiscated her passport and coerced her through threats of physical harm to her and her daughter, verbal abuse, isolation and constant surveillance to compel her to work every day, around-the-clock for nearly a year. Isiaka was aware of his wife’s threats and abusive behavior toward the victim and directly benefited from the victim’s cooking, cleaning and childcare. The defendants then recruited a second victim to come to the United States on a student visa. When the second victim arrived in the United States in April 2016, Bolaji Bolarinwa similarly confiscated her passport and coerced her to perform household work and childcare but relied more heavily on physical abuse. On at least one occasion, Isiaka Bolarinwa also physically abused the second victim, and he was aware of his wife’s coercive, abusive behavior toward the second victim and directly benefited from her cleaning and childcare. The two victims lived and worked in the Bolarinwa home until October 2016, when the second victim notified a professor at her college, who reported the information to the FBI. The defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each forced labor count. The defendants face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the alien harboring count and Bolaji faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each unlawful document conduct count. They will also be required to pay mandatory restitution to the two victims and each face a fine on each count of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or gross loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the guilty verdict. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender for the District of New Jersey and Trial Attorney Elizabeth Hutson of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit. 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: Ohio Man Sentenced for Meth Trafficking

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Cincinnati, Ohio, man was sentenced in federal court today for carrying thousands of methamphetamine pills aboard a bus traveling through Kansas City, Mo. Antuan McClendon, 43, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 11 years and three months in federal prison without parole. On Dec. 21, 2023, McClendon pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. McClendon was a passenger aboard a bus traveling from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Indianapolis, Indiana, which stopped at a terminal in Kansas City, Mo. McClendon was arrested after a law enforcement drug-sniffing dog alerted to his backpack in an overhead compartment above his seat. Officers searched McClendon’s backpack and found a large bundle hidden within a pair of jeans. The larger bundle contained three smaller bundles, each of which contained multi-colored tablets inside clear heat-sealed bags. In total, the bundles contained 8,288 methamphetamine tablets, which weighed a total of 2,899 grams. McClendon admitted to officers that he had purchased the pills in Las Vegas and planned to sell them for $1 apiece. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stefan C. Hughes. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.


title: Laboratory Owners Charged in $36M COVID-19 Testing Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Update: On March 27, 2025, defendants Diego Sanudo Sanchez Chocron and Gregory Charles “Milo” Caskey were found not guilty by a federal jury in the Southern District of Florida. An indictment was unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida charging three men for their alleged roles in an approximately $36 million health care fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering scheme that involved submitting false and fraudulent claims for COVID-19 testing to health care benefit programs, including Medicare and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Uninsured Program. Enrique Perez-Paris, 47, of Aventura, Florida, and Diego Sanudo Sanchez Chocron, 47, of Venice, California, made their initial appearances today in the U.S. District Court for Southern District of Florida. Gregory Charles “Milo” Caskey, 57, of San Antonio, Texas, made his initial appearance today in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. According to court documents, Perez-Paris, Sanchez, and Caskey were owners of Innovative Genomics, an independent laboratory. Between November 2019 and June 2023, the defendants and others allegedly conspired to submit claims for medically unnecessary and non-reimbursable COVID-19 testing. The defendants also allegedly paid illegal kickbacks and bribes to patient recruiters who arranged for health care providers to refer the tests to Innovative Genomics. At times, the defendants allegedly caused the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program to be improperly billed for tests for Medicare beneficiaries. The defendants allegedly further billed for tests that the Food and Drug Administration had not approved for emergency-use authorization. The defendants are each charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, three counts of health care fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the conspiracy counts and a maximum penalty of 10 years on each health care fraud count. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Stephen Mahmood of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office made the announcement. The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case. Trial Attorney Reginald Cuyler Jr. of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx Calderon for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: New Jersey Couple Convicted of Forced Labor and Other Federal Crimes

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: After a two-week trial, a federal jury in Camden, New Jersey, found Bolaji Bolarinwa, 50, and Isiaka Bolarinwa, 67, both of Burlington County, New Jersey, guilty of forced labor and other crimes related to their coercive scheme to compel two victims to perform domestic labor and childcare in their home. Bolaji Bolarinwa was found guilty of two counts of forced labor, one count of alien harboring for financial gain and two counts of document servitude. The jury also convicted Isiaka Bolarinwa of two counts of forced labor and one count of alien harboring for financial gain. The defendants were each acquitted of a second count of alien harboring for financial gain. “The defendants deceitfully lured the victims to the United States with promises of benefits, but then betrayed them,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendants confiscated the victims’ passports, threatened them, degraded them, physically abused them and kept them under constant surveillance, all to coerce the victims’ labor and ruthlessly exploit them for the defendants’ own profit. Human trafficking is a heinous crime, and this verdict should send the very clear message that the Justice Department will investigate and vigorously prosecute these cases to hold human traffickers accountable and bring justice to their victims.” “These defendants engaged in an egregious bait-and-switch, luring the victims with false promises of a life and an education in the United States, and instead subjected them to grueling hours, physical abuse and psychological abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “Forced labor and human trafficking are abhorrent crimes that have no place in our society, and I am grateful to our team of prosecutors, agents and support staff for ensuring that justice was done in this case.” “Imagine showing up in a foreign land, hoping for a better life and ending up trapped with no place to go and no one to turn to for help,” said Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy of the FBI Newark Field Office. “The victims in this investigation suffered in unimaginable ways at the hands of their captors, enduring years of physical and mental abuse. Human trafficking often takes on many different forms and can hide in plain sight. I want to commend the agents and victim specialists who worked on this case, alongside our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We want everyone to know if you or anyone you know is a victim – you can come to us for help. We will bring your tormentors to justice.” The evidence presented at trial, including the testimony of two victims, established that, between December 2015 and October 2016, Bolaji and Isiaka Bolarinwa – originally from Nigeria, but living in New Jersey as U.S. citizens – recruited two victims to come to the United States and then coerced them to perform domestic labor and childcare services for their children through physical harm, threats of physical harm, isolation, constant surveillance and psychological abuse. The defendants engaged in this venture knowing that both victims were out of lawful status while working in their home. Once Victim 1 arrived in the United States in December 2015, Bolaji Bolarinwa confiscated her passport and coerced her through threats of physical harm to her and her daughter, verbal abuse, isolation and constant surveillance to compel her to work every day, around the clock for nearly a year. Isiaka was aware of his wife’s threats and abusive behavior toward Victim 1 and directly benefited from Victim 1’s cooking, cleaning and childcare. The defendants then recruited Victim 2 to come to the United States on a student visa. When Victim 2 arrived in the United States in April 2016, Bolaji Bolarinwa similarly confiscated her passport and coerced her to perform household work and childcare but relied more heavily on physical abuse. On at least one occasion, Isiaka Bolarinwa also physically abused Vitim 2, and he was aware of his wife’s coercive, abusive behavior toward Victim 2 and directly benefited from her cleaning and childcare. Victim 1 and Victim 2 lived and worked in the Bolarinwa home until October 2016, when Victim 2 summoned the courage to outcry to a professor at her college, who in turn, reported the targets to the FBI. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. Both defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each forced labor count, and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the alien harboring count. Bolaji Bolarinwa faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each unlawful document conduct count. They will also be required to pay mandatory restitution to the two victims and each face a fine on each count of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or gross loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. The FBI Newark Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender for the District of New Jersey and Trial Attorney Elizabeth Hutson 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: MPD Officer and a Maryland Accountant Plead Guilty to COVID Emergency Loan Fraud

