title: Former Waynesburg Resident Pleads Guilty to Transportation of a Minor With Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Waynesburg, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. James Jordan, age 31, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from January 11, 2022 until January 12, 2022, Jordan transported a minor from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to the State of West Virginia, with the intent that the minor engage in criminal sexual activity. Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for February 21, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and not more than life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Pending sentencing, Jordan remains detained. Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Department of Homeland Security—Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Waynesburg Police Department, and the Lewisburg (WV) Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jordan. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Silicon Valley Executive Sentenced for Defrauding Investors and Participating in COVID-19 and Allergy Testing Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: The president of a Silicon Valley-based medical technology company was sentenced today to eight years in prison and ordered to pay $24 million in restitution for participating in a scheme to defraud investors and a scheme to commit health care fraud and pay illegal kickbacks in connection with the submission of over $77 million in claims for COVID-19 and allergy testing. “A Silicon Valley executive exploited the pandemic for profit, ultimately endangering patients with unproven COVID-19 tests,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to protecting the people of this nation by investigating and prosecuting those who put public health at risk and use global emergencies to line their own pockets.” “Schena put profit over public safety. He used the global pandemic as a backdrop to fuel a kickback scheme and a massive fraud upon investors and people searching for better health care during a time of great uncertainty,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “Even in times of national crisis, our office will ensure that Silicon Valley remains a place where innovation and ingenuity – and not fraud and deceit – fuel vibrant markets for investors and inventors.” According to court documents, Mark Schena, 60, of Los Altos, California, was the president of Arrayit Corporation. Schena engaged in a scheme to defraud Arrayit’s investors by claiming that he had invented a revolutionary technology to test for virtually any disease using a single drop of blood from a finger stick sample. In meetings with investors, Schena and his publicist claimed that Schena was the “father of microarray technology” and that he was on the shortlist for the Nobel Prize. Schena also falsely represented to investors that Arrayit could be valued at $4.5 billion. “Today’s outcome illustrates HHS-OIG’s unwavering commitment to protecting federal health care programs under any circumstance – especially when a public health emergency presents opportunities for bad actors to exploit,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We continue to work tenaciously with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who have constructed schemes to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic for personal gain.” “Every time there’s a disaster of some type, scammers climb out of the woodwork with schemes to bilk people out of their money,” said Postal Inspector in Charge of Criminal Investigations Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). “In this case, Mark Schena and the Arrayit Corporation were already involved in deceiving the public before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. When the pandemic hit, the company then attempted to develop a COVID-19 antibody test but were unsuccessful. Despite having no product and on the verge of bankruptcy, Schena continued to defraud investors, claiming to have multimillion-dollar contracts and other business developments that all proved to be bogus.” In furtherance of the scheme, Schena failed to release Arrayit’s financial disclosures – as required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – and concealed that Arrayit was on the verge of bankruptcy. Schena lulled investors who were concerned that the company was a “scam” by engaging in television appearances and filming videos that fraudulently portrayed the laboratory as busy and high-tech. Schena also issued false press releases and public statements on social media that Arrayit had entered into lucrative partnerships with companies, government agencies, and public institutions, including a children’s hospital and a major California health care provider. The press releases and statements falsely claimed that such entities had agreed to use the Arrayit technology, when in fact no such agreements existed or were of minimal value. “Those who used the pandemic for illicit profit by engaging in health care fraud and defrauding investors must face the consequences of their actions,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI and its partners will work relentlessly to protect the American people from abuses to our financial and health care systems, and this sentencing reflects those efforts.” Schena also orchestrated an illegal kickback and health care fraud scheme that involved submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare and private insurance for unnecessary allergy testing. Arrayit ran allergy screening tests on every patient for 120 different allergens regardless of medical necessity. To obtain patient blood specimens, Schena paid kickbacks to marketers in violation of the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act and orchestrated a deceptive marketing plan that falsely claimed that the Arrayit test was highly accurate in diagnosing allergies, when it was not, in fact, a diagnostic test. The Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team supported the prosecution and, as the evidence at trial showed, Arrayit billed more per patient to Medicare for blood-based allergy testing than any other laboratory in the United States. “This sentence holds the defendant accountable for his large-scale fraud scheme that impacted multiple federal agencies and robbed the taxpayers of millions of dollars,” said Inspector General Michael J. Missal of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG). “The VA-OIG will continue to work zealously with our law enforcement partners to ensure schemes like this are uncovered, investigated, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” “Mr. Schena’s sentencing is a fitting resolution that holds him accountable for a multimillion-dollar fraudulent scheme driven purely by greed and devoid of fiscal responsibility or concern for the patients that would ultimately use his nearly useless products,” said Director Kelly P. Mayo of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS). “DCIS remains committed to working with its partners to identify and eliminate fraudulent schemes that potentially endanger patient safety and corrupt the integrity of TRICARE, the DoD’s health care program.” In early 2020, Schena falsely announced that Arrayit “had a test for COVID-19.” Schena told federal agents that it was simple to develop a test for COVID-19 because the switch from testing for allergies to testing for COVID-19 was “like a pastry chef” who switches from selling “strawberry pies” to selling “rhubarb and strawberry pies.” Seeking to capitalize on the nationwide shortage of COVID-19 testing, Schena orchestrated a deceptive marketing scheme that falsely claimed that Dr. Anthony Fauci and other prominent government officials had mandated testing for COVID-19 and allergies at the same time, and required that patients receiving the Arrayit COVID-19 test also be tested for allergies. Schena also concealed from investors and patients that the Food and Drug Administration had informed him that the Arrayit test was not accurate enough to receive an Emergency Use Authorization for use in the United States. A federal jury convicted Schena on Sept. 6, 2022. The HHS-OIG’s San Francisco and Detroit Regional Offices, USPIS, FBI, VA-OIG, and DCIS investigated the case. Principal Assistant Chief Jacob Foster and Trial Attorney Laura Connelly of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Liu for the Northern District of California prosecuted the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit . The Fraud Section uses the Victim Notification System (VNS) to provide victims with case information and updates related to this case. Victims with questions may contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Assistance Unit by calling the Victim Assistance phone line at 1-888-549-3945 or by emailing Victimassistance.fraud@usdoj.gov. To learn more about victims’ rights, please visit www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/victim-rights-derechos-de-las-v-ctimas . If you believe you are a victim who has invested in Arrayit, or you have taken a COVID-19 test prepared or marketed by Arrayit, please visit www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/Arrayit .


title: KC Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robberies of Local Businesses

