title: Former Alliance, Nebraska Man Sentenced to Nearly 22 Years for Child Pornography Charges

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tyler Denby, 39, formerly of Alliance, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 21, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Denby to 262 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Denby’s release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. On July 30 th of 2021, Alliance Police Department received two separate calls for assistance concerning an individual threatening others in the Alliance area. Denby, who was then a Montana resident visiting the town of Alliance, was identified as the suspect, and was contacted at a local gas station. During the encounter, responding officers gained probable cause to search Denby’s vehicle when a marijuana pipe was spotted in his pocket. A stolen firearm was then located on Denby’s person. During the search of his vehicle, a large number of electronic devices, and a pillowcase filled with stained children’s underwear, were discovered by the searching law enforcement officers with the Alliance Police Department and Box Butte County Sheriff’s Office. The items were seized from the vehicle and Denby was arrested for several state crimes. A search warrant was received for the numerous electronic devices. The devices were later reviewed by the Alliance Police Department. Three microSD cards which had been located in Denby’s wallet contained a substantial amount of child pornography files. While Denby was in custody, he was interviewed by law enforcement, and he admitted to having child pornography on those devices. He also admitted to travelling from Montana to Nebraska with the child pornography on his devices. The case proceeded to a jury trial in August of 2024, and Denby was convicted of possessing and transporting child pornography. In pronouncing Denby’s sentence, Judge Bazis told him “There is no question in my mind you are a danger to the public and to children.” Stressing the need of a sentence to protect the public, the Judge also commented “I don’t think you think you did anything.” 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 . This case was investigated by the Alliance Police Department.


title: Lincoln Man Sentenced for Transporting Drugs via Amtrak

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Matthew Glenn Eriksen, age 45, of Lincoln, Nebraska was sentenced on November 21, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture and a detectable amount of marijuana. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Eriksen to 121months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Eriksen’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force investigators received information indicating Matthew Eriksen was transporting drugs to Lincoln from Denver, Colorado, on Amtrak and that Eriksen and his girlfriend would be arriving in Lincoln on December 6, 2023. On that date, investigators contacted Eriksen and his girlfriend as they got off the Amtrak train in Lincoln with multiple pieces of luggage. Eriksen had a backpack, a rolling luggage bag, and a duffel bag. His girlfriend had a purse, a backpack, and a rolling luggage bag. She admitted she had a small amount of marijuana in her purse. A search of her luggage resulted in the finding of approximately ¼ ounce of meth, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Eriksen denied having any drugs. A search warrant was obtained for Eriksen’s bags. During the search of those bags, investigators found plastic bags containing meth, marijuana, additional plastic bags, and a scale. Testing at the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab showed a total of 2.25 kilograms, (approximately five pounds), of meth mixture. This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.


title: Fairbury Man Sentenced For Possession of Methamphetamine

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Nicholas Heitman, age 38, of Fairbury, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 21, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. United Sates District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Heitman to 188 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Heitman’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Heitman was also ordered to forfeit $4,580.00 in cash to the United States. On December 6, 2022, Heitman was driving a vehicle with no license plates or in-transits. He was stopped by police and did not have a driver’s license or the title of the vehicle with him. Heitman had an active warrant for his arrest for felony theft out of Jefferson County, Nebraska. When the officer advised Heitman to place his hands behind his back, he resisted. During the search of Heitman’s pants pockets, officers located a large bag of meth which pre-tested positive for the substance. The bag weighed approximately 73.7 grams. Officers searched the vehicle and found $4,580 in US currency in the center console. The drugs were sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab for purity testing. A forensic scientist found the bag of meth to contain at least 72 grams of pure methamphetamine. While Heitman was detained in the Gage County jail, investigators reviewed his phone calls. Heitman, while on a recorded line from jail, told others about additional meth and a gun he had hidden. This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol, the Gage County Sheriff’s Office, the Beatrice Police Department, and the Lincoln-Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced to 140 Months for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography

body_text: United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Matthew Lordemann, age 38, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 21, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for receipt and distribution of child pornography. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Lordemann to 140 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Lordemann will be placed on a 5-year term of supervised release. Lordemann was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $45,500.00 to thirteen identified victims of his crimes. This investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol began with series of four “cyber tips” received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding suspicious Internet activity. Lordemann’s cell phone number was common to the information contained in all the CyberTipline reports subsequently generated by NCMEC and provided to the Nebraska State Patrol. Investigators were thereafter able to determine Lordemann’s address in Omaha. Investigators served a search warrant for the contents of Lordemann’s Verizon Cloud account, which contained media files depicting child pornography and on February 24, 2022, the Nebraska State Patrol served a warrant to search for child pornography at Lordemann’s residence in Omaha. Investigators seized fourteen electronic devices for forensic examination. The investigator reviewed the extracted contents of Lordemann’s phone and found evidence of Lordemann’s purchase of child pornography files from a Telegram app user in a messaging exchange. The user sent Lordemann more than 500 video files depicting children in a variety of sexual acts. The investigator reviewed media on Lordemann’s phone and determined there were thousands of files depicting child pornography. The content of these files included video files portraying infants subjected to sexual abuse, to include penetration, video files portraying pre-pubescent children subjected to sado-masochistic sexual activities, and video files portraying children subjected to bestiality. Fifteen known victims were identified by hash value comparison of the digital files, many of whom sought restitution. This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.


title: California Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Valentin Mendoza Jr., age 44, of San Bernadino, California, was sentenced on November 21, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a methamphetamine mixture. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Mendoza to 70 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Mendoza’s release from prison, he will begin a 4-year term of supervised release. On February 3, 2023, a Seward County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a vehicle traveling east bound on Interstate 80 in Seward County, Nebraska, for following too closely. The driver was identified as Mendoza. While preparing and completing the paperwork for the traffic stop, the deputy spoke to Mendoza about his travels. Mendoza said he was traveling from San Bernadino to Minnesota. Mendoza could not remember which city in Minnesota he was going to. Mendoza claimed to be going to a party, transporting DJ equipment for the party, which was supposed to be the next day. Mendoza said he left California the day before and drove through the night. Mendoza said a friend had rented the vehicle and the friend was driving separately to meet him in Minnesota. The deputy suspected Mendoza was engaged in criminal activity. After issuing Mendoza the written warning for following too closely and a verbal warning for an unsafe lane change, the deputy asked Mendoza if he could ask Mendoza some more questions and Mendoza agreed. Mendoza said there were no drugs, weapons or large amounts of the currency in the vehicle and then he consented to a search of the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted, and concealed inside the door panels of the of the vehicle were 14 wrapped packages containing methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency.


