title: Seven Indicted for Role in Prison-Based Phone Scam and Paying Bribes to Corrections Officers at the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal indictment unsealed yesterday charges seven individuals for their participation in a prison-based telephone scam and conspiring to smuggle cell phones, controlled substances, and other contraband to inmates at the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility (Donaldson) in Bessemer, Alabama, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis. A seventeen-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Keith Devon Perry , aka “Keep Paper,” 30, of Anniston, Kierro Deandrew Nelson , aka “10K,” 32, of Montgomery, Shedrick Romon Johnson , aka , “Cett,” 43, of Montgomery, Deangelo Lamon Russell , aka “Dee,” 31, of Anniston, Desmond Arterrio Nelson , aka “Dez,” 35, of Montgomery, and Aleshia Nelson ,” aka “Leshia,” 30, of Montgomery, with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, using a facility in interstate commerce in furtherance of an unlawful activity, and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Perry, Kierro Nelson, Johnson, and Brantley Glen Wheatley , aka “Queen B,” 29, of Tuscaloosa, are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Perry, Johnson, and Wheatley are charged with wire fraud. Perry and Wheatley are charged with aggravated identity theft. Perry, Kierro Nelson, Johnson, Wheatley, and Russell are charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. The defendants include current and former inmates at Donaldson, as well as family members of two inmates. The charges stem from a larger investigation into fraud and corruption at Donaldson that has to date resulted in nine additional individuals being charged. Those individuals include Wilson Brian Clemons , Ricardo Poole, Sr., Kortney Jovan Simon, Otis Lee Bowers, Terry Ray Bradshaw, Rennita Renee Perry, Kiara Reshell Anderson, Ricardo Poole, Jr., and Rhonda Thompson Poole. According to the indictment, between July 2021 and February 2022, the defendants used contraband cell phones, social engineering techniques, and spoofing technology to trick retailers into transferring them funds under fraudulent pretenses. The proceeds of these telephone scams were then used to, among other things, finance the purchase of controlled substances and to pay bribes to corrections officers at Donaldson. The charges of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and use of a facility in interstate commerce in furtherance of illegal activity both carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison The charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison. The U.S. Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward J. Canter and John M. Hundscheid are prosecuting the case. The Alabama Department of Corrections Law Enforcement Services Division, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have assisted in the investigation. An indictment contains only charges. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty.


title: Orleans Parish Man Pleads Guilty To Violations of The Federal Controlled Substances Act

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – THEODORE TARDIE , age 53, pled guilty on March 21, 2023, before United States District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey to a one-count superseding bill of information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, TARDIE conspired with others to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine within the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere on or about January 22, 2020 and continuing to on or about July 29, 2020. TARDIE is scheduled to be sentenced on June 20, 2023. TARDIE faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years up to life, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana State Police, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, and the Kenner Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Former Warren County Businessman Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining $1.8 Million in COVID-19 Loans Meant for Small Businesses

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Warren County, New Jersey, businessman was sentenced today to 36 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining nearly $1.8 million in federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger and Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr., of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division announced. Rocco A. Malanga, 39, formerly of Hackettstown, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference on June 28, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Julien X. Neals to an information charging him with one count of bank fraud and one count of money laundering. Judge Neals imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court. According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court: From April 2020 through August 2020, Malanga submitted false documentation to three lenders to fraudulently obtain approximately $1.8 million in federal COVID-19 emergency relief funds meant for distressed small businesses. He submitted at least three PPP loan applications on behalf of three different business entities in which he fabricated the number of employees employed by each business entity, as well as their average monthly payroll. Malanga then diverted some of the proceeds from the loans to fund a business that did not receive PPP loan funds. In addition to the prison term, Judge Neals sentenced Malanga to three years of supervised release and ordered $1.8 million in restitution and $1.8 million in forfeiture. U.S. Attorney Sellinger and Assistant Attorney General Polite credited special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy L. Tomlins; postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, Philadelphia Division; special agents of the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, under the Direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Donnelly; special agents of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca, New York Region; and special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Sharon MacDermott, with the investigation leading to the today’s sentencing. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Blake Coppotelli of the District of New Jersey and Trial Attorney Della Sentilles of the Fraud Section of the Department of Justice.


title: KC Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Heroin, Meth Trafficking, Illegal Firearms

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced in federal court today on charges related to heroin and methamphetamine trafficking and to illegally possessing firearms. Brian K. Tice, 58, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to 15 years in federal prison without parole. On July 20, 2022, Tice pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, two counts of possessing heroin with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. Tice admitted that he received an Express Mail package from California on Feb. 18, 2022, that contained 393.26 grams of heroin. The package was intercepted by a postal inspector, who learned that Tice had been sent 20 similar packages from the same person in California over the previous year. Law enforcement officers set up a controlled delivery of the package to Tice’s residence. When he brought the package inside and opened it, officers executed a search warrant at his residence. Officers found a loaded Springfield Armory handgun, which was later determined to be stolen, and a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun on the bed where the controlled delivery parcel was located. Officers also found a Springfield Armory handgun and a Bryco .380-caliber handgun, which was later determined to be stolen, in the closet of the same bedroom. Officers also seized 115 grams of methamphetamine, two grams of crack cocaine, four cell phones and drug paraphernalia. On March 5, 2022, law enforcement officers arrested Tice when he left a residence they had under surveillance. Officers searched Tice and the vehicle he was in, and seized 84 tablets of benzodiazepines, 69 tablets of Alprazolam, 108 tablets of Zolpidem Tartrate, 24 tablets of Hydrocone, and a vial that contained fentanyl. Tice had earlier been stopped by a Jackson County sheriff’s deputy, which is the basis for one of the heroin distribution counts. At about 11 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2019, Tice was driving a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta and made a left-hand turn onto Broadway from West 39 th Street in Kansas City. The deputy braked to avoid a collision with the Jetta, which continued traveling north on Broadway down the middle of the street. The deputy stopped the vehicle and conducted a series of field sobriety tests, which Tice failed. The deputy arrested Tice for driving under the influence; during a search the deputy found two plastic bags that contained a total of 25 grams of heroin and $3,762 in cash in Tice’s pockets. The deputy also searched Tice’s vehicle and found a grocery sack underneath the driver’s seat that contained a plastic bag with approximately 91 grams of heroin. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Tice has prior felony convictions for sale of a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stefan C. Hughes. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Jackson County Drug Task Force and the Jackson County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.


title: Man Charged with Stealing Guns from Newington Gun Store

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging TROY HARRIS, 28, with firearm offenses stemming from a Newington gun store theft in September 2021. As alleged in the indictment, on September 7, 2021, Harris stole two Kimber Micro 9 9mm semiautomatic pistols, two Kimber Pro Carry .45 ACP semiautomatic pistols, and one Kimber Super Match .45 ACP semiautomatic pistol from Hoffman’s “Guns for the Good Guys,” a federal firearms licensee located in Newington. It is alleged that Harris’s criminal history includes convictions in Connecticut state court for escape in the first degree, burglary in the third degree, and robbery in the first degree. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. The indictment, which was returned on March 15, charges Harris with theft of firearms from a licensee, and unlawful possession of firearms by a felon. Harris appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and pleaded not guilty to the charges. If convicted, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Harris has been detained since his arrest on September 7, 2021. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Newington and Bristol Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, 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. U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of New Britain for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.