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to commit a series of armed robberies of local businesses in the summer of 2018, as well as an armed robbery in which a convenience store employee was beaten and fatally shot. Louis Candler, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 30 years in federal prison without parole. On May 30, 2023, Candler pleaded guilty to three counts of aiding and abetting a robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, and one count of aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm during a violent crime. Candler admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to commit multiple armed robberies from June 1 to July 18, 2018. Candler admitted that he and co-defendant Joe Lee Nichols, 30, of Kansas City, Mo., committed two armed robberies at Kansas City, Mo., hotels on July 14, 2018 – Wood Springs Suites, 11301 Colorado Avenue, and Arrowhead Inn, 6006 E. 31 st Street. Candler also admitted that he and Nichols committed an armed robbery in which a store clerk was killed at Inner City Oil convenience store, 5901 Swope Parkway in Kansas City, Mo., on July 16, 2018. Video surveillance shows Nichols pointed a handgun at an employee of Inner-City Oil, who resisted and engaged in a struggle for Nichols’s firearm. Nichols fired his gun multiple times before the employee fell to the floor. The employee then retrieved a handgun and began to fire back at Nichols. Nichols began to stomp and kick at the head and body of the employee, who was still lying on the floor. The employee lost his firearm, which was recovered by Candler, who then used it to also shoot the store clerk. When they were unable to access the cash register, Nichols and Candler left the store. The employee can be seen on the surveillance video, still moving while lying on the floor, until eventually becoming motionless when he died from his injuries. A witness who saw their car leaving the area and discovered the body of the employee immediately called 911. Candler is the sixth and final defendant to be sentenced in this case. Nichols was sentenced on Feb. 22, 2023, to 45 years in federal prison without parole. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen Brackett and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Rhoades. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, and agents and task force officers of the FBI.


title: New Castle Resident Indicted on a Charge of Violating Federal Consumer Product Tampering Laws

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal consumer product tampering laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The one-count Indictment named Shane Jon-Paul White, age 41, of New Castle, PA, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment, between an unknown date and January 26, 2022, White, a former employee of McKesson Corporation, while working at the company’s New Castle Distribution Center, removed oxycodone hydrochloride tablets from bottles of Mallinckrodt-brand oxycodone hydrochloride 30 mg tablets and replaced them with aspirin, Tylenol or Refenesen tablets. After the oxycodone hydrochloride tablets were removed and replaced, the bottles were placed back in inventory at the McKesson distribution center before being transported to pharmacies, including Klein’s Pharmacy in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: New Jersey Real Estate Investor and Online Influencer Charged with Multimillion-Dollar Investment Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, NJ. – A New Jersey real estate investor and influencer was arrested today for committing a multimillion-dollar Ponzi-like investment fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Cesar Humberto Pina, 45, of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of wire fraud. He appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel in Newark federal court and was release on $1 million secured bond with electronic monitoring. “As alleged in the complaint, Pina exploited celebrity status and social media to develop a devoted following of potential victims. Promising returns that were too good to be true, Pina allegedly defrauded dozens of people of millions of dollars. Our office is committed to protecting the public from these schemes and prosecuting those who lie to investors for their own personal gain.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger "Investment fraud is simply a crime of greed," U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Philadelphia Division, said. "In this case, Cesar Pina allegedly solicited dozens of individuals to provide him with millions of dollars to purchase and invest in residential properties. However, instead of sharing the profits, he defrauded his investors in a Ponzi scheme. Postal Inspectors will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to combat financial fraud and protect the American people. “Plain and simple, the defendant ran a fraudulent scheme. They falsely represented the nature of their business and lied about potential investment returns to bilk unsuspecting victims out of millions,” Tammy Tomlins, Special Agent in Charge of IRS – Criminal Investigation Newark Field Office, said. “Today’s arrest highlights IRS Criminal Investigation and our law enforcement partners’ commitment to investigate and prosecute unlawful behavior.” “We allege Pina offered a ridiculously high rate of return to investors, then took the millions he got and invested it in himself,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “History has proven time and again, Ponzi-schemes don't work. The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow eventually runs out. Investors take note – it’s your money, don’t let them steal it.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Pina partnered with a celebrity disc jockey and radio personality to conduct real estate seminars around the country. Through these seminars, self-promotional efforts, and other marketing strategies, Pina developed a significant social media following. Starting in 2017, Pina began accepting investments from victim investors for the alleged purchase, remodel, and sale of specific real estate projects in New Jersey and other states. To induce his victims, Pina often promised 20 to 45 percent returns on investment within five months. But instead of using victims’ investments as promised, Pina engaged in a Ponzi-like scheme by commingling victim money, using new victim investments to pay off prior victims, and spending victim funds on personal expenditures. The investigation has revealed that Pina defrauded dozens of investors of millions of dollars. The charge of wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross amount of any pecuniary gain that any persons derived from the offense or of any pecuniary loss sustained by any victims of the offense, whichever is greatest. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney; special agents and task force officers of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz in Newark; postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Christopher A. Nielsen, Philadelphia Division; special agents and task force officers of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins in Newark; and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the Franklin Lakes Police Department for its assistance in the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark J. Pesce and Carolyn Silane of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. pina.complaint.pdf


title: Operation Smoke and Mirrors Update: Kanawha County Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Nicholas Bradford Confere, 35, of Mammoth, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, for using a communications facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Confere admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area. According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 4, 2022, Confere used a land line telephone in Mammoth to arrange the purchase of methamphetamine from a co-defendant. During the call, Confere informed the co-defendant that other third-party individuals also had money to purchase methamphetamine from the co-defendant. The arranged meeting took place and Confere obtained a quantity of methamphetamine from the co-defendant. Confere admitted that he obtained this methamphetamine partially on consignment, meaning he was expected to pay the co-defendant after he sold the methamphetamine. Confere further admitted to using a cellular phone to inform the co-defendant that he had sold the methamphetamine that he obtained, and therefore had the money to pay the co-defendant. Confere is among 32 individuals indicted as a result of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, a major drug trafficking investigation that has yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history. Law enforcement seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash. Twenty-one of the defendants have pleaded guilty. Indictments against the other defendants are pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case. The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-68. ###


title: Butler Resident Indicted on a Charge of Violating Federal Postal Laws

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal postal laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The one-count Indictment named Kelly Randolph, age 44, of Butler, PA, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment, while serving as a Rural Carrier Associate out of the Chicora, PA Post Office, on or about April 18, 2023, Randolph removed cash for her own personal use, from an envelope which was intended to be sent through the U.S. Mail. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five (5) years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Silicon Valley Executive Sentenced For Defrauding Investors And Participating In Covid-19 And Allergy Testing Scheme