title: Three Sentenced for Half-Million Dollar Health Care Fraud Conspiracy

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS –The former owner, office manager, and business manager of a St. Louis County, Missouri-based home health care company were sentenced Tuesday to prison time for health care fraud. U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk sentenced Doriann Morgan, 59, of St. Louis County, to two years in prison. Judge Pitlyk sentenced Thalisa Walton, 47, of Hazelwood, and Barbara Jackson, 59, of St. Louis, to a year and a day in prison. They have already paid $790,000 of the $910,000 they agreed to repay as part of a civil settlement. The final payment of $120,000 is due in March. All three pleaded guilty in May to a felony charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. They admitted that from roughly January 2018 to August 2021, they conspired to submit $552,659 in fraudulent reimbursement claims to Missouri’s Medicaid program for personal care services that were never provided. The three submitted fraudulent claims for personal care services purportedly provided by Jackson for a woman who did not live in Missouri and received no services, their plea agreements say. They also submitted claims for providing services for clients at times when their own social media posts showed them doing something else. Jackson was business manager of A Mother’s Touch In-Home Care LLC, responsible for recruiting clients and assigning employees to provide care. Morgan owned the company and submitted Medicaid claims. Walton was office manager. Morgan, Walton and Jackson are no longer affiliated in any way with A Mother’s Touch In-Home Care LLC, which continues to do business under new ownership. The civil settlement resolved allegations that Morgan, Walton and Jackson violated the False Claims Act by billing Missouri Medicaid using false timesheets and payroll records for in home services that were never provided. The civil settlement resolves claims brought under the “qui tam” or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Michele Bickley, who will receive $90,090. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. “Fraudulent claims submitted to the Missouri Medicaid program diverts scarce resources that should be used to provide legitimate services to those in need, including children and the disabled,” said Special Agent in Charge Linda T. Hanley with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to partner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Missouri Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to fight such Medicaid fraud schemes and protect the integrity of this safety net program.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Missouri Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Suzanne Moore and Derek Wiseman handled the case.


title: Dominican Republic Native Charged With Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Rafael Polo-Sanchez, age 43, of the Dominican Republic, was indicted by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Jose Rafael Polo-Sanchez was previously removed from the United States on December 3, 2019, through Alexandria, Louisiana. It is alleged that he was subsequently found in the United States on October 31, 2024, in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country. This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is ten years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Two Indicted for COVID Fraud in West Virginia

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two people have been indicted for fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funding on behalf of a West Virginia resident, according to United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld. Kimberly VanKline, 56, of Hyattsville, Maryland, and Rhonda Brown-Moore, 64, of Brooklyn, New York, were indicted yesterday for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to the improper receipt of funds from the COVID Relief Act. According to the indictment, the defendants worked in concert to create and submit falsified documents to obtain CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for others, including a resident of the Northern District of West Virginia. VanKline and Brown-Moore were compensated for their illegal actions from the fraudulent proceeds. “Our team continues to investigate COVID fraud and there will be more criminal charges, as well as civil enforcement actions, in the months ahead,” said United States Attorney Ihlenfeld. “We will seek prison sentences for those who stole from the taxpayers, as well as repayment of the money stolen, plus penalties and interest.” VanKline and Brown-Moore face up to 20 years in federal prison for each of the three felony counts. If they are convicted, a federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government and the matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to combatting pandemic fraud. Anyone aware of COVID fraud is encouraged to report it via email to wvfraud@fbi.gov , by telephone to 304-234-0100, or via regular mail to the U.S. Attorney, P.O. Box 591, Wheeling, WV 26003, Attn: COVID Fraud Unit. An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Hampton man sentenced to over seven years in prison for cocaine trafficking and firearms crime

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Hampton man was sentenced yesterday to seven years and six months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, in August 2023, federal agents conducted two controlled narcotics purchases from Timothy Joseph Sullivan, 35, in Georgia. Further investigation revealed that Sullivan regularly traveled from Hampton to Atlanta. Investigators surveilled Sullivan’s residence in Hampton and conducted additional controlled narcotics purchases there. On Feb. 3, agents searched Sullivan’s residence and recovered three handguns, a micro-conversion kit, three bags of cocaine totaling 472.21 grams, 700 grams of marijuana, ammunition, a 60-round capacity magazine, three digital scales, various pills, and packing material. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Heath prosecuted the case. Assistance was provided by the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-cr-27.


title: Two Pittsburgh Area Residents Indicted for Vandalizing Jewish Building

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Two residents of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy and defacing and damaging a religious building, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The two-count Indictment named Mohamad Hamad, 23, of Coraopolis, and Talya A. Lubit, 24, of Pittsburgh, as co-conspirators. The two defendants were previously charged and arrested on a criminal complaint (read the complaint news release here ). According to the Indictment, from in and around July 2024 through on or about July 29, 2024, Hamad and Lubit conspired with each other to commit an offense against the United States—specifically, a civil rights violation involving damage to religious real property. Hamad and Lubit are further charged with defacing the religious real property of Chabad of Squirrel Hill (Chabad), which occupies a synagogue building, because of the racial and ethnic characteristics of the Jewish individuals associated with Chabad, in violation of federal law. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $200,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Hamad and Lubit were both released on $50,000 unsecured bonds and are required, among other conditions, to remain under home detention, to abide by computer monitoring, to refrain from use of encrypted messaging applications, and to not possess, view, access, or otherwise use material that reflects extremist or terroristic views without the permission of the assigned probation officer. Extremist or terroristic material includes but is not limited to websites, videos, magazines, articles, books, writings, photographs, pictures, and graphics produced by or in support of any Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), as designated under 8 U.S.C. § 1189, including Hamas. Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Two Honduran Men Convicted for their Role in International Human Smuggling Conspiracy