body_text: Owen M. Grigsby, 44, of Waldorf, Maryland, and Himmeh Kuawogai, 46, of Ellicott City, Maryland, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with filing false and misleading information in order to fraudulently obtain over $95,000.00 in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. Grigsby is a patrol officer with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who is currently on administrative leave with pay. Kuawogai is an accountant and owner of HAK Accounting Services. Both men both pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud by engaging in a scheme to defraud and obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises, which carries a potential penalty of five years in prison. The Honorable Randolph D. Moss presided over the guilty pleas and scheduled sentencing for September 10, 2024. According to court documents, Kuawogai helped Grigsby establish Owen Grigsby Associates (OAG) in Maryland in July 2020. At the time, Grigsby was employed by the MPD. Although Grigsby was required to report any outside business venture to MPD pursuant to MPD policies, Grigsby failed to do so. OGA allegedly had no legitimate purpose and was created only to obtain EIDL and PPP loans. In October 2020, Grigsby filed an EIDL application on behalf of OGA containing materially false statements to the Small Business Administration (SBA). Grigsby was approved for that loan and fraudulently obtained $53,600.00. In December 2021, Grigsby filed an application containing materially false statements on behalf of OGA to the SBA seeking to modify his original EIDL in the amount of $214,500.00. Grigsby was denied that loan modification. Grigsby applied for the EIDLs despite never intending to use loan funds for a legitimate business purpose. In April 2021, Grigsby submitted his first PPP loan application on behalf of OGA containing materially false statements to Harvest Small Business Finance, LLC (HSBF), an FDIC-insured financial institution. In April 2021, Grigsby submitted his second PPP loan application on behalf of OGA containing materially false statements to HSBF. As a result of Grigsby’s first fraudulent and misleading PPP loan application, HSBF approved Grigsby’s loan application for OGA for $20,833.00 causing HSBF to disburse $20,833.00 into OGA’s bank account. As a result of Grigsby’s second fraudulent and misleading PPP loan application, HSBF approved Grigsby’s “Second Draw” loan application causing HSBF to disburse $20,833.00 into OGA’s bank account. Grigsby applied for the two PPP loans despite never intending to use loan funds for a legitimate business purpose. In August 2021, Grigsby filed two PPP loan forgiveness applications containing materially false statements. As a result of these fraudulent loan applications, HSBF forgave OGA’s first and second PPP loans. For each fraudulent loan and forgiveness application Grigsby submitted on behalf of OGA, Kuawogai assisted Grigsby by providing him with amended and fake documents and explaining the loan application process to him via messaging applications, the phone, and email. This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the Metropolitan Police Department, Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Rebecca G. Ross


title: Instagram Influencer Known as “Jay Mazini” Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Overlapping Fraud Schemes

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Jebara Igbara, also known as “Jay Mazini,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Frederic Block to 84 months in prison for wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering arising out of multiple schemes that resulted in millions of dollars in loss to trusting investors. Igbara pleaded guilty to the charges in November 2022. As set forth in the information, up until March 2021, Igbara maintained a popular Instagram account under the name “Jay Mazini,” where he would post videos depicting, among other things, occasions during which he would hand out large amounts of cash to various individuals as gifts. In reality, Igbara was perpetrating overlapping fraud schemes, scamming investors out of at least $8 million. As part of his sentence, Igbara was ordered to pay $10 million in forfeiture. The amount of restitution will be determined at a later date. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Thomas M. Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), announced the sentence. “The prosecution of Igbara unmasked him as a fraudster who used his social media popularity to con investors out of millions of dollars,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Shamefully, he targeted his own religious community, taking advantage of their trust in him so he could spend and gamble their hard-earned money. Hopefully today’s sentence will influence fraudsters, like this defendant, to think twice about the consequences before they victimize investors for their own benefit.” “Igbara was a crypto con man. He not only created a fake online presence to purport that he was a wealthy crypto investor, he used his Instagram persona as proof of success when convincing his unsuspecting victims to invest in his schemes. He conned a New York Muslim community out of millions then simply spent it and gambled it away. Igbara had no regard for the victims he affected with his scam, but today’s sentence means that this crypto swindler, along with his social media persona, will now spend years in prison for his criminal acts,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent-in-Charge Fattorusso. Igbara maintained a popular social media presence on Instagram, calling himself “Jay Manzini,” with nearly one million followers during the offense period of 2019 to 2021. The defendant portrayed himself as a successful investor and businessman, and also posted material relating to his Muslim faith, portraying himself as religious. Igbara touted his purported wealth by posting videos on his Instagram account showing him handing out large sums of cash to shoppers waiting on the checkout line in grocery stores, individuals working in fast food restaurants and a woman he met at the airport who had lost her purse. Igbara perpetrated an investment fraud scheme via a company called Halal Capital LLC. The scheme targeted members of the Muslim-American community in New York by soliciting their money for purported investments in stock, electronics resale and the sale of personal protective equipment. In reality, Igbara was operating a Ponzi scheme, and misappropriated nearly all of the money for his personal expenses, luxury vehicles and gambling. To raise money in order to pay his investors “returns,” and keep them on the hook, Igbara also perpetrated a second fraudulent scheme, wherein he posted on his Instagram and other social media accounts that he was willing to pay above-market prices for various cryptocurrencies. He would then send his victims doctored images of wire transfer confirmations that purported to show he had sent money for the cryptocurrency as promised, when in reality, the payment was never sent, and Igbara was merely stealing the cryptocurrency sent by his victim. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business & Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Howard Elbert and Joshua Dugan are in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant : JEBARA IGBARA (also known as “Jay Mazini”) Age: 28 Edgewater, New Jersey E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-424 (FB)


