title: Pennsylvania Man Charged with Alien Smuggling & Human Trafficking

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: Salt Lake City, Utah – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging a dual citizen, living in Pennsylvania, who traveled to Salt Lake City for the purpose of paying for and obtaining tourist visas to promote the illegal smuggling of foreign nationals into the United States. According to court documents, Sivarupan Sivaramalingam, 43, of Malvern, PA, was arrested on June 20, 2024, following a criminal investigation into a human smuggling organization. Working in an undercover capacity, an agent with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations was introduced to Sivaramalingam. Sivaramalingam believed that the undercover agent could provide means of entry into the United States for foreign nationals. Communicating through a mobile application used for instant messaging and voice-over-IP service, Sivaramalingam told the undercover agent he would pay approximately $12,500 U.S dollars, per foreign national, for an entry visa or some other valid document to enter the United States. On April 8, 2024, Sivaramalingam traveled to Salt Lake City to meet the undercover agent and further discuss the illegal services mentioned for foreign nationals. Sivaramalingam provided the undercover agent hard copies of five Sri Lankan nationals’ passports and asked the agent to process the foreign nationals to obtain entry into the United States. During the meeting, Sivaramalingam and the undercover agent agreed to an initial down payment for the services in the amount of approximately $5,000 to start the process. On April 18, 2024, Sivaramalingam sent a picture of a bank receipt for $5,000 to the undercover agent via the phone app. The next day, the undercover agent received and confirmed that the $5,000 bank transfer was successfully deposited into his account. During May and June, communication continued between Sivaramalingam and the undercover agent and the undercover agent notified Sivaramalingam that he had acquired B1/B2 tourist visas for all five Sri Lankan nationals. B1/B2 tourist visas are not actually valid entry documents, nor authorized, for travel or entry into the U.S. On June 20, 2024, Sivaramalingam and the undercover agent met again in Salt Lake City for Sivaramalingam to receive the tourist visas and pay another $6,000 for the undercover agent’s services. It was agreed the rest would be paid upon successful entry of the foreign nationals into the U.S. During the exchange, the undercover agent told Sivaramalingam that the process of getting the visas was not legal or legitimate. As alleged in the complaint, the human smuggling organization is believed to be based in the United States, but is smuggling foreign nationals into the U.S. from all over the world, namely India and Sri Lanka. Sivaramalingam is charged with Alien smuggling, and human trafficking with respect to involuntary servitude and forced labor. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for July 12, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 at the United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. United States Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Oparations (ERO), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorney Carlos Esqueda of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law .


title: Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison

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

body_text: FORT WAYNE –Zachary D. Barnes, 32 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Barnes was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, between September 2020, and March 2022, Barnes conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith. 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: Convicted Felon Sentenced to Over Four Years in Prison for Illegal Ammunition Possession

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Springfield man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for unlawful possession of ammunition. Julio A. Rivera, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. In March 2024, Rivera pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of ammunition. From approximately Feb. 7, 2020 to July 15, 2022, Rivera manufactured and distributed approximately 90 privately manufactured firearms, commonly known as “PMFs” or “ghost guns.” In September 2022, during a search of his residence, Rivera was found to be carrying a loaded ghost gun containing 10 rounds of ammunition as well as a magazine containing 18 rounds of ammunition. Also recovered from Rivera’s residence was another ghost gun, 90 rounds of ammunition, firearm parts, accessories and tools to manufacture ghost guns, as well as receipts for various firearms parts and accessories. Rivera is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to a September 2017 conviction out of Westfield District Court of assault and battery and an April 2018 conviction out of Springfield District Court of carrying a dangerous weapon (blunt object). Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Feld Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance provided by the Springfield Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.


title: Jury Convicts Portage Man Of International Telemarketing Fraud That Targeted Elderly Victims

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Irfan Gill, 62, of Portage, Michigan, was convicted by a jury of 7 counts of mail fraud and 11 counts of money laundering. Gill was previously indicted for working with a call center in Pakistan, from as early as June 2018 through at least March 2022, as part of a telemarketing fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims across the United States. “Mr. Gill ran a multi-year, international telemarketing scam targeting American citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Totten . “Today’s conviction secures a measure of justice for his unsuspecting victims. Fighting elder fraud and abuse is a priority for my Office and we will continue to hold perpetrators accountable, whether here in the U.S. or abroad.” According to allegations in the indictment , Gill claimed to operate several businesses: Cable Upgrade; D Network; D Tech; Direct Network; Dish; Dish Upgrade; and Sky Satellite. Telephone solicitors at a call center in Pakistan cold-called victims with offers of equipment upgrades, software upgrades, and subscription discounts for their cable television, satellite television, and internet services. While the businesses did not actually provide any of those services, callers instructed victims to send payments to Gill’s post office boxes in Portage. Gill deposited victims’ payments in his bank accounts. Gill tracked victims’ payments and used money transfer services like Remitly and Western Union to pay a portion of the proceeds to the telephone solicitors in Pakistan. The U.S. Attorney’s Office believes the scheme victimized over 1,400 people nationwide. Gill faces up to 30 years in prison on the mail fraud charges because the jury found that he committed a telemarketing fraud that targeted or victimized 10 or more people over the age of 55. He faces up to 20 years in prison for the money laundering charges in the indictment. The date of sentencing has not yet been scheduled but typically occurs within three to four months after conviction in federal court. Federal law enforcement provides a number of tips on how to protect yourself from telemarketing scams, including: Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, e-mails, and mailings. Never give or send any sensitive information (including your date of birth, account numbers, or passwords), credit or debit card numbers, or money to unverified people or businesses. Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a false sense of urgency to lure people to immediate action. If you recognize a scam attempt, immediately end all communication with the perpetrator. This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Townshend and Stephen Baker tried the case on behalf of the United States. ### Media Note: The previous press release and video from U.S. Attorney Mark Totten can be found viewed at the following link Portage Man Charged With International Telemarketing Fraud That Targeted Elderly Victims


title: Man Who Orchestrated St. Louis Area Mail Theft Conspiracy Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS –A man who orchestrated a conspiracy that stole checks from the U.S. mail and then committed bank fraud was sentenced Thursday to 27 months in prison. U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp also ordered Dareon Graham to repay $46,434 to victims. In 2022, Graham obtained a stolen key that opened mail collection boxes and gave that key to his codefendant Tyrell Hardin. Graham agreed to pay Hardin to steal mail and told him to target specific collection boxes in and around St. Louis County. Hardin gave the stolen mail to Graham, who opened the mail and removed checks. Graham then recruited bank and credit union account holders to allow their accounts to be used to deposit checks after Graham had altered them. During the scheme, Graham deposited or caused the deposit of fraudulent checks totaling at least $103,457 and obtained $46,434 in proceeds. “This sentencing is a statement that mail theft will not be tolerated, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” said Acting Inspector in Charge, John Jackman, who leads the St. Louis Field Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The Postal Inspection Service will continue to partner with other law enforcement agencies to collectively pursue criminals who victimize postal customers.” Graham’s case came at a time of rising incidents of mail theft and robberies of and attacks on U.S. Postal Service employees. The Postal Service has responded by , among other things, enhancing the security of mail collection boxes and enhancing investigations of crimes associated with the mail. There were 1,025 arrests associated with mail theft cases and 213 associated with robberies from May 12, 2023 through March 2024, the Postal Inspection Service says. Graham, 23, of Ferguson, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit mail theft, bank fraud and possession of stolen mail matter. Hardin, 22, of Hanley Hills, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail theft and two counts of mail theft. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Maryland Heights Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Chesterfield Police Department, the Frontenac Police Department, the St. Peters Police Department and the Town and Country Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow prosecuted the case.


