title: Readout of Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke’s Trip to Selma, Alabama

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division traveled to Selma, Alabama, over the weekend to commemorate the 58th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and meet with local organizations about the Justice Department’s commitment to civil rights and racial justice. This morning, Assistant Attorney General Clarke spoke at the Martin and Coretta King Unity Breakfast at Wallace Community College in Selma, Alabama, reflecting on the painful history of Bloody Sunday and enumerating the Justice Department’s recent enforcement work to defend the civil rights of all people. She said, “To quote Dr. King: ‘Selma, Alabama, became a shining moment in the conscience of man. If the worst in American life lurked in its dark streets, the best of American instincts arose passionately from across the nation to overcome it.’ The Civil Rights Division at the Justice Department is driven by that same belief. We are committed to defending the civil rights of all people in our country.” Read her full remarks here . Later that morning, she spoke at a worship service hosted by the historic Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. She said, “John Lewis may not be with us today, but … we all know that he fought the good fight. Today, our charge – indeed our sacred mission – is to pick up the baton that he has handed us and continue the fight for justice. The commemoration of Bloody Sunday is a moment to redouble our efforts to ensure that every American has voice in our democracy…” Read her full remarks here . In the afternoon, Assistant Attorney General Clarke crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge with a delegation of U.S Attorneys and hundreds of people, including civil rights leaders, distinguished clergy, elected officials and residents of Alabama. On Monday, Assistant Attorney General Clarke will travel to Montgomery, Alabama, to meet with the U.S. Attorneys of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee Civil Rights Subcommittee, the Equal Justice Initiative, and other civil rights stakeholders. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke speaks at the Martin and Coretta King Unity Breakfast. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke speaks at the Sunday Morning Worship Service hosted by Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke and U.S. Attorneys from across the country. Districts represented: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, South Carolina, Colorado, Nevada, Montana, Idaho, South Dakota, Western and Middle Districts of Louisiana, Eastern District of Wisconsin, Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, Middle District of Florida, Northern and Eastern Districts of California, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Virginia, Western District of North Carolina, Southern District of Ohio, Eastern District of New York and the Southern District of West Virginia.


title: Psychiatrist settles claims for unnecessary brain stimulation treatments

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 61-year-old doctor and companies he owned and operated have agreed to pay the United States $3 million to resolve claims they improperly billed Medicare, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Dr. Ashok Jain and companies known as Psychiatric Solutions P.C., Longview Psychiatric Center PLLC and Longview Psychiatric Center LP knowingly and willfully submitted, or caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare. The allegations included intentionally pressuring patients to accept unnecessary medical treatments and billing for those treatments, falsifying treatment records and billing Medicare for worthless services and services they did not provide. “This office will actively pursue and prosecute those who take advantage of our aged population and those who seek psychiatric care and counseling,” said Hamdani. “It is particularly egregious when those citizens who seek care are given unnecessary treatment and not the treatment that would benefit them. Providers who participate in federally funded programs like Medicare have a responsibility to the public to provide legitimate, safe care and treatment.” The investigation began when two individuals who worked at the Psychiatric Solutions Longview clinic filed a qui tam, aka whistleblower, lawsuit under seal July 15, 2021. During their terms of employment, they allegedly witnessed patients being pressured to accept unnecessary medical treatments as well as the falsification of treatment records and billing Medicare for worthless services or services the clinic did not provide. Jain and the clinics had allegedly submitted claims for payment to Medicare for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) procedures that were not performed, routinely administered TMS treatments unnecessarily and absent a valid medical purpose and improperly billed Medicare for reimbursement of those treatments. They also billed Medicare for physician assessments when the physician did not see the patient or supervise the TMS session. The complaint indicated the fraudulent conduct continued until the business was sold in April 2022. “At the least, health care practitioners are expected to furnish services that are appropriate for their patients and to bill accurately. Providers believed to violate those basic requirements are principal targets of our investigative efforts,” stated Acting Special Agent in Charge Korby Harshaw with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Coordinating with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG proudly carries out our mission to protect federal health care patients and programs from exploitation.” “Billions upon billions of taxpayer dollars are stolen by healthcare fraudsters each year,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge James Smith. “FBI Houston’s dedicated team of healthcare investigators, analysts and forensic accountants work alongside our valued law enforcement partners every day to identify these criminals, hold them accountable and protect our nation from pervasive fraud schemes which enrich criminals at the expense of hardworking, honest Americans.” Under the False Claims Act, a private party known as a relator can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. In this case, the relators will receive a total of $300,000. DHHS-OIG and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Venezia handled the matter.


title: Fayetteville Man Sentenced to More Than 19 Years After Undercover Operation Reveals Sexual Video Chats with Young Girls

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: NEW BERN, N.C. – David Leon Autry, III, of Fayetteville was sentenced Wednesday to 235 months in prison for production of child pornography. Autry, 34, pled guilty to the charge on October 20, 2021. According to court documents and other information presented in court, on February 16, 2020, an undercover FBI agent operating out of Albany, New York, was investigating child exploitation activity on the Kik cellphone messaging application. The undercover joined a Kik group that was known to be frequented by people who have a sexual interest in children and created a post about a fictitious nine-year-old daughter. Shortly thereafter, a user later identified as Autry sent a private message to the undercover asking, “Any pics vids.” Autry proceeded to explain that his favorite age range was 6-13 years old and that he watched a large amount of child pornography. Autry also sent the undercover multiple videos in which adult males sexually abused infants. At the undercover agent’s request, Autry provided a photograph of himself as well as an email address and other social media information. FBI then identified Autry through administrative subpoenas. On March 18, 2020, FBI agents located Autry at his place of work in Fayetteville to execute a search warrant on his cell phone. Autry denied having a cell phone on him. He then said that he needed to use the restroom, and when he turned to leave, agents spotted a black cell phone in his back pocket. Agents seized the phone, and Autry attempted to wrestle it from them before being brought to the ground and handcuffed. A forensic analyst uncovered over 100 files of child sexual abuse material on the phone, including 45 unique videos. Investigators discovered that Autry himself had created numerous files by taking screenshots of his activity on an anonymous video chat application. In these images, Autry video chats with girls who appear to be as young as 11, as they display their genitals and engage in other sexual activity. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake D. Pugh prosecuted. 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. 5:21-cr-0030-FL.


title: Three Plead Guilty To Conspiracy To Commit Armed Robberies And Shootings In Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, And Lee Counties While Dressed As Police Officers

