title: Justice Department and State of North Carolina Secure $13.5 Million Agreement with First National Bank of Pennsylvania to Resolve Redlining Claims in North Carolina

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department and the State of North Carolina jointly announced today that First National Bank of Pennsylvania (FNB) has agreed to pay $13.5 million to resolve allegations that it engaged in a pattern or practice of lending discrimination by redlining predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Charlotte and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Redlining is an illegal practice in which lenders avoid providing credit services to individuals living in communities of color because of the race, color, or national origin of residents in those communities. “Lending discrimination violates the law and harms communities and entire families for generations,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Today’s settlement will invest $13.5 million in expanding access to credit services for Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Charlotte and Winston-Salem that for too long have been denied to them. With this settlement, the Justice Department’s Combating Redlining Initiative has now secured over $122 million in relief for communities across the country. But we recognize how much work we have left to do, and we are not letting up in our efforts to combat discrimination in lending wherever it occurs.” “This agreement will have a transformative impact for Black and Hispanic communities, providing them with new opportunities to become homeowners, bank in their neighborhoods and create generational wealth,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “As we take time across the nation to commemorate Black History Month, we must also create space to acknowledge the ongoing harms caused by structural racism and long-term discrimination. Modern-day redlining is a stain on our economy and underscores the need to keep pushing for equal economic opportunity and racial justice in our country. The Justice Department stands ready to hold banks and financial institutions accountable to ensure that communities of color are not shut out of access to mortgage credit due to modern-day redlining.” “The devastating effects of discriminatory lending that become entrenched in neighborhoods can reverberate through generations,” said U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Hairston for the Middle District of North Carolina. “The settlement announced today demonstrates our commitment to combating redlining and ensuring the equal access to credit required by law. We will continue our efforts to hold accountable financial institutions that avoid communities of color in their markets or erect barriers that make it harder for minority residents to access credit. Banks and mortgage companies should evaluate their lending practices and take immediate corrective action to reach underserved communities in their market areas.” “When banks discriminate, it means hardworking people can’t buy a house, start a business, or invest in their futures,” said North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein. “I want every person who calls North Carolina home to have a fair shot, and I’m pleased that this settlement will create better borrowing opportunities for all North Carolinians.” The complaint alleges, from 2017 through 2021, FNB, including as successor in interest to Yadkin Bank, which it acquired in 2017, failed to provide mortgage lending services to predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Charlotte and Winston-Salem, and discouraged people seeking credit in those communities from obtaining home loans. FNB’s home mortgage lending was focused disproportionately on white areas of Charlotte and Winston-Salem. For example, other lenders generated applications in predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods at two-and-a-half times the rate of FNB in Charlotte and four times the rate of FNB in Winston-Salem. FNB’s branches in both cities were also overwhelmingly located in predominantly white neighborhoods, with the bank closing its sole branch in a predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhood in Winston-Salem in 2021. The complaint further alleges that FNB relied on mortgage loan officers working out of predominantly white areas to generate loan applications and that the bank did not track how its mortgage loan officers developed loan referrals or how they distributed the bank’s mortgage marketing materials. The Justice Department and the State of North Carolina have resolved their claims via two proposed consent orders , which are both subject to court approval. The consent orders require FNB to invest $13.5 million to increase credit opportunities for communities of color in Charlotte and Winston-Salem. Specifically, FNB will: Invest at least $11.75 million in a loan subsidy fund to increase access to home mortgage, home improvement and home refinance loans for residents of majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in FNB’s Charlotte and Winston-Salem service areas; Spend $1 million on community partnerships to provide services related to credit, consumer financial education, homeownership and foreclosure prevention for residents of predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in those service areas; Spend $750,000 for advertising, outreach, consumer financial education and credit counseling focused on predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in those service areas; Open three new branches in predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Charlotte and Winston-Salem (two in Charlotte and one in Winston-Salem), with at least one mortgage banker assigned to each branch; and Hire a director of community lending who will oversee the continued development of lending in communities of color. FNB also agreed to retain independent consultants to enhance its fair lending program and better meet the communities’ needs for mortgage credit. The bank will conduct a community credit needs assessment, evaluate its fair lending compliance management systems, and conduct staff trainings. FNB worked cooperatively with the Justice Department and the State of North Carolina to resolve and remedy the redlining concerns that were identified and agreed to settle this matter without contested litigation. During the course of the investigation, FNB established a Special Purpose Credit Program to provide greater access to home loans in communities of color across the seven states where it does business and the District of Columbia. With assets of over $45 billion, FNB is headquartered in Pennsylvania and operates approximately 350 branches throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. It is among the 100 largest banks in the United States. In October 2021, Attorney General Garland and Assistant Attorney General Clarke launched the Justice Department’s Combating Redlining Initiative , a coordinated enforcement effort to address this persistent form of discrimination against communities of color. Since 2021, the department has announced 12 redlining resolutions and secured over $122 million in relief for communities of color that have been the victims of lending discrimination across the country. A copy of the joint complaint and information about Justice Department’s fair lending enforcement can be found at www.justice.gov/fairhousing . Individuals may report lending discrimination by calling the U.S. Justice Department’s housing discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291 or submitting a report online .


title: El Departamento de Justicia y el Estado de North Carolina llegan a un acuerdo de $13.5 millones con First National Bank de Pennsylvania para resolver quejas de exclusión financiera en North Carolina