title: Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Fentanyl Distribution

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, NJ. –A Brooklyn man was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy to distribute 4 kilograms of fentanyl in Clifton, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Juan De La Cruz Infante Torres, 52, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty on June 14, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp to a two-count information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, and with possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl. Judge Shipp imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court. Infante’s conspirator, Billy Castro, pleaded guilty before Judge Shipp and is awaiting sentencing. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: In May and June 2021, Infante Torres conspired with Castro and others to distribute substantial quantities of fentanyl. On June 15, 2021, Infante and Castro took approximately 2 kilograms of fentanyl from Castro’s Queens, New York apartment to Clifton, New Jersey, where they were arrested trying to sell it. Law enforcement agents then searched Castro’s apartment and found approximately two additional kilograms of fentanyl. In addition to the prison term, Judge Shipp sentenced Infante Torres to two years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark; special agents with the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, Northeast Area Field Office; and postal inspectors with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, Philadelphia Division, with the investigation leading to the sentencing. He also thanked the U.S. Department of Labor, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, and New York Department of Labor. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark J. Pesce and Aja Espinosa of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.


title: Sacramento Resident Indicted for Possession of Stolen Mail and Intent to Defraud

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO , Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Stephanie Lynn Fahlgren, 47, of Sacramento, charging her with possession of stolen mail, unlawfully possessing a mail key or lock, and unauthorized possession of 15 or more access devices, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, on March 20, 2024, Fahlgren was in possession of stolen mail, mail keys or locks, and more than 15 debit or credit cards, which are counterfeit and unauthorized access devices. Fahlgren possessed those devices with intent to defraud her victims. This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Cárdenas is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Fahlgren faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison for possession of stolen mail, 10 years in prison for possession of mail key or lock and 20 years in prison for unlawful possession of 15 or more access devices. Each count carries a fine of up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Essex County Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Methamphetamine

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, woman was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Selling announced. Mahogany Hawkins, 32, of Newark, was previously convicted of one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine following a two-day trial before U.S. Circuit Judge Stephanos Bibas, who imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: In March 2021, two FedEx parcels addressed to “John Brown” in Newark, were lawfully intercepted by law enforcement and found to contain cocaine. On March 15, 2021, an undercover officer dressed as a FedEx driver delivered the package to the addressee, and a woman – later identified as Mahogany J. Hawkins – answered the door and accepted the packages. Officers again knocked on Hawkins’s door, this time identifying themselves as law enforcement. Hawkins said she was “getting dressed” but didn’t open the door. The officers forced entry and found Hawkins in the bedroom. After obtaining a search warrant, the officers searched Hawkins’ apartment and entered a backroom – locked by a keypad – that was a workstation for packaging narcotics. The two FedEx packages from the controlled delivery were found inside a garbage can in the backroom, and the room also contained methamphetamine pills, two plastic bags containing additional cocaine, numerous empty vials used for packaging narcotics, and a heat sealer. Laboratory analysis confirmed substances were cocaine and methamphetamine. Officers also found a loaded handgun and an extended magazine. In addition to the prison term, Judge Bibas sentenced Hawkins 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 William S. Walker; Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Port Director TenaVel Thomas, and members of the Newark Department of Public Safety, under the direction of Director Fritz Fragé, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz, and the FBI - Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca A. Sussman and Jake A. Nasar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.


title: Wapato Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Violent Assault

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Yakima, Washington - Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Nicholas Dean Elwell, age 40, of Wapato, Washington, to 46 months in federal prison on one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. Chief District Judge Bastian also imposed 3 years of federal supervision after Elwell is released from prison. According to court documents and information disclosed at sentencing, on June 3, 2023, the victim, who is an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, went to Elwell’s home in Wapato, Washington. Elwell accused the victim of cheating on her and became upset. Elwell, who was wearing steel toed boots, repeatedly kicked the victim in her face and torso, grabbed the victim by her hair and punched her several times. Elwell also stomped on the victim’s stomach. The victim told investigators she could not eat for a week because of the pain from that injury. The victim was eventually able to escape out a bathroom window. When law enforcement encountered the victim later that night, investigators observed one of the victim’s eyes was almost swollen shut, there was swelling on the victim’s forehead and both sides of her face. Additionally, there was blood on her lips. Law enforcement also observed dried blood on Elwell’s clothing, left boot, and bedsheets. “I want to commend the courage of the victim in this case for coming forward and engaging with law enforcement to hold her abuser accountable,” stated United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “By working with our tribal and federal law enforcement partners, we can continue to build trust and foster safer and stronger communities on Tribal lands and throughout Eastern Washington.” “Without the cooperation of the victim in this case, Mr. Elwell may not have been held accountable for his horrific actions.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “Fortunately, the victim was able to escape the extreme violence of the attack. I want to commend the efforts of our investigators and partners to help reduce violent crime against our state’s indigenous population.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yakama Nation Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney R. Pratten.


title: Convicted Felon Found Guilty Of Possessing Firearm

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado announced that a jury found Colorado resident Alvin Madison, 46, of Denver, guilty on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to the facts established at trial, on April 19, 2023, Colorado Parole officers located a fugitive, Dion Avila, at an apartment complex in Denver. They saw Dion Avila, Alvin Madison, and another man get into a car and drive away. Shortly thereafter, Denver Police officers stopped the car and had all three the men get out of the vehicle. When Alvin Madison exited the car, the officers patted him down for weapons and found that Madison had a loaded firearm in his right front jacket pocket and 24 rounds of ammunition loaded into a high-capacity magazine in the other jacket pocket. There was also a firearm on the rear passenger floorboard of the vehicle that Dion Avila later pled guilty to possessing. Madison, Dion Avila, and the driver of the car are previously convicted felons who have served prior prison sentences. “Keeping repeat violent offenders off our streets is a critical component of keeping our communities safe,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “It is illegal for convicted felons to possess guns and ammunition, and we will vigorously prosecute repeat offenders who continue to arm themselves.” "This case exemplifies the incredible work being done by the RAVEN task force in our efforts to combat violent crime every day," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. "Their investigation from arrest to federal prosecution has removed an illegally armed and violent criminal, previously convicted of attempted murder, from the streets in our communities." United States District Court Chief Judge Philip Brimmer presided over the trial. The Denver Police Department, Colorado Department of Corrections Parole Fugitive Unit, and ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Celeste Rangel and Denver Special Assistant United States Attorney Dorothy Wilson handled the prosecution. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Case Number: 23-CR-00240


title: Prior Felon Sentenced To 96 Months In Federal Prison For Possession Of A Firearm In Relation To Shooting Incident

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Tamylon Williams, 28, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been sentenced to 96 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “The investigation and prosecution of violent crime – in this case a fatal, mass casualty shooting by an armed repeat offender – is central to our mission to protect the public,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence illustrates our shared resolve to keep our communities safe and the significant consequences associated with such federal crimes of violence.” On October 29, 2022, at approximately 11:48 p.m., Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) Officers responded to gunshots being fired from the area of Half Time Liquors at 2101 West Pensacola Street in Tallahassee, Florida. TPD found several people who were wounded during the incident, and one individual who was killed by the gunfire. “We are grateful that justice has prevailed, ensuring that Williams will be held accountable for his senseless actions and face the consequences," said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “Following this tragic shooting, TPD officers and detectives worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and provide closure for the victim’s families. Today, we find solace in knowing that our justice system stands firm in prosecuting those who seek to disrupt our safety and harm our community.” Video evidence from Half Time Liquors was obtained which shows Williams walking in the parking lot with the barrel of a rifle protruding out of the bottom of his jacket; other video shows Williams taking a stance consistent with firing a gun. Williams is later seen entering a vehicle and placing an AK-style rifle into the backseat. Officers located the vehicle at a gas station within a couple hours of the shooting, and the rifle was recovered from the backseat. Williams had prior felony convictions prohibiting him from possessing the rifle. Williams is still pending related charges in State Court for the 2 nd Judicial Circuit, where he is presumed innocent. Williams’ prison sentence will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. 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. As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors. This conviction was the result of an investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Gun Supplier and Co-Defendants Convicted of Killing 13-Year-Old Boy

