title: Former U.S. Navy Service Member Sentenced for $2 Million Insurance Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 17, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Christopher Toups, who at the time of his crimes was a chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy, was sentenced in federal court to 30 months in prison after admitting that he and others defrauded an insurance program meant to compensate service members who suffer serious and debilitating injuries while on active duty. Toups’ sentence followed his guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to his plea agreement, participants in the scheme obtained approximately $2 million in payments from fraudulent claims submitted to Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Program, or TSGLI, and Toups personally obtained about $400,000. TSGLI was funded by service members and the Department of the Navy. Toups admitted that from 2012 to at least December 2015, he conspired with his then-spouse Kelene McGrath, Navy Dr. Michael Villarroel, and others to obtain money from the United States by making claims for life insurance payments based on exaggerated or fake injuries and disabilities. “Lying and stealing funds meant for injured service members is appalling,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting those who serve, and this case is an excellent example of law enforcement collaboration to do just that.” “ Fraudulently filing claims for unearned benefits diverts compensation from deserving service members who suffered serious and debilitating injuries while on active duty,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebeccalynn Staples with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Western Field Office. “This sentence holds the defendant accountable for his egregious actions, and the VA OIG will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure schemes like this are uncovered, investigated, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” “Mr. Toups participated in a fraud scheme that defrauded the American taxpayer and diverted vital money, care, and resources from service members recovering from traumatic injuries,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office. “This sentence demonstrates the commitment of NCIS and its partners to combatting fraud that harms the Department of the Navy and its warfighters.” “Stealing from a program set in place to aid injured and disabled servicemembers diverts compensation from deserving individuals,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “Willingly defrauding the American people, especially those who protect our country, will not be tolerated. The FBI will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to ensure those who commit such acts are held accountable.” According to the plea agreement, in addition to submitting his own TSGLI claims based on fake injuries and disabilities, Toups encouraged numerous current or former Navy service members to submit claims and sometimes told them to provide medical records to McGrath. McGrath, a nurse, falsified or doctored medical records to exaggerate or fake injuries. Villarroel certified that he reviewed the records and determined activities of daily living were lost or impaired and consistent with the claimed injuries as required for claims to be processed and qualify, at times supporting the determination by falsely stating he interviewed the claimant. Villarroel also, at times, provided others’ medical records for McGrath to use in fabricating claims. Toups admitted that he encouraged recipients of claim payments to give him part of the money, sometimes characterizing it as a “processing fee.” McGrath and Villarroel received part of the kickback depending on their involvement in the claim. Toups paid Villarroel in cash and by cashier’s check. At times, Toups and others conducted financial transactions in amounts under $10,000 to evade perceived financial reporting requirements. According to court records, Toups and his co-defendants were part of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit One (“EOD ESU One”), based in Coronado, California. Toups was a Chief Petty Officer Construction Mechanic. DEFENDANT 18CR1674-JLS Christopher Toups 46 White, GA RELATED CASES Kelene Meyer 18CR1674-JLS Jacksonville, FL Dr. Michael Villarroel 18CR1674-JLS Coronado, CA Paul Craig 18CR1674-JLS Austin, TX Richard Cote 18CR1674-JLS Oceanside, CA Earnest Thompson 18CR1674-JLS Murrieta, CA Ronald Olmsted 20CR0659-JLS Mobile, AL Anthony Coco 20CR0197-JLS San Diego, CA Stephen Mulholland 20CR0052-JLS Panama City Beach, FL SUMMARY OF CHARGES Toups: 18 U.S.C. § 1349, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution Others: 18 U.S.C. § 1349, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution 18 U.S.C. § 1343, Wire Fraud Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution 18 U.S.C. § 287, Making a False Claim Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison, $250,000 fine AGENCIES Federal Bureau of Investigation Naval Criminal Investigative Service Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Rhode Island Man Sentenced to Over One Year in Prison for Wide-Ranging Drug Conspiracy

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Rhode Island man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for his role in a wide-ranging cocaine trafficking conspiracy. Hector Matos, 32, of Pawtucket, R.I, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 13 months in prison and two years of supervised release. In May 2021, Matos pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Following a fatal fentanyl overdose in September 2018, an investigation began into a drug trafficking organization in the Fitchburg area. Beginning in July 2019, court authorized interceptions of wire and electronic communications to and from telephones used by members and suppliers of the drug trafficking organization revealed that Torres was a cocaine dealer who supplied cocaine to the drug trafficking organization. Over the course of the investigation, over 1.8 kilograms of a heroin/fentanyl mixture, over 3.6 kilograms of cocaine, over 50 grams of crack cocaine, a stolen loaded handgun, drug manufacturing equipment and over $376,000 in U.S. currency were seized. Matos is the 14th defendant to be sentenced in this case. All 18 defendants have been convicted – either by guilty plea or jury conviction following trial. The remaining convicted defendants are scheduled to be sentenced in October and November 2023. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. The Fitchburg and Lunenburg Police Departments, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Massachusetts State Police provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea Porter and Sarah Hoefle of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Two sentenced for federal drug crimes in West Virginia

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two people were sentenced for drug trafficking charges in the Northern District of West Virginia. Brandy Hanshaw, also known as Brandy Deberry, age 40, of Lumberport, West Virginia, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. According to court documents, Hanshaw sold methamphetamine in Harrison County. The investigation connected at least 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine to Hanshaw. In a separate case, Lewis Johnson, age 35, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, Johnson was one of 11 defendants charged in a drug trafficking conspiracy that stretched from Detroit to Monongalia County. Investigators conducted a search warrant of Johnson’s hotel room and vehicle in Morgantown and found fentanyl. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the Hanshaw case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the Johnson case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated the Hanshaw case. The Johnson case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.


title: Three Springfield Men Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Nearly 38 Kilos of Fentanyl

