title: Former South Florida Regional Bank Manager Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud

body_text: MIAMI – Daniel Hernandez, 51, a former South Florida regional manager for a leading national bank has been sentenced to 120 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) out of loan proceeds. These loans are guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Hernandez conspired with Erich Alfonso Barata, Armando De Leon, and others to submit over 90 fraudulent PPP loan applications. The applications were primarily submitted to two banks, Hernandez’s employer at the time, and his previous employer, another leading national bank. Hernandez also conspired to submit fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications through the SBA, but most of the applications were declined. Hernandez and his co-conspirators attempted to defraud the PPP and EIDL programs out of approximately $25 million. The conspiracy caused approximately $15 million in losses. The investigation has recovered over $800,000 so far. Daniel Hernandez pled guilty on December 21, 2022, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. De Leon and Alfonso Barata previously pled guilty for their roles in the conspiracy. De Leon was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment on February 21. Alfonso Barata is scheduled to be sentenced on April 18. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Kyle A. Myles, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Atlanta Region; acting Special Agent in Charge Maged Behnam of the FBI, Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, Small Business Administration, Investigations Division’s Eastern Region (SBA-OIG), announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore. FDIC-OIG, FBI Miami, and SBA-OIG investigated the case, with assistance from the Florida Department of Revenue. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli S. Rubin is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Paster is handling asset forfeiture. In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was enacted. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other sources of relief, the CARES Act authorized and provided funding to the SBA to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”) to eligible small businesses, including sole proprietorships and independent contractors, experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic to allow them to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could otherwise have been met had the disaster not occurred. EIDL applications were submitted directly to the SBA via the SBA’s on-line application website, and the applications were processed and the loans funded for qualifying applicants directly by the SBA. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the Southern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please click here . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . An indictment contains mere allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case numbers 22-cr-20529 (Hernandez), 22-cr-20420 (De Leon), and 22-cr-20487 (Alfonso Barata). ###


title: Elkhart Man Sentenced to Prison

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

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Latell Washington, 24 years old, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Washington was sentenced to 9 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release with the first 9 months being home detention. According to documents in the case, in June 2021, a handgun was recovered at the scene of a shooting. Law enforcement learned that Washington bought this handgun from a firearms dealer 15 days previously, and that he bought at least 5 other firearms between October 2020 and June 2021. Washington admitted to lying on the ATF form in order to make the firearm purchase and said that he sold at least 4 firearms to people who could not make the firearm purchase themselves. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke N. Reilander and Frank Schaffer. 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: Two Men Plead Guilty to Federal Drug Crimes

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two out-of-state men pleaded guilty today to charges arising from the January 5, 2022, raid on a Huntington storage unit. Phillip Antoine Rucker, also known as “Chocolate,” 43, of Proctorville, Ohio, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Marshall Luther Williams, also known as “Chuck” and “Chubs,” 41, of Chicago, Illinois, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 5, 2022, law enforcement officers arrested Rucker on an active warrant at a Riverside Drive storage facility in Huntington. Officers found approximately $5,080 and a Taurus, Model Spectrum, .380-caliber pistol in Rucker’s vehicle and seized a key for a unit at the storage facility from Rucker. Officers obtained a search warrant for the unit, where they found approximately 42.24 grams of a substance containing fentanyl, 27.92 grams of methamphetamine, 929 grams of a purple powder, a Glock 9mm pistol, and $8,591. Rucker and Williams each admitted to renting the storage unit and keeping controlled substance there for distribution. Rucker and Williams further admitted that the purple powder found during the search was intended to cut or be mixed with the fentanyl prior to distribution. Rucker and Williams are scheduled to be sentenced on July 10, 2023, and face a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, four years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Huntington Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-34. ###


title: Former Sheriff Victor Hill sentenced to federal prison for civil rights violations

