title: Pennsylvania Resident Sentenced To Three Years In Prison For Role In Conspiracy To Defraud And Extort Cryptocurrency Executives

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – Anthony Francis Faulk was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison and ordered to pay nearly $3 million in restitution for his role in a conspiracy to defraud more than a dozen cryptocurrency owners, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable William H. Orrick, United States District Judge. The Court also ordered forfeiture of numerous assets constituting or derived from proceeds obtained by Faulk’s crime. Faulk, 26, of Latrobe, Penn., acknowledged his role in the conspiracy in a written plea agreement filed on March 2, 2023. According to his plea agreement, from October 2016 through May 2018, Faulk, using the alias “shade,” conspired with Matthew Ditman, aka “lord crump,” and Ahmad Hared, aka “special547” aka “winblo,” to defraud and extort cryptocurrency owners. The scheme involved “SIM swapping”—duping cellphone companies into giving Faulk and his co-conspirators control of victims’ cellphone numbers, using that access to hack into email and other victim accounts, and ultimately stealing the victims’ cryptocurrency or digital assets. SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module or Subscriber Identification Module. A SIM card is a technology used to identify and authenticate subscribers on mobile phone devices. According to his plea agreement, Faulk admitted that he used fraud, deception, and social engineering techniques to induce representatives of cellphone service providers to transfer or port cellphone numbers from SIM cards in the devices possessed by victims to SIM cards in devices possessed by members of the conspiracy. Once in possession of the illegally obtained information, members of the conspiracy reset passwords of their victims’ email, electronic storage, and other accounts. The co-conspirators then were able to control the accounts, access cryptocurrency accounts, and transfer cryptocurrencies from accounts owned by the victims to accounts or wallets controlled by Faulk and his co-conspirators. Faulk also admitted that, in addition to transferring cryptocurrencies, the co-conspirators contacted some of their victims by telephone and threatened to compromise further accounts unless the victims paid additional money to the fraudsters. Faulk was ordered to pay $2,816,433 in restitution to 11 victims of the scheme. (After the indictment in this matter, Faulk was charged in separate criminal case, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and was ordered to pay restitution to two additional victims.) The court also ordered forfeiture of numerous assets, seized by the government, constituting or derived from proceeds traceable to the conspiracy. Those assets include a nearly $1 million home in Latrobe, Pennsylvania; three J.P. Morgan Chase accounts totaling approximately $12,525,592, $6,242,919, and $18,118, respectively; a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GTS; a 2018 Nissan Rouge; a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado K1500; diamond jewelry; a Rolex; Tiffany earrings; and a Louis Vuitton handbag and wallet. On December 10, 2019, a federal grand jury indicted Faulk, charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S. C. § 1349, and one count of interstate communications with intent to extort, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(d). Pursuant to his plea agreement, Faulk pleaded guilty to the conspiracy count. On the government’s motion, Judge Orrick dismissed the extortion count at the sentencing hearing. Hared and Ditman were separately charged. Hared’s sentencing is set for August 31, 2023, and Ditman’s for October 12, 2023. The case is being prosecuted by the Corporate and Securities Fraud Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Robert Leach is prosecuting the case, with assistance from Mimi Lam and Megan Pagaduan. This case is the result of an investigation from FBI.


title: Castro Valley Resident Sentenced To 2½ Years In Prison In Connection With Prolific Pandemic Relief Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO– Idowu Hashim Shittu was sentenced to 30 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining pandemic-related unemployment benefits from numerous state agencies, announced United States Attorney Ismail Ramsey; United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (“DOL-OIG”) Special Agent in Charge Quentin Heiden; and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. The sentence was handed down by the Hon. Haywood S. Gilliam, Jr., United States District Judge. Shittu, 48, of Castro Valley, pleaded guilty to the charges on March 1, 2023. According to his plea agreement, from at least April through July of 2020, Shittu engaged in a scheme to obtain reloadable debit cards issued in the names of other people and to use the cards to make expenditures for his personal use. The cards, referred to in the plea agreement as “Green Dot Cards,” contained unemployment benefits distributed by various state agencies. Shittu did not know the persons to whom the unemployment insurance benefits were issued, nor did Shittu obtain the consent of the persons before he used the cards issued in their names. “In the wake of a global pandemic, our federal government passed laws to ease the suffering of those who were in financial distress. Shittu sought to take advantage of the situation by stealing unemployment benefits made available to those in need. We are proud to be working with our partners at the FBI and the Department of Labor to bring such bad actors to justice.” “Idowu Hashim Shittu engaged in a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $1,600,000 in unemployment insurance (UI) benefits in the names of identity theft victims. He stole benefits intended to assist those who became unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Quentin Heiden, Special Agent-in-Charge, Western Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “This sentencing demonstrates that those who defraud the UI program will be held accountable. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who exploit these benefit programs.” “Shittu stole more than $2.2 million in unemployment benefits by using the identities of innocent victims. His scheme deprived those truly in need during the pandemic crisis, and he will now face the consequences of his actions," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Tripp. "The FBI is committed to identifying and investigating those who steal government benefits designed to help our citizens in need." The unemployment benefits at issue were made available as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). In passing the CARES Act, the federal government authorized the payment of hundreds of billions of dollars in unemployment benefits to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In most cases, state authorities were responsible for distributing those unemployment benefits to their residents. Shittu admitted that he obtained Green Dot Cards issued to other people, that the cards were obtained by fraud, and that the persons whose unemployment insurance benefits were loaded onto the cards never consented to have Shittu use the cards. Shittu also admitted that his participation in the scheme resulted in a loss of between $1.5 million and $3.5 million. The plea agreement describes how Shittu used the Green Dot Cards issued to three different persons—all residents of the State of Washington. The first victim is identified in the plea agreement only by the initials, “S.O.” Shittu admitted that S.O. never submitted a claim for unemployment benefits and that S.O.’s card was obtained through fraud. Further, Shittu acknowledged that he completed multiple transactions with the card—including one transaction for $950 and two transactions, each for $1,000, at a Walmart store in San Jose, Calif.—with the intent to defraud. Similarly, Shittu acknowledged using a card issued in the name of a second victim to make multiple cash withdrawals at Walmart stores in Hayward, Castro Valley, and San Leandro. In addition, in the Spring of 2020, Shittu used the card of a third victim to withdraw cash and to pay for service to his BMW 5-series automobile. On July 29, 2020, law enforcement officers searched Shittu’s residence and found over $500,000 in cash split between a plastic container in a garage and a backpack under a bathroom sick. Officers also found over 400 Green Dot Cards issued to other individuals. The Green Dot Cards were loaded with over $1.6 million in unemployment benefits from various state agencies. On May 18, 2022, Shittu was charged by felony information with three counts of effecting transactions with access devices issued to other persons, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1029(a)(5). Shittu pleaded guilty to all three counts. In addition to the prison term, Judge Gilliam also ordered Shittu to serve a three-year term of supervised release after being released from prison and pay restitution in the amount of $1,615,614 split among state employment agencies in Illinois, Nevada, New York, and Ohio. Judge Gilliam ordered Shittu to self-surrender on or before October 11, 2023, to begin serving his prison term. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Carlberg is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Mark DiCenzo. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (“DOL-OIG”), Office of Investigations, Labor Racketeering and Fraud and the FBI.