title: Nigerian National Indicted for Wire and Copyright Fraud Scheme

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Nigerian man was charged today for his role in a fraud scheme that targeted a New Jersey-based audiobook and podcast service, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Anyanwu Benjamin Chizitere, 30, of Enugu, Nigeria, is charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, six counts of wire fraud, and three counts of copyright fraud. According to the indictment: Between February 2018 and April 2022, Chizitere conspired with others to defraud a New Jersey company and others. He posed as the rights holder for more than 800 books and contracted with more than 600 voice actors to produce audiobooks of the written works. Chizitere misrepresented that he was legally entitled to make the audiobooks available for production and distribution because he was either the author of the books or a person to whom the author of the books transferred production and distribution rights. Chizitere created hundreds of accounts through a service provided by the victim company and, using the accounts, published the infringing audiobooks on the company’s platforms, including its website and mobile application. Chizitere and others were paid more than $250,000 in royalties based on downloads of the infringing audiobooks. The voice actors who produced the audiobooks at Chizitere’s direction were never compensated and suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars in aggregate losses. Chizitere also directed others to purchase the infringing audiobooks using promotional codes provided to Chizitere upon opening accounts with the victim company. Chizitere directed others to leave positive reviews of the infringing audiobooks on the company’s platform to increase the likelihood that others would download the content, resulting in greater royalty payments to Chizitere. The counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud each carry a maximum potential punishment of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross loss or gain caused by the offense, whichever is greatest. The counts of copyright fraud each carry a maximum penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of $100,000. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony P. Torntore, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Cybercrime Unit. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. achizitere.indictment.pdf


title: Sioux City Woman Who Walked Away from Halfway House Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A woman who escaped from custody was sentenced March 16, 2023, to more than one year in federal prison. Sarah Renee Pray, age 32, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a December 15, 2022, guilty plea to one count of escape from custody. At the guilty plea, Pray admitted that on August 31, 2022, she escaped from custody from the Dismas Charities Residential Reentry Center (RRC) in Sioux City. Pray was confined to Dismas pursuant to a conviction for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance out of the United States District Court for South Dakota. On August 31, 2022, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Dismas staff conducted a routine head count and were not able to locate Pray. Staff determined Pray did not have permission to be out of the facility and checked with her emergency contacts, local jails, and hospitals with negative results. Pray’s whereabouts were unknown until she turned herself in to authorities on October 4, 2022, at the Union County Jail in Elk Point, South Dakota. Pray was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Pray was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 2-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Pray 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-4082. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Florida Entrepreneur Sentenced in $4.5 Million Insider Trading Scheme

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Florida entrepreneur was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in an insider trading scheme that generated more than $4.5 million in profits. David Schottenstein, 39, of Surfside, Fla., was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to one year and one day in prison and five years of supervised release, during which he will be required to perform 30 hours per week of community service. In February 2022, Schottenstein pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud. Judge Woodlock delayed formal imposition of the pronounced sentence pending additional briefing. Between August 2017 and May 2019, Schottenstein obtained material nonpublic information (MNPI) from members of his own family—who are major shareholders or directors of several publicly traded companies—regarding the earnings results and merger-and-acquisition activity of those companies. According to court documents, Schottenstein traded on that information and provided it to two of his friends—one of whom controlled a hedge fund in which Schottenstein was an investor—who also traded on it. The publicly traded companies in which Schottenstein and his co-conspirators traded included Aphria, Inc., DSW, Inc. and Rite Aid Corp., among others. Through this scheme, Schottenstein and his alleged co-conspirators netted at least $4.5 million. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Criminal/Cyber Division, Washington Field Office, made the announcement today. The Securities & Exchange Commission and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen E. Frank and Seth B. Kosto – Chief and Deputy Chief, respectively, of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit – prosecuted the case.


title: Lowell Postal Carrier Sentenced for Attempting to Bribe Supervisor to Divert Packages of Cocaine

body_text: BOSTON – A Lowell postal worker was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for attempting to bribe a postal supervisor and sell them cocaine. John Noviello, of Nashua, N.H., 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to one day in prison and three years of supervised release, with nine months spent in home detention. On Nov. 1, 2022, Noviello pleaded guilty to one count of bribery of a public official and one count of distribution of cocaine. Noviello was a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Lowell. On Feb. 15, 2022, Noviello approached a U.S. Postal supervisor seeking their assistance in a scheme to divert postal packages suspected of containing cocaine. Noviello offered to pay the supervisor $1,750 per kilogram of cocaine successfully obtained from any diverted packages. On Feb. 17, 2022, Noviello left $850 in cash, concealed in a bag, inside the supervisor’s vehicle in an attempt to encourage the supervisor to agree to the scheme. Noviello, referring to the $850, later commented to the supervisor, “that was a nice envelope for starters.” After contacting authorities, the supervisor conducted a controlled purchase from Noviello during which the defendant distributed approximately 3.7 grams of cocaine for $200. Noviello was charged for the offense on May 11, 2022. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Office; and Ketty Larco Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Former Missoula nurse sentenced for felony diversion of drugs

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: MISSOULA — A former Missoula nurse who admitted to diverting opioid drugs while working at St. Patrick Hospital was sentenced today to three years of probation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Caitlin Ashley Evans, 37, pleaded guilty in November 2022 to obtaining controlled substances by fraud, deception and subterfuge. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. In court documents, the government alleged that in October 2021, a St. Patrick Hospital official reviewed drug distribution data and discovered that Evans was ordering opiates, including oxycodone, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, at much higher rates and in greater amounts than her peers. Another nurse also reported suspicious activity by Evans to her supervisor. Hospital administrators spoke with Evans, who admitted to diverting drugs from the hospital while working since the fall of 2020. Evans explained that she had been taking waste amounts of hydromorphone and morphine two to three times a week by exchanging the drugs for saline before disposing of them. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation. XXX


title: Therapist’s ex-wife convicted of defrauding Medicaid and stealing patient information

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 47-year-old Katy resident has admitted to defrauding Medicaid of more than $600,000, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Kay Le Farmer is the former office manager for her ex-husband - a therapist and Medicaid provider in the Houston area. Following their separation, Farmer admitted to using her ex-husband’s provider number to submit fraudulent claims to Medicaid, unbeknownst to him, for counseling services that were never provided. In 2017, Farmer admitted to using her employment at a pediatrician’s office to obtain patient information. She then submitted more fraudulent claims to Medicaid under her ex-husband’s provider number. In total, from 2013 until 2018, Farmer submitted, or caused the submission of, approximately $617,983.86 in claims for psychotherapy services that were not provided. Farmer admitted she was paid approximately $432,924.69 on those claims. U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks accepted the plea and will impose sentencing June 20. At that hearing, Farmer faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine. Farmer was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing. The Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Olson is prosecuting the case.


title: Rapid City Man Indicted for Illegal Possession of Firearm

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Rapid City, South Dakota, man for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person. Takoda Walker Ghostbear, age 24, was indicted in February of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on March 17, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. The charge relates to Ghostbear, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, knowingly being in possession of a Glock pistol and ammunition in Rockerville in November of 2022. The charge is merely an accusation and Ghostbear is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 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. The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case. Ghostbear was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.


