title: Court Enjoins Arizona Company and Its CEO from Manufacturing and Distributing Unapproved Contraceptive Drugs

component: Civil Division

body_text: A federal court on Nov. 14 enjoined an Arizona CEO and its company, which distributed a product marketed as a contraceptive from selling and distributing unapproved new drugs in violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). In a civil complaint for permanent injunction filed on Oct. 12 in the District of Arizona, the United States alleges that Smart Women’s Choice and its CEO, Jennifer A. Richard, sold and distributed “Smart Women’s Choice,” a cream marketed as a contraceptive, to consumers across the country. The complaint alleges that the defendants sold the product through a website that claimed the product was “hormone-free,” “formulated to be used as a stand-alone contraceptive” and “99.8% effective.” According to the complaint, however, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found no published, adequate and well-controlled clinical investigations or any other scientific literature demonstrating that the product was safe and effective for its intended use as a contraceptive. In May 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Smart Women’s Choice, explaining that the sale and distribution of the product was prohibited under the FDCA. According to the complaint, the company continued to make the same unproven claims about the product after receiving the warning letter and took no corrective action. The product never received FDA approval. “Drug distributors are obligated to comply with the FDCA, which is designed to protect consumers and to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the drugs they take,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will continue to work closely with the FDA to stop the distribution of unapproved new drugs.” “Americans expect and deserve drugs that have been scientifically proven to be safe, effective and of high quality,” said Director Jill Furman of the Office of Compliance for the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “The FDA remains fully committed to taking enforcement action against companies and executives responsible for marketing unapproved drugs in violation of federal law.” The defendants agreed to settle the suit and be bound by a consent decree of permanent injunction. The order entered by the federal court permanently enjoins the defendants from violating the FDCA and requires them to comply with federal drug safety regulations before selling any drugs. Trial Attorney Carolyn Rice of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch is handling the case with the assistance of Associate Chief Counsel Aravind Sreenath of the FDA’s Office of the General Counsel. Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . The claims resolved by the resolution announced today are only allegations. There has been no determination of liability.


title: Former Nurse Sentenced for Drug Diversion from Boston-Area Hospital

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A former nurse was sentenced yesterday in federal court today in Boston for diverting opioids from a Boston-area hospital. Andrea Falzano, 39, of Winchester, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to three months in prison and one year of supervised release. In August 2023, Falzano pleaded guilty to three counts of unlawfully obtaining controlled substances by fraud, deception, and subterfuge. “Our office is committed to fighting the opioid epidemic on all fronts, including the diversion of medical opioids by unethical health care providers like Ms. Falzano. This defendant took advantage of her position of trust to steal drugs from her employer,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The DEA is committed to ensuring the Controlled Substances Act is followed,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office. “Stealing drugs like opioids from hospitals’ controlled environments jeopardizes public health and public safety. DEA pledges to work with our law enforcement partners in Massachusetts to ensure these rules and regulations are followed by all.” Beginning in May 2019, Falzano used her capacity as a nurse in the emergency department at a Massachusetts based hospital to withdraw controlled substances from a locked drug cabinet. These substances included morphine, fentanyl and hydromorphone, all of which are opioids and Schedule II controlled substances. In total, Falzano withdrew these substances 412 times for 299 already discharged patients over an approximately five-month period. Negative drug tests uncovered during the investigation indicated that Falzano did not self-administer the drugs that she stole from the hospital at which she was employed, despite stating otherwise to her employer and the Board of Registration in Nursing. In statements to the Board, Falzano attempted to minimize her conduct by calling her theft of controlled substances an “isolated incident,” which it was not. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; DEA SAC Boyle; and Robert H. Goldstein, MD, PhD, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Colorado Home Health Care Owner Charged with Employment Tax Crimes

component: Tax Division

body_text: A federal grand jury in Denver returned an indictment yesterday charging a Colorado woman with willfully failing to account for and pay over employment taxes for several years. According to the indictment, Shandel Arkadie, of Agate, operated a home health care business, Alternative Choice Home Care Nursing LLC (ACHCN). From at least 2015 through 2020, ACHCN allegedly withheld income, Social Security and Medicare taxes from its employees’ wages. Arkadie allegedly did not timely file ACHCN’s quarterly employment tax returns or pay the withholdings to the IRS, despite being legally required to do so. Arkadie is alleged to have caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $500,000. If convicted, Arkadie faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each employment tax count. 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 made the announcement. IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Julia Rugg and Mahana Weidler of the Tax Division 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: Greene County Man Charged with Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Drew Caswell, age 25, of Cairo, New York, appeared in federal court yesterday on a charge that he possessed child pornography, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Alfred A. Watson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). According to the criminal complaint, on August 7, 2022, Caswell possessed a phone that contained numerous electronic files depicting the sexual abuse of children. The charge in the criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Caswell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. As part of yesterday’s initial appearance in which Caswell was detained, United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart scheduled a detention hearing for tomorrow, November 16. If convicted of the charge in the complaint, Caswell faces a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Caswell would also be required to register as a sex offender. The case is being investigated by the FBI Albany’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss is prosecuting this case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Justice Department Secures Over $900,000 Agreement with National Staffing Agency to Resolve Claims of Hiring Discrimination

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement agreement with Kforce Inc. (Kforce), a staffing agency with 36 offices across the United States. The agreement resolves the department’s determination that Kforce violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by discriminating against non-U.S. citizens with permission to work in the United States and excluding them from job opportunities based on their citizenship status. “Companies cannot unlawfully exclude people with permission to work in the United States from job opportunities because of their citizenship status,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to hold those accountable who engage in behavior that runs afoul of our nation’s federal civil rights laws.” The department’s investigation determined that from at least March 1, 2019, to Feb. 28, 2022, Kforce distributed job advertisements that contained unlawful hiring restrictions based on citizenship status or otherwise screened out candidates based on their citizenship status. These actions harmed workers who have been granted asylum or refugee status, and lawful permanent residents by unlawfully deterring them from applying to the job advertisements and failing to meaningfully consider those who did apply. Under the terms of the settlement, Kforce will pay $690,000 in civil penalties to the United States and set aside $230,000 to compensate affected workers. The agreement also requires Kforce to train its personnel on the INA’s requirements, revise its employment policies and be subject to departmental monitoring and reporting requirements. The Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. Among other things, the statute generally prohibits discrimination based on citizenship status and national origin in hiring, firing or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices ; retaliation; and intimidation . Learn more about IER’s work and how to get assistance through this brief video . Applicants or employees who believe they were discriminated against based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin in hiring, firing, recruitment or during the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9 and E-Verify); or subjected to retaliation, may file a charge . The public can also call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); sign up for a live webinar or watch an on-demand presentation ; email IER@usdoj.gov ; or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites. Sign up for email updates from IER. 2023.11.14_kforce_settlement_agreement_signed.pdf


title: El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo de más de $900,000 con una agencia nacional de contratación para resolver acusaciones de discriminación en la contratación

