title: Georgia Man Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Defraud Human Capital Management Agencies

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Lawrenceville, Georgia, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Walter Gaillard, age 43, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Gaillard belonged to a conspiracy that targeted human capital management agencies located throughout the United States. In connection with the scheme, a member of the conspiracy registered businesses in Georgia and Minnesota. Afterwards, an online presence for the companies was created to include email addresses and websites. In reality, the companies were shells lacking employees, clients, or physical assets. The organizer of the conspiracy then entered into management agreements in which the management agencies agreed to handle the companies’ payroll and employee withholding in exchange for reimbursement of the advanced payroll and a service fee. Between 2017 and 2019, Gaillard and other members of the conspiracy submitted fake time sheets to the management agencies which wired money into bank accounts controlled by Gaillard and other conspirators. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Gaillard agreed that he was responsible for causing a loss of $150,000-$250,000 to the management agencies. The management agencies terminated the agreements after receiving no response for repeated claims for payment. Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for July 12, 2023, at 11:00 am. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the court released Gaillard on bond. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leo Ivory is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gaillard.


title: Kirkville Man Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Michael Pupello, age 35, of Kirkville, New York, pled guilty to one count of engaging in illegal monetary transactions. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York Field Division. Pupello admitted to distributing cocaine to customers from 2017 through October 2019 and depositing the cash proceeds from the sale of cocaine into a personal checking account and a business checking account that he maintained at JPMorgan Chase Bank. Pupello admitted to using CashApp, a mobile phone application that allows users to make cashless payments to other users, to receive payment from several of his cocaine customers. Pupello further admitted to transferring the proceeds he received via CashApp to both of his accounts at JPMorgan Chase and withdrawing $14,000 of drug proceeds from his business checking account. Pupello will be sentenced on July 12, 2023, before the Hon. David N. Hurd in Utica, N.Y. The charge filed against Pupello carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; New York State Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force, the Madison/Oneida County Sheriff Drug Task Force, and the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Thomson is prosecuting the case.


title: Jury Convicts Lakewood Felon of Bank Robbery, Weapons Violations

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces a federal jury has found James David Trujillo Jr., age 25, of Lakewood, guilty of bank robbery, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and brandishing a weapon during a federal crime of violence. According to facts presented at trial, on June 15, 2022, Trujillo was one of two men who robbed a Canvas Credit Union on West 5th Avenue in Lakewood. The men were armed with an AR-15 and shotgun. The codefendant, Darren Michael Connolly, was wearing a GPS bracelet at the time of the robbery. Both men were covered in masks and ran from the bank to a waiting getaway car. Connolly was arrested on June 16, 2022 and charged. Investigators were able to determine the identity of the second robber soon thereafter. Judge Christine M. Arguello presided over the five-day trial. After five hours of deliberations, the jury returned a guilty verdict convicting Trujillo on all counts on March 17, 2023. Trujillo will be sentenced on July 17, 2023. Co-defendant Darren Michael Connolly pleaded guilty on February 28, 2023, to the same charges and will be sentenced on July 18, 2023. "We cannot thank the jury and the FBI’s Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force enough for their tireless commitment to upholding justice and holding bank robbers accountable,” said United States Attorney Cole Finegan. “We will not tolerate such brazen criminal conduct in our communities.” “Bank robbery is not a victimless crime,” said Denver FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “The threat of violence in these incidents can have a traumatic and lasting impact on the employees and customers who live through them. FBI Denver and our Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force will continue to work with our local partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to pursue federal prosecution and reduce violence in our communities.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Brian Dunn and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Coccaro handled the prosecution. 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. CASE NUMBER: 21-cr-00213 Canvas Credit Union


title: Connecticut Man Sentenced to 27 Months’ Imprisonment for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont - The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Tan Prazeres, 43, of Danbury, Connecticut, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to 27 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Prazeres had previously pled guilty to the offense. According to court records, on February 10, 2022, Prazeres, a previously convicted felon, possessed a gun in Bennington, Vermont. That day, members of the Bennington Police Department responded to a report of suspected drug overdoses by a man and a woman inside of a car on Main Street. When an officer tapped on the driver’s side window, he saw a woman inside of the vehicle holding a glass pipe in her hand. The officer also saw a man seated in the passenger seat, later identified as Prazeres, struggling to remain conscious. Prazeres identified himself with a fake name and appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Prazeres later exited the car and was transported to a local hospital. The next day, investigators obtained a State of Vermont warrant to search the vehicle and found a Raven .25 caliber pistol in a men’s jacket that covered the center console of the vehicle. The responding officer’s body worn camera video footage showed Prazeres grabbing at the jacket that contained the firearm during Prazeres’ encounter with the police. The case was investigated by the Bennington Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Prazeres was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth, Esq. The prosecutors were Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly Ang and Zachary Stendig. 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn


title: Greenfield Township School Transportation Business Owner Pleads Guilty To Tax Evasion Scheme

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 16, 2023, Brian Propst, age 51, of Greenfield Township, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to a charge of tax evasion. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Propst operates DKB Transportation, Inc., a bussing company that provides transportation for various school districts in Northeastern Pennsylvania. During 2016 through 2019, DKB Transportation, Inc. employed a number of individuals approximately one-half of which Propst paid “under the table,” with no employment tax monies either withheld or accounting for and paid over to the IRS. Propst agreed to cooperate fully with the IRS, and to pay all taxes owed together with interest and penalties as determined by the court. This case was investigated by the Scranton Office of the IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley is prosecuting the case. The combined maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. # # #


title: Luzerne County Man Pleads Guilty To Fentanyl Trafficking

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dario George, age 32, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 16, 2023, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to the charge of possession with intent to distribute more than forty grams of fentanyl. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, George admitted to distributing between 280 grams and 400 grams of fentanyl in the Luzerne County area in 2021 and 2022. The charge stems from an investigation in which investigators made four purchases of fentanyl from George and then, on May 19, 2022, obtained a search warrant for George’s residence in Nanticoke. A search of that residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 30,000 individual bags of fentanyl and additional amounts of heroin and cocaine, $8098 in U.S. currency, and drug packaging materials. The investigation was conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Under federal law, George faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of forty years in prison, a term of supervised release and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. ###


title: Elizabethtown Woman Pleads Guilty to CARES Act Fraud in the Amount of $1,318,955

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – Kelly Woods, 43, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, pleaded guilty in federal court today to three counts of wire fraud related to a CARES Act financial assistance program. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Kathy Enstrom of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, and Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Division made the announcement. During the plea hearing, Woods admitted that between May 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, she filed three fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, resulting in the theft of $1,318,955. Woods utilized the entities Philips Healthcare LLC and LB Acquisitions LLC. Woods organized LB Acquisitions LLC after the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic. She then exaggerated the number of employees and payroll expenses of those entities in the fraudulent applications. The Small Business Administration (SBA) PPP loans were designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses who were in operation on February 15, 2020, to keep their workers on the payroll. PPP loan proceeds were required to be used by the business on certain permissible expenses. Interest and principal on PPP loans could be entirely forgiven if the business spent the loan proceeds on the allowable expenses within a designated period and used a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses. Woods is scheduled to be sentenced on June 22, 2023. Pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, Woods will also forfeit certain real property and a vehicle. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FDIC Office of Inspector General and FBI are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Elver and David Weser are 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: Browning man convicted of sexually abusing two girls sentenced to more than 18 years in prison