title: Seattle Businessman Charged with Tax Evasion Scheme

component: Tax Division

body_text: A federal grand jury in Seattle returned an indictment today charging a Washington man with tax evasion and the filing of false tax returns related to a scheme to conceal income received from his commercial property business. According to the indictment, from at least 2015 to 2020, Steven Loo allegedly controlled and operated eight companies that owned commercial real estate. Each was managed by independent property management companies, which were responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the real estate. Loo allegedly diverted the income he earned from his real estate by instructing the property management companies to issue checks, categorized as asset management fees, to two other entities that Loo controlled. Loo allegedly knew that the funds deposited into these bank accounts, totaling more than $4.8 million, were income to him and that he was required to report and pay tax on the funds. Nevertheless, Loo allegedly filed tax returns for 2015 through 2020 that did not report or pay tax on these funds. By his conduct, Loo allegedly caused a tax loss to the IRS of over $1.6 million. If convicted, Loo faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each tax evasion counts and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each of the false tax return counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman for the Western District of Washington made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Regina Jeon of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Dion and Sean Waite for the Western District of Washington are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: More Than Six Years After Fleeing the U.S., Dominican Republic Native Sentenced to 6.5 Years in Federal Prison for Smuggling $2 Million in Heroin

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Dominican Republic native and former New York City resident has been sentenced in federal court to 78 months of incarceration, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his conviction for federal drug trafficking offenses, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Habys Omar Meran, age 38. According to information presented to the Court, on January 26, 2016, Meran was driving a van containing a sophisticated, hydraulically activated hidden compartment when stopped on Interstate 80 by a Pennsylvania State Trooper who specializes in drug interdiction. The compartment was found to contain over four kilograms of heroin, an amount valued at over $2 million when packaged and sold on the street. Meran’s passenger—his relative Juan Wilquin Hernandez-Bourdier—was convicted by a jury of all charges on December 13, 2018, and is currently serving a 10-year sentence in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. But prior to Meran’s trial, Meran removed his ankle monitor and fled the country on November 23, 2017. The United States Marshals Service initiated a fugitive investigation and Meran was arrested in the Dominican Republic in 2023 and subsequently extradited back to the United States under an international treaty with the Dominican Republic government. Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Colville stated that the seriousness of Meran’s drug-trafficking actions and his subsequent flight from justice warranted the significant sentence imposed. Judge Colville also ordered that the vehicle used to transport the drugs be forfeited to the federal government and noted that Meran will be deported to the Dominican Republic after serving his 78-month term of imprisonment. Assistant United States Attorneys Ross E. Lenhardt and James R. Wilson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Department of Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the prosecution of both Meran and Hernandez-Bourdier, with valuable assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police Interdiction Team, Pennsylvania State Police Crime Lab, Department of Homeland Security Crime Lab, United States Marshals Service, and Drug Enforcement Administration.


title: Summerdale Woman Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Prison for Bank Fraud Conspiracy and Aggravated Identity Theft

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Summerdale woman was sentenced to 37 months in prison for bank fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft. According to court documents, Jamie Danell Putman, 40, pleaded guilty to engaging in a bank fraud conspiracy between March 2022 and July 2023, and stealing other peoples’ identities in furtherance of the scheme. In April 2022, an identity-theft victim from Robertsdale filed a report with Foley police that somebody had unlawfully obtained her driver’s license, social security number, and other identifiers and had used them to open an unauthorized checking account and deposit fraudulent checks in it. Days later, Foley police arrested Putman at a hotel in possession of the victim’s stolen mail and identification documents, as well as several other items of stolen mail, including blank business checks. Putman admitted in a recorded interview that she had stolen the mail and identification documents. Putman admitted that she and several other people would drive around Baldwin County stealing mail, use acetone to “wash” checks, change the payee information on the checks, and then attempt fraudulent in-person and mobile deposits. In March 2023, after her release from custody, Putman opened a T-Mobile Money bank account and conducted additional fraudulent deposits of counterfeited and forged checks bearing the identifiers of mail-theft victims. In July 2023, Foley police again arrested Putman, who was a passenger in a vehicle being driven by one of her coconspirators. In Putman’s purse, police found several stolen credits, checks, identity documents, and other stolen mail. In addition to the 37-month prison sentence, Chief United States District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock ordered Putman to serve a five-year term of supervised release, during which time she will undergo drug testing and treatment, will receive mental health evaluation and treatment, and will be subject to credit restrictions. The court did not impose a fine, but Chief Judge Beaverstock ordered Putman to pay $300 in victim restitution and $200 in special assessments. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The United States Postal Inspection Service, the Foley Police Department, the Summerdale Police Department, and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.


title: Heart Butte woman admits assaulting woman with vehicle on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Heart Butte woman accused of hitting another woman with her vehicle, pinning her between another vehicle, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. The defendant, Julia Lee Bigback, 40, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Bigback faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Aug. 29. Bigback was released pending further proceedings. In court documents, the government alleged that on May 18, 2022, Bigback was drinking with others and driving a suburban around Browning. The group stopped at a residence where one of Bigback’s companions got into a physical altercation with the victim, identified as Jane Doe. Bigback remained in the suburban, parked behind two vehicles. After the fight, Bigback pulled forward in the suburban, hitting the car in front, which then struck Doe, who had been walking between two stationary cars. Doe was sandwiched between the two cars. Bigback then reversed out of the driveway and drove away. Doe suffered two broken legs and required extensive surgery. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation. XXX


title: El Paso Man Sentenced to Over 21 Years for Deadly Kidnapping in El Paso

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man was sentenced today to 262 months in prison for kidnapping resulting in death. According to court documents, Armando Leonardo Moreno aka Cholo, 21, served as a soldier in a transnational criminal organization (TCO) and conspired with other TCO members on or around Sept. 13, 2021, to kidnap a subject from an El Paso stash house. The kidnappers drove the subject to another address, dragged him out of the vehicle and beat him in the front yard of the home before taking him inside and beating him further. On Sept. 16, 2021, the subject was found deceased in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with multiple gunshot and stab wounds. Codefendants Michelle Karen Avila, Ruben Pimentel and Ricardo Matthew Gutierrez were previously sentenced. Avila was sentenced to 60 months in prison, Pimentel was sentenced to 108 months, and Gutierrez received a 135-month sentence. A fourth defendant, Alberto Rodriguez, remains in federal custody and is scheduled to be sentenced May 1. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations, the El Paso Police Department, the New Mexico State Police, and the Texas Department of Public Safety investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Valenzuela and Ian Hanna prosecuted the case. The indictments and convictions of these defendants are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is part of JTFA, which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland created JTFA in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security to strengthen the Justice Department’s efforts to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous smuggling emanating from Central America and impacting our border communities. JTFA is comprised of detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of Texas, the Western District of Texas, the District of New Mexico, the District of Arizona, and the Southern District of California. Dedicated support is also provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division that are part of JTFA, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP), and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (OPDAT), the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS), the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), the Office of Enforcement Operations (OEO), the Office of International Affairs (OIA), and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 295 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; over 230 U.S. convictions; 170+ significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets. ###