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Three Springfield, Mo., men were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in a conspiracy that distributed nearly 38 kilograms of fentanyl in southwest Missouri and resulted in several overdose deaths. Darryl Turner, also known as “D,” 59, Elmer E. Freeman, also known as “Duck,” 56, and Robert D. Huddleston, 49, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips. Turner was sentenced to 23 years and eight months in federal prison without parole. Freeman was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison without parole. Huddleston was sentenced to five years in federal prison without parole. Turner and Freeman each pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in Greene County from Jan. 31, 2019, to May 18, 2020. Huddleston pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl. Co-defendant James D. Collins, also known as “Red,” 49, of Battlefield, Mo., was the leader of the drug-trafficking conspiracy. Collins transported at least 300 grams of fentanyl by vehicle from either St. Louis, Mo., or Chicago, Illinois, to Springfield twice a week. Collins then distributed fentanyl to co-conspirators, including Turner, who is described in court documents as Collins’s right-hand man. Turner distributed fentanyl to Freeman, who then distributed fentanyl to others. During the time of the conspiracy, according to court documents, Turner was participating in the Greene County, Mo., drug court program. One call intercepted by investigators revealed Turner conducting fentanyl business with Collins while he was simultaneously on the computer completing tasks associated with the drug court program. According to court documents, Collins is responsible for the distribution of 37.8 kilograms of fentanyl. Multiple overdose deaths occurred related to Collins’s distribution of fentanyl. After he was incarcerated in the Greene County Jail, Collins bragged to his cellmate about multiple overdoses caused by the drugs he was distributing. Court documents cite three individuals, who are not identified by name, who overdosed and died. For example, in March 2020, Freeman sold fentanyl (supplied by Turner) to Randi Highfill, who in turn, distributed the fentanyl to an individual identified in court documents as “J.G.” J.G. died, and Highfill pleaded guilty in state court to involuntary manslaughter and delivery of a controlled substance in connection with this incident. On Oct. 22, 2019, another individual identified in court documents as “J.W.” overdosed and died. Collins was sentenced on June 21, 2023, to 30 years in federal prison without parole. Ten defendants in this case have been sentenced and two defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing. According to court documents, Collins led a conspiracy that was distributing significant amounts of fentanyl laced with an assortment of other dangerous substances, including xylazine. The DEA recently issued a Public Safety Alert warning about the newly widespread threat of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” is a powerful sedative that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for veterinary use. Because xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone (Narcan) does not reverse its effects. As a result, xylazine and fentanyl drug mixtures place users at a higher risk of suffering a fatal drug poisoning. Moreover, people who inject drug mixtures containing xylazine also can develop severe wounds, including necrosis—the rotting of human tissue—that may lead to amputation. Lab results indicate that fentanyl seized from Collins’s residence contained fentanyl, tramadol, cocaine, and xylazine. Fentanyl seized from one of his co-conspirators contained fentanyl, tramadol, and xylazine. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica R. Eatmon and Cameron A. Beaver. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Phelps County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force This case is part of an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: KC Woman Sentenced for Fraud Schemes, Identity Theft

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for a series of fraud schemes that utilized stolen identity information. Quanisha M. Capelton, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to four years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Capelton to pay $40,675 in restitution to her victims. On Nov. 15, 2022, Capelton pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to a financial institution, one count of bank fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of wire fraud. Capelton admitted she impersonated individuals and used their stolen personal information and credit scores to open accounts or apply for loans. Capelton specifically admitted that she used one victim’s stolen identity information to open a bank account and apply for a $2,500 loan. According to court documents, she used this victim’s stolen identity information to open an AT&T account, fraudulently obtain at least eight loans from various lenders, and attempt to obtain loans from at least two financial institutions. She was arrested at one of the banks while attempting to obtain a loan in the victim’s name. In total, Capelton intended to cause a loss of $36,128 through the utilization of this victim’s personal information. Capelton also specifically admitted that she used another victim’s stolen identity information to apply for a $4,500 consumer loan. According to court documents, about 20 months after her above-referenced arrest, Capelton began using this victim’s stolen identity information to fraudulently finance a diamond ring through Kay Jewelers and apply for at least three separate loans. Capelton intended to cause a financial loss of $18,369 through the utilization of this victim’s personal information. According to court documents, Capelton executed multiple fraudulent schemes. In addition to the bank fraud scheme and the wire fraud scheme to which she specifically admitted, she participated in a check-cashing scheme from April 2019 to December 2021. Capelton deposited worthless or stolen checks into numerous bank accounts. She then impersonated the account holders in order to withdraw as much money as possible before the bank became aware the deposited checks were worthless or stolen. Capelton personally deposited at least 52 worthless or stolen checks in eight different bank accounts, totaling $108,200, of which Capelton made fraudulent withdrawals of approximately $35,509. The total intended loss of her fraud schemes was $162,697. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Heberle. It was investigated by the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.


title: Bank fraud, stolen identities send Billings man to prison for more than three years

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to using stolen bank cards and identities to make purchases around Billings was sentenced today to three and a half years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Jeremy Ray Fisher, 37, pleaded guilty in June to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $4,439 restitution. “In Billings, it has become far too common for people like Fisher to steal credit cards, as well as others’ identities, to go on spending sprees around Billings at the expense of law abiding citizens. And almost without exception, these criminals, like Fisher, are abusing drugs. He has rightfully earned a significant prison sentence for his actions, where he will join others we have previously prosecuted for similar conduct, and we will be unwavering in our pursuit of those who seek to follow in Fisher’s footsteps,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. “The defendant in this case stole identities and money from the victims and he is deserving of the sentence. This type of crime is reprehensible and causes significant losses and damage to the victims. The Billings Police Department, along with our partners, will be diligent in our investigations involving ID theft and fraud. Similarly, this sentence reflects the seriousness that the U.S. Attorney’s Office views these cases, and I thank them for their continued support,” Billings Police Chief Rich St. John said. In court documents, the government alleged that in August 2022, a victim, identified as Jane Doe, notified the Billings Police Department that a bank credit card had been stolen from her vehicle and used by someone earlier that day to make purchases around Billings. Jane Doe received fraud alerts from her bank notifying her that some purchases had been declined but two were successful. One of the successful transactions was made at a Cenex Zip Trip. An investigation identified Fisher on video surveillance as pulling up to the store, getting out of the passenger’s seat, entering the store and paying for an item and then driving away. Fisher later admitted to using stolen credit cards to make purchases and admitted to doing so at the Zip Trip. The government further alleged that Fisher had prior felony convictions and uses methamphetamine. When arrested, he was found to have stolen power tools, stolen coolers and the identification cards of multiple people. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Multiple Corporate Defendants Sentenced For Clean Air Act Violations