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Two Honduran men were convicted on Monday by a federal jury for their roles in a scheme to illegally smuggle Honduran nationals into the United States. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Hennessy Devon Cooper Zelaya, 30, and Rudy Jackson Hernandez, 37, conspired with at least six others to bring Honduran nationals from Honduras to the United States. In February 2022, the defendants attempted to illegally bring 23 Honduran migrants from Utila, Honduras, to Cocodrie, Louisiana, aboard the M/V Pop, a 65-foot Sportfishing vessel. Most of the migrants each paid several thousand dollars to the co-conspirators to be smuggled into the United States. At some point during the voyage, the M/V Pop developed engine trouble and lost power in the Gulf of Mexico. The co-conspirators chartered a boat to bring fuel to the disabled vessel so that it could complete its journey into the United States. Before the chartered boat reached the disabled vessel, the U.S. Coast Guard interdicted the vessel approximately 75 miles off the coast of Louisiana and towed it to shore. For almost a year, Cooper Zelaya and Jackson Hernandez participated in the scheme to bring Honduran migrants from Honduras to the United States via two vessels: the Masita III and the M/V Pop. Once the migrants reached the United States, the co-conspirators placed some of them in factories and other businesses, knowing that the migrants lacked authorization to enter, remain, or work in the United States. Cooper Zelaya and Jackson Hernandez were convicted of one count of conspiracy to unlawfully bring aliens to the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain and two counts of attempting to bring aliens to the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain. They face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each count. A sentencing date has not been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The lead defendant in the case, Carl Allison, 47, previously pleaded guilty in December 2023 to conspiracy to unlawfully bring aliens to the United States for financial gain and conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride. Three additional co-conspirators, all Honduran nationals, pleaded guilty earlier last year for their roles in the scheme. Darrel Martinez, 41, and Josue Flores-Villeda, 36, pleaded guilty to the same charges as Allison. Lenord Cooper, 40, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to aid and assist aliens to enter the United States unlawfully and attempting to bring aliens to the U.S. for commercial advantage and private financial gain. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana; and Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans Field Office made the announcement. The HSI Houma, Louisiana Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the HSI Pittsburgh Field Office, HSI Atlanta Field Office, and Louisiana Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, Louisiana State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, North Huntington Township Police, and Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office also provided valuable assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training in Honduras provided substantial assistance. Deputy Chief Rami Badawy and Trial Attorney Kate Wagner of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter Guice of the General Crimes Unit for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case. This case is the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). Attorney General Merrick B. Garland established JTFA in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. The initiative was expanded to Colombia and Panama to combat human smuggling in the Darién in June 2024. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border including the Southern District of California, Districts of Arizona and New Mexico and the Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; Office of International Affairs; and Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 325 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; more than 272 U.S. convictions; more than 210 significant jail sentences imposed; and substantial seizures and forfeiture of assets and contraband including more than a million dollars in cash, real property, vehicles, firearms and ammunition, and drugs; along with multiple indictments and precedent setting extraditions of foreign leadership targets. This case is also supported by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. The ECT program is a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI, and focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT also coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.


title: Domestic Abusers Sentenced To Federal Prison

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: Sixth Defendant in Northern Michigan Sentenced in Six Months for Domestic-Violence Related Offenses MARQUETTE – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Ronald Burt Krull, 56, of Kinross, Michigan, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for assault by strangulation of an intimate partner. “The harsh reality is that millions of Americans live in fear of domestic violence every day,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “My office stands with victims and will continue to do everything we can to protect them and work with law enforcement partners to hold their abusers accountable.” Krull is the sixth defendant sentenced in the last six months for domestic-violence related offenses after being charged by the Northern Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan. The Court previously sentenced the following defendants: On June 5, 2024, Steven Webster (31) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment for domestic assault by a habitual offender. On June 26, 2024, Jacob Wolf (28) of Marquette, Michigan, was sentenced to 38 months’ imprisonment for domestic assault by a habitual offender. On July 18, 2024, Eric Halfaday (39) of Wilson, Michigan, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment for assault by strangulation of an intimate partner. On September 5, 2024, Jaden Plank (25) of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment for assault by strangulation of an intimate partner. On November 18, 2024, Jason Michael Noguess (33) of Delta County, Michigan, was sentenced to 33 months for assault by suffocation of an intimate partner. “Today’s sentencing of Ronald Krull, a violent offender, underscores the FBI’s commitment to investigate domestic violence related offenses on federal trust land,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan . “Members from the FBI in Michigan, in partnership with the Sault Tribal Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Michigan, worked diligently to investigate and bring Mr. Krull to justice. Domestic violence is a terrible offense, and the FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect victims and ensure the safety of communities across Michigan.” The FBI, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Police, Sault Tribal Police Department, Hannahville Police Department, Marquette City Police investigated the cases. Domestic violence occurs throughout the country every day. It impacts victims and witnesses physically, psychologically, and socially. Unlike many crimes, domestic violence often involves years of emotional and psychological trauma, as well as physical violence that becomes increasingly frequent and more severe over time. Unfortunately, many victims do not view themselves as victims and do not realize that domestic violence is a crime perpetrated against them. Local law enforcement officers, child and family services workers, community leaders, educators, coaches, parents, siblings, and loved ones all play a critical role in identifying, intervening, and providing treatment in cases of domestic violence. Additional information and resources related to domestic violence can be found at the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, Domestic Violence webpage , as well as through StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483) and the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence (1-855-863-2374). If you or a family member has been or is being impacted by domestic violence, please contact your local law enforcement agency and local domestic violence agency. # # #