body_text: El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo conciliatorio con Kforce, Inc. (Kforce), una agencia de contratación con 36 oficinas por todo Estados Unidos. El acuerdo resuelve la determinación del Departamento que Kforce vulneró la ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA, por sus siglas en inglés) al discriminar a no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. con permiso para trabajar en los Estados Unidos cuando los excluyó de oportunidades laborales con base en sus estatus de ciudadanía. «Las compañías no pueden, de manera, ilícita, excluir a personas que tienen permiso para trabajar en los Estados Unidos de oportunidades laborales debido a estatus de ciudadanía», dijo Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «El Departamento de Justicia seguirá haciendo responsables a aquellos que incurran en conductas que vulneran las leyes de derechos civiles de nuestro país». La investigación del Departamento determinó que, desde al menos el 1 de marzo del 2019 hasta el 28 de febrero del 2022, Kforce distribuyó anuncios de empleo que contenían restricciones de contratación ilícitas basadas en el estatus de ciudadanía o de otro modo eliminó a candidatos en función de su estatus de ciudadanía. Estas acciones perjudicaron a los trabajadores a los que se les ha otorgado el asilo o el estatus de refugiado, así como a los residentes permanentes legales, al disuadirles, de manera ilícita, de presentar una solicitud para los anuncios de trabajo y no considerar, de forma significativa, a aquellos que sí solicitaron un trabajo. En virtud de los términos del acuerdo, Kforce pagará $690,000 en sanciones civiles a los Estados Unidos y destinará otros $230,000 para compensar a los trabajadores afectados. El acuerdo también requiere que Kforce capacite a su personal en cuanto a los requisitos de la INA, que revise sus políticas de empleo y que se someta a los requisitos de supervisión y declaración departamentales. La Sección de Derechos de Inmigrantes y Empleados (IER, por sus siglas en inglés) de la División de Derechos Civiles es responsable de hacer cumplir la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA. Entre otras cosas, por lo general, la ley prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de estatus de ciudadanía y nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión, prácticas documentales injustas y represalias e intimidación . Aprenda más sobre el trabajo de la IER y cómo conseguir ayuda mediante este vídeo corto . Aquellos aspirantes o empleados que creen haber sido discriminados por motivos de su ciudadanía, estatus migratorio o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido, reclutamiento o verificación de la elegibilidad para trabajar (Formulario I-9 e E-Verify) o sujetos a represalias pueden presentar una denuncia . El público también puede llamar a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores al 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); llamar a la línea directa de la IER para empleadores al 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); inscribirse a un seminario en línea gratuito o visualizar una presentación a la carta; enviar un correo electrónico a IER@usdoj.gov ; o visitar los sitios web de la IER en inglés y español . Inscríbase para recibir actualizaciones por correo electrónico desde IER. 2023.11.14_kforce_settlement_agreement_signed.pdf


title: Fugitive Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: BENTON, Ill. – Apprehended after a four-year man hunt by federal law enforcement officials, a U.S. District judge sentenced a fentanyl and heroin trafficker to 13 years in federal prison. Mario L. Delgado-Lopez, 42, originally from Puerto Rico, appeared in court for his sentencing hearing on Nov. 9 after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession of heroin with intent to distribute and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute in 2018. “The defendant was responsible for trafficking large amounts of illicit narcotics into southern Illinois and then fled the country,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle A. Crowe. “As a fugitive of justice for several years, this federal prison sentence is appropriate for his conduct.” According to court documents, Delgado-Lopez admitted to federal charges for conspiring with co-defendants to distribute more than 850 grams of fentanyl and more than 550 grams of heroin in Madison and St. Clair counties. Collinsville police arrested Delgado-Lopez following a traffic stop in August 2015 when officers discovered drugs in the vehicle. “The Drug Enforcement Administration and its law enforcement partners, to include the U.S. Marshals and the Collinsville Police Department, will stop at nothing to hold those who peddle poison in our communities accountable for their crimes,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dixon, head of DEA investigations in southern Illinois. “We will ensure these criminals spend time behind bars and no longer endanger the lives of our family, friends and community.” Delgado-Lopez’s sentencing hearing was previously scheduled for May 8, 2019, but he failed to appear in court. Mexican authorities arrested him in June on a federal warrant and transferred him to U.S. border officials. The judge upheld a sentencing enhancement for his obstructing justice due to absconding and being a fugitive. Following imprisonment, Delgado-Lopez will serve five years of supervised release. DEA led the investigation with support from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Collinsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Trippi prosecuted the case. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces 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.


title: U.S. Attorney Will Thompson and Law Enforcement Officials to Announce Major Drug Trafficking Indictment

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson will be joined by federal, state and local law enforcement officials today at 2:45 p.m. at the Sidney L. Christie Federal Building in Huntington to announce a major drug trafficking indictment. WHO: United States Attorney Will Thompson and law enforcement officials WHAT: Announcement of Major Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) Prosecution WHEN: Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 2:45 p.m. WHERE : Sidney L. Christie Federal Building, Huntington A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. ###


title: U.S.-EU Joint Statement Following the U.S.-EU Ministerial on Justice and Home Affairs