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN JOSE – The president of a Silicon Valley-based medical technology company was sentenced today to eight years in prison and ordered to pay $24 million in restitution for participating in a scheme to defraud investors and a scheme to commit health care fraud and pay illegal kickbacks in connection with the submission of over $77 million in claims for COVID-19 and allergy testing. Mark Schena, 60, of Los Altos, California, served as the president of Arrayit Corporation. Schena engaged in a scheme to defraud Arrayit’s investors by claiming that he had invented a revolutionary technology to test for virtually any disease using a single drop of blood from a finger stick sample. In meetings with investors, Schena and his publicist claimed that Schena was the “father of microarray technology” and that he was on the shortlist for the Nobel Prize. Schena also falsely represented to investors that Arrayit could be valued at $4.5 billion. “Schena put profit over public safety. He used the global pandemic as a backdrop to fuel a kickback scheme and a massive fraud upon investors and people searching for better health care during a time of great uncertainty,” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California Ismail J. Ramsey. “Even in times of national crisis, our office will ensure that Silicon Valley remains a place where innovation and ingenuity – and not fraud and deceit – fuel vibrant markets for investors and inventors.” “A Silicon Valley executive exploited the pandemic for profit, ultimately endangering patients with unproven COVID-19 tests,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to protecting the people of this nation by investigating and prosecuting those who put public health at risk and use global emergencies to line their own pockets.” “Today’s outcome illustrates HHS-OIG’s unwavering commitment to protecting federal health care programs under any circumstance – especially when a public health emergency presents opportunities for bad actors to exploit,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We continue to work tenaciously with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who have constructed schemes to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic for personal gain.” “Every time there’s a disaster of some type, scammers climb out of the woodwork with schemes to bilk people out of their money,” said Postal Inspector in Charge of Criminal Investigations Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). “In this case, Mark Schena and the Arrayit Corporation were already involved in deceiving the public before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. When the pandemic hit, the company then attempted to develop a COVID-19 antibody test but were unsuccessful. Despite having no product and on the verge of bankruptcy, Schena continued to defraud investors, claiming to have multimillion-dollar contracts and other business developments that all proved to be bogus.” In furtherance of the scheme, Schena failed to release Arrayit’s financial disclosures – as required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – and concealed that Arrayit was on the verge of bankruptcy. Schena lulled investors who were concerned that the company was a “scam” by engaging in television appearances and filming videos that fraudulently portrayed the laboratory as busy and high-tech. Schena also issued false press releases and public statements on social media that Arrayit had entered into lucrative partnerships with companies, government agencies, and public institutions, including a children’s hospital and a major California health care provider. The press releases and statements falsely claimed that such entities had agreed to use the Arrayit technology, when in fact no such agreements existed or were of minimal value. “Those who used the pandemic for illicit profit by engaging in health care fraud and defrauding investors must face the consequences of their actions,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI and its partners will work relentlessly to protect the American people from abuses to our financial and health care systems, and this sentencing reflects those efforts.” Schena also orchestrated an illegal kickback and health care fraud scheme that involved submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare and private insurance for unnecessary allergy testing. Arrayit ran allergy screening tests on every patient for 120 different allergens regardless of medical necessity. To obtain patient blood specimens, Schena paid kickbacks to marketers in violation of the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act and orchestrated a deceptive marketing plan that falsely claimed that the Arrayit test was highly accurate in diagnosing allergies, when it was not, in fact, a diagnostic test. The Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team supported the prosecution and, as the evidence at trial showed, Arrayit billed more per patient to Medicare for blood-based allergy testing than any other laboratory in the United States. “This sentence holds the defendant accountable for his large-scale fraud scheme that impacted multiple federal agencies and robbed the taxpayers of millions of dollars,” said Inspector General Michael J. Missal of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG). “The VA-OIG will continue to work zealously with our law enforcement partners to ensure schemes like this are uncovered, investigated, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” “Mr. Schena’s sentencing is a fitting resolution that holds him accountable for a multimillion-dollar fraudulent scheme driven purely by greed and devoid of fiscal responsibility or concern for the patients that would ultimately use his nearly useless products,” said Director Kelly P. Mayo of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS). “DCIS remains committed to working with its partners to identify and eliminate fraudulent schemes that potentially endanger patient safety and corrupt the integrity of TRICARE, the DoD’s health care program.” In early 2020, Schena falsely announced that Arrayit “had a test for COVID-19.” Schena told federal agents that it was simple to develop a test for COVID-19 because the switch from testing for allergies to testing for COVID-19 was “like a pastry chef” who switches from selling “strawberry pies” to selling “rhubarb and strawberry pies.” Seeking to capitalize on the nationwide shortage of COVID-19 testing, Schena orchestrated a deceptive marketing scheme that falsely claimed that Dr. Anthony Fauci and other prominent government officials had mandated testing for COVID-19 and allergies at the same time, and required that patients receiving the Arrayit COVID-19 test also be tested for allergies. Schena also concealed from investors and patients that the Food and Drug Administration had informed him that the Arrayit test was not accurate enough to receive an Emergency Use Authorization for use in the United States. A federal jury convicted Schena on Sept. 6, 2022. The HHS-OIG’s San Francisco and Detroit Regional Offices, USPIS, FBI, VA-OIG, and DCIS investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Liu and Principal Assistant Chief Jacob Foster and Trial Attorney Laura Connelly of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit . The Fraud Section uses the Victim Notification System (VNS) to provide victims with case information and updates related to this case. Victims with questions may contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Assistance Unit by calling the Victim Assistance phone line at 1-888-549-3945 or by emailing Victimassistance.fraud@usdoj.gov. To learn more about victims’ rights, please visit www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/victim-rights-derechos-de-las-v-ctimas . If you believe you are a victim who has invested in Arrayit, or you have taken a COVID-19 test prepared or marketed by Arrayit, please visit www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/Arrayit .


title: Pittsburgh Resident Indicted on Charges of Violating Federal Firearms and Narcotics Laws

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearm and narcotic laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The five-count Superseding Indictment named Maurice White Jr., age 22, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant. According to the Superseding Indictment, on September 21, 2022, White Jr. knowingly possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine base, Schedule II controlled substances. Additionally, on the same day, White Jr., possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 15 years in prison, a fine of no greater than $250,000, a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants. Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Laurel felon sentenced to more than five years in prison for illegally possessing 34 firearms in his residence

