title: Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Warn Consumers About Potential Scams and Price Gouging in the Wake of Hurricanes and other Natural Disasters

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: As the nation braces for another major hurricane, the Justice Department, along with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), is warning consumers about those looking to take advantage of natural disasters by engaging in potential fraud, price gouging and collusive schemes. Scammers quickly exploit weather emergencies and take advantage of people trying to recover or donate to disaster victims. Weather emergencies provide disruptions to the supply chain, which can also provide opportunities for wrongdoers to engage in collusive schemes that inflate prices charged to customers who are under extreme stress and therefore unable to fight back against collusive or anticompetitive prices. “Companies are on notice: do not use the hurricane as an excuse to exploit people through illegal behavior,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Manish Kumar of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will act quickly to root out anticompetitive behavior and use every tool available to hold wrongdoers accountable.” “Wrongdoers are looking to exploit opportunities and victims of natural disasters for their own personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe Jr. for the Middle District of Louisiana, who is also Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF). “The Justice Department, including the NCDF, stands ready to prevent these bad actors from fraudulent activity. We are here to support victims of natural disasters during these difficult times together with our state, local and federal partners, and agencies. In an effort to assist the most vulnerable neighbors who are susceptible to these types of fraudulent schemes, we encourage you to be diligent in reporting suspicious activity on their behalf.” “As Americans seek safety from natural disasters, we’re hearing troubling reports of price gouging for essentials that are necessary for people to get out of harm’s way — from hotels to groceries to gas,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. “No American should have to worry about paying grossly inflated prices when fleeing a hurricane. In partnership with state enforcers, the FTC will keep fighting to ensure that Americans can get the relief they need without being ripped off by bad actors exploiting a crisis.” “Price gouging during a natural disaster is just plain wrong, and excessive price increases can be unfair under the law,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “The CFPB will be on the lookout for financial companies that take advantage of natural disasters to rip people off.” Possible types of natural disaster scams include: Fraudulent charities soliciting donations for disaster victims that often imitate the names of charities linked to the disaster; Scammers impersonating government officials, offering disaster relief in exchange for personal information or money; Scammers promoting non-existent businesses or investment opportunities related to disaster recovery, such as rebuilding or flood-proofing; Price gouging for essential goods and services needed by disaster victims; and Businesses using supply chain disruptions as a cover for collusion to overcharge customers. To avoid scams and frauds while you’re recovering from a hurricane or another natural disaster, remember only scammers will insist you pay for services by wire transfer, gift card, payment app, cryptocurrency or in cash. Avoid anyone who promises they can help you qualify for relief for a fee. That’s a scam. You are not required to pay a fee to get disaster relief. Never sign your insurance check over to someone else. Be sure to research contractors and get estimates from more than one before signing a contract for work. Get a written contract for repairs and read it carefully before signing it. The Justice Department established the NCDF in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to deter, investigate and prosecute fraud in the wake of disasters. More than 50 federal, state and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which reminds the public to be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims. Complaints of fraud may be reported online at www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm . Complaints may also be reported to the NCDF at (866) 720-5721, a hotline that is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Consumers and businesses with concerns about potentially anticompetitive conduct like price-fixing, bid-rigging, or customer-allocation can report those concerns to the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or by visiting www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations .


title: Formerly Married Couple Sentenced For Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Schemes

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, FL – United States District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Nikesh Ajay Patel (40, formerly of Windermere), and his ex-wife, Trisha Patel, (41, Orlando), for their roles in a financial scheme defrauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and others. On October 8, 2024, Nikesh Patel was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison, which must run consecutive to a 25-year term he is already serving from the Northern District of Illinois. Trisha Patel was sentenced on September 18, 2024, to 51 months in federal prison. Both are required to pay restitution to the USDA and four other financial institutions. According to court documents, Nikesh Patel was charged in 2014 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Illinois for a $179 million fraud scheme. He was arrested and released on bond. For the next several years, Nikesh Patel claimed that he was cooperating with authorities and using his business skills to recover funds to repay the victims. In fact, Nikesh Patel had devised a new scheme against the USDA that netted him over $19 million. Nikesh Patel was planning to flee to Ecuador on a private jet and avoid sentencing in the Chicago case. Instead, FBI agents arrested Nikesh Patel at the Kissimmee airport on January 6, 2018, and arrested him for attempting to abscond. Nikesh Patel was subsequently returned to Chicago, where he was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison on June 6, 2018. Thereafter, on December 18, 2019, a federal grand jury in Orlando returned a 13-count indictment against Nikesh Patel for stealing $19 million while he was on federal pretrial release in the Chicago case. On February 28, 2023, Patel pleaded guilty as charged to all counts in that indictment: one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and eight counts of money laundering. In the 2019 case, Nikesh Patel fabricated fraudulent loan documents and used a fictitious identity to perpetrate his conspiracy and scheme. He then applied to the USDA to guarantee the fake loans as part of their Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program. Once the USDA agreed to guarantee the loans, Nikesh Patel sold the guaranteed portion to the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac) and received $19,342,392. The FBI was able to recover $11,321,931 and Nikesh Patel was ordered to pay the remaining portion as restitution to Farmer Mac. While Nikesh Patel was in federal custody for the 2019 case, he recruited Trisha Patel (his wife at the time) to perpetrate a third financial scheme. Between January 2021 and December 2023, Nikesh and Trisha Patel devised a more sophisticated scheme utilizing a commercial pump manufacturer in Houston, Texas. At the direction of Nikesh Patel, Trisha pretended to be a senior representative of the company and falsely claimed to USDA that they wanted to expand their business in rural Puerto Rico. The Patels then created a fake lender to pretend that it was loaning $8,540,000 to the business for the expansion. USDA guaranteed 80% of the fake loan, and the Patels then sold that guarantee to financial institutions and received $7,446,880. The FBI was able to recover $74,545 in currency and a 2022 BMW model X7. The defendants were ordered to pay the remaining portion to USDA and four other financial institutions as restitution. For the third scheme, Trisha Patel and Nikesh Patel each pleaded guilty to an Information charging one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on May 21, 2024, and May 22, 2024, respectively. These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General. They were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Felicetta and United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.


title: Arizona Man Sentenced to 49 Months in Prison for $4.4 Million Conspiracy to Defraud IRS

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – An Arizona man was sentenced today to 49 months in prison for conspiring to obtain over $4.4 million by defrauding the IRS, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Walid Khater, 38, of Mesa, Arizona, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS. Walid Khater’s conspirator, Omar Khater, 33, of Fairfield, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty to the same charges and was sentenced on June 12, 2024, to 57 months in prison. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Walid and Omar Khater were relatives who worked together and with others to steal victims’ identities, which they used to file false tax returns and fraudulently receive tax refunds from the IRS. They electronically submitted tax documents to the IRS falsely claiming that the individual taxpayers listed on those documents had earned certain income or won thousands – and in some cases millions – of dollars in gambling and lottery winnings. The false filings also claimed tax withholdings on the purported income or gambling winnings that entitled the tax filer to refund payments from the IRS. The Khaters and others typically submitted these fraudulent tax filings using the names and personal identifying information of individual taxpayers without their knowledge or permission. The fraudulent filings caused the IRS to pay lucrative tax refunds, totaling $4.49 million, which the Khaters and others directed to various bank accounts that they controlled. In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti sentenced Walid Khater to three years of supervised release and ordered restitution of $4.49 million. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, and special agents of FBI-Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado with the investigation leading to the sentencing. He also thanked the NJ Transit Police. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fatime Meka Cano of the Economic Crimes Unit and Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.


title: Bakersfield Man Pleads Guilty to Burglarizing a U.S. Post Office in Kern County