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – Former Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill has been sentenced for violating the civil rights of six pre-trial detainees at the Clayton County, Georgia, Jail by ordering the detainees strapped into restraint chairs for hours without legal justification. “This district is fortunate to be served by thousands of law enforcement officers who bravely perform their duties with great honor, but former Sheriff Victor Hill is not one of them,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Former Sheriff Victor Hill chose to disregard the welfare of some within his control. The evidence was clear in this case, there was absolutely no justification for Hill to order pretrial detainees to be strapped into restraint chairs for hours on end. These men suffered painful injuries. Without question, his actions not only hurt the victims but eroded the public’s trust in law enforcement. Hill brazenly abused his power and has been held accountable by a jury and a judge and will go to federal prison. Hill rejected one of the most basic tenets of law enforcement: that the U.S. Constitution forbids an officer – even a sheriff – from using unreasonable force.” “All of our communities pay a significant price when law enforcement officials abuse their power. We hope this sentence brings some closure to the victims of civil rights violations,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This sentencing should send a strong message to any law enforcement officer who wants to follow their own version of the law. Badges and guns don’t come with the authority to ignore the Constitution. They come with the responsibility to protect it.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: At the time Hill committed these crimes, his Sheriff’s Office “Inmate Restraint Chair Policy” stated that, “a restraint chair may be used by security staff to provide safe containment of an inmate exhibiting violent or uncontrollable behavior and to prevent self-injury, injury to others or property damage when control techniques are not effective.” Consistent with the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process Clause, the policy emphasized that use of a restraint chair would “never be authorized as a form of punishment.” Hill flagrantly disregarded these policies, and a jury convicted him of violating the constitutional rights of the following victims: Victim R.P. On December 8, 2019, Clayton County Police Department (CCPD) responded to a robbery in progress. An officer saw R.P. standing with a firearm at the driver’s window of a car occupied by two men. R.P. ran into his apartment when he saw the officer. Officers used a patrol car’s public address system to convince R.P to exit his apartment. R.P. eventually complied with the commands and was taken into custody without further incident. R.P. told officers that he believed the men in the car had come there to rob him. R.P. was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. A CCPD officer transported R.P. to the Clayton County Jail. According to the officer, R.P. offered no resistance and caused no trouble after he was arrested. According to R.P. and other trial witnesses, when R.P. arrived at the jail, he was immediately taken to a holding cell with about 15 other inmates. R.P. heard people yelling, “Sheriff on deck.” Hill, escorted by the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Scorpion Response Team (SRT) arrived at the cell. Hill questioned R.P. about the incident which led to his arrest. When R.P. attempted to explain, Hill ordered the SRT to strap R.P. into a restraint chair which was then wheeled into the jail’s medical unit. While R.P. was strapped in the chair, R.P. could feel his blood pressure rising and his hands swelling. R.P. yelled for help and urinated on himself. R.P. spent at least four hours in the chair and the restraints cut and scarred one of his wrists. Victim D.B. On February 2, 2020, deputies of the CCSO’s vice operations obtained a search warrant for D.B.’s home in Hampton, Georgia, based on incriminating evidence found in trash outside the residence. While CCSO was waiting to execute the search warrant, D.B. left his home and drove away at a high rate of speed. Deputies stopped D.B. and detained him after finding a small amount of marijuana in his car. During the search of D.B.’s home, deputies allegedly found several stolen firearms. D.B. sat in the back of a patrol car for several hours while deputies searched his home. D.B. caused no trouble for the deputies during his detention at the scene or during the drive to the jail. According to D.B. and other witnesses, when D.B. arrived at the jail, he was put in a holding cell. Within minutes, Hill and several members of the SRT arrived. Hill asked D.B. questions about his alleged offenses until D.B. stated he no longer wanted to answer Hill’s questions. At that point, Hill ordered D.B. to be strapped into a restraint chair. D.B. was handcuffed behind his back and strapped in the chair for approximately seven hours. The restraints were so tight that D.B. suffered cuts to both wrists which caused him to bleed. The scars on D.B.’s wrists remain visible more than three years later. Victim J.A. In February 25, 2020, a man identified as J.A. was accused of assaulting two women during a dispute at a Clayton County grocery store several weeks earlier. He was arrested by Forest Park, Georgia, Police Department officers and CCSO deputies without incident. According to Clayton County records, J.A. was unarmed, not under the influence of drugs, and offered no resistance. A short time later, J.A. was booked into the Clayton County jail as a pretrial detainee. During the booking process, J.A. was escorted by a group of officers and SRT members to the fingerprinting area where Hill confronted J.A. A deputy recorded the interaction with a cell phone. Hill asked J.A. what he had been doing in Clayton County on the day of the alleged assault. J.A. replied, “It’s a democracy, sir. It’s the United States.” Hill snapped back, “No, it’s not. Not in my county.” When J.A. asked whether he was entitled to a fair and speedy trial, Hill replied, “Roll that chair around here. You stay out of Clayton County, you understand me? You sound like a dummy.” When J.A. asked again whether he was entitled to a fair and speedy trial, Hill replied, “You entitled to sit in this chair, and you’re entitled to get the hell out of my county and don’t come back. That’s what you’re entitled to. You sound like a damn jackass. Don’t you ever put your hand on a woman like that again. You’re fortunate that wasn’t my mother or grandmama or you wouldn’t be standing there. Now, sit there and see if you can get some damn sense in your head.” During J.A.’s interaction with Hill, J.A. was surrounded by law enforcement personnel, was handcuffed most of the time, and never posed a threat to anyone. Despite those facts, J.A. was strapped into a restraint chair and left there for hours per Hill’s orders. Victim C.H. On April 26, 2020, C.H., who had just turned 17 years old, allegedly vandalized his family home during an argument with his mother. Shortly thereafter, a CCSO deputy apprehended C.H. near his home without incident and turned C.H. over to the custody of the CCPD. Clayton County records indicate C.H. was unarmed, not under the influence of drugs, and offered no resistance. The deputy, a CCSO supervisor, then spoke with Hill on the phone, texted Hill a photograph of C.H. handcuffed and seated in a CCPD vehicle, and had the following text exchange with Hill: Hill: “How old is he?” Deputy: “17” Hill: “Chair” A few hours later, early on April 27, 2020, C.H. was booked into the Clayton County jail as a pretrial detainee pending trial on charges stemming from the incident at his home. Although C.H. had been compliant with law enforcement during and after his arrest and never posed a threat to anyone, he was strapped into a restraint chair and left there for hours per Hill’s orders. Victim G.H . In April 2020, G.H. and a CCSO deputy had a payment dispute over some landscaping work G.H. did for the deputy in Butts County, Georgia. The work and dispute were unrelated to the deputy’s employment with CCSO. After learning about the dispute, Hill called G.H. on April 23, 2020. During the call, Hill identified himself as the Clayton County Sheriff and asked G.H. why he was harassing his deputy. G.H. replied that Hill should tell his deputy to pay his bill and added, “you can go f--- yourself.” Unsure whether the caller had actually been the Clayton County Sheriff, G.H. used FaceTime to call back several times until Hill answered and removed a face mask he was wearing. After the FaceTime calls, Hill texted G.H., warning him not to call or text anymore. G.H. responded via text, “So this is Victor Hill correct[?]” Hill responded with a second text warning for G.H. not to call or text him anymore. Although G.H. did not call or text again, Hill instructed a CCSO deputy to swear out an arrest warrant against G.H. for harassing communications. The next day, April 24, 2020, Hill texted G.H., “[T]his is Sheriff Victor Hill. We have a warrant for your arrest. Would you like to turn yourself in, or have my Deputies find you?” G.H. did not respond. The next morning, April 25, 2020, Hill again texted G.H., “My Deputies are actively looking for you. We have not and will not agree for you to turn yourself in when you want to. Turn yourself in today.” Meanwhile, Hill had sent a fugitive squad armed with handguns and AR-15 rifles to Butts County to arrest G.H. on the misdemeanor arrest warrant. After retaining a lawyer, G.H. turned himself in at the CCSO during the evening of April 27, 2020. Clayton County records indicate that G.H. was unarmed, not under the influence of drugs, and offered no resistance. Shortly thereafter, G.H. was booked into the Clayton County jail as a pretrial detainee pending trial on the harassing communications charges. Surveillance footage from the jail shows G.H. interacting with jail personnel for more than half an hour, during which time he appeared cooperative and compliant before Hill arrived and confronted him. Immediately upon Hill’s arrival, although G.H. was surrounded by law enforcement personnel, remained compliant, and never posed a threat to anyone, G.H. was strapped into a restraint chair and left there for at least four hours per Hill’s orders. Victim W.T. On May 11, 2020, a Georgia State Patrol (GSP) trooper observed W.T. driving at 85 miles per hour on 1-75 in Clayton County. The trooper initiated a traffic stop and W.T. immediately pulled his vehicle over to the shoulder. W.T. presented a suspended Florida driver’s license. The trooper took W.T. into custody and drove W.T. to the Clayton County Jail without incident. According to W.T. and other witnesses, when W.T. arrived at the jail, he was instructed by officers to face the wall. In response, W.T. turned and rested his head on the wall. Hill saw this and it angered him. Hill ordered that W.T., who was restrained in handcuffs, be strapped into a restraint chair. Members of the SRT assisted deputies to strap W.T. into the chair where he remained for approximately five hours and suffered significant pain. W.T. urinated three times while confined to the chair. Victor Hill, 58, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross to 18 months in federal prison. After Hill serves his prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for six years, during which time he cannot have any role in law enforcement. Hill was found guilty by a jury on October 26, 2022. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brent Alan Gray and Bret R. Hobson prosecuted the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Davenport Chiropractor Charged with False Statements, Bank Fraud, and Money Laundering for PPP Loan and Mortgage Fraud Schemes