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: On Nov. 13 and 14, the U.S.-EU Ministerial Meeting on Justice and Home Affairs took place in Washington, D.C. The United States was represented by U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Secretary for Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. The European Union (EU) was represented by the Commissioner for Justice and Consumers Didier Reynders and the Spanish Minister for Justice Pilar Llop. The incoming Presidency of the EU Council was represented by the Belgian Minister for Justice, Paul Van Tigchelt, and Minister for the Interior, Annelies Verlinden. The meeting was an opportunity to reaffirm the strong transatlantic partnership and joint commitment to a regular dialogue and close cooperation on Justice and Home Affairs, at a time of major geopolitical challenges. Both sides remain committed to uphold democratic values and strengthen respect for the rule of law. The United States and the European Union are unwavering in their long-term support to Ukraine and its people as they defend themselves against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war of aggression. Both sides remain committed to providing protection to those who were forced to flee Ukraine, and they expressed concern for those currently living under Russian occupation or who have otherwise been displaced as a result of the Russian aggression. Russia and its leadership must be held accountable for waging a war of aggression against Ukraine. The United States and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing full accountability for atrocities that have been perpetrated in Ukraine. The United States and the European Union called for work to continue, including in the Core Group, on efforts to establish a tribunal for the prosecution of the crime of aggression against Ukraine that would enjoy the broadest cross-regional support and legitimacy. Both sides saluted the important role of the International Criminal Court, Ukrainian courts, and other courts in accountability efforts, and condemned Russian attempts to undermine their work. They also praised the vital work being conducted at Eurojust, including the investigatory work carried out by participants in the Joint Investigation Team for Ukraine and the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, and the development and contributions to the Core International Crimes Evidence Database, all of which are strongly supported by the United States. The United States and the European Union reiterated their commitment to ensuring that Russia pays for all the damage it has and continues to cause in Ukraine. Both sides also stressed the importance of the Register of Damage established by the Council of Europe. They reaffirmed their readiness to work towards the establishment of a future compensation mechanism. The United States and the European Union confirmed that they are exploring all possible avenues to aid Ukraine, consistent with their respective legal systems and international law, including with regard to Russian sovereign assets. They reiterated that in the short term, they will explore how any extraordinary revenues held by private entities stemming directly from immobilized Russian sovereign assets could be used to support Ukraine and its recovery and reconstruction consistent with applicable contractual obligations and in compliance with applicable laws. Close cooperation on the full enforcement of sanctions, including trade related sanctions, remains paramount, as does cooperation with other international partners, including G7 countries, to avoid any enforcement gap. This cooperation will be enhanced following the adoption of EU legislation on harmonizing criminal offenses and penalties for the violation of EU restrictive measures, as well as on asset recovery and confiscation. The United States and the European Union emphasized their commitment to addressing security threats created by the Russian invasion, in particular working with Ukraine to bolster efforts to prevent, detect and fight against diversion and trafficking of firearms, other small arms and light weapons, and trafficking in human beings, as well as law enforcement cooperation on information exchange and joint operational actions. The United States and the European Union discussed their joint intent to deepen cooperation in assisting Ukraine on justice reform, the rule of law, and anti-corruption efforts as it continues on its European path. The importance of continuing to provide necessary support to the Republic of Moldova was discussed, and the sides concurred on the need for exploring more operational cooperation from the United States and the European Union in that respect, and to support the necessary rule of law and justice reforms, also in view of its European path. The United States and the European Union stand united and firm in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations. With regard to the situation in the Middle East, the United States and the European Union recalled the U.S.-EU Summit Joint Statement of Oct. 20 in which the United States and the European Union stated: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms Hamas and its brutal terrorist attacks across Israel. There is no justification for terrorism. The United States and the European Union affirm Israel’s right to defend itself against these heinous attacks, in line with international law, including international humanitarian law. The United States and the European Union will work closely with partners in the region to stress the importance of protecting civilians, supporting those who are trying to get to safety or provide assistance, and facilitating access to food, water, medical care, and shelter. The United States and the European Union are concerned by the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation. The United States and the European Union call for the immediate release of all hostages and emphasize their shared view that a two-state solution remains the viable path to lasting peace.” In this context, both sides reject all forms of incitement to violence, deplore hatred in all forms, and express concern about the rise of criminal acts inspired by hate, religious intolerance, racism and xenophobia, including antisemitism and Islamophobia, both in Europe and the United States including with respect to radicalization to violence of young people. They share the sense of urgency in strengthening the ability to detect and counter new methods used by terrorists and violent extremist groups, including online recruitment. They also discussed the role and negative effects of algorithmic amplification, and the overall misuse of platform services, as they continue to expand their respective prevention efforts internally. Both sides remain committed to further cooperation between law enforcement in the European Union and the United States to counter these threats. Countering terrorism and violent extremism threats requires concerted efforts and appropriate tools. Exchange and effective use of terrorism-related information including battlefield information, financial intelligence and Passenger Name Records, are key in achieving this objective. Both sides praised the continued cooperation on exchange of information between the FBI and Europol on known or suspected terrorists identified in conflict zones and intend to further step up information sharing regarding, in particular, the Sahel region while continuing notably the cooperation on Afghanistan. Both sides praised, and intend to continue, ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-Europol pilot projects aimed at exchanging information related to terrorism and removals in a more systematic way. These pilot projects are a good blueprint for a more structured cooperation between DHS and Europol on topics of mutual interest. The United States and the European Union remain committed to reinforcing cooperation against cross border organized criminal networks, in particular those involved in illicit manufacture and trafficking of cocaine and synthetic drugs, including fentanyl. The United States and European Union also decided to further their exchanges through the U.S.-EU Dialogue on Drugs, and at appropriate multilateral fora, in relation to supply and demand reduction. The United States and the European Union underlined the need for joint efforts to address synthetic drugs in the context of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats and encouraged its members to work on tangible, forward-looking deliverables. The United States and the European Union welcomed the progress of the negotiations for an U.S.-EU. agreement facilitating access to electronic evidence in criminal proceedings and expressed their commitment to advance those negotiations rapidly. The United States and the European Union will continue to closely coordinate towards a new United Nations Convention on cybercrime, especially as its negotiations reach their final and most crucial stage. The United States and the European Union support a convention that advances international cooperation to fight cybercrime, while respecting human rights and rule of law safeguards, and reaffirm that the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and its Second Additional Protocol remain the primary instruments for international cooperation on cybercrime. The United States and the European Union exchanged views on the benefits and risks associated with new and emerging artificial intelligence technology and tools relevant for law enforcement and judicial cooperation in criminal matters. Both sides also confirmed their intent to discuss this topic further and collaborate where possible for the broader good and safety of the public. The United States and the European Union exchanged views on their external borders’ situation, where they have identified common risks and challenges. The discussion was focused on addressing irregular migration. The sides committed to meet regularly on the topic at a technical level, namely by exchanging information about trends, methods, and responses to irregular migration and developing potential solutions together. The United States and the European Union praised the successful first Ministerial Meeting of the Resettlement Diplomacy Network (RDN) in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly. Both sides reiterated their commitment to work more closely together to strengthen and expand their respective resettlement programs and offer more durable solutions, provided for, in particular, by lawful pathways. The European Union and the United States welcomed the progress made by the three EU Member States not yet in the Visa Waiver Program and reiterated their willingness to pursue efforts in the context of the Tripartite process and bilateral discussions to reach a positive result. The two sides concurred on the importance of reciprocal visa-free travel under their respective legal frameworks. Reaffirming their joint commitment to advance together towards common solutions in all these areas, the United States and the European Union decided to meet again in the first half of 2024 in Brussels.


title: Four People Sentenced in Multimillion-Dollar PPP Scheme

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — Lori Hammond, a/k/a Lori McCracken, a/k/a Lori Blakely, 54, of Summerville, Christopher Conrad, 41, of Holly Hill, Catherine “Cassie” Needham, 38, of Manning, and Jontrell Wright, 37, of Orangeburg, were sentenced to federal prison after being convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud for submitting fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications and misusing the funds. The Honorable David C. Norton presided over the sentencing hearings in Charleston. Evidence presented during the sentencing hearings established that Lori Hammond submitted more than $11 million is fraudulent loan applications for PPP and COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL) loans for her personal enrichment and the personal enrichment of her co-conspirators Conrad, Needham, and Wright. The loan applications contained inflated employee and payroll funds, were often submitted on behalf of companies that did not exist or were inactive and included fake business addresses and fraudulent tax documents. More than $5.8 million in PPP and EIDL loans were paid to Hammond and her co-conspirators. Hammond personally received $3,162,038.50 in PPP and EIDL loan funds. Hammond thereafter spent the money on personal expenses, including purchasing a home, luxury vehicles, a golf cart, and plastic surgery. On Oct. 17, the Court sentenced Hammond to 80 months imprisonment, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. The Court also ordered Hammond to pay $2,722,932.50 in restitution, representing the remaining outstanding unpaid loans funds. Conrad fraudulently received $898,300 in loan funds and spent the funds largely on unapproved personal expenses. On Nov. 14, the Court sentenced Conrad to 12 months and one day incarceration, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. The Court ordered Conrad to pay $898,300 in restitution. Needham fraudulently received $1,244,200 and thereafter used the funds for improper personal expenses, including purchasing property, a golf cart, a pool, home improvements, and plastic surgery. On Sept. 13, the Court sentenced Needham to 21-months incarceration, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. The Court ordered Needham to pay $1,244,200 in restitution. Wright fraudulently received $561,700.00 in loan funds and thereafter spent the funds on unapproved personal expenses. On Dec. 19, 2022, the Court sentenced Wright to 15 months incarceration, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. The Court ordered Wright to pay $561,700.00 in restitution. “While millions of South Carolinians were struggling during the pandemic, these defendants defrauded the systems meant to provide relief,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina Adair F. Boroughs. “We will continue to pursue bad actors such as these and hold them accountable for exploiting these resources for their own gain.” “These sentences reflect the severity of PPP loan fraud,” said Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “Such crimes challenge the integrity of relief programs designed for those who need assistance most. The FBI is committed to holding offenders accountable and safeguarding loan programs to ensure the public’s trust in our financial systems.” This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Limehouse prosecuted this case. ###


title: Jury Finds Man Guilty of First-Degree Murder in 2014 Christmas Eve Killing of Waitress on 14th St. NW