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Browning man convicted of sexually abusing two girls approximately 20 years ago on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 18 years and nine months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. A federal jury convicted Michael James Burke, 43, on Oct. 22, 2022 of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and of abusive sexual contact of a child following a two-day trial. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The government alleged in court documents and at trial that Burke committed numerous sexual acts against victims Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 over an extended period of time in Browning. Burke sexually abused Jane Doe 1 between 2000 and 2003 and Jane Doe 2 between 1999 and 2002. Both victims were under the age of 12 at the time. Burke threatened the victims and told them both that no one would believe them. The victims ultimately disclosed the sexual abuse to officials in 2017. The government said in its sentencing memo that the victims sustained significant emotional trauma and included a statement from Jane Doe 1 about how the sexual abuse has affected her life. In her statement, Jane Doe 1 said she grew up with depression, anxiety, PTSD and low self-esteem. “For a good majority of my pre-teens I was afraid for my life and my family’s life because of the threats that were made. If I said anything or told anyone about what happened I was afraid of someone or myself getting severely injured, which is why it took me so long to get help,” Jane Doe 1 said in her statement. “I do my best to avoid anything that triggers all of the horrible memories, which is quite stressful. Having gone through all of this I’m very physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. …I’m still healing from all of this and know I will unfortunately be dealing with this for the rest of my life.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services. XXX


title: Sikeston Man Sentenced to Serve 125 Months in Federal Prison on Gun and Drug Charges

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

body_text: CAPE GIRARDEAU – The U.S. Attorney's Office announced that Cameron Melton Malone, 30, of Sikeston, Missouri, was sentenced Monday to serve a total aggregate sentence of 125 months in federal prison for the offenses of felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Malone appeared for his sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge John A. Ross at the federal courthouse in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. At a guilty plea hearing in December, Malone admitted that on June 12, 2022, he attempted to flee from law enforcement officers in the City of Sikeston after an officer attempted a traffic stop. During a high-speed pursuit, Malone left the roadway and traveled through a parking lot where numerous people had gathered for a party, causing the crowd to run and scatter to avoid being hit. After the vehicle came to rest, Malone fled on foot and was later apprehended hiding in some bushes. He was taken into custody but struggled with officers when being placed in the patrol vehicle. Malone’s vehicle was searched, and a quantity of marijuana, packaged for sale, and a loaded Diamondback AR-15 semi-automatic rifle was seized from the vehicle. The firearm was loaded and ready to fire, with 35 rounds in the magazine and a round in the chamber. Malone is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law because of his status as a convicted felon, including a prior firearms offense for carrying a concealed weapon in 2012 and an assault conviction in 2019. After serving the 125-month sentence, Malone will be placed on supervised release for a period of three years. This case was investigated by the Sikeston Department of Public Safety and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Hunter handled the prosecution for the government.


title: Three Consecutive Life Sentences For Man Who Participated In The Murder Of Three People Including A Federal Witness

body_text: HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Kevin Coles, age 37, of New York and Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced to three consecutive terms of life imprisonment for his role in the June 25, 2016, murders of three individuals in Mercersburg, Franklin County, one of whom was cooperating with state and federal drug investigators. The consecutive sentences were imposed by United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner, who also sentenced Coles to multiple additional consecutive terms of imprisonment amounting to 35 additional years for various firearms convictions. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Coles’ conviction was the result of a six-year investigation into murders of three individuals that occurred on June 25, 2016, on a property along Welsh Run Road in Mercersburg, Franklin County. When Pennsylvania State Police officers were called to the crime scene, they found the bodies of Wendy Ann Chaney, 39, Hagerstown, Md, Brandon Cole, 47, Fayetteville, PA, and Phillip Matthew Jackson, 36, Mercersburg, PA, in a barn on victim Jackson’s property. All were shot. The three victims had their hands zipped-tied behind their backs and had been set on fire. Jackson and Cole were shot once in the head. Chaney was shot twice, once in the back and once in the neck. Wendy Chaney and Brandon Cole were already dead when the police responded to the scene. Phillip Jackson was transported to York Hospital where he died shortly after arrival. Coles was tried by a jury in Harrisburg in April 2022, and convicted on all 16 counts of the indictment, to include interstate travel to commit murder, murder of a witness, and drug trafficking offenses. The evidence established that Wendy Chaney was in a relationship with Kevin Coles and a coconspirator and had been previously assisting both with their drug distribution operation. Coles, the coconspirator, and co-defendant Devin Dickerson learned that Chaney was cooperating with federal authorities and contracted for her to be murdered. Co-defendants Jerell Adgebesan and Kenyatta Corbett recruited members of a Baltimore based gang known as the Black Guerilla Family and others from Baltimore to travel to the Jackson property to kill Wendy Chaney. The killers were promised that they could take as payment $20,000 that was to be in a safe in the barn and any drugs and firearms that they could locate on the Jackson property. Once there, the killers encountered not only Wendy Chaney but also Brandon Cole and Phillip Jackson. Chaney was killed to protect the drug trafficking activities of Coles, and his co-conspirators. Jackson and Cole were murdered to prevent them from being witnesses to the crimes of violence that were committed at the Jackson property. The killers never found any money on the property but stole some drugs and firearms. The following individuals were charged along with Coles as a result of the investigation: Devin Dickerson, age 31, Hagerstown, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine and is awaiting sentencing; Kenyatta Corbett, age 38, Hagerstown, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and to being an accomplice to the use of a firearm during Hobbs Act robbery and is awaiting sentencing; Michael Buck, age 30, Hagerstown, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and to being an accomplice to the use of a firearm during Hobbs Act robbery and is awaiting sentencing; Nicholas Preddy, age 29, Baltimore, pleaded guilty to attempting to kill a witness and is awaiting sentencing; Johnnie Jenkins-Armstrong, age 22, Baltimore, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and to being an accomplice to the use of a firearm during Hobbs Act robbery and is awaiting sentencing; Terrance Lawson, age 31, Baltimore, sentenced to time served for attempting to intimidate a witness; Tyrone Armstrong, age 30, Baltimore, sentenced to time served for attempting to intimidate a witness; and Christopher Johnson, age 31, Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty to multiple counts including murder for hire and is awaiting sentencing; Mark Johnson, 35, Baltimore, Maryland, pled guilty to obstructing the grand jury’s investigation and was sentenced to 110 months’ imprisonment; Llesenia Woodard, 46, Hagerstown, Maryland, pled guilty to providing false testimony to the grand jury investigating the murders and is awaiting sentencing Jerell Adgebesan, age 35, of Baltimore and Hagerstown, Maryland, pled guilty in June 2022 to Hobbs Act robbery and to being an accomplice to the use of a firearm during Hobbs Act robbery. Judge Conner sentenced Adgebesan in February 2023 to life imprisonment and a consecutive 10-year term of imprisonment; Torey White, 32, Waynesboro, PA, and Florida, was indicted on multiple counts to include murder of a witness, conspiracy to commit murder, robbery, and firearms offenses. His trial is currently scheduled to commence in May 2023. Yolanda Diaz, 31, Hagerstown, was indicted on multiple counts of perjury and obstruction of justice based upon her testimony at the Coles trial. Her trial is currently scheduled for May 2023. Joshua Davis, age 30, previously pled guilty to participating in the conspiracy to locate and kill an individual believed to be cooperating with federal authorities in the investigation of the triple murders. Davis was sentenced to serve 100 months’ imprisonment. The following federal, state and local law enforcement agencies participated in the investigation: Drug Enforcement Administration Harrisburg Resident Office; Pennsylvania State Police, Chambersburg; Pennsylvania State Police, Troop H; Franklin County Drug Task Force; Franklin County Adult Probation; Pennsylvania State Probation and Parole; Hagerstown Police Department, Criminal Investigation Division; Drug Enforcement Administration, Hagerstown Resident Office; Washington County Narcotics Task Force; Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office, Strike Force Group 1; Maryland State Police Homicide Unit; Baltimore Police Department Narcotics, Fugitive And Homicide Units; Baltimore County Police Department Narcotics and Gang Unit; Federal Bureau of Investigation Evidence Management Unit, Quantico, VA; US Marshal’s Service Harrisburg, PA and Phoenix, AZ; Franklin County District Attorney’s Office; United States Attorney’s Office, District Of Maryland; and the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office. Judy Fernandez, Manager of Analytic Services at LexisNexis Special Services, Inc., (LNSSI) provided expert assistance to investigators and the prosecutors in the areas of analysis, support, and the rendering of her expert opinion. Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, and Senior Litigation Counsel Michael Consiglio are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses. This prosecution is also part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) identified as “Retribution for Welsh Run.” OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Files Lawsuit Against Roosevelt Care Centers to Enforce Employment Rights Under the ADA