title: District Man Pleads Guilty in Fatal Stabbing of Another Man

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Michael Caldwell, 28, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty to stabbing a man to death on June 4, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Caldwell pleaded guilty on August 14, 2023, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to a charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed. The Honorable Marybeth Raffinan accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for October 16, 2023. According to the government’s evidence, on June 4, 2023, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the defendant, Michael Caldwell, and the victim, Damien Thompson, engaged in a verbal argument in the street in front of 4305 Halley Ter SE, Washington, D.C. At one point the victim threw a bottle at Caldwell, at which point Caldwell removed a knife from his pants. The two men continued to verbally argue for approximately 45 seconds, at which point the victim attempted to strike Caldwell with a plastic chair. Caldwell lunged at the victim and stabbed him in the chest, causing the victim to fall to the ground unconscious. Caldwell then proceeded to stab the victim eight more times in the torso before walking away from the scene. The victim, Damien Thompson, sustained nine stab wounds to the torso and died a short time later. Caldwell was arrested the next day by the Metropolitan Police Department. He has been in custody ever since. In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Karina Hernandez and Lead Paralegal Specialist Sharon Newman. Finally, they expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Hall, who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: District Man Pleads Guilty in Armed Carjacking Spree

body_text: Defendant Shot at Officers and Burglarized Residence While Fleeing Police WASHINGTON – Tywan Jamad Cummings, 43, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia to charges stemming from a May 2020 armed carjacking spree, during which he shot at responding police officers and burglarized a private residence, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Cummings pleaded guilty to carjacking; using, possessing, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence; and assaulting, resisting, or interfering with a police officer with a dangerous weapon. U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly scheduled a sentencing hearing for January 19, 2024. According to the government’s evidence, on the morning of May 17, 2020, in the Trinidad neighborhood of Northeast Washington, D.C., the defendant pointed an AR-style rifle at a man who was putting air into his tire, taking the vehicle at gunpoint. The defendant then drove the vehicle into Maryland and, only minutes later, carjacked a nurse outside a hospital in Prince George’s County at gunpoint. Later that evening, in the early morning hours of May 18, 2023, multiple Maryland law enforcement agencies (to include the Bowie, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County Police Departments) pursued the defendant—who was by this time driving a different stolen vehicle—into Southeast Washington, D.C. MPD officers were also on scene to assist. The defendant crashed the vehicle near a gas station and, while fleeing on foot, opened fire on the Maryland and MPD police officers with a handgun. Shortly after 2:00 a.m., the defendant burglarized an occupied residence and hid in an upstairs bedroom, where he was arrested without further incident. Officers recovered a .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun from the defendant, the AR-style rifle from the stolen vehicle, and over 100 rounds of ammunition. No victim sustained physical injuries during the spree. Cummings was arrested May 18, 2020 and has been in custody ever since. Carjacking carries a maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Using, carrying, possessing, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum term of seven years’ imprisonment—which must run consecutive to the sentence on the carjacking conviction—and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Assaulting, resisting, or interfering with a police officer with a dangerous weapon with a dangerous weapon carries a mandatory minimum term of five years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment and a $75,000 fine. A federal judge will determine the appropriate sentenced after considering the applicable guideline range and other relevant factors. In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bowie Police Department, the Montgomery County Police Department, and the Prince George’s County Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Karla Nunez. Finally, they commended the efforts of Assistant United States Attorneys Emory V. Cole and Paul V. Courtney, who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: Dealer Who Distributed Heroin Resulting in Overdose Sentenced to Federal Prison

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A drug dealer who sold heroin in Dubuque, Iowa, was sentenced today to 38 months in federal prison. John Andrew Pruitt, age 39, of Pueblo West, Colorado, received the prison sentence after a March 30, 2023 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance. Evidence at the sentencing hearing established that Pruitt supplied heroin users in the Dubuque area with controlled substances from at least 2017 until 2022. In March 2020, Pruitt supplied an individual with purported heroin, and that individual subsequently overdosed. Despite learning about this overdose, Pruitt nonetheless continued to sell drugs in the Dubuque area. Pruitt was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. He was sentenced to 38 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Pruitt is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin and Assistant United States Attorney Jason D. Norwood and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force as part of the Northern Iowa Heroin Initiative. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-CR-1030. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Gangster Disciples Members Convicted of Three Gang-Related Murders

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MACON, Ga. – A federal jury yesterday afternoon convicted three members of the Gangster Disciples for their roles in the murder of an Athens, Georgia, resident as retribution for the killing of another gang member and the murders of two other Athens men falsely suspected of cooperating with law enforcement. Philmon Deshawn Chambers, aka “Dolla Phil,” 34, of Atlanta was convicted of Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) conspiracy; Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering - Murder (VICAR-Murder); Carry and Use of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence; and Causing the Death of a Person Using a Firearm. Chambers faces a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison for the VICAR-Murder offense, and a maximum of life in prison for each of the remaining offenses. Co-defendant Andrea Paige Browner, aka “Drea,” 28, of Athens, Georgia, was convicted of Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) conspiracy; Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering - Murder (VICAR-Murder); and Causing the Death of a Person Using a Firearm. Browner faces a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison for the VICAR-Murder offense, and a maximum of life in prison for each of the remaining offenses. Co-defendant Lesley Chappell Green, aka “Grip,” 35, of Stone Mountain, was convicted of Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) conspiracy. Green faces a maximum of life in prison. Jury selection began on July 31 and the trial concluded on Aug. 17 before Chief U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell. A sentencing date for Chambers, Browner and Green has not been scheduled. Two co-defendants previously entered guilty pleas: Robert Maurice Carlisle, aka “Different,” 36, of Lithonia, Georgia, pleaded guilty to Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) conspiracy on June 8, and is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison; and Shabazz Larry Guidry, aka “Lil Larry,” 28, of Decatur, Georgia, pleaded guilty to Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) conspiracy on June 8 and is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison. Sentencings for these defendants has not been scheduled. “Philmon Chambers, Andrea Browner and Lesley Green were Gangster Disciples who engaged in a pattern of violent criminal activity for years, to include three heinous murders; now, justice has been served,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Violent gangs, intimidation and murder have no place in our lawful society, and I commend the federal, state and local partners who worked so closely to solve this case of exceptional complexity.” "Our hope is that this verdict brings a sense of relief and justice to the victim's families, who have endured such pain throughout these past few years,” said Robert Gibbs, Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta's Macon Office. “All three defendants’ actions were indefensible, cruel and unjust. They will now face the penalty for the despicable choices they made. We are grateful for our law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly on this case, as their dedication was essential in today’s verdict.” “This guilty verdict ensures that these violent offenders who are directly responsible for multiple murders are off the streets, making Athens and the entire state of Georgia safer,” said Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters. “Local, state and federal agencies poured countless hours over several years into the success of this case, and I am thankful for their tireless efforts to make sure justice is served.” According to court documents, Chambers held a “Position of Authority” within the national Gangster Disciples criminal organization, which included overseeing members of the “Enforcement Team.” The Enforcement Team is directed to discipline gang members using physical assault or murder. Co-defendant Green was a member of the Enforcement Team. Co-defendant Browner was a member of the “Sisters of the Struggle” (SOS), a parallel female component of the Gangster Disciples, and held a leadership position in the gang. Evidence presented at trial proved that on Dec. 10, 2018, Gangster Disciples member Walter Brown was murdered in Athens, Georgia. Chambers and Browner sought retaliation for Brown’s death and believed three unnamed Athens residents were responsible. On Dec. 14, 2018, Browner met Rodriquez Apollo Rucker, of Athens, at a downtown Athens hotel and learned that Rucker was related to one of the individuals she believed killed Brown. Browner texted Chambers, and Chambers came to the motel. Chambers followed Rucker home and shot and killed him. Browner notified an associate of the Gangster Disciples that she and Chambers would be leaving town because the police would be looking for them. Browner was taken into custody in Mt. Enterprise, Texas, on Dec. 15, and Chambers got away. Chambers was suspicious that someone was cooperating with law enforcement and focused his suspicions on Derrick Ruff and Joshua Jackson. Chambers concluded that Ruff and Jackson were “snitches” and directed Green, who held a subordinate position on the Enforcement Team, to carry out the murders of Ruff and Jackson. Text messages and intercepted phone calls between Chambers, Green, Carlisle and Guidry revealed that Ruff and Jackson were lured by Green, as directed by Chambers, to drive from Athens to Lawrenceville to break into storage sheds and steal items to send to Chambers as “aid and assistance” as he was hiding out from law enforcement in a Gangster Disciple “safe house” in Killeen, Texas. The ruse worked, and Ruff and Jackson were murdered on Dec. 19 and their bodies concealed in the storage unit until March 17, 2019, when police with the assistance of cadaver sniffing dogs located them. Additional messages between Chambers, Green, Carlisle and Guidry showed that they conspired to dispose of the victims’ bodies, which included potentially burning the bodies or dumping the bodies in a landfill. Law enforcement recovered the bodies and made arrests before these plans could be carried out. This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, 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. The case is being investigated by FBI Athens Resident Agency Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Gwinnett County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison of the Middle District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Ken Kaplan of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the case for the Government.