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON –Marvin Lopez, 44, of El Salvador, was found guilty by a jury on November 14, 2023, of first-degree murder while armed for the 2014 Christmas Eve slaying of his ex-girlfriend, Evelyn Yamileth Arroyo Guerra, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The slaying took place in front of the El Sabor Latino Restaurant on the 3900 block of 14 th St., NW, where Yamileth worked as a waitress. Lopez was also found guilty of a related gun offense. The verdict followed an eight-day trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Michael O’Keefe scheduled sentencing for January 26, 2024. Lopez faces a maximum sentence of life in prison for the crimes. According to the government’s evidence, a pair of MPD Lieutenants were driving south on 14 th Street on Dec. 24, 2014, when they heard two gunshots. Citizens on the 3900 block of 14 th Street pointed in the direction the gunman had run. One of the Lieutenants gave chase on foot but lost the shooter in a wooded area at the end of Shepherd St, NW. The other Lieutenant found Yamileth on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant at 3910 14th Street NW, suffering from a gunshot wound to her chest and a graze wound to her head. Yamileth had been shot as she was arriving for work at El Sabor Latino, where she was a waitress. Two witnesses who knew Yamileth told police that they had seen Lopez—the victim’s recent ex—approaching her outside of the restaurant moments before the killing. One of the witnesses showed police Facebook messages between Lopez and Yamileth from days before the murder in which he threatened to kill her. Although an arrest warrant was obtained the next day, Christmas Day, Lopez was not located by police before he fled to El Salvador. He was extradited back to the United States and arrested in March of 2023. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It was investigated and indicted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Natiello and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristian Hinson and Sarah Prins.


title: Wisconsin Man Pleads Guilty To Hacking Fantasy Sports And Betting Website

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JOSEPH GARRISON pled guilty today to conspiracy to commit computer intrusion in connection with a scheme to hack user accounts at a fantasy sports and betting website (the “Betting Website”) and sell access to those accounts in order to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from them. GARRISON pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger and is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan on January 16, 2024. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Joseph Garrison and his co-conspirators launched an online cyberattack, stealing approximately $600,000 from innocent victims’ accounts. Garrison now stands convicted of a federal crime for targeting the accounts of victims making legitimate online wagers.” According to the charging documents and other filings and statements made in court: On or about November 18, 2022, GARRISON launched a “credential stuffing attack” on the Betting Website. During a credential stuffing attack, a cyber threat actor collects stolen credentials or username and password pairs obtained from large-scale data breaches of companies that can be purchased on the dark web. The threat actor then systematically attempts to use those stolen credentials to obtain unauthorized access to accounts held by the same user with other companies and providers in order to compromise accounts where the user has maintained the same password. Here, in connection with the attack on the Betting Website, there was a series of attempts to log into the Betting Website accounts using a large list of stolen credentials. GARRISON and others successfully accessed approximately 60,000 accounts at the Betting Website (the “Victim Accounts”) through the credential stuffing attack. In some instances, the individuals who unlawfully accessed the Victim Accounts were able to add a new payment method on the account, deposit $5 into that account through the new payment method to verify that method, and then withdraw all the existing funds in the Victim Account through the new payment method ( i.e ., to a newly added financial account belonging to the hacker), thus stealing the funds in the Victim Account. Using this method, GARRISON and others stole approximately $600,000 from approximately 1,600 Victim Accounts. Law enforcement executed a search on GARRISON’s home in February 2023. In that search, they located programs typically used for credential stuffing attacks. Those programs require individualized “config” files for a target website to launch credential stuffing attacks, and law enforcement located approximately 700 such config files for dozens of different corporate websites on GARRISON’s computer. Law enforcement also located files containing nearly 40 million username and password pairs on GARRISON’s computer, which are also used in credential stuffing attacks. On GARRISON’s cellphone, law enforcement also located conversations between GARRISON and his co-conspirators, which included discussions about how to hack the Betting Website and how to profit from the hack of the Betting Website by extracting funds from the Victim Accounts directly or by selling access to the Victim Accounts. In one particular conversation, GARRISON discussed, in substance and in part, how successful he was at credential stuffing attacks, how much he enjoyed credential stuffing attacks, and how GARRISON believed that law enforcement would not catch or prosecute him. Specifically, GARRISON messaged the following, in substance and in part: “fraud is fun . . . im addicted to see money in my account . . . im like obsessed with bypassing shit.” * * * GARRISON, 19, of Madison, Wisconsin, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to commit computer intrusion, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead and Micah Fergenson are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Ohio Man Indicted For Making False Statements To Purchase Firearms And Selling/Transferring Firearms To Juveniles

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing an indictment charging Gabriel Gladman, (23, Akron, OH) with eight counts of providing false statements with the intent to purchase firearms and six counts of selling/transferring a firearm to a juvenile under the age of 18. If convicted, Gladman faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for each false statement count and up to a year in federal prison for each count of selling/transferring a firearm to a juvenile. The indictment also notifies Gladman that the United States intends to forfeit the following eight firearms: a Smith & Wesson, SD40 (.40 caliber semi-automatic firearm), a Taurus G2 semi-automatic firearm, a Glock 24 semi-automatic firearm, a FMK 9C1 semi-automatic firearm, two Taurus G3 semi-automatic firearms, and two Tara TM-9X semi-automatic firearms, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. According to the indictment, between November 22, 2022, and June 16, 2023, Gladman bought semi-automatic firearms on eight separate occasions in Tampa, providing false information to federally licensed firearm dealers each time. Gladman represented that he was the actual buyer of the firearms, when in fact he was buying the firearms on behalf of someone else. On six separate occasions, Gladman sold or transferred those firearms to juveniles under the age of 18. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman. Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky is handling the forfeiture of the firearms. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Owner of New Jersey Businesses Charged with $3.2 Million Paycheck Protection Program Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – An owner of several New Jersey businesses was charged with fraudulently obtaining over $3.2 million in federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Daniel Dadoun, 47, formerly of South Plainfield, New Jersey, and who holds French, Canadian and Israeli passports, was charged by complaint with four counts of bank fraud and two counts of transacting in criminal proceeds. Dadoun made his initial appearance on Nov. 13, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court and was detained. “The allegations in this complaint describe the falsifying of documents in order to secure loans and then submitting fraudulent documents to have those loans forgiven. These programs were designed to help Americans struggling through the pandemic. Our office will combat this type of fraud whenever we encounter it.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “Daniel Dadoun is alleged to have engaged in COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud for personal gain without any regard for the United States taxpayer and undermined the public trust in government programs,” Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso said. “HSI takes allegations of fraud seriously and will continue to pursue these crimes vigorously.” “It is not only alleged that Dadoun defrauded the Paycheck Protection Program by submitting false loan applications, but he anted up the game by submitting fraudulent loan forgiveness applications,” Thomas M. Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI New York, said. “Dadoun may have known how to work the benefit system for his own financial gain, but now it’s law enforcement and the judicial system that will work to hold him accountable for his crimes.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From April 2020 through August 2022, Dadoun engaged in a scheme to illegally obtain over $3.2 million in PPP loans on behalf of businesses located in New Jersey by submitting false and fraudulent loan applications. After receiving the PPP loan proceeds, Dadoun sought to keep the money by submitting false and fraudulent PPP loan forgiveness applications. The loan applications misrepresented information about the companies, including the number of employees and payroll expenses. In support of the loan applications and subsequent applications for loan forgiveness, Dadoun submitted falsified tax documents, altered and falsified bank statements, an altered and falsified lease agreement, and a false letter purportedly signed by a New Jersey accountant. The charges of bank fraud each carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million, or twice the gross gain to the defendant or gross loss to the victim, whichever is greatest. The charges of transacting in criminal proceeds each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain to the defendant or gross loss to the victim, or twice the amount of criminally derived property involved in the transaction, whichever is greatest. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Alfonso; special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, New York Field Office, under direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas M. Fattorusso Jr.; special agents of the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Sharon Mac Dermott; special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney; and the Canada Revenue Agency with the investigation leading to the charges. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine M. Romano of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark. The District of New Jersey COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. dadoun.complaint.pdf