title: U.P. Man Sentenced To 15 Years For Child Exploitation

body_text: Man convinced 12-year-old child to send him sexually explicit photos and videos MARQUETTE – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Kelton Salowitz, 19, of Curtis, Michigan, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for sexually exploiting a 12-year-old child. “We cannot undo the harm that Mr. Salowitz inflicted on children, but today’s sentence is a measure of justice for the victims and an important step to protect the community,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “This case is also a reminder of the dangers that lurk online. Without sufficient guardrails, smartphones can give criminals across the United States and around the world access to our children, even inside the safety of their homes. Educate your kids, monitor their online activity, and let them know they can also talk to you if they mess up.” Salowitz pleaded guilty to repeatedly asking a 12-year-old girl, who was living in a different state, to send him sexually explicit photos and videos. He communicated with the child on his smartphone through the application Discord. One of the videos recovered from defendant’s phone was a recorded livestream in which the child performed sexual acts at the instruction of Salowitz. In addition, Salowitz requested, but did not receive, similar content from another 12-year-old, and investigators recovered a collection of child pornography on his phone which included videos of men sexually assaulting children. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) provides the following Top 10 Tips2Protect for parents to protect their children from online predators: Start an open, two-way conversation with your child. Password-protect or control access to your child’s app store and gaming downloads. Set time and area limits for use of devices and set device check-in times. Set all apps, games and devices to private. Turn off location data services on social media and nonessential apps. Talk about data permanency. Online data can last a lifetime. Create a contract with your child regarding online behavior. Know your child’s friend lists. Remove strangers. Warn your child that they should never leave a game to chat with someone they don’t know on a different platform. Do not delete messages, images or videos from predators and do not forward any sexually explicit images or videos. Save usernames, screenshots and images or videos as evidence for law enforcement to collect directly from the device. Further information for parents about how to protect their children, what to share with them, and the signs of online sexual exploitation are available on the agency’s Know2Protect (K2P) website . The Mackinac County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, investigated this matter. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), and federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation and teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials. # # #


title: New York Man Involved in Multi-State Bank Fraud and Identity Fraud Scheme Sentenced to Over One Year in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A New York City man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for stealing or attempting to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from two separate businesses in Massachusetts and Connecticut using counterfeit licenses. Archil Grdzelishvili, a/k/a “Archie Longson,” 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $140,200 in restitution. In June 2024, Grdzelishvili pleaded guilty to nine counts of bank fraud. At an unknown time, Grdzelishvili obtained a fraudulent Massachusetts driver’s license bearing his picture and the personal identifying information of an executive-level employee of a Massachusetts-based company. Between March 9, 2022 and March 16, 2022, Grdzelishvili used the fraudulent license more than eight times at various banks to conduct unauthorized transactions from the company’s bank accounts. In total, Grdzelishvili fraudulently obtained over $140,000 from the company’s bank accounts using the counterfeit license. Additionally, at an unknown time, Grdzelishvili obtained a fraudulent Connecticut driver’s license with his picture and the personal identifying information of a restaurateur in the Connecticut area. Using this counterfeit license, Grdzelishvili attempted to withdraw $14,000 from the victim’s bank account in April 2022 before being taken into custody. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Cambridge and Danbury (Conn.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Sullivan of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Boise Man Indicted for Selling Firearms Without a License

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

body_text: BOISE – A federal grand jury in Boise returned an indictment on November 13, 2024, charging Luke James Estep, 27, of Boise, with dealing firearms without a license, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. The two-count indictment alleges that in October 2024, Estep, who is not a licensed firearms dealer, was selling firearms. If convicted, he faces a maximum of five years in federal prison and up to a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Estep was arrested on November 14 and booked with the Ada County Jail. Estep appeared on Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debora K. Grasham and entered a plea of not guilty. A jury trial is scheduled for January 6, 2025, at the federal courthouse in Boise, before Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Meridian Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Horwitz 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. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law . ###


title: Little League Coach Pleads Guilty To Attempting To Meet A 13-Year-Old Child To Engage In Sexual Activity

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Joseph Rocco Quaranta (48, Dunnellon) has pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Quaranta faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, on July 25, 2024, an undercover detective from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office posed online as a 13-year-old girl. Quaranta contacted the undercover detective’s account and, after learning the child’s age, engaged in a sexually explicit conversation. Quaranta then arranged to meet the child at a predetermined location in Marion County to engage in sexual activity. He arrived at the meeting location and was arrested by law enforcement. After his arrest, Quaranta admitted to deputies that he had been volunteering as a local Little League baseball coach. This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Chiefland Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s 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: Former Jackson Police Department Officer Pleads Guilty  to Making a False Statement in the Acquisition of a Firearm

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: JACKSON, MS – A former Jackson Police Department officer pled guilty today to making a false statement to a firearms dealer in the acquisition of a firearm. According to court documents and statements in open court, Torrence Donnell Mayfield, 53, of Jackson, purchased a firearm for another person on October 26, 2021. That purchase was made at a pawn shop which is a Federal Firearms Licensee. Mayfield was required to complete a written form to purchase the firearm. On that form, Mayfield indicated that he was purchasing the firearm for himself, not someone else. That statement was false. It is against federal law to make a false statement to a firearm dealer to acquire a firearm. Mayfield is scheduled to be sentenced on March 4, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Herbert S. Carraway and Charles W. Kirkham are prosecuting the case.


title: Former Georgia Poll Worker Indicted for Mailing Bomb Threat to Polling Place

body_text: A former Georgia poll worker was indicted yesterday for allegedly mailing a letter that threatened to bomb a polling place and harm poll workers and for lying to the FBI during the investigation. Nicholas Wimbish, 25, of Milledgeville, was previously arrested pursuant to a criminal complaint on Nov. 4 and made his initial appearance in the Middle District of Georgia on Nov. 5. According to the indictment, Wimbish was serving as a poll worker at the Jones County Elections Office on Oct. 16, when he had a verbal altercation with a voter. Later that evening, Wimbish allegedly conducted online research to determine what information about himself would be publicly available. The following day, Wimbish allegedly mailed a letter addressed to the Jones County Elections Superintendent, purportedly from a “Jones County Voter.” The letter was allegedly drafted to make it appear as if it came from the voter, such as by stating that Wimbish had “give[n] me hell” and that Wimbish was “conspiring votes” and “distracting voters from concentrating.” The letter threatened that Wimbish and others “should look over their shoulder,” that “I know where they go,” that “I know where they all live because I found home voting addresses for all them,” and that the “young men will get beatdown if they fight me” and “will get the treason punishment by firing squad if they fight back.” Further, the letter allegedly threatened to “rage rape” the “ladies” and warned them to “watch every move they make and look over their shoulder.” The letter concluded with a handwritten note, “PS boom toy in early vote place, cigar burning, be safe.” The indictment alleges that Wimbish falsely told the FBI that he believed the Jones County voter he interacted with sent the letter and that he had not conducted online research on himself. The letter was found on Wimbish’s computer. Wimbish is charged with mailing a bomb threat, conveying false information about a bomb threat, mailing a threatening letter, and making false statements to the FBI. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the mailing a bomb threat count and five years in prison on each of the mailing a threatening letter, conveying false information, and making false statements counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary for the Middle District of Georgia; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Jacob R. Steiner of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Will R. Keyes for the Middle District of Georgia are prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Three years after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun. Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by PIN and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Civil Rights Division, National Security Division, and FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo . To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/ . You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov . Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Freedom Resident Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Receipt of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Freedom, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on November 19, 2024, to 74 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction for receiving material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Mark Kriss, 66, also ordering that Kriss register as a sex offender under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and pay restitution in the amount of $3,000 to the minor victim. According to information presented to the Court, Kriss made contact with a 14-year-old minor over an adult dating website and, on May 22, 2021, received digital photographs from the minor depicting her sexual exploitation. Kriss also acknowledged responsibility for meeting the minor for the purpose of engaging in sex acts at a local motel. Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Northern Regional Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kriss.