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office today filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey charging Roosevelt Care Centers for violating Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. The lawsuit alleges that Roosevelt Care Centers, a long-term care facility operated by the Middlesex County Improvement Authority, unlawfully terminated a dietary worker whose disability inhibited her ability to lift objects heavier than 20 pounds. “No one should be denied their right to work because of a disability,” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. “The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted to prohibit employers from denying employment to people with disabilities without making a reasonable accommodation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the civil rights and ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals with disabilities.” Before sustaining an injury that caused the permanent lifting impairment, the employee had been successfully working at Roosevelt Care Centers for approximately 18 years and remained able to perform the essential functions of her position. Nonetheless, Roosevelt Care Centers terminated the dietary worker’s employment due to her disability without engaging in an interactive process to provide her with a reasonable accommodation. Title I of the ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against a qualified individual on the basis of disability in regard to the hiring, advancement or discharge of employees; employee compensation; and other terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. An employer may not demote, terminate, or deny employment opportunities to an employee who is otherwise qualified if the demotion or termination is based on the need to make reasonable accommodations for the employee. This matter was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Civil Rights Division based on a referral from the Newark Area Office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. U.S. Attorney Sellinger created a Civil Rights Division last year with the goal of protecting and upholding the civil rights of those in our community. Individuals who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may file a complaint with the U.S Attorney’s Office at http://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement/complaint or call the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Hotline at (855) 281-3339. Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov , or by calling the Department of Justice’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD). The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thandiwe Boylan of the Civil Rights Division in Newark. The complaint is an allegation of unlawful conduct. The allegation must still be proven in federal court. roosevelt.complaint.pdf


title: Former Missouri State Worker Admits Stealing $140,000 in Unemployment Insurance Funds

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A former Missouri state employee on Monday admitted abusing her position to send $140,500 in unearned unemployment benefits to friends, relatives and others. Vicky Hefner, 63, of Jefferson County, Missouri, was working for the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Division of Employment Security as a benefit program specialist at the time of the crimes, which occurred from July to December of 2020. As part of her guilty plea to one count of theft of public money, Hefner admitted logging into the accounts of approximately eight friends, relatives and associates to either make them eligible for unemployment benefits when they were not otherwise eligible or increase their benefits. She also backdated some claims to increase benefits and changed the status of some who were receiving pandemic-related unemployment assistance to regular unemployment assistance to fraudulently increase the benefits they received, the plea says. Hefner had worked at the agency since 2009. At her sentencing, scheduled for June 22, Hefner could face up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. She will also be ordered to repay the money. The case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General at both the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Dowd III is prosecuting the case.


title: Leader Of Multi-Kilogram Cocaine Conspiracy Sentenced To 15 Years In Federal Prison

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. today sentenced James Mirabal (46, St. Cloud) to 15 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. The court also ordered Mirabal to forfeit $124,598, traceable proceeds of the offense. Mirabal had pleaded guilty on December 27, 2022. Mirabal’s two conspirators, Johnathan Beharry and Vilnarie Figueroa Matos, previously pleaded guilty. Beharry was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison on February 14, 2023. Figueroa Matos is scheduled to be sentenced on April 17, 2023. According to court documents, Mirabal conspired with numerous others to distribute kilograms of cocaine. During the investigation, Mirabal had discussed, among other things, a seizure of 50 kilograms of cocaine in April 2022, as he arranged for the delivery of 20 kilograms of cocaine to Beharry. The drugs were later seized during Beharry’s arrest on October 17, 2022. Mirabal routinely discarded cellphones and, when arrested on October 31, 2022, was found in possession of 24 cellphones and $124,598 in currency. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Winter Garden Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Kissimmee Police Department, the Winter Park Police Department, the Clermont Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Apopka Police Department, the Ocoee Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill. Operation Titan Fall is a multi-agency Organize Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCEDTF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Drug User Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