title: Pennsylvania Man Admits $4.8 Million Cares Act Loan Fraud Scheme

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – A Pennsylvania man admitted to his role in a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $4.8 million in federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for himself and others, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Darryl Duanne Young, aka “Darryl Duanne Isom Young,” 60, of Kingston, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in Trenton federal court on Nov. 14, 2023, to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of money laundering. “This defendant admitted taking advantage of government programs that were specifically designed to provide needed financial assistance to Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Combatting pandemic fraud in all of its forms is a top priority for this office and our law enforcement partners. Together, we will continue to root out those who have exploited the suffering of others to line their own pockets, and bring them to justice.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are specially equipped to follow the complex financial trail left by criminals,” Tammy Tomlins, Special Agent in Charge of IRS – Criminal Investigation Newark Field Office. “Let today’s plea serve as a proof of the commitment of IRS-CI and our law enforcement partners dedication to vigorously pursue those who took advantage of government programs intended to provide financial assistance to Americans in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.” “The CARES Act was created to assist to American citizens and businesses that were impacted financially by the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Christopher A. Nielsen, Inspector in Charge, Philadelphia Division, said. “However, as alleged, Darryl Young, and his co-conspirators, manipulated this critical lifeline through a sophisticated scheme that fraudulently obtained millions of dollars in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Postal Inspectors will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners, to identify and hold accountable, those individuals who steal pandemic relief to fulfill their own greed.” “Mr. Young admittedly obtained money from the Paycheck Protection Programs intended to assist those with critical needs during the pandemic,” Gail S. Ennis, Social Security Administration Inspector General, said. “His criminal actions allowed him and his fellow conspirators to selfishly profit. We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to hold those accountable who misuse Social Security numbers, falsify documents, and fraudulently obtain access to federal benefit programs. I appreciate the collective efforts of the investigating agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case.” “Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message that those who fraudulently obtained funds from COVID-19 relief programs will be held accountable,” Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG) said. “The FDIC OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and bring to justice those who participate in fraudulent schemes and threaten to undermine the integrity of our Nation’s banking system.” “Today, Darryl Duanne Young admitted his role in stealing nearly $5 million in relief funds intended to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic,” Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso said. “This is an egregious case of an individual taking advantage of an unprecedented public health crisis for personal gain. HSI Newark and our law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue those who perpetrate these illicit schemes and see that they are brought to justice.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Young engaged in a scheme to illegally obtain for himself and his conspirators over $4.8 million in loans authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Young submitted and directed others to submit fraudulent PPP and EIDL loan applications, which fabricated numbers of employees and misrepresented company information, to induce lenders to approve the loan applications that they otherwise would not have approved. Among other things, Young submitted falsified tax documents and bank statements to a victim lender in support of PPP loan applications. Young personally received over $230,000 in PPP loans for businesses he controlled and received a percentage of loan proceeds for assisting in submitting fraudulent applications on behalf of others. The applications Young submitted each allegedly contained fraudulent representations to the lender – including a victim lender that was a member bank of the Federal Home Loan Bank system – including bogus federal tax documents. According to IRS records, none of the purported tax documents that Young submitted in support of the loan applications were ever in fact filed with the IRS. Based on Young’s misrepresentations, loan applications for his purported businesses and the purported businesses of other applicants were approved for approximately $4.8 million in federal COVID-19 emergency relief funds meant for distressed small businesses. The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine or twice the gross gain to the defendant or gross loss to the victim, whichever is greatest. The charge of money laundering carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain to the defendant or gross loss to the victim, whichever is greatest. As part of his guilty plea, Young agreed to make restitution to the victim lenders for the full amount of the fraudulent PPP and EIDL loans. Sentencing is scheduled for March 18, 2024. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tomlins; postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Nielsen Philadelphia Division; special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Sharon MacDermott; special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney; special agents of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Tucker; special agents of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robert Manchak; special agents of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca in New York; and special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Alfonso, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine M. Romano and David E. Dauenheimer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: San Antonio Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Children

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man pleaded guilty in a federal court in San Antonio to one count of sexual exploitation of children. According to court documents, Adrian Scott Warren, 46, disclosed to another user in a private messaging app, that he had been engaging in sexual contact with a prepubescent minor for several years. Warren also told the app user that he was interested in meeting up to engage in sexual activity and watch child pornography that Warren would provide. Additionally, Warren used the app to send two photos of an adult male sexually assaulting a child. On Aug. 4, 2022, Warren traveled to meet the messaging app user at a hotel, where he expected to engage in sexual acts with the user’s nine year old nephew. Instead, Warren was met by FBI agents who arrested him and seized his phone. Warren is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 21, 2024 and faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Twenty-Two-Year-Old Woman Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Role as Social Media Recruiter for Alien Smugglers

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Destiney Rae Montoya, 22, of Phoenix, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Raner C. Collins to 12 months and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Montoya pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit on August 16, 2023. The offense includes a sentencing enhancement for being a coordinator. Between 2021 and 2022, Montoya used social media to solicit and advertise for drivers to assist with smuggling undocumented noncitizens further into the United States after their arrival. Federal agents executed multiple warrants enabling them to trace Montoya’s illegal conduct and communications to establish her as a coordinator. Homeland Security Investigations – Douglas office conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: 23-CR-0277-TUC-RCC (JR) RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-179_Montoya # # # 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 Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Twenty-Eight Gang Members And Associates From Newburgh And Poughkeepsie Charged With Racketeering, Narcotics, And Firearms Offenses