title: Riverton man found guilty of first-degree murder on the Wind River Indian Reservation

body_text: Burdick Nelson Seminole Sr., 59, of Riverton, Wyoming, was convicted by a federal jury on Nov. 15 of first-degree murder, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and causing death with a firearm during a crime of violence. The trial lasted four days before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl in Casper. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in the early morning of Aug. 8, 2023, Seminole drove to the victim’s residence, entered the residence without permission, confronted the victim and an argument ensued. The defendant left the residence to retrieve a pistol and re-entered the residence where he continued to argue with the victim, who was sitting in his wheelchair. Seminole pistol-whipped the victim, disarmed him, and shot him three times, killing him. In response, another resident shot at Seminole, hitting him in the back of the neck, causing him to flee. Seminole drove himself to the hospital and was diagnosed with a minor flesh wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS. Sentencing has been set for Feb. 6, 2025. Seminole faces mandatory life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and FBI investigated the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . Case No. 24-CR-00017


title: New Orleans Men Sentenced for Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Act Violations

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LIONEL HESTER (“HESTER”) , age 25, and REGINALD JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”) , age 42, both residents of New Orleans, were sentenced on November 7, 2024, by United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle for violating the Federal Gun Control Act and the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court records, the police targeted the 3900 Block of Ulloa Street in New Orleans due to numerous reports of drug dealing and firearms violations. Police saw JOHNSON engage in a hand-to-hand drug transaction and stopped the suspected buyer to confirm the drug purchase from JOHNSON . Before the police could arrest JOHNSON for distributing drugs, JOHNSON got into an SUV driven by HESTER . JOHNSON then escaped from the back of the SUV, leaving a backpack containing a gun and paperwork with his name. HESTER was later arrested. A search of the SUV uncovered crack cocaine, tramadol, marijuana and a Glock Model 31, .357 caliber pistol, by the driver’s seat. Both JOHNSON and HESTER had several prior felony convictions and were not allowed to possess firearms. Judge Lemelle sentenced HESTER to 176 months imprisonment, followed by 6 years of supervised release and the payment of $200 in mandatory special assessment fees. JOHNSON was sentenced to 151 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years supervised release, and the payment of $200 in mandatory special assessment fees. 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. The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, who is Senior Litigation Counsel at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.


title: Jury Returns Guilty Verdict in Stabbing of Man in Northwest DC in February 2023

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Willie Byrd, 61, of Washington D.C., has been found guilty of committing a violent assault in February 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The Superior Court jury returned its verdict on November 19, 2024, finding Byrd guilty of one count aggravated assault while armed and one count of carrying a dangerous weapon. The Honorable Michael O’Keefe scheduled sentencing for January 31, 2025. According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 8:30 pm, on February 28, 2023, the defendant stabbed the victim in the chest with a large fixed-blade knife, near the corner of 2 nd and D Streets N.W. Before the stabbing occurred, the defendant was trying to take money from the victim while attempting to conduct a drug transaction. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries to multiple organs and required surgery and an extended hospital stay. MPD officers and detectives reviewed surveillance video footage of the stabbing from the nearby Federal City Shelter, which led to Byrd’s identification as the assailant. MPD detectives located Byrd inside of the shelter, and he was placed under arrest. In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant United States Attorneys Erica Rudolf and Ella Gladman, who prosecuted the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Evans, who investigated the case.


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

body_text: Drug Trafficking Nadine Kay Niedo (Vasquez) , 41, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming was sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release for distribution of methamphetamine. According to court documents, in December 2023, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) agents conducted a controlled buy of 3.4 grams of methamphetamine from Vasquez for $120 at a store parking lot in Fort Washakie. She was indicted on May 16, pleaded guilty on Aug 14, and U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Nov. 12, in Cheyenne. DCI investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00082 Assault with a Dangerous Weapon Enik Dean Jenkins , aka Lawrence Jenkins, 32, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison with three years of supervised release for assault with a dangerous weapon. Based on court documents, the BIA Wind River Police Department and FBI responded to an assault at the Slattery Trailer Courts in St. Stephens. According to the victim, she was attempting to leave the residence and the defendant did not want her to leave so he hit her in the head with a hand-sized rock. Jenkins denied any involvement at first, but agents noticed blood spatter on his shirt and shorts. Blood tests confirmed the blood to be from the victim. Jenkins was indicted on May 17, 2023, pleaded guilty on Jan. 10, and U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Nov. 13 in Cheyenne. The BIA Wind River Police Department and FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case. Case No. 23-CR-00101 Possession of an Unregistered Firearm Stirling Lee Foster , 25, of Casper, Wyoming was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release for the possession of an unregistered firearm. According to court documents, the defendant’s mother called the police to her house on May 10, 2023, for reported drug activity. She informed officers that she found controlled substances and a firearm in Foster’s bedroom. The identified shotgun had been modified with a shortened barrel, the stock had been modified, and the serial number had been filed down rendering it illegible. The firearm was later identified as a .410 shotgun and the defendant had not registered it as required by the National Firearms Act. Police officers also found marijuana in his room. Foster was indicted on Nov. 15, 2023, pleaded guilty on Aug. 22, and U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Nov. 12, in Cheyenne. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Casper Police Department investigated this crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case. Case No. 23-00154 About the United States Attorney’s Office The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include: Environmental Justice The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Project Safe Childhood Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious. Project Safe Neighborhoods Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. Victim Witness Assistance The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect. To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking


title: West Hartford Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Narcotics Trafficking Offense