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – On July 10, 2024, a Superior Court jury returned guilty verdicts for defendants Tyiion Freeman, Koran Jackson and Stephon Nelson on first degree murder while armed, several counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, conspiracy to commit various firearms offenses and other firearms-related charges stemming from the murder of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves announced. Between February 1, 2020, and May 31, 2020, the defendants, along with two other defendants (whose cases were severed pre-trial), participated in a conspiracy to illegally possess, carry, and transfer firearms for the purpose of using those firearms in the commission of dangerous and violent crimes. Jackson and Freeman, along with the severed defendants, are members and associates of neighborhood crews. Between 2019-2020, the defendants’ neighborhood crews were feuding with other crews and the feud escalated when Tahlil Byrd, also known as Slatt Goon, was killed in September 2019. Stephon Nelson, who is a felon and approximately 10 years older than his coconspirators, supplied the firearms that were illegally possessed, carried, and transferred in the conspiracy. Over the span of nine days, February 22-March 1, 2020, the defendants engaged in a shooting spree in the Petworth, Shaw, and Stronghold neighborhoods using the firearms they illegally acquired and shared as a part of the firearms conspiracy. The first charged shooting occurred on February 22, 2020, in the Petworth neighborhood when two victims were fired upon after a mere verbal exchange with two defendants. Two days later, on February 24, 2020, the conspirators drove through rival crew territory Ninth Street where they shot three rival crew members. An innocent bystander who was sitting in her vehicle was caught in the barrage of gunfire. She fortunately escaped with little physical injury because her front windshield suffered the bulk of the damage. The spree culminated on March 1, 2020, when the defendants participated in two shootings in two separate neighborhoods over the span of ten minutes. At 2:08 p.m., the defendants, who were traveling in a stolen Kia Soul, followed 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, along with his three friends, into the Ninth Street area of the 600 block of S Street, N.W., where two defendants exited the Kia Soul and opened fire on them. Malachi Lukes was shot in the back as he fled. The bullet traveled through his heart and lung causing him to collapse to his death. The defendants then traveled to another neighborhood where members of the rival crew were known to gather and at 2:18 p.m., opened fire on individuals in that block. No injuries were reported in that shooting spree. At the conclusion of the trial, jurors returned guilty verdicts against the defendants including the gun supplier who was not present for the homicide. In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He also acknowledged Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Jackson, Tamara Rubb and Nebiyu Feleke for their critical efforts in prosecuting this case.


title: Crabtree Mall Carjacker Who Crashed City Truck Sentenced to 20 Years

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A Garner man was sentenced today to 240 months in prison for robbery of a Raleigh Walmart store and the carjacking of a woman at Crabtree Valley Mall. On April 8, 2024, Thomas Kyle Cauther pleaded guilty to both charges. “This defendant was a one-man crime spree threatening a store clerk, crashing a city truck, and dragging a woman across a shopping center parking lot in a carjacking,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Cauther’s spree caused unspeakable trauma to victims and wrecked a city street sweeper. Today it is Cauther whose been swept off the streets – for the next 20 years. Hopefully today’s sentence brings some peace or closure to the victims and community We are partnering with the City of Raleigh to ensure brazen threats to public safety, like Cauther are put on a fast track to federal prison. According to court documents and other information presented in court, on May 11, 2023, Cauther, age 31, used a tool to smash a glass display case in the electronics section of the Walmart store on Fayetteville Road in Raleigh. Cauther retrieved two iPhones from the smashed display. When confronted by a Walmart employee, Cauther displayed a knife and threatened to harm her. Cauther then rode a bicycle out of the Walmart with the stolen iPhones in hand. After leaving the Walmart, Cauther traveled to the area of Ramsgate Street and Lineberry Drive in Raleigh, where he stole a City of Raleigh truck with a trailer and street sweeper attached. Cauther eventually wrecked the truck and trailer in the parking deck area of Crabtree Valley Mall. Once the City of Raleigh truck was disabled, Cauther approached a woman who was sitting in a vehicle in the Crabtree Valley Mall parking lot. He opened her car door and removed her from the vehicle. Cauther then got into the vehicle and began to drive away while the carjacking victim was still entangled in the vehicle, causing her to be drug by the vehicle as Cauther drove away. Raleigh Police engaged in a pursuit of the carjacked vehicle. Eventually, the vehicle was remotely disabled by OnStar system operators and Cauther was apprehended. The carjacking victim was hospitalized after sustaining multiple broken bones. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Raleigh Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Nokes prosecuted the case. The conviction is a result of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) initiative which is collaborative effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with the community, to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, and interagency coordination and intelligence-led policing. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-23.


title: Raleigh Man Charged with Defrauding COVID Relief Program for Over $1 Million

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging a Raleigh man with defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for over $1 million. The indictment was unsealed today. “We are devoting more resources than ever to prosecuting white collar fraud, especially on taxpayer-funded relief programs meant to serve the needy,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Fairness in federally funded programs is fundamental to public trust and the rule of law.” According to the indictment, Wilson Alfredo Olivera Borda, 44, received nine PPP loans in the names of five separate businesses—The Insurance Centers.Com Inc., The Insurance Centers LLC, Realty Vestors LLC, US-Kaizen LLC, and Ecobuild LLC—by allegedly falsely claiming on PPP applications that each business had substantial employees and operations. The indictment alleges that Olivera bolstered these fraudulent misrepresentations by submitting fabricated tax returns to PPP lenders. The indictment also alleges that Olivera made additional false statements to obtain forgiveness on the loans and that all nine loans were fully forgiven and paid off by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Olivera is charged with nine counts of wire fraud involving disaster-related benefits. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 30 years in prison. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Cogburn is prosecuting the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud. An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.


title: Five Sentenced in 17-Year-Old’s Sex Trafficking Case

body_text: Five people involved in sex trafficking a 17-year-old girl have been sentenced to a combined 63 ½ years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. They include: Jaelind Fountaine, 27, who was sentenced today to 327 months in prison for sex trafficking and attempted sex trafficking of a minor and required to register as a sex offender Sarah Gonzales, 26, who was previously sentenced to 87 months for interstate transportation to engage in prostitution and required to register as a sex offender Cameron Phifer, 25, who was sentenced to 240 months for distribution and receipt of child pornography and required to register as a sex offender Deryan Thomas, 33, who was sentenced to 87 months for interstate transportation to engage in prostitution and required to register as a sex offender Bianka Vega, 23, who was sentenced to 21 months for misprision (concealment) of a felony “As a prosecutor and as a mother, my heart breaks for this teenager, who was passed from trafficker to trafficker like a piece of livestock, beaten and even branded by violent men looking to profit from her misery. No person, adult or child, should have to suffer like that,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will stop at nothing to recover these victims, and we tenaciously prosecute anyone involved in trafficking them.” According to plea papers, the 17-year-old victim went missing from her apartment complex in Lubbock on Nov. 28, 2022. The investigation revealed that her neighbor and neighbor’s boyfriend, Bianka Vega and Deryan Thomas, took the child to Odessa to meet with known sex trafficker Cameron Phifer. The four of them then drove to Carlsbad, New Mexico, where they took sexually explicit photographs of the child and posted ads for her sexual services online. At one point, Ms. Vega reminded Mr. Phifer that the victim was a minor, and informed him that both her mother and law enforcement were looking for her. Phifer told Ms. Vega it was “too late to stop,” and continued trafficking the child until abandoning her at a hotel in Carlsbad in early January. On Jan. 15, Sarah Gonzales approached the victim in the hotel lobby, and later introduced her to Jaelind Fountaine, a known trafficker who went by the alias “Valentino.” In an interview with law enforcement, the child said Mr. Fountaine arranged for meetings with clients, taught her how to engage in the sex trade, and took all the money she made – approximately $10,000. She said that she believed she would receive some of that money, but in the end, she never did. The child told investigators that Mr. Fountaine physically assaulted her on multiple occasions, threatened to hurt her if she left him, and forced her to “brand” herself with a “V” tattoo to indicate his ownership of her. Law enforcement found photos of the tattoo on Mr. Fountaine’s phone. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office – Lubbock Resident Agency, and the Lubbock, Abilene, and Carlsbad Police Departments conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Callie Woolam, Jeff Haag, and Matt McLeod prosecuted the case.