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a 34-Count Superseding Indictment charging 28 members and associates of the Young Gunnaz Gang (“YG”), including the gang’s high-ranking street leaders, with committing various racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas. The Superseding Indictment adds 15 additional defendants and 26 new charges. The Superseding Indictment charges 23 YG members and associates with acts of violence. This includes KASHAD SAMPSON, a/k/a “Shoca,” a YG leader who is charged with participating in multiple assaults with a dangerous weapon in Poughkeepsie and Newburgh, New York. In addition to serious acts of violence, the gang was also responsible for trafficking large amounts of narcotics across the City of Newburgh and New York State and perpetrated fraud schemes to enrich members of the gang. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Kashad Sampson, along with 27 other members of the YG Gang, not only used dangerous weapons to assault members of rival gangs, drug dealers, and others for the purpose of maintaining their position in the gang, but also distributed narcotics and other drugs and conspired to commit fraud. My Office will work tirelessly to protect New Yorkers from assault, racketeering, and other dangerous crimes associated with gang activity.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: "The 28 members and associates of the Young Gunnaz Gang are alleged to have engaged in a gang-related conspiracy, acting with a sense of impunity that resulted in numerous senseless acts of violence and significant narcotics distribution. The FBI will not tolerate rampant gang violence terrorizing our communities. FBI New York's Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, along with our law enforcement partners, are committed to removing these violent criminals from the streets and bringing them to justice." As alleged in public court filings and the Superseding Indictment unsealed today in White Plains federal court: [1] KASHAD SAMPSON, a/k/a “Shoca,” GEORGE DELGADO, a/k/a “Groc,” GABRIEL ROMAN, a/k/a “Gabe,” DALLAS ARCHER, a/k/a “Muggas,” BRUCE ALLEN, a/k/a “Bam,” SYNCERE TATUM, a/k/a “Syn,” JOHN LALANNE, a/k/a “JJ,” RAEKWON JACKSON, a/k/a Tree,” BASHIR MALLORY, a/k/a “BG,” a/k/a “Bear,” MEKHI McDONALD, a/k/a “Khi,” CHRISTOPHER TATE, a/k/a “Bag,” KRISTOPHER BURGESS CUNNINGHAM, a/k/a “KG,” DEJON SCOTT, a/k/a “Red Dot,” DAVON WADDELL, a/k/a “Spotem,” a/k/a “Light Skin Day Day,” ZYRELL WILLIAMS, a/k/a “Zabb,” DEMETRIUS WARE, a/k/a “Doom Doom,” ANTONIO PITTMAN, a/k/a “Ant,” DAQUAN CUETO, CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, a/k/a “Brisko,” HARRY PIMENTEL, ERIC STEADMAN, a/k/a “Little Man,” DONALD LEID, a/k/a “Big Lip Day Day,” TEVIN GEORGE, a/k/a “Tev Roc,” DEVIN WILLIAMS, a/k/a “Twin,” a/k/a “Dev,” DANTE JOHNSON, a/k/a “D Rose,” GEORGE TATUM, a/k/a “Buddy,” COLERIDGE LEWTER, a/k/a “Korrupt,” and RODNEY GEORGE, a/k/a “Taco,” are members and associates of a racketeering conspiracy known as YG. On April 28, 2020, ANTONIO PITTMAN, for the purpose of maintaining and increasing his position in the YG enterprise, shot at rival gang members in Poughkeepsie, New York. On May 16, 2020, ANTONIO PITTMAN, ERIC STEADMAN, and HENRY PIMENTEL, for the purpose of maintaining and increasing their positions in the YG enterprise, shot at individuals associated with and members of a rival gang in Yonkers, New York. On September 9, 2020, ERIC STEADMAN and HENRY PIMENTEL, for the purpose of maintaining and increasing their positions in the YG enterprise, shot at rival gang members in Poughkeepsie, New York. On August 15, 2020, KASHAD SAMPSON, DALLAS ARCHER, JOHN LALANNE, and RAEKWON JACKSON, for the purpose of maintaining and increasing their positions in the YG enterprise, participated in and facilitated the attempted murder of rival gang members in Poughkeepsie, New York. On April 27, 2021, SYNCERE TATUM, GABRIEL ROMAN, and CHRISTOPHER TATE, for the purpose of maintaining and increasing their positions in the YG enterprise, attempted to rob and shot at a rival drug dealer in the City of Newburgh. On November 17, 2021, KASHAD SAMPSON, GEORGE DELGADO, and BRUCE ALLEN, for the purpose of maintaining and increasing their positions in the YG enterprise, shot four rival gang members in the City of Newburgh. On November 28, 2021, BASHIR MALLORY and GABRIEL ROMAN, for the purposes of maintaining and increasing their positions in the YG enterprise, shot at rival gang members in the City of Newburgh. On January 7, 2022, BASHIR MALLORY and MEKHI McDONALD, for the purposes of maintaining and increasing their positions in the YG enterprise, shot at rival gang members and shot one rival gang member in the City of Newburgh. On March 8, 2022, DAVON WADDELL and CHRISTOPHER TATE, for the purposes of maintaining and increasing their positions in the YG enterprise, shot a rival drug dealer in the City of Newburgh. On June 11, 2022, DAQUAN CUETO, SYNCERE TATUM, RAEKWON JACKSON, and BASHIR MALLORY, for the purposes of maintaining and increasing their positions in the YG enterprise, assaulted and stabbed a rival gang member in the City of Newburgh. On July 20, 2022, CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON and DONALD LEID, for the purposes of maintaining and increasing their positions in the YG enterprise, shot at rival gang members in the City of Newburgh. On September 27, 2022, DAVON WADDELL and SYNCERE TATUM, for the purposes of maintaining and increasing their positions in the YG enterprise, shot at suspected rival gang members in the City of Newburgh. On September 6, 2019, TEVIN GEORGE, for the purposes of maintaining and increasing his position in the YG enterprise, shot a rival gang member in the City of Newburgh. On November 10, 2020, JOHN LALANNE robbed a narcotics dealer at gunpoint and discharged his firearm in the City of Newburgh. On January 20, 2022, DAVON WADDELL and BRUCE ALLEN robbed a narcotics dealer at gunpoint and discharged a firearm in the City of Newburgh. On July 20, 2022, DAVON WADDELL, CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, RAEKWON JACKSON, DONALD LEID, and DANTE JOHNSON robbed a narcotics dealer at gunpoint in the City of Newburgh. From at least 2019 to the present, KASHAD SAMPSON, GEORGE DELGADO, GABRIEL ROMAN, DALLAS ARCHER, BRUCE ALLEN, SYNCERE TATUM, JOHN LALANNE, RAEKWON JACKSON, BASHIR MALLORY, MEKHI McDONALD, CHRISTOPHER TATE, KRISTOPHER BURGESS CUNNINGHAM, DEJON SCOTT, DAVON WADDELL, ZYRELL WILLIAMS, DEMETRIUS WARE, ANTONIO PITTMAN, DAQUAN CUETO, CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, ERIC STEADMAN, DONALD LEID, TEVIN GEORGE, DEVIN WILLIAMS, DANTE JOHNSON, GEORGE TATUM, COLERIDGE LEWTER, and RODNEY GEORGE participated in a conspiracy to distribute a substantial amount of narcotics, including fentanyl, crack cocaine, heroin, Oxycodone, marijuana, and Promethazine HCL mixed with Codeine, commonly known as “lean.” These individuals also possessed numerous firearms in connection with this narcotics conspiracy. From at least March 2020 through at least December 2022, KASHAD SAMPSON, GEORGE DELGADO, GABRIEL ROMAN, BRUCE ALLEN, SYNCERE TATUM, JOHN LALANNE, BASHIR MALLORY, MEKHI McDONALD, and CHRISTOPHER TATE conspired to commit wire fraud, and it was the object of that conspiracy to obtain unemployment benefits from New York State. * * * WADDELL, 26, ZYRELL WILLIAMS, 18, WARE, 18, PITTMAN, 22, CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, 29, TEVIN GEORGE, 30, LEWTER, 43, and RODNEY GEORGE, 47, were all arrested yesterday and today and will be presented today before U. S. Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause. CUETO, 22, PIMENTEL, 21, STEADMAN, 23, LEID, 29, DEVIN WILLIAMS, 27, DANTE JOHNSON, 26, and GEORGE TATUM, 45, are all currently in state custody and will be transferred to federal custody at a later date. SAMPSON, 24, DELGADO, 24, ROMAN, 24, ARCHER, 26, ALLEN, 25, SYNCERE TATUM, 23, LALANNE, 24, JACKSON, 23, MALLORY, 20, McDONALD, 20, TATE, 20, CUNNINGHAM, 29, and SCOTT, 27, were all arrested following the November 29, 2022, indictment. Charts containing the names, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants are set forth below. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, City of Newburgh Police Department, New York State Police, Town of New Windsor Police Department, Town of Newburgh Police Department, New York City Police Department, and Nassau County Police Department. Mr. Williams also thanked the FBI’s Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force, the New York City Department of Correction, Correction Intelligence Bureau, the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, and the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department for their assistance in the investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Jennifer N. Ong, Ryan W. Allison, and Margaret N. Vasu are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. COUNT [2] DEFENDANT(S) [3] MIN. AND MAX. PENALTIES Count One: Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering KASHAD SAMPSON GEORGE DELGADO GABRIEL ROMAN DALLAS ARCHER BRUCE ALLEN SYNCERE TATUM JOHN LALANNE RAEKWON JACKSON BASHIR MALLORY MEKHI McDONALD CHRISTOPHER TATE KRISTOPHER BURGESS CUNNINGHAM DEJON SCOTT DAVON WADDELL ZYRELL WILLIAMS DEMETRIUS WARE ANTONIO PITTMAN DAQUAN CUETO CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON HARRY PIMENTEL ERIC STEADMAN DONALD LEID TEVIN GEORGE DEVIN WILLIAMS DANTE JOHNSON 20 years in prison Count Two: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering ANTONIO PITTMAN 20 years in prison Count Three: Discharge of a Firearm in Connection with a Crime of Violence ANTONIO PITTMAN Life in prison; Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed Count Four: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering ANTONIO PITTMAN ERIC STEADMAN HARRY PIMENTEL 20 years in prison Count Five: Discharge of a Firearm in Connection with a Crime of Violence ANTONIO PITTMAN ERIC STEADMAN HARRY PIMENTEL Life in prison; Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed Count Six: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering ERIC STEADMAN HARRY PIMENTEL 20 years in prison Count Seven: Discharge of a Firearm in Connection with a Crime of Violence ERIC STEADMAN HARRY PIMENTEL Life in prison; Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed Count Eight: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering KASHAD SAMPSON DALLAS ARCHER JOHN LALANNE RAEKWON JACKSON 20 years in prison Count Nine: Discharge of a Firearm in Connection with a Crime of Violence KASHAD SAMPSON DALLAS ARCHER JOHN LALANNE RAEKWON JACKSON Life in prison; Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed Count 10: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering SYNCERE TATUM GABRIEL ROMAN CHRISTOPHER TATE 20 years in prison Count 11: Discharge of a Firearm in Connection with a Crime of Violence SYNCERE TATUM GABRIEL ROMAN CHRISTOPHER TATE Life in prison; Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed Count 12: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering KASHAD SAMPSON GEORGE DELGADO BRUCE ALLEN 20 years in prison Count 13: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering BASHIR MALLORY GABRIEL ROMAN 20 years in prison Count 14: Discharge of a Firearm in Connection with a Crime of Violence BASHIR MALLORY GABRIEL ROMAN Life in prison; Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed Count 15: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering BASHIR MALLORY MEKHI McDONALD 20 years in prison Count 16: Discharge of a Firearm in Connection with a Crime of Violence BASHIR MALLORY MEKHI McDONALD Life in prison; Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed Count 17: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering DAVON WADDELL CHRISTPHER TATE 20 years in prison Count 18: Discharge of a Firearm in Connection with a Crime of Violence DAVON WADDELL CHRISTPHER TATE Life in prison; Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed Count 19: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering DAQUAN CUETO SYNCERE TATUM MEKHI McDONALD RAEKWON JACKSON BASHIR MALLORY 20 years in prison Count 20: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON DONALD LEID 20 years in prison Count 21: Discharge of a Firearm in Connection with a Crime of Violence CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON DONALD LEID Life in prison; Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed Count 22: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering DAVON WADDELL SYNCERE TATUM 20 years in prison Count 23: Discharge of a Firearm in Connection with a Crime of Violence and Drug Trafficking DAVON WADDELL SYNCERE TATUM Life in prison; Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed Count 24: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering TEVIN GEORGE 20 years in prison Count 25: Discharge of a Firearm in Connection with a Crime of Violence TEVIN GEORGE Life in prison; Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed Count 26: Hobbs Act Robbery JOHN LALANNE 20 years in prison Count 27: Discharge of a Firearm in Connection with a Crime of Violence JOHN LALANNE Life in prison; Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed Count 28: Hobbs Act Robbery DAVON WADDELL BRUCE ALLEN 20 years in prison Count 29: Discharge of a Firearm in Connection with a Crime of Violence DAVON WADDELL BRUCE ALLEN Life in prison; Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed Count 30: Hobbs Act Robbery DAVON WADDELL CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON RAEKWON JACKSON DONALD LEID DONTE JOHNSON 20 years in prison Count 31: Narcotics trafficking KASHAD SAMPSON GEORGE DELGADO GABRIEL ROMAN DALLAS ARCHER BRUCE ALLEN SYNCERE TATUM JOHN LALANNE RAEKWON JACKSON BASHIR MALLORY MEKHI McDONALD CHRISTOPHER TATE KRISTOPHER BURGESS CUNNINGHAM DEJON SCOTT DAVON WADDELL ZYRELL WILLIAMS DEMETRIUS WARE ANTONIO PITTMAN DAQUAN CUETO CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON ERIC STEADMAN DONALD LEID TEVIN GEORGE DEVIN WILLIAMS DANTE JOHNSON GEORGE TATUM COLERIDGE LEWTER RODNEY GEORGE Life in prison; Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison Count 32: Possession of a Firearm in Connection with a Drug Trafficking Crime KASHAD SAMPSON GEORGE DELGADO GABRIEL ROMAN DALLAS ARCHER BRUCE ALLEN SYNCERE TATUM JOHN LALANNE RAEKWON JACKSON BASHIR MALLORY MEKHI McDONALD CHRISTOPHER TATE KRISTOPHER BURGESS CUNNINGHAM DEJON SCOTT DAVON WADDELL ZYRELL WILLIAMS DEMETRIUS WARE ANTONIO PITTMAN DAQUAN CUETO CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON ERIC STEADMAN DONALD LEID TEVIN GEORGE DEVIN WILLIAMS DANTE JOHNSON GEORGE TATUM COLERIDGE LEWTER RODNEY GEORGE Life in prison; Mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed Count 33: Wire Fraud Conspiracy KASHAD SAMPSON GEORGE DELGADO GABRIEL ROMAN BRUCE ALLEN SYNCERE TATUM JOHN LALANNE BASHIR MALLORY MEKHI McDONALD CHRISTOPHER TATE 20 years in prison Count 34: Aggravated Identity Theft GABRIEL ROMAN BASHIR MALLORY 20 years in prison; Mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictments and the description of the Indictments set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation. [2] Additional charges, which did not appear in the November 29, 2022, indictment, appear in bold . [3] Additional defendants, who were not named in the November 29, 2022, indictment, appear in bold .