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JEIMY RODRIGUEZ, 39, of West Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine. According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force began investigating a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was distributing kilogram quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in Connecticut. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps, physical and electronic surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and other investigative techniques. During the early stages of the investigation, Rodriguez was the president of the Loose Cannonz motorcycle club. The investigation revealed that Rodriguez and his co-defendants, including one who succeeded him as president of the Loose Cannonz, were receiving shipments of fentanyl and cocaine for distribution in the Hartford area. On March 13, 2023, investigators made a controlled purchase of approximately 80 grams of fentanyl from Rodriguez at his auto repair shop on Broad Street in Hartford. On April 7, 2023, investigators purchased approximately 86 grams of cocaine from Rodriguez in the vicinity of Zion and Hamilton Streets in Hartford. The cocaine appeared to be broken off of a kilogram brick of cocaine. On June 7, 2023, Rodriguez was arrested at West Hartford residence. Investigators located and seized two firearms in Rodriguez’s home at the time of his arrest. On that date, a search of the Loose Cannonz club in Hartford revealed an additional quantity of fentanyl. Rodriguez has been detained since his arrest. On June 27, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. This investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington and A. Reed Durham. The 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: Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty To Illegal Possession Of A Firearm And Ammunition

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Elijah Noah Petit-Frere (24, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Petit-Frere faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, on March 11, 2024, an officer from the Ocala Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Petit-Frere. When Petit-Frere was placed under arrest for a driving offense, officers discovered Petit-Frere had a loaded firearm holstered on his waistband. Petit-Frere previously had been convicted of state felony offenses, including carrying a concealed firearm, fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer, and possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. This case is part of the 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 for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Orlando Man Sentenced To 22 Years For Producing Child Sex Abuse Images With Infant Victim

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Leonardo Marino (22, Orlando) to 22 years in federal prison for producing child sex abuse images. The court also ordered Marino to forfeit his smart phone that was seized on the date of his arrest. Marino entered a guilty plea on April 2, 2024. According to court documents, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando initiated an investigation after receiving a report from a witness stating that they had received messages from Marino on social media, which included videos of Marino sexually abusing an infant child at his home. A search warrant for Marino’s home and electronic devices was secured and executed. During the search, investigators identified the room and other items that had been captured in the videos depicting Marino’s sexual abuse of the child. Forensic examination comparing the items seized from the room to Marino’s DNA profile revealed a match. Further, after obtaining and searching Marino’s smart phone, OCSO and HSI were able to connect Marino to the social media account utilized to send the videos, as well as trying to block the witness he had messaged. “This conviction sends a clear message to those who exploit and harm the most vulnerable in our community—you will be held accountable for your actions” said Homeland Security Investigations Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “This 22-year sentence reflects the gravity of this horrific crime, and through the importance of our law enforcement partnerships, HSI remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting our communities.” This case was investigated by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations – Orlando, the Winter Park Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sartoian. 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: Laboratory Owner Charged for $79M Fraud Scheme

body_text: The owner and operator of a Texas laboratory was charged yesterday in connection with his role in a $79 million respiratory pathogen panel (RPP) testing fraud scheme. According to court documents, Osman Syed, 34, also known as Syed Osman, an Indian national, caused BioDX Labs LLC (BioDX) to submit more than $79 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare and Texas Medicaid for RPP tests that were not provided and were medically unnecessary. Osman used the personal identifying information of a physician, without the physician’s knowledge or consent, to cause the submission of millions of dollars in claims to Medicare and Medicaid for RPP tests for beneficiaries and recipients, even though the physician had no prior relationship with the beneficiaries and recipients, was not treating the beneficiaries and recipients for respiratory symptoms, and did not use the tests to treat the beneficiaries and recipients. To conceal that BioDX did not perform the tests as billed, Osman falsely represented that BioDX used reference laboratories to perform its testing. Osman and his co-conspirators laundered the proceeds of the fraudulent scheme by transferring substantial sums to bank accounts abroad, including accounts in China, Hong Kong, Turkey, Greece, and Switzerland. In connection with the charges, the government seized over $15 million in cash. Osman is charged with three counts of health care fraud, conspiracy to engage in money laundering, and three counts of money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each count. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Dallas Regional Office; Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Craig Wolf of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Dallas Field Office; Chief William Marlowe of the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU); and Acting Special Agent in Charge P. J. O’Brien of the FBI Dallas Field Office made the announcement. HHS-OIG, HSI, USSS, MFCU, and FBI are investigating the case. Assistant Chief Brynn Schiess of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: 5 Defendants Charged Federally with Running Scheme that Targeted Victim Companies via Phishing Text Messages

