title: Baltimore Felon Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of an Uzi Semi-Automatic Pistol, Loaded With 31 Rounds of Ammunition

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher today sentenced Randy Owens, age 30, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 78 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) Baltimore Field Division; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department (“BPD”). According to Owens’ guilty plea, on July 22, 2019, BPD detectives learned that an individual in the 600 block of North Edgewood Street in Southwest Baltimore was possibly armed with a handgun that was hidden in a striped bag. BPD officers went to that location and spotted a person, later identified as Randy Owens, matching the description, including the striped bag. Owens was observed trying to conceal himself from the officers are he watched them through a parked vehicle’s windows as they drove down the 600 block of N. Edgewood Street. The officers circled the block and then drove down the 600 block of N. Edgewood a second time. As they turned into the block, the officers saw Owens standing on the porch of a residence in the 600 block of N. Edgewood. A BPD officer approached Owens and asked him to approach the officer. Owens walked off the front porch and towards the sidewalk but as the BPD officer approached, Owens ran away, clutching the striped bag. After a brief foot chase, BPD officers caught Owens. A search of the striped bag revealed an IMI Uzi 9mm semiautomatic pistol, loaded with 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Owens knew that as a result of his previous felony convictions, he was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. 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. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Sippel, Jr., who prosecuted the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Michigan Man Arrested and Charged For Illegally Possessing Firearms While Making Threats to Kill Government Officials

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – A Michigan man was arrested and charged in a criminal complaint with illegally possessing firearms after having been committed to a mental institution and while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. The man came to the attention of the FBI after he made numerous threats over YouTube to kill FBI agents, members of the LGBTQ community, President Biden, and Governor Whitmer. Ison was joined in the announcement by James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. According to the criminal complaint, Randall Robert Berka II, 30, of Sebewaing, Michigan, was illegally in possession of four firearms, three long guns and a pistol, after he had been committed to a mental institution and while he was a daily user of marijuana. Berka also was in possession of ammunition and body armor. The firearms were previously purchased for Berka by a relative who now feared that his mental health treatment was not working and was scared of Berka. The relative cooperated with FBI agents in securing the complaint. The complaint further provides that Berka came to the attention of the FBI after Google reported to the agency that Berka was posting various threats on YouTube. Among other statements, Berka posted the following: “im going to kill these democrats biden deserves to die,” “im gonna kill lgbt freaks,” “you could be like me and get guns and threaten to kill politicians. Im more than willing tot kill whitmer and I do live in Michigan,” “Ill assault her . . . with my bullets,” and “i buy guns though and plot to kill people.” The FBI arrested Berka at his residence in Sebewaing on Thursday, March 9, 2023. He will make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court today in the Bay City, Michigan courthouse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will be asking the Court to hold Berka in pretrial detention because of his danger to the community and the risk that he will flee. “We will take immediate action when we learn of individuals illegally possessing firearms and threatening to harm or kill others,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. “I applaud Google’s vigilance in this matter, and we hope members of the community will, likewise, pay attention and report such conduct to law enforcement.” “This defendant’s actions were very alarming,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “When free speech crosses a line and becomes a threat of violence against another – aggravated by the illegal possession of firearms – the full investigative resources of the FBI will be brought to bear. As always, we encourage the public to be vigilant and report concerning behavior to the FBI and local law enforcement.” Based on the charges in the complaint, Berka faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Vance.


title: Three Alleged Gang Members Indicted for Murder in Aid of Racketeering

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – A superseding indictment has been returned by a federal grand jury charging three men, Michael Hobson, 30, and Tomarcus Baskerville, 34, of Somerville, Tennessee, and Christopher Peeler, 31, of Moscow, Tennessee, with committing murder in aid of racketeering and causing death using a firearm. The charges arise from a 2015 Hardeman County murder. “This is another great example of the diligent work of the law enforcement community to rid our communities of the violence that gang members inflict upon our citizens. This indictment should serve as notice that we will use every available resource to bring those who engage in organized crime to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz. “We applaud the diligent and thorough work of our special agents and law enforcement partners and are grateful for the continued work of the U.S. Attorney in ensuring the individuals responsible for this deadly and devastating string of organized crime, throughout West Tennessee, will be held accountable for every criminal act they have committed,” said TBI Director David Rausch. According to U.S. Attorney Ritz, as well as the charges and information presented in court, in 2022, a federal grand jury indicted 14 alleged members and associates of the Traveling Vice Lord/Junk Yard Dog gang on various racketeering charges, including murder, attempted murders, and narcotic trafficking. This superseding indictment adds charges for a second murder and includes Michael Hobson as an alleged gang member and offender. The indictment includes charges for six separate shootings, two murders, and four attempted murders in Hardeman County. As a result of these crimes, nine individuals were shot, and two of those victims died. Each of the defendants are being detained. The RICO conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of life. The charge of murder in aid of racketeering charge carries a sentence of life imprisonment. Each of the acts of brandishing and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence carries a penalty of not less than 10 years consecutive to its related attempted murder (Violent Crime in Aid in Racketeering). This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, and the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Department. Members of the public are reminded that an indictment only contains charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Assistant United States Attorneys Neal Oldham and Beth Boswell are prosecuting the case. ### For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Cherri Green at (901) 544-4231 or cherri.green@usdoj.gov. Follow @WDTNNews on Twitter for office news and updates.


title: D.C. Man Sentenced to Eight Years For Multiple Armed Carjackings

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Daron Cottingham, 20, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, with two years suspended, for two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous crime and one count carjacking that stem from crimes he committed in January of 2022, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Robert J. Contee, III, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). In addition to the prison term, Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur ordered two years of supervised probation and 90 hours of community service. The sentence was rendered as part of the Youth Rehabilitation Act. According to court documents, on January 18, 2022, Cottingham, approached a person cleaning a BMW vehicle in the rear of 316 34th Street, NE, Washington DC. Cottingham took out a firearm and demanded the vehicle keys from the victim. The defendant then struck the victim once in the nose with the firearm, causing bleeding. The defendant took the vehicle keys and the victim’s phone before driving away in the BMW. Just over a week later, on January 28, 2022, the defendant booked a ride through Lyft. When the Lyft reached the intersection of I-295 and the 11th Street Bridge, the defendant pulled out a firearm, aimed it at the driver’s head, and demanded that the driver exit the vehicle. The victim fled from the vehicle, at which point Cottingham took control of the vehicle and took off. The defendant then led MPD on a chase, pursued by MPD cruisers and a helicopter. He eventually drove the vehicle to the 2600 block of Birney Place SE, where he ditched the vehicle while it was still moving. The vehicle continued on until it hit a snowbank. The defendant ran into an apartment building located in the 2600 block of Birney Place SE. After entering the building, Cottingham concealed his firearm. MPD officers arrived at the building shortly thereafter and arrested the defendant. At the time of his arrest, the defendant had bank and identification cards belonging to the Lyft driver. MPD officers also recovered a ring of car keys, one of which was a BMW key that matched the BMW taken by the defendant in the January 18th offense. MPD officers also recovered the firearm. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of the officers and detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department who conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Wang, with the office’s Violence Reduction Trafficking Section who prosecuted the case.