title: McLaughlin Man Acquitted of Assault Charges

body_text: ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury as a result of a federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota, on March 21, 2023. Raymond Earl Otter Robe, age 47, was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. The charges related to the alleged stabbing of two individuals in McLaughlin. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.


title: Easton Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – An Easton man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute cocaine in Massachusetts and Maine as part of a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy. Christopher Riley, 40, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine before U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani, who scheduled sentencing for June 13, 2023. Riley was charged in November 2021 along with 12 others in connection with a large drug conspiracy centering around the Gangster Disciples in Lawrence, Haverhill and Methuen. The investigation, which began in August 2020, intercepted communications between Gangster Disciples’ leaders, members and drug suppliers pertaining to their alleged distribution of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and Suboxone in Massachusetts, Maine and southern New Hampshire as well as into the Essex County Jail. The investigation intercepted phone calls between Riley and other gang members, who conspired distribute cocaine in Massachusetts and Maine. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and John E. Mawn, Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . This case is also a 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. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Mission Man Sentenced for Arson

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 Arson. The sentencing took place on March 13, 2023. Tommy Vargas, a/k/a Tommy Lee Spotted Eagle, age 33, 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 and $74,633.15 restitution. Vargas was indicted for Arson and Burglary by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. He pleaded guilty on December 8, 2022. In the early morning hours of February 27, 2022, Vargas entered the Sinte Gleska University maintenance building without permission. Vargas freely moved within the building for approximately one hour, entering various rooms in the building. Vargas collected numerous items and removed them from the building. Vargas also found a gas can in the building and poured gas on the floor of building before disconnecting the surveillance system. Vargas then ignited the gas and exited the building. First responders were able to suppress the fire within 20 minutes, but the fire still caused damage to the building. This case was investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the South Dakota Fire Marshal. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case. Vargas was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Jury convicts Browning man of raping girl on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A federal jury today convicted a Browning man who was accused of raping a girl in Heart Butte, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. After a two-day trial that began on March 21, the jury found William Ronald Blackman, 31, guilty of attempted sexual abuse and two counts of sexual abuse as charged in a superseding indictment. Blackman faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to a lifetime of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other sentencing factors. Sentencing was set for Aug. 10. Blackman was released pending further proceedings. “Blackman repeatedly took advantage of a teenage girl for his own sexual gratification, which is something she will have to continue to overcome for the rest of her life. While the jury got it right, Blackman’s actions permanently harmed a child and unfortunately, no guilty verdict will change that. But the guilty verdicts rightly hold Blackman accountable. I am extremely grateful to Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon, along with the FBI, for their diligent work on this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that Blackman sexually abused the victim, identified as Jane Doe, on three occasions when she was physically incapable of declining participating in a sexual act. Jane Doe, who was approximately 15 years old at the time, had passed out from alcohol intoxication and woke up to Blackman sexually abusing or having intercourse with her. The assaults occurred in 2019 and 2020. The victim ultimately reported the sexual abuse to a counselor. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI. XXX


title: Boston Man Indicted for Fentanyl Distribution Offense

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for a drug distribution offense involving fentanyl. Csean Skerritt, a/k/a “Shizz Grimmy,” a/k/a “Black,” 34, was indicted on one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Skerritt was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Feb. 6, 2023. According to the charging documents, on Feb. 1, 2023, Skerritt agreed to sell 50 grams of fentanyl to an individual in exchange for $1,500. It is alleged that, following a series of communications, Skerritt met the individual at a pre-arranged location. There, Skerritt allegedly entered the individual’s car and provided approximately 55 grams of fentanyl in exchange for the agreed-upon amount. The charge of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 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; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Wolf Point man admits role in kidnapping, assault of girl on Fort Peck Indian Reservation

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Wolf Point man accused in the kidnapping and assault of a girl by a group of individuals on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in 2021 today admitted to his role in the abduction, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Cheri Cruz Granbois, 21, pleaded guilty to kidnapping of an individual under 18. Granbois faces a mandatory minimum 20 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other sentencing factors. Sentencing was set for Aug. 10. Granbois was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged that on Sept. 15, 2021, a group of individuals lured a 15-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe, out of her house in Wolf Point and kidnapped her. Granbois offered to pay co-defendant Kaylee Jackson to lure the victim from her house so she could be assaulted. As a result, Jane Doe was lured out of her house, and the situation escalated. Some of the individuals in the group assaulted the victim in her front yard. When eyewitnesses yelled that they were going to call the police, some of individuals kidnapped Jane Doe, forcing her into a vehicle and driving to a vacant field where the assault continued. Granbois grabbed the victim and beat her in the vehicle. Granbois is the last of six defendants indicted in the case to plead guilty. Co-defendants Dylan Troy Jackson, Kaylee Jade Jackson, Patti Jo Annunciata Mail, Lavanchie Patricia Goodbird and Elmarie Amelia Weeks have pleaded guilty to charges and are pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wendy A. Johnson and Ryan G. Weldon are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Fort Peck Law Enforcement, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Wolf Point Police Department. XXX


title: Another Individual Sentenced  For Conspiring to Stage Automobile Accidents in Order to Defraud  Insurance And Trucking Companies

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARVEL FRANCOIS (“FRANCOIS”) , age 54, of Houma, Louisiana, was sentenced today for Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, on May 17, 2020, FRANCOIS, along with participants Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Bernell Gale (“Gale”), Troy Smith (“Smith”), and another passenger, participated in a staged accident in the vicinity of Louisa Street and Chickasaw Street. Labeaud fled the scene. FRANCOIS falsely reported to the NOPD that she had been driving her Dodge Durango and that a tractor-trailer had struck her vehicle. Gale and Smith were previously sentenced before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk. Damian Labeaud’s sentencing is set for June 8, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon. United States District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced FRANCOIS to 5 years probation, 100 hours of community service, payment of restitution in the amount of $20,654.48, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit and Financial Crimes Unit’s Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward Rivera, Maria Carboni and Brandon Long.


title: Alleged Utah Drug Trafficker Arrested Following Seizure of Illicit Drugs, Including 41,000 Pills of Suspected Fentanyl

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: Salt Lake City, Utah – A federal grand jury in Utah returned an indictment today charging a foreign national with multiple drug and distribution charges after seizing 41,000 suspected fentanyl pills from a home in Herriman. According to the complaint and law enforcement affidavit, on March 7, 2023, Luis Alexander Coronado, 24, of Herriman, Utah, was arrested after FBI agents with the Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF) executed a search warrant at his residence based on probable cause he was engaging in drug trafficking. During the search, agents located and seized approximately 2,363 grams of methamphetamine, 2,208 grams of cocaine, 3,506 grams of heroin, and 41,000 pills containing fentanyl. The methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin were weighed in their packaging and field tested-positive. FBI Seizure of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin and a handgun. Coronado is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; possession of heroin with intent to distribute; and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. The defendant is scheduled for his initial court appearance March 23, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City, Utah. U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney, Vernon G. Stejskal, of the District of Utah is prosecuting 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. 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: CASPER, WYOMING WOMAN CHARGED WITH ARSON IN WELLSPRING HEALTH ACCESS ARSON