title: Slync Founder Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Fraud

body_text: Slync founder Christopher Kirchner was sentenced today to 20 years in federal prison for defrauding investors of tens of millions of dollars, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Mr. Kirchner, 37, who founded supply chain management software company Slync in 2017 and held the position of CEO until his termination by the Board of Directors in 2022, was initially charged in February 2023. Just 11 months later, a jury convicted him of four counts of wire fraud and seven counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. He was sentenced Thursday to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman, who also ordered him to pay more than $65 million in restitution. “Even as his company was circling the drain, Chris Kirchner was spending millions of his investors’ money on himself. Apparently, projecting personal prosperity was more important to him than making payroll,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “His duplicity earned him 20 years in prison. We are proud to hold him accountable for his crimes and are committed to pursuing all businesspeople engaged in criminal conduct.” "Mr. Kirchner fraudulently raised money from investors and embezzled those funds from the company he led to fund a lavish lifestyle. Today’s sentence underscores the gravity of those crimes. He acted without any regard for how it would affect the company, employees, or investors," said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough. “The FBI is committed to working with our partners to investigate any allegation of financial misconduct. We will hold individuals accountable who use their positions of trust for personal profit.” According to evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, between 2020 and 2022, Mr. Kirchner fraudulently raised more than $71 million from numerous investors based on false representations and promises about Slync’s business operations, false representations about Slync’s financials, false representations about Slync’s customers, and fantastical revenue projections. As the jury’s verdict indicated, Mr. Kirchner then misappropriated over $25 million of the investor funds in various ways. Between April 2020 and March 2022, Mr. Kirchner initiated nearly 100 wire transfers moving money from Slync’s Silicon Valley Bank account into the company’s account at JPMorgan Chase Bank – an account only he had access to. He then wired much of the money from the Chase account to his personal bank accounts. In addition, Mr. Kirchner wired $20 million directly from Slync’s Silicon Valley Bank account into his personal checking account. Mr. Kirchner then used the misappropriated funds to buy, among other things, a $16 million private jet, a suite at AT&T Stadium, exotic vehicles including a Rolls Royce and Mercedes Benz G-Class, and jewelry including a $500,000 Richard Mille watch, several Rolex watches, and a Cartier necklace. When Slync, drained of funds, struggled to make payroll in the spring of 2022, Mr. Kirchner attempted to replace some of the money he had misappropriated by convincing at least four investors to wire approximately $850,000 to Slync as part of a purported Series C investment round. Slync’s Board of Directors never authorized a Series C investment round. In the meantime, Mr. Kirchner offered various explanations for Slync’s payroll issues – all of which were untrue. Mr. Kirchner also fired a Slync employee after the employee reported to the Board of Directors that Mr. Kirchner may have falsely exaggerated Slync’s financial performance to investors. Immediately following his suspension by the Board of Directors in late July 2022, Mr. Kirchner removed certain IT administrator privileges from key Slync employees, preventing the employees from accessing Slync’s computer systems. He then attempted to delete approximately 18 gigabytes of Slync data, including emails. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua D. Detzky, Nashonme Johnson, and Jay Weimer prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dimitri Rocha handled the forfeiture; Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Carr Jacobs worked on restitution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian McKay served as appellate liaison.


title: Jury Finds Maryland Man Guilty for Pointing Gun at the Head of a Delivery Driver

body_text: WASHINGTON – Charles Price, 66, of Lanham, MD was found guilty by a jury on July 8, 2024, of assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The verdict, announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), follows a three-and-a-half-day trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Errol Arthur scheduled sentencing for September 12, 2024. Price faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. According to the evidence and testimony presented at trial, on March 30, 2022, the victim was delivering an UberEATS order when he attempted to shift into the left lane but noticed a white Mercedes blocking his attempts to get over. Eventually, the victim was able to shift into the lane and get in front of that vehicle. However, the victim noticed the driver of the white Mercedes, identified as Charles Price, tailgating him, and following him. The victim became afraid and made a U-turn at 3 rd and K Street NE to get away from the vehicle driven by the defendant. After making the U-turn, the victim was stopped at a red light when Price walked up to his vehicle and pointed a gun at his head. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Shaniqua Butler and Kraig Ahalt.


title: South Portland Man Sentenced to 2+ Years for Possessing a Firearm After Domestic Violence Conviction

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A South Portland man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for possessing a firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Chief U.S. District Judge John D. Levy sentenced Willie Richard Minor , 63, to the two years, eight months, and ten days he had served before an earlier conviction was vacated. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in June 2010, Minor was convicted in Maine Superior Court of domestic violence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office does not identify victims of crime and is limiting identifying information to protect the victim’s privacy. As a result of that conviction, Minor was prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition. In November 2016, Minor admitted to having a gun in an interview with the Auburn Police Department. The police recovered the gun from his apartment in Auburn. Minor was originally convicted and sentenced on the federal charge after a trial in December 2017. While the case was pending on appeal, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a decision, Rehaif v. United States, that changed what the government is required to prove in certain federal firearm possession cases. As a result, the parties agreed to have the original conviction vacated, and the case was remanded for a new trial. Minor was again convicted after a trial in February 2020, and in September 2020, he was sentenced to time served and three years of supervised release. In March 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit found that the jury had been incorrectly instructed in Minor’s second trial. The Court of Appeals clarified what the government is required to prove under the Supreme Court’s Rehaif decision, leading to the third trial. Minor was again found guilty by a federal jury following a two-day trial in April 2024. “This office will continue to prioritize prosecutions against those convicted of domestic violence who illegally possess firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee . “Anyone convicted of abuse – and those they choose to victimize – should understand that illegal gun possession by domestic abusers will not be tolerated.” The Auburn Police Department; Maine State Police Crime Laboratory; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and FBI investigated the case. ###


title: Sentences Handed Down for Multi-Year Scheme to Subvert Commercial Fishing Regulations