title: Former Maricopa County Deputy Public Defender Sentenced for Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Sally Joyce Nyemba, 33, of Phoenix, was sentenced on Monday to 18 months in prison by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich. Nyemba pleaded guilty to Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine on August 31, 2023. Nyemba was a practicing attorney and is a former Maricopa County Deputy Public Defender. On May 11 and 12, 2020, Nyemba negotiated the purchase of two pounds of methamphetamine for $3,600 and 4,000 M30 pills for $10,000 from an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent. On May 12, 2020, Nyemba met with the undercover DEA agent in Phoenix, and was arrested after she provided the agent $3,600 for the drugs. Agents searched Nyemba’s vehicle and seized approximately $14,158 in U.S. currency. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The Drug Enforcement Administration East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted the investigation in this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-21-01094-PHX-SMB RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-055_Nyemba # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: East Hartford Man Charged with Narcotics Trafficking Offenses

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a five-count indictment charging BRANDON SPENCE, also known as “Spun,” 36, of East Hartford, with fentanyl and cocaine trafficking offenses. As alleged in court documents, in March and April 2024, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force made controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack cocaine from Spence. On April 3, 2024, a court-authorized search of Spence’s residence and vehicles revealed distribution quantities of fentanyl. The indictment, which was returned on April 16, charges Spence with three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Spence appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has been detained since his arrest on April 3, 2024. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The Task Force includes members of the FBI, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shan Patel.


title: Three Members of a Violent National Gang Convicted of RICO in Detroit

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – After a seven-week trial in federal court, a jury convicted three members of the Almighty Vice Lords Nation of a RICO conspiracy that involved a 2020 murder, and other crimes, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today. Ison was joined in the announcement by James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Detroit Chief of Police James White. Evidence at trial proved the Almighty Vice Lords Nation (AVLN) was a sprawling criminal enterprise which committed acts of violence, drug dealing, and other crimes, across the country. The trial involved members of the Traveling Vice Lords branch of the AVLN. The jury specifically found that the three men were responsible for a 2020 murder and attempted murder that took place at the Shirley-Plymouth playground on Detroit’s west side. The evidence at trial showed that Davun Baskerville killed J.G., a 29 year old man, in broad daylight in front of his two young children. Baskerville also shot and injured the children’s pregnant mother, who had witnessed the murder. The evidence proved that Terry Douglas and Schuyler Belew, Jr., aided and abetted the murder. The jury convicted: Terry Douglas, 44, of Detroit, who was the Chief of the TVL branch. Douglas was convicted of RICO conspiracy, with a special finding that he was responsible for aiding and abetting the 2020 murder and participating in a conspiracy to distribute more than 280 grams of crack; of aiding and abetting the discharge of a firearm during and in relation to the 2020 murder and attempted murder; of conspiring to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine; and of multiple other gun and drug charges. Douglas is subject to a mandatory 35-year sentence and up to life in prison. Schuyler Belew, Jr, 31, of Detroit, who was a leader—what is called a Universal Elite—of the TVLs in Michigan. Belew was convicted of RICO conspiracy, with a special finding that he was responsible for aiding and abetting the 2020 murder and participating in a conspiracy to distribute more than 280 grams of crack; and of aiding and abetting the discharge of a firearm during and in relation to the 2020 murder and attempted murder. Belew faces a mandatory sentence of 20 years and up to life in prison. Davun Baskerville, 34, of Detroit, who was the Chief of Security for the TVLs. Baskerville was convicted of RICO conspiracy, with a special finding that he was responsible for the 2020 murder and attempted murder; of discharging a firearm during and in relation to the 2020 murder; and, of discharging a firearm during and in relation to the attempted murder of a witness. Baskerville faces a mandatory sentence of 20 years and up to life in prison. “Today, a jury delivered justice to the men responsible for a brutal murder that took place in broad daylight in a park where children play,” United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison said. “It gave closure to a mother who was viciously shot in front of her kids. And, hopefully, it sent a clear message to those who are involved in gangs that perpetuate so much violence: stop or we will stop you.” “Today’s jury verdict finding four more members of the Almighty Vice Lord Nation (AVLN) guilty is proof that ATF Detroit is steadfast in its commitment to disrupt gun violence at its core to ensure every community member has an opportunity to live without the presence of gun violence. These four defendants represent the worst of the worst in our community. They let their individual and collective greed guide their violent pathway straight into federal prison. It should be common knowledge throughout the state of Michigan: violent gang activity will not be tolerated and will be disrupted; change your ways or we’ll help you change them with a drastic change of scenery (federal prison).” said, Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Deir. “Through collaborating with our federal partners and others across law enforcement, we will continue to bring perpetrators of heinous acts like these to justice, showing our community that violence will not be tolerated in Detroit,” said Chief James E. White. “Together, all of us are making an impact to keep our community safe from violence and hold the bad actors that have been convicted of these crimes accountable.” The jury convicted a fourth man, Lawon Carter, 36, of Detroit, of possession with the intent to distribute more than 28 grams of crack cocaine, cocaine, and heroin, and two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, but acquitted Carter of RICO conspiracy. Carter faces a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison and up to life. This is the second trial in less than a year involving the Almighty Vice Lord Nation. In November 2023, three national leaders of the gang were convicted of RICO conspiracy and other crimes in federal court in Detroit.


title: Oregon Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Engage in Animal Crushing Resulting in the Torture, Mutilation and Murder of Monkeys