body_text: Cheyenne, WY¾ LORNA ROXANNE GREEN , 22, of Casper, Wyoming, has been arrested and charged by complaint with arson of a facility engaged in interstate commerce. The defendant will make her initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Kelly H. Rankin on March 23, 2023 at 9 a.m. in Cheyenne. The affected facility is Wellspring Health Access Clinic, which was scheduled to open June 14, 2022. The clinic intended to offer services of OB/GYN care, gender-affirming care, and abortion procedures. The arrest took place on March 21, 2023, in Casper, Wyoming by the Casper Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). On May 25, 2022, at about 3:49 a.m., Casper Police Department officers responded to the Wellspring Health Access Clinic in Casper, Wyoming. Officers observed smoke coming from the east side of the building and dispatched the Casper Fire Department who responded and extinguished the fire. Through witness accounts and video surveillance, investigators identified a suspect who had gained entry by breaking a window, pouring gas in the facility, then leaving just prior to the reporting party calling in suspicious activity. On March 3, 2023, the Casper Police Department, with the assistance of an anonymous donor, issued a press release soliciting the public for leads in the case, with an additional $10,000 reward. Shortly after that, several tipsters identified a potential suspect, which led to the filing of charges after additional investigation. “This case demonstrates how valuable tips are from the community,” said United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo. “Every tip received was shared with and evaluated by cooperating law enforcement partners from the Casper Police Department, FBI, and ATF. Several tips from the public and the hard work of the investigators were instrumental in identifying and arresting Lorna Green.” “The progress we’ve made in this complicated investigation is a perfect example of the strong working relationships we have with our Federal Law Enforcement partners,” said Chief of Police Keith McPheeters. “The FBI and the ATF provided significant resources and expertise to the Casper Police Department, working hand-in-hand with our detectives and officers throughout this lengthy investigation. Importantly, our community members also assisted in bringing this investigation to this stage. We would like to thank and recognize the dedicated investigators and citizens who contributed to the investigation of this dangerous arson incident.” "ATF Certified Fire Investigators provided expert investigative and logistical support to the Casper Police Department where they worked together in determining the origin and cause of this arson, said Acting ATF Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “While established local and federal partnerships contributed greatly, we are especially grateful to the Casper community for their pivotal engagement.” "The FBI is grateful for the relationships it maintains with local, state, federal and tribal partners," said Denver FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. "It cannot be stressed enough that these kinds of partnerships are integral to keeping our communities safe. We are appreciative of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Casper Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Wyoming for their collaborative work in this case." If convicted, Green faces a minimum of five years and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This crime is being investigated by the Casper Police Department, ATF, and FBI. A complaint merely contains allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Case No: 23-MJ-17-J


title: Maui Physician Charged with Unlawful Distribution of Hydrocodone and Other Controlled Substances

component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – Chris A. Boulange, 74, a medical doctor and resident of Wailuku, Maui, was arrested yesterday pursuant to a criminal complaint with four counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances, including hydrocodone, alprazolam (also known as Xanax), and diazepam (also known as Valium). Boulange made his initial appearance today before Magistrate Judge Wes Reber Porter. According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, in June 2022, an undercover agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) sought an appointment with Boulange, posing as a new patient seeking a prescription of opioids. Between July 2022 and November 2022, the undercover agent met with Boulange four times, each time occurring at a restaurant or bar rather than a medical office. After each of the meetings, Boulange issued prescriptions for the undercover agent to hydrocodone. One of prescriptions also included alprazolam and another included diazepam. The complaint states that each of the prescriptions was issued outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. Hydrocodone is a moderately potent, orally available opioid that, in combination with acetaminophen, is widely used for treatment of acute or chronic pain. Alprazolam and diazepam belong to a class of medications called benzodiazepines, which are used primarily for sedation. All three medications, both individually and in combination with each other, are in high demand by illicit drug users. “Licensed physicians have the ability to provide potentially dangerous addictive drugs that are otherwise illegal to possess,” said United States Attorney Clare E. Connors. “Criminally abusing the privilege to prescribe such drugs may result in criminal prosecution.” “Trusted medical professionals who abuse their medical license to unlawfully distribute opioids ultimately contribute to the deadly opioid epidemic affecting our communities,” said DEA Honolulu District Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge Victor Vazquez. “Whether a street drug dealer or a physician, we will hold any individual accountable who peddle addictive drugs and threaten the safety of American people.” The charges filed on March 2, 2023, consist of four counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances, each of which carries a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years and a fine of not more than $1,000,000. The charges and information contained in the federal complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until indicted and proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in partnership with the Hawaii State Sheriff’s Division, Honolulu Police Department, and Maui Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese.


title: Pensacola Insurance Company Owner Sentenced To 168 Months In Prison For Wire Fraud And Money Laundering Offenses

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – John Thomas, 52, of Pensacola was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering charges related to selling fraudulent insurance policies. In addition to his prison sentence, he was ordered to pay $8,340,153.34 in restitution. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentence. “This sentence should serve as a significant deterrent to those who would defraud our citizens, in this case depriving them of critical insurance coverage, simply to unlawfully enrich themselves,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Our law enforcement partners are to be commended for their tireless dedication during this investigation and prosecution. Through their collective efforts, the defendant has been held accountable and justice has been obtained for his victims.” Between September 2013 and February 2021, Thomas operated an insurance business known as Thomas Insurance, LLC. and defrauded customers over $4.8 million in insurance premium payments through a type of insurance fraud known as premium diversion. Thomas executed this scheme by collecting insurance premiums from customers and keeping the funds for personal use instead of producing insurance policies. To conceal his acts, Thomas gave the customers fraudulent documents referencing insurance policies that did not exist. “Today’s sentencing should serve as a warning to anyone who uses illegal means and criminal behavior to take advantage of others,” said Sherri E. Onks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “The victims in this case suffered significant loss and pain as a result of this deception, never knowing they were without insurance coverage until disaster struck. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to work on behalf of innocent victims and investigate and pursue those who selfishly commit fraud for personal gain at the expense of others.” Florida CFO Jimmy Patronus said, “Insurance fraud is a serious crime that causes rates to go up for every hard-working family and business owner in Florida.” “Unfortunately, there are bad actors who think they can use fraud schemes like this to line their own pockets. I hope this case serves as a warning that if you commit fraud in Florida, you will be caught and held accountable. Thank you to the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and my dedicated insurance fraud detectives for helping put an end to this costly fraud scheme.” This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Investigative & Forensic Services, Bureau of Insurance Fraud. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp. The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Justice Department Announces Charges and Sentence in Connection with Iranian Procurement Network’s Attempts to Acquire Sophisticated Military Technology