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Reginald Roberts (22, Lakeland), a/k/a/ “Rudy,” Nathaniel Keith Carr (28, Riverdale), a/k/a “Nate,” and Chrishawn De’Earl Butler (22, Brooksville), a/k/a “Baby,” have each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, and brandishing and discharging firearms in the commission of crimes of violence. Each faces a minimum mandatory sentence ranging from 14 to 21 years, up to life, in federal prison. Sentencing dates have not yet been set. According to the plea agreements, and as depicted in the attached photographs introduced at the initial appearance hearing on May 12, 2021, between December 2020 and April 2021, Roberts, Carr, Butler and others engaged in a conspiracy to rob individuals they suspected of distributing narcotics. During that time, the conspirators engaged in numerous armed robberies in Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, and Lee counties, some of which resulted in shootings. While committing these offenses, the conspirators impersonated law enforcement officers by wearing black clothing, gloves, and masks, often with law enforcement insignia, or vests with “Sheriff” affixed. In addition, during certain robberies, the conspirators drove a black Dodge Durango and white Chevrolet Malibu equipped with blue lights and sirens. Co-conspirator Jasmine Weber (28, Tampa) has also pleaded guilty, and is pending sentencing. Indicted co-conspirators Daniel Jackson and Darius Hudson are pending trial. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Bartow Police Department, the Lakeland Police Department, the Dade City Police Department, the Cape Coral Police Department, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, the Arcadia Police Department, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes. 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: San Juan woman indicted after weapons cache exportation attempt

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 31-year-old San Juan resident is set to appear in federal court on charges of firearms and drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jessica Alvarado is expected to appear on the charges in the indictment at 1:30 p.m. today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano. Originally charged by criminal complaint, a federal grand jury returned the two-count indictment Feb. 21 against Alvarado on charges of smuggling goods from the United States as well as possessing approximately 499 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute. On Jan. 31, Alvarado attempted to depart the United States via the Hidalgo Port of Entry driving a Ford F-150, according to the complaint. She allegedly denied having firearms. However, the charges allege authorities noticed the bed of the pickup truck was abnormally elevated and referred her to secondary inspection. A search of the truck allegedly resulted in the discovery of 33 AK-47 variant rifles, three AR-15 rifles, a .22 caliber Long rifle, two .45 caliber handguns and 39 ammunition magazines. According to the complaint, Alvarado does not possess a license to export firearms from the United States. The investigation led to a search at her residence in San Juan, according to the charges. There, law enforcement also allegedly found approximately 499 grams of a packaged white powdery substance that field tested positive for the characteristics of cocaine and more than $13,000 in bulk U.S. currency. If convicted, Alvarado faces up to 20 years in prison for trafficking cocaine charge as well as a maximum of 10 years for illegal exportation of firearms. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Brostowin is prosecuting the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Former embassy employee sentenced to imprisonment for domestic violence against his spouse

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA - - Ilirjan Shema has been sentenced for the violent assault of his spouse, a U.S. diplomat serving overseas in the U.S. embassy housing in Moldova. “Domestic violence is physical abuse with the potential for generational harm,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “There is never an excuse for this behavior. Holding these perpetrators accountable is an important function of the justice system and one that this office takes seriously.” “As the lead agency in this investigation, the Diplomatic Security Service demonstrated its strong commitment to making sure those who commit domestic violence against diplomatic personnel face consequences,” said Andrew Wroblewski, Assistant Director for Domestic Operations, U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). “Our strong relationship with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to be essential in the pursuit of justice for all victims.” According to the charges and information presented in court: Ilirjan Shema accompanied his family to Chisinau, Moldova, where his spouse, an employee of the U.S. Department of State, was assigned to work as a Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Embassy. While in Moldova, Shema obtained a family member position to work at the Embassy. On April 10, 2021, while inside their official residence provided by the embassy, Shema attacked his wife, striking her, throwing her to the ground, and strangling her in the presence of the couple’s two children. The attack resulted in physical injuries. Shema was subsequently arrested in Aug. 5, 2021, when he traveled from Albania to Atlanta, Georgia. Ilirjan Shema, also known as “Lily,” age 46, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen Grimberg to one year, six months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution to the victim and to participate in a program for domestic violence upon release from prison. Shema was convicted of the charge of assault, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2261(a)(1), on November 8, 2023, after he pleaded guilty. This case was investigated the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Gabay-Smith and Trial Attorney Brian Morgan of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section prosecuted the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Tampa Man Sentenced To More Than Five Years For Conspiracy To Commit COVID-Related Unemployment Insurance Fraud And Identity Theft

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge William Jung has sentenced Steve Aloysius Moodie, Jr. (35, Tampa) to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. As part of his sentence, the court also ordered Moodie to pay $1,070,647 in restitution, jointly with co-defendant Melinda Sue Hernandez (33, Ruskin), to the various state workforce agencies they defrauded. Moodie had pleaded guilty on September 19, 2022. Hernandez was previously sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for her role in the conspiracy. According to court documents, from approximately June 2020 through April 2021, Moodie and Hernandez obtained personal identifying information (PII) of others without their knowledge. Hernandez was employed as a medical assistant at a Tampa Bay area hospital and gained access to patient PII, which she used to further the scheme. Moodie used that PII and that of others to submit, and cause to be submitted, false and fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) claims to various state workforce agencies to obtain UI benefits. These UI benefits were then transferred to bank accounts or loaded onto debit cards issued in the names of others. Moodie and Hernandez then used, and attempted to use, the fraudulently obtained debit cards to withdraw money from ATMs. Law enforcement calculated the total intended loss caused by the fraudulent UI claims to be between $1.5 million and $3.5 million. This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Pizzo. In March 2020, the President signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which expanded states’ ability to provide UI for many workers impacted by COVID-19, including for workers who were not ordinarily eligible for benefits. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus .


title: Federal Jury Convicts Fort McCoy Man Of Attempting To Entice A 12-Year-Old Child To Engage In Sexual Activity

body_text: Ocala, Florida – U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Jorge Mojocoa (69, Fort McCoy) guilty of attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sex. Mojocoa faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing is set for June 8, 2023, before Senior United States District Judge Gregory A. Presnell. According to evidence presented at trial, on March 30, 2022, Mojocoa responded to a social media posting offering a minor child for sexual services in return for cash. The post had been made by an undercover law enforcement officer. The fictional child purportedly suffered from many physical disabilities, including paralysis and autism. Over the span of two days, Mojocoa spoke to an undercover officer about engaging in sex with the 12-year-old girl. After settling on a price, Mojocoa drove to an agreed-upon location to engage in sex with the child. Once arrested, law enforcement recovered lubricant and candy in Mojocoa’s possession. During the negotiations, Mojocoa had agreed to bring those particular items for his encounter with the child. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Secret Service, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyrie K. Boyer and Belkis H. Crockett. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Tampa Man Pleads Guilty To Illegally Possessing A Firearm