body_text: Burlington, Vermont - The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Paul Lachapelle, Jr., 27, of Springfield, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Christina Reiss to time served followed by 3 years of supervised release for being a drug user in possession of a firearm. Lachapelle, Jr. previously pleaded guilty to the offense. According to court records, Lachapelle Jr. was arrested on May 30, 2022, in Springfield, Vermont. That evening, Springfield Police responded to a possible burglary in progress at a residence. The report stated that the burglary suspect had a handgun holstered to his hip. Springfield Police encountered Lachapelle, Jr. and another person at the residence. After a brief conversation, law enforcement determined that Lachapelle, Jr. threw a handgun into a tall grassy area nearby. Springfield Police searched that area and recovered a .22 caliber revolver. Police interviewed Lachapelle, Jr. who admitted, among other things, that he walked onto the property and onto the breezeway of the house. Lachapelle, Jr. claimed he knew the homeowner, and that the homeowner would have approved of Lachapelle, Jr.’s actions. Lachapelle, Jr. initially denied possessing a handgun while admitting that he had a knife, but after police confronted him with the homeowner’s reports of seeing the handgun on Lachapelle Jr.’s person via the residence’s surveillance video, Lachapelle, Jr. admitted to police that he threw the handgun into the tall grass near his vehicle. Additionally, the investigation demonstrated that Lachapelle, Jr. consumed controlled substances on a daily basis from September 2021 through May 30, 2022. The case was investigated by the Springfield Police Department, Vermont State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Lachapelle, Jr. was represented by Michael Straub, Esq. The prosecutors were Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph Perella and Zachary Stendig. 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn


title: Rip Crew Co-Conspirator Sentenced to 117 Months for Robbery, Drug Trafficking, and Firearms Offenses

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Abelardo Rodriguez-Arvizu, 38, of Mexico, was sentenced on March 3, 2023, by United States District Court Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 117 months in prison. Rodriguez-Arvizu was found guilty following a bench trial of one count each of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, and Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense. On October 24, 2015, United States Border Patrol (USBP) agents encountered Rodriguez-Arvizu and several other individuals in the desert south of Tucson. Rodriguez-Arvizu and his co-conspirators were part of a drug “rip crew” whose goal was to rob marijuana backpackers of their drug loads. When Border Patrol agents arrived, Rodriguez-Arvizu fled, but forensic testing later revealed his DNA on a water jug and jacket left behind. Rodriguez-Arvizu and his co-conspirators were armed with at least five semi-automatic firearms, body armor, and other items indicative of a rip crew. USBP agents arrested Rodriguez-Arvizu on November 18, 2019, for his role in the crimes. Co-conspirators Francisco Javier Caballero-Bustamante and Jose Carlos Lemus-Veliz were arrested by USBP and sentenced, prior to Rodriguez-Arvizu’s arrest, by Judge Zipps to 98 months and 144 months, respectively, for their roles in the rip crew. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-15-1390-003-TUC-JGZ-EJM RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-039_Rodriguez-Arvizu # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Federal Judge Sentences Mint Hill Man To 30 Years In Prison For Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. sentenced Brandon Grunwald, 47, of Mint Hill, N.C., to 360 months in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Upon release from custody, Grunwaldt will also be placed on supervised release for 20 years and will be required to register with the Sex Offender Registry Board in any state or jurisdiction where he works or resides. Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, and Chief Joseph Hatley of the Mint Hill Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to filed court documents, trial evidence, and today’s sentencing hearing, between February 16 and October 31, 2020, Grunwaldt secretly recorded a minor on five different occasions while the minor was undressing and showering. The Mint Hill Police Department initiated an investigation into Grunwaldt after the minor reported discovering a cell phone hidden in the bathroom recording the minor while using the shower. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized Grunwaldt’s cell phones and other electronic devices. A forensic analysis of the devices by Homeland Security Investigations revealed that Grunwaldt created and possessed five videos that depicted the minor using the shower and undressing. Law enforcement also determined that Grunwaldt frequently visited a website with pornographic videos similar to those he made. On February 15, 2022, a federal jury convicted Grunwaldt of five counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. In announcing today’s sentence, Judge Conrad said that Grunwaldt’ s offense involved some of the most vile and disturbing conduct he has seen. Grunwaldt is currently in federal custody. He will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended HSI and the Mint Hill Police Department for their investigation of the case. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Spaugh, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.


title: St. Louis County Woman Sentenced to a Year in Prison for Check Scheme that Used Bank Information from Stolen Mail

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A woman from Hillsdale, in St. Louis County, Missouri was sentenced Monday to a year in federal prison for engaging in a scheme to deposit tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of counterfeit checks created with information from stolen U.S. mail. U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig also ordered Tyra G. Robinson, 21, of Hillsdale, to repay victims $10,859. Robinson will be on supervised release for five years after her release from prison. In her guilty plea in November to four felony counts of bank fraud, Robinson admitted depositing or attempting to deposit counterfeit checks totaling more than $40,000. She received at least $22,000 via the scheme from at least ten financial institutions. She also admitted possessing counterfeit checks belonging to at least ten victims. Robinson would deposit counterfeit checks typically ranging from $4,0000 to $10,000 into bank accounts. The information Robinson used on the counterfeit checks came from checks stolen from the U.S. mail. She then withdrew the proceeds before the banks realized the checks were bogus. Robinson recruited bank account holders on Facebook and Instagram with promises of kickbacks if they let Robinson deposit the checks into their accounts. Co-conspirators also recruited account holders for Robinson. On March 10, 2022, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers attempted to pull over a vehicle that Robinson was driving because it was wanted in connection with a burglary. Robinson refused to pull over and fled at a high rate of speed. While trying to get on the highway, she struck another vehicle, causing significant damage to that vehicle. After the crash, officers found a purse with about $11,527 in cash, a gun and multiple bank cards and checks in names other than Robinson's inside her vehicle. Police turned over the evidence to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service who conducted a financial investigation of Robinson’s activity. “Through her mail theft scheme, the defendant was able to steal thousands of dollars from hard-working postal customers, some of whom continue to deal with the financial repercussions caused by her actions,” said Ruth M. Mendonça, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Chicago Division. “The swift joint investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department put an end to her illegal activity. Our agencies will continue to work together to bring justice to victimized citizens of St. Louis.” The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow is prosecuting the case.


title: Cascade woman admits charges in Great Falls College student loan fraud

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Cascade woman accused of illegally receiving approximately $126,000 in federal student aid through a scheme in which she enrolled others in courses at Great Falls College, Montana State University, admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Ricci Lea Castellanos, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to aggravated identity theft. Castellanos faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the conspiracy crime, and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft crime. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Aug. 3. Castellanos was released pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court document that between January 2016 and December 2019, Castellanos enrolled unwitting family members and others in online classes at Great Falls College, Montana State University. When doing so, Castellanos, and others, applied for and received federal student aid totaling approximately $126,219, none of which was allowed. In addition, Castellanos and others fraudulently used and submitted multiple American Indian Tuition Waivers. Castellanos and others created and used false tribal enrollment forms from Native American Tribes, all of which were designed to result in larger student living expense refunds. Castellanos and others then diverted the money. In addition, Castellanos and others used the identify of a person, Jane Doe 1, to apply for enrollment with Great Falls College in August 2017. When applying, Castellanos forged Jane Doe 1’s signature and received $2,378 in financial aid into her bank account, Castellanos then immediately withdrew the money in cash. Jane Doe 1 had reported her identity stolen to the Great Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan G. Weldon and Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General. XXX


title: Micronesian Couple Sentenced for Withholding Passports to Coerce Labor of Two Men in Meat Processing Plant