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: Eight men from Maine and one from New Hampshire – comprised of the owner, captains, and crew members of a commercial fishing vessel, the Western Sea, and owners of local Maine fisheries – have been sentenced for knowingly subverting commercial fishing reporting requirements. The final six sentences in the complex case were handed down this week by U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy in U.S. District Court in Portland. The Western Sea is a fishing vessel that operated out of Rockland and fished for Atlantic herring. Atlantic herring is the primary bait fish for Maine’s lobster industry. Operators of fishing vessels in the Atlantic herring fishery must comply with restrictions on fishing areas, seasonal access, gear usage, and limits on the quantity or weight of fish caught. To ensure a sustainable fishery for a particular species, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has authority to set quotas and catch limits for commercial fishing vessels, and the vessels must complete a Fishing Vessel Trip Report (FVTR) at the end of each fishing trip reporting all species caught, the weight of each catch, and the dealers to whom the catch is sold. According to court records, from June 2016 through September 2019, members of the Western Sea crew conspired to submit false FVTRs to NOAA. The Western Sea, acting through its owner, captains, and crew, sold Atlantic herring to purchasers who paid the crew directly via check or cash, including to some purchasers that were not federally permitted dealers of Atlantic herring. Members of the crew received shares of this money at the end of fishing weeks. Some sales were of unreported Atlantic herring, including when the vessel landed more than the quantity of herring allowed under weekly catch limits. False FVTRs were submitted to NOAA to conceal the conduct and Western Sea, Inc. issued inaccurate 1099 forms to crew members that failed to report all income. > Sentenced this week: Glenn Robbins (77, Eliot; Owner Western Sea, Inc. & Captain R. Herring; Captain of the Western Sea) Pleaded guilty on 03/11/24 to conspiracy to submit false information to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce and his/her designees regarding the catch and sale of Atlantic herring and failure to pay taxes. Sentenced on 07/11/24 to 2 years of probation, $25,000 fine. Western Sea, Inc. (Eliot) Pleaded guilty on 03/11/24 to falsification of records. Sentenced on 07/11/24 to 2 years of probation, $175,000 fine. Jason Parent (51, Owls Head; Crew member) Pleaded guilty on 03/11/24 to conspiracy to submit false information to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce and his/her designees regarding the catch and sale of Atlantic herring and failure to pay taxes. Sentenced on 07/10/24 to 2 years of probation, $2,000 fine, 50 hours of community service, restitution of $28,685.58. Stephen Little (59, Warren; Crew member) Pleaded guilty on 03/11/24 to conspiracy to submit false information to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce and his/her designees regarding the catch and sale of Atlantic herring and failure to pay taxes. Sentenced on 07/10/24 to 2 years of probation, $42,834.93 restitution. Neil Herrick (48, Rockland; Crew member) Pleaded guilty on 03/11/24 to conspiracy to submit false information to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce and his/her designees regarding the catch and sale of Atlantic herring and failure to pay taxes. Sentenced on 07/10/24 to 2 years of probation, 50 hours of community service, $32,889.43 restitution. Ethan Chase (46, Portsmouth, NH; Part-time captain of the Western Sea) Pleaded guilty on 03/11/24 to conspiracy to submit false information to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce and his/her designees regarding the catch and sale of Atlantic herring and failure to pay taxes. Sentenced on 07/09/24 to 2 years of probation, 50 hours of community service, $2,000 fine, $39,289.39 restitution. Previously sentenced: Glenn Lawrence (70, Owls Head; Owner of fishing/transport vessel the Double Eagle) Pleaded guilty on 11/07/23 to unlawful purchase of fish in interstate commerce, and aiding and abetting (Lacey Act Violation). Sentenced on 05/03/24 to 2 years of probation, $9,500 fine, 50 hours community service. Duston Reed (42, Waldoboro; Owner New Moon Fisheries, Inc.) Pleaded guilty on 12/27/23 to unlawful purchase of fish in interstate commerce, and aiding and abetting (Lacey Act Violation). Sentenced on 04/29/24 to 2 years of probation, $25,000 fine, 100 hours community service. New Moon Fisheries, Inc. (Friendship) Pleaded guilty on 12/27/23 to unlawful purchase of fish in interstate commerce, and aiding and abetting (Lacey Act Violation). Sentenced on 04/29/24 to 2 years of probation, $15,000 fine. Samuel Olsen (73, Cushing; Owner Sam’s Seafood LLC) Pleaded guilty on 10/17/23 to unlawful purchase of fish in interstate commerce, and aiding and abetting (Lacey Act Violation). Sentenced on 04/12/24 to 1 year of probation, $9,500 fine, 50 hours community service. Andrew Banow (37, Rockport; Crew member) Pleaded guilty on 03/14/24 to conspiracy to submit false information to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce and his/her designees regarding the catch and sale of Atlantic herring and failure to pay taxes. Sentenced on 04/12/24 to 1 year of probation, $1,000 fine, $20,177 restitution. “Atlantic herring is a vital resource in Maine, particularly to the thousands of people involved in the lobster industry in the state. Led by Glenn Robbins and Western Sea, the defendants in this case subverted regulations for the sole purpose of lining their own wallets – regulations that are in place to ensure Atlantic herring are not overfished and are available for future generations of fishermen and safeguard the viability of the marine ecosystem,” said U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee . “I commend the investigators on this case, including those from NOAA, for their efforts to ensure the sustainable management of an industry so vital to all that is Maine.” “Protecting our nation's honest fishermen is, and will always be, a top priority for NOAA. Egregious acts that undermine the sustainable management of our fisheries resources and steal from those in the industry who follow the rules will not be tolerated,” said Michael Henry, Assistant Director for NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement's Northeast Division . “The sentencing of all involved with the Western Sea investigations sends a powerful message to the commercial fishing industry,” said IRS CI Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis Jr. “This investigation demonstrates IRS-CI’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting all those that violate the U.S. Tax Code, no matter who they are.” NOAA, IRS – Criminal Investigation, and the Maine Marine Patrol investigated the case. ### *Updated 07/12/24 to correct fine amount for defendant Glenn Lawrence


title: Tahlequah Resident Sentenced To Life In Prison For First Degree Murder

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Isaac Newman Sockey, age 39, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to life in prison for first degree murder stemming from a fatal knife attack on September 8, 2023, at a Tahlequah residence. Sockey was found guilty of one count of First Degree Murder in Indian Country on December 12, 2023, following a jury trial in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Sentencing was held July 10, 2024. According to evidence and testimony presented at trial, on the day of the murder, Sockey retrieved a butterfly knife from his bedroom, placed the knife to the victim’s throat, and threatened the victim in response to a verbal insult. The victim pushed the knife away and attempted to disarm Sockey. Sockey then stabbed the victim more than twenty times, including in the neck, head, and torso. Despite life-saving measures, the victim died from injuries sustained in the attack. The crime occurred in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charge arose from investigations by the Tahlequah Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “Senseless tragedies such as this reverberate through our communities, and those who perpetrate these acts must be brought to justice,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Kaplan of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to preventing violent crime in Indian country by removing offenders like Mr. Sockey from our streets.” “I want to commend the Tahlequah Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation who conducted the investigation, and the Assistant U.S. Attorneys who indicted and prosecuted this case,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “Because of their dedication and commitment, Sockey will pay for his vicious and senseless act of violence.” The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Sockey will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Gross and Gregory Dean Burris represented the United States.