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Meccos Donta Allen (38, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm. Allen faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. Allen has also agreed to forfeit the Glock pistol traceable to the offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, officers from the Tampa Police Department approached Allen after receiving a complaint that someone fitting Allen’s description had assaulted a couple after following them from Tampa’s Downtown Riverwalk. Allen fled from the police, dropping a loaded Glock pistol in the process. At the time of his arrest, Allen had multiple felony convictions, including for felony battery and the delivery of cocaine. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky. 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: Meriden Man Charged with Cocaine Trafficking Offenses

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Meriden Police Chief Roberto Rosado today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging MIGUEL ACEVEDO, 40, of Meriden, with cocaine trafficking offenses. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on June 7, 2021, Meriden Police arrested Acevedo on state crack cocaine distribution and firearm possession charges. On that date investigators seized from Acevedo approximately 390 grams of cocaine and $281,000 in cash. In December 2022, while he was released on bond in his state case, investigators made two controlled purchases of cocaine from Acevedo. Acevedo was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 14, 2023. A search of his residence on that date revealed approximately 50 grams of cocaine and more than $3,000 in cash. The indictment, which was returned on March 1, charges Acevedo with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of two vehicles owned by Acevedo and the cash that was seized on the date of his arrest. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Acevedo, who had been released on bond after his federal arrest, appeared on March 1 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven for a bond violation hearing and was ordered detained. The state charges against Acevedo stemming from his June 2021 arrest are pending. The cash that was seized in June 2021 was previously forfeited. This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Meriden Police Department. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Wilkes-Barre Brothers Sentenced To 188 Months’ Imprisonment Each For Running A Fentanyl And Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy That Resulted In Death

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced brothers Jose Raymer Tejeda, age 38, and Edwin Tejeda, age 32, to 188 months of imprisonment each, for running a fentanyl and cocaine trafficking conspiracy. Both men were residents of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, prior to being incarcerated on the instant offenses. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the Tejeda brothers previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine and 400 grams and more of fentanyl, which resulted in death. The Tejeda brothers operated the conspiracy to distribute significant quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in the Wilkes-Barre region and elsewhere, between approximately January 2016 and February 2020. On September 19, 2019, James Garris, Jr., a drug dealer in the Tejeda brothers’ drug trafficking organization, distributed fentanyl to James Tindol, Jr., who subsequently distributed the fentanyl to an individual identified as A.V. Shortly after ingesting the fentanyl, A.V. overdosed and died. In addition to Edwin Tejeda and Jose Raymer Tejeda, five other former Luzerne County men associated with their drug trafficking organization have been charged and convicted in the broader investigation, for various fentanyl, cocaine, and tramadol trafficking offenses, including fentanyl trafficking that resulted in death: Emilio Tejeda, age 33, a third brother, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl; James Tindol, Jr., age 38, formerly of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl that resulted in death; James Garris, Jr., age 52, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 168 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl that resulted in death; Kearon Brinson, age 41, formerly of West Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 41 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and marijuana; and Lamont Hubbard, age 50, formerly of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to a time served term of approximately 26 months after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and marijuana. As part of the sentencings, Judge Mariani ordered forfeiture of over $25,000, and various firearms, ammunition, and property seized during the investigation. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Luzerne Country Drug Task Force, and the Kingston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses. # # #


title: United States Attorney’s Office Reaches Settlement With Lycoming County Over Polling Place Access For Voters

body_text: SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced a settlement with Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act to improve physical accessibility at the county’s polling places for individuals who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids. During the November 7, 2017, General Election, the United States Attorney’s Office, along with an architect from the Department of Justice, surveyed a portion of the county’s polling place locations. The survey resulted in a finding that many of the County’s polling locations contain barriers to vote for persons with disabilities. Title II of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by a state or local government in any of its programs or services, including its voting program. Under the terms of the agreement, the county will use an evaluation form for each current and prospective polling place based on ADA architectural standards. The settlement requires the county to either relocate inaccessible polling places to new, accessible facilities, or to use temporary measures such as portable ramps, signs, traffic cones and doorbells, where appropriate to ensure accessibility on Election Day. “Obstacles and barriers at polling locations for individuals with disabilities violate their fundamental right to vote,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam. “This agreement demonstrates a working partnership between Lycoming County and the United States to ensure all disabled voters will be able to cast their ballots with their neighbors on Election Day.” This investigation was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Butler, the civil rights coordinator, with the assistant of the United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division (Disability Rights Section). Those interested in finding out more about the ADA can access the ADA website at www.ada.gov . Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/ . Anyone in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may also report civil rights violations to the Civil Rights Coordinator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania by calling 717-614-4911 or emailing usapam.civil.rights@usdoj.gov . ###