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

body_text: BILLINGS — A Laurel man who admitted he illegally possessed firearms and ammunition after law enforcement found 34 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition in his residence was sentenced today to five years and eight months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Nicholas Steven Capella, 39, pleaded guilty in June to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition as charged in an indictment. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The government alleged in court documents that in August 2022, members of the Billings Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit were surveilling a residence in Laurel when Capella and another person left the house and got into a vehicle that was parked outside. Capella had a pistol holstered on his hip. Officers converged on the vehicle and placed Capella and the other person in custody. A search warrant was executed at the residence, and Capella agreed to open a gun safe, which contained a large cache of firearms, including assault style rifles with high-capacity magazines. Law enforcement seized approximately 34 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Capella was prohibited from possessing firearms because of felony convictions in Washington. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. XXX


title: California Man Indicted for Smuggling Fentanyl Aboard Train

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Bakersfield, California, man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for smuggling more than six kilograms of fentanyl through Kansas City aboard a train enroute to St. Louis, Mo. Cesar Angulo Ramos, 18, was charged with possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Ramos on Sept. 26, 2023. Ramos was a passenger on a train from Los Angeles, Calif., passing through Kansas City, Mo., enroute to St. Louis on Sept. 25, 2023. According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Ramos was contacted by members of the DEA Kansas City Interdiction Task Force and the Missouri Western Interdiction Narcotics (MOWIN) Task Force after a police dog reacted to the apparent odor of controlled substances as it pulled toward Ramos at the train station. Officers searched Ramos’s duffle bag, the affidavit says, and found 43 clear plastic bags that contained counterfeit M30 pills with fentanyl, which weighed a total of approximately 4.769 kilograms. Officers also searched a pillow Ramos was carrying that contained two bundles of fentanyl wrapped in black tape, which weighed a total of approximately 2.123 kilograms. 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 D. Michael Green. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.


title: Shrewsbury Bookkeeper Sentenced for Embezzling $849,000

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A bookkeeper from Shrewsbury, Missouri who embezzled $849,000 from a client and blamed one of her employees was sentenced Wednesday to a year and a day in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey also ordered Cora G. Willard, 47, to repay the money. She repaid $100,000 Wednesday. Willard ran a bookkeeping, payroll, and money-management assistance company called Red Hen Business Services. She admitted in a guilty plea in April that from at least Nov. 29, 2019 through June 10, 2022, she stole $849,000 from a man who operated a money management business and had provided her with access to his account and financial records. Willard made nearly 100 unauthorized wire transfers to herself from the victim’s bank account, even after he’d asked her to close the account. She also sent the tax and bill payments that she was supposed to be making for her client into bank accounts that she controlled. She sent false balance sheets to her client to cover up her theft. After the client discovered that he was missing large amounts of money, Willard blamed one of her employees, her guilty plea says. Willard pleaded guilty to one felony count of wire fraud. The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman is prosecuting the case.


title: KC Man Indicted After Officers Found 29 Firearms, Fentanyl and Meth

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today after law enforcement officers found 29 firearms in his residence, along with significant amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Charles J. Dunne, 60, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Dunne on Sept. 20, 2023. Dunne remains in federal custody without bond. Today’s indictment charges Dunne with one count of possessing fentanyl and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Dunne has multiple felony convictions including a prior federal felony conviction for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Dunne’s residence on Sept. 19, 2023. Officers found a black backpack in Dunne’s bedroom that contained 415.6 grams of powder fentanyl and 1.5782 kilograms of methamphetamine. Under the backpack, says the affidavit, officers found two handguns. Officers also found several other firearms in the bedroom, including a shotgun, an AR-15 rifle, and a sawed-off short-barreled shotgun. In a second bedroom, according to the affidavit, officers found another large supply of firearms, including additional AR-15-style rifles, shotguns, hunting rifles and handguns. Officers found several more handguns in a third bedroom. Officers also found an additional 774.9 grams of a substance believed to be fentanyl. In total, officers found 29 firearms and approximately $16,000 in cash. During the search, the affidavit says, Dunne began to experience a medical emergency consistent with a fentanyl overdose. EMS responded and a total of 12 doses of naloxone were administered at the scene and during transport of Dunne to the hospital. 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 Megan A. Baker. It was investigated by the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. 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: Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Operations Lead to Lengthy Federal Prison Sentences for Two Men

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that two men involved in the trafficking of methamphetamine have been sentenced. Joseph R. Johnson and Isidro Chavarria were each indicted by a federal grand jury as a result of two separate Organized Crime Drug Trafficking Task Force operations. Joseph R. Johnson , 44, of New Iberia, Louisiana , was sentenced by United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays to 157 months (13 years, 1 month) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Johnson pleaded guilty on April 27, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In 2020, law enforcement agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) began investigating a drug trafficking organization operating in the Lafayette area and being supplied by Johnson. Through their investigation, agents learned that Johnson frequently traveled from southern California to Louisiana for the purposes of distributing narcotics. Johnson also often used the mail to transport narcotics and proceeds to and from California, Louisiana, Iowa, and South Carolina. Agents applied for and were granted authorization to intercept Johnson’s wire communications in 2021. During this interception time, agents were able to identify multiple co-conspirators who were assisting Johnson in the trafficking of methamphetamine. Through their investigative efforts, law enforcement agents were able to locate and seize multiple packages containing methamphetamine which were being shipped to and from multiple co-conspirators involved in the drug trafficking organization. Agents also identified and intercepted a vehicle transporting narcotics on behalf of Johnson and located over 30 pounds of methamphetamine concealed inside. Johnson admitted to willfully conspiring with his co-defendants in this case when he pled guilty to the charge. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police and New Iberia Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel J. Vermaelen and J. Aaron Crawford. Isidro Chavarria , 42, a federal prison inmate, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Beginning in January 2021, law enforcement agents began an investigation of a federal inmate at FCI Pollock who was believed to be coordinating large scale drug distribution while in prison. Agents were made aware that contraband phones were being smuggled into the prison in order to communicate with Cartel members and other individuals involved in the drug conspiracy. Through their investigation, agents obtained evidence that Chavarria was communicating with his co-conspirators on these contraband phones and in fact, was directing his wife and other parties to distribute methamphetamine that his co-conspirator was sending her. Chavarria pleaded guilty on April 4, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. At the time of this offense, Chavarria was serving a 210-month federal prison sentence for drug distribution offense from 2019. This sentence will run consecutive to the sentence he was serving. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Aaron Crawford. The investigation and conviction of both Johnson and Chavarria and their co-defendants is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. # # #


title: Four Men Convicted of Conspiracy and Schemes to Defraud the Small Business Administration, State Workforce Agencies, and Private Lenders