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: Court Orders Millions of Dollars in Fines for Disabling Emissions Controls on Semi-Trucks GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that two companies and several individuals have been sentenced for violating the Clean Air Act by engaging in an aftermarket scheme to disable the emissions control systems of semi-trucks. U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney confirmed the felony convictions of corporate defendants Accurate Truck Service, LLC, and Griffin Transportation, Inc., both of Grand Rapids, and ordered the businesses to pay a combined maximum fine of $1 million ($500,000 each) and serve a year of probation. Judge Maloney also sentenced the owners of these businesses. Craig Scholten and Ryan Bos were each fined $6,000 and sentenced to a four-month term of home detention as a portion of their one-year probation sentence. Douglas Larsen was fined $7,500 and sentenced to two-month home detention as part of a one-year probation sentence. Scott DeKock was fined $10,000 and received one year of probation. In imposing the sentences, Judge Maloney commented on the “systematic violations” of the Clean Air Act that occurred in this case. “This case is one of the largest of its kind ever charged in the United States and today’s sentences send a loud and clear message that polluters who break environmental laws will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Totten . “Environmental rules safeguard the water we drink, the lakes we fish, and the air we breathe. It’s critical that we protect our people and our planet from harmful pollutants.” The two companies, Douglas Larsen, Craig Scholten, Ryan Bos, and Scott DeKock all pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act. According to public records filed in the case, Accurate Truck Service, LLC, is owned by Larsen, Scholten, and Bos. Griffin Transportation, Inc., is owned by Scholten and Bos. DeKock used to own a shipping company involved in the scheme. Accurate Truck Service, LLC, removed or altered the hardware components of trucks with heavy-duty diesel engines; these components controlled the vehicles’ emissions. A separate company, Diesel Freak LLC, reprogrammed the engine computers of the trucks so that they would continue to function even after the hardware was removed or altered. This process is sometimes referred to as a “deletion,” that is, “deleting” the emissions controls from the vehicles. “Deleting” emissions controls from the vehicles can improve performance and fuel economy and save maintenance costs, but also causes significant detrimental environmental impacts. Tampering with or removing emissions controls can drastically increase the emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and non-methane hydrocarbons found in vehicle exhaust. Exposure to and inhalation of these chemicals at greater levels is associated with serious health risks. Griffin Transportation, Inc., and the company DeKock formerly owned engaged Accurate Truck Service, LLC, and Diesel Freak LLC to “delete” trucks owned, operated, or leased by the companies. During the conspiracy, Diesel Freak LLC was involved in at least 362 deletions; Accurate Truck Service, LLC, in at least 83 deletions; Griffin Transportation, Inc., in at least 12 deletions; and DeKock’s former company in at least 4 deletions. Diesel Freak LLC, Diesel Freak LLC’s owner, Ryan Lalone, and Diesel Freak employee Wade Lalone are scheduled for sentencing before Judge Maloney on December 11, 2023. “Exposure to diesel exhaust can lead to serious health conditions, such as asthma and respiratory illness, and contributes greatly to poor air quality -- concerns the defendants in this case ignored in favor of financial profit,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Lisa Matovic of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (“EPA-CID”). “The sentencings in this case show that EPA and our law enforcement partners will hold accountable individuals who disregard health and environmental laws designed to protect our communities from dangerous air pollution.” The purpose of the Clean Air Act is, among other things, “to protect and enhance the quality of the Nation’s air resources so as to promote the public health and welfare and the productive capacity of its population.” In passing the Act, Congress found that “the increasing use of motor vehicles[] has resulted in mounting dangers to the public health and welfare.” U.S. Attorney Totten also noted that those with information about other companies and individuals involved in tampering with emissions controls in connection with this investigation can contact EPA-CID at (734) 214-4913. General environmental violations can be reported to EPA through the website https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations . EPA-CID investigated the matters with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Investigation Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin M. Presant and Meagan Johnson prosecuted the cases. ###


title: Billings man indicted on multiple child sexual abuse, child pornography and other crimes dating back 31 years on Fort Belknap Indian Reservation

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Billings man, formerly of Hays, was arraigned today on a 20-count federal indictment alleging child sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, child pornography, aggravated sexual abuse and other crimes involving multiple victims dating back 31 years on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. James Kirby King, 57, pleaded not guilty to an indictment unsealed today in federal court. U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. King was detained pending further proceedings. As alleged in the indictment, from about 1992 to 2018 in Hays, on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, King sexually abused and attempted to sexually abuse minor children and adults. In addition, King is accused of drugging minor children and an adult while sexually abusing and attempting to sexually abuse them; incest; sexually exploiting children; and child pornography crimes. The indictment identifies the victims as two minor girls, a victim both as a minor girl and a female adult, a female adult and one minor boy. Some of the victims were under the age of 12 at the time, some were under the age of 16 and some were adults. The indictment charges King with: Aggravated sexual abuse of a child, three counts. Incest, four counts. Sexual exploitation of children, three counts. Aggravated sexual abuse—rendering unconscious and drugging victim, two counts. Sexual abuse, two counts. Attempted aggravated sexual abuse—rendering unconscious and drugging victim, one count. Attempted sexual abuse, one count. Sexual abuse of a minor, one count. Aggravated sexual abuse, one count. Attempted possession with the intent to sell child pornography in Indian Country, one count. Possession of child pornography in Indian Country, one count. If convicted of the most serious crime, King faces a maximum of life of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release. If you believe you are a victim of alleged sexual abuse by James Kirby King or have information related to the charged conduct in this case, please contact the FBI’s Havre Resident Agency: (406) 265-7181, option 20, and leave a message for the case agent. An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda L. Myers and Ryan G. Weldon are prosecuting the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-98. XXX


title: Kentucky Man and Businesses Plead Guilty to Environmental Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – David K. Smith, 68, of Paducah, Kentucky, River Marine Enterprises, LLC, and Western River Assets, LLC, pleaded guilty today to discharge of refuse into navigable waters. According to court documents and statements made in court, Western River Assets owned a towboat, the Gate City, that docked along the West Virginia shore of the Big Sandy River from at least 2010 until January 2018. River Marine Enterprises operated the Gate City during this time. Smith was the sole owner and officer of both River Marine Enterprises and Western River Assets, and was responsible for the operation of both companies. On or about January 10, 2018, the Gate City sank while docked, discharging oil and other substances into the Big Sandy River. The oil left a sheen on the river and oily deposits beneath the surface. As a direct result of the Gate City’s sinking and oil spill, the City of Kenova, West Virginia, closed its municipal drinking water intake for three days and various regulatory agencies took actions and expended resources to respond to the spill. Smith admitted that on December 5, 2017, the United States Coast Guard issued an administrative order that said in part that the Gate City presented an “imminent and substantial threat to the public health or welfare of the environment because of a threatened discharge of oil from the vessel.” The Coast Guard made that determination as the result of an inspection of the Gate City in or about November 2017. The administrative order required Smith to remove all oil and hazardous materials from the Gate City prior to January 31, 2018. Smith admitted that at the time of the January 2018 sinking and spill, he had yet to comply with the administrative order. Smith further admitted that River Marine Enterprises had contracted with a qualified business to remove oil from the Gate City, but that the contractor was not able to access the Gate City safely to remove the oil prior to January 10, 2018 because of site conditions. Smith, River Marine Enterprises and Western River Assets are scheduled to be sentenced on February 26, 2024. Smith faces at least 30 days and not more than one year in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $100,000 fine. River Marine Enterprises and Western River Assets each face fines of $200,000 and five years of federal probation. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division (EPA CID). Thompson also commended the U.S. Coast Guard, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, the West Virginia National Guard and other responders for their efforts to contain and clean up the oil spill. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes and Special Assistant United States Attorney Perry McDaniel are prosecuting the case. On May 5, 2022, the Department launched the Office of Environmental Justice and announced a comprehensive environmental justice enforcement strategy . Enforcement of this strategy relies upon meaningful engagement and transparency with impacted communities regarding environmental justice issues, efforts, and results. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia enforces federal laws to protect environmental quality and human health in all communities within the district. In coordination with components of the Justice Department, the United States Attorney’s Office will hold polluters accountable for their actions, prioritizing cases that will reduce public health and environmental harms to overburdened and underserved communities. More information is available on the Environmental Justice and Enforcement page of the website for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. The United States Attorney’s Office encourages the public to report suspected environmental violations within the district. Reports may be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency or by email, mail, or phone to the United States Attorney’s Office. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-5. ###