title: Repeat sex offender sentenced to twenty-two years

body_text: ATLANTA - Justin Levi Marino has been sentenced for the possession and distribution of child pornography and for violating the conditions of his supervised release for a prior child exploitation federal conviction. “Child pornography is an especially heinous crime involving those who exploit and abuse children and infants to produce these disturbing and horrific images, and the individuals who create the demand for this vile material by possessing and distributing it,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “The collaborative efforts of the FBI, U.S. Probation Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service made it possible to stop this predator from continuing to victimize more children and their families.” “Each time Marino viewed or distributed the unconscionable images of innocent young children, they were re-victimized,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The fact he is a repeat sex offender only underscores why we strive every day to protect our children and will continue to use every law enforcement resource available to identify and prosecute individuals who exploit them in such a manner.” “Due to the hard work of multiple components of the Department of Justice, Justin Levi Marino is no longer able to menace society and will never again victimize children with his deviant behavior. Child predators are a scourge on our community, and the U.S. Marshals Services considers it amongst our highest priorities to remove these offenders from our communities,” said Thomas E. Brown, U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Georgia. According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: In 2007, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia sentenced Justin Levi Marino to 12 years and six months for using a computer to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. A little more than one year after completing this sentence, in June 2020, during the initial lockdown stages of the global COVID-19 pandemic, a concerned citizen contacted the Atlanta Police Department on the suspicion that a 16-year-old child, who had been reported missing in another state, was living with Marino in his apartment in the Atlanta area. The U.S. Probation Office for the Northern District of Georgia was notified and immediately obtained an arrest warrant based on Marino’s suspected violation of his supervised release condition prohibiting contact with a child under the age of 18 years old. The U.S. Probation Office and the U.S. Marshals Service for the Northern District of Georgia recovered the minor and arrested Marino at his apartment. Following Marino’s arrest, the FBI recovered hundreds of images of child pornography and chats on various social media applications from his cell phone. Investigators also established that Marino distributed images of child pornography to other users. Justin Levi Marino, 45, of Poland, Ohio, was sentenced to 22 years in prison to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Marino pleaded guilty to the charges of possession and distribution of child pornography on August 26, 2022. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sekret T. Sneed prosecuted the case. This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Sutton Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Sutton man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Worcester to possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Oliver Smith, 47, pleaded guilty on March 1, 2023 to one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Aug. 11, 2023. Smith was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in November 2020 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2021. In November 2020, after receiving information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Swedish law enforcement authorities, a search warrant was executed at Smith’s Sutton residence and several devices were seized. A forensic review of devices seized revealed images and videos depicting CSAM found on a memory card stored in Smith’s backpack. In addition to the images saved to the memory card, Smith had access to an email account which contained images of CSAM. Additionally, in July 2019, while Smith resided in Sweden, he had emailed CSAM from his email account to a separate account he also controlled. Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Sutton Police Chief Dennis J. Towle made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office and William Clayman of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Boston Man Sentenced for Cambridge Bank Robbery

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man has been sentenced for robbing a TD Bank branch in Cambridge. Jamall Copeland, 49, was sentenced on March 1, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 28 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In December 2022, Copeland pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. On April 27, 2022, an unknown male – later identified as Copeland – entered the TD Bank located at 1270 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge at approximately 1:45 p.m. and handed the teller a demand note that stated, “Give up all Hundreds! AN 50's Robbery!” Copeland obtained $1,455 in cash and fled the scene. Following the robbery, law enforcement recovered a fingerprint from the demand note that matched the known fingerprint of Copeland. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Cambridge Police Chief Christine Elow made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Mescalero man charged with assault

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Spencer George Klinekole made an initial appearance in federal court on Feb. 27 facing a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do serious bodily harm. Klinekole, 38, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for March 2. According to a criminal complaint, on Nov. 2, 2022, Klinekole assaulted two victims in their home with a baseball bat. Klinekole was arrested by Bureau of Indian Affairs officers when he returned to the residence the assault had taken place. The assault occurred on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Klinekole faces up to 10 years in prison. The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney R. Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-41


title: Mexican drug trafficker sentenced to 14 years in federal prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Gregory M. Millard, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA El Paso Division, announced today that Cruz Lopez-Acevedo was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Lopez-Acevedo, 52, of Zacatecas, Mexico, pleaded guilty on March 15, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms and more of marijuana. According to the plea agreement and other court records, between March 2005 and September 2008, Lopez-Acevedo was the main supplier of marijuana in Indianapolis, Indiana and was personally responsible for at least 30,000 kilograms, but less than 90,000 kilograms of marijuana which was distributed in Indianapolis and Texas. Lopez-Acevedo was extradited from Mexico in 2019 with the assistance of the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs. Upon his release from prison, Lopez-Acevedo will be removed from the United States. The Drug Enforcement Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Elaine Y. Ramirez is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-42


title: Shiprock man pleads guilty to illegal possession of firearms

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Kendale Johnson pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Johnson, 34, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. In the plea agreement, Johnson admitted to being a passenger of a vehicle and getting into a dispute with the driver of another vehicle. The dispute resulted in Johnson’s arrest, and he was found to have a 9mm rifle and two bullets in his pocket at that time. Johnson also admitted to possessing a stock rifle, night vision scope, and 9mm ammunition magazine which were in the car. At the time of the offense, Johnson had a prior conviction for assault with a dangerous weapon. As a convicted felon, Johnson could not legally possess a firearm or ammunition. At sentencing, Johnson faces up to 10 years in prison followed by up to 3 years of supervised release. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-43


title: Navajo man charged with assault

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Gerrick Mariano made an initial appearance in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Mariano, 25, of Thoreau, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for March 6, 2023. A federal grand jury indicted Mariano on Feb. 22. According to the indictment, on Aug. 22, 2022, Mariano pointed a loaded AR-15 at his friend’s chest with the intent of scaring him. When the friend pushed the barrel of the gun away, Mariano shot his friend in the upper-right shoulder. The victim, who survived the shooting, was airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital. A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Mariano faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation, New Mexico State Police, and New Mexico Park Rangers. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Jones is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-44


title: Emmett Man Sentenced to 6 ½ Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

component: Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section

body_text: BOISE – Rex Lanham III, 54, of Emmett, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. According to court records, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) determined that Lanham was a member and administer of social media groups where child pornography was being shared. As an administrator, Lanham had the ability to add or remove members from the group. The FBI obtained a federal search warrant for the contents of an online account belonging to Lanham and located child pornography. The FBI subsequently obtained a federal search warrant for Lanham’s residence in Emmett to search for evidence of the possession of child pornography. The FBI seized electronic devices belonging to Lanham and located additional files of child pornography on the devices. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Lanham to serve 15 years of supervised release following his prison sentence and to pay $6,000 in restitution to victims in the images he possessed. Judge Winmill also ordered Lanham to forfeit the electronic devices that were used to commit the offense. As a result of the conviction, Lanham will be required to register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Gem County Sheriff’s Office, which led to the charges. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Three More Sentenced In  Staged Automobile Collision Scheme