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: U.S. District Chief Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced defendants Nesly Mwarecheong, 46, and Bertino Weires, 51, U.S. residents and Federated States of Micronesia citizens, to 48 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and nearly $70,000 in restitution to the victims for withholding passports to coerce labor of two men in a meat processing plant. The defendants previously pleaded guilty in October 2022 to two counts of unlawful conduct with respect to documents in furtherance of trafficking or forced labor for recruiting two young men from Micronesia to come to the United States for the purpose of coercing their labor in a meat processing plant for the defendants’ financial gain. According to court documents, the defendants convinced the two victims to leave their homes in Micronesia in December 2019 and travel to the United States by promising them they could work in the United States and send money back to their families. Once in the United States, the defendants confiscated the victims’ passports and obtained jobs for them at a meat processing plant in Ottumwa, Iowa. Each week, the defendants took the victims to cash their paychecks before seizing almost the entire amount and leaving the victims with a nominal amount each week. The defendants used various means to compel the victims’ labor and services, including confiscating the victims’ passports and social security cards, imposing debts on them, limiting and monitoring their communication with family, physically and socially isolating them and creating a system of total financial dependence on the defendants. In so doing, the defendants created a situation where the victims either had to continue complying with the defendants’ demands or risk being homeless and without a means of supporting themselves in a foreign country where they did not speak the language and had no means of returning home. “These defendants used the promise of well-paid jobs to lure the victims to come to the United States in search of a better future for themselves and their families,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “These defendants then proceeded to callously exploit the victims, using their power over them to profit off their hard work. The Department of Justice remains committed to seeking justice for survivors of forced labor schemes, holding perpetrators accountable and stripping wrongdoers of their illegal profits.” “Forced labor can happen anywhere in the United States, including Iowa. We will continue fighting for victims to ensure those who exploit the promise of working in the United States to coerce labor are held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal for the Southern District of Iowa. “Thanks to the diligent work of law enforcement, these acts of coercion and compulsion were stopped.” Investigator Jeremy Tosh of the Ottumwa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Virginia Bruner and Ryan Leemkuil for the Southern District of Iowa and Trial Attorney Christina Randall-James of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Gang Member Sentenced for Kidnapping and Drug Conspiracy

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A North Andover man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for conspiring to commit kidnapping and conspiracy to smuggle drugs into the Essex County Jail. Steven Rios, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to eight years in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2022, Rios pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping and conspiracy to distribute Suboxone. Rios was charged in November 2021 along with 12 others in connection with a large drug conspiracy centering around the Gangster Disciples in Lawrence, Haverhill and Methuen. The investigation, which began in August 2020, intercepted communications between Gangster Disciples’ leaders, members and drug suppliers pertaining to their alleged distribution of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and Suboxone in Massachusetts, Maine and southern New Hampshire as well as into the Essex County Jail. The investigation intercepted phone calls between Rios and other gang members, who conspired to kidnap and assault a marijuana supplier from Maine. The dispute originated from an alleged drug debt and suspicions that the drug supplier had stolen one of Rios’s breeding dogs. Following related search warrants, Rios was again intercepted in phone calls planning to smuggle Suboxone into the Essex County Jail when he was arrested. Jail officials were able to screen Rios, who had attempted to smuggle drugs into the jail by swallowing them. After several days at the hospital, jail officials seized Suboxone from Rios. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Essex County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . This case is also a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Ex-Federal Correction Officer Pleads Guilty to Taking Bribes in Exchange for Smuggling Contraband into the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, former federal correction officer Jeremy Monk pleaded guilty to receiving bribes in exchange for providing contraband to prison inmates detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn. Today’s proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge James R. Cho. When sentenced, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the guilty plea. “The defendant has admitted to violating his duty as a federal correction officer by taking bribes in exchange for smuggling contraband into the Metropolitan Detention Center, a serious betrayal of his fellow correction officers and staff, incarcerated individuals, and the trust placed in him by the government,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office is focused on rooting out corruption that threatens the safety and security of our federal and local jails.” Mr. Peace expressed his thanks to the Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, for their investigative work on the case. According to court documents and facts presented at the guilty plea proceeding, Monk worked as a correction officer at the MDC from May 2020 until he voluntarily resigned on April 18, 2022. On multiple occasions, Monk smuggled contraband into the MDC in exchange for bribes. For example, on December 5, 2020, MDC staff members conducted a search of the cell of an incarcerated individual (Inmate-1) because they suspected that Inmate-1 was in possession of marijuana due to an odor coming from his cell. Although no marijuana was found, MDC staff recovered a cellular telephone, which is contraband in a federal correctional facility. Financial records show that three days before MDC staff recovered the cellular telephone, the romantic partner of Inmate-1 attempted to make seven payments to Monk via Cash App in amounts ranging from $750 to $4,000. All seven transactions were blocked by Cash App. On April 15, 2022, three days before Monk resigned, MDC staff learned that Monk had agreed to accept $10,000 from inmates in exchange for his smuggling contraband into the MDC and leaving it in a staff restroom. That afternoon, Monk was observed entering the staff restroom consistent with the information MDC staff received. After Monk left the restroom, MDC staff found more than nine ounces of marijuana hidden on a shelf under floor buffing pads. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorney Philip Pilmar is in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant : JEREMY MONK Age: 32 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-442


title: Huntington Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Eddie Guy Jewell, 49, of Huntington, was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 26, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Jewell’s Idlewood Drive residence in Huntington. Officers found approximately 73.73 grams of fentanyl, a Bushmaster, AR-15 5.56mm rifle, and a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol. Jewell admitted to possessing the fentanyl, intending to distribute it in the Huntington area. Jewell further admitted that the search occurred after he sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to a confidential informant on multiple occasions. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-155. ###


title: Bakersfield Brothers Sentenced for Roles in Multiple Fraud Schemes

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — For their roles in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud, today, Charles Abieanga, 31, of Bakersfield, was sentenced to five years and five months in prison and his brother Simon Abieanga, 28, of Bakersfield, was sentenced to three years and five months in prison, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Charles Abieanga was ordered to pay $505,695 in restitution, and Simon Abieanga was ordered to pay $326,832 in restitution. According to court documents, Charles Abieanga was sentenced to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft for his role in three different fraud schemes. The first scheme involved submitting false claims to the California Employment Development Department and obtaining benefits associated with those claims. The second scheme involved impersonating a supplier of personal protective equipment (PPE) and defrauding hospitals by selling non-existent medical supplies including surgical gowns and N-95 protective masks. The third scheme involved the sale of non-existent pets, horses, and vehicles to victims online. Simon Abieanga was sentenced for his role in one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in two separate, but similar, fraud schemes. The first scheme involved submitting false claims to the California Employment Development Department and obtaining benefits associated with those claims. Simon Abieanga’s second scheme involved the sale of non-existent pets, horses, and vehicles to victims online. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, the California Employment Development Department, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandre Dempsey and Joseph D. Barton are prosecuting the case.