title: Pennsylvania Owners of a Landscape and Excavation Firm Plead Guilty to Employment Tax Fraud

body_text: A Pennsylvania man and woman pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to defraud the United States related to their efforts to evade paying employment taxes. According to court documents and statements made in court, Theodore Shearba and Jennifer Cemini, of Perkiomenville, owned a landscaping and excavation business. They did not report income received from the business, nor did they pay employment taxes the business owed to the IRS. Shearba and Cemini attempted to thwart IRS efforts to collect the unpaid employment taxes by depositing business gross receipt checks in nominee bank accounts. Shearba also did not file personal income tax returns for 2019, 2020 or 2021. Together, the defendants caused a tax loss to the IRS of $682,446.80. Shearba and Cemini are scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 27, 2024, and face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The defendants also face periods of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement. IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant Chief Thomas F. Koelbl and Trial Attorney Alexandra K. Fleszar of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Operation Smoke and Mirrors Update: Charleston Woman Pleads Guilty to Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Alexandria Jasmine Estep, 22, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Estep admitted to her role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area. According to court documents and statements made in court, Estep participated in the drug trafficking conspiracy between October 2022 and January 2023. Initially, Estep regularly obtained multiple pounds of methamphetamine from a Charleston supplier. She would then re-distribute the methamphetamine to others in the Charleston area. In November 2022, Estep stopped dealing with the Charleston supplier and arranged to buy multiple pounds of methamphetamine from a co-conspirator. On November 29, 2022, the co-conspirator delivered the methamphetamine by vehicle to Estep’s Charleston residence. Estep conducted the transaction with an additional co-conspirator who was in the vehicle during the delivery. Estep is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. Estep is among 32 individuals indicted as a result of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, a major drug trafficking investigation that has yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history. Law enforcement seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash. Estep and 22 other defendants have pleaded guilty. Indictments against the other defendants are pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case. The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-33. ###


title: Davenport Man Sentenced to 27 years in Prison for Conspiracy and Distribution of Methamphetamine and Cocaine