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: DAVENPORT, IA – A Davenport man made his initial appearance today in federal court in Davenport on false statements to a financial institution, bank fraud, and money laundering charges. Jason Rannfeldt, 51, is charged in a 14-count indictment returned on March 7, 2023. According to court documents, Rannfeldt owned and operated Rannfeldt Clinic or Rannfeldt Family Chiropractic between October 1998 and April 2021 and claimed to own and operate four additional businesses: Perfect Fit Coaching, LLC; PF Nutrition Counseling, LLC; RC Orthotics, LLC: and RC Performance Therapy, LLC. Between January 2021 and May 2021, Rannfeldt submitted eleven false and misleading Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications to various financial institutions on behalf of these businesses. Rannfeldt included supporting documents with the PPP loan applications, including tax documents, that contained false or fraudulent misrepresentations. Rannfeldt obtained or attempted to obtain approximately $1,100,000 in PPP loan funds through the submission of the false and misleading PPP loan applications and supporting documentation. Additionally, on August 9, 2021, Rannfeldt submitted a false and misleading residential mortgage loan application to GreenState Credit Union and provided supporting documents containing false or fraudulent misrepresentations. GreenState Credit Union approved the mortgage loan in the amount of $588,750. Rannfeldt is charged with seven counts of false statements to a financial institution, six counts of bank fraud, and one count of money laundering. If convicted, he faces maximum sentences of 30 years in prison for each of the false statements to financial institutions and bank fraud counts, and 10 years in prison for money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Small Business Association–Office of Inspector General are investigating 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: Jelly Bean Communications Design And Its Manager Settle False Claims Act Liability For Cybersecurity Failures On Florida Medicaid Enrollment Website

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, FL – Jelly Bean Communications Design LLC (Jelly Bean) and Jeremy Spinks have agreed to pay $293,771 to resolve False Claims Act allegations that they failed to secure personal information on a federally funded Florida children’s health insurance website, which Jelly Bean created, hosted, and maintained. “Government contractors responsible for handling personal information must ensure that such information is appropriately protected,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will use the False Claims Act to hold accountable companies and their management when they knowingly fail to comply with their cybersecurity obligations and put sensitive information at risk.” The Florida Healthy Kids Corporation (FHKC) is a state-created entity that offers health and dental insurance for Florida children ages five through 18. FHKC receives federal Medicaid funds as well as state funds to provide children’s health insurance programs. On Oct. 31, 2013, FHKC contracted with Jelly Bean for “website design, programming and hosting services.” The agreement required that Jelly Bean provide a fully functional hosting environment that complied with the protections for personal information imposed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, and Jelly Bean agreed to adapt, modify, and create the necessary code on the webserver to support the secure communication of data. Jeremy Spinks, the company’s manager, 50% owner, and sole employee, signed the agreement. Under its contracts with FHKC, between 2013 and 2020, Jelly Bean created, hosted, and maintained the website HealthyKids.org for FHKC, including the online application into which parents and others entered data to apply for state Medicaid insurance coverage for children. The settlement announced today resolves allegations that from January 1, 2014, through Dec. 14, 2020, contrary to its representations in agreements and invoices, Jelly Bean did not provide secure hosting of applicants’ personal information and instead knowingly failed to properly maintain, patch, and update the software systems underlying HealthyKids.org and its related websites, leaving the site and the data Jelly Bean collected from applicants vulnerable to attack. In or around early December 2020, more than 500,000 applications submitted on HealthyKids.org were revealed to have been hacked, potentially exposing the applicants’ personal identifying information and other data. The United States alleged that Jelly Bean was running multiple outdated and vulnerable applications, including some software that Jelly Bean had not updated or patched since November 2013. In response to this data breach and Jelly Bean’s cybersecurity failures, FHKC shut down the website’s application portal in December 2020. “Safeguarding patients’ medical and other personal information is paramount,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “This settlement demonstrates the commitment by my office and our partners to use every available tool to protect Americans’ health care data.” “Companies have a fundamental responsibility to protect the personal information of their website users. It is unacceptable for an organization to fail to do the due diligence to keep software applications updated and secure and thereby compromise the data of thousands of children,” said Special Agent in Charge Omar Pérez Aybar of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our federal and state partners to ensure that enrollees can rely on their health care providers to safeguard their personal information.” On Oct. 6, 2021, the Deputy Attorney General announced the Department’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative , which aims to hold accountable entities or individuals that put U.S information or systems at risk by knowingly providing deficient cybersecurity products or services, knowingly misrepresenting their cybersecurity practices or protocols, or knowingly violating obligations to monitor and report cybersecurity incidents and breaches. Information on how to report cyber fraud can be found here . The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from HHS-OIG. The matter was handled by Trial Attorney Michael Hoffman and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Bloor. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. 23-284


title: Former CFO Sentenced to 3 Years and 5 Months in Prison for Embezzling over $1.9 Million

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Christopher Firle, 53, of Fairfield, was sentenced today to three years and five months in prison for a four-year embezzlement scheme of over $1.9 million from his employer, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Firle was the Chief Financial Officer of a holding company that managed several vehicle dealerships. From January 2016 through September 2019, Firle misappropriated over $1.9 million from the company. He carried out his embezzlement scheme in multiple ways, including by using company credit cards to pay for over $750,000 in personal expenses. The unauthorized charges included tickets to sporting events and purchases at several retail stores, including Bergdorf Goodman, Chanel, Hermès, Nordstrom, and Tiffany & Co. Firle also initiated over 30 unauthorized wire transfers from the company to a family member. Those transfers totaled over $500,000. Additionally, Firle issued over 30 unauthorized company checks to himself that totaled over $165,000, and he withdrew more than $50,000 from a company account without authorization. Finally, Firle issued himself excess bonus payments totaling almost $160,000. This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Thuesen prosecuted the case. Firle was also ordered to pay $1,937,706 in restitution to his former employer and to forfeit $1,652,269 to the United States.


title: Vancouver Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Planning Armed Robbery that Resulted in a Shoot-Out

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A Vancouver, Washington man was sentenced to federal prison today for orchestrating an armed robbery of a drug dealer that ended in an exchange of gunfire outside an apartment complex on Hayden Island in Portland. Seth Kamaile Teig, 38, was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. According to court documents, in the early morning hours of September 30, 2021, Teig and an accomplice, Anthony James Pastorino, 43, also of Vancouver, traveled from Vancouver to an apartment complex on Hayden Island in Portland. At Teig’s direction, Pastorino waited outside the apartment complex in anticipation of robbing a known drug dealer. When the drug dealer arrived, Pastorino discharged his firearm and stole the drug dealer’s backpack. Pastorino and the drug dealer exchanged gunfire and both sustained serious injuries. Soon after, Pastorino and Teig fled the scene and traveled back to Washington. Officers from the Portland Police Bureau responded to the scene and found 18 shell casings, a trail of blood, and Pastorino’s wallet. Later that day, a resident of the apartment complex found a handgun in some nearby bushes. Further investigation revealed that it was the gun used by Pastorino during the robbery. A later search of Pastorino’s phone revealed text messages wherein Teig directed Pastorino during the robbery and provided information about their target. On November 17, 2021, special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) located and arrested Teig at a hotel in Gresham, Oregon. During a search of Teig’s person, the agents located and seized a handgun. A second firearm was found in Teig’s hotel room and body armor, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia were found inside his vehicle. On December 15, 2021, Teig was charged by criminal information with one count each of interfering with commerce by robbery, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possessing an unregistered firearm. On October 19, 2022, Teig pleaded guilty to using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. On November 22, 2021, Pastorino was charged by criminal information with one count each of interfering with commerce by robbery and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. On February 2, 2023, Pastorino pleaded guilty to the latter charge. He will be sentenced on May 3, 2023. This case was investigated by HSI and the Portland Police Bureau with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Cassady A. Adams, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. 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: Bryan County man convicted on federal drug charges for trafficking fentanyl