body_text: El Departamento de Justicia y el Estado de North Carolina anunciaron conjuntamente hoy que First National Bank de Pennsylvania (FNB) ha acordado pagar $13.5 millones para resolver las alegaciones que incurrió en un patrón o una práctica de discriminación crediticia al practicar la exclusión financiera en barrios de mayoría negra e hispana en Charlotte y Winston-Salem, North Carolina. La exclusión financiera es una práctica ilícita en la que los prestamistas evitan la provisión de servicios crediticios a individuos que viven en comunidades de color por motivos de la raza, el color de piel o el origen nacional de las personas que viven en esas comunidades. “La discriminación crediticia infringe la ley y perjudica a comunidades y familias enteras durante generaciones”, comentó el Fiscal General Merrick B. Garland. “El acuerdo de hoy invertirá $13.5 millones en la expansión del acceso a servicios crediticios para barrios negros e hispanos en Charlotte y Winston-Salem que durante demasiado tiempo se les ha denegado. Con este acuerdo, la Iniciativa contra la Exclusión Financiera del Departamento de Justicia ha conseguido más de 122 millones de dólares en ayuda para comunidades por todo el país. No obstante, reconocemos cuánto trabajo nos queda por hacer, y no desistiremos nuestros esfuerzos por combatir la discriminación crediticia dondequiera que ocurra”. “Este acuerdo tendrá un impacto transformador para las comunidades negras e hispanas, proporcionándoles nuevas oportunidades para convertirse en propietarios, realizar operaciones bancarias en sus mismos barrios y crear riqueza generacional”, afirmó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. “A medida que dedicamos tiempo en todo el país para conmemorar el Mes de la Historia Negra, también debemos crear un espacio para reconocer los daños continuos causados por el racismo estructural y la discriminación a largo plazo. La exclusión financiera de hoy es una mancha en nuestra economía y subraya la necesidad de seguir presionando para lograr la igualdad de oportunidades económicas y la justicia racial en nuestro país. El Departamento de Justicia está preparado para responsabilizar a los bancos e instituciones financieras con el fin de garantizar que las comunidades de color no dejen de tener acceso al crédito hipotecario debido a la exclusión financiera actual”. “Los efectos devastadores de los préstamos discriminatorios que se arraigan en los barrios pueden reverberar durante generaciones”, declaró Sandra J. Hairston, al Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Centro de North Carolina. “El acuerdo que se ha anunciado hoy demuestra nuestro compromiso a combatir la exclusión financiera y garantizar el acceso igualitario al crédito requerido por la ley. Seguiremos esforzándonos por responsabilizar a las instituciones financieras que evitan las comunidades de color en sus mercados o que construyen barreras que dificulten el acceso al crédito a los residentes minoritarios. Los bancos y las compañías hipotecarias deben evaluar sus prácticas crediticias y tomar medidas correctivas inmediatas para llegar a las comunidades desatendidas en sus áreas de mercado”. “Cuando los bancos son discriminatorios, significa que las personas trabajadoras no pueden comprar una casa, establecer un negocio o invertir en su futuro”, afirmó Josh Stein, el Fiscal General de North Carolina. “Quiero que todo residente de North Carolina tenga la misma oportunidad, y me complace que este acuerdo cree mejores oportunidades crediticias para todos en North Carolina”. La queja alega que, desde el 2017 hasta el 2021, el FNB, incluido como sucesor en interés de Yadkin Bank, que adquirió en el año 2017, no proporcionó servicios de préstamos hipotecarios a barrios de mayoría negra e hispana en Charlotte y Winston-Salem, y desalentó a las personas que buscaban crédito en esas comunidades de obtener préstamos hipotecarios. Los préstamos hipotecarios de FNB se centraron de forma desproporcionada en áreas blancas de Charlotte y Winston-Salem. Por ejemplo, otros prestamistas generaron solicitudes en barrios de mayoría negra e hispana a una tasa dos veces y media mayor a la del FNB en Charlotte y cuatro veces mayor a la del FNB en Winston-Salem. Las sucursales del FNB en ambas ciudades también estaban, de forma abrumadora, ubicadas en barrios de mayoría blanca, y el banco cerró su única sucursal en un barrio de mayoría negra e hispana en Winston-Salem en el 2021. Más aún, la queja alega que el FNB se basó en prestamistas hipotecarios que trabajaban en áreas de mayoría blanca para generar solicitudes de préstamos y que el banco no realizó un seguimiento de cómo sus prestamistas hipotecarios desarrollaron referencias de préstamos o cómo distribuyeron los materiales de mercadeo hipotecario del banco. El Departamento de Justicia y el Estado de North Carolina han resuelto sus quejas a través de dos órdenes de consentimiento propuestas, que están sujetas a la aprobación del tribunal. Las órdenes de consentimiento requieren que el FNB invierta $13.5 millones para mejorar las oportunidades crediticias para las comunidades de color en Charlotte y Winston-Salem. En concreto, FNB: Invertirá al menos $11.75 millones en un fondo de subsidios para préstamos para aumentar el acceso a préstamos hipotecarios, mejoras en la vivienda y préstamos de refinanciamiento residencial para residentes de barrios de mayoría negra e hispana en las áreas de servicio del FNB en Charlotte y Winston-Salem; Gastará $1 millón en asociaciones comunitarias para proporcionar servicios relacionados con el crédito, la educación financiera del consumidor, la adquisición de viviendas y la prevención de ejecuciones hipotecarias para residentes de barrios de mayoría negra e hispana en esas áreas de servicio; Gastará $750,000 en publicidad, proyección comunitaria, educación financiera al consumidor y asesoramiento de crédito centrado en barrios de mayoría negra e hispana en esas áreas de servicio; Abrirá tres nuevas sucursales en barrios de mayoría negra e hispana en Charlotte y Winston-Salem (dos en Charlotte y uno en Winston-Salem), con al menos un bancario hipotecario asignado a cada sucursal; y Empleará a un Director de Préstamos Comunitarios que supervisará el desarrollo continuo de préstamos en comunidades de color. Asimismo, el FNB acordó contratar a consultores independientes para mejorar su programa de préstamos justos y satisfacer mejor las necesidades de crédito hipotecario de las comunidades. El banco llevará a cabo una evaluación de las necesidades crediticias comunitarias, evaluará sus sistemas de gestión de cumplimiento con las leyes de préstamos justos y llevará a cabo capacitaciones del personal. El FNB colaboró con el Departamento de Justicia y el Estado de North Carolina para resolver y corregir las preocupaciones de exclusión financiera que se identificaron y acordó resolver este asunto sin litigios impugnados. Durante el transcurso de la investigación, el FNB estableció un programa de crédito para fines especiales para proporcionar mayor acceso a préstamos hipotecarios en comunidades de color en los siete estados donde opera y en el Distrito de Columbia. Con activos de más de $45 mil millones, el FNB tiene su sede central en Pennsylvania y opera aproximadamente 350 sucursales en todo el Distrito de Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pensilvania, South Carolina, Virginia y West Virginia. Se encuentra entre los 100 bancos más grandes de los Estados Unidos. En octubre del 2021, el Fiscal General Merrick B. Garland y la Fiscal General Auxiliar Kristen Clarke lanzaron la Iniciativa contra la Exclusión Financiera del Departamento de Justicia, un esfuerzo coordinado de aplicación de la ley para abordar esta forma persistente de discriminación contra las comunidades de color. Desde el año 2021, el Departamento ha anunciado doce casos de exclusión financiera y ha obtenido más de $122 millones por concepto de compensación para comunidades de color que han sido víctimas de discriminación crediticia por todo el país. Puede encontrar una copia de la queja e información sobre la aplicación de las leyes de préstamos justos del Departamento en www.justice.gov/fairhousing . Para informarnos de incidentes de discriminación en el ámbito crediticio, llame a la línea informativa del Departamento de Justicia para discriminación en la vivienda al 1-833-591-0291 o entregue un informe en línea .


title: Federal Jury Convicts Albuquerque Man of Federal Firearms Offenses

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 on Jan. 30, 2024, a federal jury returned two guilty verdicts against Walter Palmon Eddings, 40, of Albuquerque, after approximately two hours of deliberation. The jury convicted Eddings of two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Judge Kea W. Riggs presided. A federal grand jury issued an indictment against Eddings on Feb. 24, 2022. According to evidence presented at trial and other publicly available court records, on Jan. 31, 2022, during a joint operation between the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) and the Albuquerque Police Department to apprehend a homicide suspect, a NMSP tactical team was surveilling the Ambassador Inn Hotel in Albuquerque. Prior to surveillance, the team was told that Eddings, who had recently been released from federal supervision, was known to frequent the Ambassador Inn, was a convicted felon, and may be armed and dangerous. While conducting surveillance, several team members observed Eddings at the Ambassador Inn. Eventually, a team member observed Eddings follow another man, who was carrying a rifle in a soft case with the barrel sticking out, to the parking lot. The other man placed the rifle in the back seat of a vehicle. A short time later, a team member observed Eddings clean the same vehicle and reposition the rifle within the vehicle. Three individuals then entered the vehicle, including Eddings, and left the Ambassador Inn property. Officers followed the vehicle to a 7-Eleven gas station, where the team confronted Eddings and arrested him. At the time, Eddings was carrying a backpack with two stolen firearms inside. Eddings will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Eddings faces up to 20 years in prison. Eddings has numerous prior felony convictions including for armed robbery, kidnapping, unlawfully stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee, breaking and entering, and larceny. The FBI Violent Crime Task Force investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Trembley and Patrick E. Cordova are prosecuting the case. # # # 24-52