title: Bridgeport Man Charged with Trafficking Guns from Georgia to Connecticut

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging TYREE THOMAS, 36, of Bridgeport, with offenses relating to the illegal trafficking of firearms from Georgia to Connecticut. The indictment was returned on July 19, 2023, and Thomas was arrested in Florida on September 6. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and pleaded not guilty to the charges. As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, between approximately August 2021 and March 2022, Thomas traveled to Georgia for the purpose of acquiring firearms, and transported the firearms back to Connecticut where he sold or transferred them to others. Several of the firearms that Thomas acquired in Georgia have been recovered by law enforcement in Connecticut, including one that recovered in connection with a homicide. The indictment also alleges that Thomas was previously convicted in Connecticut state court of felony drug and failure to appear offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. The indictment charges Thomas with crossing state lines with the intent to engage in the unlawful dealing of firearms, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Thomas has been detained since his arrest. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Clark and Rahul Kale. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Mission man imprisoned for trafficking cocaine in truck dashboard

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 43-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison for trafficking cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. A federal jury convicted Juan Pablo Ramirez July 12 following a one-day trial for possession with the intent to distribute 5000 grams of cocaine. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ordered Ramirez to serve 108 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. The court heard details about his criminal history including his conviction for distributing meth. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the amount of drugs involved in the offense as well as his prior federal conviction for drug trafficking. On Jan. 19, Ramirez drove his truck to the Falfurrias Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint. At initial inspection, Ramirez consented to a z-portal examination of his truck. It revealed anomalies in his truck dashboard which turned out to be five packages of cocaine. The street value of the cocaine was approximately $100,000. Ramirez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, Jim Wells Police Department and Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Martin, John Lamont and John Marck prosecuted the case.


title: Crivitz Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for PPP Fraud

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on October 16, 2023, Robert J. Solberg (age: 39) of Crivitz, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison by Senior District Judge William C. Griesbach. According to court records, Solberg received $20,833 from the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) after applying to the U.S. Small Business Administration. To obtain the money, Solberg falsely claimed that he was not then under indictment or convicted of a felony. In fact, Solberg had months earlier pled guilty to conspiracy to commit odometer tampering and was awaiting sentencing in federal court. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Griesbach noted the aggravated nature of Solberg’s offense and rejected Solberg’s claim that he did not know how to answer the questions accurately. Although Solberg requested a minimal sentence, the judge determined that an 18-month term in federal prison was required to send a message to Solberg that theft from government programs, especially while awaiting sentencing on another criminal matter, would result in serious consequences. After serving his prison term, Solberg also will be required to spend three years on supervised release. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel R. Humble and Julie F. Stewart. # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Indictment Charges Honduran National with Illegally Reentering the U.S.

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging CHRISTIAN JAVIER AMAYA-AGUILAR, 26, a citizen of Honduras last residing in Danbury, with illegally reentering the United States after being deported. The indictment was returned on October 4, 2023, and Amaya-Aguilar appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge. Amaya-Aguilar has been detained on separate state charges since July 2, 2023. As alleged in the indictment, Amaya-Aguilar was deported from the U.S. following a felony conviction in May 2018 in Connecticut Superior Court for sexual assault in the first degree. On July 2, 2023, he was found in Danbury without having obtained the consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the U.S. If convicted of the charge of illegal reentry, Amaya-Aguilar faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean P. Mahard.


title: Pocatello Man Sentenced to Over 44 Years in Prison for Producing Child Pornography

component: Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section

body_text: POCATELLO – Hector Aguayo, 31, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 530 months in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also sentenced Aguayo to 15 years of supervised release, which will commence upon completing his prison sentence. Aguayo also will be required to register as a sex offender. Aguayo pleaded guilty on May 4, 2023. According to court records, law enforcement seized Aguayo’s iPad after a concerned citizen reported it contained child pornography. A search of the iPad identified 550 images and 198 videos of child pornography. Upon reviewing the images and videos, law enforcement discovered that Aguayo had produced child pornography with a prepubescent handicapped child. Videos show Aguayo raping the child. He later distributed the videos of this child on an internet messaging application. “This sentence shows our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society, our children,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Disabled children especially need our protection, and I am proud of our law enforcement partners whose tireless efforts led to a successful prosecution.” “HSI special agents won’t ever relent when it comes to protecting children and arresting individuals who prey on our most vulnerable,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Child sex abuse is one of the most serious crimes HSI investigates due to the lasting psychological and physical damage it can inflict on victims. We are proud to work closely with our law enforcement partners to make communities safer.” U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Idaho Falls Police Department, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pocatello Police Department, which led to the charges. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Shirts. 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. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud  and Aggravated Identity Theft

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. According to court documents and statements made in court, Anthony Craig Myrick, 45, of Jackson, opened an account at BankPlus in another person’s name. He received several $500 checks he knew to be counterfeit United States Treasury checks from a co-conspirator. Myrick and his co-conspirator deposited the counterfeit checks into the BankPlus account and cashed the checks before they were determined to be counterfeit. Myrick is scheduled to be sentenced on January 18, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 32 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis made the announcement. The U.S. Secret Service and Rankin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.


title: Five persons arrested in Great Falls fentanyl trafficking investigation arraigned on charges

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

body_text: GREAT FALLS — Five persons arrested as part of a multi-agency narcotics investigation appeared for arraignment today on federal indictments alleging fentanyl trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Officers from multiple federal, state, and local agencies arrested the five defendants on warrants as part of a coordinated takedown conducted on Oct. 12 in Great Falls. The five defendants are charged in three separate indictments alleging fentanyl trafficking in Cascade and Mineral counties. Each defendant pleaded not guilty and was detained pending further proceedings. U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. The defendants include: Alanna Corcoran, 41, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Corcoran faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. PACER case reference. 23-95. Natalie Crawford, 31, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Crawford faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. PACER case reference. 23-96. Michael McIntire, 56, of Great Falls; Terry McIntire, 44, of Great Falls; and Paul Regimbal, 50, of Fort Benton, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Terry McIntire also is charged with distribution of fentanyl. The defendants face a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. PACER case reference. 23-99. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and Great Falls Police Department, with assistance from the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Russell Country High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Marshals Service, conducted the investigation. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl . XXX


title: New Orleans Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Misprision of a Felon

