title: Long Beach Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Bombing Aliso Viejo Spa in Attack that Killed His Ex-Girlfriend and Injured Two Others

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Long Beach man was sentenced today to life plus an additional 30 years in federal prison for building and planting a package bomb that detonated inside an Aliso Viejo day spa in May 2018, killing his ex-girlfriend, severely injuring two spa clients, and causing significant damage to a commercial office building. Stephen William Beal, 64, was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton, who said at today’s hearing, “The cold, calculated nature of this crime is chilling.” At the conclusion of a four-week trial, a federal jury in July 2023 found Beal guilty of four felonies: use of a weapon of mass destruction resulting in death, malicious destruction of a building resulting in death, use of a destructive device during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of an unregistered destructive device. Judge Staton sentenced Beal to life imprisonment on the first two counts, a consecutive 30-year prison sentence on the third count, and a 10-year concurrent sentence on the fourth count. “Mr. Beal callously murdered a loving mother, maimed two other victims, and put at risk many others in the vicinity, including children and teachers at a nearby preschool,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Mr. Beal’s wanton disregard for the lives of others warranted the severe sentence that the court imposed, which should send a clear message that our community will not tolerate such acts of violence. We send our prayers to the victims and our heartfelt thanks to the first responders and investigators whose tireless work uncovered Mr. Beal’s dastardly crime.” “In addition to the cruel and senseless murder of Ildiko Krajnyak, Stephen Beal severely injured two victims and terrorized the Aliso Viejo community and beyond,” said Donald Alway, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “We are gratified that Beal will spend the rest of his life in prison where he will no longer be in a position to indiscriminately harm others, nor torment the survivors of his crime. This case brought together many who shared a commitment to finding the truth, including tenacious investigators at multiple agencies, forensic teams that sifted through and analyzed a massive debris field following the attack, and dedicated prosecutors. Today is the culmination of five years of collaboration, and a day to honor the victims.” “It took extreme commitment and dedication by our personnel and federal partners to ensure justice was realized for the victims and their families, and I am grateful to see a conclusion for this horrific act of violence,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. “We must never forget Ms. Krajnyak’s family and the two surviving victims who will forever navigate life bearing the pain of that day. I hope today’s sentencing provides them some semblance of comfort.” The bomb exploded at a commercial office building in Aliso Viejo at approximately 1:05 p.m. on May 15, 2018. The explosion instantly killed 48-year-old Ildiko Krajnyak – who owned Magyar Kozmetika, a day spa located in the office building – and permanently injured two of her clients: a mother and her daughter. One of the surviving victims testified at trial that she saw Krajnyak standing behind her desk opening a cardboard box immediately before the explosion. The surviving victim pulled her mother from the rubble, and together they escaped the burning building through a blown-out wall. The survivors suffered second- and third-degree burns, and one lost an eye. “There is no question that these injuries caused both excruciating pain and suffering,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum. During a search of Beal’s residence after the explosion, law enforcement found more than 130 pounds of explosive precursor chemicals and completed explosive mixtures, as well as electric matches and wires. Beal had years of experience building high-powered model rockets and homemade pyrotechnics, and laboratory testing determined that the explosive mixture Beal used in the bomb contained the same chemical he had at his home. The FBI’s Evidence Response Team spent more than two weeks collecting and processing evidence from the scene of the bombing. The FBI recovered parts of a 9-volt battery and wire fragments that were embedded in the ceiling above the blast site. The wires used in the bomb’s fusing system were of the same unique type as electric matches and wires found at Beal’s home. Beal purchased the remaining items he needed to complete the bomb just days before the bombing. Store security camera footage showed Beal using cash to buy a single 9-volt battery six days before the bombing. Beal also purchased three cardboard boxes that matched the size and shape of the box the surviving victim testified Krajnyak opened when the bomb exploded. Beal kept tabs on Krajnyak before the bombing, checking her online schedule application and social media account. Security camera footage and cellular locational data showed that Beal, who had a key to the business, visited the spa on multiple occasions before the bombing while Krajnyak was out of the country. Beal left the package bomb for Krajnyak to open upon her return. Judge Staton scheduled an April 12 hearing to determine how much restitution Beal should be ordered to pay victims of the bombing. In a separate case, Beal is scheduled to be sentenced on February 23 after pleading guilty in November 2023 to wire fraud, Social Security fraud, and concealment of bankruptcy assets. Beal failed to report in a bankruptcy proceeding $350,000 he received from his late wife’s estate. He also schemed to fraudulently obtain insurance benefits and Social Security payments, resulting in his receipt of more than $1.3 million in fraudulent disability payments. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and the Orange County Fire Authority were the primary investigative agencies in this matter. Task Force members who participated in the investigation included IRS Criminal Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; the Los Angeles Police Department; the Irvine Police Department; the Anaheim Police Department; and the Orange County Fire Authority. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the California Highway Patrol, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Santa Ana Police Department, the Newport Beach Police Department, and the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center provided assistance. The Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the FBI Legal Attaché in Thailand, the United States Department of State, and the U.S. Consulate in Vietnam provided valuable assistance. United States Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations provided substantial assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Takla, Annamartine Salick, Solomon Kim and Sarah Gerdes, all of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section, prosecuted this case.


title: United States Attorney’s Office Recognizes Vanessa R. Waldref as a 2024 YWCA Woman of Achievement

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington – YWCA Spokane announced that eight outstanding local women will be honored in the community throughout February and March, leading up to YWCA Spokane’s 42nd Annual Women of Achievement Awards Ceremony and Luncheon, held Friday, March 15th at the Spokane Convention Center from 11:00AM-1:00PM, where they will be officially recognized. U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref is being awarded for her work in Government and Public Service. To be awarded a YWCA Women of Achievement Award, a woman must embody YWCA Spokane’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The selected honorees give generously of themselves to make Spokane a better place for all to live. The winners of the 2024 Women of Achievement Awards are: Melody Chang Heaton – Arts and Culture Award Colene Rubertt – Business and Industry Award Kristine Hoover – Carl Maxey Racial and Social Justice Award Samantha Clark – Community Enhancement Award Stephaine Courtney – Education Award Vanessa Waldref – Government and Public Service Award Denise Smart – Science, Technology and Environment Award Sindhu Surapaneni – Young Woman of Achievement Award In announcing the 2024 awards, YWCA Spokane highlighted that U.S. Attorney Waldref “exemplifies the call to protect, improve, and maintain the public’s well-being, health, and safety through her service to our community. As the first woman to serve as U.S. Attorney for Eastern Washington, Vanessa works tirelessly to protect the district from pressing issues of violent crime, child exploitation, fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, and environmental degradation. She has dedicated the majority of her legal career to public service, working as an attorney for the Department of Justice in various roles. She is a public servant, a leader, and a trailblazer.” For 42 years, YWCA Spokane has celebrated successful women in the community for their achievements, along with their commitment to giving back to the Spokane community. Established with the goal of increasing community awareness and appreciation for the diverse contributions of women leaders in Spokane, YWCA Spokane has honored over 260 women in the region. Additional information regarding the 2024 Women of Achievement and the event honoring these incredible women can be found here: https://ywcaspokane.org/2024-woa-honorees/


title: Pottsville Man Sentenced To 18 Months’ Imprisonment For Hacking Into The Snapchat Accounts Of Dozens Of Female Victims And Selling Their Private Photographs