component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: The Justice Department and the State of North Carolina jointly announced today that First National Bank of Pennsylvania (FNB) has agreed to pay $13.5 million to resolve allegations that it engaged in a pattern or practice of lending discrimination by redlining predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Charlotte and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Redlining is an illegal practice in which lenders avoid providing credit services to individuals living in communities of color because of the race, color, or national origin of residents in those communities. “Lending discrimination violates the law and harms communities and entire families for generations,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Today’s settlement will invest $13.5 million in expanding access to credit services for Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Charlotte and Winston-Salem that for too long have been denied to them. With this settlement, the Justice Department’s Combating Redlining Initiative has now secured over $122 million in relief for communities across the country. But we recognize how much work we have left to do, and we are not letting up in our efforts to combat discrimination in lending wherever it occurs.” “This agreement will have a transformative impact for Black and Hispanic communities, providing them with new opportunities to become homeowners, bank in their neighborhoods and create generational wealth,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “As we take time across the nation to commemorate Black History Month, we must also create space to acknowledge the ongoing harms caused by structural racism and long-term discrimination. Modern-day redlining is a stain on our economy and underscores the need to keep pushing for equal economic opportunity and racial justice in our country. The Justice Department stands ready to hold banks and financial institutions accountable to ensure that communities of color are not shut out of access to mortgage credit due to modern-day redlining.” “The devastating effects of discriminatory lending that become entrenched in neighborhoods can reverberate through generations,” said U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Hairston for the Middle District of North Carolina. “The settlement announced today demonstrates our commitment to combating redlining and ensuring the equal access to credit required by law. We will continue our efforts to hold accountable financial institutions that avoid communities of color in their markets or erect barriers that make it harder for minority residents to access credit. Banks and mortgage companies should evaluate their lending practices and take immediate corrective action to reach underserved communities in their market areas.” “When banks discriminate, it means hardworking people can’t buy a house, start a business, or invest in their futures,” said North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein. “I want every person who calls North Carolina home to have a fair shot, and I’m pleased that this settlement will create better borrowing opportunities for all North Carolinians.” The complaint alleges, from 2017 through 2021, FNB, including as successor in interest to Yadkin Bank, which it acquired in 2017, failed to provide mortgage lending services to predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Charlotte and Winston-Salem, and discouraged people seeking credit in those communities from obtaining home loans. FNB’s home mortgage lending was focused disproportionately on white areas of Charlotte and Winston-Salem. For example, other lenders generated applications in predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods at two-and-a-half times the rate of FNB in Charlotte and four times the rate of FNB in Winston-Salem. FNB’s branches in both cities were also overwhelmingly located in predominantly white neighborhoods, with the bank closing its sole branch in a predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhood in Winston-Salem in 2021. The complaint further alleges that FNB relied on mortgage loan officers working out of predominantly white areas to generate loan applications and that the bank did not track how its mortgage loan officers developed loan referrals or how they distributed the bank’s mortgage marketing materials. The Justice Department and the State of North Carolina have resolved their claims via two proposed consent orders, which are both subject to court approval. The consent orders require FNB to invest $13.5 million to increase credit opportunities for communities of color in Charlotte and Winston-Salem. Specifically, FNB will: Invest at least $11.75 million in a loan subsidy fund to increase access to home mortgage, home improvement and home refinance loans for residents of majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in FNB’s Charlotte and Winston-Salem service areas; Spend $1 million on community partnerships to provide services related to credit, consumer financial education, homeownership and foreclosure prevention for residents of predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in those service areas; Spend $750,000 for advertising, outreach, consumer financial education and credit counseling focused on predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in those service areas; Open three new branches in predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Charlotte and Winston-Salem (two in Charlotte and one in Winston-Salem), with at least one mortgage banker assigned to each branch; and Hire a director of community lending who will oversee the continued development of lending in communities of color. FNB also agreed to retain independent consultants to enhance its fair lending program and better meet the communities’ needs for mortgage credit. The bank will conduct a community credit needs assessment, evaluate its fair lending compliance management systems, and conduct staff trainings. FNB worked cooperatively with the Justice Department and the State of North Carolina to resolve and remedy the redlining concerns that were identified and agreed to settle this matter without contested litigation. During the course of the investigation, FNB established a Special Purpose Credit Program to provide greater access to home loans in communities of color across the seven states where it does business and the District of Columbia. With assets of over $45 billion, FNB is headquartered in Pennsylvania and operates approximately 350 branches throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. It is among the 100 largest banks in the United States. In October 2021, Attorney General Garland and Assistant Attorney General Clarke launched the Justice Department’s Combating Redlining Initiative , a coordinated enforcement effort to address this persistent form of discrimination against communities of color. Since 2021, the department has announced 12 redlining resolutions and secured over $122 million in relief for communities of color that have been the victims of lending discrimination across the country. A copy of the joint complaint and information about Justice Department’s fair lending enforcement can be found at www.justice.gov/fairhousing . Individuals may report lending discrimination by calling the U.S. Justice Department’s housing discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291 or submitting a report online . ###


title: Former Overland Park Business Owner Pleads Guilty to $800,000 COVID Fraud

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Overland Park, Kansas, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges related to fraudulently receiving more than $800,000 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Mirza Michael Reazuddin, 66, currently a resident of Lawrenceville, Georgia, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Reazuddin was a partner in a hotel operation called Grandview Hotel, LLC, which was established in 2013 and ceased operations in 2018. Another company then took over operations of the hotel until it ultimately closed in 2021. The purpose of the CARES Act was to provide emergency financial assistance due to the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized the Small Business Administration to provide low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans to eligible small businesses that experienced substantial financial disruption due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) authorized forgivable loans to small businesses to retain workers and maintain payroll, and make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments. Under the PPP, both the principal and interest on those loans were eligible for forgiveness. On June 25, 2020, Reazuddin, on behalf of Grandview Hotel (which had ceased operations), applied for and received a PPP loan in the amount of $384,100. Reazuddin made numerous false statements on the application and submitted false and fraudulent documents in support of the application. On Jan. 26, 2021, Reazuddin, on behalf of Grandview Hotel, applied for and received a second draw of PPP funding in the amount of $420,000. Reazuddin made similar false statements on this application. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Reazuddin must pay $804,100 in restitution to the Small Business Administration and forfeit to the government $804,100, which represents the proceeds he personally obtained from the scheme, as well as his residential property in Lawrenceville. Under federal statutes, Reazuddin is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.


title: Former Brooklyn Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty in False Return Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Melinda Jacob, the former owner of a tax preparation business, pleaded guilty to a criminal Information charging her with the preparation of false tax returns. The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge James R. Cho. When sentenced, Jacobs faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison as well as restitution and monetary penalties. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), announced the guilty plea. “With the tax season upon us, today’s guilty plea underscores the message that tax preparers have an obligation to perform their duties honestly, and when they abuse their position by filing false information that defrauds the IRS, the return will be a felony conviction like this and additional penalties,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “While most tax preparers are reputable, it is the bad apples like Melinda Jacob who spoil the bunch. She took advantage of her role and her clients by using their returns to steal money from the government. Jacob’s plea puts her a step closer the consequences of her dishonesty and deceit,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent-in-Charge Fattorusso. Jacob owned and operated Melinda Jacob Tax Services, a tax preparation business located in her home in Brooklyn, New York. Between 2019 and 2022, Jacobs prepared false and fraudulent Forms 5695 for multiple clients. Form 5695 was an IRS form on which a taxpayer reported expenditures or costs associated with clean energy or energy efficient improvements to their home, and claimed one or both of the “Residential Clean Energy Credit” and the “Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit” against their tax liability. A Form 5695, where applicable, is filed as an attachment to a taxpayer’s Form 1040. Jacob inflated her clients’ tax refunds by preparing and submitting to the IRS false tax returns that claimed fictitious expenses relating to solar water heaters and geothermal heat pumps that resulted in the clients receiving fraudulent Residential Energy Credits. In most cases, Jacob made up the energy expenses listed on her clients’ tax returns and did not discuss the Residential Energy Credit with her clients. As a result of these false Forms 5695, the IRS suffered an aggregate tax loss of approximately $1,151,761. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Raffaela S. Belizaire. The Defendant : Melinda Jacob Age: 48 Lake Mary, Florida E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-35 (RER)


title: Plaquemines Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control Acts