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: EUGENE, Ore.—An Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in a conspiracy to torture, mutilate, and murder monkeys, and then produce and distribute videos of those acts in exchange for money raised by an online animal abuse group. David Christopher Noble, 48, of Prineville, Oregon, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. “The victims in this case cannot speak for themselves, but the impact of the grotesque violence brought upon them is unmistakable. At the direction of David Noble and his co-conspirators, the producers of these animal abuse videos not only killed monkeys but did so in a way that extended their pain and suffering as long as possible,” said Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eugene and Medford Branch Offices. “Today’s sentence should make it clear to others engaged in this heinous conduct that they will be held responsible for their crimes.” “David Noble's depraved actions not only inflicted unspeakable agony upon innocent creatures but also tainted the very essence of humanity’s moral fiber,” stated Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Under Noble's direction, the production and distribution of grotesque animal abuse videos represented a dark descent into the abyss of cruelty and exploitation. Today’s sentencing underscores our unwavering commitment to holding individuals like Noble accountable for their reprehensible crimes against compassion and decency.” According to court documents, from January 2022 through February 2023, Noble conspired with others in the District of Oregon and elsewhere to send multiple online payments to co-conspirators overseas to fund the production of videos depicting the torture, mutilation and murder of monkeys. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Noble administered an online group wherein members would raise funds to produce, discuss ideas for, and share animal abuse videos. In Noble’s messages to the group, he expressed his enjoyment of videos depicting the torture and murder of long-tailed macaques, which members of the group, including Noble, referred to as “rats.” In one message to the group sent in June 2022, Noble expressed that the only thing he did not like in abuse videos was when the torturers “kill the rats too quickly,” and he further expressed a desire that they “keep it alive make it suffer make sure it knows to fear you and that you end its existence at any time.” In another message, Noble claimed “the noises they make from pain and abuse are some of my favorite sounds.” In 2006, Noble, a former United States Air Force officer, was dismissed from the Air Force and ordered to serve six months in military custody following a court martial for fraud and an unprofessional relationship. In early February 2023, following the investigation in this case, investigators executed a search warrant on Noble’s residence and found approximately 50 videos depicting animal abuse, along with several firearms and ammunition. On May 18, 2023, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Noble with conspiring to engage in animal crushing and creating and distributing animal crush videos, creating animal crush videos, and illegally possessing a firearm as a dishonorably discharged person. After his home was searched, Noble relocated from Prineville to Henderson, Nevada, and, on June 13, 2023, was arrested in Henderson. The next day, he made his first appearance in federal court in Las Vegas and was ordered detained pending his transfer to Oregon. On July 21, 2023, after arriving in Oregon, Noble was again ordered detained based on the nature of his offenses, including the extreme violence associated, and his possession of firearms. On January 10, 2024, Noble pleaded guilty to conspiring to engage in animal crushing and creating and distributing animal crush videos. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and prosecuted by William M. McLaren and Adam E. Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.


title: Houston personal injury attorney and employee indicted for defrauding injured clients of settlement funds

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A Houston attorney and his former office manager are charged in federal court for conspiracy to commit mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Houston residents Clyde J. Moore, 62, and Mark A. Broussard, 63, made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho at 2 p.m. A federal grand jury returned the two-count indictment April 17 which was unsealed upon their arrests. According to the indictment, Moore is an attorney who handles personal injury cases arising from car accidents. From approximately 2012 to 2021, he, Broussard and other employees at Clyde J. Moore Attorney at Law P.C. were allegedly involved in a scheme to defraud clients of settlement proceeds. The estimated amount of the fraud is $2.4 million. Moore and his staff allegedly inflated the cost of medical expenses and misled injured clients to believe the firm paid certain medical providers more than they actually had, according to the charges. As a result, clients allegedly received a smaller share of their entitled settlement funds. The charges allege the skimmed funds were diverted to the law firm’s trust account from which Moore allegedly made personal expenditures. These allegedly included luxury sports cars and his children’s private school tuition. The indictment alleges Moore also split the stolen funds with Broussard and other members of his firm who helped to execute the scheme. For conspiracy to commit mail fraud, Moore and Broussard face up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Moore is also charged with an additional count of mail fraud which carries a maximum prison sentence of up to 20 years and a possible $250,000 fine. IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Johnson is prosecuting this case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Grady County Man Sentenced to Serve 10 Years in Federal Prison for Child Abuse

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, EVANDER DAYLE YANITO , 33, of Grady County, was sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for child abuse in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On May 16, 2023, a federal grand jury charged Yanito with child abuse. According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, on August 19, 2022, Yanito reported to medical personnel that a two-month-old infant was having difficulty breathing. The infant was transported to a Grady County hospital and later to OU Children’s Hospital, after which law enforcement began an investigation. While at OU Children’s Hospital, Yanito spoke with members of the Chickasha Police Department and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, and admitted to causing bodily harm to the infant victim. On September 13, 2023, Yanito pleaded guilty, and admitted that he willfully injured and harmed the infant victim, and that he was responsible for the infant victim’s health, safety, and welfare. At the sentencing hearing yesterday, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Yanito to serve 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the court noted the vulnerability of the infant victim and evidence indicating the infant victim was abused on more than one occasion. This case is in federal court because Yanito is a citizen of the Navajo Nation and the crime occurred within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation. This case is the result of an investigation by the Chickasha Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON COX, 50, formerly of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Savannah, Georgia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 125 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and heroin. According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force began investigating an organization that was distributing heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine in an around Bridgeport. During the investigation, Task Force members made four controlled purchases of heroin and fentanyl from Frank Best. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and hundreds of consensual recordings, revealed that Frank Best’s uncles, Wallace Best and Jeffrey Thomas, were supplying Frank Best and others with narcotics. The investigation further revealed that Jeffrey Thomas worked with Jason Cox to establish a connection to Mexican-sourced drug suppliers in California who could provide kilogram quantities of narcotics for distribution on the East Coast. In December 2019, a cooperating source working in conjunction with Wallace Best, Thomas, and Cox, traveled to a Home Depot parking lot in San Diego and purchased from their suppliers 1.1 kilograms of fentanyl, cut with Xylazine, which is a veterinary sedative, and Tramadol, in exchange for $27,000. After this successful transaction, the conspirators arranged to purchase five kilograms of heroin from their Mexican suppliers. On February 10, 2020, four individuals were arrested after they arrived at the same parking lot to conduct the transaction and investigators seized a box containing approximately 4.9 kilograms of heroin. A related search of a storage locker in San Diego revealed an additional five kilograms of heroin. On October 14, 2022, a jury found Wallace Best, Thomas, and Cox guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute kilogram quantities of heroin and fentanyl, and Wallace Best, Thomas, and Frank Best guilty of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base (“crack”). In addition, Frank Best was found guilty of five counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base. Wallace Best, Thomas and Frank Best await sentencing. Cox has been detained since his arrest on February 11, 2020. This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force with the assistance of the DEA San Diego Field Division. The DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck, Lauren C. Clark, and Katherine E. Boyles through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI –An indictment was unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida charging three men for their alleged roles in an approximately $36 million health care fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering scheme that involved submitting false and fraudulent claims for COVID-19 testing to health care benefit programs, including Medicare and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Uninsured Program. Enrique Perez-Paris, 47, of Aventura, Florida, and Diego Sanudo Sanchez Chocron, 47, of Venice, California, made their initial appearances today in the U.S. District Court for Southern District of Florida. Gregory Charles “Milo” Caskey, 57, of San Antonio, Texas, made his initial appearance today in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. According to court documents, Perez-Paris, Sanchez, and Caskey were owners of Innovative Genomics, an independent laboratory. Between November 2019 and June 2023, the defendants and others allegedly conspired to submit claims for medically unnecessary and non-reimbursable COVID-19 testing. The defendants also allegedly paid illegal kickbacks and bribes to patient recruiters who arranged for health care providers to refer the tests to Innovative Genomics. At times, the defendants allegedly caused the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program to be improperly billed for tests for Medicare beneficiaries. The defendants allegedly further billed for tests that the Food and Drug Administration had not approved for emergency-use authorization. The defendants are each charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, three counts of health care fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the conspiracy counts and a maximum penalty of 10 years on each health care fraud count. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Stephen Mahmood of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office made the announcement. The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case. Trial Attorney Reginald Cuyler Jr. of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx Calderon for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov . ###