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JASMINE GRIFFIN pled guilty to Counts 1 and 2 of a superseding bill of information before the U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo. Count 1 charged GRIFFIN with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343 and 371. Count 2 charged GRIFFIN with Misprision of a Felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 4. As to Count 1, GRIFFIN faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. As to Count 2, GRIFFIN faces a sentence of up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to one year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Her sentencing is scheduled for January 17, 2024. According to public documents, in 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated a group responsible for committing violent crimes and illegal drug trafficking, primarily in New Orleans East and the Ninth Ward. GRIFFIN, along with nine others, were indicted in December 2021, for their involvement in conspiracies to possess firearms, traffic drugs and commit armed robberies of drug dealers. Along with his co-conspirators, GRIFFIN committed wire fraud and misprision of a felony. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit and Elizabeth Privitera, Chief of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Former Oregon Corrections Nurse Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Assaulting Nine Female Inmates

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A former Oregon Department of Corrections employee was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison today for sexually assaulting nine female inmates while serving as a nurse at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, Oregon’s only women’s prison. Tony Daniel Klein, 39, of Clackamas County, Oregon, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that using a position of authority to prey on individuals in custody will never be tolerated by the Department of Justice. Holding Tony Klein accountable for his crimes would not have been possible without the courage and resolve of the women he abused and the dedication of our partners at the FBI and Civil Rights Division,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “The sentence in this case should send a significant message to any official working inside jails and prisons across our country, including those who provide medical care, that they will be held accountable when they sexually assault women inmates in their custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Women detained inside jails and prisons should be able to turn to medical providers for care and not subjected to exploitation by those bent on abusing their power and position. We will listen to and investigate credible allegations put forward by people who are sexually assaulted and, where appropriate, bring federal prosecutions. The Justice Department stands ready to hold accountable those who abuse their authority by sexual assaulting people in their custody and under their care.” “We know this prison sentence cannot undo the trauma Tony Klein inflicted on numerous victims, but we hope this brings them one step closer to healing,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “As a state prison nurse, Klein abused his position and abused multiple women, violating the public’s trust, while doing everything he could to avoid being caught. The investigators and prosecutors should be applauded for their efforts to hold Klein accountable, but we recognize this lengthy sentence is also because of a group of brave women who came forward and helped ensure that Klein was held accountable for being a sexual predator within Coffee Creek Correctional Facility.” According to court documents, from 2010 until January 2018, Klein served as a nurse at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon. In his position, Klein interacted with female inmates who either sought medical treatment or worked as orderlies in the prison’s medical unit. Aided by his access to the women and his position of power as a corrections employee, Klein sexually assaulted and engaged in nonconsensual sexual conduct with many female inmates entrusted to his care. By virtue of his position as a medical provider, Klein was often alone with his victims and assaulted many before, during, or after medical treatment. For women who worked in the medical unit, Klein manufactured reasons to get them alone in secluded areas such as medical rooms, janitor’s closets, or behind privacy curtains. Klein made it clear to his victims that he was in a position of power over them, and they would not be believed if they tried reporting his abuse. Fearing punishment if they fought back against or reported his conduct, most of Klein’s victims submitted to his unwanted advances or endured his assaults. On March 8, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Klein with multiple civil rights crimes. On July 25, 2023, a federal jury in Portland found Klein guilty of 17 counts of depriving his victims of their constitutional right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by sexual assault and four counts of perjury. This case was investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office. It was prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Cameron A. Bell, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Horsley assisted the trial team.


title: Las Vegas Police Officer Sentenced To 12 Years In Prison For Committing Three Casino Robberies

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officer was sentenced today by United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 12 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for robbing three casinos and stealing approximately $164,000 in total. In July 2023, following a four-day trial, a jury convicted Caleb Mitchell Rogers (33) of three counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. According to court documents, Rogers stole approximately $73,810 from a casino in the western part of Las Vegas on November 12, 2021. A few months later, on January 6, 2022, he robbed a casino in North Las Vegas of approximately $11,500. In both robberies, he walked directly to the casino’s cashier cage and demanded money from the cashiers. The third robbery occurred on February 27, 2022, in which Rogers ran toward two casino employees in the sportsbook area and yelled: “Get away from the money. I’ve got a gun. I will shoot you!” Rogers climbed over the counter and shoved one of the employees to the floor, before grabbing approximately $78,898 and placing it into a bag. Rogers fled when the employees triggered an alarm. As Rogers ran toward the parking garage, a casino security officer tackled him. Rogers drew a .357 caliber revolver and, with his finger on the trigger, threatened: “I’m going to shoot you!” Security officers were able to disarm Rogers and restrain him until LVMPD officers arrived. The officers arrested Rogers and seized his firearm. Checking the revolver’s serial number, officers learned that it belonged to the LVMPD. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement. This case was investigated by the FBI and the LVMPD. Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Cowhig and David Kiebler prosecuted the case. ###


title: District Man Sentenced to 97 Months in Prison  For Soliciting and Receiving Child Pornography

body_text: Defendant Belonged to Groups that Discussed the Sexual Abuse of Very Young Children WASHINGTON – Raymond Glover, 43, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to 97 months imprisonment, to be followed by 15 years supervised release, for his criminal conduct which included the distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon, of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Washington, D.C. Glover pleaded guilty on March 14, 2023, in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia, to one felony count of receiving child pornography, before U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton. According to court documents, on or about Sept. 21, 2021, HSI agents searched Glover’s home. During the search, a child pornography video was playing on Glover’s laptop inside his living room, using an application that allowed Glover to share his video screen with other likeminded offenders. The video depicted an infant being sexually abused by an adult man. Agents observed adult men, on another screen, who appeared to be watching the video, and masturbating, while the infant was being sexually assaulted. Glover stated that some of the child pornography videos posted in the application chat groups depicted children as young as 5 or 6 years of age being abused. Glover stated that members in these chat groups posted links to cloud storage sites which allowed him to gain access to child pornography. During the execution of the search warrant, agents seized 13 electronic devices, including two phones and the laptop. Glover’s devices contained over 60 videos and 60 images that depict the sexual abuse of children. The videos and images were downloaded by Glover between the dates of Sept. 27, 2019, and Sept. 21, 2021. Glover was arrested and charged with child exploitation offenses on the date that law enforcement searched his home. He has remained in custody ever since. This case was investigated by the Washington, D.C. field office of Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Bond of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Alexis Spencer-Anderson.


title: Prisoner Sentenced to 27+ Years for Directing Meth Distribution from Behind Bars