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: INDICTMENT COMPLAINT LOS ANGELES – Law enforcement today unsealed criminal charges against five defendants who allegedly targeted employees of companies nationwide with phishing text messages and then used the harvested employee credentials to log in and steal non-public company data and information and to hack into virtual currency accounts to steal millions of dollars in cryptocurrency. The following defendants are charged by a federal grand jury indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of conspiracy, and one count of aggravated identity theft: Ahmed Hossam Eldin Elbadawy, 23, a.k.a. “AD,” of College Station, Texas; Noah Michael Urban, 20, a.k.a. “Sosa” and “Elijah,” of Palm Coast, Florida; Evans Onyeaka Osiebo, 20, of Dallas, Texas; and Joel Martin Evans, 25, a.k.a. “joeleoli,” of Jacksonville, North Carolina. Evans was arrested Tuesday by the FBI in North Carolina and is expected to make his initial court appearance today. Urban also faces and has pleaded not guilty to several fraud charges in a separate criminal case in federal court in Jacksonville, Florida. Also unsealed today was a criminal complaint charging Tyler Robert Buchanan, 22, of the United Kingdom, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. “We allege that this group of cybercriminals perpetrated a sophisticated scheme to steal intellectual property and proprietary information worth tens of millions of dollars and steal personal information belonging to hundreds of thousands of individuals,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “As this case shows, phishing and hacking has become increasingly sophisticated and can result in enormous losses. If something about the text or email you received or website you’re viewing seems off, it probably is.” “The defendants allegedly preyed on unsuspecting victims in this phishing scheme and used their personal information as a gateway to steal millions in their cryptocurrency accounts,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “These types of fraudulent solicitations are ubiquitous and rob American victims of their hard-earned money with the click of a mouse. I’m proud of our stellar cyber agents whose work led to the identification of the alleged schemers who are facing significant prison time if convicted.” According to court documents, from at least September 2021 to April 2023, the defendants conducted phishing attacks by sending mass short message service (SMS) text messages to mobile phones of numerous victim companies’ employees – messages that purported to be from the victim company or a contracted information technology or business services supplier of the victim company. The phishing text messages often stated that the employees’ accounts were about to be deactivated and provided links to phishing websites which were designed to look like legitimate websites of the victim companies or their contracted suppliers and lure the recipient into providing confidential information, including account login credentials. Some employees went to the phishing websites, entered their credentials, and sometimes authenticated their identities using a two-factor authentication request sent to their mobile phones. The defendants then used the stolen credentials to gain unauthorized access the accounts of victim companies’ employees and the companies’ computer systems to steal confidential information, including confidential work product, intellectual property, and personal identifying information, such as account access credentials, names, email addresses, and telephone numbers. The group also used stolen information obtained from victim company intrusions, leaked data sets, and other sources, to gain unauthorized access to numerous individuals’ cryptocurrency accounts and wallets and steal millions of dollars’ worth of virtual currency. An indictment and a complaint contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. If convicted, each defendant would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, up to five years in federal prison for the conspiracy count, and a mandatory two-year consecutive prison sentence for aggravated identity theft. Buchanan would face up to 20 years in prison for the wire fraud count as well. The FBI is investigating these matters. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Police Scotland and the FBI field offices in Charlotte, Denver, Houston and Portland provided assistance during this investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Restrepo of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section and Sue J. Bai of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting these cases.


title: Mercer County Man Convicted of Several Carjackings Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury to Victims Sentenced to Life in Prison

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County, New Jersey, man who was convicted of carjacking, brandishing a firearm during the carjacking, two attempted carjackings resulting in serious bodily injury, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon was sentenced today to life in prison, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Cedrick Hodges, 41, of Trenton, New Jersey, was convicted on Oct. 24, 2023, of all five counts of a second superseding indictment following a seven-day trial before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi, who imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court. “On an evening in December 2017, Cedrick Hodges terrorized the people of Hamilton Township in a series of horrific and violent carjackings during which he shot two of his victims with a sawed-off shotgun at point blank range, inflicting on these victims permanent and life-altering injuries. Our office, together with our federal and local law enforcement partners, will spare no effort prosecuting violent offenders like Hodges. The sentence handed down today will ensure that this violent offender will never again be in a position to harm the people of New Jersey or anywhere else.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On the evening of Dec. 16, 2017, Hodges entered the rear passenger seat of a Toyota Camry and pointed a loaded sawed-off shotgun at the driver, demanding that she operate the vehicle while Hodges entered the rear seat. The driver exited the vehicle and ran, in response to which Hodges discharged the shotgun towards her as she fled. Moments later, Hodges approached a Honda Accord occupied by a driver and one passenger. Hodges pointed the shotgun at the driver’s window demanding that the driver and passenger exit the vehicle. When the driver refused, and instead began to drive the vehicle away from Hodges, Hodges discharged the firearm into the driver’s side window, striking the driver in his torso, causing permanent and serious bodily injury. Hodges fled the area and several minutes later approached a man who was entering a Nissan Rogue. Hodges demanded that the man hand Hodges the keys to the Nissan Rogue. When the man refused, Hodges brandished the shotgun and discharged the firearm at the man, causing permanent and serious bodily injury. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney; the Hamilton Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Kenneth R. DeBoskey; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri, the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr., with the investigation leading to the sentencing. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Suggs and Tracey Agnew of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.


title: Louisville Man Sentenced to Over Seven Years in Prison for  Trafficking Fentanyl and Heroin and Illegal Possession of a Machinegun

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced yesterday to 7 years and 3 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and illegal possession of a machinegun. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division made the announcement. According to court documents, Tyrone Bunzy Jr., 26, was sentenced to 7 years and 3 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and illegal possession of a Glock Switch Device (machine gun conversion device). A Glock Switch device allows a semi-automatic handgun to function as an automatic and is defined as a machine gun under federal law. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the DEA and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Ansari 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. ###


title: Port Arthur man sentenced to federal prison in connection with stolen mail

component: USAO - Texas, Eastern

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – A Port Arthur man has been sentenced to federal prison in connection with a mail theft scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. Charles Vernon Roberts, 27, pleaded guilty to possession of 15 or more unauthorized devices and aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to a total of 30 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on November 19, 2024. According to information presented in court, local law enforcement received complaints of stolen mail from the Tobe Hahn and South End post offices in Beaumont. Surveillance video confirmed an individual removing items from those post office boxes. License plate recognition software led to an apartment in Port Arthur where Roberts was successfully identified. A search of Roberts’ apartment revealed a counterfeit postal arrow key, 35 checks/money orders, several debit/credit cards, and several pieces of opened and unopened mail not belonging to Roberts. This case was investigated by the Port Arthur Police Department, Beaumont Police Department, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Grove. ###


title: Former Georgia Poll Worker Indicted for Making Bomb Threat to Polling Place