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Brandon B. Boyer, age 34, of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on January 18, 2024, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to 18 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a two-year term of supervised release, for the computer hacking offense of obtaining information from protected computers. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, for a two-year period from approximately February 2020 to February 2022, Boyer unlawfully accessed the computers of dozens of adult female victims in order to search for and obtain nude photographs that he could then sell. Boyer accessed victims’ Snapchat accounts at the behest of “clients” who paid him to break into the accounts and obtain the images. Boyer admitted that he accomplished this, in part, through use of an app that allowed him to send text messages to victims posing as a Snapchat representative. Through a technique known as “phishing,” Boyer then coaxed the victims into changing their passwords and sending him the verification codes that were generated. This allowed him to then access the otherwise private sections of the accounts. Boyer acknowledged earning between $50,000 and $60,000 from this activity. Some of Boyer’s “clients” utilized the photographs that they obtained via Boyer to cyberstalk and to attempt to extort victims into providing additional photographs. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Philadelphia Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case. # # #


title: KC Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Attempted Abusive Sexual Contact

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for attempting to engage in abusive sexual contact with two court employees in the parking garage of the Charles Evans Whittaker United States Courthouse in Kansas City, Mo. Shane Russell Coy, 23, was sentenced on Thursday, Jan. 19, by U.S. Chief District Judge Eric F. Melgren from the District of Kansas to 15 years and eight months in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Coy to 10 years of supervised release following incarceration. On Nov. 1, 2023, Coy pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted abusive sexual contact. Coy admitted that he unlawfully entered the courthouse underground parking garage on March 7, 2023. As Coy was walking outside by the parking garage exit, the overhead door to the garage exit began to open. As it opened, Coy stepped over the vehicle barricade into the garage exit and approached Victim 1, who was in the driver’s seat of her vehicle, stopped at the exit waiting for the overhead door to open and the vehicle barricade to go down so she could drive out of the garage. Because Victim 1 did not exit the garage soon enough, the exit overhead door and barricade closed, preventing her from driving out. Coy pulled down his pants and began to masturbate, shouting at Victim 1 to get out of her car. Coy attempted to open a passenger door of the vehicle and punched the driver’s side window with a closed fist. Coy admitted that his actions in attempting to break into Victim 1’s vehicle were done with the specific intent to engage in sexual contact with Victim 1 by some level of force. Coy then began to approach Victim 2, who had walked into the parking garage from the employee internal entryway door. Victim 2 was able to move away from Coy and position herself behind a vehicle. Coy admitted that he intended to engage in sexual contact with Victim 2 by some level of force. Coy then ran to the employee entrance door and took an elevator up to the first floor, where he found himself within an enclosed vestibule leading out into the main lobby of the federal courthouse. After a brief period of time, law enforcement officers arrived and took Coy into custody without incident. According to court documents, Coy was convicted of assault in 2020 after he sexually harassed and assaulted an attendant at a convenience store. Within months of being released from confinement for that conviction, Coy was arrested for the attempted sexual abuse of a postal worker while she was delivering mail at an apartment complex. Earlier on the same day, Coy had confronted a woman who was walking her dog. In all three instances, Coy exposed himself to the victims. Coy has also been charged in Jackson County, Mo., with sexual misconduct and assault for a similar incident at another parking garage on Feb. 21, 2023. Additionally, according to court documents, on March 7, 2023, Coy exposed himself to two other women at the parking garage and chased one of the victims as she drove through the parking garage shortly before he walked over to the federal courthouse and engaged in the criminal conduct in this federal case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth W. Borgnino. It was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.


title: KC Man Sentenced to 23 Years for Sexual Abuse of Child Victim, Distributing Video of Abuse Online

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for recording his sexual abuse of a seven-year-old victim and sharing a video of the abuse online. Jeffrey A. Knight, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 23 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Knight to 15 years of supervised release following incarceration. On Aug. 8, 2023, Knight pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography. Knight admitted that he used his iPhone to create an image and two video recordings of his sexual abuse of the child victim on Feb. 2, 2020. Knight then distributed one of those videos over the internet. Knight also admitted that he sexually abused the child victim on multiple occasions until April 2022. Knight has been involved in the trafficking and possession of child pornography since at least 2013. He routinely used messaging applications, such as Telegram, to send and receive child pornography from other individuals over the internet. He also paid money to join online groups that focused on the trafficking of child pornography, and engaged in the trafficking of child pornography with other members of those online groups. Knight uploaded hundreds of images and videos of child pornography to his online storage accounts, including Google and Dropbox, from 2013 until his arrest on Feb. 3, 2023. Knight was in possession of hundreds of images and videos of child pornography at the time of his arrest. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth W. Borgnino. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Florida Woman Sentenced for Disrupting Flight

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Jessica Navarro, 31, of Winter Springs, Florida, was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment and one year of supervised release by the Honorable Judge Nitza I. Quinones Alejandro. In June 2023, Navarro pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with a flight crew, one count of assaulting a flight attendant, and one count of assaulting a passenger. On January 11, 2022, the defendant, under the influence of alcohol, had kicked the seats in front of her, spat on passengers, and physically resisted the flight crew. The defendant’s conduct escalated, with Navarro striking a flight attendant and a passenger, causing a Frontier Airlines flight that departed Orlando, Florida, to be diverted from its intended Islip, New York, destination and land at Philadelphia International Airport. “Jessica Navarro’s violent conduct endangered and traumatized passengers, and severely inconvenienced everyone aboard that plane,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Air travel can already be a stressful experience, and the last thing anyone should have to deal with is such drunken and dangerous behavior en route to their destination. If you commit a federal crime aboard an aircraft, expect to be held accountable.” “Passengers like Navarro do more than disrupt a flight, they put all passengers and the entire crew at risk,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, FBI Philadelphia's Special Agent in Charge. “Today’s sentencing sends a message to anyone who might engage in disruptive behavior or violence aboard an aircraft: Upon your arrival, FBI agents will be waiting to bring you to justice.” The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josh A. Davison.


title: Four-Time Convicted Felon Charged With Possessing A Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Kristian Ramos (43, Kissimmee) with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Ramos faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Ramos that the United States intends to forfeit a Beretta Nano 9mm handgun, which is alleged to be involved in the offense. According to the indictment, on May 23, 2023, Ramos possessed a Beretta Nano 9mm handgun. At the time of the alleged offense, Ramos had prior felony convictions for robbery with a deadly weapon, possession of a controlled substance, and robbery. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sherriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman. 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: Orlando Man Sentenced To 6 Years In Federal Prison For Lying To The FBI In Connection With An International Terrorism Investigation

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton has sentenced Moad Mohamed Benkabbou (23, Kissimmee) to six years in federal prison for making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in an interview relating to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Benkabbou had pleaded guilty on May 5, 2023. According to Benkabbou’s plea agreement and evidence previously admitted during a hearing, Benkabbou swore an oath to support ISIS in January 2020, made plans to travel to Turkey and Syria to fight for ISIS, sent money to support ISIS, purchased airplane tickets in August 2020 and January 2021 (later cancelled both tickets), and sent ISIS propaganda videos to others, including ISIS sponsored videos showing the executions (by gunshot and beheading) of American allies fighting against ISIS. Benkabbou also sent a photo of himself dressed as an ISIS fighter with the statement, “Hey Crusaders hey Jews die within your rage.” When interviewed on two occasions by FBI in relation to these activities, Benkabbou lied about his involvement with and support of ISIS. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Shawn P. Napier and Kara M. Wick.


title: Sarasota Methamphetamine Trafficker Pleads Guilty

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Alfred Clayton Rosier, Jr. (29, Sarasota) has pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Rosier faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, on September 22, 2022, a deputy from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office retrieved a package from a FedEx facility after the deputy’s canine partner had alerted on the package for the presence of narcotics. After the deputy had procured and executed a search warrant on the package, law enforcement discovered approximately 16 pounds of methamphetamine. The package was addressed to a residence in Sarasota. Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with officers from the Sarasota Police Department and deputies from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a controlled delivery of a portion of the methamphetamine to the residence. Rosier was found outside of the residence with a large box as law enforcement was executing a search warrant. When Rosier observed law enforcement approaching, he threw the box inside of a parked white van and jumped inside of a car parked next to the van. Upon a search of the van and the box that Rosier had thrown inside, agents discovered approximately 22 pounds of marijuana and 647 grams of methamphetamine. They also recovered a small backpack that contained a loaded pistol and documents addressed to Rosier. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale. 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: CEO Sentenced for Transnational “Cherry-Picking” Scheme Involving Foreign Exchange and Cryptocurrency Futures Contracts

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A chief executive officer of an investment firm was sentenced today to two years in prison followed by one year and six months of home confinement and ordered to forfeit approximately $1.6 million for a “cherry-picking” scheme, in which he fraudulently misappropriated profitable trades to himself and saddled his investors with losses. According to court documents, Peter Kambolin, 48, a U.S.-Russian national of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, was the owner and chief executive officer of Systematic Alpha Management LLC (SAM), an investment firm that Kambolin marketed as offering algorithmic trading strategies involving futures contracts. Established in 2007, by 2011, SAM had more than $720 million in assets under management. Between January 2019 and November 2021, Kambolin, who at the time was a commodity trading advisor and a commodity pool operator, engaged in a cherry-picking scheme in which he fraudulently allocated profits and losses from futures trades in a manner designed to benefit his own accounts unfairly at the expense of his clients. Kambolin also misrepresented to his clients that SAM employed trading strategies focused on cryptocurrency futures contracts and foreign exchange futures contracts, when in reality, approximately half of Kambolin’s trading in each pool involved equity index futures contracts. In doing so, Kambolin defrauded investors located in the United States and abroad by, among other things, depriving them of profitable trades. Kambolin used the proceeds of the scheme to fund personal expenses, including rent for a beachfront apartment, and transferred proceeds to foreign bank accounts his co-conspirator controlled in Belarus and Dominica. During the relevant period, Kambolin executed trades for pool participants together with trades he executed on behalf of his proprietary accounts, and fraudulently allocated the profits and losses of the trades to benefit his own accounts. Kambolin pleaded guilty on Oct. 11, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to commit commodities fraud. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Shimon R. Richmond of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) made the announcement. The FDIC-OIG investigated the case. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission previously charged Kambolin and SAM by complaint . Trial Attorney Matt Kahn of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.


title: Florida Attorney Pleads Guilty in Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Tax Scheme

component: Tax Division

body_text: A Florida attorney pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to defraud the United States and tax evasion arising out of his promotion of an illegal tax shelter scheme involving false charitable deductions. According to court documents, from at least 2013 through 2021, Michael L. Meyer, of Davie, organized and sold the Ultimate Tax Plan, an illegal tax shelter designed to assist high-income individuals in reducing their taxes. Meyer marketed the scheme as a way for clients to reduce their taxes by claiming deductions for charitable donations that he knew were fraudulent. Meyer prepared boilerplate transaction paperwork for his clients which made it appear that they had donated valuable property to charities Meyer controlled. In fact, the clients retained complete control over the donated assets. Meyer illegally advised that clients could access their donated assets for their own personal use through tax-free loans and execute an “exit strategy” to buy back their donations at a significantly discounted rate. In some instances, Meyer backdated documents so that clients could claim these purported donations on their prior years’ tax returns. In April 2018, the Justice Department filed a civil suit against Meyer seeking to enjoin him from continuing to promote the Ultimate Tax Plan. As part of that litigation, the department issued civil subpoenas to Meyer’s clients requesting records related to the Ultimate Tax Plan. In response, Meyer created false, backdated documents and directed clients to submit them to the Justice Department. Meyer also provided false, backdated documents in response to document demands he directly received from the Justice Department. In April 2019, a federal district court permanently enjoined him from organizing, promoting, marketing or selling the Ultimate Tax Plan. Meyer earned more than $10 million from selling the Ultimate Tax Plan. He used that income to purchase a multimillion-dollar estate and a luxury vehicle collection that included Lamborghinis, Rolls Royces, Mercedes Benzes, a Bentley and a Ferrari. A sentencing date has not been set yet. Meyer faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each charge. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant Chief Michael Boteler and Trial Attorneys Andrew Ascencio and Michael Jones of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Delaware County Man Pleads Guilty to Six Explosive Incidents

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Cushmir McBride, 24, of Yeadon, PA, entered a plea of guilty before United States District Court Judge Gene E.K. Pratter for conspiracy to maliciously damage property used in interstate commerce by means of an explosive, and aiding and abetting, as well as five separate counts alleging maliciously damaging property used in interstate commerce by means of an explosive. In addition, on January 11, 2024, Nasser McFall, 23, of Claymont, DE, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison and three years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Gene E.K. Pratter for the explosive incidents described below. On June 29, 2022, McFall had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to maliciously damage property used in interstate commerce by means of an explosive, and aiding and abetting, as well as four separate counts alleging maliciously damaging property used in interstate commerce by means of an explosive. McBride and McFall, along with Kamar Thompson, 34, of Philadelphia, PA, were charged by indictment in April of 2021 for their involvement in four separate incidents in Fall 2020: the robberies of a Target and a Wawa, and attempts to rob two different Wawas, all with multiple explosive devices. McFall was also charged with setting off an explosive device at a bank in Philadelphia later that year. McBride and McFall were previously arrested and charged by complaint, and Thompson was already in federal custody facing charges in a separate case involving the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On November 3, 2021, Thompson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to maliciously damage property used in interstate commerce by means of an explosive, and aiding and abetting, six counts alleging maliciously damaging property used in interstate commerce by means of an explosive, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On January 20, 2022, McBride and McFall were charged by superseding indictment, which added a charge alleging that McBride set off an explosive device at a Wells Fargo bank ATM in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia on March 2, 2021. The superseding indictment also alleged that McBride, McFall, and Thompson stole over $400,000 from Capital One Bank (Target), PNC Bank (Wawa), and Wells Fargo. As background: On October 26, 2020, a Philadelphia police officer-involved shooting occurred in the Cobbs Creek section of Philadelphia, resulting in the death of Walter Wallace, Jr. Peaceful protests began that evening and continued into the following days, accompanied by a period of civil unrest, with widespread incidents of looting and violence in various neighborhoods in Philadelphia. On October 28, 2020, defendants McBride, Thompson and McFall conspired to break into a Target in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia and set off an explosive device in order to steal money from an ATM inside. The defendants had broken into a Wawa the following day, October 29, on Richmond Street in Philadelphia, where they once again set off explosive devices in order to steal money from the ATM. On October 31, 2020, the defendants broke into another Wawa in Northeast Philadelphia and detonated an explosive device. The indictment further alleged that the defendants set off an explosive device in another Wawa in Claymont, DE, on November 4, 2020, in an attempt to rob this store in the same manner. All three defendants were later charged with setting off an explosive device inside an ATM at a Wells Fargo bank in Philadelphia on December 2, 2020. McBride was then charged with setting off an explosive device at a Wells Fargo ATM in Philadelphia on March 2, 2021. The defendants were able to steal approximately $417,000 during the course of the conspiracy. “The Department of Justice remains committed to protecting the rights of individuals to peacefully exercise their First Amendment freedoms,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “However, violence and destruction of property like this clearly jeopardize the rights and safety of all citizens. As evidenced by McBride’s plea and McFall’s sentence, if you seek to use peaceful protests as cover to pursue your own violent criminal agenda, my office and our law enforcement partners will bring you to justice.” “Both defendants recklessly used explosive devices at least six times, each with the potential to cause significant damage and injure countless people,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Office. “ATF is committed to protecting our communities from harm and working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt violent explosives-related activity. I want to thank the Philadelphia Police Department, Delaware State Police, Upper Chichester Police Department, and the United States Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this case.” The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department, with assistance from Delaware State Police and Upper Chichester Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Eckert and Special Assistant United States Attorney David Osborne.


title: Lame Deer man sentenced to 14 years in prison for shooting, killing man on Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man was sentenced today to 14 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after he admitted to shooting and killing another man in 2022 on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Terence Arturo Limberhand, 32, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to voluntary manslaughter. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $8,000 restitution. The government alleged in court documents that on the night of June 21, 2022, Limberhand was driving a four-wheeler and approached the victim, identified as John Doe, who was standing outside of a house near Lame Deer. Limberhand had a dispute with John Doe and an affiliate, leading Limberhand to believe that he and his family may be in danger. Limberhand shot John Doe multiple times before fleeing on the four-wheeler. John Doe was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Five days later, Limberhand went to a ranch outside of Lame Deer and told individuals there that he had been threatened. Bureau of Indian Affairs officers arrested Limberhand a short time later. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Orlando Man Sentenced To More Than 12 Years For Attempting To Entice A 15-Year-Old To Engage In Sexual Activity

body_text: Ocala, FL – Senior United States District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Victor Aguilar (32, Orlando) to 12 years and 6 months in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. Aguilar had pleaded guilty on October 13, 2023. According to court documents, in May 2023, Aguilar responded to a social media posting from an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 15-year-old child. Aguilar engaged in sexually oriented conversation, telling the undercover officer in detail what he planned to do with the minor. The two discussed meeting locations, including a mall in the Ocala area. A few hours later, Aguilar told the undercover officer he had arrived at the Ocala mall to meet with the minor. While Aguilar was waiting, deputies arrived and arrested Aguilar. “This predator knowingly targeted a child to carry out his deviant behaviors, but our team of investigators were diligent in bringing him to justice,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “HSI investigators, alongside our partners, the U.S. Secret Service, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, have successfully removed another predator from the streets.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Secret Service, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Belkis H. Crockett and Tyrie K. Boyer. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Hazleton Tax Preparer Sentenced To 24 Months’ Imprisonment For Preparing & Filing Hundreds Of False Tax Returns Claiming Over $800,000.00 Of False Education Credits

body_text: SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Leidi M. Paulino, age 46, owner of LP Multiservices, a tax preparation business located in Freeland, PA, was sentenced on January 19, 2024, by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley, to 24 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a one-year term of supervised release, for the offense of aiding and assisting in the filing of false tax returns claiming hundreds of thousands of dollars in unearned education credits. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, over the course of 2019 and 2020, Paulino assisted hundreds of clients in preparing and filing false tax returns that were materially false in that they sought on the clients' behalf certain education tax credits, including the American opportunity tax credit, to which the clients were not entitled. Indeed, the vast majority of Paulino's clients were not enrolled in college at all. Paulino’s conduct resulted in hundreds of thousand dollars of loss to the government At her sentencing, Paulino was ordered to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the amount of $888,377.00. This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Long Island Woman Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Obstructing the Internal Revenue Service, Filing False Tax Returns and Structuring Cash Deposits

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Lorraine Pilitz was sentenced by United States District Judge Joanna Seybert to 33 months’ imprisonment for illegally structuring financial transactions, corruptly obstructing the Internal Revenue Service and filing false tax returns. Pilitz was also ordered to pay $324,702.78 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and forfeited a commercial property in Lindenhurst, New York. Pilitz was convicted of the charges in November 2022 after a two-week trial. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), announced the sentence. “For years Pilitz thought she could get away with hiding substantial amounts of cash and income, impeding the Internal Revenue Service, and cheating her employees, until a jury found her guilty on all counts. Today’s sentence sends a message to the defendant and others who place greed above following the law that this Office will vigorously prosecute those who commit tax fraud,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Lorraine Pilitz lined her pockets with money owed to the government by hiding hundreds of thousands of dollars and grossly underreporting her income with an ‘off-the-books’ payroll. IRS-CI New York worked closely with the Eastern District of New York on this case, and Pilitz has since been convicted by a jury of her peers. Today’s sentencing means she now faces the consequences of her self-serving criminal acts,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent-in-Charge Fattorusso. As proven at trial, Pilitz owned and operated several automobile-related businesses on Long Island. Financial institutions are required to file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) with the IRS for each transaction in excess of $10,000. Between 2011 and 2013, the defendant routinely structured cash deposits to avoid the required CTR filings – depositing cash amounts just under $10,000. As a result of Pilitz’s scheme, hundreds of thousands of dollars were concealed from the IRS. As part of the same scheme to conceal her income, Pilitz also diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars of business checks into her and her family’s personal bank accounts, maintained “off-the-books” payrolls, failed to file personal and corporate tax returns, and filed false tax returns that severely underreported her income. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Burton T. Ryan, Jr., Adam R. Toporovsky, Madeline O’Connor and Diane Leonardo are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Michael Compitello. The Defendant : LORRAINE PILITZ (also known as “Lorraine Christie” and “Lorraine Storms”) Age: 65 Merrick, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket 17-CR-53 (S-2) (JS)


title: Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty  to Bank Fraud Conspiracy

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOHN SPOSATO, age 72, a resident of Kiln, Mississippi, pleaded guilty on January 18, 2024 before United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1344. According to court documents, SPOSATO began serving a three-year period of supervised release after his release from prison as a result of his previous conviction on about August 9, 2022, in United States v. John Sposato , on about August 9, 2022. While on supervised release, SPOSATO claimed to be President of several companies, including Pegasus Consulting and Development, LLC (“Pegasus Consulting”). These companies performed no work and generated no income. SPOSATO opened a financial account at Keesler Federal Credit Union in the name of Pegasus Consulting and on March 27, 2023, attempted to deposit a $10,000.00 check he received from a co-conspirator, knowing it to be counterfeit. The check was purportedly drawn on the financial account of an all-volunteer, non-profit, tax-exempt organization that supported a Florida public library. SPOSATO’s attempted deposit placed Keesler at risk of both civil liability and financial loss. When asked about the check, SPOSATO falsely told a United States Probation Officer that the check was compensation for consulting work he performed, both directly and through an associate named “Jack Morgan”, for the non-profit entity. In fact, SPOSATO knew he was not entitled to the check and had never performed work for the non-profit. SPOSATO faces up to five (5) years in prison, up to three (3) years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing before Judge Fallon has been scheduled for . U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Probation Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Utah Nurse Accused of Distributing Morphine that Resulted in Death

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Today, a United States Magistrate Judge ordered a Utah nurse remain in custody after she was arrested last week and indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly illegally distributing and dispensing morphine that resulted in the death of another person. According to court documents, Catherine Worman, 33, of Sandy, allegedly distributed and dispensed morphine on June 5, 2023, resulting in the death of one person. Worman was employed as a nurse at a local hospital at the time of the offense. Court documents allege Worman also distributed and dispensed morphine to at least one other person. During the investigation into the death of victim one, Draper Police officers learned from another victim that Worman intravenously administered morphine to him without a prescription. According to the victim, he became extremely ill because of the morphine administered by Worman and feared for his life. Additional information extracted from Worman’s cell phone reveals she was unlawfully obtaining Adderall prescribed for others and trading it. Worman was also illegally obtaining prescription medications from another healthcare worker with whom she was romantically involved. At the time of her arrest, Worman was employed in healthcare and the U.S. Attorney’s Office requested she remain detained pending trial. Worman is charged with distribution of morphine resulting in death. Her initial court appearance on the indictment was Jan. 19, 2024, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated by the Draper Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Silvis, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 210 Months in Prison for Distribution, Sale, and Possession of Child Pornography

component: Department of Justice

body_text: ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Silvis, Illinois, man, Aaron Ruthey, 43, was sentenced on January 17, 2024, to an aggregate 210 months of imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, for distribution of child pornography, sale of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Ruthey was further ordered to pay restitution totaling $67,500.00 to nine victims. At the sentencing hearing, the United States presented evidence establishing that Ruthey was engaged in the advertisement of and ultimate sale of an online collection of child pornography. Ruthey has remained in federal custody since his arrest on August 17, 2022. Also at the hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow found that Ruthey not only sold child pornography but was an active participant in the child pornography market and capitalized on harm to the victims. Judge Darrow explained that Ruthey’s actions, including adding commentary to two of the images, increased the marketability and the demand for the content. Within the content Ruthey sold were videos and images depicting the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers. Ruthey pleaded guilty in June 2023 to all charges. The statutory penalties for the distribution of child pornography are five to twenty years of imprisonment; for the sale of child pornography, five to twenty years of imprisonment; and for possession of child pornography, up to twenty years of imprisonment. The penalties on each count include supervised release terms ranging from five years to life. “This sentencing demonstrates the importance of collaboration between our state and federal partners in ensuring justice for and the safety of children in our community,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer L. Mathew. “The U.S. Secret Service remains committed to investigating and arresting individuals who sexually exploit children and transmit child sexual abuse material,” said Stephen S. Webster, Resident Agent in Charge, Springfield Resident Office, United States Secret Service. “We are proud of our partnerships with the federal, state, and local agencies who work collectively to investigate and prosecute crimes against minors. These predators cause significant and long-lasting damage, and we are dedicated to holding them accountable.” “When law enforcement agencies work together, bringing multiple resources to the table, it is a force multiplier. Combatting crimes against children often takes this kind of collaboration,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “FBI Springfield values the relationships we have with our law enforcement partners, because those relationships result in safer communities.”


title: Pembroke Pines man sentenced to 216 months in federal prison for armed bank robbery and carjacking

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On Jan. 10, a Pembroke Pines man was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in November 2023 to two counts of armed bank robbery, one count of carjacking, and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. On March 29, 2023, Edmanuel Victoria, 29, of Pembroke Pines, walked into a bank in Broward County and presented a note to one of the bank tellers that read: “Give money gun,” while he lifted his shirt to show he was carrying a black pistol in his waistband. The bank teller gave Victoria about $2,650 in cash. Victoria took the money and fled. On June 5, 2023, Victoria stole—at gunpoint—a black Nissan Altima from a man who was sitting in the driver’s seat while the car was parked. Then, on June 7, 2023, Victoria attempted a second bank robbery, when he stole—again, at gunpoint—a currency bag from an employee of an armored truck company that was about to begin a cash pickup from a bank in Broward County. Victoria drove the stolen Nissan Altima away from the bank. Soon after, Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies and FBI agents located and arrested Victoria. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, and Chief of Police Kipp Shimeno of the Pembroke Pines Police Department announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith. FBI Miami’s Violent Crimes and Fugitive Task Force and the Pembroke Pines Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Broward Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Koffsky prosecuted it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jorge Delgado handled asset forfeiture. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 23-cr-60125. ###


title: South Georgian Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

body_text: ALBANY, Ga. –A Coffee County, Georgia, resident with a violent criminal past was sentenced to prison for illegally possessing a firearm during a car chase that ended in a police department parking lot. Bryan Everal Pittman, 33, of Fargo, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 110 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on Jan. 18, after he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on Oct. 3, 2023. Pittman is not eligible for parole. “Convicted felons with violent criminal histories caught illegally possessing a firearm will face federal consequences for breaking the law,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “We are working closely with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to identify cases involving repeat and violent offenders to help hold them accountable for their crimes and get them off the streets.” “Pittman, with a lengthy criminal history, once again terrorized innocent victims during his most recent crime. It is past time that he be sent to federal prison with a lengthy sentence for his actions,” said Rich Bilson, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Albany office. “The FBI and our state and local partners will continue to remove repeat violent offenders from our streets to keep our communities safe.” According to court documents and other evidence, Hahira Police Department police officers observed a white van and another car quickly enter the police department’s parking lot on May 26, 2022. Officers approached the white van; there were several people inside the van. One of the occupants told officers that the other vehicle was chasing them and “driving crazy” including going through stop signs; the individual also stated that someone inside the vehicle pointed a gun at them, and they drove to the police department for help. A woman in the van told officers that Pittman—who was in the other vehicle—had threatened her with a gun, and she was trying to get away from him. Pittman and two other people were in the second vehicle that entered the police department parking lot. An officer asked them if anyone had a gun. Pittman, who was seated in the back, said he did not. The officer noticed a bulge in the shape of a small handgun in the pocket of the back of the driver’s seat, along with a methamphetamine pipe. Pittman and the other two occupants got out of the car, and officers found a .380 semi-automatic pistol with a chambered round of ammunition and five rounds in the magazine. Another round was located on the floorboard next to the rear driver’s side door. The firearm belonged to Pittman. Pittman has a lengthy violent criminal history, including past state convictions for aggravated assault, terroristic threats, battery and simple assault. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. These cases were prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by bringing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities; supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place; setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities; and measuring the results. The case was investigated by FBI and the Hahira Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Couch prosecuted the case for the Government.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CARLOS GUILLEN (“GUILLEN”) , age 38, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on January 18, 2024 to distribution of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B) and 841(b)(1)(C). In pleading guilty, the defendant faces up to twenty (20) years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. According to court documents, on or about August 16, 2023, in New Orleans, GUILLEN sold Fentanyl to undercover special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown set sentencing in this matter for April 25, 2024. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives on this investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit.


title: Illegal possession of gun sends Billings felon to prison

body_text: BILLINGS — A Billings felon who admitted to illegally possessing a gun after he lied to law enforcement about his identity because of outstanding warrants was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Patrick Lee Tellez, 50, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The government alleged in court documents that on Dec. 30, 2022 in Billings, a Montana Highway Patrol officer conducted a traffic stop on a speeding car in which Tellez was a passenger. Tellez lied about his identity because he had outstanding warrants. Tellez refused the trooper’s order to get out of the vehicle and had to be tazed. When Tellez did get out of the car, the trooper saw a pistol that had been shoved into the passenger seat. Tellez had six prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case. The Montana Highway Patrol and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. 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. XXX


title: Jamestown man arrested, charged in drug conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Curtis Snyder, 51, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, state that according to the complaint, Snyder utilized Facebook to communicate and facilitate his drug trafficking activities with Rocco Beardsley. During the investigation, investigators recovered communications between Snyder and Beardsley during which Snyder offered to distribute drugs for Beardsley. Snyder and Beardsley also discussed heroin and fentanyl transactions. Beardsley is also charged in the drug conspiracy. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Alleged Fraudster Extradited from Brazil to Face New Charges

component: Criminal - Office of International Affairs

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that JOHN VOLOSHIN, also known as “Josh Thomas,” 68, formerly of New Haven and Woodbridge, has been extradited to the U.S. from Brazil to face fraud, identity theft, and money laundering offenses. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in May 2012, Voloshin was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 33 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for operating multiple fraud schemes that caused losses of more than $1.5 million to individuals and lenders. He was released from prison in May 2014. In November 2014, he was sentenced to an additional nine months of imprisonment for violating the terms and conditions of his federal supervised release for repeatedly lying to his supervising probation officer by concocting a bogus job for a real estate concern in London. He was released from prison in June 2015. In the fall of 2015, Voloshin engaged in another fraud scheme by soliciting money from individuals and falsely representing that the money would be fully invested to generate very high returns. In November 2017, he was sentenced to 27 months of imprisonment for the offense and for violating his supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $275,000 in restitution, in addition to his restitution obligation from his 2012 conviction. He was released from prison in May 2018. On September 23, 2020, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Voloshin with seven counts of bank fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and two counts of money laundering. The indictment, which was unsealed today, alleges that between January and April 2019, Voloshin defrauded a company in Bloomfield for which he provided accounting and tax preparation services to individuals and companies. Voloshin stole blank checks for both the company’s business account and the company owner’s personal account, forged the owner’s name on the checks, and negotiated the checks for his own benefit. Voloshin also stole and negotiated checks and money orders that were written out as payment by third parties to the company. As part of the scheme, Voloshin incorporated an entity in Wyoming with a name very similar to that of the company, opened a bank account in the name of the sham company, deposited misappropriated checks into the account, and used the stolen funds for his own benefit. Voloshin was arrested on July 14, 2021, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and has been in custody since that time. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford and pleaded not guilty to the new charges against him. Bank fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count, aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year term of imprisonment on each count, and money laundering carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count. Voloshin also faces additional penalties if he is found to have violated the conditions of his supervised release from his 2017 conviction. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. U.S. Attorney Avery thanked Interpol and Brazilian authorities for their assistance in apprehending this defendant, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for coordinating the extradition proceedings in this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and Sean P. Mahard.


title: Lawrence Man Who Concealed More Than Two Kilos of Fentanyl Mixture Inside Cereal Box Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston to his role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. Melvin Antonio Perez Medina, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 64 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In October 2023, Perez Medina pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue; two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue; and one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue. Perez Medina was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2022 along with alleged co-conspirators Fraily Rodriguez Morillo and Manuel Fredis Guerrero Guzman. According to court documents, between March 2022 and August 2022 Perez Medina and, allegedly, Morillo and Guzman, conspired to distribute fentanyl and a fentanyl analogue in and around the Lawrence, Woburn, Wilmington and Andover areas. As part of the conspiracy, Perez Medina distributed fentanyl and a fentanyl analogue on three separate occasions during the summer of 2022. At the time of Perez Medina’s arrest in August 2022, he was found in possession of nearly two kilograms of a mixture containing fentanyl and a fentanyl analogue concealed inside of a cereal box. In total, Perez Medina was responsible for distributing and attempting to distribute over 900 grams of fentanyl and over 2.5 kilograms of a fentanyl analogue. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Correction; the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office; and the Boston, Concord, Hudson, Peabody, Reading, Waltham and Watertown Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Men Who Assaulted an ATF Agent Sentenced

body_text: Two men who assaulted an ATF agent and another individual during an undercover operation were sentenced today to a combined 39 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Decorian Lynndale Titus, 19, and Damon Gentry, 23, were charged via criminal complaint in May 2023 and indicted in June 2023. Mr. Titus and Mr. Gentry both pleaded guilty in September 2023 to one count each of assaulting certain officers, brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. They were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor to 324 months and 144 months, respectively, in federal prison. According to court documents, on May 18, 2023, an undercover ATF agent met with Mr. Titus and Mr. Gentry to purchase marijuana and guns. During the meeting, the defendants pulled their guns on the ATF agent and demanded the agent’s firearm and money. Mr. Titus stole the agent’s gun and money and ordered him to lay on the ground and not get up. He also threatened to shoot the other individual. Mr. Titus and Mr. Gentry ultimately left the agent and the other individual and fled. As they were fleeing, Mr. Titus pointed his guns (one in each hand) at plain-clothed (but marked) officers outside whereupon agents fired on Mr. Titus. He was hit, dropped one pistol, and fired a shot. Mr. Titus was arrested that day; Mr. Gentry got away, but was arrested later. The Federal Bureau of Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives, Texas Rangers, Fort Worth Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Smith prosecuted the case.


title: Metairie Man Pleads Guilty to Presenting Altered Postal Money Order

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JASON CAREY pled guilty on January 17, 2024, before United States District Judge Lance Africk, to presenting a materially altered postal money order. CAREY faces up to five (5) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. According to court documents, beginning on or about November 4, 2020 and continuing until on or about November 20, 2020, CAREY executed a scheme to fraudulently obtain approximately $20,000 from Hancock Whitney Bank. CAREY did so by depositing altered United States Postal Money Orders into his minor daughter’s bank account at Hancock Whitney Bank and then withdrawing these same funds from the account before the fund transfers cleared. The case was investigated by United States Postal Inspection Service agents and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit and Paul Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit.