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JORDAN MEAUX , age 33, of Buras, Louisiana, pled guilty on February 1, 2024 to one (1) count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B), and 846, and one (1) count of being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, On March 17, 2023, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant at MEAUX’s residence in Buras, Louisiana. Upon their arrival at the residence, deputies observed MEAUX in a vehicle in front of the residence. From the floorboard of the passenger seat where MEAUX was sitting, agents seized 19.66 grams of methamphetamine and a pipe. Inside the residence, deputies seized a Maverick Arms Model 88 Field Slide Action, 12-gauge shotgun. In a post-arrest statement, MEAUX claimed ownership of all drugs seized and identified his drug source of supply. Deputies then arrested the source of supply when he arrived at MEAUX’s residence later that morning and seized 21.61 grams of methamphetamine and a gram of fentanyl from him. The source admitted to deputies that he stored methamphetamine at his place of employment. Deputies searched his place of employment and seized almost 18 grams of fentanyl from the source’s place of employment. For the conspiracy count, MEAUX faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and maximum term of imprisonment of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, a mandatory minimum term of supervised release of four years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For the felon in possession count, MEAUX faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Burlington Man Sentenced for Child Exploitation Offense

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on February 5, 2024, Deyquan Martin, 22, of Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced to a five-year term of imprisonment as well as 10 years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III following Martin’s guilty plea to possession of child pornography (also known as child sexual abuse material or CSAM). According to court documents, in 2022, Martin met a twelve-year-old minor through an online video game and, using an online messaging platform, posed as a thirteen-year-old and induced the twelve-year-old to send him CSAM in the form of photographs and videos of herself. Using the messaging platform, Martin later threatened the minor and caused the minor to send him additional CSAM in the form of photographs and videos of the minor. In another instance also in 2022, Martin met a thirteen-year-old minor through a different online video game and, using the same online messaging platform, induced the minor to send him CSAM in the form of photographs of the minor. On September 22, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Burlington Police Department, Vermont’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the New Jersey State Police, executed a search warrant at Martin’s Burlington residence. In searching Martin’s residence, law enforcement found CSAM depicting the twelve-year-old minor as well as other CSAM on Martin’s computer. Following the search, law enforcement placed Martin under arrest. Subsequent forensic analysis of electronic devices seized from Martin’s residence revealed additional CSAM in the form of photographs and videos. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest stated, “Thanks to our partners at Homeland Security Investigations, the Burlington Police Department, the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the New Jersey State Police we put a stop to Martin’s predatory behavior exploiting minors playing video games. Protecting vulnerable victims is central to our mission and this case exemplifies our dedication in this area.” “This is every parent’s worst nightmare. These children were simply playing an online game when they were approached and extorted by a predator. With kids online now more than ever, HSI continues to work alongside our partners to keep kids safe and ensure predators face justice for their crimes,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. Martin was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven L. Barth. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. Gilman represented the United States. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC .


title: Two Men Sentenced to a Combined Eleven Years in Federal Prison for $1 Million “Free Bankruptcy” Car Lien-Stripping Scheme

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

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Brian Fenner, 45, of Camby, Indiana, has been sentenced to a total of 77 months in federal prison. Dennis Birkley, 64, of Wisconsin, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison. In January 2023, a federal jury found both men guilty on one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, seven counts of wire fraud, six counts of mail fraud, and three counts of money laundering. According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, between 2013 and 2016, Fenner promoted the “Sperro free bankruptcy program” to individuals who were planning to file for bankruptcy. Through this purported “free bankruptcy program,” Fenner promised to pay the debtors’ bankruptcy attorneys’ fees if they turned over their vehicles to him, instead of surrendering them to the banks that financed the purchase of the vehicles. Numerous people from across the country participated in the program and surrendered their vehicles to Fenner, including from as far away as California and Arizona. Fenner arranged for the debtors’ cars to be towed to his lots in Indianapolis for outlandish fees, which formed the basis of a bogus mechanic’s lien on the vehicle. Fenner then pretended to “sell” the cars to Birkley at “auctions” to cover the exorbitant mechanic’s lien. In reality, no auctions occurred, no money changed hands, and there was no sale by Fenner to Birkley. Instead, the sham auctions were part of a series of lies and fraudulent documents submitted to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, so that Birkley could get clean titles to the vehicles from the BMV. Once Birkley had clean title to the vehicles, he sold the vehicles for their true value – often earning thousands of dollars in profit – which Birkley split with Fenner. Over the course of the conspiracy, Birkley and Fenner illegally obtained over $1 million. Fenner was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment on June 8, 2023, and was instructed to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons in Terre Haute by July 18, 2023. Fenner did not report to prison, and was re-arrested in Morgan County, Indiana, on August 25, 2023. Fenner was sentenced to an additional seven months in prison after pleading guilty to failing to surrender. This sentence will be served consecutively to Fenner’s 70-month sentence for the fraud conviction, for a total prison sentence of 77 months. “For years, these greedy men preyed on people in financial crisis by offering a purported financial lifeline too good to be true—and was in fact just a series of lies,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana “Unraveling complex schemes and holding fraudsters accountable is a top priority for our office. I commend the talented and dedicated team, including our partners at the FBI, Indiana State Police, and our federal prosecutors, for their unrelenting determination to see that these crooks pay for their crimes.” “These two men shamelessly exploited the financial difficulties of their victims to enrich themselves, disguising their scheme as a potential lifeline to people who were in extreme financial difficulty,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI will continue to work with our partners to aggressively identify and investigate those who engage in in such fraudulent behavior and ensure they are held accountable.” “The prosecution, conviction, and sentences imposed on Mr. Fenner and Mr. Birkley, who took advantage of consumers in financial distress who signed up for the bogus ‘Sperro free bankruptcy program’ demonstrates that those who abuse the bankruptcy system for their own personal gain will be brought to justice,” said Nancy J. Gargula, United States Trustee for Indiana and Central and Southern Illinois (Region 10). “We are grateful to US Attorney Myers for his commitment in helping to protect and preserve the integrity of the bankruptcy system, not just here in the Southern District of Indiana but across the country, and to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olivier and Shepard.” “The Indiana State Police and its law enforcement partners work towards a common goal each and every day, with every criminal investigation...to identify those who violate our various criminal laws and to hold them responsible for those unlawful actions,” said Captain Ron Galaviz. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Indiana State Police, with assistance from the Department of Justice’s U.S. Trustee Program, in collaboration with the Southern Indiana Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group coordinated by the U.S. Trustee for Region 10. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Court Judges Richard L. Young and James R. Sweeney II. Both men were ordered to pay $49,045.84 each in restitution. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Olivier and Bradley P. Shepard, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: Last Defendants Sentenced for Central Valley Drug Conspiracy

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Ignacio Alcantar Torres, 34, of McFarland, was sentenced today to 10 years and 10 months in prison, and on Jan. 22, 2024, Alexis Mendiola, 38, of North Hollywood, was sentenced to one year in prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, on four separate occasions, Alcantar served as a courier for Pedro Delgado-Montenegro, 43, a former resident of Porterville, and delivered 1,150 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and one-half pound of methamphetamine to an undercover officer for a total of $5,940. Delgado-Montenegro also arranged for Mendiola, his “pill source,” to deliver to an undercover officer 1,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. Alcantar and Mendiola are the last of eight defendants to be sentenced for the conspiracy. This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Porterville Police Department, the Coalinga Police Department, and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar prosecuted the case. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Oldsmar Felon Sentenced To Seven Years For Firearms And Narcotics Offenses

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Sean Peter Brewer (36, Oldsmar) to seven years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Brewer entered a guilty plea on September 1, 2023. According to court documents, on November 11, 2022, officers from the Clearwater Police Department (CPD) responded to a gas station on Gulf to Bay Boulevard in Clearwater after receiving a report that a man was unresponsive in the driver’s seat of a vehicle parked at a gas pump. CPD and the Clearwater Fire Department discovered Brewer unconscious behind the wheel of his car. After Brewer was assessed by emergency services, CPD officers administered a field sobriety test, which Brewer failed. Officers arrested Brewer for driving under the influence and conducted a search incident to the arrest. That search revealed a backpack containing a scale with clear plastic baggies consistent with narcotics distribution, marijuana, multiple types of pills, 61 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield pistol and a “Cash App” debit card with the name “$seanbrew87.” At the time of the incident, Brewer had a previous felony conviction for unlawful use of a two-way communication device. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clearwater Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and David P. Sullivan. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Arizona Company and CEO Sentenced for Illegal Distribution of Tianeptine and Other Drugs and Ordered to Forfeit $2.4 Million