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced on November 9, 2023, to 27 years in federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Distribution of a Mixture and Substance Containing Methamphetamine and Cocaine. According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, law enforcement began an extensive investigation which revealed that Art Eugene Thomas, 35, sold methamphetamine and cocaine. The investigation began in November 2020 when a concerned citizen reported that many individuals came and went from Thomas’s residence and provided law enforcement with security footage. Several witnesses interviewed said that Thomas carried a firearm. At sentencing, the Court found Thomas was a manager or supervisor within the drug trafficking organization based in part on Thomas’s direct connection to an Arizona drug source of supply. In total, Thomas was found to be responsible for approximately 37 pounds of ice methamphetamine. After completing his term of imprisonment, Thomas will be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department, with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service. 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 .


title: Former JCPS Teacher Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Violating Federal Child Sexual Exploitation Law

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A former Jefferson County Public Schools teacher was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison for attempted online enticement. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Robert Holman of the United States Secret Service, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron made the announcement. According to court documents, Kevin O’Donnell, 26, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by a 10-year term of supervised release, for attempted online enticement of a minor. There is no parole in the federal system. O’Donnell used the internet to communicate with an undercover law enforcement officer who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl for the purposes of engaging in sexual contact. O’Donnell then traveled to meet the undercover agent to engage in sexual conduct. This case was the result of a joint federal, state, and local operation called Operation Angel, aimed at making federal arrests of individuals who preyed upon children. The United States Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jo E. Lawless prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” ###


title: U.S. Attorney Will Thompson to Help Mark National Adoption Month

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson will join Mission West Virginia and other officials to help celebrate National Adoption Month on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Bible Center Church. Thompson will speak along with a youth who has experienced adoption firsthand, parents in the foster care system and Dr. Cynthia Persily, Incoming Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services. The press conference will also feature a proclamation from Gov. Jim Justice declaring November 2023 as Adoption Awareness Month. Thompson will also present stuffed toys and books collected by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for distribution by child case workers, child advocacy centers, law enforcement, partners with West Virginia’s Handle With Care program and others on the front lines who interact with children exposed to trauma, violence and abuse. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. WHAT: National Adoption Month Press Conference and Toy-Book Drive Event WHEN: Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 11 a.m. WHERE: Bible Center Church, 1100 Bible Center Drive, Charleston ###


title: Ohio Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison

body_text: FORT WAYNE –Gregory Johnson, 47 years old, of Franklin, Ohio, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady on his conviction for Attempted Child Exploitation following a two-day jury trial, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Defendant Johnson was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, in April 2020, Johnson engaged in sexually explicit online conversations with an undercover officer who Johnson believed to be sexually active with a minor. Over the course of several online conversations, Johnson made sexual comments about the minor and expressed an interest in watching a livestream of the minor engaged in sexual activity with the undercover officer. Johnson attempted to commit this crime by providing the undercover officer with graphic detail about exactly what he wanted to see. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lesley J. Miller Lowery and Justin Sheridan. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Pawtucket Man Admits to Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A convicted sex offender living in Pawtucket who was previously convicted in Pennsylvania of indecent assault on a person under the age of thirteen pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence today to a charge of failure to register as a sex offender, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. According to charging documents and information presented to the court, following his release from prison and a halfway house in Pennsylvania, Antonio Medina-Santiago, 34, failed to register as a sex offender, as required by law. Arrest warrants for Santiago-Medina were issued by the Philadelphia Police Department in December 2022 and by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections in January 2023. Further investigation by the United States Marshals Service determined that Santiago-Medina has relatives in Rhode Island and that in May 2022 he began utilizing federal benefits in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Further investigation determined that Medina-Santiago resided at his mother’s Pawtucket residence before moving to a different apartment in Pawtucket. On June 1, 2022, as members of law enforcement approached Medina-Santiago as he was walking near his residence, he fled on foot back to his residence and barracked himself inside an apartment behind a locked steel door. On the advice of a relative, Medina-Santiago surrendered about thirty minutes later to members law enforcement who had surrounded his residence. Santiago-Medina is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2024. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron. ###


title: Federal Prosecutors Work Up the Chain and Convict  California Man Trafficking Fentanyl into Southwest Virginia

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ABINGDON, Va. – A Buena Park, California man, who supplied as many as 30,000 pressed fentanyl pills a week to individuals who shipped the pills to Southwest Virginia, pled guilty today to a pair of federal drug charges. Robert Contreras, 23, a.k.a. “Quill,” pled guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh made the following statement today following the guilty plea : “Fentanyl, especially in the form of pressed pills, is taking its toll on America, and Virginia is no exception. This case shows one way how we are combatting the pressed pill epidemic. After a tragic overdose event in Southwest Virginia, the federal prosecutors in my Office worked with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to identify, prosecute, and convict the wholesale supplier of the overdose, who was here in Virginia. We then identified his direct supplier (Ortiz) in California, who we also charged and convicted here in Virginia. We identified Ortiz’s supplier in California (Orozco) and charged and convicted him here as well. In this matter, we identified Orozco’s supplier – Mr. Contreras – who was selling between 10,000 and 30,000 pills a week for distribution into communities across America, to include the Western District of Virginia. Our bottom line is this: We will not sit by and allow individuals to profit by distributing this poison into our communities, and we will follow the trail as far as we can. We will investigate and prosecute individuals like Mr. Contreras and hold them accountable here in the Western District of Virginia.” According to court documents, between 2020 and 2023, Contreras sold between 10,000 and 30,000 pressed fentanyl pills from his home in California to co-conspirator Marco Orozco at least once a week for further distribution. At the height of the conspiracy in late 2021 and early 2022, Contreras sold Orozco 10,000 pressed fentanyl pills multiple times per week. Contreras knew Orozco, and others, were distributing the pressed pills he provided to customers throughout southwest Virginia and other locations across the country. Specifically, Orozco’s sub-distributors used various social media platforms to facilitate their drug trade. On March 6, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Contreras’ residence in California. At that time, officers recovered 1,639 pressed fentanyl pills, $31,294 in cash, and five firearms without serial numbers, in addition to approximately 7,000 alprazolam pills, 3,000 Adderall pills, 242 grams of cocaine, and other hallucinogenic narcotics. Contreras is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2024 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Wise County Sheriff’s Office, the Norton Police Department, the Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force (consisting of the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Norton Police Department, the Big Stone Gap Police Department, and the Virginia State Police), the Orange County (CA) Sheriff’s Department, the Santa Ana (CA) Police Department, the Anaheim Police Department (CA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena L. Busscher is prosecuting the case.