body_text: A federal court in the District of Columbia unsealed two indictments yesterday charging multiple defendants with violations of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for their roles in separate schemes to procure and export U.S. technology to Iran between 2005 and 2013. In connection with this announcement, the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated three of the defendants and four entities for their involvement in the procurement of equipment that supports Iran’s ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and weapons programs. United States v. Paidar, et al. According to the indictment, between 2012 and 2013, defendants Amanallah Paidar, of Iran, and Murat Bükey, of Turkey, conspired to procure and export U.S. technology for Iran through their companies Farazan Industrial Engineering, in Iran, and Ozon Spor Ve Hobbi Ürünleri, in Turkey. Specifically, Paidar and Bükey exported from the United States and transshipped through Turkey a device that can test the efficacy and power of fuel cells and attempted to obtain a bio-detection system that has application in weapons of mass destruction (WMD) research and use. Bükey, who was extradited to the United States from Spain in July 2022, pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the AECA and IEEPA in December 2022. He was sentenced on March 20 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to 28 months in prison, with credit for time served. He will be removed from the United States after completing his sentence. Paidar is a fugitive and remains at large. United States v. Mahmoudi, et al. According to the indictment, between 2005 and 2009, defendants Agshar Mahmoudi, of Iran; Bahram Mahmoudi Mahmoud Alilou, of Iran; and Shahin Golshani, of the United Arab Emirates (UAE); conspired to obtain U.S. technology, including a high-speed camera that has known nuclear and ballistic missile testing applications, a nose landing gear assembly for an F-5 fighter jet, and a meteorological sensor system, through their companies Aran Modern Devices Kish Company, in Iran; and Modern Technologies, in the UAE. The defendants are fugitives and remain at large. “The defendants’ efforts to unlawfully export advanced U.S. technology that could benefit the Iranian regime’s military and weapons of mass destruction research pose a threat to all Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department will steadfastly pursue and bring to justice anyone who violates U.S. export laws and harm our nation’s security.” “With the help of our U.S. agency and international partners, the FBI thwarted an attempt to export advanced, American controlled, technological systems and goods,” said Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the FBI Counterintelligence Division. “The FBI will not stand idly while hostile countries attempt to evade our laws and circumvent U.S. sanctions and we will work tirelessly to stop such activity. This sentencing further illustrates our willingness to reach beyond our borders, to protect American interests, and bring all offenders to justice.” “These defendants sought to obtain valuable U.S.-origin goods that could assist Iran’s military and WMD aspirations, and in some instances, they were successful,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and our federal law enforcement partners will zealously pursue those who break these laws and harm our national security interests, regardless of where in the world they operate." “The sentencing of Murat Bukey and the charging of four others with conspiring to illegally export technologies and goods to Iran demonstrates our determination to hold those who attempt to circumvent U.S. export laws and sanctions accountable,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Export controls exist to protect the security of the United States and its people, and we will aggressively investigate those who threaten our national security by violating these laws. We are grateful to our international partners for their assistance in dismantling this scheme and bringing the defendant to justice.” The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry, Office of Export Enforcement are investigating these cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tejpal S. Chawla for the District of Columbia and Senior Trial Attorney Heather Schmidt of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting these cases, with support from Paralegal Specialist Michael Watts and Mariela Andrade. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing Bükey’s arrest and extradition. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Ponca City Man Sentenced to Serve 15 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, JALEN WOLFELKINS HARRIS , 29, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 15 years in federal prison for sexual abuse of a minor in Indian country, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester. On January 18, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a one-count Indictment against Harris for sexual abuse. The Indictment alleged Harris knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a victim who was physically incapable of declining participation in that sexual act. On February 16, 2022, a Superseding Information charged Harris with one count of sexual abuse of a minor in Indian country. On March 2, 2022, Harris pleaded guilty to the Superseding Information. At a sentencing hearing yesterday, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones sentenced Harris to serve 180 months in federal prison. In support of his sentence, Judge Jones cited, among other things, the serious nature of the offense and the fact that the victim was under Mr. Harris’s care. Judge Jones also ordered that upon release from prison, Harris must serve five years of supervised release. Additionally, upon his release from prison, Harris will be required to register as a sex offender. Harris has been in federal custody since December 30, 2021. This case was the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, White Eagle Police Department, and the Ponca Tribe. Assistant U.S. Attorney D.H. Dilbeck prosecuted this case. Reference is made to court filings for further information.


title: Former Manager of West Alton Marina Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking and Child Exploitation Offenses

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – John E. Murray, III, 56, of Alton Bay was sentenced today to twenty-five years in federal prison for production of child sexual abuse material and sex trafficking of minors, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced. Murray was a manager at the West Alton Marina on Alton Bay, where he was responsible for hiring and supervising seasonal employees, many of whom were minors. According to court documents and statements made in court, Murray solicited minor employees of the marina for sexually explicit images and videos of themselves, often in exchange for cash. Murray directed the victims to send him the videos via Snapchat, and videos of the victims were found on Murray’s cell phone and in his Snapchat account. Murray also subjected minor employees to unwanted sexual contact and sexual acts, to include fondling and oral sex. With respect to two minor victims, Murray made cash payments to them in exchange for allowing Murray to perform sexual acts on the victims. The conduct took place over the course of several years and dates back to at least 2015. Murray has been in state custody since August 2021 on related charges. “But for the bravery of the survivors in coming forward, this outcome would not have been possible,” United States Attorney Young said. “We hope that today’s sentencing brings some measure of solace to the survivors and their families and serves as a warning to anyone who would target children for sexual abuse and exploitation in New Hampshire.” Attorney Young went on to say, “To our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners who worked together seamlessly throughout this investigation—thank you for your outstanding work and tireless dedication in the pursuit of justice.” “For years, Murray used his position of power to prey on his young employees, exploiting and subjecting them to unwanted advances. Thanks to the tireless efforts of a collaborative group of law enforcement professionals and the bravery of those who came forward, he faces a long sentence in federal prison,” said Michael Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Alton Police Department, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police, the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland. In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . ###


title: Martinsburg residents charged in gun trafficking conspiracy

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two West Virginia residents have been charged with the illegal purchase of firearms that were later used in violent crimes. Nakita Ann Lake, age 33, and Gerald Anthony Tonsil, 31, both of Martinsburg, were indicted today on multiple federal gun charges, to include a conspiracy to transfer firearms to prohibited persons. According to court documents, the defendants visited firearms dealers in Berkeley County where Tonsil provided Lake with cash to purchase guns. Tonsil is prohibited from purchasing and owning firearms because of a prior felony and thus engaged the help of Lake. The investigation revealed that Tonsil sold some of the firearms, two of which were recovered in shooting incidents in New York. “Gun traffickers endanger the lives of people in West Virginia and throughout the country,” said United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld. “My office will continue to pursue those who profit from putting guns in the hands of those who use them for violence.” Lake is charged with a total of four counts and Tonsil faces seven counts. If convicted, each faces up to five years in prison for the conspiracy count and up to 10 years on each remaining count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Medical Doctor and Treatment Facility Ordered to Pay Civil Penalties for Alleged Violations of the Opioid Addiction Recovery Fraud Prevention Act and Federal Trade Commission Act

component: Civil Division

body_text: The Department of Justice, together with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), today announced that the government will collect $100,000 in civil penalties from Defendants Dalal Akoury MD, PLLC, AWAREmed Wholistic Urgent Care, PLLC, and medical provider Dalal Akoury as part of a settlement to resolve alleged violations of the Opioid Addiction Recovery Fraud Prevention Act of 2018 and the FTC Act in connection with the advertising of treatment services of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center (AWAREmed). In a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, the government alleged that, beginning since at least 2018 and continuing until at least June 16, 2022, the defendants made misleading and unsubstantiated advertising claims about the effectiveness of AWAREmed’s treatments for various illnesses, including substance use disorder, cancer, Parkinson’s Disease, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Among other things, the defendants allegedly claimed that virtually every patient at any stage of illness improved after visiting AWAREmed’s clinic, including through the remission of illnesses considered by most to be incurable. The complaint alleged these advertising claims were misleading and unlawful because they were not supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence. “The Justice Department is committed to halting deceptive health marketing claims directed at consumers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “Misleading advertisements touting unproven medical treatments prevent consumers from making informed decisions about their health and wellness.” “The opioid crisis claims lives and destroys communities all across the United States but especially in rural areas,” said Director Samuel Levine of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Doctors peddling phony promises should know that the FTC will use its strengthened authority from Congress to stop them from exploiting Americans struggling with addiction.” In addition to civil penalties, the stipulated order entered by the court today prohibits the defendants from making similar advertising claims in the future. It also requires the defendants to notify affected consumers and to submit compliance reports to the FTC for over a decade. This matter is being handled by Trial Attorneys Zachary L. Cowan and Amy P. Kaplan from the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben D. Cunningham and Alexa Ortiz Hadley for the Eastern District of Tennessee. James Prunty, Shira Modell, and Elizabeth Sanger represent the FTC. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . For more information about the FTC, visit its website at https://www.FTC.gov .