title: Wilmington Man Sentenced to 133 Months in  Federal Prison for Selling Methamphetamine

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that a Wilmington man was sentenced today to 133 months in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine and heroin. The Honorable Colm F. Connolly, Chief Judge, United States District Court for the District of Delaware, imposed the sentence. According to court documents, Martin Green, age 33, sold crystal methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with the FBI on several occasions between March and May 2023. After searches of Green’s car, home, and storage unit, law enforcement found over 3.5 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and over 4,400 baggies of heroin. Green confessed to selling both drugs in the New Castle County area. Green had three prior state convictions for drug dealing. U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “This sentence reflects Mr. Green’s repeated disregard for the rule of law and the severity of his crimes. Drug trafficking is corrosive to our communities. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who choose to profit from illegal drug sales.” “Martin Green is a repeat offender, who sold methamphetamine and heroin in Delaware again and again, even with children present,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office. “Putting Mr. Green out of business and behind bars for the next 11 years is a win for the people of Delaware. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will not stand by while dangerous and destructive drugs are sold in our communities.” The case was investigated by FBI's Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force, which is a partnership of law enforcement officers from the FBI, Wilmington Police Department, Delaware State Police, Delaware Probation and Parole, and New Castle County Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Ibrahim. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-CR-45-CFC.


title: Armed Fentanyl Dealer Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – Robert Frazier, Jr., a/k/a “Glass,” age 42, of Baltimore, Maryland, pled guilty today to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana. As part of his plea agreement, Frazier also agreed to forfeit two high-power rifles, a handgun, and numerous rounds of ammunition. The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Division; Sheriff Sam Cogen of the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office; and Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department. According to the plea agreement, law enforcement conducted an eviction at Frazier’s apartment in September 2021. In order to evade capture, Frazier assaulted a Baltimore City Sheriff’s Officer and jumped from a second-story window before absconding in his car. A subsequent search of the residence revealed quantities of fentanyl and marijuana, two rifles, including an AR-15 rifle which had been reported stolen, a digital scale, and cash. Law enforcement later observed Frazier selling drugs at a different location and subsequently made several controlled purchases of fentanyl and cocaine from Frazier. Ultimately, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Frazier’s new residence and recovered cocaine, marijuana, a .38-caliber handgun, a digital scale, and drug packaging material. In all, the parties agree that Frazier distributed up to 160 grams of fentanyl, which is enough to kill 32,000 people. U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin has scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Frazier faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the DEA, the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office, and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jason D. Medinger, who is prosecuting the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Central Oregon Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Federal Prison

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A Central Oregon drug trafficker who conspired with others to traffic fentanyl and methamphetamine to Madras and Redmond, Oregon, and surrounding areas, was sentenced to federal prison today. Israel Sarabia, 30, of Culver, Oregon, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. According to court documents, as part of a joint drug trafficking investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE), investigators learned that a Central Oregon drug trafficking organization was using a courier to transport bulk quantities of drugs from either Southern California or Mexico into Oregon. On December 10, 2022, investigators located and stopped the courier in Klamath Falls, Oregon. While searching the courier’s vehicle, investigators located three packages containing approximately 30,000 counterfeit Oxycodone pills that later tested positive for fentanyl. Further investigation revealed that the courier was traveling to Sarabia’s residence and that he had been tasked by Sarabia with bringing him fentanyl from Southern California or Mexico. On March 15, 2023, investigators located and arrested Sarabia near his residence in Culver. On the same day, investigators located and seized 519 grams of methamphetamine, more than 1,000 fentanyl pills, 41 grams of cocaine, and nine firearms from the residence of a co-conspirator who was working for Sarabia and storing drugs on his behalf. On March 15, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Sarabia and an accomplice with conspiring with one another to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, and distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine. A third individual was also charged with conspiracy. On August 21, 2023, Sarabia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. This case was investigated by DEA and CODE. It was prosecuted by Lewis S. Burkhart, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. The CODE team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. CODE includes members of the Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras, Sunriver, and Black Butte Police Departments; the Warm Springs Tribal Police Department; the Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices; the Oregon State Police; the Oregon National Guard; DEA; and the FBI.