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BERNELL GALE (“ GALE ”), age 46 of Raceland, Louisiana, TANYA GIVENS (“ GIVENS ”), age 45, of Gibson, Louisiana; and DAKOTA DIGGS (“D. DIGGS” ), age 27, of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, were each sentenced on March 1, 2023 in United States District Court. Each defendant had previously pled to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans. According to court records, on March 27, 2017, GIVENS conspired with passengers Lois Russell (“Russell”), John Diggs (“J. Diggs”), and James “Curtis” Williams (“Williams”) to stage an accident with a tractor-trailer at the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road. Damien Labeaud (“Labeaud”) and Roderick Hickman (“Hickman”) also participated in this accident. Hickman, while driving Russell’s car, intentionally struck the 18-wheeler and then fled the scene in a getaway vehicle driven by Labeaud. Russell advised NOPD that she was the driver and she, along with GIVENS and J. Diggs, made claims for personal injuries. In total, the victim trucking and insurance companies paid out approximately $272,500.00 for these fraudulent claims. According to court records, on May 17, 2017, D. DIGGS, Henry Randle (“H. Randle”), and Ryan Wheaten (“Wheaten”) served as passengers in an automobile collision staged by Labeaud in the vicinity of U.S. Highway 90 East and Calliope Street in New Orleans. Labeaud fled the scene in a getaway car driven by Mario Solomon. H. Randle falsely reported to the NOPD that he had been driving and that the tractor-trailer had struck his vehicle. Shortly thereafter, Labeaud and Solomon went on to stage a second accident in the vicinity of Louisa Street and Chickasaw Street in New Orleans with GALE , Troy Smith (“Smith”), Marvel Francois (“Francois”), and another passenger. After these collisions, D. DIGGS , H. Randle, Wheaten, GALE , Smith, and Francois made fraudulent claims for personal injuries. The victim trucking and insurance companies paid out approximately $10,000.00 for these phony claims. U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced DIGGS to 60 months of probation, restitution in the amount of $11,000 and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. GIVENS was sentenced to 60 months of probation, restitution in the amount of $363,970.63 and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. GALE was sentenced to 36 months of probation and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. The court set a restitution hearing for GALE for May 31, 2023 at 2 p.m. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni, both of the Financial Crimes Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.


title: New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty To Cocaine Trafficking

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Carlos Perez-Rivera, age 37, of West New York, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on March 1, 2023, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to the charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Perez-Rivera admitted to possessing four kilograms of cocaine for further distribution. The charge stems from an incident on March 23, 2022, in which members of the Pennsylvania State Police made a traffic stop of a vehicle in Lackawanna County in which Perez-Rivera and another individual, Kelvin Vazquez-Pagan were traveling. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately four kilograms of cocaine found hidden inside the vehicle. Coconspirator Vazquez-Pagan, age 24, of Passaic, New Jersey, is awaiting trial. The investigation was conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Robert J. O’Hara and Brian J. Gallagher are prosecuting the case. This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The charge carries a maximum penalty under federal law of up to twenty years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. ###


title: U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins to Convene a Justice Department Delegation in Selma to Commemorate "Bloody Sunday" and the Passage of Voting Rights Act of 1965

body_text: BOSTON – U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins has announced that a Justice Department delegation of more than 30 U.S. Attorneys from across the country will travel to Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, in commemoration of the 58th Anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” and the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The delegation will meet with community and civil rights leaders while exploring some of the significant and historic civil rights institutions in Alabama from March 4-7, 2023. Rollins, who serves as Vice-Chair of the Attorney General Advisory Committee’s Civil Rights Subcommittee, along with Chair U.S. Attorney Nicholas Brown of the Western District of Washington, planned the trip and will lead the delegation. “Walking the same steps as those who courageously marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965 is a powerful and moving experience. I am incredibly honored to join my Justice Department colleagues in Selma,” said U.S. Attorney Rollins. “The beliefs that compelled those before us to march toward justice – that everyone should have equitable access to participatory democracy, fair and equal protection of the law, and the ability to live and thrive authentically and fully as themselves – are identical to what drives the work of my office and the Justice Department today.” “As Vice-Chair of the Civil Rights Subcommittee, I have the privilege of furthering the Justice Department’s mission and priorities to uphold the rule of law and protect civil rights. I am proud of the exceptional work we have done in Massachusetts, including: Setting up a hotline (1-83-END-H8-NOW) to allow the public to report hate crimes or incidents in our Commonwealth; Being an inaugural District for United Against Hate – a Justice Department program that educates the public about their civil rights; Ensuring that every neighborhood and person in our Commonwealth has the benefit of constitutional, lawful, and effective policing; and Creating our District’s first Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit to investigate and prosecute hate crimes, including racially motivated church burnings in Springfield, multiple incidences of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia across our Commonwealth, race-directed violence and hatred in Quincy, and threats against Boston Children’s Hospital and other medical institutions for providing gender-affirming care.” In addition to walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Sunday, March 5th, the U.S. Attorneys will meet with Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; distinguished jurist Myron Thompson, the first Black Assistant Attorney General for Alabama and the second Black federal judge in the state; and Bryan Stevenson, Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit organization that provides legal representation to people who have been illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in state jails and prisons. In addition, the U.S. Attorneys will visit The Johnson Institute in the Montgomery federal courthouse where many key civil rights cases were decided; The Legacy Museum, which provides a comprehensive history on the legacy of slavery; and The Memorial for Peace and Justice. These opportunities are some examples of the way U.S. Attorney Rollins has worked to bring learning out of the conference room and into the communities we have the privilege to protect and serve. She and U.S. Attorney Brown have also convened the Civil Rights Subcommittee for programs with the U.S. Holocaust Museum. U.S. Attorneys from the following Districts have confirmed they will attend the Selma and Montgomery events: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, South Carolina, Colorado, Nevada, Montana, Idaho, South Dakota, Western and Middle Districts of Louisiana, Eastern District of Wisconsin, Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, Middle District of Florida, Northern and Eastern Districts of California, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Virginia, Western District of North Carolina, Southern District of Ohio, Eastern District of New York and the Southern District of West Virginia. U.S. Attorney Rollins and U.S. Attorney Brown want to acknowledge the assistance of the Middle District of Alabama, who is hosting the delegation, as well as U.S. Attorney Breon Peace of the Eastern District of New York and former U.S. Attorney Cindy Chung of the Western District of Pennsylvania who provided valuable assistance.


title: Hollywood Man Convicted of Attempting to Purchase Commercial Sex with Minors