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on October 17, 2023, defendants Aziz Hassan Bey, Letez Osiris Bey, Minister Zakar Ali, and Divine-Seven El were convicted after a week-long jury trial. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on August 23, 2022, charging the four defendants with conspiring to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349, wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1341. Defendants Aziz Bey and Divine-Seven El were also charged with money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957. The evidence presented at trial showed that between June 2020 and July 2021, the four defendants participated in a conspiracy to attempt to obtain over $9.5 million in loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and private lenders, through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Each of the defendants filed multiple fraudulent EIDL and PPP loan applications. The defendants also engaged in a scheme to defraud the SBA into paying approximately $775,000 in EIDL loan proceeds to which the defendants were not entitled. To obtain those funds, the defendants submitted applications for businesses that were not operational and submitted false representations regarding the companies’ number of employees, gross revenues, and cost of goods sold. Additionally, the evidence demonstrated that defendants Aziz Bey, Letez Bey, and Ali participated in a scheme to defraud state workforce agencies by submitting false and fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance (UI). As part of the scheme, the three defendants filed false UI applications in the State of Georgia. Aziz Bey and Ali received approximately $33,680 and $43,525, respectively, from Georgia, where they had not lived or worked. Defendant Letez Bey filed UI applications in the states of Illinois and California in the names of other individuals, and caused those states to mail debit cards containing UI funds to addresses used by Aziz Bey and Ali. Letez Bey received hundreds of thousands of dollars in UI funds from unemployment claims in the names of others. Defendants Aziz Bey, Ali, and El were also convicted of participating in a scheme to defraud lenders by submitting false information to the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to remove liens that lenders held on vehicles, including a Land Rover, a BMW, and a Corvette. As a result, the defendants were able to keep for their own use or sell the vehicles without repaying the outstanding loans. With the fraud proceeds they received, the defendants transferred funds to each other and purchased personal items, such as vehicles and jewelry. Defendants Aziz Bey and El were also convicted of conducting money laundering transactions. Aziz Bey used fraud proceeds to purchase a Maserati and to write a $43,000 check to El. El also used fraud proceeds to purchase a Porsche and to write a $60,000 check to himself. The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced before United States District Court Judge J.P. Stadtmueller on February 1, 2024. They face up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy and mail and wire fraud convictions and up to ten years’ imprisonment on the money laundering charges. They also face up to five years of supervised release. “The jury’s verdict reflects the fact these defendants sought to enrich themselves at the expense of taxpayers across the country,” stated U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “In addition to fraud targeting private businesses, they sought to take unlawful advantage of programs meant to help individuals, businesses, and the entire economy survive the impact of the pandemic. I commend the hard work and relentless efforts of everyone involved in pursuing justice in this case.” “This fraud scheme was dismantled through excellent collaboration between the FBI and our law enforcement partners.” Said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle. “The FBI has an unwavering commitment to combat fraudulent activities and will ensure that those who seek personal gain through such schemes are held accountable.” “The jury’s verdict affirms the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of the unemployment insurance program. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate these types of allegations,” said Irene Lindow, Special Agent in Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys John P. Scully and Benjamin P. Taibleson prosecuted the case. # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Former Church Employee Sentenced to Pay Restitution and Serve Two Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding Church Out of More Than $450,000

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, DARLA BRALLEY , 59, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 24 months in federal prison for embezzling more than $450,000 from St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church, announced U. S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On August 17, 2022, Bralley was charged by Information with wire fraud, and making and filing a false tax return. According to the Information, beginning in early 2014 and continuing through at least January 2020, Bralley devised a scheme to defraud and obtain money from St. Paul. Bralley was employed as payroll administrator for St. Paul during this period and had the authority to issue checks for authorized expenses on behalf of the church. The information alleges Bralley issued approximately 198 unauthorized checks, drawn from St. Paul’s checking account, to pay for various personal items including personal credit card payments, utilities, and living expenses. Bralley also made approximately 1,068 fraudulent, unauthorized transfers from the St. Paul checking account to pay her personal expenses. In all, Bralley defrauded St. Paul out of approximately $451,177.54. The Information also alleges that on her 2018 U. S. Individual Income Tax Return, Bralley reported a total income that was substantially lower than what she received during the year as a result of the fraud. On September 29, 2022, Bralley pleaded guilty to the two-count Information. As part of her plea, Bralley admitted to embezzling 451,177.54 from the church and she further admitted that she did not declare those funds on her annual tax returns. At the sentencing hearing Tuesday, U. S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Bralley to serve 24 months in federal prison and ordered Bralley to pay restitution in the amount of $544,173.54. In announcing the sentence, Judge Palk noted that $451,177.54 would be paid to St. Paul, and $92,996.00 would be paid to the IRS. The investigation was conducted by agents from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, and the United States Secret Service. Assistant U. S. Attorney Charles Brown prosecuted the case.


title: Former U.S. Capitol Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Charge Related to Hit-And-Run Traffic Crash

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A former United States Capitol Police (USCP) officer pleaded guilty today to violating an individual’s civil rights by recklessly engaging in a dangerous pursuit and being deliberately indifferent to the danger he created. Thomas Smith, 46, pleaded guilty to deprivation of rights under color of law. According to court documents, on the evening of June 20, 2020, Smith was on duty conducting security checks at the homes of members of Congress in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., when he began pursuing two individuals riding motorized cycles. Though USCP policies prohibit vehicular pursuits outside of the Capitol grounds, except in emergencies and upon supervisory approval, Smith conducted the pursuit without seeking such approval. While following the motorcyclists closely, but without his emergency lights on, Smith’s USCP cruiser struck one of the motorcyclists at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street, Northwest. The crash knocked the cyclist into the air before he hit the asphalt roadway. As the victim lay in the intersection unconscious, Smith drove his cruiser around the victim and left the scene of the collision. Contrary to USCP policies, Smith did not notify anyone of the collision, take any action to seek medical assistance for the victim or ensure that no further harm came to the victim as he lay on the road. Hours after the collision, Smith falsified several USCP records related to the incident. “A federal law enforcement officer who abuses his authority by engaging in reckless and obstructive conduct not only violates the law, but also public trust,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute any law enforcement officer, including those who serve within the ranks of federal law enforcement, when they violate the most basic constitutional rights of our citizens.” “Like all of our law enforcement partners, we know that the overwhelming majority of U.S. Capitol Police officers do their difficult and dangerous jobs honorably and lawfully,” said U.S. Attorney Mathew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “But former officer Smith violated the Constitution and abused his position by recklessly engaging in a dangerous pursuit that resulted in an unnecessary collision that could have had devastating results. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the civil rights of all District residents and to holding accountable individuals who violate those rights.” “Contrary to the oath he took as a law enforcement officer and a government employee, Smith endangered and showed disregard for others’ lives,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office. “His guilty plea today demonstrates the FBI’s unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of the American people." Smith faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2024. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Sanjay Patel and Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Visser for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.


title: Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to a Scheme to Fraudulently Obtain Almost $18 Million in COVID-19 CARES Act Loans