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ATHENS, Ga. – A Georgia Department of Corrections (DOC) prisoner and Sureños 13 gang member was sentenced to serve 330 months in a federal prison this week for his involvement in a large armed drug trafficking conspiracy directed out of jail facilities in Mexico and Georgia that is responsible for distributing more than 100 kilograms of methamphetamine. David Zavala aka “Toro,” 30, of Mexico, was sentenced to serve 330 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Oct. 16 after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Dec. 11, 2020. Zavala is not eligible for parole. “David Zavala was relentless in his efforts to direct a dangerous methamphetamine distribution network from behind bars, threatening both the safety of our communities and all those living and working in the prison with him,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Law enforcement at every level is committed to dismantling these types of criminal organizations and helping us hold them accountable.” “It’s alarming to think that these criminals were brazen enough to distribute dangerous drugs while behind bars,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “But they must now face the consequences.” According to court documents, law enforcement officers in the Middle District of Georgia began investigating Zavala’s drug trafficking organization in 2016, along with related criminal networks operating from jail facilities in Mexico and Georgia. On May 30, 2016, co-defendant Andrew Young was arrested in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, for possession of a stolen car out of McAllen, Texas, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Agents discovered communications between Andrew Young and Zavala, a Georgia DOC inmate, detailing trips between McAllen, Texas, and Georgia that Young took at Zavala’s behest to pick up methamphetamine and drop it at locations named by Zavala. Zavala and co-defendant Bruce Hicks served as so-called “plugs” in the prison system, linking Mexican cartel drug distributors to customers and associates on the outside. Additional co-defendants linked to the conspiracy, including co-defendants Malcody Dinges, J.C. and T.O., were also Georgia DOC inmates at the time of the investigation. These inmates used social media and contraband cell phones to conduct and direct drug sales and move the drug proceeds to other members of the conspiracy. While in custody, Zavala conducted methamphetamine transactions using contraband cell phones and social media platforms. Zavala would message his associates to direct and coordinate deliveries of methamphetamine to individuals and instruct others on how to make payments to him. In this case, Zavala is being held personally responsible for the distribution of between 15 and 30 kilograms of methamphetamine. The entire criminal network tied to him is responsible for distributing more than 100 kilograms of methamphetamine. Zavala is a confirmed Sureños 13 gang member and has been in Georgia DOC custody since 2012 for prior state convictions for armed robbery and false imprisonment. For more information about this case, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/three-defendants-sentenced-prison-directed-armed-drug-trafficking-conspiracy . The following co-defendants in related cases have been sentenced: Bruce Hicks, a/k/a “Bruno,” a/k/a “Bruce Incc,” of Athens, was sentenced to serve 260 months in prison on Jan. 8, 2020, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Jan. 1, 2019; Malcody Dinges aka “Cody” aka “Yes, Sir Cody,” 44, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison (to run consecutive to any state-imposed sentence) to be followed by three years of supervised release on May 12, 2022, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Dec. 16, 2021; Joey Fowler 42, of Royston, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 235 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute; Adonias Sales Temaj aka “Alacran,” 29, a citizen of Guatemala and resident of Norcross, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison on March 7 after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on July 14; Frankie Baza, of Gwinnett County, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 200 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on June 3, 2021, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Johnathan Powell 43, of, Athens, was sentenced to serve 188 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute on July 17, 2017; Mathew Shaver, 47, of Oglethorpe County, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 168 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute; Ervin Sales Temaj aka “Milton Aguilar,” 35, a citizen of Guatemala and resident of Norcross, was sentenced to serve 121 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on July 14, 2022, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on April 13, 2022; Laura Yazmine Garcia Guerro, aka “Yazmin Garcia,” aka “Yaz,” 30, a citizen of Mexico and a resident of Duluth, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on July 18 after she previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine on July 13, 2021; Carrie Kasper, 32, of Athens, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison on July 10 after she pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on July 15, 2021; Cindy Stamey, 50, of Danielsville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on Sept. 18, after a federal jury found her guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of methamphetamine on Sept. 21, 2022; Garret Wolford, 37, of Athens, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute; Jeris Dove aka “Jeris Southers,” 29, of Athens, was sentenced to serve 110 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release on Jan. 20, 2022, after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Oct. 18, 2021; Peggy Bentley, 52, of Watkinsville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 100 months after she pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute; Steven Turbeville 42, of Winder, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 95 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute; Russel Huckaba, 46, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute; Mechelle Morris, 48, of Oglethorpe County, was sentenced to serve 55 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute; Christopher Wilson, 42, of Hull, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 55 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on Sept. 18 after he previously pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on April 13, 2022; Justin Maddox, 45, of Athens, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison on Jan. 11, 2023, after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Aug. 3, 2021; Ricky Keith Young aka “Ricky Bobby,” of Monroe, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 29 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to illegal use of communication devices; Joey Arguelles aka “Chief,” 28, of Lavonia, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute; Katlyn Lackey, 22, of Commerce, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 20 months in prison on Jan. 12, 2023, after she pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine May 12, 2022; and James Andrew Young aka “Drew,” 29, of Arnoldsville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve nine months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute. The following co-defendant is awaiting sentencing: Brendan R. Gates, 38, of Commerce, was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on Sept. 21, 2022, and faces a maximum of life imprisonment. Sentencing will occur at a date determined by the Court. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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 . These cases are being investigated by DEA Macon Resident Office, FBI Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Clarke County Sheriff's Office, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, Hart County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Corrections and Northeast Regional Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett is prosecuting the cases for the Government.


title: Brothers Each Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking 50 pounds of Methamphetamine and 50,000 Fentanyl Laced Pills

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Yakima, Washington – On October 17 th , Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced brothers Carlos Reyes-Santana, 28, of Pasco, Washington and Eduardo Reyes-Santana, 26 of Kennewick, Washington to 12 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. They will also serve 5 years on supervised release. According to information disclosed during court proceedings, the brothers had been under FBI surveillance because of their ties to a drug operation based in Mexico that is run by their uncle. During the investigation, the defendants were observed making what appeared to be drug deliveries over the course of several months. In May of 2021, agents executed several search warrants in connection to the investigation. While searching Carlos’ home, agents discovered approximately 52 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 1 pound of cocaine, approximately 50,000 fentanyl laced pills, approximately 3.5 kilograms of heroin and $420,000 in cash. During a search of Eduardo’s home, agents found 5 five firearms as well as thousands of rounds of ammunition. On the same day, agents executed a search warrant at a storage unit in Pasco. Agents found 7 kilograms of cocaine, 1 pound of methamphetamine, 50 fentanyl laced pills and more than $70,000 in cash. Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington stated, “These defendants were responsible for injecting a massive amount of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into our neighborhoods. My office is committed to tackling the opioid crisis by holding individuals accountable who pedal this poison and working closely with our law enforcement partners to seize these dangerous narcotics from our streets to save lives in our communities.” “Tragically, this family-operated drug trafficking network was distributing poisons which destroy families and communities,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “The FBI, along with our partners, are committed to removing these illegal drugs from Washington state and the path of addiction, violence, suffering, and overdoses that accompanies them.” This case was investigated by the FBI’s Southeast Washington Safe Streets Task Force. The task force was assisted by multiple local law enforcement entities, including the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Richland Police Department, Kennewick Police Department, Pasco Police Department, West Richland Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Tri-Cities Metro Drug Task Force, and the Washington State Department of Corrections. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Border Patrol also provided assistance. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsguard and Patrick J. Cashman. 4:2021-cr-06022-SAB