title: Springdale Man Sentenced to 33 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Minor and Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Arkansas, Western

body_text: FAYETTEVILLE – A Springdale man was sentenced yesterday to 396 months in prison without the possibility of parole on one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor via Production of Child Pornography and one count of Possession of Child Pornography. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville. According to court documents, in early 2022, the Springdale Police Department initiated a sexual assault investigation after a 13-year-old female disclosed to a counselor that, Pearson Pete Patrick , age 39, had been sexually abusing her over the past two years. During the ensuing investigation, Springdale Officers located Patrick, who during a post-Miranda interview, admitted to abusing the minor. Law enforcement then obtained a residential search warrant for Patrick’s Springdale residence. A forensic examination of the electronic devices taken from the residence revealed multiple homemade videos depicting the sexual abuse of the 13-year-old victim. Further analysis revealed that Patrick had also recorded other minors via a hidden camera staged in the bathroom of his residence. Patrick was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in September 2022 and entered a plea of guilty in October 2022. U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations Fayetteville, the Springdale Police Department and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Williams prosecuted the case. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Six Houston Gang Members Indicted for Using a Firearm in Racketeering Murder of Innocent Bystander

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

body_text: The Department of Justice today announced an indictment charging five men and a woman with aiding and abetting the use of a firearm to commit murder in aid of racketeering. The six defendants are alleged members of the 100% Third Ward (103) Gang, which operates in and around the Third Ward area of Houston. This is the first indictment returned as part of the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and local, state, and federal law enforcement. This joint effort, first announced in September 2022, concentrates on addressing violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal racketeering laws to prosecute gang members in the southwest and southeast areas of Houston. As part of the initiative, the Criminal Division has dedicated attorneys and other resources to prosecute violent offenders and to assist intervention, prevention, and reentry efforts to address the root causes of violent crime, including through funding provided by the department’s Office of Justice Programs. “Since we announced the Violent Crime Initiative less than six months ago, our dedicated prosecutors and agents have been working tirelessly to target the ‘worst of the worst’ violent gang members that are terrorizing Houston residents,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These efforts have led to today’s announcement of an indictment charging half a dozen 103 Gang members with murder as part of their war with a rival gang. But we recognize that the fight against violent crime requires more than just enforcement actions and we are continuing to engage directly with the community to build trust and allow for meaningful and sustained change.” “To gang members and others infecting our streets with this type of crime – the power of the federal government is here. We will not stop. We will find you. No matter how long it takes, we will prosecute and ensure you pay the price for your actions,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas. “A priority of this office, every day, is for the Third Ward’s children to feel safe in their homes and on the streets from the terror of local gangs, and we will work with all partners and use all tools to make that priority a reality.” The defendants are Shaquile O’Neal Richards, 29; Alexandra Elizabeth Nicks, 23; Deandre Watson, 24; Marcus Dewane Christopher, 26; Marquis Juwan Erskin, 29; and Mertroy Harris, 32. The defendants, all from Houston, are charged with their involvement in a murder that occurred on London Street in the Third Ward in Houston in October 2017. As alleged in the indictment, Richards was incarcerated in a state prison for aggravated robbery when he and Nicks ordered 103 Gang members to shoot members of a rival gang as part of an ongoing gang war. On Oct. 16, 2017, Watson, Christopher, Erskin, and Harris allegedly saw someone they believed was a rival gang member. They allegedly opened fire at that individual, who was standing with another man. The suspected rival gang member was shot and injured, but the other victim, not part of any gang, was killed. After the shooting, Watson, Christopher, Erskin, and Harris allegedly attempted to flee in a stolen car but drove into a ditch. The four allegedly fled that car, and Watson, Christopher, and Erskin then carjacked another vehicle by forcing a woman and child from it. “These indictments highlight the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) commitment to investigating and bringing to justice those who use firearms to terrorize our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski of the ATF. “Our streets are safer today because of the diligent work done on this case by ATF and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners that comprise the Violent Crime Initiative.” “Gang violence impacts nearly every aspect of our communities, from the safety of our streets to the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said Assistant Director Luis M. Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI will continue to work with our partners and use every available tool to combat the fear and violence caused by these gangs and bring them to justice.” “The commitment to putting violent offenders in jail and getting guns off our streets is a high priority,” said Chief Troy Finner of the Houston Police Department (HPD). “I am so grateful and proud of this collaboration with our federal partners that allows us to continue to put criminals in jail and seek justice for those victimized by violent crime.” According to the indictment, the 103 Gang is an enterprise that engaged in criminal acts involving murder, robbery, narcotics distribution, and assault. The 103 Gang allegedly recruits new members primarily from the neighborhoods within the Third Ward area. Gang members use violence, threats of violence and intimidation to protect the power, reputation, and territory of the 103 Gang, according to the indictment. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of life in prison or death. The ATF, FBI, and HPD investigated the case with assistance from the Texas Anti-Gang Center. Trial Attorneys Ralph Paradiso and Sheila Lafferty of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Hanes and Heather Winter for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former Union Officer Sentenced to Incarceration for  Embezzling More Than $500,000

body_text: WASHINGTON – Attia Little, 43, of Temple Hills, Maryland, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to steal more than $500,000 from the labor organization, using the money for parties, trips, furniture, and other personal expenses. U.S. District Court Judge Amit P. Mehta also ordered $399,450 in restitution and 24 months of supervised release to follow the prison term. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Acting Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, of the Washington Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Labor - Office of the Inspector General, and District Director Mark Wheeler, of the Washington District Office of the Office of Labor-Management Standards. Little, a former union officer, pleaded guilty in July 2022 to one count of conspiracy and one count of theft from a labor organization. Little was the operations manager of the Property Services Division of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), headquartered in Washington, D.C. As part of her duties, she managed administrative support, booked reservations for SEIU employees, and paid vendor invoices for union-related purchases. She had a work-issued credit card and access to third-party discount travel booking platforms that were to be used for union business only. A co-defendant, Melba Norris, was a close associate of Little’s, and had no affiliation with the union. According to plea documents, between November 2015 and October 2017, Little used her access to the credit card and travel booking platforms to embezzle approximately $503,600 from SEIU. In total, she kept approximately $460,900 in SEIU funds for herself, and Norris kept approximately $42,700. Among other things, Little used the SEIU credit card to purchase personal items, including purchases for a baby, personal parties hosted at her residence, personal travel, furniture, watches, clothing, and video games. She also used the credit card to purchase gift cards for personal use. Little also used the credit card to pay funds to a company that she created and companies created and controlled by Norris, even though no work was performed. Norris, 36, of Powder Springs, Georgia, pleaded guilty in May 2022 to charges of conspiracy and theft from a labor organization. On Oct. 5, 2022, Norris was sentenced to 6 months of incarceration, followed by 24 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $37,007 in restitution. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves, Acting Special Agent in Charge Springer, and District Director Wheeler commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Labor Department’s Office of the Inspector General and Office of Labor-Management Standards. They also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Financial Analyst Bryan Snitselaar, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gauri Gopal and Ahmed M. Baset, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.