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Shawn Van Dixon, 39, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty Tuesday to burglary of a U.S. Post Office, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, on Oct. 28, 2023, Van Dixon forcefully broke into the U.S. Post Office in Caliente, California, by smashing in a glass door with a black hatchet. Van Dixon broke in just before working hours when the post office was empty. Once inside he stole several mail items, including envelopes, letters, and packages, from post office boxes and other locations belonging to more than 10 victims before driving off in a stolen truck. This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple is prosecuting the case. Van Dixon is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 28, 2025, by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez. Van Dixon faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.


title: Texas Man Pleads Guilty To Cocaine Distribution

body_text: Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Julio Deleon (38, Brownsville, TX) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Deleon faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. Deleon is scheduled to be sentenced on January 9, 2024. According to court documents, on January 25, 2024, officers from the Bradenton Police Department attempted to stop a vehicle in which Deleon was the passenger. Once the vehicle stopped, Deleon fled, but he was quickly apprehended. During a search of the vehicle officers located a backpack with just under five kilograms of cocaine, which was on the floor by the front passenger seat where Deleon had been sitting. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bradenton Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Sentence of Shiprock Man for Voluntary Manslaughter

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - A Shiprock man was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison, the maximum penalty pursuant to the plea agreement, for the fatal beating of another man during an altercation. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on June 26, 2022, Morrie Lee Begaye , 37, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, started a fight with John Doe, also an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, at a residence in Shiprock, New Mexico, which is within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation in San Juan County. Begaye attacked John Doe, and after the fight went to the ground, he punched and kicked Doe in the head and body. John Doe was airlifted to University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque where imaging revealed he had a large bleed in the space surrounding the left side of his brain. The bleed was large enough to cause the brain to shift inside the skull, leading to compression of vital structures of the brain. John Doe was in a coma, and the neurosurgical team deemed his injuries too severe for surgical intervention. The following day, on June 28, 2022, he was declared brain dead and granted others the gift of life through organ donation on June 29, 2022. Upon his release from prison, Begaye will be subject to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caitlin L. Dillon and Brittany DuChaussee are prosecuting the case. # # #


title: Utah Outdoor Retailer Accused of Evading $1.8M in Taxes

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: ST. GEORGE, Utah – A federal grand jury in St. George returned an indictment charging a Southern Utah business owner with tax crimes. According to court documents, Phyllip Hallman Heaton, 42, of Washington City, Utah, owns and operates Zion Outfitter, an outdoor retail and rental shop near the entrance of Zion National Park. It is alleged that, between 2018 and 2022, Heaton underreported over $5.4 million in sales. He did so by providing his tax-return preparers with profit and loss statements that underreported Zion Outfitter’s gross receipts, falsely representing to his tax preparers that the profit and loss statements were accurate, signing and authorizing the filing of tax returns with the IRS that he knew were false, and structuring cash deposits into Zion Outfitter’s checking account. This resulted in Heaton evading over $1.8 million in taxes. Heaton is charged with five counts of evasion of assessment of income tax and five counts of fraud and false statements. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for October 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the St. George Courthouse. U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI). Assistant United States Attorney Stephen P. Dent of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Disbarred Attorney Admits Defrauding Victims in Ponzi-Like Wire Fraud Scheme

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Somerset County, New Jersey, disbarred attorney today admitted a wire fraud scheme that caused losses of more than $1 million, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Lawrence Coven, 61, of Hillsborough, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Coven operated and controlled Sunrise Enterprises LLC, which purported to provide financial services to investors. In reality, Coven induced victim investors into sending him funds by falsely representing that he would invest their money through Sunrise in exchange for large profits by providing short-term loans to borrowers who could not obtain standard loans. He falsely guaranteed investors returns of between 10 to 15 percent on their investments and told investors that their investments were risk-free. But instead of investing the money as he promised, Coven diverted investor funds for personal expenses, including utilities, entertainment, real estate, credit card bills, and cash withdrawals. And when investors began asking questions, Coven provided them with false assurances that their money was safe and used money from existing investors to make payments to other investors in a Ponzi-like fashion. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain to the defendant or loss to the victim, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 13, 2025. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado in Newark, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olta Bejleri and Fatime Meka Cano of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark. coven.information.pdf


title: Morocco Man Sentenced to 144 Months in Prison

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: HAMMOND – Seth Alonzo, 20 years old, of Morocco, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to Distribution of Child Pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Alonzo was sentenced to 144 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $13,000 in restitution to the victims of his crimes. According to documents in the case, on April 16, 2023, and other dates, Alonzo distributed child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through social media. A subsequent search warrant of Alonzo’s home and electronic devices revealed there were approximately 114 images and 90 videos of CSAM in his possession as well. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Indiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas M. McGrath and Nadia Wardrip. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Republic Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Trafficking, Illegal Firearms

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Republic, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for illegally possessing fentanyl to distribute and several firearms following two instances in which he fled from law enforcement officers. Tonikko Fewell, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 16 years in federal prison without parole. On April 22, 2024, Fewell pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. On Aug. 16, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Fewell’s residence. Fewell drove by his residence while officers were executing the search warrant. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Fewell dropped off a female passenger and quickly sped away at speeds over 100 miles per hour. Officers discontinued the pursuit over public safety concerns. Officers searched Fewell’s residence and found approximately 588 grams of fentanyl, $3,420 in cash, and an Anderson .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle, which had been reported stolen, with a fully loaded 40-round magazine. Officers also found a Jimenez Arms 9mm semi-automatic pistol that had been reported stolen and a Walther 9mm semi-automatic pistol in a vehicle parked at the residence. On Dec. 8, 2021, a Springfield, Mo., police detective attempted to conduct a traffic stop of an orange Cadillac Fewell was driving. The detective did not pursue the vehicle, but shortly afterward saw the vehicle had been involved in a three-car accident at the intersection of Commercial Street and National Avenue. The detective searched the vehicle and found 54 grams of fentanyl and $4,232 in cash. Fewell, a passenger, and their 2-year-old daughter were transported to the hospital for treatment. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Fewell has a prior felony conviction for unlawful use of a weapon. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Republic, Mo., Police Department, and the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department. Project Safe Neighborhoods 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: Annandale-Based Doctor Pleads Guilty to Distributing Oxycodone and Promethazine-Codeine Solution, Money Laundering

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ABINGDON, Va. – An Annandale-based doctor, who conspired with others to distribute more than 7,000 oxycodone pills, 34,000 milliliters of hydrocodone-chlorpheniramine solution, and 107,000 milliliters of promethazine-codeine solution, pled guilty this week in federal court. Rotimi Iluyomade, 68, of Alexandria, Virginia, waived his right to be indicted and pled guilty to a two-count Information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone, to obtain drugs by fraud and to maintain a place for the purpose of disturbing a controlled substance and one count of money laundering. “Every doctor takes an oath to treat their patient and to do no harm, but when a doctor falls short of that oath, they must be held accountable,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “In this case, a doctor put many in harm’s way. I am grateful to those who worked to stop the supply of these addictive and dangerous substances from reaching our communities and holding accountable a doctor who profited from the addictions of others.” “Healthcare providers have a vital responsibility when it comes to dispensing medications to meet the health needs of their patients,” mentioned DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget. “This plea demonstrates Iluyomade’s criminal indifference to the lives of others, and the families who loved them. His reckless and fraudulent practices placed profits over the fragile lives of others. Our team is dedicated to safeguarding the safety and well-being of all individuals across the nation. This commitment includes ensuring that licensed professionals adhere to the law and report any hazardous conduct.” According to court documents, between 2023 and June 2024, Iluyomade and at least 8 other co-conspirators entered into an agreement to distribute more than 7,000 oxycodone pills and more than 34,000 milliliters of hydrocodone-chlorpheniramine solution to individuals in multiple states. In addition, the co-conspirators agreed to acquire and obtain promethazine-codeine solution by fraud and to maintain a medical clinic known as Crossover Medical Center in Annandale, Virginia, for the purpose of unlawfully distributing controlled substances. The conspiracy began in 2022 when, after an almost 30-year career as an emergency medicine physician, Iluyomade leased office space at the Crossover Medical Center and opened a pain management and weight loss clinic. Shortly after opening his clinic, an individual came to the clinic requesting a specific medication, promethazine-codeine solution (also known as “lean” or “purple drank”) for what they claimed was a chronic cough. Iluyomade examined the individual and prescribed promethazine-codeine solution. The individual returned to the clinic several times and told Iluyomade that they were not using the promethazine-codeine for themself but was selling it to others for profit. Beginning in 2023, multiple individuals visited Iluyomade’s clinic to obtain fraudulent prescriptions for promethazine-codeine solution, as well as fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone pills and hydrocodone-chlorpheniramine solution, also known as “Tussionex.” On many occasions, the individuals provided Iluyomade with lists of multiple “patients” with fake identifying information or different variations of names and false addresses, and requested prescriptions be sent to pharmacies throughout the United States for the “patients” on the lists. Iluyomade issued the requested prescriptions without examining the “patients” and often co-prescribed non-controlled medications such as steroids and antibiotics to attempt to make the prescriptions for controlled substances look legitimate. Iluyomade was paid $300 for each fraudulent prescription he wrote. He wrote the prescriptions knowing they had no legitimate medical purpose and solely for his own monetary gain. At least 70 of the illegal controlled substance prescriptions were transmitted to and/or filled at pharmacies in the Western District of Virginia. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Virginia State Police, the Salisbury, Maryland Police Department, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, and the Russell County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Valuable investigative assistance was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Busscher is prosecuting the case.