title: Twin Falls Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Providing Illegal Firearms, Including “Glock Switches,” to Californian with Cartel Ties

body_text: BOISE – Arthur Michael Rhyne, a/k/a Arthur Michael O’Neil, 41, of Twin Falls, was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison for unlawful possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. According to court records, in August 2023, special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating Rhyne for illegally obtaining and shipping firearms. Agents learned that Rhyne attempted to ship a loaded Glock 9mm pistol with a machinegun conversion device, called a “switch,” installed on the Glock. A machinegun conversion device is a device that, when integrated with a semiautomatic firearm, will convert it to fire in fully automatic capacity. This conversion of a Glock pistol with a “switch” machinegun conversion device, for example, will result in a rate-of-fire of approximately 1,100 – 1,200 rounds per minute, making these devices particularly lethal. In October 2023, ATF agents obtained a federal search warrant for Rhyne’s residence in Twin Falls. Upon searching a safe in the residence, agents located 16 firearms, 14 machinegun conversion devices, 3 high-capacity drum magazines, 3 suppressors, more than 2,100 rounds of ammunition, including armor piercing ammunition, and 78 grams of methamphetamine. In addition to the Glock “switches,” agents also seized “Drop In Auto Sears,” which are machinegun conversion devices designed for a rifle platform firearm. At the time of his arrest, Rhyne was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2008 California conviction for second degree commercial burglary. According to court filings, Rhyne told agents that he was transferring firearms and ammunition to individuals in California. Rhyne admitted that he was purchasing the items, including Glock switches and silencers from a person overseas and then sending firearms and Glock switches to California. He also discussed armor piercing ammunition located in the safe and said it was purchased for his contact in California. When describing his contact in California who was receiving the firearms, Rhyne described him being a cartel drug dealer and said he believed the guns were going to Mexico. “Glock switches and similar conversion devices are simple to manufacture and are easy to install. They turn regular firearms into machineguns capable of inflicting a tremendous toll in a few split seconds,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “We will not tolerate the proliferation of the devices on our streets and will use all of our resources to hold accountable anyone who would distribute these deadly and illegal devices.” “Mr. Rhyne clearly knew he was prohibited from possessing, let alone transferring, machine guns and other firearms and ammunition,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “So, this sentence is well warranted. ATF will continue to investigate those prohibited from possessing firearms and still continue to do so, as well as those who possess these deadly machinegun conversion devices.” “Today's sentencing marks a significant victory in our ongoing efforts to combat illegal trafficking of these “trigger switches”. By partnering with the ATF, we have demonstrated our unwavering commitment to the goal of safe and secure communities for all,” said Inspector in Charge, Anthony Galetti, of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The use and distribution through the mail of these illegal conversion devices poses a serious threat to public safety, and we will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle such operations.” When sentencing Rhyne, Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill noted the case was “spine chilling.” Judge Winmill stated that by arming people with automatic firearms, silencers, and high-capacity magazines, Rhyne had created a law enforcement officer’s worst nightmare. Judge Winmill also ordered Rhyne to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence and to forfeit all recovered firearms and ammunition. Rhyne pleaded guilty to the federal charge in December 2023. U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the work of the ATF, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Twin Falls Police Department, for their collaborative work on this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Blackadar and Christopher Atwood. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ### RhyneA_Government's Sentencing Memo


title: Grand Jury Returns Three Indictments

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned three indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Two Madison Men Charged with Passing Counterfeit Money Cornelius Stewart, 30, and Alex J. Stubbs, 26, both of Madison, Wisconsin, are charged in a 32-count indictment with conspiring to pass counterfeit obligations of the United States and with passing counterfeit $100 bills with intent to defraud. The indictment alleges that the two men passed counterfeit bills and attempted to pass counterfeit bills at businesses in Dane, Monroe, and Jefferson Counties between July and December 2023. If convicted of the conspiracy charge, Stewart and Stubbs face maximum penalties of 5 years in prison. The men face maximum penalties of 20 years on each of the charges involving passing or attempting to pass counterfeit bills. The charges against Stewart and Stubbs are the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service and police departments from Madison, Verona, Fitchburg, Shorewood Hills, Cottage Grove, Marshall, Sun Prairie, Tomah, and Oconomowoc. Assistant United States Attorney Robert Anderson is handling the prosecution. Mexican National Faces Additional Charge of Possessing Cocaine for Distribution Eli Torres-Banos, 36, a citizen of Mexico residing in Watertown, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 5 kilograms or more of cocaine intended for distribution. The indictment alleges that he possessed the cocaine on or about December 6, 2023. Torres-Banos was charged on November 29, 2023, with being found in the United States after having been removed. The indictment alleged that he was found in the United States on June 7, 2023. He pled guilty to the offense on March 15, 2024, and his sentencing is scheduled for June 4, 2024, before U.S. Chief Judge James D. Peterson. If convicted on the new drug charge, Torres-Banos faces a minimum penalty of ten years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. The charges against Torres-Banos are the result of investigations conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Jefferson County Drug Task Force, Watertown Police Department, and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorneys Steven P. Anderson and Steven C. Ayala are handing the case. Madison Man Charged with Multiple Drug Crimes Kyle Evans, 33, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged in a nine-count indictment with distributing cocaine and methamphetamine, distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possessing for distribution and distributing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and maintaining a drug trafficking place. The indictment alleges that Evans committed all these acts between January 29, 2024 and April 9, 2024. If convicted, Evans faces a minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison for each of the charges involving 500 grams or more. He faces a minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison for each of the charges involving 50 grams or more. The remaining charges in the indictment each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years. The charges against Evans are the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis Glinzak is handling the prosecution.


title: Waukesha Man Sentenced to 30 Years’s Imprisonment for Sex Trafficking

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on April 23, 2024, Cornelius M. Jackson (age: 35) of Waukesha, Wisconsin, was sentenced to a term of 30 years’ imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, after being convicted of four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. In announcing the sentence, United States District Judge Brett Ludwig emphasized that it is “hard to overstate the seriousness” of Jackson’s conduct, describing how Jackson had “manipulated, used violence, and coerced many young women to sell their bodies for the sexual gratification of others” over a period of six years. Judge Ludwig recounted the “mental and physical torture” that Jackson to which subjected his victims, including strangling several of his victims on multiple occasions. He also noted that Jackson’s “real failure to come to grips” with the gravity of his crimes or to take any meaningful responsibility, even at the sentencing hearing, impacted the Court’s sentencing decision. “The sentence imposed in this case reflects the pervasive and relentless harm Mr. Jackson inflicted on his victims,” said U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “Along with our federal, state, and local partners, we are committed to pursuing justice for Mr. Jackson’s victims, who displayed strength and determination in making sure their stories were heard.” “Sex trafficking is a horrendous crime, and the FBI is fighting it every day in communities across Wisconsin,” said Milwaukee FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle. “The FBI will continue working side by side with our local and state law enforcement partners to prevent these crimes and bring those responsible like Jackson to justice.” “Defendants who commit the despicable crime of human trafficking must face severe consequences,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Thank you to the many criminal justice professionals who worked together to secure this sentence and ensure that the public will be protected from the defendant for a long time.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, with the assistance of the Waukesha Police Department, the Milwaukee Police Department, the Oneida Police Department, and the Ashwaubenon Public Safety Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry and Abbey M. Marzick. ### For further information contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov Follow us on Twitter