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – Ahmed Sary, age 45, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting financial institutions, relating to the submission of more than $17.9 million in fraudulent CARES Act loan applications. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was a federal law enacted in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite of the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, Eastern Region; and Chief Robert McCullough of the Baltimore County Police Department. “Sary will now pay the price for living luxurious from stolen pandemic relief funds that others needed to keep a business open or to keep a roof over their heads,” said United States Attorney Erek L. Barron. Financial assistance offered through the CARES Act included forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), administered through the Small Business Administration (“SBA”), and SBA-approved lenders. The SBA also offered an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) and/or an EIDL advance to help businesses meet their financial obligations. An EIDL advance did not have to be repaid, and small businesses could receive an advance, even if they were not approved for an EIDL loan. The maximum advance amount was $10,000. According to the plea agreement, from April 2020 through January 2022, Sary and his co-conspirators prepared false and fraudulent PPP loan and EIDL applications for a number of borrowers in exchange for a kickback of typically ranging from 20 percent to 30 percent of the loan amount. The fraudulent PPP and EIDL loan applications prepared by Sary, and his co-conspirators grossly inflated the purported businesses’ number of employees, monthly payroll costs, and revenue numbers, including for businesses that didn’t exist in any legitimate capacity As detailed in the statement of facts, Sary and his co-conspirators filed 85 false and fraudulent PPP loan applications seeking a total of over $14,807,609.37 and 57 false and fraudulent EIDL applications seeking a total of over $3,093,670.50. All the loans were ultimately funded. After the loan funds were received, the recipient would typically provide Sary multiple, sometimes up to seven, checks that were signed by the loan recipient and that listed a payment amount and date but that left the payee name blank. Sary would then write a payee name on each of those checks and deposit them. In connection with some of the fraudulently obtained PPP loans for purported businesses, Sary also assisted the loan recipients with setting up payroll services with Payroll Processor 1 to make it appear that the fraudulently obtained PPP loan funds were being used for permissible purposes when they, in fact, were not. The payroll services also facilitated the creation of documentation that could be used to substantiate a request for each of the PPP loans to be forgiven. In addition to the loan kickback fees, Sary received $959,559 in PPP/EIDL funds for purported businesses he controlled, including a purported financial services business, a purported meatpacking business, a purported clothing company and a purported talent agency. In fact, none of these businesses existed in any legitimate capacity. Sary admitted that he used the fraudulently obtained funds to travel to Dubai and Egypt on multiple occasions, to stay at luxury hotels, including the Four Seasons, while there, to purchase property in Egypt and to, among other things, open a beachfront restaurant in Alexandria, Egypt called Sary’s Kitchen. Sary and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Sary will be sentenced to between 60 months and 114 months in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for February 1, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the CARES Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI, the SBA-OIG and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Riley, who is prosecuting the case. He also recognized the assistance of the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao/md . # # #


title: Helena man admits possessing unregistered machine gun

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Helena man today admitted to a firearms crime after law enforcement found an unregistered machine gun, along with other firearms and silencers, during a search of his home, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Justin Arthur Berger, 36, pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered machine gun. Berger faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for March 20, 2024. Berger was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that in December 2022, a friend of Berger’s notified the FBI in Helena that Berger had made statements about wanting to harm others in a mass shooting and that Berger expected he would be killed by law enforcement during a shootout. The friend also reported that Berger had several assault rifles and silencers. Law enforcement learned through an investigation that Berger indicated he was depressed, that he knew a lot about firearms and that he had manufactured a part what would convert an AR-15 into a fully automatic weapon. In addition, Berger had been seen firing rifles with the silencers attached at a makeshift shooting range. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Berger’s home and located several firearms, including AR-style firearms, firearms components, a suspected short-barreled rifle, silencers and components for assembling silencers. One of the firearms seized was determined to be a machine gun because it was capable of firing more than one round by a single function of the trigger. There was no record of Berger having registered a machine gun in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Helena Police Department conducted the investigation. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. XXX


title: Accused Drug Dealers Arrested and Prosecuted for Illegal Drug Possession and Distribution Charges, 14,000 Fentanyl Pills Seized

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment today that charges two foreign nationals for illicit drug possession, including fentanyl, with intent to distribute. According to court documents, Juan Robles-Ramos, 22, of Clearfield, Utah, and Pedro De Jesus Figueroa-Roman, 19, of Clearfield, knowingly possessed narcotics with the intent to distribute. Beginning in July 2023, the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Force (WMDTF) began a criminal investigation into Figueroa-Roman and Robles-Ramos, and other members of a drug trafficking organization believed to be distributing large quantities of narcotics in the District of Utah. Pursuant to a controlled purchase of heroin, agents identified Robles-Ramos and learned that the two defendants lived together. On October 6, 2023, during the execution of a search warrant of Robles-Ramos’ and Figueroa-Roman’s residence, agents recovered approximately 1,444 grams of fentanyl, over 1,400 grams of heroin, and over $4,000 in cash. In a separate area of the residence, agents also recovered 1,292 grams of heroin. Robles-Ramos and Figueroa-Roman are in custody. Robles-Ramos is charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute. Figueroa-Roman is charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. The defendant’s initial court appearance on the indictment is scheduled for Oct. 19, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement. The FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF) consisting of the FBI and Davis Metro Narcotic Strike Force (DMNSF) are investigating the case. United States Attorney Brent Andrus of the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. 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: Registered Nurse Charged with Stealing Pain Medications