title: Ivanhoe Man Pleads Guilty to Drug, Gun Charges

body_text: ABINGDON, Va. – A previously convicted felon who illegally possessed a firearm and possessed distribution quantities of methamphetamine pled guilty recently to a pair of federal charges. Troy Alexander Stamper III, 34, of Ivanhoe, Virginia, pled guilty last week to one count of possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. According to court documents, on June 23, 2023 the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in Fries, Virginia to locate a wanted subject. Upon arriving at the residence, a witness reported that the wanted subject, and Stamper, fled upon seeing sheriff’s deputies arriving. In addition, the witness further reported that Stamper was in possession of a pistol. The wanted subject was found hiding underneath the residence and stated that Stamper had stashed a duffel bag and a pistol underneath the porch of the residence. Deputies located the duffel bag, which contained a loaded, semiautomatic 9 mm pistol, 87 grams of methamphetamine, .873 grams of fentanyl, and 4 oxycodone tablets. Stamper was apprehended a short time later and admitted that the pistol and bag containing the drugs belonged to him. United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and James VanVliet, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement. The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee is prosecuting the case.


title: Justice Department Obtains Injunction to Prevent California Company from Manufacturing and Distributing Adulterated Food Following Listeria Outbreak

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A federal court yesterday enjoined a California company from manufacturing and distributing adulterated food products following a listeria outbreak linked to multiple hospitalizations and two deaths, the Justice Department announced. In a civil complaint filed on Sept. 27, 2024, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, the United States alleged that Rizo Lopez Foods Inc., along with its President, Chief Executive Officer and co-owner, Edwin Rizo, and its Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and co‑owner Tomas Rizo, violated the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) at the company’s facility in Modesto by manufacturing and distributing adulterated food products. Rizo Lopez Foods produced cotija cheese and other cheeses, yogurt, sour cream, and other foods sold under the brand names Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, Rio Grande, Food City, El Huache, La Ordena, San Carlos, Campesino, Santa Maria, Dos Ranchitos, Casa Cardenas, and 365 Whole Foods Market. The complaint further alleged that, in January, Hawaiian state health officials detected Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono), the bacterial pathogen that can cause listeriosis, in cheese made by the defendants. The government further alleged that during a subsequent inspection of the defendant’s facility, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found L. mono in two locations as well as various insanitary conditions. The complaint alleged that a genetic analysis matched the L. mono strain collected in Hawaii to the strain from defendants’ facility, as well as to L. mono samples from patients sickened as early as 2014 during a years-long listeriosis outbreak. An investigation by the Centers for Disease Control identified 26 cases of listeriosis in 11 states linked to the same L. mono strain. The CDC reported that 23 individuals were hospitalized as a result of the outbreak, including two patients who died. In February, Rizo Lopez recalled all cheese and dairy products produced at their facility. “Food producers in the Eastern District of California feed the nation,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “Our office is committed to assuring compliance with the FDCA throughout the District.” “Food manufacturers have an important responsibility to ensure the safety of their products,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department and FDA will continue to work closely on enforcement actions against food manufacturers who fail to meet their obligations and put the health of their customers at risk.” The defendants agreed to settle the suit and be bound by a consent decree of permanent injunction. The injunction entered by the court permanently enjoins the defendants from violating the FDCA. As part of the settlement, the defendants represented that they have discontinued all operations related to preparing and processing food. Under the permanent injunction, the defendants must notify FDA in advance of resuming such operations, comply with specific remedial measures set forth in the injunction, and allow FDA to inspect their facility, including the buildings, sanitation-related systems, equipment, utensils, all articles of food, and relevant records. Trial Attorney David G. Crockett Jr. and Senior Trial Attorney James Nelson prosecuted this case with assistance from Assistant Chief Counsel for Enforcement Lauren Fash of the FDA’s Office of Chief Counsel. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emilia Morris handled the case in the Eastern District of California. Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . The claims resolved by the consent decree announced today are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Drug Trafficker Sentenced for Operating Methamphetamine Labs

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ATLANTA - Genaro Davalos-Pulido has been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute multiple kilograms of methamphetamine and for illegally possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking offense. “Methamphetamine manufacturers and traffickers like Davalos-Pulido pose a tremendous threat to the safety of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Thanks to the relentless investigative efforts of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, he’s facing the consequences of his crimes.” “Guns, drugs, and violence are unfortunately all too common tools of the drug traffickers operating in our communities,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Today’s announcement demonstrates DEA’s emphatic commitment to attacking the violent drug dealers responsible for the devastation.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: Between March 2019 and October 2021, Davalos-Pulido and a co-conspirator operated two clandestine methamphetamine conversion laboratories in the Atlanta area. One methamphetamine lab was located in Morrow, Georgia. DEA special agents discovered the site after receiving information that Davalos-Pulido, who had been previously convicted in the Southern District of Texas in 2013 of importing methamphetamine from Mexico, and his co-conspirator were bringing supplies, known to be used in meth conversion labs, to a home in a Morrow. On April 23, 2019, DEA agents saw Davalos-Pulido and his co-conspirator driving two vehicles, including a Saturn hatchback, back and forth from this Morrow residence. Davalos-Pulido was seen loading the hatchback with several buckets, colanders, and a plastic pitcher at the house. They then returned the hatchback to a restaurant parking lot and left in another vehicle. A few minutes later, a third individual drove away in the hatchback. Clayton County, Georgia police stopped the vehicle and located the buckets, colanders, and pitcher in the trunk. Several of the paint buckets contained liquid methamphetamine mixed with paint, totaling over 156 kilograms. Davalos-Pulido and his co-conspirator fled the area after the seizure. In October 2021, DEA agents located Davalos-Pulido and his co-conspirator at a second meth lab at a home in Norcross, Georgia. On October 21, 2021, agents arrested the co-conspirator. Agents and law enforcement then executed a search warrant at the residence and recovered a loaded firearm on the center armrest of a couch that also concealed thousands of dollars in cash. Agents also found a large .50 caliber rifle, three buckets of liquid methamphetamine mixed with paint, containers, strainers, acetone, propane tanks, and other materials used for cooking methamphetamine. Investigators also found smaller amounts of crystal methamphetamine, heroin, a digital scale, and a money counter inside the home. Davalos-Pulido was arrested following the search. Genaro Davalos-Pulido, 31, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross to 20 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Davalos-Pulido was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime on June 26, 2024, after he pleaded guilty. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with valuable assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Lawrenceville Police Department, Clayton County Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, and Long Beach (California) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bethany L. Rupert and Thomas M. Forsyth, III prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: St. Michael Man Pleads Guilty to Child Abuse in Death of One-Year-Old