title: Physician Convicted of $5M Health Care Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal jury convicted a physician today for a $5 million health care fraud scheme. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Frederick Gooding, 71, of Wilmington, Delaware, owned and operated a now-shuttered physiatry and pain management practice in Washington, D.C. Between 2015 and 2018, Gooding fraudulently billed Medicare more than $5 million for injections he did not perform, or did not provide as billed, including complicated spinal injections for which he did not own the necessary equipment. Gooding was convicted of 11 counts of health care fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Philadelphia Regional Office made the announcement. The FBI and HHS-OIG, with assistance from the Washington, D.C. Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Jil Simon and Emily Gurskis of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. Assistant Chiefs Jillian Willis and Scott Armstrong were also involved in the prosecution. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Convicted Murderer Sentenced To 130 Years

body_text: WASHINGTON – Derek B. Turner, 31, of Washington, D.C. was sentenced today to 130 years in prison for killing two people – DeVin Hall and Andrew McPhatter – as part of a violent gang feud. Turner was convicted in December 2022, after a nine week trial, of two counts of first degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy to kill and assault, conspiracy to obstruct justice, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, seven counts of obstruction of justice, and four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm. The sentence includes 40 year terms for each murder count. Turner was tried with co-defendants Ronnika M. Jennings, 44, and Duan M. Hill, 33, both also of Washington, D.C. Jennings was sentenced to 15 years in prison; Hill was sentenced to 57 months. The three defendants were involved in a gang feud between two neighborhoods in Southeast Washington, D.C. in 2016-2017. The dispute involved members of the Wahler Place and Trenton Park crews, rival groups located in Southeast. In less than a year, 16 serious violent crimes, including four homicides, arose directly from the dispute, and at least 12 other serious crimes of violence, including at least three homicides, were part of the investigation. The government’s case showed that Wahler Place members engaged in a violent crime conspiracy targeting members of Trenton Park. Turner, also known as Fats, was a member of Wahler Place and was charged with the January 7, 2017 murder of Devin Hall and the March 1, 2017 murder of Andrew McPhatter, as well as several non-fatal shootings. The jury convicted Turner in both murders, as well as the February 17, 2017 attempted murders of rivals Raheem Osborne, Joseph Tyler, and Andrew McPhatter (before he was the victim of the later homicide). In the course of committing the charged offenses, defendant Turner utilized defendant Jennings, a civilian clerk in MPD’s Seventh District, to provide him with confidential police information to assist him and others in their criminal activities. Jennings was convicted of three counts of accessory after the fact in the February 17, 2017 attempted murder, as an accessory after the fact in McPhatter’s murder, and on one count of obstruction of justice. Hill was convicted of multiple counts of obstruction of justice in connection with a conspiracy to recruit an associate of Turner to take criminal responsibility for the firearm that Turner used to commit the two charged murders as well as three charged attempted murders. In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department, specifically Det. Charles Fultz and Det. Jeffrey Weber, as well as Special Agent Samuel Ward from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. He also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences. He acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including: Paralegal Specialists Kelly Blakeney, LaShone Samuels and Stephanie Siegerist; Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Tasha Harris; Investigative Analyst Zachary McMenamin; Supervisory Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark; Victim/Witness Security Specialist Robert Cephas; Supervisory Victim/Witness Security Specialist Lesley Slade; Supervisory Victim Witness Service Coordinator Katina Adams-Washington; Supervisory Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling; Litigation Technology Specialist Maisha Treadwell; Litigation Technology Specialist Thomas Royal; Special Agents Durand Odom and Mark Crawford; former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dineen Baker and Sara Vanore; Appellate Section Deputy Chief John Mannarino; Homicide Deputy Chief Laura Bach; and Assistant U.S. Attorney AUSA Erin DeRiso. Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Truscott and Kevin Flynn, who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: Kentucky Man is Last of Six Sentenced in Anabolic Steroids and Pill Distribution Conspiracy

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Justin T. Hail, 37, of Somerset, Kentucky, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids, methamphetamine, N-Ethylhexedrone, and Alprazolam, and conspiracy to launder money. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Hail to imprisonment for a term of 72 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Hail will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. Hail was a member of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that produced and distributed anabolic steroids and other controlled substances to customers throughout the country using a private Facebook group as an online storefront and the United States Postal Service to ship the drugs to locations throughout the country. Two members of the conspiracy operated clandestine laboratories from the west coast, specifically for the purpose of producing finished anabolic steroids. In addition to anabolic steroids, the DTO marketed and sold pharmaceutical drugs described as Xanax and Adderall. Legitimately prescribed pharmaceutical Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance containing amphetamine salts. However, laboratory testing revealed that the pills marketed as “Adderall” by the DTO were counterfeit and contained methamphetamine, also a Schedule II controlled substance. The “Xanax” distributed by the DTO contained N-Ethylhexedrone, a Scheduled I controlled substance. “Xanax” is a brand name for Alprazolam, a Schedule IV controlled substance. Alprazolam was also confirmed by laboratory testing to be present in substances recovered by investigators. Customers purchasing controlled substances from the DTO were required to use cryptocurrency and cash to pay. Hail conducted sales for the organization and used peer-to-peer digital payment platforms to accept payments for controlled substances from customers and to transfer funds to and from other DTO members. In addition to the use of digital payment platforms, the DTO used various other methods designed to protect the membership’s anonymity and to provide security for the criminal organization from law enforcement and other criminal organizations. Proceeds from the sale of steroids and other controlled substances were laundered by various sophisticated means In addition to Hail, five other members of the DTO were prosecuted and convicted. They were Jonathan Stidham, sentenced to imprisonment for 156 months; Fernando Lopez-Reyes, 96 months; Robert Hood, 72 months; Lindsey Garcia, 48 months, and Justin Ames, who received a time served sentence. “These defendants attempted a complex and unique scheme using social media platforms and cryptocurrencies, but ultimately could not escape the reach of IRS Criminal Investigation’s special agents and our law enforcement partners,” said St. Louis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock. “IRS-CI is proud to be part of such a premier investigation team to help dismantle drug trafficking organizations across the country.” 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 was investigated by the Omaha offices of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced to 48 Months for Possession of Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Miguel Lobano-Diaz, 35, a Mexican citizen living in Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Lobano-Diaz to 48 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. Lobano-Diaz is also pending an order of deportation. In July 2022, Omaha police narcotics detectives identified Lobano-Diaz as a suspected supplier of cocaine in the Omaha area. On August 10, 2022, officers executed a search warrant of Lobano-Diaz’s residence and found 100 grams of methamphetamine and nine ounces of cocaine. Laboratory testing confirmed the methamphetamine was 94 percent pure. During the search, officers also located a large rechargeable scale and drug packaging. This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.


title: Mexican Man Sentenced in Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Victor Gerardo Mendez-Gil, 34, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Mendez-Gil to imprisonment for a term of 60 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Mendez-Gil will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. Mendez-Gil will be removed by immigration authorities from the United States to Mexico after completing his sentence. On February 9, 2021, Mendez-Gil was dispatched by a Mexico-based methamphetamine supplier to deliver one pound of methamphetamine to an undercover agent in Omaha. The methamphetamine weighed approximately 464.4 grams. After additional investigation, agents were able to obtain a warrant to search Mendez-Gil’s Omaha residence. Mendez-Gil was arrested during the search on February 16, 2021. At the time, he was in possession of approximately 36 pounds of methamphetamine mixture and $15,099.00 in United States Currency. The currency consists of proceeds from methamphetamine trafficking and has been criminally forfeited to the United States. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Division.