title: Gary Man Sentenced to Life in Prison For Drug Conspiracy and Murder

body_text: HAMMOND- Devontae Martin, age 30, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after a jury found him guilty of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and using a firearm to commit murder. Martin was sentenced to Life in prison for using a firearm to commit murder. He was also sentenced to 240 months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Both sentences are to run concurrently. According to documents in the case, between June 2016 and February 2018, Devontae Martin and numerous others conspired to distribute cocaine from a car wash located in Gary, Indiana. Additionally, on July 28, 2017, Martin and a codefendant discharged a firearm during and relation to a drug trafficking crime that resulted in the murder of K.H. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Gang Response Investigative Team, the Gary Police Department, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. The trial was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick, Caitlin M. Padula, and Kimberly L. Schultz. 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: Durant Resident Sentenced For Possession Of Child Sexual Exploitation Material

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ricky Wayne Banks, II, age 34, of Durant, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possessing sexually explicit material involving a minor. The charges arose from investigations by Homeland Security Investigations and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. On August 25, 2022, Ricky Wayne Banks, II, pleaded guilty to Possession of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. According to court documents, various CyberTips were received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police National Child Exploitation Crime Centre (NCECC) regarding suspected activity involving minor children. During the investigation, Agents obtained and executed search warrants and found Ricky Wayne Banks, II, to be in possession of sexually explicit materials involving minor children. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee. Banks will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . For more information about internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc and click on the tab “Resources.” If you have information about the physical or online exploitation of children, please call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov . You can also contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE–LOST (1-800-843-5678) or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org .


title: Tahlequah Resident Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Firearm With Obliterated Serial Number

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Billy Lee Murphy, age 76, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The Indictment alleged that on January 19, 2023, Murphy knowingly possessed a revolver that had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce, from which the manufacturer’s serial number had been removed, altered, and obliterated. The charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea, and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Murphy was allowed to remain on bond pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States.


title: Checotah Residents Plead Guilty To Federal Drug Crimes

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jerry Eugene Teafatiller, age 39, and Doyle Lee Lafavor, age 52, both of Checotah, Oklahoma, entered guilty pleas to federal drug offenses. Teafatiller pleaded guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, which carries a potential prison term of 5 to 40 years. Lafavor pleaded guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, which carries a potential prison term of 10 years to life. The Superseding Indictment alleged that on or about April 17, 2023, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, Teafatiller possessed with the intent to distribute at least 5 grams of methamphetamine (actual). The Indictment further alleged that Lafavor possessed with the intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine (actual). According to investigators, Teafatiller and Lafavor obtained packages through the U.S. Mail containing methamphetamine, which they intended to distribute to others. The charges arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Department, and the District 25 District Attorney’s Office Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the pleas and ordered the completion of presentence investigation reports. Both defendants were remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending their sentencing hearings. Assistant United States Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States.


title: Tahlequah Resident Pleads Guilty To Federal Drug Offense

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Miranda Pauley, age 31, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, punishable by up to life in prison. The indictment alleged that on or about January 11, 2023, Pauley knowingly and intentionally possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). The charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Pauley will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals pending her sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura represented the United States.


title: Tishomingo Resident Sentenced For Sexually Abusing A Child

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dustin Kane Adams, age 43, of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 264 months in prison for abusive sexual contact of a minor in Indian country. The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On September 13, 2022, Adams pleaded guilty to one count of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country. At the plea hearing, Adams pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a minor under the age of 12 years old. The crimes occurred in Johnston County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee. Adams will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Special Assistant United States Attorney Debra L. Barnett represented the United States.


title: Park Hill Resident Pleads Guilty To Murder

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Xavier Sean Wilson, age 22, of Park Hill, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Murder in the Second Degree in Indian Country, punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to Life. The Information alleged that Xavier Sean Wilson, with malice aforethought, unlawfully killed the victim in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1111(a), 1151, and 1153. At the plea hearing, Wilson admitted that on April 30, 2022, he caused the death of the victim by stabbing the victim with a knife. The crime occurred in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service. The Honorable Jason Robertson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea, and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Wilson remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States.


title: Ada Resident Pleads Guilty To Arson In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Shyla Faye Pittman, age 37, of Ada, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Arson in Indian Country. The Indictment alleged that on March 11, 2023, Pittman willfully and maliciously set fire to a dwelling and placed the life of another person in jeopardy. The crime occurred in Pontotoc County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charges arose from an investigation by the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office, the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Pittman was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Gross and Erin Cornell represented the United States.


title: Readout of Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s Events at IACP’s Annual Conference

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland attended the annual meeting of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in San Diego where he participated in a fireside chat moderated by IACP Deputy Executive Director Terry Cunningham. The Attorney General discussed a number of issues, including, the Justice Department’s emphasis on the importance of partnering with state and local law enforcement agencies, the Department’s request for an increase in appropriations for the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) Hiring Program, recently announced funding to law enforcement agencies and stakeholders across the country, the challenges of recruitment and retention in policing, threats to law enforcement personnel, the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy, and the Department’s attack on every element of the fentanyl epidemic – from the precursor suppliers in China, to the laboratories in Mexico, to the leaders of the Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartels, to their distribution networks in the United States. Attorney General Garland also met with members of the IACP Executive Board for additional discussions. He also highlighted an increase in dedicated funding for the COPS Hiring Program from $139 million in 2022 to $224 million in 2023, to requested appropriations of $2.7 billion for FY 2024. He also discussed the nearly $75 million in critical grant funding announced on Friday to law enforcement agencies and stakeholders across the country. In addition to supporting efforts to combat drug trafficking and other public safety programs, that funding will help provide assistance to agencies looking to expand their law enforcement mental health and wellness services. In addition, the Attorney General recognized the continued recruitment, hiring, and retention challenges in policing. Earlier this year, Attorney General Garland tasked the Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance and the COPS Office with bringing together law enforcement and community leaders to come up with solutions. As part of this effort, in the coming week, the Department will release a recruitment and retention report that makes a range of recommendations. Those include: 1) Investing in officer well-being, including through mental and physical health benefits and improving flexibility in schedules to better reflect the desires of the modern workforce; 2) Developing pipeline programs in high schools and colleges and engaging with community leaders around the role that police serve in their communities; 3) Modernizing the process so that onboarding new hires is done faster. The Attorney General also addressed the increase in threats of violence to law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, judges and all those who work every day in pursuit of justice and in service to the American people. Making clear that these threats are unacceptable and must not become normalized, the Attorney General said: “People in a democracy are entitled to argue with each other, to criticize in the most vociferous way, but we won’t have a democracy if people decide that violence and threats of violence are the way to influence outcomes .” The Attorney General also discussed what the Justice Department is doing in response to the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl. Attorney General Garland shared how he often hears from families who have been impacted by fentanyl. He discussed the Department’s approach of going after every link in the cartel-driven fentanyl trafficking networks that span countries and continents. This includes going after the cartels’ leaders, their drug traffickers, their money launderers, their clandestine lab operators, their security forces, their weapons suppliers, and their chemical suppliers. In April, the Department charged 23 Sinaloa cartel members, leaders and associates, and just last month, the Department extradited Ovidio Guzman Lopez, a leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, and one of “El Chapo’s” sons. Agents and prosecutors across the Justice Department are working every day to combat the threat posed by fentanyl. Those efforts have resulted in the seizure of over 62 million fentanyl pills and over 9,700 pounds of fentanyl powder just this year alone. While in California, the Attorney General also had the opportunity to meet with local police chiefs from across the country and leaders of some of the nation’s major law enforcement associations to thank them for their continued partnership. Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Director Steven Dettelbach of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Director Anne Milgram of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Director Ronald Davis of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), Director Hugh T. Clements of the COPS Office, Assistant Attorney General Amy Solomon of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) were also in attendance at IACP. IACP Attorney General Garland with IACP Deputy Executive Director Terry Cunningham IACP Attorney General Garland with the IACP Executive Board