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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – BRIAN TARDY , age 31, resident of Orleans Parish, pled guilty on Thursday, March 16, 2023 to all counts of a three-count superseding bill of information for drug and weapons violations, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. TARDY’s sentencing is set for June 22, 2023. In Count 1 of the superseding bill of information, TARDY is charged with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D) for which he faces a maximum sentence of 5 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a period of at least 2 years of supervised release. Additionally, in Count 1, TARDY is charged with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C) for which he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a period of at least 3 years of supervised release. In Count 2, TARDY is charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1) for which he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years to life imprisonment, to be run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a period of up to 5 years supervised release. Finally, Count 3 charges TARDY with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g) and 924(a)(2) for which he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 and a period of up to 3 years of supervised release. For each count, TARDY also faces payment of $100 mandatory special assessment fee. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Green Bay Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Manufacturing and Trafficking 3D-Printed Ghost Guns

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on March 20, 2023, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Mitchell J. Guerrero (age: 30) to a total sentence of 46 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release for manufacturing and trafficking 3D-printed firearms, commonly referred to as “ghost guns” because they lack serial numbers and thus are untraceable. According to court records, in November 2021, investigators with the Brown County Drug Task Force searched Guerrero’s residence in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and located a 3D printing lab in his basement. Near the lab, investigators seized a fully functional 3D-printed plastic handgun, 3D-printed magazines and rounds, 3D-printed silencers, and a 3D-printed “sear” that could convert an AR-15 rifle into a fully automatic weapon. Investigators also located evidence that Guerrero was in the beginning stages of manufacturing a 3D-printed AR-15. The 3D-printed plastic handgun was sent to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Firearms Technology Criminal Branch for a technical examination, where it successfully fired. The firearm also was subjected to a Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) metal detector. During the test, the firearm successfully went through TSA screening without setting off the alarm. This is the first known fully operational plastic firearm seized by ATF that has successfully passed through a TSA metal detector. Investigators also discovered evidence that Guerrero offered to sell ghost guns and traded one firearm for methamphetamine. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Griesbach discussed the dangerousness of trafficking untraceable firearms and noted that this type of crime will not be tolerated. This matter was investigated by ATF and the Brown County Drug Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexander E. Duros. # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Idaho’s U.S. Attorney Announces Federal Prison Sentences for Four Fentanyl Dealers

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: BOISE – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced the prison sentences in three separate cases involving the distribution of fentanyl last week. “Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid responsible for an exponential increase in overdose deaths here in Idaho,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Through close collaboration with our state, local, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners, we continue to hold accountable those who distribute this poison in our communities.” 1. Two Boise Residents Sentenced to Over 15 Years and 10 Years, Respectively, for Running a “One Stop Mobile Drug Shop.” In one case, Misty Dawn Sykes, 46, and Keisha Dawn Murdoch, 28, both of Boise, were sentenced to 188 and 128 months in federal prison, respectively, for possessing over 1.3 kilos of methamphetamine, more than 1,300 fentanyl pills, an ounce of cocaine, 16 grams of heroin, 16 grams of Alpha-PHP (synthetic cathinone), and 12.6 grams of fluorfentanyl (a deadly fentanyl analogue) with intent to distribute it to another. According to court records, Sykes and Murdoch were operating a one stop mobile drug shop in the Treasure Valley area. Murdoch told investigators that she and Sykes purchased anywhere from eight to ten pounds of methamphetamine and 2,000 to 4,000 fentanyl pills every two weeks for redistribution. She also indicated that they would purchase heroin and cocaine whenever available. In addition to the controlled substances seized from Sykes and Murdoch, law enforcement also seized a Smith and Wesson semi-automatic handgun with an obliterated serial number, and nearly $30,000 in cash. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered both Sykes and Murdoch to serve five years of supervised release following their prison sentences. U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, and Garden City Police Department for this investigation. 2. Washington Man Sentenced to Over Eight Years for Firearms and Fentanyl Offenses. In a separate case, Jordan Khan, 27, of Washington, was sentenced to 98 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court records, on January 27, 2022, United States Marshals were searching for a wanted fugitive believed to be at Khan’s residence. During the search, Khan was found in possession of a .40 caliber pistol and trafficking amounts of fentanyl. He was charged and released subject to pretrial conditions. Khan was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2018 conviction for a residential burglary. After a federal indictment was obtained, an arrest warrant was issued. On April 18, 2022, when the federal warrant was served, Khan was found with over 700 fentanyl pills. Khan moved to the Treasure Valley in 2021, after being released from Washington state prison for unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance, and taking a vehicle without permission. He has an extensive criminal history, including convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm, burglary, and assault. “The strong partnerships we have with our federal, state, and local partners ensure repeat offenders like Mr. Khan are held accountable for their crimes,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the Salt Lake City FBI. “We will continue to work together to prevent gun offenses in Idaho and prevent deadly drugs like fentanyl from causing more damage in our communities.” Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Khan to serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Khan pleaded guilty to the federal charges in November 2022. U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force and U.S. Marshals Service for their efforts in this case. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Boise Police Department; Caldwell Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Meridian Police Department; Nampa Police Department; and Idaho Department of Correction. The Khan case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit www.treasurevalleypartners.org . 3. Arizona Man Sentenced to 12.5 Years for Distributing Fentanyl and Methamphetamine. In a third case, Brian David Schroeder, 47, of Arizona, was sentenced to 150 months in federal prison for distributing large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine. According to court records, on September 25, 2022, Schroeder, was stopped by sheriff deputies while driving on Highway 93 through Jerome, Idaho. After deputies observed a marijuana dispensary container in the car, a search was conducted. Inside the car, police found approximately 3.25 pounds of fentanyl, 3.15 pounds of methamphetamine, and a loaded 9mm handgun. Schroeder was traveling through Idaho with the intention of distributing the drugs in Washington. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also sentenced Schroeder to five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Schroeder pleaded guilty to the crime in December 2022. U.S. Attorney Hurwit thanked the Jerome County Sheriff’s Office and Jerome County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for their work which led to the charges in the Schroeder case. ###


title: Leaders of North Carolina Drug-Trafficking Organization  Convicted of Murder-for-Hire in Norfolk