title: South Bend Man Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison

body_text: SOUTH BEND – George L. Howell, 55 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting the making of false statements in the straw purchase of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Howell was sentenced to 48 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. According to documents in the case, in January 2020, Howell had another person buy a firearm for him at a pawn shop in South Bend, Indiana. The buyer lied on a form saying that they were the actual buyer, but both Howell and the buyer knew that the gun was really for Howell. Howell could not legally buy the gun because he was a convicted felon and thus prohibited from making the purchase. Howell’s prior felony convictions include battery resulting in serious bodily injury, burglary, and residential entry. The firearm was ultimately recovered from a truck Howell was driving. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerome W. McKeever. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: Lebanon Sex Offender Charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child Using Hidden Cameras, Distribution and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- A federal grand jury indicted Douglas Gibson, 38, of Lebanon, Indiana, on two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of sexual exploitation of minor by a registered sex offender, one count of distribution of child sexual abuse material, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. According to court documents, on August 3, 2021, the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a cyber tip from Kik Messenger, an instant messaging app, alerting investigators to an account that had been sharing child sexual abuse images. Investigators traced the Google email address associated with the account back to Douglas Gibson. A search of Gibson’s residence uncovered numerous files containing visual depictions of children as young as seven years old, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Further investigation found that Gibson allegedly secretly recorded a prepubescent child by hiding video cameras in the air vent of a bathroom, loft, and bedroom of the child’s residence. Gibson then distributed images and files of the victim in various states of undress to other individuals. As alleged in the indictment, Gibson was required to register under Indiana law at the time he secretly recorded the child and distributed the files. If convicted on all counts, Gibson faces up to 135 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the actual sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Randal Taylor, Chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office, and Boone County Sheriff Tony Harris made the announcement. This investigation is being led by the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI, and the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, as part of Indiana’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Indiana’s ICAC Task Force is a partnership of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies led by the Indiana State Police. The Task Force is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting crimes involving the technology-facilitated sexual exploitation of children and the trafficking of child sexual abuse material. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate many thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. In fiscal year 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, the Southern District of Indiana was second out of the 94 federal districts in the country for the number of child sexual exploitation cases prosecuted. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence D. Hilton, who is prosecuting this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc 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: Richmond County men sentenced for shootout that caught Postal delivery driver and vehicle in crossfire

component: USAO - Georgia, Southern

body_text: AUGUSTA, GA: Two Richmond County men have been sentenced to federal prison for a December 2021 shootout that narrowly missed a U.S. Postal Service driver while damaging her vehicle. Corii Arkeem Bussey , 32, and Darnell Dwight Brown , 30, both of Augusta, were sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to felony charges following the gunfight outside an Augusta convenience store, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge Dudley H. Bowen sentenced Bussey to 48 months in prison for Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding a Federal Employee, and sentenced Brown to 48 months in prison for Possession of a Firearm by a User of Illegal Drugs. Judge Bowen also fined each defendant $1,500, and ordered them to serve three years of supervised release after completion of their prison terms. There is no parole in the federal system. “It’s exceptionally fortunate that no one was wounded by this inexcusably reckless exchange of gunfire in broad daylight,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “The community will be safer with these gun-carrying criminals off the streets.” As described in court documents and testimony, Bussey and Brown encountered each other while shopping at an Augusta discount store on Dec. 9, 2021 and had what a witness described as a “nonverbal disagreement” that ended with Bussey brandishing a firearm. A short time later, the two again encountered each other at an Augusta convenience store where they parked on either side of a U.S. Postal Service delivery truck. Each man produced a semiautomatic pistol and began firing, with bullets striking the Postal Service vehicle as the postal employee lay on the floorboard for safety. Bullets also struck Brown’s vehicle and a nearby tire store while missing each shooter, the postal carrier, and other customers at the convenience store. Investigators later recovered 18 shell casings at the site. Both men left the scene. Richmond County Sheriff’s Office investigators later arrested Brown at the residence of a relative, while Bussey surrendered to U.S. Marshals in August 2022. “We are grateful for the collaborative investigative work performed by our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “One of the top priorities of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is to protect postal employees while they are in the performance of their federal duties. The reckless behavior and poor judgement exercised by these two individuals have resulted in their sentence to serve time behind bars and they will be unable to endanger or harm any other people.” The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer A. Stanley.


title: Two North Louisiana Men Plead Guilty to Defrauding Their Employer out of Millions of Dollars

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that William Ross Hickman , 48, of Arcadia, Louisiana , and Brian K. Whiteman , 47, of Haughton, Louisiana, have each pleaded guilty to a Bill of Information charging them with conspiracy to commit fraud against the United States. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided over the hearing. According to evidence presented to the court, Hickman and Whiteman participated in a scheme to defraud which began prior to 2018 and involved Raeford Farms of Louisiana, LLC (Raeford Farms), where Hickman was employed as the Sales Manager and Whiteman was as the Assistant Sales Manager of their Arcadia production plant. Raeford Farms sells various products to include fresh and frozen chicken, and chicken frames. A chicken frame is the core of the chicken that remains after processing the breasts, thighs, wings, and legs. Hickman negotiated the sale of these chicken products seeking the highest possible return when selling them. While employed at Raeford Farms, Hickman developed a scheme to fraudulently divert business from Raeford Farms by using Group 7792 as an intermediary to purchase chicken frames from Raeford Farms. Hickman used his position as Sales Manager to provide favorable sales terms to other entities to the detriment of Raeford Farms. Hickman had a pre-arranged agreement with an unnamed individual and his corporation to sell the chicken frames to Heritage Food Sales (Heritage), which was another company controlled by Hickman. Heritage paid Group 7792 a guaranteed return for each transaction but never took possession of the chicken frames or added anything of value to the transaction. Hickman would then sell the same chicken frames to a poultry wholesaler in Chattanooga, TN for profit. To further the scheme to defraud, Hickman and others acting in concert with him, sent invoices by email from Arcadia, Louisiana, through interstate commerce, for Heritage to receive payment for the chicken frames. Hickman and Whiteman conspired together to conceal the involvement of Heritage from Raeford Farms in these chicken frame transactions. As Assistant Sales Manager for Raeford Farms, Whiteman was responsible for tracking inventory and the details regarding all shipments. Whiteman provided this type of information to Hickman to further the conspiracy to defraud in order to get a higher price for chicken frame loads sold by Heritage. In exchange for his participation in the conspiracy to defraud, Whiteman understood and agreed with Hickman that Heritage would pay him through his own business entity, All Trade Enterprise, LLC (All Trade). Hickman would pay Whiteman a monthly commission through All Trade and occasionally to him personally. The transactions conducted during the time period of this investigation resulted in an approximate loss of $2,183,950 to Raeford Farms. Hickman and Whiteman each face up to 5 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing has been set for July 12, 2023 at 9:30. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Alexander C. Van Hook, Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath. # # #


title: Shreveport Man Sentenced for his Role in Counterfeit Check Cashing Scheme

component: USAO - Louisiana, Western

body_text: SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Anthony E. Johnson , 27, of Shreveport, Louisiana, has been sentenced for his involvement in a counterfeit check cashing scheme. Johnson was sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 30 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $110,773 in restitution. According to information introduced in court, Anthony Johnson conspired with Carlos A. Spann and Phelix Williams, both of Shreveport, in a scheme to cash counterfeit checks using fraudulent identities at banks and retail establishments throughout Louisiana in 2017 and 2018. Spann provided Johnson and Williams with altered overlays for identification cards along with counterfeit checks drawn on Tower Loan’s bank account, as well as counterfeit checks drawn on a U.S. Postal Service bank account. All of these fraudulent transactions were captured by surveillance video cameras. Johnson pleaded guilty on January 17, 2019 in U.S. District Court. The court ordered that Johnson comply with the requirements of the U.S. Probation Office in connection with his pretrial supervised release and was allowed to remain on bond until his sentencing hearing which was scheduled for May 1, 2019. Johnson failed to comply with the conditions of pretrial supervision and a warrant was issued for his arrest in March 2019. Officers with the Shreveport Police Department arrested Johnson in September 2022 on an unrelated charge and learned of the warrant for Johnson. He was returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshal to face the charges in this case. The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Shreveport Police Department, and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan and Alexander C. Van Hook, Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney. # # #