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – A registered nurse has been indicted for fraudulently obtaining prescription opioid pain medications from a hospice clinic, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, Cambie Elizabeth Broker, 33, was a registered nurse case manager at a hospice clinic in Baxter, Minnesota. Broker entered false prescription requests into the clinic’s e-prescribing software to fraudulently obtain oxycodone, hydromorphone, and fentanyl for illegal sale and personal use. Broker made her initial appearance today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Micko. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the DEA and the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley M. Endicott is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington  Observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, WA – October marks the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, Vanessa R. Waldref, joins the U.S. Department of Justice in commemorating Domestic Violence Awareness Month, paying tribute to victims and survivors, and saluting the dedication of advocates, service providers, justice professionals, law enforcement officers, and first responders who tirelessly work in support of survivors. Domestic violence, dating violence, and intimate partner violence can have long-lasting impacts and consequences. Approximately one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe domestic violence in their lifetimes; however, rates are disproportionately higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, women of Color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and two-spirit people, and people with disabilities. Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity to spread awareness about domestic violence and encourage everyone to play a role in ending gender-based violence. A crucial part of combatting domestic violence and reducing violent crimes includes enforcing federal firearm prohibitions. Domestic violence abusers with access to a gun are five times more likely to kill their partners. In addition to their lethality, firearms are used by abusers to inflict fear, intimidation, and coercive control. Under federal law, people with domestic violence misdemeanor and felony convictions and those subject to domestic violence protective orders are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms. In October 2022, U.S. Attorney Waldref announced her office’s Safe Homes and Safe Community Initiative to prevent domestic violence homicides and prevent abusers who have previously been convicted of domestic violence offenses from having access to firearms. Working with the Yakima Police Department, Yakima County Prosecutor’s Office, Spokane Police Department, and Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office to target individuals who were identified as repeat domestic violence abusers in possession of firearms. Data shows that offenders with a history of domestic violence pose a high risk of homicide to their family members. Indeed, domestic violence offenders with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners than other offenders. “Everyone deserves to live in a safe home free of domestic violence,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Federal prosecutors witness the devastating impacts of domestic violence on the lives of victims and their families, who may endure long-term trauma and are at increased risk for returning to abusive relationships. Here in the Eastern District of Washington, my Office is committed to use all the tools at our disposal—including leveraging our partnerships with local law enforcement and local prosecutors—to ensure victims have a viable path to safety and justice.” Several cases have already been charged in Safe Homes, Safe Community. Some examples include: United States v. James Duane Deckard , 1:22-cr-02066-MKD: Sentenced to 48 months in March 2023 for being an Unlawful User of Controlled Substances and Person Convicted of Domestic Violence in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, in connection with pointing a firearm at his intimate partner during a domestic dispute; United States v. Frederick Terrell , 2:22-cr-00138-RMP: Sentenced to 51 months in June 2023 for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in connection with sending his domestic partner a series of threating videos of himself firing a pistol; United States v. Daniel Parks Conant , 2:23-cr-00057: Indicted in May 2023, for possessing a firearm after being convicted of domestic abuse on the Colville Indian Reservation in February 2021. U.S. Attorney Waldref continued, “Right here in Eastern Washington my Office’s Safe Home Safe Community Initiative focuses on curbing gun violence by removing firearms unlawfully possessed by individuals with a track record of violent crime and domestic violence – these efforts protect victims, law enforcement, and the entire community.” Video Message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRNct8hfuxw U.S. Attorney Waldref continued, “Right here in Eastern Washington my Office’s Safe Home Safe Community Initiative focuses on curbing gun violence by removing firearms unlawfully possessed by individuals with a track record of violent crime and domestic violence – these efforts protect victims, law enforcement, and the entire community.” Facing domestic violence? Find support in your state through @OVWJustice's Local Resources: https://www.justice.gov/ovw/local-resources Immediate help for domestic violence victims: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (@ndvhofficial) at 1-800-799-7233 or Strong Hearts Native Helpline (@strongheartsdv) at 1-844-762-8483. #DVAM2023


title: Griffith Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison

body_text: HAMMOND- Allen Crouse, 47 years old, of Griffith, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a destructive device, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Crouse was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, on July 21, 2021, law enforcement purchased from Crouse two destructive devices that he had manufactured. The destructive devices were intended to work as explosives or bombs and would have functioned as designed if detonated. His criminal history revealed ten prior felony burglary convictions between 1995 and 2002, and as such, he was prohibited from possessing the destructive device. This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force and the Griffith Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula. 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: South Bend Man Sentenced to 64 Months in Prison

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Elijah Jackson, 34 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Jackson was sentenced to 64 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, in June 2022, Jackson forced his way into a home, struggled with a resident, and then fired a gunshot after leaving the home. Police officers located him walking in the area of the incident, at which point he fled from officers and dropped a backpack. After a foot pursuit, Officers recovered a loaded handgun from his waistband and another loaded handgun from his pocket. His backpack contained a loaded extended magazine for a firearm as well as marijuana and pills. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the South Bend Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerome W. McKeever. 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: Firearms Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Supplying Weapons and Ammunition to Sinaloa Cartel

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 18, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Alfredo Lomas Navarrete, a prolific firearms trafficker, was sentenced in federal court today to 15 years in custody for his role in supplying hundreds of high-powered weapons and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition to the Sinaloa Cartel. This case is part of a long-running investigation targeting the Valenzuela Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO), which is a significant component of the Sinaloa Cartel. The Valenzuela TCO is one of the largest importers of cocaine into the United States. The TCO sources cocaine and other controlled substances (including fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana) from South America and Mexico, transports the drugs to multiple locations along the U.S.-Mexico border using commercial trucking companies, smuggles the narcotics into the country, and distributes them throughout the U.S. The TCO then smuggles the bulk cash proceeds from its drug trafficking activities back to the TCO’s leadership in Mexico. According to court records, throughout 2020, the Valenzuela TCO, including one of its leaders, Jorge Alberto Valenzuela Valenzuela (“Jorge”), was engaged in violent conflict with another component of the Sinaloa Cartel led by Ivan Archivaldo Guzman-Salazar. During this conflict, Jorge’s brother and previous TCO leader, Gabriel Valenzuela-Valenzuela, was killed. This led the Valenzuela TCO to procure large quantities of firearms, ammunition, tactical gear, armored vehicles, and ballistic vests. A considerable number of these items were sourced from within the United States and clandestinely smuggled into Mexico, using numerous arms trafficking networks. During the multi-year investigation, agents identified Alfredo Lomas Navarrete as a major firearms trafficker for the TCO. Agents recovered hundreds of messages between Jorge and Lomas in which they discussed firearms trafficking. Lomas worked closely with Jorge and other high-ranking organization members to supply hundreds of firearms to the TCO. These firearms ranged from .50 caliber rifles, submachine guns, and grenade launchers, to assault rifles (AK-47s, AR-15s, FN SCARs) and handguns. In addition to the weapons, Lomas and his co-conspirators supplied tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition to the TCO. Some of these weapons and ammunition were acquired in the United States, including in California, Arizona, and Nevada, and then smuggled through the Ports of Entry in San Diego and Arizona into Mexico To date, this investigation has resulted in the charging of 109 defendants and the seizure of approximately 2,000 kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl, over $16 million in cash, and 21,000 rounds of ammunition. Lomas pleaded guilty in April 2023 to conspiring to import cocaine, distribute cocaine, commit money laundering, and to smuggle goods from the United States. “The amount of cash, ammunition, and narcotics seized in this case is staggering,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “The collaboration in this case sends a clear message that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will attack every facet of drug trafficking organizations from money to drugs to firearms. We will stay after it for as long as it takes to bring them to justice.” “The Venezuelan transnational criminal organization has brought death and suffering to countless people through their once prosperous criminal enterprise,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “The sentencing of this firearms trafficker sends a resounding message to traffickers and criminals around the world that HSI and the law enforcement community will vehemently pursue those who seek to harm not only Americans, but humanity as a whole with their brutality and deadly drugs.” “Drug cartels use drug proceeds to purchase weapons and ammunition, fueling violence in our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe. “DEA and our federal, state, and local partners will continue to hold drug traffickers and the cartels responsible for the carnage and destruction they cause.” “The sentencing of Mr. Navarrete is a major milestone in federal law enforcement’s efforts to disrupt and dismantle illegal trafficking operations of all kinds,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge, Stacey Moy. “We are proud to support our law enforcement partners in all efforts that target and take down crime organizations that threaten the citizens of the United States of America.” “Mr. Navarrete’s enablement of violence on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border is over,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. “Crime leaves a money trail, and when we pool our resources we are able to find the evidence necessary to lead to conviction. Navarrete is going to prison because of a well-coordinated joint investigation we are proud to have been part of.” This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Sutton and Mikaela Weber. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. DEFENDANT Case Number 21-cr-2960-AGS Alfredo Lomas Navarrete Age: 33 Culiacan, Mexico SUMMARY OF CHARGES International Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine for Purpose of Unlawful Importation, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 959, 960 and 963. Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine. Conspiracy to Import Cocaine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 952, 960 and 963. Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine. Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846. Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine. Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. 1956(h). Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved. Conspiracy to Smuggle Goods, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. §§ 371 and 554(a). Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison, fine of $250,000. AGENCY Homeland Security Investigations Drug Enforcement Administration Federal Bureau of Investigation Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation United States Marshals Service Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations Customs and Border Protection, Office of Border Patrol Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs San Diego County Sheriff’s Department San Diego Police Department Border Crime Suppression Team San Diego County District Attorney’s Office