title: Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve More Than a Decade in Federal Prison for Impersonating an FBI Special Agent and Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, Seth Daniel Grant , 38, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 11 years in federal prison for impersonating a special agent with the FBI and for illegally possessing a firearm after a prior felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma and Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray for the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “Impersonating a federal officer for personal gain is an insult to the vital role the FBI plays in our community on a daily basis,” said U.S. Attorney Troester. “The FBI, like many other federal law enforcement agencies, plays an integral role in protecting citizens and is an invaluable partner to our office. We will continue to do our part to uphold its reputation from those who would seek to take advantage of it.” “By pretending to be an FBI agent, Mr. Grant boldly exploited the trust the FBI has with the communities we serve,” said Special Agent in Charge Gray. “As the sentence shows, impersonating a federal officer for any reason is a serious crime. We will not tolerate those who seek to degrade the operations of real law enforcement and put public safety at risk.” On April 20, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Grant, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, and for false personation of an officer or employee of the United States. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition. On September 13, 2022, Grant pleaded guilty to both counts. According to public record and information presented at sentencing, on or about January 24, 2022, Grant falsely assumed the role of Special Agent of the FBI and presented stolen FBI credentials to several individuals to support his false claim. The incident occurred in the parking lot of a retail store in Edmond, Oklahoma. Grant assumed this false character to attempt to obtain information that would expose the location of another individual. At the time of the offense, law enforcement also found Grant in possession of a firearm, despite having multiple felony convictions. Public records reflect Grant has a lengthy criminal history, including the following felony convictions: Oklahoma County, Case No. CF-2004-990, Attempted Larceny of Automobile, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Driving Under the Influence, Leaving the Scene of an Accident Oklahoma County, Case No. CF-2005-2921, Possession of a Taken/Stolen Credit Card Oklahoma County, Case No. CF-2012-7592, Second Degree Burglary Oklahoma County, Case No. CF-2013-970, Forgery in the Second Degree Oklahoma County, Case No. CF-2013-1706, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance Oklahoma County, Case No. CF 2013-4326, Possession of Contraband in Penal Institution Oklahoma County, Case No. CF-2016-569, Possession of Methamphetamine and Heroin with Intent to Distribute and Felon in Possession of a Firearm Oklahoma County, Case No. CF-2021-1355, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle Oklahoma County, Case No. CF-2021-2437, Felon in Possession of a Firearm Oklahoma County, Case No. CF-2021-4934, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle At the sentencing hearing yesterday, U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Grant to serve 11 years in federal prison. In announcing the sentence, the court noted the serious nature of this offense, the need to protect the public, and also Mr. Grant’s years-long spree of unabated criminal conduct. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Edmond Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan West prosecuted the case. Reference is made to the public record for additional information.


title: Kennewick Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Obstruct an Official Proceeding

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Mohammed Naji Al-Jibory, age 54, of Kennewick, Washington was sentenced after having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Al-Jibory to a 10-month term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison. According to court documents, in February 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) opened an official investigation into allegations that several individuals were involved in a scheme to defraud insurance companies and obtain money and property by staging automobile accidents and filing false and fraudulent claims with insurance companies. The FBI investigation expanded to an investigation by a federal grand jury empaneled in the Eastern District of Washington. In May 2020, the FBI executed warrants to search several residences in Washington and California for evidence of federal crimes. In September 2020, when interviewed by the FBI, Al-Jibory falsely accused an FBI agent and another individual he and Ali Abed Yaser suspected of being an FBI informant of soliciting approximately a $20,000 bribe from a third person to make the case go away. In doing so, Al-Jibory engaged in misleading conduct toward the FBI agents with the intention of hindering, delaying, and preventing communication about their criminal activities to federal officers and a judge of the United States. Al-Jibory also attempted to corruptly obstruct, influence, and impede a federal grand jury proceeding and a criminal proceeding before a judge and court of the United States. Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington said, “Obstructing official proceedings by falsely accusing a federal agent of bribery will not be tolerated. I commend the efforts of the law enforcement officers who investigated this case.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. This case is being prosecuted by George J.C. Jacobs, III, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. 4:21-CR-6042-MKD-23


title: Omaha Man Sentenced in Methamphetamine Conspiracy

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Cash C. Cosgriff, 33, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 17, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for his participation in a methamphetamine conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Cosgriff to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. In May 2021, an undercover (UC) Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration communicated with a Mexican-based source of supply about purchasing one pound of methamphetamine that could be delivered to the UC in Omaha. Arrangements were made and on May 20, 2021, Cosgriff arrived in the area of Hanscom Park and delivered 295 grams of pure methamphetamine to the UC. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.


title: Lincoln Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Possession of a Firearm

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

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Said Muhammad Almustaqiim, 20, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to 30 months’ imprisonment for being an Unlawful User of a Controlled Substance in Possession of a Firearm. Almustaqiim was also sentenced to a three-year term of supervised release to be served after he completes his prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system. Almustaqiim pleaded guilty to his offense on November 17, 2022. On March 21, 2021, the defendant was stopped by an officer with the Lincoln Police Department. The vehicle Almustaqiim was driving did not have a license plate and was displaying an expired “in-transit” sticker. Almustaqiim was the only person in the vehicle. The officer noticed the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle. Almustaqiim told the officer he had just placed a “roach” inside a drink container. A “roach” is a common slang term meaning the remains of a used marijuana cigarette. The officer searched the car and found 22 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, and $40 in United States currency in a backpack in the car. The police also found a loaded Canik, model TP9DA, 9mm handgun underneath the driver’s seat. Almustaqiim told officers that he was a user of marijuana. The investigation was conducted by the Lincoln Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives assisted with an examination of the firearm. 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: Jury finds former Pike County deputy guilty of excessive use of force