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Hardin County Man for Possession of Destructive Devices

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky returned an indictment yesterday charging a Hardin County man with illegal possession of destructive devices. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Maynard of the ATF Louisville Field Division made the announcement. According to the indictment, Frank Taylor, 61, of Cecilia, Kentucky, was charged with one count of possessing four destructive devices not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Taylor will make his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Western District on a later date. If convicted, Taylor faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by the ATF Louisville Division Office with assistance from the Kentucky State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Bonar is prosecuting this 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. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Columbia County Man Charged With Fraud, Theft, And Identity Theft For Obtaining Driver License And Food Stamps Using The Identity Of A Deceased Person

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Luis Alberto Villazon (63, Fort White) with wire fraud, theft of government property, making false statements to a federal agency, fraudulent use of a Social Security number, and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, the wire fraud charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, theft of government property carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, the false statements and fraudulent use of a Social Security number charges each carry a maximum penalty of 5 years, and the aggravated identity theft charges each carry a mandatory 2-year sentence, at least one of which must run consecutively to any other sentence. The indictment also notifies Villazon that the United States intends to seek forfeiture of approximately $50,000, the estimated amount of proceeds obtained as a result of the offenses. According to the indictment and other court documents, in 1998, Villazon, who had previously lived in New York, applied for and obtained a Florida driver license using the name, date of birth, and Social Security number of a person who was born in New York in July 1959, and died in New York in 1976. Villazon was born in August 1959. Villazon renewed the license several times, on one occasion presenting a New York birth certificate and a Social Security document under the false identity. During the same time-period, Villazon obtained and renewed a license in his real name. Both licenses were still valid at the end of 2022. Beginning in 2011, Villazon applied for and obtained Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly called food stamps, under both the false identity and his true identity. The program required Villazon to submit renewal applications about every six months and each time he applied under the false identity, he provided the name, date of birth, and Social Security number of the person who died in 1976. Villazon received benefits totaling $25,388 under the false identity through December 2022 and received benefits under his real name totaling $22,902 through November 2021. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier. Download Indictment


title: Federal Authorities Seize Internet Domain Selling Malware Used to Illegally Control and Steal Data from Victims’ Computers

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – As part of an international law enforcement effort, federal authorities in Los Angeles this week seized an internet domain that was used to sell computer malware used by cybercriminals to take control of infected computers and steal a wide array of information. A seizure warrant approved by a United States Magistrate Judge on March 3 and executed on Tuesday led to the seizure of www.worldwiredlabs.com , which offered the NetWire remote access trojan (RAT), a sophisticated program capable of targeting and infecting every major computer operating system. “A RAT is a type of malware that allows for covert surveillance, allowing a ‘backdoor’ for administrative control and unfettered and unauthorized remote access to a victim’s computer, without the victim’s knowledge or permission,” according to court documents filed in Los Angeles. As part of this week’s law enforcement action, authorities in Croatia on Tuesday arrested a Croatian national who allegedly was the administrator of the website. This defendant will be prosecuted by Croatian authorities. Additionally, law enforcement in Switzerland on Tuesday seized the computer server hosting the NetWire RAT infrastructure. The FBI in Los Angeles in 2020 opened an investigation into worldwidelabs, the only known online distributor of NetWire. Undercover investigators with the FBI created an account on the website, paid for a subscription plan, and “constructed a customized instance of the NetWire RAT using the product’s Builder Tool,” according to the affidavit in support of the seizure warrant. While the website marketed NetWire as a legitimate business tool to maintain computer infrastructure, the affidavit states that NetWire is a malware used for malicious purposes, the software was advertised on hacking forums, and numerous cyber security companies and government agencies have documented instances of the NetWire RAT being used in criminal activity. “Today’s action is a testament to the innovation and flexibility necessary to fighting cybercriminals who operate without borders,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Our office will continue to forge international alliances to protect our communities from cyber threats. Criminals used NetWire on a global scale, and we have responded by dismantling the infrastructure that has caused untold harm to victims around the world.” “By removing the Netwire RAT, the FBI has impacted the criminal cyber ecosystem,” said Donald Alway, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The global partnership that led to the arrest in Croatia also removed a popular tool used to hijack computers in order to perpetuate global fraud, data breaches and network intrusions by threat groups and cyber criminals.” The referenced media source is missing and needs to be re-embedded. This matter is the result of the United States’ strong law enforcement cooperation with Croatia and other global partners. The FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office; the Croatia Ministry of the Interior, Criminal Police Directorate; Zurich Cantonal Police in Switzerland; the Europol European Cybercrime Center; and the Australian Federal Police conducted the investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa Feldman of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section and Maxwell Coll of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section obtained the seizure warrant for the internet domain. The Office of International Affairs in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division provided substantial assistance during the investigation.


title: Ipswich Man Sentenced for Child Pornography Offenses

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – An Ipswich man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material photo (CSAM). Julien Toulotte, 24, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 104 months in prison and five years of supervised release, as well as restitution to multiple minor victims. In November 2022, Toulotte pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. In mid-January 2021, Toulotte began communicating with an undercover agent purporting to be a 15-year-old girl through social media applications. Toulotte sent multiple nude photos of himself and encouraged the purported teenager to send photos of herself in return and asked to meet. In late-January 2021, Toulotte began communicating over the internet with the undercover agent, purporting to be an adult female with whom Toulotte had previously been communicating with on-line and to whom he had previously sent photo depicting CSAM. In February 2021, Toulotte sent two videos depicting CSAM to the undercover agent purporting to be the adult female. On March 11, 2021, a search of Toulotte’s residences in Ipswich and Boston resulted in the recovery of his electronic devices. One of the electronic devices contained approximately 385 videos and approximately 320 images depicting CSAM – including child pornography videos and images depicting infants and toddlers. CSAM was also found on other electronic devices seized on that date and on another date in this case. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Ipswich Police Chief Paul Nikas; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and Lincoln Police Chief A. Kevin Kennedy made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: St. Louis County Tax Preparer Indicted, Accused of Falsifying Tax Returns