title: South Lake Tahoe Man Convicted of Impersonating Federal Officers

body_text: SACRAMENTO , Calif. — After a three-day trial, a federal jury found Anton Andreyevich Iagounov, 38, of South Lake Tahoe, guilty of four counts of impersonating a federal officer, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Iagounov pretended to be a federal law enforcement agent by creating and sending counterfeit investigative documents, which he signed in the name of a fictional federal agent, seeking highly protected information from the Department of Defense. “The defendant impersonated federal officers and tried multiple times to obtain protected information using fake court documents,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “Many federal agencies like NASA have devoted law enforcement officers, and we will continue to partner with those agencies to ensure their officers are not illegally impersonated.” “Usurping public trust, Mr. Iagounov pretended to be an agent of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Office of Inspector General creating fake investigative documents in an attempt to obtain sensitive government information,” said Michael Graham, NASA-OIG Acting Assistant Inspector General for Investigations. “This verdict demonstrates the commitment of NASA-OIG, the USAO, and our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate, prosecute, and hold accountable those who undermine justice.” On July 5, 2022, Iagounov sent a search warrant he had created to the U.S. Capitol Police, falsely claiming it was signed by a Special Agent of NASA Office of Inspector General (NASA-OIG) and appearing to be authorized by a U.S. District Court judge for the District of Columbia. The Capitol Police investigated the document, determined it was fake, and referred it to NASA-OIG for further investigation. On July 11, 2022, Iagounov again pretended to be the same fictional NASA-OIG agent, and sent the warrant to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. This time, he sent it without a judge’s signature, indicating it was for an “emergency filing” and required a judge’s signature. He sent it from an email address designed to look like it was from a United States government agency, but which the defendant owned and had named to look like a government agency’s internet domain. On July 18, 2022, Iagounov again sent the fake search warrant, purporting to be signed by the same fictitious NASA-OIG agent. He sent it to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Georgia, again indicating that it was for an emergency filing and needed a judge’s signature immediately. Finally, on July 24, 2022, Iagounov faxed a letter, under the name of a real NASA-OIG supervising agent, to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. In that letter, he claimed to be following up on the warrant, stating that an “exigent circumstance” required a judge’s signature immediately. The faxed letter included an anonymous email address for the agent that actually belonged to Iagounov. Several days earlier, on July 15, Iagounov had sent his warrant to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida, but had received no response. In each case, given the apparently sensitive nature of the materials the defendant’s warrant sought, the receiving personnel for the Courts referred the matter to NASA-OIG for review and investigation. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the NASA Office of Inspector General, with assistance by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department and the Carson City Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Conolly and Audrey Hemesath are prosecuting the case. Iagounov is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on Oct. 17, 2024. Iagounov faces a maximum statutory penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine, per count of conviction. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.


title: Lottery Scam Money Launderer Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Fiona Lorraine Walters, 50, of Newburgh, NY, pleaded guilty today to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Sentencing is scheduled for September 23, 2024, before United States District Judge Scott M. Rash. Walters admitted that, between July 5, 2016, and August 15, 2020, she laundered over $300,000 in fraud proceeds, through her and family members’ bank accounts. The funds were fraudulently obtained from victims, many of them elderly, who sent the money under the belief they were paying fees associated with winning a lottery or sweepstakes, but which were scams. Walters and her co-conspirators fraudulently transferred or kept the victims’ money and no “winnings” were ever paid. A conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the funds involved in the offense, whichever is greater, or both, and a term of three years supervised release. This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Sue Feldmeier, District of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, is handling the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-23-01158-TUC-SHR RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-092_Walters # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Long Island Fisherman Sentenced for Role in Fisheries Fraud Conspiracy

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: A Long Island, New York, fisherman was sentenced yesterday to 30 months in prison and two years of supervised release for his role in a fisheries fraud conspiracy associated with his captainship of the trawler New Age from 2014 to 2017. In October 2023, a jury convicted Christopher Winkler, of Montauk of one count of federal criminal conspiracy, two counts of mail fraud and two counts of obstruction of justice. On at least 200 fishing trips, Winkler targeted summer flounder (fluke) and black sea bass, and harvested those fish in excess of quotas and state trip limits. He also falsified Fishing Vessel Trip Reports for those trips. In a related case, Bryan and Asa Gosman and the company they partially own — Bob Gossman Co. Inc. — previously pleaded guilty for their role in the fishing fraud conspiracy. In total, approximately 200,000 pounds of fluke and black sea bass were overharvested, with a conservative wholesale valuation of $750,000. Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and Assistant Director Michael Henry of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Law Enforcement, Northeast Division made the announcement. NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement investigated the case as part of Operation One-Way Chandelier. Christopher L. Hale and Kenneth Nelson of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case, with logistical support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.


title: East Helena man admits firing gun during Townsend gas station robbery

body_text: GREAT FALLS — An East Helena man suspected of firing a gun during a robbery of a gas station in Townsend admitted to a firearms charge on July 10, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. The defendant, Samuel James Collins, 34, pleaded guilty to possessing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Collins faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Nov. 24. Collins was detained pending further proceedings. In court documents, the government alleged that on Oct. 16, 2023, Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported armed robbery at the Town Pump gas station in Townsend. Two employees were present during the robbery and told law enforcement that a man entered wearing a hooded blanket coat, was not wearing pants or shoes, and fired a round from a pistol. The suspect demanded money, and the employees complied. The suspect left in a Ford F-150 pickup with an estimated $330 in cash. Video surveillance from the business captured the incident: Approximately 20 minutes later, Meagher County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop of a truck matching the description of the truck used in the robbery. The driver was identified as Collins. During Collins’ arrest, deputies saw a pistol, cash and a shell casing inside the truck. In a subsequent search of the truck, law enforcement seized a loaded 9mm pistol, $329 in U.S. currency, a purple hooded sweatshirt, a white hat and other items. Further investigation determined that a bullet and shell casing found at the Town Pump were fired from a 9mm pistol found in the truck Collins was driving. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office, Meagher County Sheriff’s Office, FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results XXX


title: U.S. Attorney Secures 78-Month Sentence for Armed Felon in Immigrant Smuggling Scheme

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Tularosa man was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm while engaged in a scheme to transport undocumented immigrants. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on January 18, 2023, a U.S. Border Patrol Agent observed suspicious driving behavior from a vehicle traveling northbound on Highway 185 near Las Cruces, New Mexico. The vehicle was moving slower than the posted speed limit and drifting across lanes. After making evasive maneuvers, the vehicle eventually stopped near an abandoned residence outside Las Cruces. The agent made contact with the driver, identified as Castulo Amaya , 39, and explained that he had stopped to conduct a welfare check. During the interaction, Amaya exhibited increasingly erratic behavior, yelling at the vehicle occupants to record the encounter and claiming harassment. When questioned, Amaya claimed that the vehicle's occupants were his children and relatives. However, upon inspection, the agent determined that six individuals in the rear seat were aliens illegally present in the United States. All provided rehearsed responses claiming they were from Las Cruces. The front seat passenger was identified as Vanessa Rodriguez-Solorio, a U.S. citizen. Rodriguez-Solorio admitted to being hired by Amaya to transport people for money and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. During a search incident to arrest, a loaded semi-automatic pistol was found concealed under Amaya 's sweatshirt. As a previously convicted felon, Amaya knew that he was prohibited from owning firearms or ammunition. Upon his release from prison, Amaya will be subject to 3 years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Anthony “Scott” Good, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector, made the announcement today. The U.S. Border Patrol investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Ry Ellison is prosecuting the case. # # #


title: Bladensburg Man Sentenced To 4 Years In Federal Prison For Conspiring To Illegally Ship Stolen Cars To West Africa

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte sentenced Karim Abdul Turay, age 31, a resident of Prince George’s County, Maryland, to 51 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit transportation of stolen motor vehicles and receipt and possession of stolen motor vehicles. The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Port of Baltimore Director Adam Rottman of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Chief of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Colonel Joseph F. Scott. According to his plea agreement, between approximately September 2019 and June 2022, Turay worked with others to fraudulently rent vehicles from Hertz, Avis, and other car rental companies at locations in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere. Turay and others were able to rent these cars using false identifications and credit cards. The vehicles would then be transported to Maryland where they would be loaded onto large cargo shipping containers and taken to the Port of Baltimore. Then, using false declaration forms and other paperwork to conceal the containers’ contents, the containers with rental vehicles inside would be exported to West Africa via cargo ship where the vehicles could be sold. Law enforcement is aware of more than 40 vehicles that Turay and his co-conspirators either exported or attempted to export to West Africa. Co-conspirator Jonathan Davis, age 39, of Laurel, Maryland, previously pled guilty to receipt and possession of stolen vehicles and was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison. Another Co-conspirator, Rodley Balthazar, age 30, also of Laurel, Maryland, pled guilty to the same charges as Turay and was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron praised the HSI Border Enforcement Security Task Force and the Maryland Transportation Authority Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darren S. Gardner and Timothy F. Hagan who prosecuted the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Citizen of the Dominican Republic Sentenced to 57 Months for Illegally Reentering the United States after an Aggravated Felony