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – An Arizona company and CEO were sentenced today in federal court in Concord for distributing drugs into interstate commerce, including tianeptine [1] , that were not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Centera Bioscience, d/b/a Nootropics Depot, was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Talesha Saint-Marc to three years of probation. The company’s CEO, Paul Eftang, 38, was sentenced to one year of probation. The defendants have also paid a $2.4 million forfeiture and surrendered all drugs seized by the FDA and Customs and Border Protection. On October 30, 2023, Centera and Eftang pleaded guilty to the introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce. “The defendants sold Tianeptine and other drugs that were not approved by the FDA,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said. “The FDA has a strict drug approval process to protect consumers from products that are unsafe or ineffective. Eftang and Centera Bioscience made substantial effort to sell misbranded drugs, which has consequences under federal law. This Office will continue to prosecute those who risk consumer’s health and safety.” “Unapproved drugs present a serious health risk to those who buy and use them. The drugs can contain unknown ingredients and are manufactured under unknown conditions,” said Special Agent in Charge Fernando McMillian, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ New York Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who attempt to traffic in dangerous and unapproved drugs including tianeptine and other chemicals trafficked by this organization.” “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to keeping the U.S. Mail, its employees, and customers safe. When the U.S. Mail is used to transport unapproved drugs such as Tianeptine, it is taken very seriously,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “We will continue to conduct investigations, alongside our law enforcement partners, that seek prosecution of those who compromise the safety of the American public.” Tianeptine, adrafinil, phenibut, and racetams are pharmaceutical drugs not approved for use in the United States. Racetams include piracetam, aniracetam, coluracetam, and phenylpiracetam. The defendants imported approximately $7.4 million worth of raw material for these drugs from China between April 2017 and September 2021. The defendants earned approximately $35 million from selling these drugs during that same time period. The defendants sold the drugs across the United States, and at one point used Mexican intermediaries to ship the products. During this investigation, Customs detained several shipments of adrafinil and racetams addressed to Centera Bioscience or one of its subsidiaries. These shipments included 20 barrels of phenibut hydrochloride from Shanghai Norky Pharmaceutical, 40 barrels of piracetam from Shanghai Soyoung Biotechnology, and 20 barrels of phenibut hydrochloride from Qingdao Sincess. The company’s Strategic Director, Paul Sheard, represented to Customs that the shipments were supposed to be used for laboratory analysis and research only, and were not intended for human consumption. The customs paperwork also incorrectly labeled the imports. The defendants also maintained an active online presence to advertise tianeptine, phenibut, and racetams, including a sub-forum on the website Reddit. Eftang himself posted regularly on Reddit under the username “MisterYouAreSoDumb.” The Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations and U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Geoffrey W.R. Ward, and FDA Special Counsel Sarah Hawkins prosecuted the case. ### [1] Tianeptine is an unapproved drug in the United States. Although other countries have approved tianeptine to treat depression and anxiety, some have restricted how tianeptine is prescribed or dispensed, or revised the drug label to warn of possible addiction. Some people have turned to tianeptine as an opioid alternative, or to self-treat anxiety or depression.


title: Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office

body_text: Drug Trafficking John Darryl Hill , age 36, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Jan. 29. According to court documents, on Jul. 21, 2023, Hill was contacted by a Laramie County Sheriff’s deputy regarding a state warrant for his arrest. During the encounter, Hill handed over a case containing 77 grams of methamphetamine and packaging material. On Nov. 1, 2023, Hill pled guilty to possessing methamphetamine and admitted to selling drugs. The crime as investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood. Joseph Andrew Kane Flores , age 30, of Torrington, Wyoming, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal imposed the sentence on Feb. 1. According to court documents, in early 2023, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation conducted several controlled purchases as part of an investigation into Flores. On Jan. 27, 2023, agents purchased 67 fentanyl pills for $700 and on Feb. 2, 2023, they purchased 100 fentanyl pills for $1,000. Flores pled guilty to the charges on Nov. 13, 2023. This crime was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood. Donna Singleton , age 59, of Hulett, Wyoming, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for use of a communication facility to facilitate a felony drug offense. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W, Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Feb. 1. According to court documents, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) was investigating a large drug operation that involved shipping narcotics through the U.S. Postal Service. Agents were alerted to a package, addressed to Singleton, that contained 8,000 fentanyl pills. They conducted a controlled delivery and ultimately arrested the defendant. Singleton pled guilty to using the U.S. Postal Service to receive narcotics. The crime was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and USPIS. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood. About the United States Attorney’s Office The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include: Environmental Justice The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Project Safe Childhood Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious. Project Safe Neighborhoods Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. Victim Witness Assistance The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect. To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking


title: Miami armed career criminal sentenced to 30 years in federal prison

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On Jan. 25, a Miami man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as an armed career criminal. The sentence comes after a jury convicted him in October 2023. As shown at trial and sentencing, this case involved an eight-day span where Demetris Kewan Mackie, 29, of Miami, Florida, possessed and used the same gun to shoot at two victims, injuring one. On April 12, 2023, Mackie pistol-whipped and shot a male victim outside a laundromat in Miami. Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) officers responded to the scene. When MDPD officers arrived, they found a blood trail on the ground that led them to where the victim had collapsed. The next morning, the victim advised MDPD officers that a male with a silver-topped gun and a teardrop-shaped tattoo next to his right eye had pistol-whipped him before shooting at him the day before. Surveillance footage verified the victim’s story. Three days later, North Miami Beach Police Department (NMBPD) officers responded to another shooting. This time the victim was unharmed and was able to identify Mackie as the attacker. On April 20, 2023, MDPD officers arrested Mackie. At the time of the arrest, Mackie was carrying a silver-topped gun whose test-fired casings matched the casings from both shootings. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Rodolfo A. Ruiz II. ATF Miami Field Office investigated the case with assistance from MDPD and NMBPD. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary A. Keller and Vanessa Bonhomme prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 23-cr-20204. ###


title: Shiprock Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Assault on a Federal Officer and Federal Firearms Offense

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 Deon Joe Bidtah was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Bidtah, 24, of Shiprock, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pled guilty on Nov. 3, 2023, to assault with a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault on a federal officer with a deadly and dangerous weapon. According to publicly available court records, on Oct. 11, 2022, Bidtah approached a vehicle parked at his neighbor’s house in Shiprock and fired two rounds from a 12-gauge shotgun into the vehicle. The driver, Jane Doe, was struck and injured by the gunfire. Jane Doe was immediately transported to the San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington by her friend whom she was visiting. Jane Doe suffered a 1 cm ballistic fragment in her right buttocks/rear upper thigh area. Records also noted gunshot wounds on her left buttock, right buttock, and right thigh. Navajo Nation police officers responded to the incident location, including one officer who, by virtue of a special law enforcement commission, is considered a federal officer. Bidtah approached the officers carrying the 12-gauge shotgun and fired toward the officers. Officers took cover behind their patrol units and commanded Bidtah to stop and drop his weapon. Bidtah ignored the commands, reloaded the shotgun, and continued to walk towards the officers. In response, officers fired two rounds at Bidtah, striking him in the leg. Upon his release from prison, Bidtah will be subject to 3 years of supervised release. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley is prosecuting the case. # # # 24-53


title: Schuylkill County Man Indicted For Distribution Of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Thomas Keister, age 68, of Schuylkill County, PA, was indicted on charges of distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Keister distributed, received, and possessed child pornography from March 2021 to October 2023, in Schuylkill County. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations - Allentown. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood , a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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 . The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 20 years, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, 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. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Federal Indictment Accuses Three Chicago Residents of Committing Carjackings and Murders