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: SAVANNAH, GA: A Bryan County man could face decades in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl. Javarus McKinney , a/k/a “Jody,” 34, of Richmond Hill, Ga., was convicted after a four-day trial on charges of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Fentanyl; and Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Fentanyl in or Near Schools, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charges carry a statutory penalty of up to 60 years in prison, followed by a substantial period of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. The jury acquitted McKinney on enhanced charges related to the death of an overdose victim. “Fentanyl is addictive, pervasive, and deadly, and drug traffickers like McKinney help fuel this national crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “Now convicted, he will be held accountable.” As described in court documents and testimony, Richmond Hill Police officers initiated an investigation Aug. 12, 2020, after a male victim was found dead in a residential pool. An autopsy indicated the man had a fatal dose of fentanyl in his system at the time of death. Additional investigation identified McKinney as a Richmond Hill-area distributor of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, in addition to marijuana and THC products. U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker will schedule sentencing following the completion of a pre-sentence investigation by U.S. Probation Services. “The poisonous fentanyl continues to flow into communities at the expense of too many lives,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “This trafficker must now face the consequences of his actions.” The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team, and the Richmond Hill Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darron J. Hubbard and Frank M. Pennington II.


title: Augusta Man Sentenced to 16 Months for Assaulting Federal Officer at Muskie Federal Building

body_text: BANGOR, Maine : An Augusta man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Bangor today for assaulting a federal officer at the Edmund S. Muskie Federal Building in Augusta in April 2022. U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Derik Broox Wight , 41, to 16 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Wight pleaded guilty on September 27, 2022. According to court records, on April 20, 2022, Wight entered the Muskie Federal Building and approached the security screening station, which was staffed by personnel contracted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service (FPS). Wight pressed a security officer against a wall and put a knife to the area of his throat. A second security officer drew his service weapon and ordered Wight to drop the knife. When Wight refused to comply, the officer fired a single shot, striking him. Wight was transported to an area hospital where he was subsequently charged. “Everyone who enters a federal building in Maine should know that the Federal Protective Service and their partners are on scene to protect visitors and tenants. It can be a difficult and dangerous job, and I commend the quick actions of the FPS officers and thank them for preventing any innocent bystanders from being injured,” U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee said. “When this senseless attack took place, FPS-contracted Protective Security Officers acted professionally and swiftly to stop the attack and ensure the safety of all involved,” said Joseph Carriuolo, Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Federal Protective Service . “We’re grateful for their bravery, as well as the close collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners to protect those who work at and visit federal facilities in Maine and who maintain overall public safety.” “As law enforcement officers, we all take an oath to protect the public from harm. When Derik Wight assaulted a protective security officer with a knife, another brave officer took immediate action to prevent others from being harmed. We are incredibly thankful for these officers’ courageous actions that day,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division . “Today’s sentence ensures that Mr. Wight is held accountable for his criminal conduct and also reinforces the fact that assaults on law enforcement officers undermine the rule of law and will not be tolerated.” The FBI, FPS and Augusta Police Department investigated the case.


title: Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Federal Prison For Cape Girardeau County Gun Store Burglary

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced Chayce Harrell, 21, of Cairo, Illinois, to 42 months in federal prison for his role in a 2020 gun store burglary in Cape Girardeau County and ordered him to pay $1,700 in restitution. Harrell pleaded guilty in December in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to the offense of aiding and abetting the theft of firearms from a federally licensed dealer. According to the plea agreement, Harrell and two accomplices broke into a business in Cape Girardeau County known as JSE Surplus in the early morning hours of August 7, 2020. After forcing entry into the building, the group began gathering multiple firearms from the inventory to steal. Unfortunately for the burglars, however, the owner of the business was staying upstairs to keep watch on the property due to several recent reports of gun store burglaries in the area. The owner quickly went downstairs and opened fire at the burglars with a shotgun. The three accomplices escaped unharmed, but dropped all but two firearms as they scrambled out the door. According to court documents, Harrell was identified as a suspect nearly two years later as part of an ongoing investigation. Harrell co-defendant Senque S. Bingham has also been charged. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. Court documents further reflect that the third accomplice has been identified as a juvenile. This case was investigated by the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Koester is prosecuting the case. As in all criminal cases, co-defendant Senque Bingham is presumed to be innocent unless and until his guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Second Meth Trafficking Indictment

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing more than 5 kilograms of methamphetamine that he received in the mail while he was on bond on an earlier federal indictment that also charged him with methamphetamine trafficking. David Lee Williams, 43, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps Jr. to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. In January 2022, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service intercepted two packages that each contained a total of approximately 2.7 kilograms of methamphetamine. Each of the packages was addressed to a different residence utilized by Williams. On Jan. 19, 2022, Postal Inspection agents conducted a controlled delivery at one of the residences and executed search warrants at both residences. At the time of this offense, Williams was on bond in a separate and unrelated federal indictment; his bond in that case was revoked following his arrest on Jan. 19, 2022. Williams then pleaded guilty in that separate case to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and was sentenced on March 3, 2022, to 17 years and six months in federal prison without parole. Under federal statutes, Williams is subject in this case to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather D. Richenberger. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Columbia, Mo., Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.


title: Former DOJ Paralegal Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Witness Retaliation and Obstruction of Justice-Related Crimes