title: Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Receiving Bribes for Smuggling Drugs into D.C. Jail

body_text: WASHINGTON – A Correctional Officer working at the D.C. jail pleaded guilty today to receiving bribes to smuggle drugs into the D.C. jail. Beverly Williams, 52, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, pleaded guilty in United States District Court to one count of bribery. U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich scheduled a sentencing hearing for June 12, 2023. United States Attorney Matthew M. Graves and FBI Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the Washington Field Office made the announcement. According to court documents, as part of her plea, Williams admitted that, between June and September of 2022, while working as a Correctional Officer at D.C. jail, she accepted bribe payments to smuggle packages containing narcotics into D.C. jail. Williams conspired with Keywaune McLeod, 28, of Washington D.C., and an inmate in D.C. jail. In return for the bribe payments, Williams would receive packages of drugs from McLeod and smuggle them into the facility by concealing them on her body. Once inside the D.C. jail, Williams would transfer the drugs to the inmate who would then distribute the drugs for a profit. McLeod, who was accepting and managing the proceeds from such distribution, used CashApp to make bribe payments to Williams for the drug smuggling. Previously, in September and October 2022, Williams was charged as part of a three-co-defendant complaint, later followed by an indictment. Specifically, McLeod, Williams, and Andre Gregory, 31, who was incarcerated at the D.C. jail’s CDF while awaiting trial, were charged with conspiracy, bribery, and smuggling. All charges as to Gregory remain pending. The bribery charge carries a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, as well as potential financial penalties. The federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating the case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gauri Gopal and Ahmed Baset with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Lisa Abbe, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia’s Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section. A complaint and an indictment are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: District Man Sentenced to Six Year Prison Term For Stabbing Man Outside of Union Station

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Julius Yancey, 37, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 72 months in prison for a violent assault, in June of 2022, outside of Union Station. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Robert J. Contee, III, of the Metropolitan Police Department. According to the government’s evidence, on June 30, 2022, at approximately 2:20pm, Yancey approached the victim outside of Union Station, at 2 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC. The victim was sitting down and looking at his phone when Yancey stabbed him three times with a knife - once in the arm, and twice in the chest – for no reason and without provocation. The victim escaped and ran into Union Station looking for police officers to help him. The defendant followed the victim into Union Station while still holding the knife and stalked after him down two hallways. After about a minute, the defendant was stopped by police officers and the victim collapsed on the floor. The defendant dropped the knife when confronted with police and taken into custody. The victim received emergency medical care by officers at the scene, including an officer putting a tourniquet on his arm to stop the bleeding from the open wound located there. The victim was then transported to the hospital, where a doctor had to stitch up his wounds. At the time of this incident, the defendant was on release in a pending matter for simple assault, attempted threats, and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon in 2021 CMD 006032. The defendant has subsequently been convicted after a bench trial of these offenses, and Yancey was sentenced to 180 days straight time for each conviction, to run concurrently. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the cases at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Tamaya Reid and Kalisha Johnson-Clark, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren “Luca” Winer, Emily Kubo, and Richard Carlton who investigated the matter.


title: Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Against Neurosurgeon and his Fiancée Alleging Receipt of Illegal Kickbacks

body_text: Dr. Sonjay Fonn and Ms. Deborah Seeger of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and their professional companies, Midwest Neurosurgeons, LLC and DS Medical, LLC, have agreed to pay $825,000 to resolve a lawsuit alleging that they violated the False Claims Act by soliciting and receiving kickbacks from spinal implant companies. The Justice Department’s lawsuit alleged that Dr. Fonn, Ms. Seeger, Midwest Neurosurgeons, and DS Medical solicited and received remuneration from spinal implant companies in return for arranging for the use of those companies’ products in Dr. Fonn’s surgeries, in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. The Anti‑Kickback Statute prohibits soliciting or receiving anything of value in return for the referral of items or services covered by federal health care programs. The statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives. “The Anti-Kickback Statute plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity of medical care provided to federal health care program beneficiaries,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Treatment decisions should be determined by beneficiaries’ medical needs, not by kickbacks provided to their surgeon.” “This case took nearly a decade of hard work by my office, the whistleblowers, the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services, the FBI and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming for the Eastern District of Missouri. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will always vigorously pursue anyone who fraudulently obtains taxpayer money and defrauds Medicare and Medicaid.” “Medical providers who accept kickbacks put personal financial gain before the needs of their patients. This behavior can harm patients and undermines the integrity of federal health care programs,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Linda Hanley of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG is proud to work alongside our federal and state partners to protect our programs from fraud and ensure that patient needs drive provider decisions.” The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Paul Cairns, Dr. Terry Cleaver, Dr. Kyle Colle, Dr. Scott Gibbs, Dr. Paul Tolentino, Dr. Kevin Vaught, and Daniel Henson. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The share to be paid to the private parties has not yet been determined in this matter. 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 United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, with assistance from the FBI, the HHS-OIG, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The matter was handled by Fraud Section Attorneys Diana Cieslak, David Finkelstein, and James Nealon, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Jones for the Eastern District of Missouri. The case is captioned United States ex rel. Cairns, et al. v. DS Medical, LLC, et al. , 1:12-cv-0004-LPR (E.D. Mo.). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Three Individuals Sentenced in Darknet Narcotics Trafficking Conspiracy Involving Distribution of Pills Pressed with Fentanyl

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: WASHINGTON – The last of three defendants was sentenced Friday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for illegal sales of opioids on various Darknet markets. The Honorable John D. Bates sentenced Alex Ogando to 12 years. Olatunji Dawodu and Luis Spencer were previously sentenced to 12 years and 12 ½ years, respectively. All three defendants were convicted of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. The Darknet operations pumped kilograms of fentanyl pills into communities across the nation over the course of four years, using Darknet markets including AlphaBay, Dream, Wall Street, and Empire to reach a broad customer base. The defendants also used encrypted messaging services to communicate with and sell pills directly to customers. In exchange for cryptocurrency, the defendants sold fentanyl pills that were shipped via the U.S. Postal Service to buyers in the District of Columbia and all 50 states. The conspiracies relied on sophisticated technology to distribute and profit from a staggering quantity of pills pressed with fentanyl. The case was prosecuted by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Crane and Assistant U.S. Attorney Connor Mullin. The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Hi-Tech Opioid Task Force, which is composed of FBI agents, analysts, and task force partners, including special agents and officers of the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, DEA, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and detectives from local assisting police agencies. Additional assistance was provided by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the District of Rhode Island and the Southern District of Florida, the FBI’s Miami and Boston Field Offices, and the IRS-CI Cyber Crimes Unit.