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A tax preparer from St. Louis County has been indicted by a federal grand jury and accused of falsifying 11 tax returns from 2018 to 2021 by adding a total of $252,577 in fraudulent deductions. Elisa Y. Brown, 57, was indicted February 22 on 11 counts of assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. The indictment says she falsely represented that the taxpayers were entitled to deductions for items including medical and dental expenses, gifts and unreimbursed employee expenses. Each charge carries a penalty of up to three years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. “This indictment serves as a reminder to choose a return preparer carefully, said IRS – Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas Murdock of the St. Louis Field Office. “While dishonest return preparers use a number of ways to cheat the government, it’s still the taxpayer’s responsibility to know what is on their return.” Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case was investigated by IRS - Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Roy is prosecuting the case.


title: Recidivist Defendant Sentenced for Possessing Child Pornography While on Federal Supervised Release for Previous Child Pornography Offense

body_text: BOSTON – An Auburn man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Worcester for a child pornography charge. Christopher Rondeau, 37, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In October 2022, Rondeau pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. He has remained in federal custody since his arrest in November 2020. During a search of Rondeau’s residence in November 2020, a cell phone was found containing images and videos of child pornography. In 2016, Rondeau was convicted of receipt of child pornography and sentenced to 68 months in prison and seven years of supervised release. He was released from federal custody in August 2019 and was on supervised release at the time of his November arrest. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Auburn Police Chief Todd. R. Lemon; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Browning man sentenced for assaulting teenage girl

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to assaulting and kicking a teenage girl in the face during an argument on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced on March 8 to five months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. Jasper Ryan Rattler, 20, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The government alleged in court documents that on Feb. 12, 2021, Rattler was consuming alcohol with the then 16-year-old victim, identified as Jane Doe. After getting into an argument, Rattler assaulted the victim, including kicking her in the face. The assault caused the victim substantial injuries. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Myers and Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Spokane Law Enforcement Services. XXX


title: Nash County Armed Meth Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Trafficking Kilograms of the Drug

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A Nash County man was sentenced yesterday to 180 months in prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy with direct ties to Mexico. On December 7, 2022, Sean Jermaine Mills pled guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm to further his drug trafficking activity. According to court documents and other information presented in court, Mills, 41, sold methamphetamine in May of 2022 to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent who had ordered the substance directly from a supplier in Mexico. On May 17, 2022, investigators with DEA and the Nash County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants at Mills’ residences in Nashville and Castalia where they seized approximately 2.5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 4.4 kilograms of cocaine, 82 grams of crack cocaine, five firearms, and $54,520 in U.S. currency. “I commend the hard work from the Nash County Sheriff's Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Attorney’s Office,” said Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone. “We strive to build strong partnerships with our federal and local agencies to prevent criminals like this from destroying our communities.” Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Nash County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Webb prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-CR-183-BO. ###


title: Missouri Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison on Child Pornography Charges

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man from Montgomery City, Missouri was sentenced Thursday to seven years in prison for possessing child pornography. U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp ordered the sentence to run consecutive to whatever Austin E. Pearson, 23, receives on a pending state case. Judge Schelp also ordered Pearson to pay $39,500 restitution to the victims that have been identified in the child sexual abuse material he possessed. After his release from prison, Pearson will be on supervised release for life. Pearson pleaded guilty in November to one felony count of possession of child pornography. He admitted possession of over 60 files containing child pornography in a Google account, 68 videos in his Dropbox account and more than 200 files on his iPhone and hard drives. Among the victims appearing in those files were children who appeared to be toddler-age being sexually assaulted, Pearson’s plea says. The case was investigated by the St. Charles County Cyber Crime Task Force and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Felon with Two Prior Robbery Convictions Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery of Evansville Circle K

body_text: EVANSVILLE- Darion Cartwright, 33, of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to armed robbery and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. According to court documents, on July 8, 2019, Cartwright entered the Circle K Kangaroo Express located on South Kentucky Avenue in Evansville, Indiana and robbed an employee at gunpoint. After brandishing a .22 caliber revolver and threatening the employee, Cartwright walked away with approximately $365. Evansville Police Department (EPD) Officers were alerted to the robbery and quickly asked for assistance from the public by providing security camera images of Cartwright’s unique arm tattoos. Later that same evening, EPD officers were dispatched to the Arbors at Eastland Apartment Complex on a report of intimidation. The victim told officers that Cartwright forced her to drive him to an Enterprise Car Rental and rent a vehicle for him. Cartwright threatened the victim, telling her that “bad things were going to happen” if she did not comply with his demands. The victim used her information to pay for a rental Dodge Journey for Cartwright to use. Officers obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and for Cartwright’s apartment unit. After a short stand-off with a SWAT team, Cartwright exited the apartment and was taken into custody. During a search of the Dodge Journey, officers recovered a black duffle bag that contained synthetic marijuana, 54.1 grams of methamphetamine, the same .22 caliber revolver used in the Circle K robbery, and $431 in cash. Prior to his arrest, Cartwright was convicted of felony Armed Robbery and felony Robbery in Vanderburgh County. These previous felony convictions prohibit Cartwright from lawfully possessing a firearm. United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A Myers and Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office made the announcement. “This repeat, armed robber has been a menace to the people of Vanderburgh County,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “His violent crimes have no place in our communities, and we are safer with him behind federal prison bars. I commend the bravery of the victim who sought assistance from law enforcement officers, and the work of the FBI and Evansville Police Department to ensure he is held responsible for his actions.” “The success of this case highlights the hard work of our agents and law enforcement partners to identify and remove a violent individual such as this from our streets and ensure residents feel safe in their community,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “We remain committed to holding those who engage in criminal activity accountable for their crimes.” The FBI investigated this case with valuable assistance provided by the Evansville Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young. Judge Young also ordered that Cartwright be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison. Cartwright must also pay $365 in restitution to Circle K. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Matthew B. Miller, who prosecuted this 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. ###