component: USAO - North Dakota

body_text: Fargo – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that Collin Ray Delorme, also known as Collin Ray Delorme Sr., age 29, from St. Michael, North Dakota, appeared in federal court on October 9, 2024, in Fargo and pleaded guilty before District Court Judge Peter Welte to three counts of Child Abuse in Indian country. As noted in court documents, on February 18, 2023, Delorme’s co-defendant Kenzie Rose Baker called 911 from a home in St. Michael on the Spirit Lake Reservation and reported a one-year-old child was not breathing. The child was transported to CHI St. Alexius in Devils Lake, North Dakota and was pronounced dead. An autopsy concluded the cause of death was “battered child” due to multiple, repeated injuries of various ages, evident upon external and internal examination. The child’s internal injuries were untreated, given rise to infection and sepsis. Baker admitted she observed swelling present for two weeks but failed to seek medical care. After the child’s death, Delorme claimed an external injury to the child’s back, which was above a spinal fracture, occurred when he misjudged a step and his boot slipped and a flashlight hit the child. Two of the charges that Delorme pleaded guilty to are related to his abuse and the resulting death of the one-year-old child. The third charge is the result of Delorme’s abuse of a second child, who was three years old, by hitting the child on the arms and throwing him on the bed. Delorme is scheduled for sentencing on February 18, 2025, and faces a maximum sentence of forty years in prison. On August 16, 2024, Baker pled guilty to charges of Accessory after the Fact; Child Abuse in Indian country; Child Neglect in Indian country. Baker is scheduled to be sentenced on January 22, 2025. Baker and Delorme are detained pending sentencing. “Today’s guilty plea is a step towards accountability for the heartrending death of a young child,” Schneider said. “The way this toddler was treated was horrific and shameful. Whether it is at multi-disciplinary team meetings throughout the District of North Dakota or by holding child abusers accountable in federal court, our career prosecutors and partners in law enforcement are committed to protecting kids and preventing tragic cases like this one.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lori H. Conroy and SheraLynn Ternes. Previous Press release for co-defendant Kenzie Rose Baker can be seen HERE : ######


title: Salvadorian Man Sentenced for Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Salvadoran man living in Somerville was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. Tony Joel Salvador Umanzor, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to eight months in prison. In June 2024, Salvador Umanzor pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of deported alien. In May 2024, Salvador Umanzor was indicted by a federal grand jury. He has been in federal custody since his initial appearance in federal court on May 9, 2024. Salvador Umanzor was removed from the United States on Oct. 10, 2018 following a state conviction in 2013 for trafficking oxycodone, for which he was sentenced to five years and one day in prison. Sometime after his removal, Salvador Umanzor unlawfully reentered the United States, and was located in April 2024 following a state arrest for unrelated conduct. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Three men charged with stealing mail

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael Robinson, 32, Lamor Runell Bolden, 26, and Antonio Jones, Jr., 24, were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy and theft of mail, which carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, late during the overnight of October 1 into October 2, 2024, investigators were conducting surveillance of the Cayuga Road Post Office. At approximately 1:30 a.m. on October 2, 2024, law enforcement observed a dark-colored SUV enter the driveway from Cayuga Road and drive up to the blue mailboxes outside the post office. The vehicle stopped immediately adjacent to the back side of the mailboxes, rather than on the front side, which contains the drop slots for customers. The back side of each mailbox contains the locked U.S. Postal Service access door for employees to remove customer mail for processing. Law enforcement then observed two individuals exit the vehicle, approach the back side of the mailboxes, where one of the two appeared to use a key to access the mailboxes and remove the contents. The other individual appeared to act as a sort of “lookout.” The two then got back in the vehicle and left the area. Law enforcement continued to observe the vehicle, which was later intercepted by Cheektowaga Police, and a traffic stop was initiated. There were three individuals in the vehicle, including defendants Robinson, Bolden, and Jones. There was a substantial amount of mail in the vehicle, some sealed and some open, and an arrow key. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Owner of Garfield Counseling Center Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Orchestrating Health Care Fraud Scheme

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – The owner of a New Jersey counseling center was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for her role in a health care fraud scheme involving hundreds of false claims, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Maria P. Cosentino, 61, of Garfield, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden to an information charging her with participating in a health care fraud scheme. Judge Hayden imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court, According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court: Cosentino owned Bergen Alliance Counseling Services, which provided counseling services and mental health treatment to children, families, couples, and adults. She admitted that for years she submitted false claims to private health insurance plans for counseling sessions that she never provided. Cosentino falsely claimed that various individuals had received counseling at the center when in fact they had been out of the country, had ceased attending the practice, or had never visited the counseling center at all. The false claims caused insurance plans to issue reimbursement checks to the center even though the individuals had never received any treatment. Cosentino kept the illicit profits, which totaled more than $700,000. In addition to the prison term, Judge Hayden sentenced Cosentino to three years of supervised release and ordered her to pay restitution of $708,038. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado in Newark, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney DeNae Thomas of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.


title: Eight Individuals Charged in $68 Million Social Adult Day Care and Home Health Care Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: An indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging eight defendants for their alleged roles in a scheme to defraud Medicaid of approximately $68 million through the operation of two Brooklyn-based social adult day cares and a home health care financial intermediary that were paying kickbacks and bribes for services that were not provided. The defendants were arrested this morning and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Lois Bloom. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Nicole M. Argentieri, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General and head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Naomi Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI); and Thomas G. Donlon, Interim Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrests and charges. “Social adult day care and home health services are meant to help seniors, but as alleged, the defendants allegedly turned their businesses into a brazen cash grab of millions of dollars from the Medicaid program,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “My Office is committed to investigating and prosecuting those who plunder taxpayer-funded, federal health care programs dollars while purporting to offer health care services.” “As alleged in the indictment, these defendants orchestrated a years-long scheme to defraud Medicaid of tens of millions of dollars for social adult day care and home care services for seniors that they did not provide,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendants allegedly paid cash bribes and kickbacks to recruiters and Medicaid recipients as part of a scheme to enrich themselves at the expense of vital programs for senior citizens. Today’s charges make clear that the Criminal Division will not tolerate schemes that brazenly steal from federal health care programs.” “HHS-OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations that bribes and kickbacks are paid with Medicaid monies,” stated HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Gruchacz. “Individuals and entities that participate in the federal health care system are required to obey the laws meant to preserve the integrity of program funds and the provision of appropriate, quality services to patients.” “As alleged, the defendants saw nothing beyond the dollar signs associated with their crimes, and in turn defrauded the U.S. government of $68 million in welfare funds meant for one of our country’s most vulnerable populations,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Walker. “Today’s announcement underscores the HSI New York El Dorado Task Force’s unrelenting focus on dismantling and disrupting financial fraud schemes that exploit the American public and hurt our economy.” “The crimes outlined in this indictment take advantage of a network that offers essential health care and other services to those in need,” stated Interim NYPD Commissioner Donlon. “Let it be clear: Anyone who attempts to profit by defrauding the system will face consequences, as these schemes drain already limited resources and deprive beneficiaries of crucial funds. I commend our NYPD investigators and federal law enforcement partners for their successful and continued collaboration.” According to court documents, beginning in approximately October 2017, the defendants Zakia Khan and Ahsan Ijaz owned and operated two Brooklyn-based social adult day cares, Happy Family Social Adult Day Care, Inc. (Happy Family) and Family Social Adult Day Care, Inc. (Family Social), and a financial intermediary, Responsible Care Staffing, Inc. (Responsible Care), for the New York Medicaid Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), which permits family members of Medicaid recipients to receive payment for assisting Medicaid recipients with activities of daily living. In exchange for kickbacks and bribes, marketers Elaine Antao, Omneah Hamdi, and Manal Wasef referred Medicaid recipients to Happy Family, Family Social and/or Responsible Care. The marketers in turn allegedly paid kickbacks and bribes to Medicaid recipients for social adult day care and CDPAP services that Happy Family, Family Social and Responsible Care billed to Medicaid but were not provided or were induced by kickbacks and bribes. Ansir Abassi and Amran Hashmi managed Happy Family and Family Social and the marketers. To carry out the kickback scheme, Khan, Antao, Ijaz, Abassi and Hamdi allegedly used business entities to launder the fraud proceeds and generate the cash used to pay kickbacks and bribes. Seema Memon, an employee of Happy Family who was previously charged by complaint on July 1, 2024, was also indicted for conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Most of the New York Medicaid recipients enrolled at Happy Family and Family Social were paid illegal cash kickbacks and bribes and did not actually visit Happy Family or Family Social or receive CDPAP services arranged through Responsible Care on the purported dates of service as claimed to New York Medicaid/Managed Long Term Care plans. In some instances, the Medicaid recipients were outside the United States on the purported dates of service. Khan is charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, paying health care kickbacks, conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering, 10 years in prison for each count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud and paying health care kickbacks and five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks. Abassi, Antao, Hamdi and Ijaz are charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering, 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks. Hashmi is charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks and paying health care kickbacks. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud and paying health care kickbacks and five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks. Memon is charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks and paying health care kickbacks. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and paying health care kickbacks and five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks. Wasef is charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks. The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Trial Attorney Patrick J. Campbell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case with Assistant United States Attorney Tanisha R. Payne of the Eastern District of New York’s Asset Recovery Section, who is handling forfeiture matters and Paralegal Specialist Jonah Levine. The Defendants: KHAN, ZAKIA Age: 53 Brooklyn, New York ABASSI, ANSIR (also known as “Zaib Abassi” and “Ansir Zaib”) Age: 38 Brooklyn, New York ANTAO, ELAINE (also known as “Aleena”) Age: 45 Brooklyn, New York HAMDI, OMNEAH Age: 61 Brooklyn, New York HASHMI, AMRAN Age: 53 Brooklyn, New York IJAZ, AHSAM Age: 27 Brooklyn, New York MEMON, SEEMA Age: 30 Brooklyn, New York WASEF, MANAL Age: 44 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No.: 24-CR-409 (AMD)