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI - Ralph Kevin Tovar, 31, a Hollywood, Fla., resident, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempted sex trafficking of a minor and attempted enticement and coercion of a minor to engage in sexual activity. According to trial evidence, between January and May 2022, Tovar engaged in negotiations with undercover officers to purchase sex with purported minors who were being advertised for commercial sex. On May 6, 2022, Tovar met with an undercover officer and paid the agreed upon price to engage in sexual activity with both a 13-year-old and 15-year-old girl. Following Tovar’s arrest, agents searched his cellphone and confirmed he had been attempting to purchase sex with minors since January 2022. The Miami jury convicted Tovar, a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center employee, of two counts of attempted sex trafficking of a minor and one count of attempted enticement and coercion of a minor to engage in sexual activity. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and acting Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Buckley, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami, made the announcement. HSI Miami investigated the case with the assistance of the Broward Sheriff’s Office and the Miami-Dade Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arielle Klepach and Eduardo Gardea, Jr. prosecuted it. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 22-cr-20205. ###


title: Representative of Chicago Area Red-Light Camera Company Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison

body_text: CHICAGO —A sales agent for a Chicago-area red-light camera company, Company A, has been sentenced to more than five years in federal prison for conspiring to pay bribes to a public official and for filing a false tax return. In July 2022, PATRICK J. DOHERTY, 67, of Palos Heights, pleaded guilty to one count of corruptly offering something of value to influence and reward a public official (Count Five), and one count of filing a false tax return (Count Eight). Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Ronald A. Guzman sentenced Doherty to 64 months’ imprisonment on the bribery charge, and 34 months on the false tax return charge, which sentences are to run concurrently. According to his plea agreement, Doherty offered and agreed to give things of value, namely money, with the intent to influence State Senator A, an agent of the State of Illinois. As Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, State Senator A was in a position to assist Company A by opposing legislation adverse to the interests of the red-light-camera industry and obtaining Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”) approvals for Company A’s red-light cameras. Doherty also admitted other acts of bribery in the plea agreement, including acts that involved abusing his position as Chief of Staff for Public Official A, a Cook County Commissioner, in efforts to benefit individuals who paid money to Doherty and his associates. In total, Doherty participated in corrupt activities that involved offering and obtaining bribes totaling approximately $148,000. In addition, in 2016, Doherty caused an accountant to file his tax return with the Internal Revenue Service, knowing that this tax return contained false information. The false return caused losses to the IRS of at least $14,732 and losses to the Illinois Department of Revenue of at least $1,268. Doherty also acknowledged that his tax returns for tax years 2012 through 2015 and 2017 through 2018 underreported his income, and thereby caused additional losses to (1) the IRS of at least $58,430; and (2) the Illinois Department of Revenue of at least $6,512. The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Robert W. Wheeler, Jr, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI; and Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany A. Ardam.


title: Leader of Boston Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Fentanyl Conspiracy and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Distribution Activities

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man responsible for a leading large drug trafficking organization (DTO) pleaded guilty today to heroin and fentanyl conspiracy charges and possessing a firearm in furtherance of his organization. Mujab Mubarak, a/k/a “Big Homie,” a/k/a “Easy,” a/k/a “E,” 50, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and possess to distribute heroin and fentanyl, and one count of use and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for May 31, 2023. Mubarak was charged by complaint in August 2020 and later indicted by a federal grand jury. Mubarak was responsible for a large DTO and employed multiple lower-level co-conspirators as part of his distribution network. Recordings obtained during the course of the investigation captured Mubarak describing the scope and extent of his drug trafficking operation. A cooperating witness made over 20 recorded purchases of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine from subordinates of Mubarak. Later during the investigation, Mubarak discussed employing the cooperating witness as a distributor and explained the business in detail. Additionally, Mubarak was captured on recording discussing a 2017 shooting incident where he targeted a former co-conspirator because he believed the co-conspirator had stolen the DTO’s drug money. Mubarak explained that the co-conspirator was transporting cash through Logan airport on behalf of Mubarak’s DTO and that the co-conspirator claimed that the money was seized by police, which was in fact true. When the co-conspirator failed to provide satisfactory proof of the seizure, Mubarak stated on recording that he located the co-conspirator and shot him. Police and medical records showed that the co-conspirator was admitted to the hospital with a gunshot wound to his back. As part of the plea agreement, Mubarak agreed to forfeit $360,000 in cash, two motorcycles, a truck and multiple luxury watches that were purchased with proceeds of the drug trafficking organization. In total, the value of the forfeited property is approximately $523,000. The charge of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of using and possessing of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. The Boston Police Department also provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Three men admit to fatal smuggling event in Mission

body_text: McALLEN, Texas - Two Mexican men and a U.S. citizen have admitted to their roles in an alien smuggling conspiracy which resulted in death, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Francisco Javier Quintanilla-Alcocer, a 38-year old Mexican citizen, pleaded guilty today. Brandon Cibriano-Gonzalez, a 21-year-old Mexican citizen, and Orlando Andres Garcia, 23, Mission, had previously admitted their guilt in relation to the scheme. On Oct. 22, 2021, Cibriano-Gonzalez acted as a brush guide to smuggle a group of 10 non-U.S. citizens from Mexico into the United States. He guided them to a pick-up location in Palmview. There, Quintanilla-Alcocer and Garcia arrived and were driving a Chevrolet Impala and Chevrolet Malibu, respectively. The aliens and Cibriano-Gonzalez loaded into the vehicles and left the scene. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but both vehicles failed to yield and a high-speed chase ensued. Garcia turned his vehicle in an attempt to divert law enforcement, while Quintanilla-Alcocer continued to accelerate. Quintanilla-Alcocer eventually turned onto a dirt road in Mission where the Chevrolet Impala rolled and crashed into a homeowner’s fence. Authorities located a total of seven individuals on scene. Three had been ejected, two of whom died at the scene. Quintanilla-Alcocer was not located at that time. However, evidence in the vehicle led law enforcement to him. Phone records also indicated that Quintanilla-Alcocer and Garcia had been consistently communicating throughout the high-speed pursuit. During these conversations, Garcia instructed Quintanilla to go faster. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane accepted the pleas and set Quintanilla-Alcocer’s sentencing for May 25, while Cibriano-Gonzalez and Garcia are set for April 18. At those times, all three men face up to life in federal prison. They each have been and will remain in custody pending their hearings. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from the Palmview Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lee Fry and Devin Walker are prosecuting the case.


title: Cumberland County Woman Sentenced To 30 Months’ Imprisonment For False Statements Concerning Her Adoptive Daughter’s Medical Care