title: Former Goldman Sachs Managing Director Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for His Role in Massive Bribery and Money Laundering Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today, Ng Chong Hwa, also known as “Roger Ng,” a citizen of Malaysia and a former Managing Director of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (Goldman Sachs), was sentenced by United States District Judge Margo K. Brodie to 10 years’ imprisonment for conspiring to launder billions of dollars embezzled from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), conspiring to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) by paying more than $1.6 billion in bribes to a dozen government officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi, and conspiring to violate the FCPA by circumventing the internal accounting controls of Goldman Sachs. The forfeiture amount will be determined at a later date. In April 2022, Ng was convicted by a federal jury on all counts following a nine-week trial. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Kenneth A. Polite, Jr., Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Tyler Hatcher, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office (IRS-CI), announced the sentence. “Roger Ng was a central player in a brazen and audacious scheme that not only victimized the people of Malaysia, but also risked undermining the public’s confidence in governments, markets, businesses and other institutions on a global scale,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Today’s sentence serves as a just punishment for the defendant’s crimes and a warning that there is a significant price to pay for corporate corruption.” “Today, Roger Ng was sentenced for his role in a massive and egregious bribery and money laundering scheme involving the bribery of high-level foreign officials in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates and theft of billions of dollars meant to benefit the Malaysian people,” stated Assistant Attorney General Polite. “The Justice Department remains firmly committed to holding accountable individuals who engage in corruption, undermine the rule of law, and abuse our financial system to launder their illicit funds. This sentence sends a strong message to criminals around the world: if you violate our laws, we will bring you to justice.” “Roger Ng, a former Managing Director of Goldman Sachs, played a significant role in a corrupt financial scheme to launder billions of dollars embezzled from 1MDB that ultimately victimized the people of Malaysia. Today’s sentence serves as both punishment for Ng’s crimes and a stark reminder to those who endeavor to engage in similar conduct – the FBI and our partners remain vigilant in combatting corruption in all its forms,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Driscoll. “The 1MDB case and the sentencing of Mr. Ng, highlight IRS Criminal Investigation’s enforcement efforts to abolish international bribery schemes. U.S. Financial Institutions have safeguards in place to combat these frauds and Mr. Ng intentionally circumvented these safeguards. This sentence is a testament to what happens when you break US laws to bribe international government officials,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent-in-Charge Hatcher. “This case represents a model for domestic and international cooperation in significant cross-border money laundering investigations and we are proud of our domestic and international law enforcement partners in this complex financial investigation.” 1MDB is a Malaysian state-owned and controlled fund created to pursue investment and development projects for the economic benefit of Malaysia and its people. Ng was employed as a Managing Director by various subsidiaries of Goldman Sachs and acted as an agent and employee of Goldman Sachs from approximately 2005 to May 2014. Between approximately 2009 and 2014, Ng conspired with others to launder billions of dollars misappropriated and fraudulently diverted from 1MDB, including funds 1MDB raised in 2012 and 2013 through three bond transactions it executed with Goldman Sachs, known as “Project Magnolia,” “Project Maximus,” and “Project Catalyze.” As part of the scheme, Ng and others, including Tim Leissner, the former Southeast Asia Chairman and participating managing director of Goldman Sachs, and co-defendant Low Taek Jho, a wealthy Malaysian socialite also known as “Jho Low,” conspired to pay more than a billion dollars in bribes to a dozen government officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi to obtain and retain lucrative business for Goldman Sachs, including the 2012 and 2013 bond deals. They also conspired to launder the proceeds of their criminal conduct through the U.S. financial system by funding major Hollywood films such as “The Wolf of Wall Street,” and purchasing, among other things, artwork from New York-based Christie’s auction house including a $51 million Jean-Michael Basquiat painting, a $23 million diamond necklace, millions of dollars in Hermes handbags from a dealer based on Long Island, and luxury real estate in Manhattan. Ng, Leissner, Low and their co-conspirators used Low’s close relationships with high-ranking government officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi to obtain and retain business for Goldman Sachs through the promise and payment of hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes. In the course of executing the scheme, Ng conspired with others at Goldman Sachs to circumvent the investment bank’s internal accounting controls. Through its work for 1MDB during that time, Goldman Sachs received approximately $600 million in fees and revenues, while Ng received more than $35 million for his role in the bribery and money laundering scheme. In total, Ng and the other co-conspirators misappropriated more than $2.7 billion from 1MDB. As proven at trial, Ng spent years cultivating a relationship with Low in order to get him to bring business to Goldman Sachs. In the process of doing so, Ng attempted to onboard Low as a private wealth management client for Goldman Sachs and, when confronted with questions from Goldman Sachs compliance personnel about Low’s government connections and source of wealth, lied about the extent of his relationship with Low; Ng communicated with Low about business opportunities using personal email accounts to avoid detection by Goldman Sachs compliance personnel; and Ng and Leissner attempted to work with Low on a series of side deals that were not disclosed to Goldman Sachs, and in one such potential deal, Ng, Leissner and Low discussed paying a bribe to get a deal completed. With respect to the charged conduct, the trial evidence shows that Ng was instrumental in creating the structure of the bond deals, which enabled the theft of billions of dollars, and in lying to Goldman Sachs about Low’s involvement in the deals and the payment of bribes and kickbacks in order to get the deals approved. To receive his $35 million in kickbacks, Ng set up a shell company in the name of his mother-in-law, and he and his wife used a bank account in the name of that company, in addition to a number of other bank accounts in the names of family members, to conceal and further launder his ill-gotten gains. And when news about the 1MDB scheme started to become public, Ng deleted the contents of four email accounts that had been used in furtherance of the crimes, and lied to law enforcement authorities in Malaysia and Singapore investigating the scheme. Low remains a fugitive. In August 2018, Leissner pleaded guilty to a two-count criminal information charging him with conspiring to launder money and conspiring to violate the FCPA by both paying bribes to various Malaysian and Abu Dhabi officials and circumventing the internal accounting controls of Goldman Sachs. Leissner has been ordered to forfeit $43 million and shares of stock valued at more than $200 million. Leissner is awaiting sentencing. In October 2020, Goldman Sachs and Goldman Sachs (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (GS Malaysia), its Malaysian subsidiary, admitted to conspiring to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA in connection with the scheme. Goldman Sachs entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Fraud Section and Money Laundering and Asset Forfeiture Section (MLARS), and GS Malaysia pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York to a one-count criminal information. Goldman Sachs also paid more than $2.9 billion as part of a coordinated resolution with criminal and civil authorities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and elsewhere. The investigation was jointly conducted by the FBI’s International Corruption Unit and IRS-Criminal Investigation. The government’s criminal case is being handled by the Business and Securities Fraud Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, MLARS and the Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Alixandra E. Smith, Drew G. Rolle and Dylan Stern, and MLARS Chief Brent Wible and FCPA Chief David Last are prosecuting the case ; Jennifer Ambuehl, former Chief of MLARS’ Bank Integrity Unit, also prosecuted the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Tanisha Payne and Brian Morris of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section are handling forfeiture matters. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided critical assistance in this case. The Department also appreciates the significant cooperation and assistance provided by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System along with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The Department also appreciates the significant assistance provided by the government of Malaysia, including the Attorney General’s Chambers of Malaysia, the Royal Malaysia Police and NCB Interpol Malaysia. The Department also appreciates the significant assistance provided by the Attorney General’s Chambers of Singapore, the Singapore Police Force-Commercial Affairs Division, the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland, the Judicial Investigating Authority of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the Criminal Investigation Department of the Grand-Ducal Police of Luxembourg. The Defendant : NG CHONG HWA (also known as “Roger Ng”) Age: 50 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-538 (MKB)


title: Grand Junction Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing Two Children

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: Grand Junction – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces a federal judge today sentenced Michael Tracy McFadden, age 51, of Grand Junction, to life in federal prison after being convicted of crossing state lines with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor under the age of 12, and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity. According to facts presented at trial, McFadden was a long-haul truck driver who took at least two children on multiple trips out of state. Over a span of at least six years, McFadden repeatedly sexually assaulted the children, both in his home in Grand Junction and in his semi truck in other states. Two of his victims bravely testified at trial, relating to the jury the countless times McFadden abused them. Judge Christine M. Arguello sentenced the defendant on March 6, 2023. Judge Arguello presided over the five-day trial. The jury returned its guilty verdict on November 14, 2022. McFadden was previously charged and convicted in state court with sexual assault of six separate children. However, his convictions were overturned on appeal due to a speedy trial violation, preventing any further state court prosecution. Upon learning this, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Denver Division immediately launched an investigation into potential federal violations. McFadden was indicted by a federal grand jury in 2019, and rearrested on federal charges. "As U.S. Attorney, my office is committed to ensuring that those who prey on innocent children are held accountable for their heinous crimes. Today's sentencing of Michael McFadden is a testament to our unwavering dedication to justice for victims of child sexual abuse,” said United States Attorney Cole Finegan. “Of course, no punishment will make the victims and their families whole or give them back what the defendant stole from them. But a sentence that ensures the defendant will never be free in any community ever again will at least send the right message—that perpetrators of this kind of horrendous, unforgivable crime will die in prison.” “This predator took advantage of the trusting nature inherent in children and committed unspeakable assaults against his young victims," said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “The FBI prioritizes the safety of society's most vulnerable citizens and will continue to relentlessly pursue criminals who target children.” The investigation in this case was conducted by the FBI Denver Division with substantial assistance from the Grand Junction Police Department and the 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Andrea Surratt and former Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy Chaffin. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page. CASE NUMBER: 19-CR-243