title: Registered sex offender arrested on federal charges alleging he targets & exploits local high school students

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Law enforcement agents arrested a Columbus man this morning on federal charges alleging he sexually exploited high school girls and coerced them into engaging in commercial sex acts. Terrance P. Cummings, 29, has a criminal history of unlawful sexual conduct with minors dating back to 2016. In this case, Cummings’s federal child exploitation charge carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years and up to 50 years in prison and the coercion and enticement charge pending against him is punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison. The FBI asks anyone with information related to the criminal allegations against Cummings to text 740-428-0739. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, in July 2024, the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force received information about a 16-year-old victim allegedly receiving gifts and illicit substances from Cummings in exchange for sex acts. The court documents allege Cummings had sex with numerous minor victims in exchange for drugs in addition to requesting nude images of them. On some occasions, Cummings would allegedly provide the drug to the minor victims before engaging in sex acts with them. It is alleged that Cummings sold or provided fentanyl, marijuana, Xanax, cocaine, acid and ecstasy. While executing a search warrant at Cummings’s apartment in August, agents discovered a variety of narcotics, along with two iPhones submerged in the water tank on the back of the bathroom toilet, which Cummings had allegedly attempted to destroy after learning about the warrant. Cummings’s electronics and other accounts contained more than 18,000 sexual images and videos including child pornography. The investigation revealed that Cummings requested sexually explicit content in exchange for money, gifts and drugs. Cummings is charged with sexually exploiting a minor, distributing, receiving or possessing child pornography, coercion and enticement of a minor, and obstruction of justice. His case was unsealed today, and he appeared in federal court at 1:15pm. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and Jennifer Rausch are representing the United States in this case. The Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force was formed under Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, and includes resources from the Columbus Division of Police, Homeland Security Investigations, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Powell Police Department, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, The Ohio State University Police Department, Marysville Division of Police, Salvation Army, Southeast Healthcare, the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office and the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office. A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. # # #


title: Bikini barista coffee stand owner, who underreported income to commit tax fraud, sentenced to prison, fine, and community service

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – The owner of a string of bikini barista coffee stands was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 30 days in prison, a $5,000 fine, and 100 hours of community service for tax fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Rajesh Mathew, 45, of Auburn, Washington, pleaded guilty to making and subscribing a false tax return. In his plea agreement Mathew, admitted he underreported a substantial amount of income over a period of several years. At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Tana Lin said, “Tax fraud is an enormous problem…. It is a serious crime…. There is no excuse for hiding half a million dollars in a life of privilege, except greed.” Judge Lin rejected the defense request for a sentence of home confinement saying it would only be an inconvenience, and not reflective of the seriousness of the offense. The sentencing today is the first in a series of cases involving one family whose various members own strings of coffee stands. Mathew’s brother-in-law Assad Baragzai, 47, also of Auburn, admitted in August 2024, that between 2016 and 2020 he failed to report as much as $6 million in income on his tax returns. Baragzai faces up to three years in prison when sentenced by Judge Lin on November 18, 2024. In asking for a 4-month prison sentence for Mathew, Assistant United States Attorney Michael Dion wrote to the court, “…most Americans pay their taxes voluntarily and on time – as much as 85%, by IRS estimates. The root of the tax evasion problem is not widespread fraud, but rather a small minority of people and businesses who refuse to pay what they owe. Raj Mathew is one of those people. Mathew ran a successful business and earned a comfortable living. Nevertheless, year after year, he chose to cheat the government and, by extension, his fellow citizens. There is no sign of any excuse or extenuating circumstances. Mathew simply did not want to pay what he owed.” Mathew has already paid restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. He may also face additional civil penalties, fines, and interest for the tax loss. Filing or subscribing a false tax return is punishable by up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine or twice the gain or loss from the offense. The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Dion.


title: Las Vegas Man Indicted For Cyberstalking Via Social Media

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident made his initial appearance Tuesday for allegedly sending thousands of messages, including threatening messages, via Instagram to two employees of the University of Texas at Austin. According to allegations contained in the indictment, beginning on or about June 6, 2024 to September 16, 2024, Brian Patrick Solomon, 38, sent direct messages threatening to injure two high level employees of the school. In May and June of 2024, Solomon requested a total of $450 via CashApp from a victim. A records check of Solomon revealed that on July 26, 2023, he was arrested in Austin for burglary of vehicle and criminal mischief; and on February 27, 2024, Solomon was arrested in Nevada for stalking. As a result, a protection order was entered against Solomon. In July 2024, one victim attended the ESPYs and was scheduled for a speaking engagement. Solomon communicated to the victim that he had purchased a ticket for the event. While the event revoked his ticket due to safety concerns, the victim paid out of pocket to hire security. On September 16, 2024, the FBI arrested Solomon. After he was advised of his Miranda rights, Solomon admitted that he used multiple Instagram accounts to send a few thousand direct messages to the victim and that he had become angry with her. Additionally, Solomon admitted he had requested money from the victim to travel to the victim, and he had previously traveled via airplane to Austin. A jury trial has been scheduled for December 17, 2024, before United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey. Solomon is charged with one count of interstate communications with threat to injure and one count of cyberstalking. If convicted, he faces the maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division made the announcement. This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the University of Texas Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Strange is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: HOLLY MAN SENTENCED TO 85 YEARS FOR SEXUALLY EXPLOITING CHILDREN