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Shelley Noreika, age 49, of Dillsburg, PA, was sentenced to 30 months’ incarceration by United States District Judge Sylvia H. Rambo for making False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Noreika fabricated serious illnesses and made fraudulent statements to healthcare providers in connection with her 5-year-old adoptive daughter. As result of Noreika’s false statements, the minor child was subjected to unnecessary medical treatment and the downstream insurers incurred monetary losses in the six-figures. In particular, and as admitted by Noreika to federal investigators, Noreika told her daughter to pretend and fake having a seizure while Noreika videotaped her. Noreika then emailed the video clip of the fake seizure to her daughter’s pediatric neurologist, along with false statements concerning the minor child’s medical condition. On multiple other occasions, Noreika likewise falsely reported to medical providers that her daughter experienced seizures, when in fact no such seizures occurred. In fact, at no point did Noreika ever witness her daughter have an actual seizure. As recognized by both the government and defense, Noreika’s conduct is consistent with factitious disorder imposed on another, formerly known as munchausen syndrome by proxy, a mental illness in which a caregiver makes up or causes an illness or injury to a person under their care, to gain attention and sympathy for themselves. However, the government pointed out to the Court there was also a clear financial motive – Noreika received enhanced Medicare and adoption subsidiaries for taking care of a medically ill child, and she promoted the minor child’s purported conditions to seek donations from local organizations and through online fundraising efforts. “Today’s sentencing sends a strong message that protecting children is a top priority,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Philadelphia Regional Office. “HHS-OIG will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate allegations of abuse against children and ensure claims submitted to federal and state programs by caregivers are truthful and accurate. We would like to thank the Pennsylvania State Police and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their partnership and commitment in this investigation.” In addition to the 30-month prison sentence, the Court ordered Shelley Noreika to serve three years of supervised release following incarceration, and to pay a fine of $500 and restitution of $137,710.86 to the victims of the offense. Noreika is no longer in care of the minor child, and she also faces related state charges which are pending. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG) Harrisburg Field Office, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel S. Dalke prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Summit Hospice to Pay Over $1M to Settle False Claims Liability

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: Salt Lake City, Utah – A Salt Lake County, Utah health care company has agreed to pay $1,045,944.42 to resolve allegations they violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims to Medicare and Medicaid for non-covered hospice services. The settlement resolves allegations that Summit Hospice knowingly submitted false claims for payment to Medicare and Medicaid between October 1, 2018, and September 7, 2021, in violation of the False Claims Act. The United States alleged that during this period of time, Summit Hospice was billing for services that were not medically necessary, because the patients’ records lacked documentation of a terminal illness to qualify for services. Summit Hospice denies the allegations. Hospice care is special, end-of-life care intended to comfort terminally ill patients. To be eligible for the Medicare paid hospice benefit, patients must be “terminally ill,” meaning that the patients have a medical prognosis that their life expectancy is six months or less if the illness runs its normal course. U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement. The case was investigated jointly by the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG) and the Utah Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. "Hospice care is an important service that should provide patients with comfort. Providers who focus on personal financial gain rather than providing medically necessary, high-quality care to their patients undermine the integrity of these services," said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "HHS-OIG will continue to work with our federal and state partners to ensure that hospice providers are giving their patients the care and comfort they need." The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Army Servicemember Stationed at Fort Bragg Indicted in Connection With Romance Scams and COVID-19 Assistance Fraud

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Sanda G. Frimpong, 33, was arrested Wednesday upon the unsealing of a 19-count indictment that included charges of Money Laundering, Fraud, Conspiracy, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Access Device Fraud in connection with multiple interstate and international fraud and money-laundering scams. Frimpong, an active duty servicemember stationed at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, faces between up to ten and up to twenty years in prison per count, and potential fines. “Online romance scams are increasingly targeting lonely, vulnerable, and often elderly victims,” stated US Attorney Michael Easley. “Our office is committed to seeking justice for fraud victims just as we are to prosecuting those who took advantage of programs intended to help unemployed and underemployed folks who struggled through the COVID-19 pandemic.” According to the indictment, Frimpong and other conspirators, engaged in elaborate scams, impersonating romantic love interests, diplomats, customs personnel, military personnel, and other fictitious personas for the purpose of ensnaring their victims by earning their confidence, including promises of romance, sharing of an inheritance or other riches, or other scenarios intended to fraudulently induce the victims to provide money or property to the conspirators. Frimpong allegedly laundered hundreds of thousands of dollars in proceeds of these frauds through his various bank accounts across state lines and through contacts in Ghana. Additionally, in a separate scam, according to the indictment, Frimpong and other conspirators fraudulently applied for unemployment assistance in various states, using stolen identities. This fraud included allegedly obtaining over $100,000 in funds intended for those struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic and made available via the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). Frimpong was indicted on three counts of money laundering; seven counts of wire fraud; three counts of mail fraud; one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud; three counts of aggravated identity theft; and two counts of access device fraud. Arraignment before United States District Judge James C. Dever III is scheduled to occur later this year. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after United States Magistrate Judge James E. Gates presided over Frimpong’s Initial Appearance. Defense Criminal Investigative Service is leading the investigation with the assistance of the Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Beraka is prosecuting the case. 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. 5-23-CR-35-D. An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. ###


title: Manager in Camden Drug-Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 158 Months in Prison

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: A manager of a Camden drug-trafficking organization was sentenced on March 1, 2023, to 158 months in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin, more than 280 grams of crack cocaine, and unspecified quantities of cocaine and fentanyl. Juan Figueroa, 25, of Camden, pleaded guilty on June 8, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in Camden federal court.


title: Florida Woman Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud Conspiracy

component: USAO - Illinois, Central

body_text: PEORIA, Ill. – An Orlando, Florida woman, Jasmine Bradley, 37, of the 4000 block of Miramar Road, pleaded guilty on February 27, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud, five counts of wire fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Sentencing for Bradley has been scheduled for June 29, 2023, at the U.S. Courthouse in Peoria, Illinois. In court before U.S. District Judge James Shadid, Bradley admitted that she had participated in a scheme to steal people’s identities, obtain their credit cards, and use those stolen credit cards to obtain pre-paid debt cards that were then used by Bradley and others involved in the scheme. This scheme victimized, among others, a Galesburg woman, which brought the defendant’s scheme into the jurisdiction of the Central District of Illinois. The Government has identified more than ten additional victims of Bradley’s. Bradley is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing. Bradley faces statutory penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release for the conspiracy count and for each of the mail fraud counts, up to 20 years imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for each of the wire fraud counts, and a mandatory consecutive 2 years imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release for each of the identity theft charges. Bradley also faces charges in a separate state case in Florida. The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas F. McMeyer and Joel Brakken represented the government in the prosecution.