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal jury has convicted a Piketon man of committing civil rights violations while employed as a Pike County deputy. Jeremy C. Mooney, 48, violated a victim’s constitutional rights on Nov.18, 2019, while the victim was in the custody of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. The verdict was announced today following a trial that began on Aug. 16 before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. According to court documents and trial testimony, Mooney repeatedly used pepper spray and struck the victim while the victim was restrained and not posing a threat. Mooney was working the night shift that spanned Nov. 17 to 18, 2019. He transported the victim from the jail to the Pike County Sheriff’s Office headquarters and placed the victim in a “violent prisoner restraint chair.” For more than an hour, Mooney unlawfully used force against the victim on several occasions. For example, Mooney dragged the victim – who was in the restraint chair with his hands secured behind his back – outside, before spraying him directly in the face with pepper spray. The victim writhed in pain and tipped the chair back off the curb, landing on his back. Mooney again deployed the pepper spray directly into the victim’s face. After bringing the victim back inside, Mooney returned to the restrained victim on three more occasions and punched the victim in the head 11 times. Mooney punched the victim with enough force to break his own hand. All these unlawful uses of force occurred while the victim posed no threat to himself or others. A former Pike County Sheriff’s Office supervisor, William Stansberry, Jr., 47, of Chillicothe, was also charged in this case. Stansberry violated the victim’s constitutional rights by willfully failing to intervene to prevent Mooney’s conduct. Stansberry pleaded guilty in July 2023 to deprivation of civil rights under color of law. Mooney was convicted today of three counts of the same crime, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division; and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the verdict. Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Trial Attorney Cameron A. Bell from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Wagoner County Resident Pleads Guilty To Federal Firearm Crime

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Sammy Shade Allen, age 28, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. At the plea hearing, Allen admitted that on November 24, 2020, he knowingly possessed multiple firearms while also possessing heroin. He also admitted to possessing the heroin with the intent to distribute it in exchange for money, and that he possessed the firearms in order to protect both the drugs and drug proceeds. The charges arose from an investigation by the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Allen was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura represented the United States.


title: Cherokee County Resident Pleads Guilty To Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Justin Dale Killer, age 40, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Indictment alleged that on February 6, 2023, Killer possessed a quantity of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, and possessed a firearm despite knowing that he was a convicted felon, having been convicted of a crime that has a term of punishment exceeding one year imprisonment. The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stillwell Police Department. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Killer was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura represented the United States.


title: Seminole County Resident Pleads Guilty To Assault With A Dangerous Weapon In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Darian Ty Farris, age 27, of Wewoka, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, and one count of Using, Carrying, Brandishing and Discharging a Firearm during and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. The Indictment alleged that on March 2, 2023, Farris intentionally shot the victim in the stomach with a firearm during a confrontation. The crimes occurred in Seminole County, on the Seminole Reservation, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wewoka Police Department. The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Farris was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura represented the United States.


title: Four Defendants Sentenced for their Roles in Advance Fee Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme

component: Criminal - Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section

body_text: Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that the following defendants were sentenced in the United States District Court of Guam for their involvement in an advance fee and money laundering scheme. Defendants and members of the conspiracy fraudulently obtained approximately $2,600,000 by inducing Guam-based victim-investors to first pay bogus fees and other expenses purportedly associated with a multimillion-dollar inheritance before they could collect any promised funds. U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour sentenced the following defendants for their respective roles in this criminal scheme: Sally Cruz Roberto , age 56, from Santa Rita, Guam, was sentenced to 33 months imprisonment; three years supervised release; ordered to pay $1,030,990 in restitution, a $3,900 mandatory assessment fee, and a $1,030,990 forfeiture money judgment. She was sentenced on August 15, 2023, after a jury found her guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 38 counts of wire fraud. As part of the conspiracy, Roberto obtained $1,030,990 of victim funds and used her bank account to wire those funds to stateside bank accounts of other co-conspirators. Monique Jones , age 49, from Dallas, Texas, was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment; three years supervised release; ordered to pay $578,130 in restitution, a $2,700 mandatory assessment fee, and a $1,111,280 forfeiture money judgment. She was sentenced on August 15, 2023, after a jury found her guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 25 counts of wire fraud, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. Mekayda D. Jones , age 24, from Dallas, Texas, was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment; three years supervised release; ordered to pay $387,160 in restitution, a $1,600.00 mandatory assessment fee, and a $801,210 forfeiture money judgment. She was sentenced on August 15, 2023, after a jury found her guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 14 counts of wire fraud, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. As part of the conspiracies, Monique and Mekayda Jones perpetuated the fraud by maintaining bank accounts in the names of shell corporations to receive, withdraw, and transfer victim funds to other co-conspirators in the United States and Nigeria. In exchange, they kept at least 10 percent of victim funds that flowed into bank accounts they controlled. Okechukwu F. Iwuji , age 38, a Nigerian citizen, who previously resided in Orlando, Florida, was sentenced to 45 months imprisonment; three years supervised release; ordered to pay $475,710 in restitution, a $100 mandatory assessment fee, and a $475,710 forfeiture money judgment. He was sentenced on August 17, 2023, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. As part of the conspiracy, Iwuji obtained at least $475,710 of victim funds from Roberto and other co-conspirators and transferred some funds to third party-Nigerian bank accounts. “This far-ranging conspiracy preyed on 60 victims, nearly all of whom live in Guam,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “These scams are difficult to investigate and prosecute due to the interstate and transnational nature of the criminal activity. Our success in this matter is the result of a team effort across multiple jurisdictions, with outstanding leadership by prosecutor David. We will continue to pursue the collection of restitution for those harmed by the defendants’ conduct. The public must remain vigilant against this type of fraud.” “This sentence should make the public aware that these types of advanced fee, associated with inheritance scams, will be investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill. “If it is too good to be true, it probably is. If you feel you have been scammed, please contact the FBI at (800) 225-5324 (CALL-FBI) or report it to tips.fbi.gov.” The investigation was led by the FBI Guam Resident Agency with the assistance of FBI field offices in Dallas and Atlanta; Homeland Security Investigations in Orlando, Florida; the U.S. Secret Service in Dallas; and the Guam Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Marivic P. David, First Assistant United States Attorney and Criminal Chief in the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.