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Tawanna Hilliard was sentenced by United State District Judge Pamela Chen to 33 months in prison. The defendant was previously convicted, following a one-week trial, of witness retaliation, conspiracy to commit witness retaliation, obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice. The evidence at trial showed that the defendant, who was the mother of a 5-9 Brim member and had long-standing ties with other members, was responsible for uploading the post-arrest statements of witnesses suspected of cooperating against the gang to YouTube—knowing that violent consequences were likely to follow. At the time of her crimes, Hilliard was a paralegal working in the Civil Division of another United States Attorney’s Office. Her co-defendant and son, Tyquan Hilliard, pleaded guilty to witness tampering conspiracy in November 2020 and was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the sentence. “The defendant, whose job it was to serve justice, instead threatened the integrity of our justice system and the safety of government witnesses,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace. “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of her crimes and serves as a warning that obstructive and retaliatory conduct by anyone will not be tolerated and will be punished.” Mr. Peace thanked Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of the case. In May 2018, the defendant’s son, a member of the 5-9 Brims, participated in an armed robbery of a cell phone store in Monticello, New York, with another individual (John Doe) and that individual’s girlfriend (Jane Doe). All three were arrested by local police, and John Doe and Jane Doe thereafter made video-recorded post-arrest statements to law enforcement, including to federal task force officers investigating a string of commercial robberies committed by members of the 5-9 Brims. In August 2018, the defendant received discovery in her son’s robbery case, which included the video-recorded statements of John Doe and Jane Doe. The defendant discussed the videos in detail over recorded phone calls with her son, who was incarcerated pending trial for the robbery. On August 5, 2018, the defendant uploaded the video of John Doe’s post-arrest statement to YouTube, through an Internet Protocol address assigned to the defendant’s account at her home address in Brooklyn. The video was entitled, “NYC Brim Gang Member SNITCHING! Pt. 1.” Also on August 5, 2018, over a recorded jail call, the defendant’s son asked the defendant to send the video of Jane Doe’s post-arrest statement to one of his gang associates. The defendant and her son also discussed “tagging” John Doe in the video, to make it clear he had also “snitched.” Later that day, the video of Jane Doe’s statement was uploaded to YouTube with the title, “NYC Brim Gang Member Girlfriend SNITCHING ([Facebook name of John Doe]).” The video of John Doe’s statement quickly garnered over 10,000 views, and a substantial amount of attention on social media, including comments that included threats of violence against Jane Doe and John Doe. Shortly thereafter, Jane Doe began receiving numerous death threats and reported hearing gunshots outside her apartment. She was relocated by law enforcement as a result. John Doe also received numerous death threats in jail. 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. The government’s case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas Moscow and Lindsey Oken are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Celine Laruelle. The Defendant : TAWANNA HILLIARD Age: 48 Brooklyn, New York Previously Sentenced Defendant TYQUAN HILLIARD Age: 32 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-358 (S-1) (PKC)


title: Pennsylvania Man Admits Robbing Two Camden County Banks

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – A Pennsylvania man today admitted robbing two banks in Camden County, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Leon I. Stanford, 54, of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez to an information charging him with two counts of bank robbery. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On Feb. 22, 2020, Stanford entered the TD Bank in Oaklyn, New Jersey and handed the bank teller a note which announced a robbery and demanded cash. The bank teller complied, and witnesses saw him depart in a white SUV. On Feb. 24, 2020, Stanford entered the Republic Bank in Cherry Hill, and handed the bank teller a note which announced a robbery and demanded cash. The bank teller complied, and witnesses saw Stanford depart in a white SUV. Law enforcement officers were able to obtain a partial license plate number for the white SUV from surveillance videos in the area of both bank robberies, which generated a lead to a vehicle driven by Stanford, who was subsequently identified as the person in the bank surveillance videos. At the time of these bank robberies, Stanford was on federal supervised release as a result of prior bank robbery convictions, for which he served a 10-year term of imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for July 18, 2023. Each bank robbery charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire in Philadelphia; the New York/New Jersey U.S. Marshals Regional Task Force Camden Division, under the direction of U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos Jr.; the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay; the Oaklyn Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jayne Jones; and the Cherry Hill Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Kempf, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Harberg in Camden. stanford.information.pdf


title: Bangor Woman Faces Up to 20 Years for Role in Penobscot and Aroostook County Drug Trafficking

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Bangor woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Carol Gordon, 52, along with others, trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. Her participation in the conspiracy involved allowing other members of the conspiracy to deal drugs from her residence and serving as a go-between for many of the transactions. Gordon faces up to 20 years imprisonment. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle, and Houlton police departments. U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Physician Indicted on Thirteen Counts of Healthcare Fraud

body_text: CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago physician has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Chicago on thirteen counts of health care fraud for submitting fraudulent requests for reimbursement. As alleged in the indictment, from February 2018 to April 2022, MONA GHOSH, 50, of Inverness, a licensed physician who owned and operated Progressive Women’s Healthcare, S.C. (Progressive) in Hoffman Estates, participated in a scheme to defraud the government programs of TRICARE and Medicaid, along with several private insurance companies. The indictment alleges that Ghosh knowingly submitted fraudulent claims for reimbursement for services that were not provided and for services that were not medically necessary. These included claims for purported telemedicine visits when Ghosh did not speak to the patient, claims for office visits and procedures when Ghosh did not see the patient, claims for procedures predicated on false diagnosis, and claims for medically unnecessary procedures and tests, including endometrial ablations and laboratory testing. Ghosh fraudulently obtained, and caused Progressive to obtain, approximately $796,000 in fraudulent payments from multiple health care benefit programs for services that were not provided as billed. The indictment is announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Robert W. Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Darrin K. Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office; Mario Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; and the Illinois Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Misty Wright and Kavitha Babu. “Targeting government and private healthcare programs relied on by the public to maintain their well-being is a serious crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Pasqual. “In addition to submitting false claims, the allegation that defendant performed medically unnecessary procedures to enrich herself is particularly disturbing. This office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who steal from healthcare programs and who needlessly put patients at risk.” “When healthcare providers illegally manipulate our healthcare system, it diminishes the trust Americans have in vital programs. The FBI is proud to stand with our law enforcement partners and ensure justice is served” said Special Agent in Charge Wheeler. “Health care providers who submit fraudulent claims for unnecessary and non-rendered services not only waste valuable taxpayer dollars, but also undermine the trust and confidence of their patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Pinto. “We will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners to ensure that individuals who commit fraud against our federal health care programs are held accountable.” “Those who place profit before patient care, impacting the welfare of our service members and their families, must be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Jones. “DCIS proudly stands together with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to root out fraud, waste, and abuse in the healthcare industry.” The public is reminded that an indictment contains only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each count of health care fraud is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. If you or someone you know is a victim of Dr. Mona Ghosh or if you have any information, please contact the FBI at mg@fbi.gov.


title: Mission Man Sentenced for Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation. The sentencing took place on March 13, 2023. Alexander Brave, age 29, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Brave was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. He pleaded guilty on December 7, 2022. The conviction stems from conduct that occurred in October of 2021 in Todd County, South Dakota, wherein Brave assaulted his intimate partner by strangling and suffocating her. This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case. Brave was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Todd County Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a Minor

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Todd County, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on March 13, 2023. Fremont Menard, a/k/a Fremont Menard, Jr., age 20, was sentenced to four years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Menard was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. He pleaded guilty on December 8, 2022. The conviction stems from conduct that occurred in September of 2021 in Todd County, wherein Menard engaged in a sexual act with a minor who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years. This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . Menard was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Role in Fraud & Money Laundering Schemes

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man, convicted of Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments. The sentencing took place on March 13, 2023, in Sioux Falls. Marvin Antuan Williams, age 32, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $584,250.24 in restitution, to forfeit his interest in money and personal property, as well as to pay a $100 statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Williams was indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments by a federal grand jury in April of 2022. He pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments on November 9, 2022. According to court documents, from 2020 to April 2022, Williams, along with his co-defendants, conspired with others to commit bank fraud. The scheme impacted multiple financial institutions throughout the Sioux Falls area were and elsewhere, as the defendants obtained money from those banks by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. After obtaining funds through fraud, Williams and his co-conspirators engaged in depositing, transferring, wiring, and withdrawing currency and funds at financial institutions to conceal and disguise the proceeds of the fraud scheme. This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; Sioux Falls Police Department; U.S. Postal Service; and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case. Williams was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving his sentence.


title: British Nationals Sentenced for Interference with Flight Crew, Assault during Flight Diverted to BGR

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: Two men from Manchester, England were sentenced in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to interference with a flight crew and assault. The charges stem from an incident on a January 2, 2023 TUI Airways flight that diverted to Bangor International Airport (BGR). U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Anthony Joseph James Kirby , 36, and Damien Jake Murphy , 36, to time served. They had been in custody since their arrest on January 2. They were also ordered to pay $26,589.12 in restitution. They pleaded guilty on February 2. According to court records, Kirby and Murphy were passengers aboard a TUI Airways flight traveling from Cancun, Mexico to Manchester, England. While the flight was in U.S. airspace, the FAA received a report that two passengers had repeatedly interfered with members of the flight crew and flight attendants. After repeated warnings from the captain, the flight diverted to BGR with agents and officers from the FBI, Federal Air Marshal Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Bangor Police Department responding. The investigation revealed that Kirby and Murphy had become upset after being told they would not be served any more alcohol. The pair then retrieved a large bottle of alcohol from their carry-on luggage and continued to drink, becoming increasingly intoxicated. Despite repeated warnings, the two men continued to be belligerent, including using racial slurs. At one point Murphy assaulted a flight attendant, and Kirby assaulted a passenger. TUI Airways LTD incurred $26,589 in costs and expenses due to the unscheduled landing at BGR. The FBI, Federal Air Marshal Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Bangor Police Department investigated the case. ### Edited 03/15/23 to correct Bangor International Airport IATA code to BGR


title: Sioux City Woman Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison for Escaping from Halfway House

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A woman who escaped from custody was sentenced March 8, 2023, to more than one year in federal prison. Karen Rose Merrick, age 39, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a December 13, 2022, guilty plea to one count of escape from custody, and revocation of her supervised release. At the guilty plea, Merrick admitted that on August 2, 2022, she signed out of Dismas Charities Residential Reentry Center (RRC) to report for work at a company in Sioux City. RRC staff called the company to verify Merrick had arrived at work on August 1 and 2, 2022. The company advised she had not arrived at work. She did not return to the RRC on August 2, 2022, or after. Defendant’s whereabouts were unknown until her arrest on September 9, 2022, by the Minneapolis, Minnesota, Police Department. In January 2020, Merrick was convicted of Accessory After the Fact to Bank Robbery in the United States District Court of the Northern District of Iowa, where she was sentenced to 30 months in prison and a term of supervised release of 2 years after her term of imprisonment. On January 27, 2021, defendant started her original supervised release term. In July 2022, she was placed at the RRC located in Sioux City for a period of 90 days. Merrick was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Merrick was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 1-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Merrick is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Fletcher and investigated by United States Marshal’s Service. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-CR-4088. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing Firearms Twice In One Month

body_text: A man with a lengthy criminal history entered a plea of guilty March 13, 2023, after seating a jury in federal court in Sioux City. Marlo Harper, aka Umar Amir Al-Sayyaad Allahdheen, age 46, from Sioux City, Iowa, plead guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon and drug user. After proceeding to a trial and seating a jury, Harper admitted that on two separate occasions, within the month of August 2021 he unlawfully possessed firearms. On August 10, 2021, Harper was stopped by Sioux City Police for traffic infractions. Upon contact with the occupants in the vehicle, the officer detected an odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. The occupants were removed, and a subsequent search of the vehicle was conducted. When Harper exited the vehicle, he admitted having a firearm and a knife on his person. A loaded handgun – with a round in the chamber – was removed from his waistband. Officers also located a fanny pack in the trunk that contained ammunition. Harper also had an open container of alcohol. On August 24, 2021, Harper was stopped for illegal window tint. When the Iowa State Trooper made contact with the occupants, he noted an odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. During the traffic stop investigation, approximately 2 grams of marijuana was found, along with a loaded handgun in the center counsel, which was positioned for easy access by Harper, who was driving the car. Harper also had a set of nunchucks between the driver seat and center counsel. Three additional firearms were found in the trunk as well as ammunition and a samurai sword. Harper has a lengthy criminal history including: Assault in the 1st Degree, in Hennepin County, Minnesota; Assault in the Second Degree, in Ramsey County, Minnesota; Aggravated Assault (Family Violence), and one count of Terroristic Threats in Fulton County, Georgia; and Theft, in Tarrant County, Texas. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set for a later date, after a presentence report is prepared. Harper remains in the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Harper faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5-years of supervised release following any imprisonment on each of the two counts of conviction. This case was investigated by the Iowa State Patrol, the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office and the Sioux City Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ron Timmons and Forde Fairchild. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 21-4085. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Cherokee, Iowa Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Meth Conspiracy

body_text: Dustin Coates, 36, from Cherokee, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He was sentenced on March 7, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City. Coates was previously convicted of distribution of a controlled substance in the United States District Court for South Dakota in 2013. Evidence at the hearing established Coates admitted his involvement in a conspiracy that distributed at least 1.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, including 150 grams of pure methamphetamine, from March 2021, through March 8, 2022. On March 8, 2022, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Coates was driving. Coates threw two baggies of methamphetamine from his person while attempting to flee the traffic stop on foot. C2oates admitted that he planned to distribute the 60+ grams of pure methamphetamine to other persons. Coates was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 180 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve 10 years of supervised release after the term of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, 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 and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-4027. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Triangle CEO Sentenced for Filing False Tax Returns