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Altagracios De La Cruz-Calderon, 60, who was living in Oneida County, was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment today for illegally reentering the United States after previously being convicted of an aggravated felony. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Thomas P. Brophy, Field Office Director, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, (ICE-ERO) Buffalo, NY made the announcement. De La Cruz-Calderon had previously been deported or removed from the United States to the Dominican Republic five times. As part of his previous guilty plea, De La Cruz-Calderon admitted that he had been convicted of federal drug and gun charges in the 1990s and spent several years in federal prison before one of his deportations to the Dominican Republic. De La Cruz-Calderon was most recently found in the United States in New Hartford, New York. De La Cruz-Calderon will be subject to deportation again at the conclusion of his prison sentence. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ICE-ERO investigated the case with the help of the United States Marshall Service and the New Hartford Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck prosecuted the case.


title: Warren County Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Robert Cutter, age 44, of Lake George, New York, pled guilty today to the attempted online enticement of a minor. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. Cutter admitted that on June 27, 2023, he exchanged sexually explicit text messages with someone he believed was an adult offering the sexual services of a 12-year-old girl in an attempt to entice the child into engaging in sexual acts with him. Cutter also admitted that on that same date, he travelled to a pre-determined location in Warren County, New York, with the intent to engage in sexual acts with the 12-year-old girl. Cutter was arrested by law enforcement shortly after arriving at the location. At sentencing on November 11, 2024, before United States District Mae A. D’Agostino, Cutter faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison. The judge will also be required to impose a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to life. The court may also impose a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and forfeiture of the smartphone Cutter used to commit his offense. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Cutter will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. This case was investigated by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents, and state and local police investigators, including from the New York State Police and Warren County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen J. Vickey is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Leader of Major Migrant Smuggling Ring Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – July 11, 2024 SAN DIEGO – Felipe de Jesus Rosales-Herrera of Riverside pleaded guilty in federal court today to human smuggling charges, admitting he was a leader of an organization that smuggled more than 100 unauthorized migrants into the United States, in some instances imperiling public safety by leading authorities on high-speed chases. According to his plea agreement, Rosales-Herrera employed foot guides to lead migrants over the border and drivers to pick them up on the U.S. side and deliver them to a stash house to meet a sponsor. Rosales-Herrera admitted that he charged approximately $10,000 per migrant. According to court documents, some of the smuggling events in the conspiracy resulted in high-speed chases and crashes, which placed the migrants, drivers, law enforcement, and members of the public at risk. This culminated in a tragic collision on December 25, 2021. Kevin Antonio Quevedo-Moncada, acting under co-defendant Jose Luis Alejo-Cruz’s supervision, picked up three undocumented migrants in a remote area. When Border Patrol attempted to pull him over, Quevedo-Moncada fled into a nearby campground, swerving wildly and careening around a field at high speed before ramming a Border Patrol vehicle to escape. As agents pursued him, he sped away on wet, winding roads, reaching speeds of close to 100 mph. Quevedo-Moncada lost control of his car and struck a tree, killing one of the migrants and leaving the other two in critical condition. Quevedo-Moncada pleaded guilty to charges related to this incident. Even after learning that his driver had killed someone, Rosales admitted in his plea agreement that he and his co-conspirators continued the conspiracy. As co-defendant John Douglas Oglesby III admitted in his plea agreement, drivers were told to flee if Border Patrol attempted to pull them over. Unfortunately, many drivers did just that, resulting in numerous high-speed chases and several crashes. Alejo-Cruz also relied on intimidation to preserve his position, tracking down and robbing two of his former drivers at gunpoint when he felt they had wronged him and plotting to kidnap a rival migrant smuggler. “These smugglers treated humans as a commodity, endangering not only the migrants’ lives, but the safety of every driver on the road,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “This office is focused on dismantling smuggling organizations and holding their leaders accountable.” “We will never stop targeting these criminal organizations who prioritize profit over lives,” said U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Patrica McGurk-Daniel. “Our agents are committed to the safety and security of migrants, the public, and our nation. It is only through strong partnerships with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and all our law enforcement partners, that we ensure justice is served and consequences are delivered to these criminals.” Co-defendants Alejo-Cruz and Oglesby were previously sentenced to 120 months and 70 months in federal prison, respectively. Sentencing for Rosales-Herrera is scheduled to take place on October 11, 2024. A motion hearing and trial setting for the final defendant, Miguel Isaac Villa-Gomez, is scheduled for July 12, 2024. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Benjamin. DEFENDANTS Case Number 23-CR-871-CAB Felipe de Jesus Rosales-Herrera Age: 38 Riverside County, CA Jose Luis Alejo-Cruz Age: 23 Long Beach, CA John Douglas Oglesby III Age: 20 Chesapeake, VA Miguel Isaac Villa-Gomez Age: 27 Downey, CA Case Number 22-CR-1995-CAB John Douglas Oglesby III Age: 20 Chesapeake, VA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Transport Aliens – Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1324 Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine INVESTIGATING AGENCY United States Border Patrol


title: Two indicted for buying stolen goods and selling them online via Amazon or eBay for more than $3 million

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – Two western Washington men, related by marriage, were indicted by a federal grand jury this week for 11 criminal counts related to their conspiracy to traffic in stolen goods, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Vitaliy F. Bobak, 52, of Federal Way, Washington and Andrey A. Balun, 57 of Bellevue, Washington and Las Vegas, jointly owned MBA Trading LLC which did business at a Burien, Washington storefront operating as “We Buy Gold, Silver, and Electronics.” An extensive law enforcement investigation alleges the storefront knowingly purchased goods stolen from area retailers which the pair then sold on Amazon or eBay for millions of dollars in profit. The two are scheduled for arraignment on August 1, 2024. “The purchase and trafficking of these stolen goods fuels the organized retail theft that has so damaged our local retailers,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “If the “boosters,” as they are called, had no market for these stolen goods, they would stop their rampant theft from our retailers. We are committed to using our federal resources to put a dent in this illegal trafficking.” “These aren’t just random shoplifters or boosters. These are thefts that are being coordinated as part of a sophisticated network that targets legitimate businesses, confusing consumers and creating a ripple effect that makes it more difficult for retailers to operate,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Through our many partnerships across law enforcement and the private sector, HSI will use every resource at our disposal to protect businesses while ensuring justice is served.” According to the detailed indictment, between January 2018 and December 2023, the storefront the men operated purchased goods that were clearly stolen items. In many instances the goods still had anti-theft devices attached, and/or stickers saying for sale only at a particular retailer. The men bought the goods far below the retail price and then posted them for sale on two websites they operated on Amazon or eBay. The Amazon store was called “Medikus” and the eBay store was called “abcstore555.” The indictment traces the money from the online stores to the men’s bank accounts. The funds were then used by the men to operate the scheme by paying cash to the “boosters” (people who stole the goods) or payroll to employees who were involved in posting and shipping the goods for sale. The men also used the cash for their personal expenses such as paying $67,000 in cash for a new Lexus or making a large downpayment for a home in Las Vegas. The scale of the sales was huge and both national and international. An analysis of the sales of the two online stores reveals that between January 1, 2022 and November 28, 2023, there were over 150,000 sale transactions through the abcstore555 eBay and Medikus Amazon stores, with a combined sales total of over $4.5 million. When search warrants were served and merchandise seized on December 19, 2023, the conspirators possessed more than 74,000 items of stolen merchandise valued at approximately $2.4 million. The men are charged with conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce; interstate transportation of stolen property; conspiracy to commit money laundering; three counts of concealment money laundering; and five counts of money laundering. Conspiracy to transport stolen property is punishable by up to five years in prison. Interstate transportation of stolen property is punishable by up to ten years in prison. Conspiracy to commit money laundering is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The various money laundering counts are punishable by either up to ten years or 20 years in prison. The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with significant assistance from the Renton Police Department, Seattle Police Department, and the IRS, and aided by investigators from numerous retailers. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean Waite and Asset Forfeiture Assistant United States Attorney Krista Bush. bobak_indictment.pdf


title: Navy Detective Agrees to Resign After Pleading Guilty to Using Unreasonable Force and Making a False Statement