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A federal jury convicted four Greensboro men for their role in a murder-for-hire that resulted in the death of 59-year-old Norfolk resident, Lillian Bond, on April 19, 2016. “This day has been a long time coming, especially for the family of Lillian Bond. This drug enterprise took the life of an innocent person, a woman well known to be kind and compassionate to her friends and family, and I hope that today’s verdict brings some measure of justice to her family,” said Jessica D. Aber, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We are committed to continuing to work with our federal and state law enforcement partners to reduce the amount of drug-related violence in our communities.” According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Jaquate Simpson, 38, and Landis Jackson, 38, were the leaders of a long-running criminal enterprise responsible for distributing hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into central North Carolina and the Hampton Roads region. On April 13, 2016, a Norfolk-based drug dealer failed to pay over $81,000 for a multi-kilogram delivery of cocaine. Simpson and Jackson’s organization retaliated by hiring a Nine Trey gang member, Kalub Shipman, 35, to kill the next person to exit a house associated with where the Norfolk dealer had been known to frequent. Shipman initially traveled to Virginia within hours of being offered the murder-for-hire contract with a fellow gang member. They conducted surveillance on the residence and then returned to Greensboro. Shipman then recruited Nelson Evans, 32, to assist in the murder-for-hire, offering him a portion of the $10,000 Shipman would receive upon completion. Shipman and Evans traveled to Virginia on April 18, 2016. The following morning, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Shipman and Evans entered the Ingleside neighborhood of Norfolk and shot Lillian Bond as she was taking out the trash on Trice Terrace. Ms. Bond had been an employee of the Children’s Hospital for King’s Daughters for approximately 20 years and was described as a pillar in her community. "The suspects in this case had a complete disregard for anyone but themselves, and because of pure greed, took an innocent woman’s life to send a message. While the family of Lillian Bond can never be made whole because of these men’s senseless actions, today’s convictions can hopefully bring her family some semblance of justice and closure," said Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Norfolk Field Office. "This case is a stark reminder of how gun violence devastates our local communities. The FBI is committed to continuing to work with our local, state, and federal partners to disrupt this type of crime and dismantle organized criminal enterprises." The jury found each defendant guilty of the following charges: Name Charges Jaquate Simpson, a/k/a “Quay,” “J,” “Stacks,” “Predator” Continuing criminal enterprise; murder while engaged in continuing criminal enterprise; narcotics conspiracy; murder while engaged in a drug-trafficking offense; distribution of cocaine; use of a firearm resulting in death; conspiracy to commit murder for hire; murder for hire Landis Jackson, a/k/a “Juve,” “Juvie” Continuing criminal enterprise; murder while engaged in continuing criminal enterprise; narcotics conspiracy; murder while engaged in a drug-trafficking offense; distribution of cocaine; use of a firearm resulting in death; conspiracy to commit murder for hire; murder for hire Kalub Shipman, a/k/a “Kato,” “Baydo” Murder while engaged in a drug-trafficking offense; use of a firearm resulting in death; conspiracy to commit murder for hire; murder for hire; felon in possession of a firearm Nelson Evans Use of a firearm resulting in death; conspiracy to commit murder for hire; murder for hire All four men face mandatory life sentences when sentenced. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Mike Goldsmith, Interim Chief of Norfolk Police, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney accepted the verdict. The case was investigated by the FBI Norfolk Field Office, Department of Homeland Security, DEA, United States Postal Inspection Service, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Police Departments of Norfolk, Greensboro, Thomasville, Winston-Salem, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, the Sheriff’s Departments of Guilford and Davidson County, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joe DePadilla, John F. Butler and Kristin G. Bird are prosecuting the case. The case was investigated as part of four Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), Operation Burning Man, Operation Cash Cab, Operation Goodfellas and Operation Cardinal Sin. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-90.


title: Former Middle School Paraprofessional Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Child Sextortion Scheme

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A Coon Rapids man has been sentenced to 240 months in prison followed by 12 years of supervised release for a sextortion scheme that targeted minors through social media and an online gaming forum, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, Glen Robert Anderson, 24, previously worked as a middle school paraprofessional in special education. Anderson used multiple internet applications and social media accounts for email, file sharing, and chatting with minors, including Snapchat and Grindr. Anderson also owned and administered an online gaming forum. To participate in the forum, users were required to submit an application, which included the age of the user. As Anderson knew, many of the users were minors. Between April 1, 2016, through August 20, 2021, Anderson used his position as the forum administrator to groom minors to produce child pornography and engage in sexual activity with him, including by providing minors with in-game perks, privileges, and other gifts. For example, Anderson coerced a 13-year-old victim to engage in sexually explicit acts for the purpose of producing images and videos. Anderson later threatened to release those sexually explicit images if the victim did not respond to Anderson’s demands. Anderson pleaded guilty on June 28, 2022, to two counts of production of child pornography, one count of enticement of a minor, and one count of interstate communications with intent to extort. He was sentenced on March 15, 2023, before Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz. This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Anoka County Sheriff's Office, the Erie County (Ohio) Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and Waterloo Regional Police Service in Ontario, Canada. Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela M. Munoz and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Miranda E. Dugi prosecuted the case.


title: Anoka Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Machine Gun, Methamphetamine

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – An Anoka man has pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a machinegun and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, in April 2022, the FBI began investigating Darrian Mitchell Nguyen, 50, based on a tip from a Confidential Human Source (CHS) that Nguyen was in possession of explosive devices, firearms, and methamphetamine, and had expressed a desire to join the Three Percenter militia group, a loosely organized anti-government extremist movement. The CHS told law enforcement that Nguyen kept weapons, including rifles, shotguns, handguns, a grenade launcher, and pipe bombs in “secret” rooms built within the walls of his residence. According to court documents, to correct a debt owed to the defendant, Nguyen asked the CHS to provide him with firearms, specifically a short-barreled rifle equipped with an auto sear. Through text messages, Nguyen arranged to meet with the CHS to receive four auto sears and a short-barreled rifle equipped with an auto sear. During conversations with the CHS about obtaining firearms, Nguyen discussed interest in a revolution or coup-d’état. At the arranged meeting on October 4, 2022, after Nguyen took possession of the machine gun and the auto sears, law enforcement arrested Nguyen and executed a search warrant at his residence. Law enforcement recovered several firearms from a hidden room and elsewhere inside the residence, including an additional short-barreled rifle and a short-barreled shotgun that Nguyen was not registered to possess. Nguyen pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Senior Judge Donovan W. Frank to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of unlawful possession of a machinegun. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Manda M. Sertich and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Justin Sher are prosecuting the case.


title: Essex County Man Convicted for Gunpoint Robbery of East Orange Cell Phone Store

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was convicted today for his role in a January 2021 gunpoint robbery of a cell phone store in East Orange, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Kenneth Graham, 50, of Newark, was convicted of one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Graham was convicted following a one-week trial before Senior U.S. District Court Judge William J. Martini in Newark federal court. According to court documents and the evidence presented at trial: On Jan. 18, 2021, Graham was in the cell phone store when he pulled out a gun and pointed it at a store employee. He ordered the employee to place several cell phones from the display case and cash from the register into a bag. Video surveillance footage near the store showed Graham enter a black Nissan Altima after the robbery and drive away. A witness confirmed that Graham was the person entering the Nissan Altima after robbing the store. Historical cell phone records indicate that Graham’s cellular telephone was in East Orange near the store around the time of the robbery, and photographs on Graham’s cell phone showed Graham wearing a sweatshirt with a distinct logo. In the video surveillance footage from the robbery, Graham wore that same sweatshirt. The Hobbs Act robbery charge carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison. The count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and in this case, a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison because Graham was previously convicted in 2007 in connection with three gunpoint bank robberies in New Jersey. The sentence on this charge must be consecutive to any other sentence imposed. Each count carries a potential $250,000 fine. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and task force officers of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, and members of the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief Phyllis Bindi, with the investigation leading to today’s conviction. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Levin and Jennifer S. Kozar of the Criminal Division in Newark.