body_text: CHICAGO — A federal superseding indictment charges three Chicago residents with conspiring to commit multiple carjackings in the city and suburbs. The indictment also accuses them of committing a murder during an attempted carjacking and a second murder using a carjacked vehicle. According to the indictment returned Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago, EDSON RESENDEZ, MAVERICK CELA, and PREZILA APREZA murdered Nabil Mahouar during an attempted carjacking in Chicago’s Dunning neighborhood on Sept. 21, 2020, and later that day used a car taken in another carjacking to fatally shoot Eduardo Triano in the city’s North Park neighborhood. The superseding indictment renews firearm and carjacking charges filed in 2022 against Resendez and Cela for allegedly violently committing carjackings in Morton Grove, Ill., and Skokie, Ill. The new indictment adds Apreza as a defendant and charges her, Resendez, and Cela with conspiracy and firearm offenses, as well as two other carjackings in Skokie, Ill. and Berwyn, Ill. The superseding indictment contains a notice of special findings that would make the defendants eligible for the death penalty if convicted of the new charges. Resendez, 22, Cela, 22, and Apreza, 23, all of Chicago, are in law enforcement custody. Arraignments on the superseding charges have not yet been scheduled. The superseding indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Skokie, Ill. Police Department, Chicago Police Department, Morton Grove, Ill. Police Department, and Berwyn, Ill. Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cornelius A. Vandenberg and Simar Khera. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Resendez et al superseding indictment


title: Columbia Man Found Guilty of Federal Firearms Charges After a Two-Hour Shootout with Police Officers

body_text: NASHVILLE – On February 2, 2024, a jury in the Middle District of Tennessee found Jamal Gardner guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis. According to evidence presented at trial, on February 2, 2019, Gardner beat and tried to strangle the mother of his children. A little over an hour later, a Columbia Police officer initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle for reckless driving. As the officer approached the vehicle, the driver got out holding an AR-15 rifle and immediately began firing at the officer. As the officer took cover and returned fire, the driver, later identified as Jamal Gardner, fled into a nearby residence and continued firing at responding officers. Over the next two hours, Gardner fired approximately 80 rounds from at least four firearms, before escaping from the house. Gardner fled the scene and was arrested a few days later in Michigan. “This prosecution underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to hold violent criminals accountable, especially those that are brazen enough to attack law enforcement as the defendant did in this case,” said United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis. Gardner will be sentenced a later date by United States District Court Judge William L. Campbell, Jr. If the court finds that Gardner qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal, he will be sentenced to a mandatory minimum of fifteen years to life in federal prison. Additional charges relating to Gardner’s attempted murder of multiple Columbia Police Department officers and his aggravated assault on his former domestic partner are pending in state court. He remains presumed innocent of those state charges. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Columbia Police Department, and the 22 nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josh Kurtzman and Phil Wehby prosecuted the case. # # # # #


title: Wyatt Detention Center Detainee Sentenced for Arranging Deliveries of  Synthetic Cannabinoid to the Detention Facility

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A Connecticut man detained at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility while awaiting sentencing on a criminal matter prosecuted in the District of Connecticut was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Providence to two years of incarceration for arranging to have papers soaked with a synthetic cannabinoid shipped to the detention facility, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.


title: Florida Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Selling Fentanyl over the Dark Web

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Chaloner Saintillus, 35, of Delray Beach, Florida, was sentenced today to 10 years and one month in prison for distributing controlled substances into the Eastern District of California using the dark web, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Saintillus operated multiple narcotics vendor accounts on the dark web under the username “chlnsaint,” through which he sold fentanyl, oxycodone, oxymorphone, and other narcotics in exchange for cryptocurrency. Taking advantage of the dark web’s anonymity, Saintillus completed more than 1,000 drug deals between August 2019 and August 2020 alone. Saintillus used the U.S. Postal Service to send his customers the fentanyl, opioids, and other narcotics they purchased from “chlnsaint.” Law enforcement officers conducted 12 controlled purchases of narcotics from “chlnsaint” between April and October 2020. Agents identified Saintillus as “chlnsaint” through physical surveillance and analysis of financial, package tracking, and photographic records maintained by the Postal Service. Agents executed search warrants at Saintillus’s Florida residence in October 2020, during which they arrested Saintillus and seized narcotics, more than $20,000 in cryptocurrency, a firearm, and a suitcase full of ammunition. On April 6, 2023, Saintillus pleaded guilty to 12 counts of distributing controlled substances. This case was the product of an investigation by Northern California Illicit Digital Economy Task Force (NCIDE), which is composed of agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. NCIDE agents received assistance from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the Delray Beach Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Stefanki and Ross Pearson prosecuted the case.


title: Key figure in international cocaine trafficking operation sentenced to 20 years in federal prison

body_text: SAVANNAH, GA: A key conspirator in a Colombian drug trafficking operation has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for attempting to fly cocaine to other countries using U.S.-registered aircraft to evade scrutiny. Agim Cerma, a/k/a “Jimmy,” 54, a citizen of Albania living in Colombia, was sentenced to 240 months in prison after pleading guilty to his role in a conspiracy to transport cocaine aboard U.S.-registered aircraft, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker also ordered Cerma to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term and to be deported as part of his release conditions. There is no parole in the federal system. “International trafficking in illegal drugs represents a direct threat to the safety of the citizens of the United States, and this investigation and prosecution dismantles an operation planning to fly hundreds of kilos of cocaine out of Colombia,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “We applaud the exceptional work of our law enforcement partners in shutting down this operation and bringing the conspirators to justice.” As described in court documents and testimony, in 2020 the Drug Enforcement Administration, working with law enforcement agencies in Colombia, identified individuals involved in large-scale drug distribution. The investigation determined that Cerma and others were planning and coordinating production and transportation of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Cali, Colombia, to Europe via a U.S.-registered aircraft, hoping U.S. registration would avoid the additional scrutiny given to Colombian-flagged aircraft. The scheme involved the payment of corrupt airport employees, production of more than 300 kilograms of cocaine from a lab in Colombia, and payments toward the organization and execution of the scheme at approximately $300,000 in U.S. Currency. The investigation revealed Cerma to be the leader of the drug trafficking organization and conspiracies with co-defendants to export the cocaine using an U.S. registered aircraft. Law enforcement authorities at the Bonilla Aragon International Airport in Cali later seized suitcases containing approximately 330 kilograms of cocaine destined for an aircraft traveling to Europe. Cerma was arrested in Colombia in July 2021 and extradited to the United States in September 2023. Four Colombian co-defendants also were extradited to the United States, and three of them have entered guilty pleas in U.S. District Court: Jairo Fernando Cardona Lopez , 52, has been sentenced 175 months in prison; Edwin Durlandy Montilla Gonzalez , 39, has been sentenced to 150 months in prison; and Pedro Antonio Penagos Londono , 47, has been sentenced to 48 months. The fourth co-defendant, William Cruz Perez , 67, is awaiting trial and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. ADD AGENCY COMMENTS The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, United States Customs and Border Protection, and the Georgia Ports Authority. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché’s office at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota provided significant assistance in securing the arrests and extraditions from Colombia. The case was prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marcela C. Mateo and Darron Hubbard.


title: Fresno Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Uriel Diaz-Santos, 21, of Fresno, was sentenced today to nine years in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, after two juveniles overdosed on fentanyl pills, investigators interviewed witnesses and reviewed phone records, ultimately developing enough evidence to obtain a search warrant for Diaz-Santos’s residence. On Nov. 2, 2021, investigators searched Diaz-Santos’s house and found thousands of fentanyl pills and a firearm. This case was the product of an investigation by the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team (FORT), composed of officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fresno and Clovis Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the U.S. Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts. 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 U.S. Department of Justice 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 Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Canoncito Man Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter

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 today that Landen Toledo pleaded guilty in federal court to voluntary manslaughter. Toledo, 20, of Canoncito, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. According to publicly available court records, on May 27, 2022, Toledo, Cole Ray Shorty and Keon Apachito went to the home of John Doe to retrieve Shorty’s backpack. The group approached John Doe while he was seated in the driver’s seat of his car. When Shorty opened the back door of the car to look for his backpack, John Doe got out of the car with a baseball bat. Toledo grabbed John Doe by the wrists and threw him to the ground and kicked him in the stomach several times, causing John Doe to drop the baseball bat. Shorty picked up the baseball bat and hit John Doe on the head with the baseball bat. Others in the group hit John Doe’s with a golf club and stomped on his leg. John Doe fell to the ground and tried to crawl away. Shorty hit John Doe in the head again, then the group left John Doe unconscious on the ground. The Office of the Medical Inspector’s found that the cause of John Doe’s death was blunt head trauma. Cole Ray Shorty pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter on January 19, 2024, and faces up to 15 years in prison. Apachito remains out of custody pending trial, which is currently scheduled for June 10, 2024. At sentencing, Toledo faces up to 15 years in prison. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case. View the Plea Agreement # # # 24-54


title: ‘Secretary’ to Mexican Mafia Shot Caller Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for RICO Conspiracy and Aiding Armed Robbery

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A La Verne woman was sentenced today to 85 months in federal prison for being a “secretary” to an imprisoned Mexican Mafia “shot caller” who controlled Latino gangs in Pomona, including facilitating an armed robbery and shooting, as well as distribution of narcotics and extortion. Kelly Deshannon, 42, was sentenced by United States District Judge George H. Wu. At the conclusion of a five-day trial, a federal jury in July 2023 found Deshannon guilty of one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, one count of committing a violent crime in support of racketeering activity (VICAR), and one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. Deshannon served as a secretary to Seferino Gonzalez, an imprisoned shot caller of the Michael Lerma Cell of the Mexican Mafia. From prison, Gonzalez exerted control over Latino gangs, including overseeing drug trafficking and other offenses committed in Pomona. As a secretary, Deshannon helped facilitate an attempted armed robbery of car keys to a Mercedes-Benz SUV on July 14, 2013, which resulted in the shooting of a victim. Deshannon knew the victims’ address, that the victims had access to the car keys, and had spoken to the victims. On the night of the shooting, Deshannon brought the shooter and other defendants with her to the victims’ address and pointed out a victim to her accomplices. The victim, though wounded, survived the attack. Deshannon’s other criminal conduct included broking drug sales and collecting extortionate taxes in Lerma Cell territory. Lerma, who is this case’s lead defendant , was indicted in 2018 and has pleaded not guilty to RICO conspiracy and multiple other federal charges. His trial is scheduled for July 23. He is in federal custody. The FBI San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force investigated this matter. The FBI San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force was formed in 2008 and is based out of the Pomona Police Department. One of the primary missions of the FBI’s San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force is to work with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to combat, investigate, and dissuade gang violence from occurring within the Los Angeles County Jail and surrounding Los Angeles area. The Covina Police Department assisted in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Jason C. Pang of the Major Frauds Section and Varun Behl of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Springfield Gang Member, Rapper Sentenced for Illegal Firearms

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man who was part of a local rap group and leader of a gang known as “FTO,” was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing firearms, some of which have been linked to multiple shootings. Jardell Carlin Williams, 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to six years and six months in federal prison without parole. On May 16, 2023, Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. Williams admitted he was in possession of a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol when a gold Nissan Altima, driven by co-defendant Ezekiel Josiah King, 20, of Springfield, was stopped by Springfield, Mo., Police Department detectives on Feb. 15, 2022. King, also a rapper and leader of the FTO gang, was in possession of a loaded Glock .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol, with an extended magazine that contained 29 rounds. King also was in possession of an Anderson AM-15 multi-caliber rifle, loaded with 31 rounds of .223-caliber ammunition, which was in the back seat of the vehicle with a juvenile passenger. Detectives also located two more boxes of ammunition under Williams’ seat. Under King’s seat, officers located a second extended magazine and two factory Glock magazines. In total, officers recovered well over 100 rounds of ammunition from the vehicle, in addition to the three firearms and multiple magazines. Detectives found marijuana on Williams and in a backpack belonging to Williams. Both Williams and King admitted they regularly smoked marijuana. Williams also admitted that he was in possession of a C3 Defense 5.56-caliber semi-automatic pistol when a vehicle, in which he was a passenger, was stopped by detectives with the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department on Oct. 23, 2022, after a rap concert where King had been performing. King was in the front passenger seat. Williams and four other individuals were in the backseat. When officers searched the vehicle, they found marijuana and multiple firearms. According to court documents, Williams was also stopped by Nixa, Mo., police officers on Oct. 16, 2021. There were three passengers in the vehicle, including one juvenile. The juvenile was armed with a stolen, loaded Highpoint firearm. A loaded SCCY pistol was found near another passenger. A loaded, stolen Anderson AM-15 rifle was located on top of the center counsel covered with a blanket. Also located in the vehicle was marijuana wax, and three pipes with marijuana residue. During that stop, officers observed 15 to 20 bullet holes in Williams’ vehicle, and he confirmed he had been involved in a shooting but refused to provide additional details. Williams was charged in the Circuit Court of Christian County, Mo., with possession of a stolen firearm. ATF National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) Agents with the ATF test fired the firearms seized from the traffic stop on Feb. 15, 2022. The shell casings from those test fires were submitted to the ATF National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) laboratory to determine if there were any links between the recovered firearms and firearms related violent crime. The NIBIN analysis indicated that the .40-caliber Glock pistol possessed by Williams on Feb. 15, 2022, had been used in a drive-by shooting of a Springfield residence that occurred on Jan. 30, 2022. At the time of the shooting, five people were present in the residence. Officers found multiple bullet holes in the home; some of the bullets entered the home into a bedroom, the living room, and into the bathroom. Multiple shell casings were located in the street. Investigators also found that one projectile struck a vehicle parked on the street. Investigators believe the Jan. 30, 2022, shooting was gang-related, because the targeted residence was associated with a rival gang. In their investigation, officers also found a second home had been hit with gunfire. Police were able to determine that a bullet travelled through the home into a bedroom and then into the wall of the closet bedroom. Fortunately, that house was vacant. NIBIN analysis of the Anderson AM-15 rifle seized from King on Feb. 15, 2022, indicated that it was also used in the Jan. 30, 2022, shooting. The NIBIN analysis indicated the C3 Defense firearm seized from Williams on Oct. 23, 2022, had been used in three shootings in Kansas City, Mo., that occurred on Aug. 6, 2022, Sept. 28, 2022, and Sept. 29, 2022. Williams was living in Blue Springs, Mo. (in the Kansas City area) when those shootings occurred. According to court documents, Williams is also a suspect or a person of interest in a shootout between rival gangs that occurred in a busy commercial area of downtown Springfield on May 14, 2022, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to a third, as well as a robbery in which the victim was struck by an unknown object and dragged by a vehicle, and multiple drive-by shootings. King pleaded guilty on Jan. 16, 2024, to one count of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms and awaits sentencing. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.


title: Somerset County Resident Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Distributing Child Pornography

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – A Somerset County, New Jersey, resident was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for distributing videos and images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Marcevan Manasse, 29, Somerville, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp to an information charging one count of distribution of child pornography. Judge Shipp imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From Sept. 20, 2020, through Nov. 22, 2020, Manasse distributed material containing images and video files of child sexual abuse, via a publicly available online peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing network of linked computers. Law enforcement conducted an undercover online session to access the P2P program and to download five video files and eleven images containing child pornography from an IP address assigned to an internet service provider account associated with Manasse’s residence. These files included multiple visual depictions of pre-pubescent children engaged in sexual acts with adults. In addition to the prison term, Judge Shipp sentenced Manasse to five years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office for its assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Farhana C. Melo of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.