title: Former Lumentum Executive Pleads Guilty To Insider Trading

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that AMIT BHARDWAJ, the former Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”) at Lumentum Holdings Inc. (“Lumentum”), pled guilty to 13 counts arising from his participation in a scheme to commit insider trading based on material, non-public information (“MNPI”) that BHARDWAJ misappropriated from his employer, Lumentum. BHARDWAJ traded on the misappropriated MNPI himself and tipped his associates with this same information so that they could place profitable trades in Lumentum’s acquisition targets. BHARDWAJ was arrested and charged in July 2022 and pled guilty earlier today before U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Amit Bhardwaj, the former Chief Information Security Officer of Lumentum, ironically failed to keep the confidential information he was trusted with secure as he shared it with numerous friends and a family member in order to make a profit. Not only did Bhardwaj betray his company and cheat the securities markets, but when confronted by the FBI, he also schemed to conceal his illicit behavior and obstruct the investigation. Today’s guilty plea emphasizes this Office’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the financial markets.” According to the allegations in the Indictment and statements made in public court proceedings: In approximately December 2020, BHARDWAJ learned that Lumentum was considering acquiring Coherent, Inc (“Coherent”). Based on this information, BHARDWAJ himself purchased Coherent stock and call options, and BHARDWAJ tipped three associates –– his friend Dhirenkumar Patel, another friend, and one of BHARDWAJ’s close family relatives ––and these individuals all traded in Coherent securities as a result. BHARDWAJ and Patel agreed that Patel would pay BHARDWAJ 50% of the profits that Patel earned by trading in Coherent based on the MNPI provided by BHARDWAJ. When Coherent’s stock price increased substantially following the announcement of the Lumentum acquisition, BHARDWAJ, his close family member, his friend Patel, and another friend closed their positions in Coherent securities and collectively profited by nearly $900,000. In or about October 2021, BHARDWAJ learned that Lumentum was engaged in confidential discussions with Neophotonics Corporation (“Neophotonics”) about a potential acquisition. BHARDWAJ provided this information to SRINIVASA KAKKERA, ABBAS SAEEDI, and Ramesh Chitor, and these individuals all traded in Neophotonics securities as a result. In connection with Chitor’s trading, BHARDWAJ and Chitor agreed that Chitor and BHARDWAJ would split the profits equally. When Neophotonics’ stock price increased substantially following the announcement of the Lumentum acquisition in November 2021, KAKKERA, SAEEDI, and Chitor closed their positions in Neophotonics securities and made collectively approximately $4.3 million in realized and unrealized profits. After they were interviewed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) voluntarily and served with federal grand jury subpoenas on approximately March 29, 2022, BHARDWAJ took steps to obstruct the federal investigation of their conduct. On the day of the March 29, 2022, FBI interviews, BHARDWAJ drove to the homes of certain of his co-conspirators to encourage them not to tell the federal authorities the truth about their insider trading scheme. BHARDWAJ and his associates subsequently met in person on multiple occasions and discussed, among other things, potential false stories that would conceal their insider trading scheme as well as creating false documents to buttress lies regarding payments that were, in reality, related to the insider trading scheme. * * * BHARDWAJ, 49, of San Ramon, California, pled guilty to seven counts of securities fraud and two counts of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison, and four counts of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum term of five years in prison. The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. BHARDWAJ is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Woods on July 11, 2023, at 10 a.m. Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the FBI. He also acknowledged the assistance of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which separately initiated civil proceedings against BHARDWAJ. This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Noah Solowiejczyk and Adam Hobson are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Massachusetts Man Sentenced to Over 12 Years Imprisonment for Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy

body_text: CONCORD – Mikael Canario-Batista, 47, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today. According to court documents and statements made in court, Canario-Batista was part of a drug-distribution conspiracy operating in Lawrence, Massachusetts that distributed fentanyl into New Hampshire. The defendant provided a stash house for fentanyl imported from an international source of supply and assisted in distributing the fentanyl to other larger distributors. The defendant was intercepted on a court authorized wiretap arranging drug purchases from a co-conspirator who was importing the drugs. The interceptions and other evidence resulted in the execution of a search warrant at the defendant’s residence which resulted in the seizure of over 7 kilograms of fentanyl. “This is another example of the many people needed to make an international drug conspiracy function” said U.S. Attorney Young. “The defendant operated a critical way station as the dangerous fentanyl traveled from its international source to the New Hampshire streets. We will continue to investigate and prosecute those involved at every level of moving this dangerous drug.” “DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals like Mr. Batista who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s substantial sentence not only holds Mr. Batista accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic with deadly drugs in order to profit and destroy people’s lives. DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this poison.” “Canario-Batista played an important role in the supply chain that brings deadly opiates like fentanyl into our communities. International drug trafficking is an incredibly complex problem that can only be addressed through collaboration and we are proud to join our partners with the Drug Enforcement Administration as we work together for results like today’s sentence,” said Michael Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth Aframe, John Kennedy and Heather Cherniske. ###


title: Former Federal Prison Warden Sentenced for Sexual Abuse Of Three Female Inmates

body_text: A former prison warden was sentenced today in the Northern District of California to 70 months in prison, 15 years of supervised release and $15,000 in restitution for sexually abusive conduct against three female victims who were serving prison sentences and one count of making false statements to government agents. Ray J. Garcia, 55, of Merced, California, was sentenced following his conviction by a federal jury in December 2022. Trial evidence showed that Garcia was employed as an associate warden and later as the warden of the Federal Correctional Institute in Dublin, California (FCI Dublin), an all-female low security federal correctional institution. All three of Garcia’s victims were incarcerated and serving their prison sentences at FCI Dublin under the custodial, supervisory and disciplinary authority of Garcia when the crimes occurred. “The defendant in this case abused his authority as a warden and violated his oath to protect those in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “The sentence he received today is another step forward in our ongoing efforts to root out sexual misconduct within the BOP. This prosecution should serve as both warning and reassurance that the Department of Justice will not waver in holding accountable BOP employees and executives who abuse their authority — whether they be a correctional officer, chaplain, or warden — and in pursuing justice for their victims.” “Rather than ensuring that female inmates at the Dublin prison were safe and secure, Garcia used his position as warden to sexually abuse three inmates over multiple years, intimidated inmates and lied to cover up his crimes, and created a heinous culture that failed to protect female inmates from widespread sexual abuse and violence at the hands of other Dublin employees. The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate this type of egregious criminal conduct and we will do everything within our authority to bring perpetrators to justice,” said Department of Justice Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz. “Corrections officials are sworn to protect people and preserve civil rights — the extreme opposite of this defendant's heinous actions,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “Garcia assaulted and harmed those in his care and custody, attempted to intimidate them into silence, and then lied in an effort to cover up his crimes. The FBI is grateful to the brave women who came forward to report these vile offenses, and we hope today’s sentence is one more step towards justice and healing.” “The evidence in this case paints a disturbing picture of a former warden who abused the trust placed in him, as well as authority granted to him, all while thinking he could get away with his crimes by lying to investigators and intimidating his victims,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that prison walls present no impediment to justice. The Department of Justice will hold accountable any prison official who violates their duty to protect those in federal custody.” The trial evidence established that Garcia abused inmates from December 2019 until July 2021. Garcia’s sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact against Victim 1 began in December 2019 and extended through March 2020, the abuse of Victim 2 occurred January to July 2021 and the abuse of Victim 3 occurred during the period of March to September 2020. The jury convicted Garcia of three counts sexual abuse and one count of sexually abusive contact as to Victim 1, two counts of abusive sexual contact as to Victim 2, and one count of abusive sexual contact as to Victim 3. The government’s sentencing memorandum described how Garcia also sought to deter his victims from coming forward. For example, Garcia told his victims he was friends with the person in charge of investigating sexual abuse of inmates, boasted that he could “never be fired,” and warned them that he worked for “Washington, D.C.” Garcia also instructed a victim to “get rid of any evidence” and reported falsely to another victim that a different inmate was sent back to FCI Dublin after pictures of a correctional officer were found on her phone. According to the government’s memorandum, Garcia created and perpetuated a culture of abuse. The government also pointed out that four other correctional officers at FCI Dublin have been charged with sexually abusing inmates while Garcia was associate warden or warden. The trial evidence also demonstrated Garcia made false statements to federal investigators. On July 22, 2021, Garcia was interviewed and told investigators he never asked inmates to be undressed for him and that he had never touched an inmate inappropriately. Trial evidence showed that Garcia had already asked multiple inmates to undress for him and had also touched Victim 1, Victim 2 and Victim 3 in a sexual manner. Garcia was initially charged with sexual abuse of an inmate on Sept. 24, 2021. A federal grand jury issued a superseding indictment on Aug. 23, 2022, charging Garcia with three counts of sexual abuse and four counts of abusive sexual contact against three female inmates. The superseding indictment also charged Garcia with one count of making false statements to a government agency during the investigation of the criminal acts. On Dec. 8, 2022, a jury convicted Garcia of all counts. Judge Gonzalez Rogers ordered Garcia to report to surrender on or before May 19 to begin serving his prison term. The Justice Department Office of Inspector General and the FBI are investigating the case, with the cooperation of the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly Priedeman and Andrew Paulson for the Northern District of California, with the assistance of Madeline Wachs, Leeya Kekona and Sara Slattery are prosecuting the case.