title: LaPlace Man Charged With Cares Act Fraud

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – ERNEST X. TAYLOR, JR ., of LaPlace, LA, age 38, was indicted on March 17, 2023, by a federal grand jury for two counts of making false statements related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. On March 27, 2020, The CARES Act became effective and established several new temporary programs and provided for the expansion of others to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these programs, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) authorized forgivable loans backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to small businesses to retain workers and maintain payroll, make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments. The PPP allows the interest and principal on the PPP loan to be forgiven if the business spends the loan proceeds on these expense items within a designated period of time after receiving the proceeds and uses at least a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses. According to court documents, TAYLOR made false statements to an approved lender on or about March 2, 2021, for the purpose of fraudulently obtaining a PPP loan. TAYLOR falsely claimed in his PPP application that he had not been convicted of any felony involving “fraud, bribery, embezzlement, or a false statement in a loan application or an application for federal financial assistance” within the last 5 years. In truth, TAYLOR pleaded guilty in 2016, in the Eastern District of Virginia to conspiracy to commit federal student loan fraud and mail fraud in a scheme that involved stolen identities. Based upon these misrepresentations, TAYLOR received approximately $18,500 . TAYLOR then made the same false statements to an approved lender on or about April 21, 2021, when he applied for a second draw PPP loan. TAYLOR received approximately $18,5000 for the second loan. TAYLOR faces a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release for each false statements count. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count due after conviction. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. For more information on the Department of Justice’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 . U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Mission Man Convicted of Assaulting a Federal Officer

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Dylan Blue Bird, age 30, of Mission, South Dakota, of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer following a two-day jury trial in federal district court in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on March 16, 2023. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Blue Bird was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2022. On September 30, 2022, at approximately 11:30 PM, officers with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services attempted a traffic stop on Blue Bird after observing traffic violations in Todd County. Blue Bird did not stop and led officers on a high-speed pursuit on Highway 18, reaching speeds in excess of 110 miles per hour. During the pursuit, Blue Bird drove in the opposing lane of travel towards an officer engaged in the pursuit, forcing the officer off the roadway. The pursuit came to an end after officers deployed spike strips, disabling Blue Bird’s vehicle. This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case. A sentencing date has not been set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Sioux Falls Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Meth Conspiracy

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on March 13, 2023. Roberta Diane Dempsey, 58, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Dempsey was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. She pleaded guilty on November 28, 2022. During her involvement, Dempsey allowed her co-conspirators to use her home to store and repackage multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine. Additionally, she obtained small quantities of methamphetamine from her co-conspirator to distribute to others. Dempsey was personally involved in the distribution of over 500 grams of methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Moody County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case. Dempsey was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Two Men Sentenced for Role in Aggravated Assault

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced two South Dakota men convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on March 14, 2023, in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Cody Nicolas Gill, age 33, from Waubay, South Dakota, and Jesse Burton Robert Hopkins, Sr., a/k/a JJ, age 36, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, were each sentenced to three years and nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Hopkins was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. They were each ordered to pay $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Gill and Hopkins were indicted for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury by a federal grand jury in October of 2022. Gill and Hopkins pleaded guilty to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury on December 12, 2022. According to court documents, in late July of 2022, in Day County, South Dakota, Gill and Hopkins committed an aggravated assault against the victim. Gill and Hopkins jumped the victim for no reason, punching and kicking the victim while on the ground. The victim sustained serious injuries to his jaw, among other injuries, as a result of the assault. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case. Gill and Hopkins were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving their sentences.


title: Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Over 10 Years in Prison for Meth Conspiracy

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on March 13, 2023. Ryan Garner Gillis, 51, was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Gillis was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in January of 2022. He pleaded guilty on December 14, 2022. On August 21, 2021, Gillis was in a vehicle with his co-conspirators and was legally stopped and searched by law enforcement. Inside, law enforcement found 137.68 grams of methamphetamine. On that same day, law enforcement conducted a search of his residence and seized another 150.63 grams of methamphetamine. Additionally, law enforcement searched another residence where Gillis was storing items and seized yet another 212 grams of methamphetamine, along with approximately $46,374 in cash, which was the proceeds of previous methamphetamine sales. Gillis obtained all this methamphetamine with the intent of distributing it to others throughout the Sioux Falls area. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen, who also serves as a prosecutor with the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office. Gillis was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Timber Lake Woman Sentenced for Voluntary Manslaughter

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Timber Lake, South Dakota, woman convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on March 13, 2023. Brenna Low Dog, age 37, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Low Dog was indicted for Second Degree Murder by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. She pleaded guilty on December 8, 2022. On January 14, 2022, Low Dog and her boyfriend got into a verbal argument. Low Dog reported to law enforcement that her boyfriend pushed her down, struck her three times in the arms with his fists, and pulled her hair. Low Dog stabbed her boyfriend once in the chest with a knife that had a five-inch serrated blade, and he died as a result. This case was investigated by the Dewey County Sheriff’s Office, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case. Low Dog was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Two of Four Defendants Sentenced in Fentanyl Conspiracy

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Dumont, Minnesota, man and a Sisseton, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on March 14, 2023. Jevon Joseph Mcleod, a/k/a “Buddy Traffick”, 32, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. Tiarah Grace Bissonette, 25, was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. They were also both ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Mcleod and Bissonette were indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. Mcleod pleaded guilty on December 5, 2022, and Bissonette pleaded guilty on March 14, 2023, directly preceding the sentencing hearing. McLeod was the leader of a conspiracy in South Dakota to obtain pills containing fentanyl from out of state and distribute them in the Northeastern area of the state. McLeod recruited Bissonette and others to assist him in selling thousands of pills during the conspiracy. Bissonette obtained pills weighing a total of over 40 grams from McLeod and sold them to others. The other two defendants are scheduled for trial on June 6, 2023. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs, South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, and the Roberts County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case. Mcleod was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, while Bissonette was given one day to self-report to the U.S. Marshal Service.


title: Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The sentencing took place on March 15, 2023. Kent Mews, age 56, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $5,100. Mews was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2022. He pleaded guilty on January 20, 2023. The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 6, 2022, when Mews attempted to use his cell phone to knowingly persuade and coerce an undercover agent, posing as a 15-year-old male, to engage in sexual activity. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper 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 . Mews was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.