title: U.S. Department of Justice announces grants totaling more than $1.2 million in the Southern District of Georgia

component: Office of Justice Programs (OJP)

body_text: SAVANNAH, GA: The U.S. Department of Justice has announced more than $1.2 million in grants awarded to agencies and entities to support law enforcement and public safety initiatives in the Southern District of Georgia. These federal grants include funding for the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, a key component of the Department of Justice’s strategy for reducing violent crime, and funding from the Office on Violence Against Women, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “In addition to fueling the fight against violent crime through Project Safe Neighborhoods, these grants will assist local agencies and communities in keeping their residents safe and improving outcomes for vulnerable citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. The end-of-fiscal-year 2023 PSN grant to the Southern District of Georgia of $98,657, administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance through Georgia’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, will distribute funding to Savannah, Augusta, and Brunswick, the three most populous cities in the Southern District, in collaboration with local public safety agencies to help achieve reductions in violent crime. “Every sector of our society – not only the justice system, but nonprofit and faith-based groups, local leaders, and advocates, and people with lived experience who serve as credible messengers – plays a critical role in ensuring public safety and public health,” said OJP Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon. “The Office of Justice Programs is proud to make these substantial investments in building community infrastructure and supporting communities as co-producers of safety and justice.” Additional Department of Justice grants awarded during the regular end-of-fiscal-year funding cycle include: Office on Violence Against Women: Waycross Area Shelter for Abused Persons Inc.: $500,000 . This award, through the Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Grant Program, is aimed at improving the greater Ware County area criminal justice system’s response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by focusing on victim safety. The collaborative effort with the city of Waycross will implement a project that serves communities throughout the region. East Georgia State College, Swainsboro, Ga.: $399,117. With this award, East Georgia State College, in coordination with Sunshine House and the Swainsboro Police Department, will provide planning, education and training activities to prevent and respond to incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Bureau of Justice Assistance: Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program: City of Savannah, $119,429. This funding will be used to purchase two new bomb suits for the Savannah Police Department’s Bomb Unit; to replace outdated equipment used by the SPD Underwater Search and Recovery Team; and to purchase new traffic enforcement equipment for the Garden City Police Department. Glynn County, $23,925. This grant will be used to purchase five bicycles for the Glynn County Police Department’s patrol division for use in community oriented policing strategies. City of Waycross, $10,328: The funding will be used to purchase an air purification system for the Waycross Police Department’s evidence room, and to purchase ballistic shields for the Ware County Sheriff’s Office. Bureau of Justice Assistance: The Kevin and Avonte Program: Liberty County, $99,990. Through its Bringing the Lost Home Project, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, primarily through its K9 Unit, will partner with Senior Citizens Inc. and Magnolia Manor Nursing Home and in each public school to operate a proactive program to locate or prevent the wandering of individuals with dementia or developmental disabilities. More information on the implementation of these grants is available from the individual recipient agencies, and from the U.S. Department of Justice grants information page at justice.gov/grants .


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Act Charges

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on October 12, 2023, KEATON JOHNSON , age 22 of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to Counts 1 through 3 of the indictment against him. Count 1 charg ed JOHNSON with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). Count 2 charged JOHNSON with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D). Count 3 charged JOHNSON with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). For Count 1, JOHNSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For Count 2, JOHNSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For Count 3, JOHNSON faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years up to a maximum term of life imprisonment, to run consecutively with Counts 1 and 2, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. As to each count, JOHNSON also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. According to public records, on July 19, 2022, New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD”) officers received a call for a gunshot fired in the French Quarter. When NOPD officers arrived at the scene, there was no victim present. During their investigation, officers learned that a man (later identified as JOHNSON ) got into a verbal argument with another man and a shooting occurred. Within minutes of the shooting, an NOPD Detective observed JOHNSON in the French Quarter riding a bike. At the sight of police officers, JOHNSON attempted to flee on foot but was caught and arrested. 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 track violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit handled the prosecution.


title: Houston businessman charged with fraud

body_text: HOUSTON – A 55-year-old Houston resident is now in custody for wire fraud in relation to a fraudulent loan scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Authorities took Michael Wayne Galvan into custody Oct. 12. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan at 2 p.m. The three-count indictment, returned Aug. 17, alleges Galvan owned and operated MWG Ventures LLC dba MGB Builders. He allegedly defrauded various individuals by making false representations to obtain loans from them. Galvan solicited loans to purchase tile and granite from China and overseas for his construction business, according to the charges. However, the indictment alleges he did not use the loan money for that purpose and instead used some of it to repay loans and interest to other lenders. If convicted, Galvan faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Braddock is prosecuting the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Former Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Todd Eric Tripp, age 35, of Sorrento, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles to receipt of child pornography. As a result of his conviction, Tripp faces a significant term of imprisonment, a fine, and a period of supervised release—which includes sex offender registration requirements. According to admissions made during his plea, from March 2020, and continuing until October 2020, Tripp used a multimedia instant messaging application to obtain child pornography. Tripp received at least 15 images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This matter was being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ascension Parish Sherriff’s Office, and the York County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward H. Warner and Criminal Chief Jamie A. Flowers Jr. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc .