title: Tohatchi Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Domestic Assault

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Anthony Joe was sentenced to 37 months in prison. Joe, 38, of Tohatchi, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pled guilty to assault of a spouse, intimate partner, or dating partner by strangling on February 22, 2023. According to court records, on Aug. 13, 2022, Joe assaulted the victim, Jane Doe, as she was trying to leave Joe’s residence. Joe punched Jane Doe with a closed fist in the back of her head and in her side while she was holding their child, then kicked Jane Doe in the back and pulled her away from the door by her hair. Jane Doe eventually escaped from the residence without her child and ran to a nearby gas station where she called law enforcement. When Jane Doe was later interview by the FBI regarding the incident, she reported that Joe used his arm to choke her from behind as Jane Doe attempted to leave their shared bedroom and knocked her to the floor. As she tried to get away, Joe used his hands to choke Jane Doe twice, causing her to see black and go limp both times. Jane Doe reported needing time after being choked to catch her breath. Jane Doe received medical treatment for the injuries inflicted by Joe and was diagnosed with contusion and soft tissue injury for the bruising to her neck, back, and face. Over the next month, Joe harassed Jane Doe, her family, and her co-workers. On Sept. 6, Joe set fireworks off in front of Jane Doe’s home, then fled from officers when they approached him. On Sept. 12, 2022, Joe vandalized Jane Doe’s car and threw rocks at the residence where Jane Doe was staying with her relative, and through the window of a residence where Jane Doe previously lived. Joe also vandalized Jane Doe’s workplace by spray-painting “[Jane] you meth whore” on the building. On Sept. 13, 2022, the FBI found incendiary devices known as “Molotov Cocktails” around the trailer of a man Joe believed Jane Doe was in a relationship with. Upon his release from prison, Joe will be subject to 3 years of supervised release. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case. # # # 24-45


title: Springfield Sex Offender Sentenced to 17 Years for Child Pornography

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man who is a prior sex offender was sentenced in federal court yesterday for receiving and distributing child pornography within an online group. Anthony P. Thuro, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 17 years in federal prison without parole, to be followed by a 25-year term of supervised release. On June 5, 2023, Thuro pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography. Thuro, a registered sex offender, has two prior felony convictions for statutory sodomy (involving 7-year-old and 13-year-old victims). The court also sentenced Thuro to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration. During a law enforcement investigation, the FBI discovered that a user distributed a Mega folder containing 13.7 gigabytes of data, which included numerous videos of child sexual abuse material, to a Kik group. The Mega folder was traced back to Thuro, and IP addresses indicated that Thuro accessed the Mega folder multiple times. According to court documents, those videos in the Mega included depictions of toddlers being sexually abused, prepubescent children subjected to sexual abuse and bondage, and prepubescent children subjected to bestiality. On Aug. 30, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Thuro’s residence. They seized Thuro’s cell phone, which contained evidence he had accessed the Mega and Kik applications in the past. Investigators also found 36 images of child sexual abuse material that were cached in the gallery application of the phone. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Honduran National Pleads Guilty To Aggravated Identity Theft

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Allan Gomez-Zelaya (43, Honduras) has pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. Gomez-Zelaya faces a minimum mandatory penalty of two years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, E-Verify is a web-based system through which employers electronically confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. E-Verify is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The SSA and USCIS check the submitted information against the records of actual persons who are authorized to work in the United States. E-Verify is a voluntary program for employers and requires documents such as a Social Security number and photo identification of a prospective employee. From at least 2018 through October 2022, Gomez-Zelaya used another person’s means of identification in order to defeat the E-Verify system and to commit the felony offenses of misuse of a Social Security number and false claim of United States citizenship for employment purposes. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, the United States Border Patrol, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty  to Cares Act Fraud

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DENT HUNTER , age 45, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on January 30, 2024 before U.S. District Judge Darrel James Papillion to both making false statements and money laundering, related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed into law the CARES Act, which provided emergency assistance, administered by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), to small business owners affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The two primary sources of funding for small businesses were the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program. According to the charging documents, or about April 6, 2020, HUNTER , on behalf of a business, made false statements to an approved lender to obtain a $122,100 PPP loan. On or about July 22, 2020, HUNTER stole $149,900 from the SBA by using an application in the name of NexLevel ONE Realty. Finally, HUNTER committed two counts of money laundering by using these ill-gotten funds to buy two motor vehicles for family members. Sentencing will be on May 14, 2024. At sentencing, HUNTER faces up to five years in prison for the false statement counts. He also faces up to ten years in prison for the money laundering count. All of the counts include up to $250,000 in fines, up to three years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 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 . This case was investigated by an agent assigned to the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force. The PRAC was established to serve the American public by promoting transparency and facilitating coordinated oversight of the federal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response. The PRAC’s 21 member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending. The PRAC Fraud Task Force brings together agents from 15 Inspectors General to investigate fraud involving a variety of programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program. Task force agents who are detailed to the PRAC receive expanded authority to investigate pandemic fraud as well as tools and training to support their investigations. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General (a member of the PRAC) and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Caldwell Man is Sentenced to 20 years for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking

body_text: BOISE – Rigoverto Hernandez, 31, of Caldwell, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. According to court records, on April 4, 2023, officers with the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force executed a search warrant at an AirBnB where Hernandez was staying. During the search, Hernandez was found in possession of 19,900 fentanyl pills, 13.5 pounds of methamphetamine, and three firearms. Hernandez was prohibited from possessing firearms due to several prior felony convictions. Hernandez has a criminal history that includes felony convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm, burglary, and possession of a controlled substance. According to Hernandez, he grew up around a significant amount of gang violence, which lead him to join a local gang. Although Hernandez admitted he was a gang member, he contends he dropped out of the gang in 2014. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Hernandez to serve 5 years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Hernandez pleaded guilty to the federal charge in November of 2023. “The quantity of fentanyl pills in this case could have killed thousands of Idahoans, and I am grateful to law enforcement for its successful investigation,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “We will continue to work hand-in-hand with law enforcement to remove dangerous fentanyl dealers from our communities. They have no place here in Idaho.” “Illicit synthetic drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine have destroyed countless lives, and Rigoverto Hernandez helped fuel this epidemic in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI. “His sentencing is the result of federal, state, and local partners working hand-in-hand to keep our communities safe.” “I appreciate the hard work of our law enforcement partners that went into securing justice in this case,” said Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney Bryan Taylor. “It takes all of us to eradicate the wickedness of fentanyl in our community.” “We are in a battle to protect our citizens from the onslaught of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs smuggled into the State of Idaho,” said Canyon County Sheriff Keiran Donahue. “The Transcontinental Criminal Organizations (TCO’s) capitalize on drug traffickers like Hernandez to sell these drugs on our streets, with a profit margin to the Cartels, in the hundreds of billions of dollars annually. It is cooperative, multi-agency investigative efforts like those of the Metro Violent Crime and Gang Task Force and our relationships with the United States Attorney’s Office that help remove these threats from our streets. I would hope the criminal element is paying attention. If you traffic poisonous and deadly drugs in Idaho, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will send you to prison. That’s a promise.” U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force for its efforts in this case. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Caldwell Police Department, the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Idaho Department of Correction. U.S. Attorney Hurwit also thanked the Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for its support of the investigation. This 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. This case was also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Press Release Video Statement ###


title: Two Baltimore “Triple C” Gang Members Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Federal Prison for a Racketeering Conspiracy, Including Murders and Attempted Murders

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Darien Coleman age 23, of Baltimore, to 270 months in federal prison, and sentenced co-defendant Darrell Carter, age 27, of Baltimore to 300 months in federal prison, each followed by five years of supervised release, for a racketeering conspiracy, including murders and attempted murders, related to their participation in the violent street gang known as Cruddy Conniving Crutballs or Triple C, which operated throughout Baltimore. Chief Judge Bredar imposed the sentences on January 29, 2024. The sentences were announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department; and Chief Robert McCullough of the Baltimore County Police Departments. According to Coleman and Carter’s plea agreements and other court documents, Triple C members engaged in a pattern of criminal racketeering activity between 2015 and 2020, including more than a dozen murders and numerous non-fatal shootings, robberies, and carjackings, in order to promote the reputation of Triple C and to command respect from the neighborhood. Other spin-offs of the gang are “SCL” and recently, “TRD.” As detailed in the plea agreements, the gang benefitted financially from selling narcotics, murdering drug dealers, taking contract killings, and engaging in street robberies. Triple C members also robbed dice games for cash and occasionally carjacked vehicles. Triple C members and associates used at least 14 firearms to commit crimes, often trading with each other or other groups to avoid detection through ballistic evidence. Members divided the proceeds of illegal activities among those who participated in the crimes, and often contacted each other to commit a robbery if a member needed money. Members of Triple C often critiqued each other after committing crimes regarding ways to improve their performance. Triple C members routinely used social media to identify and locate victims, to communicate with each other, and to share information concerning possible retaliation for violent crimes committed by gang members. Details of the crimes committed by Triple C members were publicized on social media and thus were well-known to CCC members. Darien Coleman admitted that he participated in the December 31, 2018 murder of Corey Mosley, during which at least one member of the conspiracy fired a gun, striking and killing Mosley. Darrell Carter admitted that he participated in the October 27, 2015 murder of Quinton Heard in Baltimore, and the June 1, 2016 attempted murder of A.F. in the 3200 block of Tivoly Avenue in Baltimore, during which at least one member of the conspiracy fired a firearm in an attempt to collect the $10,000 contract on A.F.’s life. In addition, Carter possessed a 9mm handgun loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition on November 12, 2020, in the 2300 block of Harford Road. In addition to these violent acts, both defendants admitted that they agreed to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, including crack cocaine, on behalf of the racketeering enterprise. This investigation has led to the guilty pleas of 34 members and associates of Triple C. This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin. 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in this investigation and thanked the United States Marshals Service and the Office of the Baltimore City State’s Attorney for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia C. McLane and Michael C. Hanlon, who prosecuted the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn . # # #


title: Former D.C. Metro Transit Police Officer Sentenced for Federal Civil Rights Violation in Beating of Unarmed Transit Rider

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Former Washington, D.C., Metro Transit Police (MTPD) Officer Andra Vance was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison and one year of supervised release for unlawfully beating an unarmed transit rider with a metal baton on Feb. 16, 2018. “This sentencing should make clear that officers who abuse their authority will be held accountable, regardless of whether their actions occur on public streets or inside public transit systems,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The department will continue to aggressively prosecute law enforcement officers who willfully violate the civil rights of our community members.” “This violent, brutal beating of a citizen by someone cloaked in police powers deserves significant punishment and condemnation,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “The vast majority of officers in the District execute their duties in an exemplary manner. Their jobs only get harder when officers like this one betray their position and damage the trust the community should have in these public servants.” “MTPD strongly condemns the actions of any officer who abuses their authority in the use of excessive force. This case is an aberration against the good MTPD officers who keep the system safe for our customers and employees every day,” said MTPD Chief Michael Anzallo. “What happened is disgraceful, which is why we immediately relieved the former officer of his duties and investigated. We appreciate the U.S. Attorney in the District and investigators with the Office of Professional Responsibility and Inspections for their part in bringing justice for this criminal act. No law enforcement officer is above the law.” During Vance’s trial in November 2022, evidence showed that the victim, identified as D.C., attempted to use an invalid Metro card to board a train at the Anacostia Metro station. When the card was confiscated by Metro Transit personnel, D.C. became angry. D.C. complained to Vance and briefly walked away from the fare gate. When D.C. returned to the fare gate, Vance used his metal baton to hit D.C. in the head without legal justification. When D.C. fled from the fare gate, Vance chased him and continued to swing the baton at D.C.’s head and neck. A fellow officer who witnessed the assault and who helped handcuff D.C. testified that D.C. was not a threat to Vance or anyone else at the Anacostia Metro Station at the time that Vance struck D.C. in the head. D.C. was taken to Howard University Hospital where he was treated for injuries to his head. The Metro Transit Authority investigated the case. Trial Attorney Maura White of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gauri Gopal for the District of Columbia prosecuted the case.


component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Andra Vance, 49, a former Metro Transit Police (MTPD) officer, was sentenced yesterday to one year and one day in prison for unlawfully beating an unarmed transit rider with a metal baton on Feb. 16, 2018. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clark of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and MTPD Chief Michael Anzallo. “This violent, brutal beating of a citizen by someone cloaked in police powers deserves significant punishment and condemnation,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “The vast majority of officers in the District execute their duties in an exemplary manner. Their jobs only get harder when officers like this one betray their position and damage the trust the community should have in these public servants.” In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss ordered Vance to serve 12 months of supervised release. “This sentencing should make clear that officers who abuse their authority will be held accountable, regardless of whether their actions occur on public streets or inside public transit systems,” said Assistant Attorney General Clark. “The department will continue to aggressively prosecute law enforcement officers who willfully violate the civil rights of our community members.” The Metro Transit Police Department conducted a routine review of Vance’s use of force within hours of the incident. Based on the review, the department immediately suspended Vance’s police powers, launched an internal investigation, and notified federal authorities. “MTPD strongly condemns the actions of any officer who abuses their authority in the use of excessive force. This case is an aberration against the good MTPD officers who keep the system safe for our customers and employees every day,” said MTPD Chief Anzallo. “What happened is disgraceful, which is why we immediately relieved the former officer of his duties and investigated. We appreciate the U.S. Attorney in the District and investigators with the Office of Professional Responsibility and Inspections for their part in bringing justice for this criminal act. No law enforcement officer is above the law.” According to the government’s evidence, the victim -- identified as D.C. -- attempted to use an invalid Metro card to board a train at the Anacostia Metro station. The card was confiscated by Metro Transit personnel and D.C. became angry. D.C. complained to Vance and briefly walked away from the fare gate. When D.C. returned to the fare gate, Vance used his metal baton to hit D.C. in the head without legal justification. When D.C. fled, Vance chased him and continued to swing the baton at D.C.’s head and neck. A fellow officer who witnessed the assault and who helped handcuff D.C. testified that D.C. was not a threat to Vance or anyone else at the station at the time that Vance struck D.C. in the head. D.C. was taken to Howard University Hospital where he was treated for head injuries. The Metro Transit Authority investigated the case.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gauri Gopal and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Maura White.


title: Postal Employee Indicted  for Mail Theft

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SHAKEITHA WILEY , age 41, of New Orleans, was indicted on January 25, 2024 for mail theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709. According to the indictment, WILEY , a postal employee, stole gift cards from the mail and used those gift cards at a local store. If convicted, WILEY faces up to five (5) years of imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Christine Calogero of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Miami County Man Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Cody Shanks, 29 years old, of Bunker Hill, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to receipt of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Shanks was sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, between November 2022, and March 2023, Shanks, an elementary school teacher, received child sexual abuse material files via the internet. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Indiana State Police, the Miami County Sheriff’s Department, and the Howard County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John M. Maciejczyk and Hannah T. Jones. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Last member of car theft ring sentenced

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Dennis L. Jones, 33, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, who was convicted of bank fraud, was sentenced to serve 57 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge David L. Larimer. Jones is the final defendant in a series of “smash and grab” car robberies to be sentenced. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola, who handled the case, stated that between December 2021, and March 2022, Jones and three others drove up the East Coast from Florida to Rochester, NY, for the purpose of stealing purses from unoccupied vehicles in gym parking lots, retail parking lots, hiking trails and residential neighborhoods. The defendants used stolen driver’s licenses to cash stolen checks totaling $55,310 at local banks. Over 20 victims were identified in the Rochester Area, as well as additional victims along the East Coast. In addition, defendant Liza J. Freiman, 33, of Boston, MA, was sentenced to serve 12 months in prison; defendant Allen Clark, 34, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, was sentenced to 84 months in prison; and defendant Ja’Cari Robinson, 22, also of Fort Lauderdale, FL, was sentenced to six months in prison. The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. # # # #


title: Kentucky Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: FORT WAYNE – Keondre Bradley, 28 years old, of Lexington, Kentucky, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady, after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Bradley was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, on or about March 7, 2022, Bradley possessed 400 grams or more of Fentanyl with the intent to distribute. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Indiana State Police and the Allen County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.


title: Bank fraud scheme that stole thousands of dollars from multiple Montana banks sends Texas man to prison for four years

body_text: MISSOULA — A Texas man who admitted stealing more than $100,000 from Montana banks as part of an organized group that used forged checks and stolen identities to defraud banks was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $103,149 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Shanetwann Clayton Waldon, 46, of Dallas, Texas, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. In court documents, the government alleged that Waldon, working with several co-defendants, traveled from Texas to Montana, Idaho and Wyoming to pass fraudulent checks at smaller financial institutions. Waldon targeted rural areas because they were a “little ‘country’ and the bank process was slower than in Texas.” In 2022 and 2023, Waldon made at least four trips to Montana, and on 10 occasions, entered a new bank and stole thousands of dollars. Waldon presented a fake identity to evade detection by law enforcement and used forged instruments to create debts in the name of others. In Montana, Waldon targeted banks in Hamilton, Bozeman, Billings and Missoula. He persisted in the scheme months after his initial co-defendants had been arrested. In total, Waldon and his codefendants stole $141,822 from 30 bank branches in three states. Waldon’s total amount owed of $103,149 is payable to six Montana banks, including First Interstate Bank, TrailWest Bank, First Security Bank, Opportunity Bank of Montana, Farmers State Bank and Western Security Bank. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case. The FBI, U.S. Secret Service, police departments in Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, Livingston, and Laurel, Montana, the Yellowstone County (Montana) Sheriff’s Office; police departments in Chubbock, Pocatello and Kemmerer, Idaho, the Bannock County (Idaho) Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police; and police departments in Evanston and Mountain View, Wyoming, and the Teton County (Wyoming) Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Former Law Enforcement Officer Sentenced To 21 Years For Armed Robbery Of Multiple Pharmacies

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Visiting United States District Judge Larry A. Burns from the Southern District of California has sentenced Jesse Rance Moore (46, Bell) to 21 years in federal prison for four counts pertaining to Hobbs Act robberies and three counts for brandishing a firearm during the robberies. The court also ordered Moore to forfeit his firearm, which was used to commit the offenses. A jury had found Moore guilty on November 2, 2023. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the FBI first learned of a masked man robbing a string of pharmacies in the Columbia County area after the North Florida Pharmacy of Fort White was robbed at gun point on January 13, 2022. This masked individual was captured on surveillance cameras walking into the pharmacy with a black handgun, and demanding controlled substances, specifically, oxycodone, OxyContin, and Percocet. After holding up multiple store employees and taking the controlled substances, the masked man exited the pharmacy and drove southbound on US Highway 27. Unbeknownst to the robber, a good Samaritan in the pharmacy’s drive-thru followed the getaway vehicle and captured the license plate number, which led back to Moore. The FBI also later discovered that the vehicles used in previous three robberies (North Florida Pharmacy of Fort White on August 2, 2021; North Florida Pharmacy of Chiefland on November 20, 2021; and the Baya West Pharmacy in Lake City on December 29, 2021) either matched the description of a white Ford F-350 registered to Moore or matched the vehicles Moore’s wife rented just days prior to the robberies. According to trial testimony and evidence, law enforcement seized articles of clothing, multiple masks, the firearm, handwritten notes, and brown boots associated with the robberies. In addition, and despite Moore’s many disguises, witnesses testified to the robber’s physical appearance, clothing, interactions, and demeanor during the robberies. During trial, evidence seized from Moore’s cellphone was presented to demonstrate that he had Googled medications stolen from the pharmacies, store hours of pharmacies, and a variety of key word searches, including the question “do drug stores get robbed in florida,” which he Googled just weeks prior to the first robbery. According to court documents, Moore was employed as a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper from January 13, 2003, to February 27, 2017. Moore had several disciplinary issues during his term of employment, where he was twice terminated, but later reached settlement agreements to convert his dismissals to suspensions. This case was investigated by the FBI, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake City Police Department, the Chiefland Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kirwinn Mike.


title: Former Employee of Eye For Change Youth and Family Services Sentenced to Prison for Fraudulent Medicaid Billing Practices

body_text: CLEVELAND – Eric King, 35, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced today to 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker, U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko announced today. King was also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release, $1,800 in special assessments, and restitution of $483,165.38. King, a former employee of Eye For Change Youth and Family Services, Inc., a non-profit corporation in Cleveland, was previously found guilty after a jury trial of 13 counts of health care fraud, one count of false statement relating to health care matters, and five counts of aggravated identity theft. According to court documents, trial testimony, and today’s sentencing hearing, from June 2018 through May 2021, King defrauded Medicaid by causing Medicaid to be billed for services not actually performed or for services that were not actually performed for the amount of time the billing codes reflected; for falsifying progress notes into Medicaid beneficiary electronic records; for creating false progress notes; and for using the identities of clients without authorization to bill Medicaid. As a result of King’s conduct, Medicaid paid over $483,000 for fraudulent billings. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Cleveland Division of the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services -- Office of the Inspector General and the Ohio Attorney General’s Healthcare Fraud Section. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward D. Brydle and Brian M. McDonough, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Metzler.


title: Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced To Five Years In Federal Prison

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger today sentenced Ernesto Hidalgo (30, Orlando) to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Hidalgo entered a guilty plea on September 21, 2023. According to court documents, over the course of several months in 2023, Hidalgo engaged in a series of drug sales to a source cooperating with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Hidalgo sold the source an ounce of cocaine for $1,000 on January 10, 2023; an ounce of fentanyl for $2,000 on January 17, 2023; another ounce of fentanyl for $1,900 on March 2, 2023; 50 fake fentanyl pills (pills that are pressed to look like pharmaceutical controlled substances but actually contain fentanyl) for $1,000 on March 27, 2023; and another three ounces of cocaine for $2,700 on March 31, 2023. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.


title: Former Army Reservist Sentenced  for Theft of Government Funds Conspiracy

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – Former United States Army reservist DERRICK BRANCH was sentenced on January 25, 2024, after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft of federal funds, to 2 years of probation, 50 hours of community service, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Pursuant to the Mandatory Victim Restitution Act, Chief Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown ordered payment of $15,469.30 in restitution. According to court records, BRANCH stole $15,469.30 from the United States Department of the Army by claiming reimbursement for the performance of military funeral honors ceremonies that never occurred. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2000 authorizes military funeral honors for active-duty soldiers, retirees, and veterans. At a family’s request, eligible persons can receive military funeral honors, including the folding and presenting of the United States flag and the playing of “Taps.” U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, including Special Agents Dustin Stevens, John Hiniker, Jeffrey Riedeman, and Denny Richter. Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Cobb County man sentenced to 20 years for kidnapping 12-year-old from Barrow County

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: GAINESVILLE, Ga. - James Anthony Reynolds, who drove a 12-year-old girl from Barrow County, Georgia, to Acworth, Georgia, and sexually assaulted and then abandoned her in a Walmart parking lot in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. “Child sexual predators are increasingly exploiting social media platforms to target vulnerable minors,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “While our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners remain steadfast in identifying these criminals, and our office is committed to prosecuting these individuals to the fullest extent of the law, we strongly urge parents to stay vigilant in monitoring their children’s Internet activity, including their use of apps on electronic devices. Thankfully, the minor victim in this case is safe after being reunited with her family.” “No prison sentence can repair the damage James Anthony Reynolds has done. We hope this sentencing is of great comfort to the victim and her family,” said FBI Atlanta Assistant Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke. “The FBI is committed to partnering with our law enforcement partners to prevent, deter, and punish crimes like these.” “This sentencing represents the determination of our agents and law enforcement partners to catch dangerous predators,” said Chris Hosey, Director, Georgia Bureau of Investigation. “This should serve as a warning to those who seek to prey on our most vulnerable that the GBI and our partners will never cease in our mission. As the threats to children online continue to grow, we will remain vigilant and adapt our methods to protect our children and hold predators accountable.” “As Sheriff I am very proud of the work all agencies did to catch this predator and get him off the streets so that no one else could possibly fall victim to his crimes,” said Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith. “Human trafficking is a real problem and I urge if you or anyone you know might be in trouble to call your local law enforcement or the GA Coalition to Combat Human Trafficking at 866-363-4842.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: In May 2020, the victim then 12 years old, met a man online on a social media app. During the early morning hours of May 7, 2020, this man, later identified as James Anthony Reynolds, picked up the child, violently and sexually assaulted her, and drove her to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Reynolds then abandoned the child in a Walmart parking lot. The young girl approached a Walmart employee who, fortunately, was able to help the child reach her parents. James Anthony Reynolds, 25, of Acworth, Georgia, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. On November 1, 2023, Reynolds pleaded guilty to kidnapping. He continues to face additional charges related to this case in state court. This case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Barrow County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Keen prosecuted the case. This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Automobile accessory company Yakima Products Inc. settles allegations failed to pay duties on extruded aluminum from China

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – The U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Yakima Products Inc. headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, has resolved allegations that Yakima Products knowingly failed to pay required antidumping and countervailing duties on extruded aluminum components imported from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Yakima will pay the U.S. $3 million, of which $1,325,000 is restitution. Yakima will pay the settlement over a one-year period. “Yakima Products Inc. has successfully manufactured and sold automobile accessories for years, but failed to take action when it was informed that it was not paying appropriate duties on material imported from China,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “Knowingly avoiding those costs gives Yakima an unfair advantage over other manufacturers who pay those required fees. Now the company is not only paying those costs, but also penalties as well as the attorney fees of the relator who reported the improper conduct.” According to the settlement agreement, from January 1, 2012, through July 5, 2021, Yakima Products Inc failed to pay the duties it owed. Yakima had been informed of the need to pay the duties but chose not to do so. Ultimately, a former employee brought the matter to the attention of the government in a qui tam lawsuit filed in April 2021. As the person who reports the fraud on a government program or policy, the former employee, known as the relator, will receive 17% of the funds paid to the government. In addition, Yakima Products Inc. will pay $75,000 in legal fees for the relator. As part of the settlement agreement, Yakima Products Inc does not admit wrongdoing, but seeks to resolve the matter to avoid the delay, uncertainty, and expense of protracted litigation. “This settlement agreement with Yakima marks a significant milestone in our relentless pursuit of fair-trade practices,” said Christopher Perry, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “I commend the dedication and hard work of CBP’s trade specialists, along with our invaluable federal partners, in upholding the integrity of our nation’s trade policies. Together, we remain steadfast in ensuring a level playing field for American businesses and ensuring everyone plays by the rules.” The settlement was negotiated by Assistant United States Attorney Nickolas Bohl and Senior Attorney Kenneth Misbin with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.


title: Meth, fentanyl trafficking in Havre and Billings send Minnesota man to prison for eight years

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Minnesota man convicted by a federal jury for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in Havre and Billings in 2021 was sentenced today to eight years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. After a 2 ½ day trial in September 2023, a jury found Rembrandt Carlos Kemp, 33, of Fridley, Minnesota, guilty of conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, as charged in an indictment. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The government presented evidence at trial showing that in January 2021, law enforcement began investigating fentanyl distribution in Havre by two individuals identified as Kemp and co-defendant Chantel Azure. Investigators conducted a controlled buy of fentanyl pills from Azure. During the sale, law enforcement observed Azure arrive in a vehicle with two male passengers inside. Agents saw Azure get out of her car, get into another vehicle where the sale occurred, and return to her vehicle with the two men still inside. Law enforcement then initiated a traffic stop of Azure and her two occupants. Kemp was located in the front passenger seat and his co-defendant, Martaveon Scott, was in the back seat. Azure and Kemp were arrested on warrants and Scott was arrested for providing a false name. Kemp was found with 4.32 grams of actual methamphetamine and a digital scale. Scott was found with 28.43 grams of actual methamphetamine and 100 pills of fentanyl. An additional 2.9 grams of actual meth was found in the trunk of the vehicle along with a .22 caliber AR-15 style rifle. Additionally, $1,378 was found with Kemp and Scott in the car, including the $800 cash used for the controlled buy. Azure was sentenced to 28 months in prison for her conviction in the case. Scott is pending sentencing for his conviction in the case. U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Tri-Agency Task Force, Havre Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. 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. XXX