title: Convicted Felon Indicted For Possessing Four Firearms

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A former Dover man was indicted in connection with illegally possessing four firearms, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Christopher T. Brown, 37, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Brown was arrested in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, on Saturday, August 12, 2023, and was ordered detained by a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Alexandria, Virginia. Law enforcement will transport Brown to appear in federal court in Concord at a later date. According to the charging documents, Brown is a convicted felon and was legally prohibited from possessing firearms. However, on January 9, 2023 in Dover, Brown possessed four firearms, including two 9 mm pistols, a .40 caliber rifle, and a 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun with no serial number. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Dover Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Two Cass County, Iowa Residents Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Two Cass County, Iowa residents were sentenced on August 15, 2023 for conspiring to distribute fentanyl causing serious bodily injury or death. Collin Jacob Clarken, 21, was sentenced to 252 months in prison. Colby Ray Clarken, 25, was sentenced to 240 months in prison. There is no parole in the federal system. In May 2023 , three other co-defendants—Cam Christopher Jahnke, Chase Daniel Jahnke, and Kelsi Thurman—were sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy. According to public court documents, both Collin Clarken and Colby Clarken pleaded guilty to obtaining fentanyl pills from sources in Omaha, Nebraska, and selling those pills in and around Cass County, Iowa. The investigation determined that between August 2019 and June 2022, the group obtained and distributed over 10,000 pills containing fentanyl. Fentanyl distributed by the group caused two fentanyl overdose deaths. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa stated the convictions disrupted a major source of supply of fentanyl in Western Iowa and was accomplished through the cooperation of numerous law enforcement agencies. Agencies involved in this investigation include the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Atlantic Police Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement (SWINE) Task Force, Council Bluffs Police Department, Iowa Division of Intelligence, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Crime Lab, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Omaha Police Department. Fentanyl has become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills often resemble pharmaceutical pills, but contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. Visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website to learn more about One Pill Can Kill .


title: Destrehan Man Pleads Guilty to $11.4 Million Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – CRAIG L. LOVELACE , age 53, a resident of Destrehan, pled guilty to defrauding Medicare and Medicaid of approximately $11.4 million in medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (“DME”), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The government filed a bill of information charging LOVELACE with healthcare fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1347. According to court documents, from approximately January 2016 through June 2022, LOVELACE , through his company Advanced Medical Equipment Inc., billed Medicare and Medicaid for durable medical equipment (“DME”) that was medically unnecessary. That included equipment for respiratory support and nutritional support, including ventilators, tracheostomy supplies, and feeding tubes. In reality, those items were medically unnecessary, not ordered, or not provided as represented. In some instances, the patients had already died. LOVELACE billed Medicare and Medicaid approximately $11.4 million in connection with this scheme, and his company was reimbursed over $7.9 million. To cover up his scheme, LOVELACE directed the falsification of documents, including medical records, order forms, and supporting documentation, in response to Medicare audits and record requests. The falsification of documents included forging provider signatures, medical notes, and dates, as well as using tape, white-out, and scissors, to make it falsely appear that the audited DME was ordered and delivered. LOVELACE faces up to ten years in prison. LOVELACE also faces up to three years of supervised release after release from prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain to LOVELACE or the gross loss to any victims, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set the sentencing hearing for November 29, 2023. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Louisiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. U.S. Department of Justice Trial Attorneys Kelly Walters and Samantha Stagias of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Moses, Health Care Coordinator for the Eastern District of Louisiana, are prosecuting the case.


title: New Bedford Man Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Prison for Child Pornography Charges

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A New Bedford man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for receiving and possessing over 1,500 files of child pornography. Robert David Austin, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 87 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In May 2023, Austin pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. From approximately June 2019 until November 2021, Austin engaged with a number of groups on messaging applications through which child pornography is disseminated. Austin also possessed child pornography on two cell phones and a tablet. Approximately 1,252 images and 450 videos depicting child pornography were located across all three of the devices. Overall, the child pornography files depicted victims as young as infants through approximately 12 years old, with some files depicting bondage and vaginal and oral penetration of the victims. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Mackenzie Duane, Meghan C. Cleary and Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Two Louisville Men Plead Guilty to Multiple Carjackings and Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – Yesterday, two local men have plead guilty to a string of armed carjackings that occurred in Jefferson County, Kentucky from late May to early June of 2022. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. According to court documents, Fahad Alasawi , 18, of Louisville, pled guilty to four counts of carjacking and four counts of possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Mauricio Diaz , 19, also of Louisville, pled guilty to three counts of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, and three counts of possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. According to court documents, from May 27, 2022, through June 2, 2022, Alasawi and Diaz stole or attempted to steal five vehicles from different victims with threats of violence and while possessing a firearm. Alasawi is scheduled to be sentenced on December 20, 2023, and Diaz is scheduled to be sentenced on November 29, 2023. They each face a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. The FBI Louisville Field Office, HSI Louisville, and the Louisville Metro Police Department, are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Porter is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Marlboro Man Indicted for Child Pornography Offenses

body_text: BOSTON – A Marlboro man was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly receiving, possessing and distributing child pornography. Larry Stephen, 45, was indicted on one count each of receipt of child pornography, distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Stephen was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on July 18, 2023. According to the charging documents, authorities identified Stephen as an individual allegedly using a social media platform to receive and post child pornography. On June 7, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Stephen’s Marlboro residence where Stephen’s cell phone was seized. A preliminary examination of the cell phone allegedly revealed the presence of child pornography. It is further alleged that Stephen repeatedly posted images and videos of child pornography videos on a social media platform. Each of the three charges, possession of child pornography, receipt of child pornography and distribution of child pornography, provide for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Jennifer De La O, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Marlboro Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: PAC Fundraiser And PAC Treasurer Charged With Multi-Year Schemes To Defraud Donors