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: MACON, Ga. – A former Georgia poll worker was indicted for allegedly mailing a letter that threatened to bomb a Jones County polling place and harm poll workers and for lying to the FBI during the investigation. Nicholas Wimbish, 25, of Milledgeville, is charged with mailing a bomb threat, conveying false information about a bomb threat, mailing a threatening letter and making false statements to the FBI. The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on Nov. 19. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison on the mailing a bomb threat count and five years in prison on each of the mailing a threatening letter, conveying false information and making false statements counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Wimbish was previously arrested pursuant to a criminal complaint on Nov. 4 and made his initial appearance in the Middle District of Georgia on Nov. 5. According to the indictment, Wimbish was serving as a poll worker at the Jones County Elections Office on Oct. 16, when he had a verbal altercation with a voter. Later that evening, Wimbish allegedly conducted online research to determine what information about himself would be publicly available. The following day, Wimbish mailed a letter addressed to the Jones County Elections Superintendent, purportedly from a “Jones County Voter.” The letter was allegedly drafted to make it appear as if it came from the voter, such as by stating that Wimbish had “give[n] me hell” and that Wimbish was “conspiring votes” and “distracting voters from concentrating.” The letter threatened that Wimbish and others “should look over their shoulder,” that “I know where they go,” that “I know where they all live because I found home voting addresses for all them,” and that the “young men will get beatdown if they fight me” and “will get the treason punishment by firing squad if they fight back.” Further, the letter threatened to “rage rape” the “ladies” and warned them to “watch every move they make and look over their shoulder.” The letter concluded with a handwritten note, “PS boom toy in early vote place, cigar burning, be safe.” The indictment alleges that Wimbish falsely told the FBI that he believed the Jones County voter sent the letter and that he had not conducted online research on himself. The letter was found on Wimbish’s computer. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary for the Middle District of Georgia; andActing Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke made the announcement. The FBI Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Jacob R. Steiner of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Will R. Keyes for the Middle District of Georgia are prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Three years after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun. Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by PIN and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Civil Rights Division, National Security Division, and FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo . To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/ . You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at https://tips.fbi.gov/home . Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former Baton Rouge Pediatrician Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Antonio Felipe Belda, age 39, of Ontario, Canada, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles to possession of child pornography. Belda’s conviction is punishable by a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to a lifetime period of supervised release—which includes sex offender registration requirements. Belda, a Canadian citizen, may also be removed or deported from the United States upon completing his sentence. According to admissions made during his plea, Belda used internet-based accounts and mobile applications to obtain child pornography, and he possessed the illegal content on various computers and electronic storage devices. Belda possessed approximately 171 total videos and 3,034 total images of child pornography—some involving the sexual assault of children as young as eight years old. This matter was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward H. Warner, who also serves as Deputy Criminal Chief; First Assistant United States Attorney April Leon Johnson; and Trial Attorney Adam William Braskich of the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (“CEOS”). 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Fifteen Defendants Charged in Operation Targeting Conversion of Bulk U.S. Cash Proceeds from Drug Sales into Cryptocurrency for Mexican Cartels

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida returned a superseding indictment yesterday charging nine individuals for conspiring to launder U.S. currency into cryptocurrency on behalf of drug cartels in Mexico and Colombia and for the operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business. These recent charges are the result of a law enforcement operation that uncovered a network of black market cryptocurrency launderers and unlicensed money transmitters. The same investigation has resulted in the conviction of three individuals and charges against an additional three individuals. According to the superseding indictment, between 2020 and mid-2023, nine defendants and their co-conspirators worked together to pick up bulk cash, derived from drug sales in various cities throughout the United States. They would then coordinate to exchange the cash for cryptocurrency that was sent to wallets controlled by the defendants or their co-conspirators. The cryptocurrency would then be converted into cash and delivered to cartel leaders in Mexico and Colombia. As alleged in court documents, Nilson Sneyder Vasquez Duarte, a/k/a “Sobri,” a/k/a “Sobrino,” (Duarte), 34, and co-conspirators coordinated the delivery of cash and cryptocurrency to black market cryptocurrency exchangers, including to Hernan Horacio Richard Samper (Samper), 59, Maria Eugenia Landeros Rosas, a/k/a “Yeni,” (Landeros), 52, Raimundo Carlos Rodriguez Huter (Huter), 40, Mayccol Hejeile Morales (Morales), 36, and Hernan Julian Calvo Bueno (Calvo Bueno), 34. Sergio Fernando Vargas Alvarez (Alvarez), 37, Juan Carlos Riano Muentes (Riano), 36, Jesus Ivan Rincon Martinez (Rincon), 45, Morales, and Calvo Bueno also acted as couriers, physically transporting the cash between U.S. cities. All nine defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of the operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business. Duarte, Landeros, Huter, Rincon, Morales, Calvo Bueno, and Alvarez are also charged with substantive money laundering counts. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami, Acting Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Hipkins of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS CI), Miami Field Office, and Sheriff Gregory Tony of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) made the announcement. HSI, IRS CI, and BSO are investigating the case under the El Dorado Task Force. Senior Litigation Counsel Michael N. Berger and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nalina Sombuntham for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Schwartz and Jeffrey Kaplan prosecuted prior related cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jorge R. Delgado is handling asset forfeiture. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. 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 24-cr-20367. ###


title: Cape Cod Man Sentenced to Over Six Years in Prison for Fentanyl, Fentanyl Analogue and Cocaine Offenses

body_text: BOSTON – A Cape Cod man was sentenced today for drug distribution offenses. Terrance Cardoza, 28, of Mashpee, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 78 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. In July 2024, Cardoza pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; two counts of distribution and possession of 10 grams or more of fentanyl analogue; and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. On four dates in June, July, September and November 2023, Cardoza met a confidential source in Falmouth and East Falmouth and sold the confidential source narcotics, including fentanyl and fentanyl analogue. At the time of his arrest in January 2024, approximately 758 grams of cocaine was recovered from Cardoza’s vehicle. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Falmouth, Mashpee and Yarmouth Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case. This case 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 .


title: Maryland Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking in Eastern Panhandle

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shawn Gorsira, 53, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to 50 months in prison for distributing heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine in Berkeley County. According to court documents and statements made in court, Gorsira was a distributor for a drug trafficking conspiracy, selling large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in Berkeley County and using a business in Hagerstown, Top 3 Sources Appliances, as a central hub for the drug sales. A search of Top 3 Sources yielded nearly nine kilograms of cocaine and more than one kilogram of heroin. Gorsira will serve three years of supervised release after his prison sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; the U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative (agencies included are the West Virginia State Police, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, Jefferson County Sherriff’s Department, Ranson Police Department, Charles Town Police Department, and Martinsburg City Police Department); West Virginia State Police; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Hagerstown Police Department; the National Resources Police Department; FBI-New York Safe Streets Task Force; the New York Police Department; the New Jersey State Police; the Washington County (Maryland) Drug Task Force; the Maryland State Police; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania investigated. 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. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.