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – July 11, 2024 SAN DIEGO – Jonathan Christopher Laroche, a detective with the Department of the Navy’s Criminal Investigations Division, pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he used unreasonable force when he used a carotid restraint on a handcuffed man to the point of unconsciousness. Laroche admitted to later grabbing the man by the throat and pushing his head against a wall while the man was handcuffed to a bench. Laroche also pleaded guilty to willfully concealing his prior record of excessive force at the El Cajon Police Department in order to be hired as a detective by the Navy. In the hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michelle M. Pettit, Laroche admitted that on November 14, 2023, while he was on duty, he encountered a man identified in court documents as G.D., who had been detained and transported to the security building aboard Naval Base San Diego by other Navy law enforcement personnel. Although Laroche did not know why G.D. had been detained, he followed the other Navy law enforcement officers into a separate room. At the time, G.D.’s hands were handcuffed behind him, and he posed no threat to Laroche or anyone else in the room. Nevertheless, Laroche immediately took G.D. to the ground and used a carotid restraint that lasted approximately 17 seconds and caused G.D. to lose consciousness. After G.D. regained consciousness, he was taken back into the main room of the security building, where Laroche handcuffed him to a bench. In a subsequent interaction, while G.D. remained handcuffed to the bench and was not a threat to anyone, Laroche grabbed G.D. by the throat and pushed his head against the wall. Laroche had to be pulled away from G.D. by a supervisor. Laroche admitted that during both of these incidents, he acted willfully and intentionally, depriving G.D. of his right to be free from unreasonable seizure, which includes the right to be free from the unreasonable use of force, under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. According to his plea agreement, Laroche also admitted that he lied in his August 15, 2022, application to the Criminal Investigations Division about the circumstances under which he left his prior employment with the El Cajon Police Department. Specifically, Laroche represented to the Department of the Navy that he had left the El Cajon Police Department because he had been “hired by U.S. Department of Defense police.” On the application, he falsely indicated that he had not been reprimanded or disciplined while employed by El Cajon Police Department and had not “quit after being told [he] would be fired,” among other false statements. In reality, Laroche resigned from the El Cajon Police Department in June 2018 after being informed he was going to be fired as a result of two separate incidents in 2017 where he was found to have used excessive force against civilians. He also received a letter of reprimand in September 2015 for an earlier incident in which he used excessive force. Laroche admitted that he knowingly and willfully provided this false information in his application to the Criminal Investigations Division. “This defendant’s violent acts against someone who posed no threat are reprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Today, we stripped of power and held accountable an outlier who abused his authority and tarnished his badge.” “The investigation into Mr. Laroche revealed that he betrayed his oath to protect and serve the Navy by using unreasonable force while on duty and by deliberately hiding his history of such offenses in order to be hired by the Navy,” said Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Carter of the NCIS Southwest Field Office. “NCIS remains committed to rooting out criminality that threatens the safety of Navy service members, civilians, and their families.” As part of his plea agreement with the United States, Laroche must resign from his position with the Criminal Investigations Division and is prohibited from seeking or applying for any position of employment with a law enforcement agency in the future. Laroche is scheduled to be sentenced on October 2, 2024, at 10 a.m. before U.S. District Court Judge John A. Houston. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Askins in coordination with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Arne J. Bussler assisted in the investigation. DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr1431 Jonathan Christopher Laroche Age: 40 Spring Valley, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES False Statement – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1001 Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law (misdemeanor) – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 242 Maximum penalty: One year in prison and $100,000 fine INVESTIGATING AGENCY Naval Criminal Investigative Service


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Testifies Before D.C. Council in Support of the “Enhancing Mental Health Crisis Support and Hospitalization Amendment Act of 2024”

body_text: WASHINGTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia testified today at a committee hearing before the Council of the District of Columbia on proposed legislation, Bill 25-0692, addressing the “Enhancing Mental Health Crisis Support and Hospitalization Amendment Act of 2024.” USAO-DC strongly supports Bill 25-0692, the “Enhancing Mental Health Crisis Support and Hospitalization Amendment Act of 2024.” This bill will enhance the procedures relating to how the civil and criminal systems address the treatment and commitment of people with mental illnesses, when they are dangerous because of that mental illness. This bill will streamline processes and provide more tools to treatment providers and the courts both to address a person’s mental illness and to protect the community. This bill is a crucial tool that will help to address the overlap between mental health, civil commitment processes, and criminal justice. In addition to appearing before the Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, Elana Suttenberg, Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney, and Jennifer Mika, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia’s Pretrial Mental Health Coordinator, provided written remarks, available in the accompanying attachment .


title: Lincoln Man Sentenced for Selling Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Steven James Martinez, 24, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 11, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln for two counts of distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge sentenced Martinez to 77 months’ imprisonment on each count to run concurrently (at the same time). There is no parole in the federal system. After Martinez’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. On March 28, 2022, and March 29, 2022, an undercover officer working with the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force purchased meth from Martinez in Lincoln. The March 28, 2022, purchase was approximately one ounce, and the March 29, 2022, purchase was approximately two ounces. Testing showed those two quantities contained a total of at least 52 grams of actual (or pure) meth. This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.


title: Sioux City Man to Federal Prison for 24 years for Meth Conspiracy Convictions

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Johnnie A. Cannon, 38, from Sioux City, Iowa, formerly from Osceola, Arkansas, was sentenced on July 9, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City. On January 18, 2024, after a 3-day jury trial, Cannon was convicted, by jury verdict, of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of distributing and aiding and abetting another in the distribution of methamphetamine. The evidence in this case showed that Cannon conspired with others to distribute at least 19 pounds of methamphetamine from January 2021 through March 14, 2023. Evidence further showed that on at least three occasions in February and March 2023, during three control drug purchase operations, Cannon was observed to provide ¼, ½ and ½ pounds of methamphetamine to a co-conspirator, who then in turn, distributed the methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. On March 14, 2023, during a traffic stop immediately following the last drug purchase operation, Cannon was found in possession of $3000 in pre-serialized, buy money used by law enforcement in the drug purchase. In 2007 and 2008, respectively, Cannon was convicted of delivery of crack cocaine in Arkansas. In 2010, in the Northern District of Iowa, he was federally convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Cannon was released from federal prison in 2019 and was on federal supervised release at the time he committed his new offenses. Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Cannon was sentenced to 299 months’ imprisonment – 262 months on his new offense, plus 37 months’ consecutive thereto for revocation of his federal supervised release from his 2010 offense. Cannon must serve a ten-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Cannon remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-4023. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.