title: MILWAUKEE MAN CONVICTED OF LAUNDERING PROCEEDS OF BUSINESS EMAIL COMPROMISE FRAUD SCHEMES

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that following a bench trial that concluded on April 23, 2024, Chief U.S. District Judge Pamela Pepper found Corey Lee, Sr. (age: 52) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h) (Count 1), two counts of concealment money laundering in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956 (Counts 2 and 4), and two counts of engaging in financial transactions with money derived from criminal activity in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957 (Counts 5 and 6). The evidence presented at trial established that between May 2018 and approximately July 2019, Lee and his co-conspirators laundered over $1.2 million, which were proceeds of four business email compromise (“BEC”) schemes. A BEC scheme is a form of cybercrime in which a fraudster uses false and misleading emails to fraudulently induce a victim to transfer funds to a bank account controlled by the fraudster and the fraudster’s accomplices. Four businesses fell victim to the BEC schemes, and the evidence presented at trial revealed that Lee and his co-conspirators laundered those funds by transferring the money between and among various bank accounts they controlled, withdrawing large amounts in cash, and by transferring some of the money to others, in an elaborate effort to disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the fraud proceeds. Lee and his co-conspirators also used some of the victim funds for their own personal purposes, including vacations and luxury cars. “Mr. Lee consciously and repeatedly laundered funds he knew were illicitly obtained by others. His actions helped cyber criminals victimize businesses by laundering money that was fraudulently obtained, making it more difficult for the victims and law enforcement to track the money,” said U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “We are committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to hold everyone involved in these schemes accountable for their actions.” “This case demonstrates the commitment of IRS Criminal Investigation in unraveling complex financial transactions and money laundering schemes where individuals attempt to conceal the true source of their money, “stated Chicago Field Office Special Agent in Charge Justin Campbell. Lee faces a maximum prison sentence of twenty years each for Counts 1, 2, and 4, and 10-years imprisonment each for Counts 5 and 6. The case was investigated by the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin Proctor and Peter Smyczek. # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Marinette County Man Sentenced to 12 years in Federal Prison for Soliciting Sexually Explicit Images of a Minor

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on April 24, 2024, David A. Johnson (age: 37) of Marinette County County, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach. According to court records, Johnson used various online media platforms to engage in sexual conversations with minors in Florida and Ohio. He requested explicit visual images from the minors and also sent them explicit images of his genitalia. Independently, each minor contacted law enforcement in their respective states. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arranged to have an undercover agent converse with Johnson online. Johnson believed the agent was a 14-year-old child. Johnson demanded that the “child” send him explicit images. Within days of commencing the investigation, Johnson was taken into custody at his residence in Marinette. At sentencing, Judge Griesbach noted the extremely serious nature of the crime and commended the bravery of the victims who reported Johnson’s actions. Judge Griesbach found a strong need to protect the public from Johnson. Ultimately, the judge determined that a sentence of 12 years in federal prison was a fair and just sentence. Upon the completion of his prison sentence, Johnson will spend 15 years on supervised release. He will also have to register as a sex offender under state and federal law. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ 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.projectsafechildhood.gov . This case was investigated by the Green Bay Resident Agency, Milwaukee Division, and the Lima Resident Agency, Cleveland Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Marinette County Sheriff’s Office and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble. ### For further information contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov Follow us on Twitter


title: Keshena Man Indicted for Kidnapping, Assault with Intent to Murder, and Strangulation on Menominee Indian Reservation

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on April 23, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging John V. Miller, Jr. (age: 42), of Keshena, Wisconsin, with kidnapping, assault with intent to murder, and strangulation on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The indictment charged Miller as follows: COUNT DATE CHARGE MAXIMUM PENALTY IF CONVICTED One On or about March 29, 2024 Kidnapping in Indian Country, 18 U.S.C. §§ 1201(a)(2) and 1153(a) Up to 20 years in prison, up to $250,000 fine Two On or about March 29, 2024 Assault with Intent to Murder, 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(1) and 1153(a) Up to 20 years in prison, up to $250,000 fine Three On or about March 29, 2024 Domestic Assault by Strangulation, 18 U.S.C. § 113(a)(8) Up to 10 years in prison, up to $250,000 fine According to filed court documents, on or about March 29, 2024, while at a location on the Menominee Indian Reservation, Miller allegedly strangled a woman with whom he had a prior intimate relationship, attempted to strangle her to the point of unconsciousness, and assaulted her in an attempt to kill her. Miller then allegedly seized and confined her inside the trunk of a vehicle to conceal his actions. The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier will prosecute the case in U.S. District Court in Green Bay. An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. ### For further information contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov Follow us on Twitter


title: Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Transporting Two Girls for Prostitution

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – April 24, 2024 SAN DIEGO – Deonathan Abdul Gaston of Long Beach, California, was sentenced in federal court Monday to nine years in prison for transporting two girls, ages 15 and 16, to San Diego in August 2023 to engage in prostitution. One of the victims had been reported missing from Arizona prior to being transported by Gaston from Arizona to Los Angeles and then to San Diego to engage in prostitution. Gaston had known one of the victims since she was 14. The victims were rescued by the National City Police Department on August 13, 2023, when officers conducted a traffic stop on the defendant in a high-crime area known for prostitution. He had no driver’s license on him and was not going to be allowed to drive the car. He called his “girlfriend” to come pick up the car from the traffic stop; the girl turned out to be the missing Arizona teen. Officers then responded to the hotel where the girl said they were staying and found the other victim. The case was turned over to the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force. “Selling children for sex is a reprehensible crime that impacts victims for a lifetime,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “We can all play a part in protecting the vulnerable by paying close attention to warning signs and reporting concerns. Our children are not necessarily being grabbed from the street. They are being groomed and recruited online.” Please see https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/human-trafficking/recognizing-signs If you are living or working under threat of violence or extortion, or you suspect someone else may be, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center toll free, 24/7 Hotline: CALL: (888) 373-7888 or TEXT BeFree or 233733. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lyndzie M. Carter and Derek Ko. DEFENDANTS Case Number 23-cr-1944-AGS Deonathan Abdul Gaston Age: 26 Long Beach, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Transportation for Purpose of Prostitution – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2421(a) Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine INVESTIGATING AGENCIES National City Police Department San Diego County District Attorney’s Office Homeland Security Investigations Federal Bureau of Investigation San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force