title: Two California Men Accused of Supplying Meth from Mexico to Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment today charging two men from Southern California for allegedly possessing with the intent of distributing methamphetamine in Utah. According to court documents, on October 7, 2023, Oscar Soto-Covarrubias, Sr., 73, of San Diego, California, and Oscar Soto Jr., 26, of Fontana, California, were stopped by a Utah Highway Patrol Trooper for an expired registration. During the traffic stop, a drug detection K9 alerted to narcotics. In a subsequent search of the vehicle, agents located and seized a backpack containing approximately 6,780 grams (15 pounds) of field-tested meth. As part of a drug conspiracy investigation, law enforcement identified Soto-Covarrubias, Sr. and Soto Jr. as a Mexico/California-based source of supply of methamphetamine for Utah-based meth redistributors. Oscar Soto Covarrubias Sr. and Oscar Soto Jr. are charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Their initial court appearance on the indictment is scheduled for Oct. 19, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is part of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Unified Police Department Metro Gang Unit with assistance from the Utah Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen L. Nelson of the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. This investigation took place under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer. 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: Federal Jury Convicts Pocola Resident Of Sexual Abuse In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that that Daniel Matthew Matlock, age 28, of Pocola, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of Sexual Abuse in Indian Country and one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country. The jury trial began in Muskogee, Oklahoma, with testimony on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, and concluded on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, with the guilty verdicts. During the trial, the United States presented evidence that in February of 2019, Matlock sexually abused a minor under the age of 16. The United States also offered DNA evidence to support the testimony of the victim at trial. The crimes occurred in Leflore County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation of Oklahoma, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The guilty verdicts were the result of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the District 16 Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Pocola Police Department. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the trial in Muskogee and ordered the completion of a presentence report. The sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Matlock was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal, where he will remain until sentencing. Assistant United States Attorneys Morgan Muzljakovich and Jessie Heidlage represented the United States.


title: Ontario county man going to prison  on child pornography charges

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Eric Passalacqua, 37, of Phelps, NY, who was convicted of receipt and distribution of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison, 15 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $21,000 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that on January 20, 2023, the FBI in Rochester received information from the FBI in Anchorage Alaska, that an individual located in Phelps, NY, may have been responsible for exchanging child pornography with an individual in Alaska. Subsequent investigation determined that individual was Passalacqua. On January 24, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Passalacqua’s Phelps residence. A forensic examination of his phone recovered over 600 images of child pornography, including images that Passalacqua produced depicting a minor victim. Passalacqua also admitted to producing images of another minor victim. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the Anchorage Office of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Antony A. Jung. # # # #


title: Alabama Man Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Federal Prison For His Role in Murder-For-Hire Conspiracy

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: FLINT — Julius K. Jordan, 26, of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced yesterday to over 15 years in federal prison following his conviction for conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and possession of an unregistered short barrel rifle, U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced. Ison was joined in the announcement by James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Detroit Field Division, and Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Detroit Field Office. U.S. District Court Judge F. Kay Behm imposed sentence on Jordan following his guilty plea to conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and possession of an unregistered short barrel rifle. According to court documents, on February 7, 2022, an individual identified as Person-1 solicited Jordan and his co-defendant Reginald L. Hunter to travel from Alabama to Flint, Michigan, to murder someone in exchange for money. Person-1 sent money to Hunter and Jordan to travel to Michigan. Once Jordan and Hunter arrived in Michigan, they met with Person-1 who provided Jordan and Hunter with assault rifles. They later began looking for the individual who they were hired to kill. On the evening of February 15, 2022, as Jordan and Hunter drove through a neighborhood looking for their intended victim, Jordan failed to stop at a stop sign. Michigan State Police troopers saw Jordan roll through the stop sign and conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, the troopers saw the assault rifles in the car. They seized a short barrel semi-automatic rifle with a collapsible stock from the floorboard near Jordan’s feet. They also seized another semi-automatic rifle from the front passenger floorboard near Hunter’s feet. Both rifles were loaded with chambered rounds and high-capacity magazines. “This investigation is a great example of good police work by Michigan State Police; they thwarted a fatal shooting,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. And cooperation between our state and federal partners remains strong, as ATF and the FBI continue to work diligently to hold all of those responsible accountable. This sentence should send a strong message to those within our boundaries or beyond that we will put our strongest effort to removing violent offenders from our streets.” “This case represents a tale as old as time - choices have consequences. Julian Jordan made a choice to come up to Michigan from Alabama to murder someone. Now, he will have many years to reflect about his life choices behind bars. The message is simple - if you commit gun crime in Michigan, you should pack your bags for prison,” said Special Agent in Charge Deir. "The thwarted murder-for-hire plot in this case underscores the significance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of the citizens in our community," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "Had it not been for the combined efforts of the ATF, Michigan State Police, and Flint Police Department working together as part of the Genesee County Safe Streets Task Force, the consequences could have been far more catastrophic. The FBI is committed to investigating violent crimes such as this and we remain steadfast in our goal of making Michigan's streets safer for everyone." Reginald Hunter is currently scheduled to proceed to trial on December 5, 2023. The investigation of Person-1 remains ongoing. This investigation was conducted by troopers of the Michigan State Police and special agents of the ATF’s Flint Field Office and the FBI’s Flint Resident Agency. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jules M. DePorre and Anthony P. Vance.