title: Federal Court Holds West Palm Beach Tax Preparer in Contempt

component: Tax Division

body_text: A federal court in West Palm Beach, Florida, held on March 20 that Jeffrey Cadet violated a permanent injunction entered against him on Aug. 12, 2019, which barred him from acting as a federal tax return preparer or requesting, assisting in, or directing the preparation or filing of federal tax returns for others. On Jan. 5, 2022, following an investigation of Cadet’s activities, the United States filed a Motion for Order to Show Cause asking the court to hold Cadet in civil contempt based on evidence that he was preparing tax returns without signing them as the return preparer. The investigation was undertaken by the Tax Division as part of its effort to monitor the conduct of return preparers who have been enjoined from preparing returns for others, and to hold accountable those who violate their injunction. As the court noted, Cadet did not respond to the motion or contest the evidence against him. Based on the evidence presented by the United States, the court found that Cadet violated his injunction by continuing to prepare returns for customers and held him in civil contempt. To remedy his contempt, the court ordered Cadet to disgorge $24,410 in ill-gotten fees he received for conduct that violated the injunction. The court also ordered Cadet to pay the United States $7,386.39 to reimburse the government for the attorneys’ fees it incurred to investigate and prosecute his post-injunction conduct. The injunction barring Cadet from preparing tax returns remains in effect, and the United States remains authorized to monitor his compliance with the court’s orders. Deputy Assistant Attorney General David A. Hubbert of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement. Taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant against unscrupulous tax preparers, including “ ghost preparers ” who don’t sign the returns they prepare. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. The IRS also offers 10 tips to avoid tax season fraud and ways to safeguard their personal information. In the past decade, the Department of Justice Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website . An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page . If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.


title: United States and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Announce Settlement with City of Holyoke to Reduce Sewage in Connecticut River

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: The Justice Department, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have entered into a consent decree with the City of Holyoke, Massachusetts, to resolve the Clean Water Act and Massachusetts state law. The proposed consent decree calls for Holyoke to take further remedial action to reduce ongoing sewage discharges into the Connecticut River from the city’s sewer collection and stormwater systems. As detailed in the consent decree, Holyoke discharges pollutants from combined sewer overflow (CSO) into the Connecticut River in violation of its federal and state wastewater discharge permits. A combined sewer system collects rainwater runoff, domestic sewage and industrial wastewater into one pipe. Under normal conditions, it transports all of the wastewater to a sewage treatment plant for treatment before discharging to a waterbody. However, during periods of heavy rain, the wastewater volume can exceed the carrying capacity of the sewer system or the treatment facility, resulting in the discharge of untreated wastewater to the Connecticut River. CSO discharges contain raw sewage and are a major water pollution concern. In full cooperation with federal and state environmental agencies, the city has taken steps in recent years to address these unlawful discharges, including finalizing a long-term overflow control plan, separating sewers and eliminating overflows in the Jackson Street area. The consent decree will require the city to undertake further sewer separation work that will eliminate or reduce additional CSO discharges, as well as requiring a $50,000 penalty for past permit violations resulting in illegal discharges to the Connecticut River. The city will also conduct sampling of its storm sewer discharges, work to remove illicit connections and take other actions to reduce pollution from stormwater runoff. The total cost to comply with the proposed consent decree is estimated at approximately $27 million. “Today’s settlement will significantly reduce pollution in the Connecticut River and improve water quality for the Holyoke community,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The Justice Department will continue pursuing environmental justice in communities burdened by pollution in rivers and streams to support the health and safety of all communities.” “Fiercely protecting our environment is a civil and human rights issue and ensuring that every community has clean water is a vital part of that work. This consent decree better protects the residents of Holyoke and every single community that lives along and enjoys the Connecticut River,” said U.S. Attorney Rachael S. Rollins for the District of Massachusetts. “We will continue to require with the full force of the federal government that every community is healthy and safe.” “Under the terms of today’s settlement, the City of Holyoke will take additional steps to reduce the amount of untreated sewage discharged during heavy rain events,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield of the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “The result of this work will be cleaner, safer water for communities that make use of the Connecticut River.” Holyoke owns and operates a sewer collection system that services approximately 70% of the city, two-thirds of which carries both sewage and stormwater. This settlement is part of EPA’s continuing efforts to keep raw sewage and contaminated stormwater out of our nation’s waters. Raw sewage overflows and inadequately controlled stormwater discharges from municipal sewer systems introduce a variety of harmful pollutants, including disease causing organisms, metals and nutrients that threaten our communities’ water quality and can contribute to disease outbreaks, beach and shellfish bed closings, flooding, stream scouring, fishing advisories and basement backups of sewage. The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court. Once it is published in the Federal Register, a copy of the consent decree will be available on the Justice Department website at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees .


title: Postal Worker Accused of Stealing Mail

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas woman with stealing gift cards from the mail as an employee of United States Postal Service. According to court documents, Paula Kendall, 39, of Haysville was indicted on three counts of theft of mail by postal employee for allegedly stealing mail between November and December 2022. The U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting the case. OTHER INDICTMENTS Clifton Ray Weatherspoon, 30, and Antonio Dawayne Knight, 24, both of Wichita were indicted on one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. Weatherspoon was also indicted on one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deb Barnett and Ola Odeyemi are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###