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Richard Zeitlin Allegedly Used His Multimillion-Dollar Telemarketing Call Center Business to Defraud Donors Through False and Misleading Fundraising Calls That Represented Political Action Committees as Charities — And Instructed Employees to Destroy Records to Cover Up His Crimes Robert Piaro, Treasurer of Four Political Action Committees, Allegedly Defrauded Donors by Falsely Representing How Their Donations Would Be Spent Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that RICHARD ZEITLIN and ROBERT PIARO were arrested this morning and charged in connection with their schemes to defraud donors while soliciting money for certain political action committees (“PACs”). ZEITLIN was additionally charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of justice. ZEITLIN was arrested this morning in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is expected to be presented in federal court in Nevada this afternoon. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan. PIARO was arrested this morning in Fredonia, Wisconsin, and is expected to be presented in federal court in Wisconsin this afternoon. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Richard Zeitlin and Robert Piaro lied to donors who thought they were giving to groups that were helping veterans, aiding law enforcement officers, and fighting breast cancer. Instead, Zeitlin and Piaro allegedly exploited these important causes and the good intentions of everyday citizens to steal millions of dollars in small donations. Today’s arrests demonstrate this Office’s commitment to ensuring that those who exploit charitable causes and political action committees for their own personal gain will be held responsible for their crimes.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Zeitlin and Piaro are alleged to have made calculated decisions to purposely defraud donors to political action committees with misrepresentations and lies over an extended number of years. Deliberately deceiving those who make such contributions creates unwitting victims out of those interested in voicing an opinion. If you are a victim of Piaro or Zeitlin, please contact us at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov. The FBI is committed to ensuring anyone who callously perpetrates fraud on the American public using political action committees are held accountable in the criminal justice system.” According to the allegations in the Indictments against RICHARD ZEITLIN and ROBERT PIARO unsealed today in Manhattan federal court: [1] PACs are entities registered with the Federal Election Commission that may be tax-exempt and collect money to advocate on behalf of or against certain causes and political candidates. By contrast, charities, unlike PACs, typically provide direct services to communities or causes. From at least in or about 2017 up to and including in or about 2020, ZEITLIN used his telemarketing call center business and various associated entities to defraud numerous donors by providing misleading and false information about how the donors’ money would be spent and the nature of the organizations to which they were giving. Specifically, ZEITLIN directed his employees to alter the call scripts used when calling potential donors on behalf of certain PACs in order to mislead potential donors into believing that they would be giving to a direct-services organization ( i.e. , a charity), rather than to a political advocacy organization ( i.e. , a PAC). Among other things, when one PAC treasurer confronted ZEITLIN with complaints from donors that solicitation calls falsely represented a PAC as a charity, ZEITLIN falsely denied that the calls were being made, acknowledged that such calls would be inappropriate, and refused to give the treasurer any call recordings that would have revealed his fraud. ZEITLIN directed that these lies, misleading statements, and misrepresentations be made so that donors would be more likely to give money, thereby increasing the funds raised and profits for his businesses – which typically received approximately 90% of the funds donated. In or about May 2022, after learning that ZEITLIN and his businesses were under federal investigation, ZEITLIN directed his employees to delete electronic messages relating to his businesses. From at least in or about 2017 up to and including at least in or about December 2022, PIARO was the owner and treasurer of four PACs: Americans for the Cure of Breast Cancer, the Association for Emergency Responders & Firefighters, the US Veterans Assistance Foundation, and Standing By Veterans (the “PIARO PACs”). PIARO raised over $28 million from hundreds of thousands of donors nationwide through false statements and misrepresentations about how contributions to the PIARO PACs would be spent. For example, at PIARO’s direction, the PIARO PACs misrepresented to donors that donations would be used to advance specific legislation, educate lawmakers, and conduct and fund research, when PIARO did not and did not intend to follow through on those representations. If you believe you are a victim of fraud perpetrated by RICHARD ZEITLIN and/or ROBERT PIARO, please contact USANYS.PACFraud@usdoj.gov or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov . * * * ZEITLIN, 53, of Las Vegas, Nevada, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with telemarketing and one count of wire fraud in connection with telemarketing, which each carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice and one count of obstruction of justice, which each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. PIARO, 73, of Fredonia, Wisconsin, is charged with one count of wire fraud in connection with telemarketing and one count of mail fraud in connection with telemarketing, which each carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. If you believe you are a victim of fraud perpetrated by ZEITLIN, please find more information here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/united-states-v-richard-zeitlin . If you believe you are a victim of fraud perpetrated by PIARO, please find more information here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/united-states-v-robert-piaro . This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kedar Bhatia, Jane Kim, and Stephanie Simon are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictments and the description of the Indictments set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation. U.S. v. Zeitlin Indictment U.S. v. Piaro Indictment


title: Pine Ridge Man Sentenced on Two Assault Cases

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of two separate charges, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault on a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on August 9, 2023. Dre Red Feather, 31, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison on the Assault with a Dangerous Weapon conviction, and six years and five months in federal prison for the Assault on a Federal Officer, to be served consecutively. Red Feather was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund Red Feather had been previously released from federal custody on an unrelated case just eight days before he was involved in an assault in the East Ridge area of Pine Ridge, which resulted in the death of a man. On the afternoon of July 9, 2022, Red Feather and two others went to the home of the victim to obtain alcohol. A verbal argument ensued outside of the victim’s home that escalated into a physical altercation. Red Feather stabbed the victim during the fight, who died as a result. While Red Feather was in custody on the assault that resulted in the victim’s death, Red Feather assaulted a corrections officer at the Pennington County Jail. Red Feather approached a corrections officer, and then kicked and repeatedly struck the corrections officer in the face. The case was investigated by the FBI, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gina Nelson and Megan Poppen prosecuted the cases. Red Feather was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Bowling Green Felon Sentenced to Over 8 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Illegally Possessing a Firearm

body_text: Bowling Green, KY – A Bowling Green man was sentenced yesterday to 8 years and 4 months in prison for methamphetamine trafficking and illegally possessing a firearm. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Director Tommy Loving of the Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force made the announcement. According to court documents, Joshua Moore¸ 39, possessed a Glock 19 nine-millimeter pistol on December 22, 2021. Moore was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On September 13, 2017, in the United States District Court, Western District of Kentucky, Moore was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person. On August 24, 2009, in Warren Circuit Court, Moore was convicted of first-degree fleeing or evading police and unlawful possession of a methamphetamine precursor. Moore was also sentenced for distributing 21.09 grams of methamphetamine on April 4, 2022, distributing 24.6 grams of methamphetamine on April 13, 2022, and possessing with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on May 31, 2022. All these crimes took place in Warren County, Kentucky. Moore was on federal supervised release for his previous federal felony conviction at the time he committed the offenses on which he was sentenced yesterday. In addition to his 8-year and 4-month sentence, Moore was also sentenced to 4 years and 3 months in prison for violating the terms of his supervised release. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently with each other, and his total sentence is 8 years and 4 months in prison. Following his release from prison, Moore was ordered to serve 4 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the ATF and the Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: Baltimore Man Sentenced to 26 Years in Federal Prison for Three Robberies Committed at Gunpoint

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher today sentenced Keith Poynter, Jr., age 29, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 26 years federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for a robbery conspiracy, three counts of commercial robbery, conspiracy to use a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, two counts of using and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and for discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The charges are all related to a series of armed commercial robberies committed in one day, and for discharging his weapon during one of the robberies. A federal jury convicted Poynter of those crimes on April 24, 2023, after a four-day trial. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Acting Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department; and Chief Robert McCullough of the Baltimore County Police Department. According to court documents and evidence presented during his trial, Poynter conspired with others, including Benjamin Bunn, Jr. and Tiffany Gardner, to rob businesses in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Specifically, on December 6, 2019, Poynter and another man robbed a jewelry store in the 200 block of N. Howard Street. The evidence showed that the other robber placed a machete in the door to prevent it from locking. Poynter brandished a weapon and struck a glass countertop, causing the gun to fire. Poynter then fired two more shots into another glass case and removed jewelry and other merchandise, all in the presence of store employees. Poynter and the other man then got into a silver Acura TL, which was occupied and operated by Bunn and Gardner and left the area. A short time later, Poynter entered a jewelry store in the Security Square Mall in Baltimore County, approached a store employee, brandished a handgun, and demanded jewelry. After taking the jewelry, Poynter left the store and got back into the silver Acura TL, where Bunn and Gardner waited. The group then left the area. Approximately two hours later, Poynter entered a pawn shop in the 6600 block of Reisterstown Road, brandished a firearm, demanded jewelry, and threatened to shoot a customer. Poynter took jewelry and other merchandise and left the store, again entering the silver Acura TL where Bunn and Gardner waited. Benjamin Bunn, Jr., age 37, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to his role in the robberies a few days before trial began and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 6, 2023. Tiffany Gardner, age 27, of Baltimore, also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in federal prison. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI, the Baltimore Police Department and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Sippel, Jr., who prosecuted the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Cincinnati woman charged with crimes related to making false racial discrimination claims against landlord