title: Scottsdale Man Convicted of Investment Fraud

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Last week, David Allen Harbour, 49, of Scottsdale, Arizona, was found guilty by a federal jury on six counts of Wire Fraud and 11 counts of Transactional Money Laundering. On Tuesday, Harbour pleaded guilty to one count of Tax Evasion, which resolved two pending trials scheduled for later this month. Sentencing is scheduled for June 5, 2023, before United States District Judge Douglas L. Rayes. Harbour acted as a self-styled investment advisor who defrauded numerous victims between 2007 and 2021. The total loss to investors exceeded $20 million, which Harbour diverted to fund his lavish lifestyle. Harbour’s extravagant expenditures included: private jet travel; country club memberships in Arizona, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; million-dollar speedboats; stays at luxury hotels; expensive jewelry; and a private 40th birthday concert by the Eagles. “For his brazen lies that defrauded numerous victims out of more than $20 million, the defendant now justifiably faces the potential of a lengthy prison term,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to deterring investment fraud and holding wrongdoers accountable to help protect our citizens’ financial security and to vindicate the tireless efforts of our law enforcement partners.” This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin M. Rapp and Coleen Schoch, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-19-00898-PHX-DLR (DMF) RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-030_Harbour # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Brooklyn High School Paraprofessional Sentenced to 15 Years for Production of Child Pornography and Sextortion Scheme

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Brian Quinones was sentenced by United States District Judge Hector Gonzalez to 15 years in prison for sexually exploiting a child. As part of his sentence, Quinones will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. Quinones pleaded guilty to the charge in September 2022. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the sentence. “The defendant’s sextortion of a minor is unconscionable, cruel, and deserving of the punishment he received today in order to protect our communities for the lifetime of harm he has inflicted on his victims,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “I urge parents and caregivers to have frank conversations with their children about the dangers of communicating online with strangers who can pretend to be anyone or anything while making inappropriate requests for photos and videos.” Mr. Peace thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, and the New York City Police Department for their investigative work on the case. Between September 2019 and January 2020, Quinones, who worked as a paraprofessional (a teaching assistant) at Midwood High School, used an instant messaging mobile application to trade dozens of videos and images depicting child pornography with another individual who has since been charged with child pornography-related offenses. Following a court-authorized search of Quinones’s residence and the seizure of his electronic devices, FBI special agents discovered a series of sexually explicit messages between Quinones, who was impersonating a woman, and a minor male victim, who Quinones lured into creating and sending sexually explicit videos. Quinones then threatened to post the victim’s material on the Internet unless the victim agreed to make additional sexually explicit content. For example, Quinones discussed an extortion scheme in a series of direct messages with another user on his Twitter account, urging the other user: “Threaten him to do more . . . I like making boys into slaves[.]” This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes section. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Silverberg is in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant : BRIAN QUINONES Age: 30 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-218


title: Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Committing Murder To Maintain and Increase Position in Chicago Street Gang

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

body_text: CHICAGO — A federal judge has sentenced a Chicago man to life in prison for committing murder to maintain and increase his position in a violent Chicago street gang. PIERRE ROBINSON, 29, of Chicago, was found guilty of committing murder in aid of racketeering by a federal jury in August, 2022. The jury returned its verdict after a four-day trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago. On March 6, 2023, U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr., sentenced Robinson to life in prison. The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Christopher C. Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Albert Berry III and Margaret Steindorf. Evidence at trial revealed that Robinson murdered Glenn Houston, Jr., on Dec. 23, 2014, for the purpose of maintaining and increasing Robinson’s position in the Evans Mob street gang. Robinson shot Houston, 23, multiple times inside a store in the 400 block of East 79th Street in the Chatham neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side. The Evans Mob, also known as “GuttaGang” and “Hitz Squad,” is a criminal organization whose members and associates engaged in narcotics trafficking and committed acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, and assault, to acquire and preserve the gang’s territory on the South Side of Chicago. Members of the Evans Mob used social media to publicly claim responsibility for their acts of violence, taunt rival gang members, and took steps to prevent law enforcement’s detection of its criminal activities. During the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Tharp determined that Robinson was also involved in the murder and attempted murder of two other individuals, Hammood Dawoudi and DeShawn Danzler, on June 18, 2015.


title: Local trafficker gets substantial sentence for distributing meth

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 24-year-old Houston resident has been ordered to federal prison for his role in trafficking drugs in the metro area, announced Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Alberto Serna pleaded guilty Oct. 27, 2022, to possession with the intent to distribute meth. Today, U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt sentenced Serna to serve 168 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard evidence that Serna was held accountable for 7,513 grams of meth. “Meth kills and destroys entire communities, and my office will use all means necessary to stop the proliferation of toxic drugs that inflict harm on our citizens” said Hamdani. “You can’t sell kilograms of drugs in the Southern District of Texas without paying a hefty price, and today’s sentence represents that.” On April 15, 2022, law enforcement learned Serna would be transporting a large amount of narcotics. They conducted surveillance and observed Serna committing suspicious activity. A joint effort led to a traffic stop, at which time authorities inspected his vehicle and discovered over eight kilograms of meth. The drugs had an estimated street value of $130,000. At the time of his plea, Serna admitted he possessed the meth with the intent to distribute it. Serna has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Harris County Precinct 3 Constable’s office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart A. Burns prosecuted the case.


title: 6 traffickers convicted for smuggling meth for Michoacan cartel

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – Five U.S. citizens and one Mexican national have been convicted of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute a total of approximately 75 kilograms of meth associated with an independent drug cartel located in Michoacan, Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Gerardo Martinez, 63, Laredo, pleaded guilty to leading a conspiracy to bring meth into the United States from Mexico and on to San Antonio, Dallas and beyond. Maria Valdez, 30, Rodrigo Sandoval, 31, and Karina Garcia, 26, all also of Laredo, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy as did Mexican national Jose Alfredo Cruz-Salas, 37, and Ernesto Diaz-Velazquez, 40, Dallas. The investigation revealed a complex conspiracy which began Feb. 1, 2017, and continued through Sept. 29, 2018. Martinez assisted drug traffickers in Mexico by finding and recruiting drivers willing to transport large quantities of high-purity meth through Laredo and further into the United States. As part of his plea today, Martinez admitted to coordinating five drug trafficking events involving the illegal distribution of meth through Laredo. Sandoval, Cruz-Salas, Valdez, Diaz-Velazquez and Garcia each previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to deliver and transport meth through Laredo while working for Martinez. Martinez maintained a front as an independent taxi driver while working on behalf of the Michoacan cartel. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, each faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine. All six have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation Codigo Siete with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Laredo Police Department and Webb County Sheriff’s Office. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, mutlti-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage . Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.