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT –A Holly man was sentenced yesterday to 85 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting children, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today. Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit. In addition to the 85-year sentence, United States District Court Kay F. Behm sentenced Jeremy McCallum, 48, to 15 years of supervised release upon his release from prison. According to court documents, on January 31, 2020, law enforcement searched McCallum’s home for child sexually abusive material. The search resulted in the recovery of hard copies and digital files depicting years-long, horrific sexual abuse of three minor children by McCallum. McCallum abused one minor female for the better part of a decade, documenting his abuse of her on VHS tape, on his cell phone, and in Polaroid pictures. He abused another minor female when she was an infant, recording his sexual abuse of her on VHS tape and on his cell phone. Finally, on a VHS tape, an FBI agent located an instance of sexual abuse that McCallum committed against a minor male. Following years of litigation, McCallum pleaded guilty, on June 18, 2024, to all the charges in the indictment, including ten counts of the sexual exploitation of a child and one count of possession of child pornography. “This defendant committed monstrous crimes. This prosecution and sentence should send a strong message to child predators: you will suffer severe consequences if you harm our children,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. "The despicable acts of sexual exploitation, especially against children, are amongst the most horrific crimes investigated by our office," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "The sentencing of Jeremy McCallum is a direct result of the collaborative efforts between the Michigan State Police and the FBI, Oakland County Resident Agency. This sentencing sends a clear and stern warning to those who believe they can prey on our most vulnerable population and evade justice. The successful prosecution by the United States Attorney's Office of Eastern Michigan is a crucial step in the healing process for those victimized by Mr. McCallum's deplorable and heinous actions." This case was investigated by the FBI and the Michigan State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Rawsthorne and Tara Hindelang.


title: Seventh Member of Houston County Drug Trafficking Organization Receives Federal Prison Sentence

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: Montgomery, AL – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced that a federal judge has sentenced the last of seven individuals for their roles in a drug distribution operation in Houston County, Alabama. On October 8, 2024, 63-year-old Louis Peter Kellenberger III, a resident of Dothan, Alabama received a sentence of 120 months in prison following his conviction for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to court records for each co-defendant and evidence presented at Kellenberger’s trial, Michael Antonio Blackmon, also a resident of Dothan, conspired with Kellenberger and five others to obtain and sell methamphetamine from August 2021 through June 2023. An investigation revealed that Kellenberger utilized Blackmon, who was a known distributor of methamphetamine in the area, as a source of supply. On May 7, 2024, Blackmon received a sentence of 360 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy. Federal guidelines called for a significant sentence for Blackmon due to his serious criminal history and the quantity of illegal drugs attributed to him. When pronouncing Blackmon’s sentence, the judge also considered that Blackmon used various residences to store and sell illegal drugs and played a managerial or supervisory role in the drug distribution operation. Other members of the conspiracy and their sentences include: 63-year-old Randall Pitts received a sentence of 188 months in prison on May 8, 2024; 38-year-old Shane Martin received a sentence of 168 months in prison on March 14, 2024; Dreshawn Shiver, 24, received a 96-month sentence on April 18, 2024; 40-year-old Antwuan Ellis received an 87 months sentence on February 22, 2024; finally, Curtis Bagwell received a sentence of 11 months on June 13, 2024. There is no parole in the federal system. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Dothan Police Department, and the Eufaula Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Wilson and Mark E. Andreu prosecuted.


title: 15 More Defendants Indicted for Meth and Fentanyl Trafficking

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Fifteen more defendants have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy after law enforcement officers seized 100 pounds of methamphetamine and a kilogram of fentanyl pills hidden in a vehicle being transported from San Bernadino, Cal. to Springfield, Mo. Stevie Delane Logan, Jr., 34, Daron Cortez Kelly, 36, Damion Williams, 34, Necole Jennings, 47, Osric Rashaad Edwards, 25, Shawn Weston Morris, 54, and Rikkita Charnay Tolbert, 37, all of Parsons, Kan.; William Edward McKinzie, 52, Juston Dean Crane, 39, and Gary Jay Watkins, Jr., 54, all of Joplin, Mo.; James Richard Sharp, 55, of Seneca, Mo., Jon Kurtis Smith, 39, of El Dorado, Kan.; Christuffer Allen Roeder, 28, of Independence, Kan.; William Earl Troester, Jr., 45, of Wichita, Kan.; and Kylei Paige Sullivan, 27, of St. Paul, Kan., were charged in an 18-count second superseding indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Tuesday, Oct. 1. That indictment was unsealed and made public today following the arrests of all remaining defendants. The initial indictment in this case charged Dontrell Anthony Powell, 34, and his brother, Dreshawn Powell, 27, both of Springfield, and Willie Murry, Jr., 42, and Mark Monta Logan, 33, both of Parsons, on Feb. 6, 2024. They remain as defendants in this second superseding indictment. The federal indictment alleges that 17 of the defendants, with the exceptions of Tolbert and Sullivan, participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl in Greene, Jasper, and Newton Counties, and elsewhere, from Jan. 1, 2022, to April 20, 2024. The federal indictment also alleges that 14 of the defendants, with the exceptions of McKinzie, Crane, Morris, Sharp, and Watkins, participated in a money-laundering conspiracy. Several defendants also are charged in various counts related to drug trafficking and illegally possessing firearms. According to court documents, investigation into the drug-trafficking organization began when a Trooper with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol searched a vehicle on a car hauler at a truck stop in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Jan. 17, 2024. The Trooper found approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of fentanyl pills hidden in a subwoofer speaker box in the cargo area of the car, a Dodge Magnum. The driver of the car hauler, who was not involved in the drug shipment, agreed to deliver the Dodge Magnum to its destination at a parking lot in Springfield. Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration removed the fentanyl pills from the Dodge Magnum and replaced most of the methamphetamine with sham methamphetamine before conducting a controlled delivery of the vehicle the next morning. On January 18, 2024, Dontrell Powell and Dreshawn Powell arrived at the parking lot together in a Mercedes while Murry and Mark Logan arrived together in a BMW. Dontrell Powell met with the driver of the car hauler to sign for the Dodge Magnum and attempted to start the vehicle, but the battery was dead. Murray and Mark Logan helped jump start the Dodge Magnum, and Dontrell Powell drove it out of the parking lot as the other three men followed in their vehicles. Agents followed the three vehicles to Dontrell Powell’s residence, where they were arrested. Agents also searched Dontrell Powell’s residence and found, in addition to the controlled delivery from the Dodge Magnum, an AM-15 pistol, .223 ammunition, several high-capacity magazines with ammunition, more than $100,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. Agents also found a loaded Glock pistol in one of the vehicles, numerous cell phones, four more large subwoofer boxes (two of which contained shards of crystal methamphetamine), and drug paraphernalia. Following the controlled delivery of the Dodge Magnum, agents obtained a court order authorizing the interception of wire and electronic communications over three cellular phones being utilized by Mark Logan’s brother, Stevie Logan, in connection with his distribution of methamphetamine. The investigation culminated on April 20, 2024, when Stevie Logan received a call from McKinzie requesting methamphetamine. Stevie Logan directed Kelly and Williams to retrieve methamphetamine from Jennings’ residence in Parsons, Kan. Kelly and Williams picked Stevie Logan up from a gas station in Pittsburg, Kan., and the three men traveled to a hotel in Joplin, Mo. As McKinzie approached the vehicle, all four men were arrested. Agents searched the vehicle and located approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine inside of a large tub. Agents also searched McKinzie’s hotel room and located an additional five ounces of methamphetamine and three firearms. In addition to the two conspiracies, Dontrell Powell is charged with one count of money laundering, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Dontrell Powell allegedly possessed an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol and a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on January 18, 2024. Dontrell Powell allegedly possessed another Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on June 12, 2022. Dontrell Powell is subject to enhanced penalties resulting from a prior felony conviction for possession of dangerous drugs for sale. Dontrell Powell, Murry, Dreshawn Powell, and Mark Logan are charged together in one count of attempting to possess methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute. Murry and Mark Logan also are charged together in one count of traveling across state lines from Kansas to Missouri with the intent to carry on or facilitate an unlawful activity (possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl). Stevie Logan, Kelly, Williams, and Jennings are charged together in one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and McKinzie is charged with one count of attempting to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Stevie Logan, Kelly, and Williams are charged together in one count of traveling across state lines from Kansas to Missouri with the intent to carry on or facilitate an unlawful activity (possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine). McKinzie also is charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. McKinzie allegedly possessed an Arcadia Machine & Tool .45-caliber pistol, a Ruger 9mm pistol, and a Sundance .25-caliber pistol on April 20, 2024. Sharp also is charged with two counts of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Sharp allegedly possessed a Sig Sauer .45-caliber pistol on May 3, 2021. Crane also is charged with one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Parsons, Kan., Police Department, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, and the Labette County, Kan., Sheriff’s Department. Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force 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: Former Whitefish Housing Authority executive director admits embezzling at least $100,000

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: MISSOULA — The former executive director of the Whitefish Housing Authority today admitted to embezzling at least $100,000 from the organization, which receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. The defendant, Dwarne Lamont Hawkins, 46, pleaded guilty to theft from organization receiving federal funding. Hawkins faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Feb. 7, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hawkins was released pending further proceedings. In court documents, the government alleged that from about May 2023 to January 2024, while working as the executive director for the Whitefish Housing Authority, Hawkins embezzled from the organization. The Whitefish Housing Authority provides safe, decent and affordable housing options for low-income families in the Whitefish community and received approximately $468,616 in federal funds from HUD during the period of the indictment. Hawkins stole housing authority money by diverting and inflating payroll, fraudulently paying personal expenses with the Whitefish Housing Authority credit card and creating and paying fraudulent invoices to businesses over which he had control. As an example, in January 2024, Hawkins created bogus invoices from companies in which he held a controlling interest. Hawkins paid the invoices by fraudulently wiring money from the housing authority for $76,750 on Jan. 16, 2024 and for $23,250 on Jan. 22, 2024, for a total of $100,000. The investigation identified approximately $150,000 in restitution. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Former Arvin High School Employee Sentenced for Explosives Conspiracy and Making False Statements To FBI

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Angelo Jackson Mendiver, 27, of Bakersfield, a former campus security supervisor at Arvin High School, was sentenced today to two years in prison for conspiring to engage in the manufacturing and dealing in explosive materials and for mailing explosive devices, as well as making false statements to FBI agents, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Mendiver used an Instagram account to sell explosives and explosive materials and worked closely with a male juvenile Bakersfield high school student to fulfill transactions and send explosives in the mail to residents of other states. In Instagram messages to the juvenile, Mendiver sent a photo of titanium salute, an explosive device, followed by two videos of homemade explosive devices that he had made and the statement that “homemade kills all consumer.” He also advised the juvenile to be “super careful bro that homemade shit is dangerous.” On June 1, 2023, a federal search warrant executed at Mendiver’s residence resulted in the seizure of 536 pounds of uncontained explosives and explosive materials, which presented an extreme safety hazard to the residents. Agents seized another 440 pounds of uncontained explosives and explosive materials from the juvenile’s residence. At both residences, agents also found items used to make explosives. Mendiver also falsely stated to FBI agents that he did not sell explosives and did not work with anyone in committing explosives offenses. The juvenile co-conspirator’s case is being handled by the Kern County District Attorney’s Office. This case was the product of an investigation by the FBI with assistance from the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen A. Escobar prosecuted the case.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office, FBI, and Border Patrol Join Forces to Combat Rising Assaults on Agents

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Federal prosecutors have filed charges against several individuals for assaulting U.S. Border Patrol agents in separate incidents along the southern border, highlighting an ongoing concern for officer safety. According to court documents, on August 20, 2023, a Border Patrol agent pursued a group of migrants near the U.S.-Mexico border. The agent located Juventino Darinel Reyes-Fuentes , 30, a Mexican national, and began to arrest him, but Juventino resisted and attempted to reach for the agent’s weapon. The agent fired at Juventino , shooting his wallet and phone. Juventino’s brother, Jose Maria Reyes-Fuentes , 24, also a Mexican national, then approached and assaulted the agent. A struggle ensued as the brothers wrestled the firearm away from the agent. The brothers then stole the agent's ATV and fled but were later apprehended by other agents. Juventino and Jose both pled guilty in federal court to assault upon a federal officer involving physical contact and were each sentenced to 16 months in prison. In another case, Edwin Esau Fuentes-Galea , a Salvadoran national, assaulted a U.S. Border Patrol agent near Santa Teresa, NM, on January 26, 2024. Fuentes resisted arrest, threw sand and dirt at the agent, and bit him during the struggle. His actions resulted in visible injuries to the agent, who required medical treatment. Fuentes-Galea pled guilty to assaulting a federal officer on May 8, 2024, and was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison. On September 19, 2024, Ricardo Prieto-Simental , 25, a Mexican national, was approached by U.S. Border Patrol agents near Santa Teresa, New Mexico. When agents attempted to detain Prieto-Simental , who was suspected of being in the country illegally, Prieto-Simental fled from agents and then attempted to break a cell phone on a rock, and then threw the phone as a Border Patrol Agent’s head. The Border Patrol agent then attempted to place handcuffs on Prieto-Simental , who then began punching, kicking, and biting the Border Patrol agent. Prieto-Simental bit the agent on the left forearm, breaking the skin and resulting in a bite mark and bruising. Prieto-Simental was charged with assault of a federal agent and has been detained pending trial. In a similar case, Enrique Rodriguez-Salazar , 26, a Mexican national, was approached by U.S. Border Patrol agents near Santa Teresa, New Mexico on September 26, 2024. When agents attempted to detain Rodriguez , who was laying on the ground, he resisted and threw a handful of dirt into an agent’s face, hitting him in the eyes. After being hit, the agent deployed his taser and was able to subdue Rodriguez. Rodriguez was charged with assault of a federal agent and appeared before a federal judge and was detained pending the resolution of his case. In another case, on May 29, 2024, a Border Patrol agent encountered a group of five individuals, including three children, walking along the border wall. When the agent attempted to take the group into custody, Erika Jasmin Lobato-Melendez , a Salvadoran national, bit the Agent on the forearm with enough force to cause bruising and abrasions through her uniform jacket. As a result, the agent required medical treatment. Lobato-Melendez pled guilty to assaulting a federal officer involving physical contact, on September 5, 2024. At sentencing, Lobato-Melendez faces not more than eight years in prison. These cases highlight the risks faced by federal officers and the Department of Justice’s commitment to their safety and security. The FBI and U.S. Border Patrol continue to work together to address such incidents. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Scott Good of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau Investigation investigated these cases with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kirk Williams, Mark Saltman and Christopher S. McNair are prosecuting these cases. # # #


title: Two Russian Nationals Charged For Their Participation In An Illicit Procurement Network That Exported To Russia Sensitive U.S.-Sourced Microelectronics With Military Applications In Violation Of U.S. Export Controls

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Jonathan Carson, the Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Export Enforcement of the New York Field Office of the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce, announced today that ZHANNA SOLDATENKOVA and RUSLAN ALMETOV, both Russian nationals, were indicted along with ARTHUR PETROV, a dual Russian and German national, for export control violations, smuggling, wire fraud, and money laundering in connection with their alleged participation in a scheme to procure U.S.-sourced microelectronics subject to U.S. export controls on behalf of a Russia-based supplier of critical electronics components for manufacturers supplying weaponry and other equipment to the Russian military. PETROV, previously charged in a criminal Complaint, was arrested on August 26, 2023, in the Republic of Cyprus at the request of the U.S. and was extradited from the Republic of Cyprus earlier this year. He arrived in the Southern District of New York on August 8, 2024, and was ordered detained. SOLDATENKOVA and ALMETOV are at large. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein. The indictment can be read here . U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Zhanna Soldatenkova and Ruslan Almetov are now charged, alongside previously charged Arthur Petrov, for conspiring to smuggle microelectronics with military applications from U.S. distributors to a Russian company that supplies manufacturers for the Russian military. This Office is committed to exposing the full breadth of such illicit procurement networks and protecting our national security.” Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy said: “Zhanna Soldatenkova and Ruslan Almetova, along with Arthur Petrov, allegedly conspired to evade export laws as members of an illegal international procurement network to help aid the Russian defense industry. As alleged, by deliberately concealing the true nature of their business, they not only violated the law but ultimately put the national security of our country at risk. The FBI, in concert with our partners, is determined to protect the United States and will hold accountable anyone attempting to harm our nation.” Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson said: “As this action demonstrates, we will work with our domestic and international law enforcement partners to charge alleged violators wherever they may be worldwide. Illegal global procurement networks that prop up the Russian war machine will not be tolerated. That’s why we and our law enforcement partners are working nonstop to ensure that those operating such networks face American justice.” According to the allegations contained in the Indictment returned in Manhattan federal court: [1] PETROV is a dual Russian-German national who previously resided in Russia and Cyprus and worked for LLC Electrocom VPK (“Electrocom”), a Russia-based supplier of critical electronics components for manufacturers supplying weaponry and other equipment to the Russian military. SOLDATENKOVA is a Russian national who has resided in Russia and worked for Electrocom. ALMETOV is also a Russian national who has resided in Russia and was the co-founder and served as General Director of Electrocom. PETROV, SOLDATENKOVA, and ALMETOV operated an illicit procurement network in Russia and elsewhere overseas. More specifically, they fraudulently procured from U.S. distributors large quantities of microelectronics subject to U.S. export controls on behalf of Electrocom. To carry out the scheme, PETROV, SOLDATENKOVA, and ALMETOV used shell companies and other deceptive means to conceal that the electronics components were destined for Russia. The technology that the defendants procured in contravention of export controls had significant military applications and included various types of electronics components of the sort that have been recovered in Russian military hardware on the battlefield in Ukraine, such as Russian guided missiles, drones, and electronic warfare and communications devices. To perpetrate the scheme, PETROV first acquired the controlled microelectronics from U.S.-based electronics exporters using a Cyprus-based shell company, Astrafteros Technokosmos LTD (“Astrafteros”), which he operated. PETROV procured these sensitive electronics components by falsely representing to the U.S. exporters that Astrafteros was purchasing the items for fire security systems, among other commercial uses, and that the ultimate end-users and destinations of the electronics are companies in Cyprus or other third countries — when in fact the components were destined for Electrocom in Russia, which supplies manufacturers for the Russian military. The microelectronics that PETROV procured as part of the conspiracy included, among other things, microcontrollers and integrated circuits on the Commerce Control List maintained by the Commerce Department and which could not lawfully be exported or reexported to Russia without a license from the Commerce Department. Invoices provided to PETROV by the U.S. distributors expressly noted that these microcontrollers and integrated circuits were subject to U.S. export controls. To evade these controls, PETROV, SOLDATENKOVA, and ALMETOV worked together to transship the controlled items procured by PETROV using pass-through entities operated by SOLDATENKOVA and ALMETOV in third countries. SOLDATENKOVA and ALMETOV then caused the items to be shipped, sometimes through yet another country, to the ultimate destination: Electrocom in Saint Petersburg, Russia. At all times, PETROV, SOLDATENKOVA, and ALMETOV concealed from the U.S. distributors that they were procuring the controlled electronics components on behalf of Electrocom and that the items were destined for Russia. During the course of the conspiracy, PETROV, SOLDATENKOVA, and ALMETOV procured from U.S. distributors and shipped to Russia more than $225,000 worth of controlled electronics components with military applications. * * * A table containing the charges and maximum penalties for PETROV, 35, of Russia and Cyprus, SOLDATENKOVA, 36, of Russia, and ALMETOV, 43, of Russia, is set forth below. The maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. Charge Defendants Maximum Penalties Count One: Conspiracy to defraud the United States (18 U.S.C. § 371) PETROV, SOLDATENKOVA, and ALMETOV 5 years’ imprisonment Count Two: Conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act (“ECRA”) (50 U.S.C. §§ 4819(a)(1), 4819(a)(2)(A)-G), and 4819(b); 15 C.F.R. §§ 736.2(b)(1), 746.8(a)(1), and 764.2) PETROV, SOLDATENKOVA, and ALMETOV 20 years’ imprisonment Count Three: Violation of ECRA (50 U.S.C. §§ 4819(a)(1), 4819(a)(2)(A)-G), and 4819(b); 15 C.F.R. §§ 736.2(b)(1), 746.8(a)(1), and 764.2) PETROV and SOLDATENKOVA 20 years’ imprisonment Count Four: Violation of ECRA (50 U.S.C. §§ 4819(a)(1), 4819(a)(2)(A)-G), and 4819(b); 15 C.F.R. §§ 736.2(b)(1), 746.8(a)(1), and 764.2) PETROV and SOLDATENKOVA 20 years’ imprisonment Count Five: Violation of ECRA (50 U.S.C. §§ 4819(a)(1), 4819(a)(2)(A)-G), and 4819(b); 15 C.F.R. §§ 736.2(b)(1), 746.8(a)(1), and 764.2) PETROV, SOLDATENKOVA, and ALMETOV 20 years’ imprisonment Count Six: Conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States (18 U.S.C. § 371) PETROV, SOLDATENKOVA, and ALMETOV 5 years’ imprisonment Count Seven: Smuggling goods from the United States (18 U.S.C. §§ 554(a) and 2) PETROV and SOLDATENKOVA 10 years’ imprisonment Count Eight: Smuggling goods from the United States (18 U.S.C. §§ 554(a) and 2) PETROV and SOLDATENKOVA 10 years’ imprisonment Count Nine: Smuggling goods from the United States (18 U.S.C. §§ 554(a) and 2) PETROV, SOLDATENKOVA, and ALMETOV 10 years’ imprisonment Count Ten: Conspiracy to commit wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349) PETROV, SOLDATENKOVA, and ALMETOV 20 years’ imprisonment Count Eleven: Conspiracy to commit money laundering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(h), 1956(f)) PETROV, SOLDATENKOVA, and ALMETOV 20 years’ imprisonment Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and its New York Field Office, Counterintelligence Division and the New York Field Office of the Bureau of Industry and Security of the Department of Commerce. Mr. Williams also thanked the FBI’s Legal Attaché offices in Poland, Germany, and Athens, Greece; the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section; the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs; the Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Justice and Public Order; and the Law Office of the Republic for their assistance. The Republic of Cyprus National Police also provided critical assistance in effecting the defendant’s arrest and detention at the request of the U.S. This prosecution is coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture and the Justice and Commerce Departments’ Disruptive Technology Strike Force. Task Force KleptoCapture is an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export restrictions, and economic countermeasures that the U.S. has imposed, along with its allies and partners, in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. The Disruptive Technology Strike Force is an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states. This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Sullivan is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Maria Fedor of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. The charges in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Sex Offender Indicted on Production of Child Pornography Charges

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on October 8, 2024, a federal grand jury issued an indictment alleging that Robert D. Nytes (age: 49) of Kossuth, Wisconsin, produced child pornography and that he did so as an individual required to register as a sex offender in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and 2260A. According to the indictment, on or about February 25, 2023, Nytes used and employed a minor child “to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction.” Nytes was previously convicted of Second Degree Sexual Assault of a Child on two separate occasions in Sheboygan County Circuit Court. If convicted of production of child pornography, Nytes faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years’ imprisonment and up to a lifetime term of imprisonment. He also faces a mandatory consecutive ten year term of imprisonment if he is convicted of producing child pornography as a person who is required to register as sex offender. He may also be fined up to $250,000 and will continue to be required to register as a sex offender under state and federal law. 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 U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . This case was investigated by the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove his guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. # # # For further information contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov (414) 297-1700 Follow us on Twitter