body_text: CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati tenant is charged with federal crimes related to making false statements accusing her landlord of violating the Fair Housing Act. Dermisha Pickett, 33, allegedly fabricated messages from her landlord stating the landlord did not want Black tenants. Pickett appeared in federal court in Cincinnati yesterday after self-surrendering. Her case was unsealed today. “False reports to law enforcement, as alleged in this case, undermine legitimate reports of racial discrimination and could discourage victims from coming forward for fear that they will not be believed,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “This office will continue to do its due diligence when presented with any potential civil rights violations.” “Making false reports of racial discrimination is unacceptable and can have tangible effects on other tenants who rely on HUD-assisted housing,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Rice with the HUD Office of Inspector General. “In this case, if the landlord had violated the Fair Housing Act, his participation in HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher program may have been revoked, causing the displacement of approximately 50 families who rely on the Housing Choice Voucher program. These families would have been forced to uproot their families to find new homes, incurring non-reimbursable expenses.” According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, on Feb. 27, the U.S. Attorney’s Office was forwarded several text messages purportedly from the Cincinnati-area landlord as part of a civil rights report. The U.S. Attorney’s Office referred the matter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General (HUD OIG) to investigate the claims. The investigation revealed that the landlord owns over 100 properties, including 56 properties rented through HUD’s housing choice voucher program. Many of his tenants appear to be African American. On March 14, Pickett met with HUD agents and provided the agents with numerous discriminatory messages purportedly made by Pickett’s landlord. Pickett allegedly claimed to receive a call from the landlord as she arrived at the meeting with HUD OIG and placed the call on speaker phone. Pickett allegedly told agents that she had attempted to pay her portion of the rent but that her landlord returned it, stating he did not want to rent to Black individuals. According to court documents, in a later interview with the landlord, the landlord told agents he did not want to continue to rent to Pickett because she was causing extensive damage to the property. Phone records and forensic analysis indicate that no text messages were exchanged during the time periods Pickett claimed. It is alleged that Pickett used mobile applications to fabricate text messages and phone numbers. Making a false statement to federal officers is punishable by up to five years in prison. Destroying, altering, or falsifying records in a federal investigation carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Shawn Rice, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Mid-Atlantic Region; announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Ebunoluwa A. Taiwo is representing the United States in this case. A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. # # #


title: Bronx Man Sentenced To 98 Months In Prison For Committing Multiple Shootings

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that THOMAS DISLA was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman to 98 months in prison in connection with a shooting spree he committed on June 3 and 4, 2022. Over the course of 12 hours, DISLA shot an acquaintance in the groin, shot at a stranger who was driving a car, and brandished a firearm in the middle of crowded bar before striking a patron and shooting the firearm at the ceiling. DISLA previously pled guilty to one count of possessing ammunition after conviction for a felony. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Last summer, Thomas Disla committed multiple terrifying shootings in the Bronx. He severely injured two people, one of whom he had never even met. And he could have killed a third. As today’s sentence demonstrates, our Office is determined to keeping New York City safe by vigorously prosecuting perpetrators of gun violence.” According to the Indictment and other filings and statements made in court: At approximately 3:35 p.m. on June 3, 2022, DISLA approached an acquaintance (“Victim-1”) who was standing in front of a grocery store located on Southern Boulevard in the Bronx. DISLA and Victim-1 exchanged words and DISLA walked away to the street. DISLA then returned, took deliberate aim at Victim-1, and fired, hitting Victim-1 in the groin. Victim-1 was rushed to the hospital and continues to experience discomfort and pain from his injuries. At approximately 1:00 a.m. on June 4, 2023, DISLA approached a construction worker (“Victim-2”) on Wheeler Avenue in the Bronx. Victim-2 was on his way to a construction site and had briefly exited his vehicle to remove a barricade that was blocking traffic. DISLA told Victim-2 he could not continue driving to the construction site. After Victim-2 returned to his car, he overhead DISLA yell that Victim-2 would “learn [his] lesson.” As can be seen in surveillance footage, DISLA then walked to the sidewalk, turned around, and shot at Victim-2’s car: At approximately 2:20 a.m. on June 4, 2023, DISLA waived a firearm at patrons of a popular bar located on Manor Avenue in the Bronx. He then approached a stranger who was sitting on a chair, enjoying a drink, and struck him with the firearm in his face, inflicting a wound so deep it went to the bone. As surveillance video shows, DISLA then left the bar: He returned moments later only to fire one round at the ceiling of the entrance. DISLA was not permitted to possess ammunition because of his prior New York State conviction for criminal sale of a firearm in the third degree. DISLA has at least 18 prior criminal convictions. * * * In addition to his prison term, DISLA, 44, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Sowlati is in charge of the prosecution.


title: FRANKLIN MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO COVID-19 RELIEF FRAUD, BANK FRAUD, AND MONEY-LAUNDERING

body_text: NASHVILLE – John Paul Dillon, 40, of Franklin, Tennessee pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to fraud in connection with COVID-19 relief programs, mortgage fraud, and money laundering, announced United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee. Dillon pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of money-laundering related to fraudulent loan applications submitted in connection with the Payroll Protection Program (“PPP”) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. In support of federal loan applications, Dillon falsely claimed he and others earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in income from a “ride-share business” and also falsely claimed Dillon operated a company which paid over $500,000 in wages to employees. In addition to the pandemic-related charges, Dillon pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud stemming from a fraudulent loan application he submitted to finance a $470,000 mortgage. Among other things, Dillon submitted a falsified bank statement in support of this loan application. Dillon obtained almost $1,000,000 through his fraud. In addition to agreeing to the entry of money judgments against him, Dillon has agreed to forfeit his residence, two late-model automobiles, and a pontoon boat. Dillon’s sentencing has been set for March 4, 2024. He faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000,000 on each of the bank fraud counts; up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 on the wire fraud count; and up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 on the money-laundering count. This case was investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General; and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor J. Phillips is prosecuting the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . # # # # #


title: Vice President of Asphalt Paving Company Pleads Guilty to Bid Rigging

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: A senior executive of a Michigan asphalt paving company pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court in Detroit for his role in two separate conspiracies to rig bids for asphalt paving services contracts in the State of Michigan. According to court documents filed in the case, Kevin Shell, Vice President of Estimating for Clarkston-based F. Allied Construction Company Inc., conspired with two unnamed asphalt paving companies and their employees to rig bids in each other’s favor. Shell participated in the two conspiracies from June 2013 through June 2019, and from July 2017 through May 2021, respectively. The two conspiracies operated in much the same way: the co-conspirators coordinated each other’s bid prices so that the agreed-upon losing company would submit intentionally non-competitive bids. These bids gave customers the false impression of competition when, in fact, the co-conspirators had already decided among themselves who would win the contracts. “Asphalt paving is fundamental to our transportation infrastructure,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division. “Our economic vitality depends on a fair and competitive bidding process to construct, and maintain, America’s infrastructure. The division will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold executives accountable for corrupting that process.” “The U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG) is committed to ensuring that any activity related to bid rigging involving transportation projects in the State of Michigan, or elsewhere, is identified and investigated,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Andrea M. Kropf of DOT-OIG, Midwestern Region. “Along with our law enforcement and prosecutorial colleagues, we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to hold these offenders accountable for their crimes and restore equity to the bidding process.” “The Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, along with our other federal law enforcement partners, secured a victory with today’s guilty plea in our fight against bid-rigging and collusion,” said Executive Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG). “The USPS-OIG will vigorously investigate those who would engage in harmful anticompetitive practices, and we continue to ask for the public’s assistance in identifying and reporting those engaged in this type of activity.” Shell pleaded guilty to two counts of violating Section One of the Sherman Act. The maximum penalty for individuals is 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine. The maximum penalty for corporations is a $100 million criminal fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Today’s guilty plea results from an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the asphalt paving services industry being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office and the Offices of Inspectors General for the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Postal Service. Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations .


title: Foreign National Sentenced to Over 21 Years for Mailing Ricin to President of the United States in 2020

body_text: Pascale Cecile Veronique Ferrier, 55, a dual citizen of Canada and France, was sentenced today to 262 months in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for sending threatening letters, containing homemade ricin (a toxin), in September 2020, to then-President Donald J. Trump at the White House, and to eight Texas State law enforcement officials. Ferrier pleaded guilty on Jan. 25 to prohibitions with respect to biological weapons in two separate criminal cases. One case was brought in the District of Columbia, and the other was brought in the Southern District of Texas and transferred to the District of Columbia for purposes of plea and sentencing. According to court documents, Ferrier admitted that she made ricin at her residence in Quebec, Canada, in September 2020. Ricin is a deadly poison made from castor beans. Ferrier placed the ricin toxin in envelopes containing letters she wrote to then-President Trump at the White House and to eight Texas State law enforcement officials. Ferrier had been detained in the State of Texas for approximately 10 weeks in the spring of 2019, and she believed that the law enforcement officials were connected to her period of detention. In early September 2020, Ferrier used the Twitter social media service to propose that someone should “please shoot [T]rump in the face.” The letters in the envelopes contained threatening language, and the letter addressed to then-President Trump instructed him to “[g]ive up and remove [his] application for this election.” Ferrier mailed each of the threatening ricin letters from Canada to the United States. Ferrier then drove a car from Canada to the Peace Bridge Border Crossing in Buffalo, New York, on Sept. 20, 2020, where border patrol officials found her in possession of a loaded firearm, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and other weapons, and arrested her. Ferrier has remained in custody. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia and Assistant Director Susan Ferensic of the FBI’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate made the announcement. The FBI Washington and San Antonio Field Offices investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Friedman for the District of Columbia; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rob Jones, David Coronado and David Lindenmuth for the Southern District of Texas; and Trial Attorney David Smith of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.


title: EDVA Provides Updates on Grant Awards for Project Safe Neighborhood Initiatives

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), today announced the awarding of over $250,000 in grant funding for Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) initiatives. “Violence in our community has many causes,” said Aber. “Criminal prosecution of violent offenders is only one solution. As a result, we emphasize violence prevention and intervention programs and support them with federal resources. The grants awarded through our PSN program will go directly to fostering local efforts that tackle those root causes.” In May, EDVA announced the continued availability of grant funding for PSN initiatives. On June 22 the PSN Grant Committee selected three applicants to receive funds: the RVA League for Safer Streets; Project Safe, Alive, and Free (SAF); and Parents Against Bullying Virginia (PABVA). RVA League for Safer Streets will receive $54,340 for their Midnight Basketball League program in Richmond where youth will be engaged in workshops on topics such as conflict resolution before playing basketball together. Project SAF will receive $56,500 to support a Group Violence Intervention effort in Hopewell and the surrounding Tri-Cities area that pairs community violence intervention methods and intense life coaching with a trauma-based violence intervention program. This program also works collaboratively with Assistant United States Attorneys from EDVA’s Richmond Division. PABVA will receive $160,333 to support anti-bullying programs in the Newport News public school system including “Girl & Gent Talk” group sessions with at-risk youth and the STAR Bright Kidz Puppet program. PSN is 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. In addition to PSN efforts, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is working in support of the Richmond Police Department’s Safe Summer initiative by collaborating on investigations and aggressively pursuing charges against defendants identified as meeting these criteria and pushing for appropriately accountable sentences. These efforts are in line with the Department of Justice’s summer anti-violent crime strategy , which includes reinforcing the importance of identifying, investigating, and prioritizing the prosecution of those who are responsible for the greatest violence in our communities. In the fall, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia anticipates that it will announce the availability of approximately $500,000 in PSN grant funding. The PSN Grant Committee is currently prioritizing three regions impacted most by violent crime—Richmond, Newport News, and Norfolk—but will evaluate grant applications from across the Eastern District. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.


title: Tarrant County Man Indicted for Trafficking Deadly Fentanyl

body_text: PLANO, Texas – A Saginaw, Texas man has been indicted for federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today. Kevin Chase McCauley, 35, was named in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on August 9, 2023, charging him with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. McCauley made his initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kimberly C. Priest Johnson. According to the indictment and information presented in court, on March 8, 2023, law enforcement officers with the Denton County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene of a reported overdose in Argyle, Texas. Upon arrival, officers discovered an individual who had died as the result of an apparent drug overdose. An autopsy revealed the person had died from the toxic effects of fentanyl. Further investigation identified McCauley as the person who supplied and sold the fentanyl resulting in the overdose death. If convicted, McCauley faces from 20 years to life in federal prison. This case is being investigated by the Denton County Sheriff’s Office CID, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson. A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Former Southeastern Connecticut Counselor Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud and Kickback Charges

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JEFFREY SLOCUM, 55, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of health care fraud and one count of violating the federal anti-kickback statute. According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2017 to 2022, Slocum, a former resident of East Lyme, was a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with an office located at 300 State Street in New London. In 2020, the Connecticut Medicaid program (“Medicaid”) notified Slocum that Medicaid was going to audit certain claims for psychotherapy services Slocum had billed to Medicaid between March 2018 and February 2020. As part of its audit, Medicaid requested patient records for approximately 100 individual psychotherapy services Slocum had billed to Medicaid. In March 2021, Medicaid notified Slocum that the audit had determined that he had received over $225,000 in payments from Medicaid for services that he had not documented. Medicaid told Slocum it would begin to collect the overpayment by deducting the overpayment in installments from future payments Medicaid would make to Slocum. Once Slocum learned the results of the audit and that he would have to pay the money back to Medicaid, he began submitting fraudulent claims to Medicaid for psychotherapy services that he never provided. All of the fraudulent claims Slocum submitted to Medicaid represented that he had personally provided the nonexistent services. As part of his plea, Slocum admitted that from March 1, 2020 to February 24, 2022, he submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid totaling $695,048. In pleading guilty, Slocum also admitted that he engaged in a scheme to pay kickbacks to his Medicaid patients in order to induce them to receive psychotherapy services from him. Slocum paid these kickbacks to patients in the form of cash payments, money orders, and Wal-Mart and VISA gift cards. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for November 8, at which time Slocum faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Slocum also has agreed to pay full restitution to Medicaid. This investigation is being conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Social Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon and Auditor Susan Spiegel. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, and Attorney General’s Office meet regularly as part of The Medicaid Fraud Working Group. The Working Group also includes representatives from the Connecticut Department of Social Services; the Connecticut Department of Public Health; the Drug Control Division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection; the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the FBI. The Working Group reviews pending issues and cases, identifies trends that might indicate fraudulent activity, and coordinates efforts for maximum results. People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.