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: NEW BERN, N.C. – Raleigh business owner Alton Perkins, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for failing to account for approximately $3 million diverted from his companies for his own personal use between 2015 and 2018. Perkins was also ordered to make restitution to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $520,344 for taxes owed from 2015-2018. “We are holding accountable tax cheats who avoid paying their fair share,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “This CEO diverted company money to fund vacations, expensive jewelry and private school tuition. His attempts to defraud the government have led to time in federal prison.” According to evidence summarized in court, Perkins moved large amounts of money from his business accounts into his personal bank accounts. These funds were then used for personal expenditures, including the purchase of a Wake Forest home, Rolex watches, vacations, and private school tuition. None of the approximately three million dollars spent by Perkins on these personal items was accounted for in his taxes filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Perkins is the chairman and CEO of AmericaTowne, a company, according to its website, focused on increasing exports of American products to China. AmericaTowne, which was funded by investor dollars, included a plan to build an American-style community in China that would include hotels, small businesses, and a theme park. Perkins is currently involved in a civil lawsuit with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (Case No. 5:19-CV-00243-FL) over the unregistered private placement offerings and the sale of securities for AmericaTowne and other business entities controlled by Perkins. Perkins pled guilty on December 12, 2022 to a felony charge of Making and Subscribing a False Tax Return Under Penalty of Perjury, for his failure to account for his personal expenditures on his 2016 personal income tax return. According to evidence presented in court, for tax year 2016, Perkins stated that his total income was $21,933. However, banking records show that Perkins spent $1,208,394 that year on personal items including, a golf cart, a family trip to Hawaii, private high school tuition, and a Rolex – all with funds taken from his corporate bank accounts. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan pronounced the sentence. The Internal Revenue Service investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys William M. Gilmore and Karen Haughton prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No 5:22-CR-00 265-FL.


title: High Point Man Sentenced for Hacking Snapchat Account of Soldier and Selling Nude Images of Victims

body_text: NEW BERN, N.C. – A High Point man was sentenced yesterday to 13 months in prison and 3 years’ supervised release for two counts of computer fraud and abuse and one count of wire fraud. On October 6, 2022, Patrick Marquez Black pled guilty to the charges. “We are targeting hackers and cybercriminals who invade privacy for cash,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “This defendant hacked the Snapchat of an active-duty soldier, used her account to steal from her friends, sold her photos for cash and violated her privacy. Our cyber-prosecutors are partnering with law enforcement to ensure that the world wide web does not become the wild, wild west.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, Black, 30, hacked into the Snapchat account of a female soldier stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC, and changed the password to lock the victim out of her account. Once he gained access, Black used the account in three ways. First, he pretended to be the victim and requested her Snapchat friends send money to CashApp and other online money accounts to cover the costs of a fake emergency. Second, he shared and sold nude images and videos of the victim that he was able to access from the Snapchat account. Third, he used her account to obtain the username and password of other Snapchat accounts as well as nude images and videos of other victims. This activity occurred for at least three years. Due to the actions of this defendant, nude images and videos of the victim were seen by co-workers, friends, and family members. She was threatened by people who believed that they had loaned her money, and she had not paid them back. She paid over $300 to her friends as “re-payment” for the money the defendant stole. While serving in the U.S. Army, the defendant caused this victim mental and emotional damage. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. US Army CID investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad DeVoe prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-CR-141.


title: Grand Junction Man Sentenced to Prison for Enticing Children Online

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Benjamin David Harbin, age 33, of Grand Junction, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and a life term of supervised release for enticing minors to engage in the production of child pornography. According to the plea agreement, the defendant came to law enforcement's attention after he utilized Instagram accounts to communicate with minor females online, several of whom were between seven and nine years of age. During the course of the communications, the defendant persuaded some of these minors to send him sexually explicit images of themselves. The defendant was the subject of law enforcement investigations in the United States, Canada, and England. Judge Christine M. Arguello sentenced the defendant on March 13, 2023. "The sexual exploitation of children is a despicable crime that causes immense harm to the victims and their families,” said United States Attorney Cole Finegan. “We will not tolerate the predatory behavior of those who seek to exploit the innocence of our children, and we will work tirelessly to hold them accountable for their heinous actions." “The defendant in this case underestimated the steadfast dedication of the FBI when it comes to protecting children. He thought that by hiding behind an online profile and targeting children in another state, he could evade law enforcement. He was wrong,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “FBI Denver will do what it takes to investigate allegations of child exploitation and hold those accountable who commit such shameful crimes.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Denver Division, Grand Junction Resident Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Alecia L. Riewerts handled the prosecution. 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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page. CASE NUMBER: 20-cr-00164


title: Tampa Felon Sentenced To More Than 6 Years In Federal Prison For Possessing A Loaded Firearm Months After Release From Prison

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Dallas Robinson, Jr. (22, Tampa) to six years and six months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Robinson had pleaded guilty on December 14, 2022. According to court documents, on December 26, 2021, in the Rivergrove neighborhood of Tampa, near the intersection of East Sligh Avenue and Rowlett Park Drive, Robinson was traveling as a passenger in a stolen vehicle being driven by another convicted felon. Both men were armed with fully loaded, semi-automatic pistols. Police officers followed the stolen vehicle until Robinson and the driver exited the vehicle. When ordered to stop, both men fled the stolen vehicle on foot, leaving behind their fully loaded pistols. During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered a loaded black SCCY CPX-1 9mm pistol on the driver’s seat, and a loaded black Springfield XDS (HS Produkt) .45 caliber pistol in the passenger side footwell. Latent fingerprints were lifted from the .45 caliber pistol and analyzed by a fingerprint examiner. One latent fingerprint was a match for Robinson. Additionally, officers recovered Robinson’s wallet and Florida identification card that had been left on the passenger seat near the pistol bearing Robinson’s latent print. Robinson and the driver were subsequently arrested. At the time of the incident, Robinson had recently served 30 months in federal prison for convictions under the National Firearms Act in a prior federal criminal case and had been released 4 months prior to his arrest in this case. This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee. 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: Box Elder man sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexually abusing child

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man who admitted to sexually abusing a child for approximately four years on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 14 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Isaiah Morsette, 32, pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact in September 2022. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. In court documents, the government alleged that in June 2022, Morsette informed law enforcement that he had been having sexual contact with a child beginning in about 2016 or 2017. At the time the victim was under the age of 12 years. The victim confirmed the sexual abuse and alleged that Morsette had threatened to kill him on multiple occasions when he attempted to defend himself. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda L. Myers and Timothy J. Racicot prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement. XXX


title: Springfield Sex Offender Sentenced to 20 Years for Child Pornography

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography. Rodney Shawn Henry, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Henry to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration, and ordered Henry to pay $48,000 in restitution to the identified victims. Henry will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life. On Aug. 16, 2022, Henry pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography. Henry was a registered sex offender prior to this federal case due to his conviction for sexually abusing a 9-year-old child. Springfield police officers arrested Henry on Jan. 21, 2019, for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements by not reporting his home address. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Henry’s residence the next day and seized his cell phone and digital storage devices. A forensic investigation of the cell phone and digital storage devices resulted in the discovery of well over 100,000 videos and images of child pornography. The images included children as young as toddlers being sexually brutalized. Prior to Henry’s arrest, investigators had received a Cybertip Report after Dropbox, Inc., discovered images of child pornography that Henry had uploaded to his account. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crime Task Force and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department. 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: Marshfield Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Meth Trafficking, Illegal Firearm

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Marshfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Kyle R. Evans, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. On May 23, 2022, Evans pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. On June 18, 2017, a Greene County sheriff’s deputy saw Evans driving a motorcycle northbound on West Bypass near the intersection with Nichols Street. Evans was speeding and driving erratically, and the deputy followed him from a distance. Nichols turned the corner from Eldon Street onto Nichols Street at a high rate of speed and slid into a Ford pickup truck. The deputy saw a Glock firearm lying on the road near where Evans was laying. The deputy detained Evans and searched him. Evans had $1,000 in one pocket, $633 in another pocket, and a nylon pistol holder tucked into his front waistband. Officers also found a motorcycle bag in the crash debris that contained several baggies with a total of five grams of methamphetamine, as well as drug paraphernalia. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Evans has prior felony convictions for domestic assault, assaulting a law enforcement officer, possessing a chemical with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine, distributing a controlled substance, assault, armed criminal action, tampering with a motor vehicle, unlawfully possessing a firearm, and conspiracy to tamper with a witness in a felony prosecution. According to court documents, Evans fled from law enforcement officers on Aug. 24, 2017, and left a firearm in the vehicle he had been driving. On Sept. 27, 2017, he again fled from officers in a high-speed chase. His vehicle was later found in a field with a firearm between the center console and passenger seat. On Nov. 16, 2017, Evans shot a victim identified as “K.B.” while stealing his motorcycle. According to court documents, Evans conspired to tamper with a witness while he was in custody after being arrested. Evans was convicted of the shooting and motorcycle theft in Greene County, Mo., and sentenced to 20 years in state prison. He is currently incarcerated in that case and will serve his state sentence concurrently to the sentence in this federal case. Evans is also serving a 15-year state sentence after pleading guilty to distributing a controlled substance in Webster County, Mo., and also will serve that sentence concurrently to the sentence in this federal case. During his time in state prison, according to court documents, Evans joined a violent prison gang, the Southwest Honkys. During a drug investigation involving members of the Honkys in 2017, Evans was caught on a wire threatening to harm an individual he believed had cooperated with police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josephine L. Stockard. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads  Guilty to Federal Drug  Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KENNETH MUSE , age 24, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on March 9, 2023, before United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts. According to court records, MUSE admitted to being arrested after fleeing from Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies on a dirt bike for possessing a machinegun and tramadol pills he was selling. The gun MUSE possessed had been equipped with a “Glock switch,” transforming the normally semi-automatic pistol into fully automatic. MUSE admitted possessing the tramadol with the intent to distribute, that he possessed the gun in furtherance of drug trafficking, and that he was a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Sentencing is set for June 13, 2023. On the drug offense, MUSE faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and at least 1 year of supervised release. On the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, MUSE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to life imprisonment which must run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 5 years of supervised release. On the felon in possession of a firearm count, MUSE faces up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. Pursuant to the terms of his plea agreement, MUSE and the government agreed that a sentence of 15 years was an appropriate disposition of the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Columbia Man Indicted for Meth, Fentanyl, Illegal Firearm

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today after he was arrested in St. Joseph, Mo., with methamphetamine and a firearm, then again in Kansas City, Mo., with approximately 2,300 fentanyl pills. Walter Antwine Moore, 42, was charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Moore on Feb. 13, 2023. Moore has been detained in federal custody without bond since his arrest. The indictment charges Moore with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute. According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, law enforcement officers contacted Moore when he arrived at a train station in Kansas City, Mo., on Feb. 10, 2023. Moore became confrontational with the detective who questioned him, the affidavit says, and attempted to flee on foot. He was tackled by the detective and detained with the assistance of other detectives and tactical response officers. Officers found a bundle wrapped in clear cellophane on the floor close to where Moore was detained. The bundle, according to the affidavit, contained approximately 2,300 fentanyl pills. Moore had also been detained by law enforcement officers in St. Joseph, Mo., on Jan. 7, 2023. According to the affidavit, St. Joseph police officers were dispatched to Speedy’s Convenience Store to investigate a report of a man who reportedly stole a bag of potato chips and was trying to sell drugs. Officers searched his vehicle and found a baggy that contained numerous clear plastic baggies with a total of 284.8 grams of methamphetamine. Officers also found a loaded Glock .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun in the car. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Moore has two prior felony convictions for robbery, two prior felony convictions for forgery, and prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a weapon, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Missouri Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force (MoWIN), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Northwest Missouri Drug Task Force. Project Safe Neighborhoods 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: Providence Man Arrested for Oxycodone Sales

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Providence man has been charged with selling oxycodone in Worcester on multiple occasions to an undercover officer. Brandon Jones, 32, was charged with distribution of oxycodone. Jones was arrested yesterday in Worcester and made an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester this morning before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy. According to the charging documents, in July 2022, Jones was identified as an oxycodone and cocaine distributor in the Worcester area. Specifically, it is alleged that Jones traveled to Worcester in rental vehicles on a daily basis to sell drugs throughout the area in the afternoon before returning to Providence. On at least three occasions between October 2022 and January 2023, Jones allegedly distributed oxycodone pills to an undercover officer in controlled purchases. The charge of unlawful distribution of oxycodone provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division and Southbridge Police Chief Shane D. Woodson made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Friedholm of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office 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: California Man Indicted for Meth Trafficking

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Compton, California man was indicted by a federal grand jury today after law enforcement officers found more than 18 kilograms of methamphetamine in a suitcase he was smuggling through Kansas City, Mo., aboard a bus bound for Atlanta, Georgia. Diego Ruiz-Bibian, 19, was charged with possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Ruiz-Bibian on Feb. 14, 2023. According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, detectives with the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department contacted Ruiz-Bibian at a local bus station on Feb. 13, 2023, when he arrived in Kansas City traveling aboard a bus from Denver, Colorado, on his way to Atlanta. Although one of the detectives had seen Ruiz-Bibian pick up a hard-sided suitcase from the luggage area of the bus, the affidavit says, he told the detectives it did not belong to him. A detective searched the suitcase and found eight bundles in heat-sealed “Food Saver” style bags, which contained a total of 18.33 kilograms of methamphetamine. The charge contained in this indictment is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Missouri Western Interdiction Narcotics (MoWIN) Task Force.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Weapons Violations

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On March 8, 2023, CHRISTIAN GUITY , age 26, a resident of Orleans Parish, pled guilty to three counts of a four-count indictment for federal drug and weapons violations, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Count 1 charged GUITY with possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance. Count 2 charged GUITY with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Finally, Count 3 charged GUITY with possession of a machine gun. GUITY’s sentencing is set for June 7, 2023. As to Count 1 of the indictment that charges GUITY with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D), he faces a maximum sentence of 5 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and at least 2 years of supervised release. Additionally, in Count 1, GUITY is charged with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C). For this charge, GUITY faces a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release. As to Count 2 that charges GUITY with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1), he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a period of up to 5 years supervised release. Finally, as to Count 3 that charges GUITY with possessing a machine gun in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o) , he faces a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a period of up to 3 years of supervised release. For each count of conviction, GUITY must pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office.