title: Fitchburg Man Pleads Guilty to Wide-Ranging Cocaine Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – A Fitchburg man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to his role in a wide-ranging fentanyl, heroin, crack and cocaine trafficking conspiracy. Jonathan Villot, 31 pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (commonly known as crack cocaine), and 500 grams or more of cocaine. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for June 15, 2023. Villot was indicted in July 2020 along with 17 others, including his brother and alleged co-conspirator Pedro Villot-Santiago. According to court documents, following a fatal fentanyl overdose in September 2018, an investigation began into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) in the Fitchburg area. Beginning in July 2019, controlled purchases and intercepted electronic communications between members of the DTO and its suppliers identified Villot as a cocaine distributor. Over the course of the investigation, over 1.8 kilograms of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, over 3.6 kilograms of cocaine and over 50 grams of crack cocaine, as well as a stolen, loaded handgun, drug manufacturing equipment and over $376,000 was seized. Villot is the 15th defendant to be convicted in the case – either by guilty plea or jury conviction following trial. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. The Fitchburg and Lunenburg Police Departments and U.S. Postal Inspection Service provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law


title: Owner of Lexington Tax Preparation Service Indicted on 31 Counts of Tax Fraud

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. - On Thursday, a federal grand jury sitting in Lexington returned an indictment charging 41-year-old Tiffany Williams, of Georgetown, Ky., with 31 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false and fraudulent tax returns, statements, or other documents. The indictment alleges that Williams owned a tax preparation business in Fayette County, Quality Tax Services. It further alleges that, while operating that business from 2014 through April 2018, Williams prepared several fraudulent tax returns for presentation to the IRS. According to the indictment, the returns were false and fraudulent because they represented that the taxpayers were entitled to claim certain tax deductions, when Williams knew the taxpayers were not entitled to claim the deductions. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS – Criminal Investigations, jointly announced the indictment. The investigation was conducted by IRS - Criminal Investigations and the indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Mattingly-Williams. Williams is scheduled to appear in court for her initial appearance on March 14, 2023. She faces up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine, on each count. However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. — END —


title: Jury Finds Waterbury Man Guilty of Narcotics Distribution and Firearm Possession Offenses

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found RAMON OQUENDO, also known as “Mimo,” 46, of Waterbury, guilty of narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses. The trial before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall began on February 24 and the jury returned the guilty verdicts yesterday afternoon. According to the evidence disclosed during the trial, this matter stems from an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force of a drug trafficking network led by Landdy Rodriguez of Waterbury. In August 2021, investigators intercepted phone calls during which Rodriguez arranged for Oquendo to supply fentanyl to other drug distributors, including Sylvester Vann, also known as “Bug,” of Waterbury, and Pedro Diaz of Red Lion, Pennsylvania. Between August and October 2021, investigators conducted physical surveillance and observed Oquendo engaging in multiple drug transactions with Vann and Diaz. After one transaction, in August 2021, a Pennsylvania State Trooper stopped Diaz’s car in Pennsylvania and seized 48 grams of fentanyl. Oquendo was arrested on October 26, 2021. On that date, a court authorized search of Oquendo’s residence revealed approximately 100 grams of fentanyl, 64 grams of crack cocaine, 102 grams of methamphetamine, a large quantity of marijuana, a polymer 80 privately made firearm (“ghost gun”), ammunition, narcotics processing and packaging materials, and nearly $50,000 in cash. Oquendo’s criminal history includes convictions for felony drug and firearm offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. The jury found Oquendo guilty of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute 40 grams of fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) and fentanyl; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon. At sentencing, which is scheduled for May 25, Oquendo faces at least 10 years of imprisonment. Oquendo has been detained since his arrest. Rodriguez, Vann and Diaz have pleaded guilty and await sentencing. This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police and the Waterbury Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Milford, Norwalk, Stamford and Stratford Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth L. Gresham, John T. Pierpont, Jr., and Brendan J. Keefe through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Informational: Federal Court arraignments

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty: Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on March 2 was: Justin Jose Romo, 29, of Kalispell, on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Romo faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Romo was detained pending further proceedings. The Northwest Drug Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-14. Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on March 1 was: Jermaine David Richardson, 28, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Richardson faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Richardson was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department and U.S. Probation Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-19. Appearing on Feb. 28 was: Anthony Omarel Kenner, 29, of Tacoma, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kenner faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug trafficking crimes and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Kenner was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-127. Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Feb. 27 was: Shawn Saddler, Sr., 56, of Box Elder, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor and abusive sexual contact of a minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Saddler faces a mandatory minimum 30 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release. Saddler was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-12. Appearing for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint was: Antonio Penalosa Infante, 36, of Spokane, Washington, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Infante faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge. Infante was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Rocky Boy’s Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-26. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl . XXX


title: Forest City Man Sentenced for a Child Pornography Offense

body_text: COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – A Forest City man was sentenced on February 28, 2023, to 120 months in prison following his plea of guilty to possession of child pornography. According to court documents, on April 28, 2021, an Iowa State Trooper pulled over Gerald Lawrence Von Ruden, age 53. Von Ruden had an outstanding arrest warrant. Based on the nature of the warrant, the Trooper seized Van Ruden’s electronic devices. A forensic analysis of those devices revealed that Von Ruden received and possessed numerous images and videos of child pornography. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Iowa State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nationwide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.


title: Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography Charge

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DAVENPORT, IA – A Cedar Rapids man was sentenced on February 28, 2023, to 108 months in prison for receipt of child pornography. According to court documents, the investigation of Justin Richard Mezera, 34, began following a cybertip that Mezera had child pornography-related discussions using his Kik account. Law enforcement executed search warrants at Mezera’s known residences in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City and located multiple devices containing depictions of child pornography, including those depicting masochistic conduct and depicting infants or toddlers. Mezera admitted to possessing, accessing, and receiving child pornography. Following his prison term, Mezera was ordered to serve five years of supervised release and pay $21,000 in restitution. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC). In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.


title: Georgia Man Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison for Producing Child Sexual Assault Material

body_text: ALBANY, Ga . – A south Georgia resident who admitted to producing child sexual assault material (CSAM) involving minor victims was sentenced to the statutory maximum prison term for his crimes. Jonathan G. Hardin, 38, of Enigma, Georgia, was sentenced to serve a total of 720 months in prison (360 months for each count) by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on March 2, after he pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child sexual assault material. In addition, Hardin will have to register as a sex offender for life upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole. “Producing child sexual assault material is a heinous offense and will be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “To that end, our office will pursue the maximum punishment allowed under law for those caught producing child sexual assault material.” “Finding, arresting and prosecuting the predators that are creating, viewing and sharing these disturbing images of abuse is one of the most important things we can do to protect the children in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Working together with our great law enforcement and community partners makes the fight to hold accountable those who exploit our children easier and more impactful.” The plea agreement in this case remains sealed for the protection of the minor victims. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Criminal Chief Leah McEwen prosecuted the case.