title: Overland Park man sentenced for tax evasion

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced one year and one day in prison for lying on federal income tax returns. According to court documents, Christopher S. Savell, 42, of Overland Park pleaded guilty to three counts of making and subscribing a false income tax return. In his 2016 tax returns, Savell reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to have paid $458,711 in mortgage interest knowing he had actually paid $4,363 in mortgage interest. That same year he also reported to have paid $10,987 in real estate taxes when the actual amount was $5,663. During 2017 tax returns, Savell declared $486,725 in mortgage interest payments when the actual amount was $24,108. He also claimed to have paid $68,980 in real estate taxes when he had paid $10,750. Also in his 2017 tax returns, Savell indicated he paid $36,537 in state income taxes and $109,965 in federal income tax withholdings knowing he paid nothing in either. In 2018 tax returns, Savell falsely stated he’d paid $71,400 in mortgage interest when the true amount was $20,605, and he said he paid $20,315 in real estate taxes after paying $10,315. He submitted documents claiming to have paid $34,033 in state income taxes and $81,252 in federal income tax withholdings. Savell didn’t pay state income taxes or federal income tax withholding in 2018. “Taxpayers can’t make-up their own rules when it comes to paying their share of taxes, said Thomas F. Murdock, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation (CI), St. Louis Field Office. “Mr. Savell intentionally filed false and fraudulent tax returns which makes him a tax cheat. CI will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to steal from the American public by cheating the tax system.” The IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Oakley prosecuted the case. ###


title: Fort Hall Man Sentenced to Over 21 Years in Federal Prison for Shooting and Killing Another Man

body_text: POCATELLO – Rydon Clyde Teton, 38, who is a member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, and a resident of Fort Hall, Idaho, was sentenced to 253 months in federal prison for the shooting death of another man in January 2018, on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. According to court records, on February 2, 2018, the Fort Hall Police Department and the Fort Hall Fire Department were called to a residence on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation for a fire at a home. Witnesses said they saw a fire inside the home and entered to investigate. The witnesses found a deceased and burned body, which they moved to the porch, and they then called police. The fire was extinguished and the body was identified as that of the victim, who had been shot several times days earlier. The law enforcement investigation led to Teton, who reportedly had earlier been seen carrying a gun. Officers located Teton at a trailer park in Pocatello, where Teton’s gun was located. Teton was interviewed by Fort Hall police and FBI agents. Teton stated that he and the victim had an argument about a debit card. Teton said he and the victim struggled and Teton then had the idea to shoot the victim, which he did. He admitted later burning the body. He also admitted using his gun to commit this violent crime. The 253-month sentence imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye is a combined sentence consisting of 133 months for the voluntary manslaughter charge and a consecutive 120 months for the use of the firearm in committing the killing. Chief Judge Nye ordered Teton to pay restitution in the amount of $68,339.11 for the victim’s funeral expenses and for his lost tribal income, which is to be paid to the victim’s minor child. Judge Nye also ordered Teton to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Judge Nye granted Teton 111 days of credit for the time he served in tribal jail on the same charge before coming into federal custody. He pleaded guilty to the charge of voluntary manslaughter and to a charge of the use of a firearm in a violent crime on August 16, 2023. U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Hall Police Department, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Haycock prosecuted the case. ###


title: Man sentenced in Kansas City drug ring tied to Mexican cartel

body_text: KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A man was sentenced to 102 months in prison for his involvement in a Kansas City metro-based drug trafficking ring with ties to Mexico. According to court documents, Edwar Salazar-Belleda, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Salazar-Belleda was part of an international drug trafficking ring operating with meth brought in from Mexico. The co-conspirators laundered illegal proceeds as wire payments destined for individuals in Mexico and California. From August 2019 through May 2021, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led an undercover investigation which included multiple purchases of meth, heroin, and firearms. Romel Alvarado-Calderon, 27, of Kansas City, Kansas, was the head of the operation, and Salazar-Belleda acted as a broker. In April 2021, Salazar-Belleda was arrested after a trash bag containing 7.57 kilograms of 98.6% pure meth was found in his hotel room. Law enforcement also located digital scales, meth, heroin, a stolen firearm, and ammunition in his suitcase. Over the course of the conspiracy investigation, more than 150 kilograms of meth, more than 11 ounces of heroin, marijuana, and numerous firearms were either purchased or seized. Romel Alvarado-Calderon, Victor Troches-Reyes, 42, Hervey Moreno-Gonzalez, 32, Jesus Vigil-Canales, 44, and Victor Pardo-Jimenez, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Juana Infante-Garcia, 36, Gabriela Garcia-Rojas, 28, and Sergio Galvez-Rodriguez, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to launder drug proceeds. There are additional defendants who have cases pending in court. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle McFarlane, David Zabel, and Sheri Catania prosecuted the case. OCDETF Strike Force Cases This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the OCDETF Kansas City Metro Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle major criminal organizations and subsidiary organizations, including criminal gangs, transnational drug cartels, racketeering organizations, and other groups engaged in illicit activities that present a threat to public safety and national security and are related to the illegal smuggling and trafficking of narcotics or other controlled substances, weapons, humans, or the illegal concealment or transfer of proceeds derived from such illicit activities in the Western District of Missouri and District of Kansas. The OCDETF Kansas City Metro Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Kansas City, Missouri, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the United States Marshal Service (USMS), the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Missouri (USAO-WDMO), the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas (USAO-KS), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigation Division (IRS/CID), the United States Secret Service (USSS), and the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Kansas. ###


title: Lowell Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Trafficking

body_text: BOSTON – A Lowell man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to firearms trafficking charges. Isael Rodriguez, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of dealing in firearms without a license and one count of making false statements to acquire firearms from a licensed dealer. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for April 23, 2024. Rodriguez was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2022. Rodriguez purchased firearms from a licensed dealer, falsely claiming that he was purchasing them for himself and then resold the firearms for profit to individuals in Boston. The charge of dealing in firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of making false statements to acquire firearms from a licensed dealer provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Boston Police Acting Commissioner Michael Cox; Lowell Superintendent of Police Gregory C. Hudon; Brookline Police Chief Jennifer M. Paster; and Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Weslaco resident pleads guilty to attempting to transport weapons and possession of child pornography

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 36-year-old Weslaco man has pleaded guilty to straw purchasing and possessing child pornography on his cellphone, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. From June 5, 2016, through May 9, 2022, Jose Angel Hinojosa Jr. engaged in firearms dealing by straw purchasing firearms from an online gun broker. He then arranged for the weapons to be exported into Mexico. Law enforcement was able to locate several weapons tied to Hinojosa. As part of his plea, he admitted to attempting to smuggle more than 40 firearms. During the firearms investigation, authorities also learned of possible crimes involving child pornography. They executed search warrants and found several videos on his phone showing minors engaging in sexual conduct. Hinojosa admitted to receiving child pornography on his cellphone from various third parties. “Hinojosa not only illegally possessed dozens of firearms, with plans to send them to Mexico, he also possessed videos of children engaged in sexual conduct,” said Hamdani. “This case is an example of the multitude of crimes the Southern District’s prosecutors fight on a daily basis, and whether its transporting firearms or possessing child pornography, this office will seek to hold those like Hinojosa accountable.” U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey accepted the plea and set sentencing for April 24. At that time, Hinojosa faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Hinojosa was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations - Child Exploitation Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric D. Flores is prosecuting the case.


title: Previously Convicted Felon Arrested for Possessing Loaded Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number

body_text: BOSTON – A Haverhill man was arrested yesterday for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition. Rashad Diggs, a/k/a “Summers,” 37, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday, Diggs was detained pending a hearing scheduled for Jan. 22, 2024. According to the indictment, in December 2022 in Revere, Diggs possessed a semiautomatic pistol with an obliterated serial number loaded with over 40 rounds of ammunition. Due to a prior felony conviction, Diggs is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. The charge of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Malden Police Chief Glenn Cronin made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Hoefle of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Lowell Gang Member Sentenced to 96 Months for Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering

body_text: BOSTON – A leader of a Lowell-based gang, One Family Clique (OFC), was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for conspiring with fellow OFC gang members to traffic wholesale quantities of cocaine, and to launder millions of dollars in drug proceeds through casinos in Canada. Virak Prum, a/k/a “Polo,” a/k/a “Capo,” a/k/a “Lips,” 37, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 96 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In September 2023, Prum pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of money laundering conspiracy. In August 2018, an investigation began into OFC in response to a dramatic spike in shootings and gang violence in Lowell. OFC is an alliance between several gangs in and around Lowell with ties to gangs in California and other states. In 2018 and 2019, at least 12 incidents of gunfire in the Lowell area are alleged to be attributable to gang-motivated hostilities between OCF and its rivals. Since at least 2019, Prum and his co-conspirators used the U.S. Postal Service to receive shipments of illegal narcotics, and, in return, to ship cash proceeds to the sources of supply. Members of the conspiracy maintained stash houses in Lowell, which also served as venues for gang meetings and other events furthering the gang’s illegal activities. Over the course of the investigation, approximately 12 kilograms of methamphetamine; 2.4 kilograms of cocaine; 2.1 kilograms of MDMA; 513 grams of heroin; 169 grams of fentanyl; $177,591 in cash; and seven firearms were seized or purchased. In May 2021, Prum led a money laundering operation in which he and his co-conspirators provided “protection” for a shipment from Europe that purportedly contained 8 million Euros in drug proceeds from black tar heroin sales. Specifically, Prum and his co-conspirators helped pack a shipment of money into a truck and escorted it from New York to New Hampshire. Prum was charged with 14 others in June 2021. He is the final defendant in custody to plead guilty in the case. One defendant remains a fugitive. Acting United States Attorney Joshua s. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and Greg Hudon, Superintendent of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the DEA-San Jose Task Force as well as the Long Beach (Calif.) and Santa Clara (Calif.), Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Moran and Fred Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Jury Convicts Sioux City Man of  Methamphetamine Trafficking Charges

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Johnnie A. Cannon, age 38, from Sioux City, Iowa, formerly from Arkansas, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of distributing and aiding and abetting another in the distribution of methamphetamine. Cannon was convicted by a jury on January 18, 2024, after a three-day trial in federal court in Sioux City. The verdict was returned following close to four hours of jury deliberations. The evidence at trial showed that Cannon worked with others to distribute at least seven pounds of methamphetamine from January 2021 through March 14, 2023. Evidence further showed that on at least three occasions in February and March 2023, Cannon supplied ¼, ½ and ½ pounds of methamphetamine to a co-conspirator, who then distributed the methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. On March 14, 2023, during a traffic stop, Cannon was found in possession of $3,000 in serialized, buy money used by law enforcement minutes before to buy drugs. In 2010, Cannon was also convicted in federal court in 2010 of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Cannon was released from federal prison in 2019. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Cannon remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Cannon faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and at least ten years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-4023. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Malden Men Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine

body_text: BOSTON – Two Malden men have been sentenced in federal court in Boston for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine disguised as Adderall, Xanax and oxycodone in and around the Malden area. Matthew Ramos, 26, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 90 months in prison and four years of supervised release. In October 2023, Ramos pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and other controlled substances. On Dec. 1, 2023, co-defendant Igor Desouza, 27, was sentenced by Judge Casper to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In August 2023, Desouza pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and other controlled substances. A search of Ramos and Desouza’s shared residence on May 25, 2021 resulted in the recovery of a firearm, over 200 rounds of ammunition and from each of their bedrooms and kitchen and a large and diverse cache of drugs. The drugs included approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine pills pressed to look like Adderall or Xanax; approximately 150 grams of fentanyl pills (some mixed with xylazine) pressed to look like oxycodone and Percocet pills; MDMA; over 90 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine; varying amounts of oxycodone, etilozam, suboxone strips, and substances believed to be marijuana, LSD and mushrooms. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; the Malden Police Department; and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Galesburg, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 144 Months in Prison for Armed Bank Robbery

component: USAO - Illinois, Central

body_text: ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Galesburg, Illinois, man, Theus Randolph, 23, of the 1700 block of Rock Island Avenue, was sentenced on January 17, 2024, to 144 months imprisonment, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery, armed bank robbery, and using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Randolph was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $28,744. Randolph entered a plea of guilty on July 18, 2023. One remaining member of the conspiracy, Dantonis Tayjohn Lewis Fair, has pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 14, 2024. At the sentencing hearing, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Sara L. Darrow commented on the need for citizens to feel safe in their workplaces and the lifelong impact Randolph and his co-defendant’s actions had on the employees they terrorized. The statutory penalties for conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery is up to 5 years imprisonment, to be followed by not more than three years of supervised release. The statutory penalty for armed bank robbery is up to 25 years imprisonment, to be followed by not more than five years of supervised release. The statutory penalty for using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence is 7 years to life imprisonment, to be followed by not more than five years of supervised release. The Rock Island Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Mathew represented the government in the prosecution.


title: Former Fiscal Officer for Non-Profit Company Pleads Guilty to Stealing Nearly $2.3 Million from Brooklyn Charity

body_text: Earlier today, Marcia Joseph pleaded guilty at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, to wire fraud in connection with her embezzlement of approximately $2.3 million from her employer, a non-profit organization that provides employment and education services for those in need. Joseph was arrested in October 2023. Today’s proceeding was held before United States District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano. When sentenced, Joseph faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), announced the guilty plea. “With her guilty plea today, the defendant admitted that she failed in her duty to serve a non-profit organization by stealing millions of dollars for personal expenses that were meant to be spent in its mission helping vulnerable members of the community,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “When she is sentenced, the defendant will learn the penalty for her dishonesty and greed.” “This defendant created a company for the sole purpose of siphoning $2.3 million from the City-funded nonprofit where she worked. She took valuable funds meant for the educational and employment needs of economically disadvantaged New Yorkers for her personal profit. DOI thanks our federal partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the FBI, for their commitment to protecting precious public funds that help those in need,” stated DOI Commissioner Strauber. According to the complaint , court filings, and facts presented during the plea hearing, Joseph was the senior fiscal officer of Company-1, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Brooklyn, New York that provides comprehensive services to support employment opportunities for persons with emotional, developmental, and/or physical disabilities, and those who are economically disadvantaged. Joseph set up a company called Prestige Business Services (“Prestige”), which purported to provide specialized services to other companies on behalf of Company-1. In truth, Prestige performed no work, and was used by Joseph for the exclusive purpose of embezzling more than $2.3 million from Company-1 over a 16-year period. Joseph used the money paid by Company-1 to Prestige to pay for numerous personal expenses, including approximately $235,000 in mortgage payments; $207,000 in credit card payments; $98,000 in car payments; $45,000 in Amazon expenses; and various other personal items, such as home remodeling, spa treatment, landscaping expenses, and luxury goods. Joseph also withdrew nearly $100,000 in cash, disbursed approximately $16,000 to friends and family, and issued approximately $50,000 in Prestige checks to herself. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Silverberg is in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Elizabeth Reed and Melissa Bennett. The Defendant : MARCIA JOSEPH (also known as “Marcia James,” “Marcia Lewis,” and “Marcia Peters”) Age: 57 Baldwin, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-4 (ENV)