title: Pornographic chat room discussions lead to conviction

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 46-year-old Corpus Christi resident has pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. The investigation into Jonathan Follis began when authorities discovered he was participating in chat rooms involving discussions of child pornography. Follis conducted the majority of these conversations using a cellular phone kept in his office at work. Law enforcement later conducted a search at that office where they discovered a phone hidden under his keyboard. Follis admitted to using the phone to distribute child pornography. Law enforcement conducted a forensic analysis of the phone. It confirmed Follis had been engaging in chat rooms discussing child pornography utilizing the username “frickenwierdo.” In addition to those rooms, Follis was participated in distributing child pornography in private chats. The investigation revealed Follis distributed a video of child pornography as recently as April 5, 2023, approximately one month before law enforcement executed the search warrant leading to his arrest. U.S. District Judge David Morales will impose sentencing May 1. At that time, Follis faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He will remain in custody pending that hearing. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children task force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Overman and John Marck prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.


title: Highlands County man sentenced to 100 months for distribution of methamphetamine

body_text: MIAMI – On Jan. 30, a Highlands County man was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine. The sentence comes after his guilty plea on Sept. 27, 2023. Between January and May 2023, Rafael Junior Morrero, 46, of Sebring, Florida, sold a total of 204.09 grams of pure methamphetamine on five separate occasions in Highlands County. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, and Sheriff Paul Blackman of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon. DEA Miami Field Division, Port St. Lucie Resident Office and HCSO investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hudock prosecuted it. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 23-cr-14014. ###


title: Martha's Vineyard Man Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Prison for Armed Bank Robbery

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – An Edgartown man was sentenced today for robbing a Falmouth bank. Defendant zip-tied bank employees and customers, brandished a firearm, placed a purported bomb on the counter and fled the scene in the vehicle of a bank customer. Petar Petyoshin, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to 100 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In October 2023, Petyoshin pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery. On April 8, 2023, Petyoshin departed Martha’s Vineyard aboard a Steamship Authority vessel at 7 a.m. and arrived at Woods Hole in Falmouth. At approximately 8:58 a.m. on April 8, 2023, Petyoshin entered the Rockland Trust Bank in Falmouth, placed a purported bomb on the teller counter and brandished a firearm. Petyoshin pointed the firearm at the tellers and customers, telling one bank employee, “I’m robbing you,” before having the customers and bank employees zip-tie each other’s hands together. Petyoshin then had two tellers place over $20,000 in cash from the bank into a brown bag, took a customer’s car keys and fled the scene in the customer’s vehicle. Petyoshin then boarded a 1:15 p.m. return ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. On May 23, 2023, Petyoshin was arrested on state charges in connection with the robbery. A subsequent search of his residence in Edgartown resulted in the recovery of thousands of dollars in cash bundled together in Rockland Trust money bands, zip ties and clothing items Petyoshin was captured wearing on surveillance footage both before and after the robbery. Additionally, 57 firearms and a large quantity of ammunition were seized during the search. The same jacket worn by Petyoshin during the robbery was recovered during a search of Petyoshin’s personal locker at the Oak Bluffs Water Department where he was employed. The investigation also determined that the Facebook page for Petyoshin’s clothing store, Dapper Martha’s Vineyard, displayed photos of the same clothing – including jacket, sunglasses and wig – he wore during the bank robbery. Immediately following the robbery, Petyoshin made a several thousand-dollar cash downpayment on a lease for a new Mercedes. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and John. E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Falmouth and Edgartown Police Departments; Barnstable County Sheriff’s Department; and the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Nigerian National Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges

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 today that Uchenna Christian Nlemchi pleaded guilty in federal court to one count each of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Nlemchi, 31, a Nigerian national, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. A federal grand jury indicted Nlemchi on May 24, 2017. According to publicly available court records, in 2015, Nlemchi opened a bank account in Houston, Texas in the name of Jay Auto & Machine Parts, a fictional business, with the intent to siphon proceeds of political corruption in Nigeria to another individual in Nigeria. Between September 2015 and February 2016, Nlemchi received $868,295 into the account. Nlemchi withdrew approximately $167,000 in cash in person, $32,000 from ATMs, and transferred $75,000 to his personal bank account. Nlemchi transferred the rest of the money to various businesses and individuals at the direction of his co-conspirators. In his plea agreement, Nlemchi admitted that he learned the money was procured through romance scams that his co-conspirators were running, not political corruption, and that by receiving the money, he facilitated the scams. Nlemchi was arrested on the indictment in June of 2017 and released on conditions pending trial. In Oct. of 2017, Nlemchi violated the conditions of his release, and an arrest warrant was issued. At that time, Nlemchi fled the country and was believed to have returned to his native Nigeria. The FBI pursued Nlemchi for five years before locating him in Hungary. Nlemchi was extradited to the United States and arrested on June 6, 2023. The Albuquerque Division of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department during the extradition process. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Peña is prosecuting the case. View the Plea Agreement ### 24-55


title: Texas man sentenced for tax evasion

body_text: HOUSTON – A Texas man has been ordered to federal prison for evading his taxes by not reporting income he earned while working overseas. Peter Joseph Tignini pleaded guilty Aug. 21, 2023. U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks has now ordered him to serve 41 months in prison and to pay a $150,000 fine as well as $1,169,348.60 in restitution to the United States. According to court records, from 2013 to 2018, Tignini worked in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, earning over $4,750,000 in income. However, for tax years 2013 through 2017, Tignini filed false returns that claimed his income was only approximately $100,000 each year. The amount Tignini reported each year was near or below the amount that U.S. citizens who live and work abroad for most of a year can exclude from their taxable income on their U.S. tax return. Tignini did not file a return for 2018. As a result, Tignini caused a tax loss to the IRS of $1,169,348. Following an interview with federal law enforcement, Tignini altered his employment contract and payroll documents to make it appear his former employer, not Tignini himself, was responsible for failing to report the income and pay the tax. Tignini then caused his attorneys to provide the false documents to the Department of Justice’s Tax Division and the IRS. After investigators asked a witness about the online program Tignini used to create the phony documents, Tignini attempted to delete the documents from his account. IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Goldman prosecuted the case along with Senior Litigation Counsel Sean Beaty and Trial Attorney Brian Flanagan of the Tax Division.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Statement on Black History Month

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – Today, U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz of the Western District of Tennessee issued the following video message in honor of National Black History Month, 2024. Here is an excerpt from his message: “Black History Month is a time to reflect on the people who have taken a stand for civil rights in our nation – those whose contributions to justice and reform helped to protect our right to vote and ensure fair treatment under the law. Americans like Ida B. Wells. Who, as the daughter of formerly enslaved parents, became a leader for racial justice and gender equality here in Memphis – and went on to fight against lynching and become one of our nation’s most ardent defenders of democracy and a free press. Her contributions help to shape the work my team and I do every day. Please join me in celebrating Black History Month and the countless achievements of Black Americans.” See the full video on YouTube .


title: Texas Man Sentenced To 41 Months in Prison for Tax Evasion

component: Tax Division

body_text: A Texas man was sentenced today to 41 months in prison for evading his taxes by not reporting income he earned while working overseas. According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2013 to 2018, Peter Joseph Tignini, formerly of Cypress, Texas, worked in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, earning over $4,750,000 in income. For tax years 2013 through 2017, Tignini filed false tax returns that claimed that his income was only approximately $100,000 each year. The amount Tignini reported each year was near or below the amount that U.S. citizens who live and work abroad for most of a year can exclude from their taxable income on their U.S. tax return. Tignini did not file a return for 2018. As a result, Tignini caused a tax loss to the IRS of $1,169,348. Following an interview with federal law enforcement, Tignini altered his employment contract and payroll documents to make it appear that his former employer, not Tignini himself, was responsible for failing to report the income and pay the tax. Tignini then caused his attorneys to provide the false documents to the Justice Department’s Tax Division and the IRS. After investigators asked a witness about the online program Tignini used to create the phony documents, Tignini attempted to delete the documents from his account. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge George C. Hanks ordered Tignini to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $1,169,348.60 in restitution to the United States. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of IRS-Criminal Investigation Houston Field Office made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Senior Litigation Counsel Sean Beaty and Trial Attorney Brian Flanagan of the Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Goldman for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.