title: Maryland Financial Advisor Sentenced to Three-And-A-Half Years in Federal Prison for Stealing an Elderly Client’s Life Savings

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – On April 30, 2024, U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced Eddy Ray Blizzard, age 45, of Havre de Grace, Maryland to 42 months’ imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron and Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Southeast Region Special Agent in Charge Edwin Bonano of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General. “Eddy Blizzard deserves every year he will spend behind bars. His cruel and calculated scheme went on for years and his brazen deception caused great harm to the victim and his family,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office. “The victim spent his life working diligently, saving for retirement, and building an inheritance for his loved ones. Blizzard not only stole a million dollars, but took away their security and peace of mind. The FBI will not stand idly by as fraudsters and cheats take advantage of our elderly citizens. We, along with our law enforcement partners, vow to identify, investigate and pursue those targeting vulnerable people in Maryland." According to his plea agreement, Blizzard held several licenses that allowed him to operate as a registered broker and a registered investment adviser per the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). From 2003 to 2014, Blizzard was employed by a bank securities company (Bank 1) and from 2014 to 2017 he was employed by a bank investment services company (Bank 2), both in Maryland. As detailed in the plea agreement’s statement of facts, victim R.M. was a resident of Maryland and had attended school through the ninth grade. R.M. was 75 years old in January 2020. Beginning in 1963, R.M. went to work for a Baltimore based commercial air-conditioning company, where he enjoyed a successful career installing commercial grade air conditioning units around the country. R.M.’s employer offered him supervisory positions at the company, but R.M. declined because he was not able to read or write. R.M. was able to continue as an air conditioning technician by memorizing facts and figures and conceptualizing things visually. R.M. routinely worked approximately 15 to 30 hours of overtime per week during his career to make extra money. In 2003, after approximately 40 years of service with the air conditioning company, R.M. took a buyout and retired. Six months later, R.M. decided to invest his retirement funds to provide an inheritance for his grandchildren. R.M. sought investment advice from Bank 1, where he had his depository accounts. Blizzard began working at Bank 1 shortly after R.M. began investing there and became R.M.’s financial adviser. Blizzard admitted that in about 2005, he told R.M. that he “went out on his own” meaning that Blizzard began working as an independent financial advisor and asked R.M. if R.M. wanted to leave Bank 1 and use Blizzard as a full-time financial advisor. Blizzard told R.M. that it would be a while before he had his own office, but he would continue to work out of the Bank 1 branch in Catonsville, Maryland. However, Blizzard never went to work as an independent financial advisor. According to the plea agreement, approximately once a month, R.M. would drive from his new home in Chester, Maryland on the Eastern Shore to meet with Blizzard at Bank 1 in Catonsville, approximately one hour away; however, R.M. and Blizzard would meet in Blizzard’s car, not the office. R.M. continued to meet with Blizzard in this way over several years. These meetings lasted 30 to 45 minutes and R.M. was never told why they were meeting in Blizzard’s car. Blizzard admitted that after he became R.M.’s financial advisor, he began asking R.M. for signed blank checks. R.M. recalled giving Blizzard 15-20 signed blank checks. Blizzard filled in the remaining information to include the payee, the amount, the date, and detailed memo section, but R.M. did not know what the checks were for. When R.M. received the cancelled checks in the mail, he knew Blizzard had written them out because R.M. recognized Blizzard’s handwriting. Blizzard used these checks for personal purposes, and not for any benefit of R.M. On approximately 12 different instances, R.M. went to his local bank to withdraw cash and was told there was not enough money in the account. R.M. would then call Blizzard to let him know about the deficiency. Blizzard then told R.M. to wait a day or two and there would be funds in the account to withdraw. R.M. did not ask Blizzard why there were no funds in the account or how those funds were replenished. During his years of investment with Blizzard, R.M. believed that his retirement funds were protected, meaning they would not lose value – a fact that Blizzard reiterated to R.M. many times. R.M. also believed that Blizzard was handling payment of R.M.’s mortgage. As detailed in the plea, in August 2019, R.M. realized there was a problem. R.M. was preparing to go on a family vacation and attempted to withdraw $1,000 to $1,500 in cash from the local Bank 1 branch and was told there were not sufficient funds in the account. R.M. attempted to contact Blizzard on his cell phone for a week with no response. R.M. then went to Blizzard’s Perry Hall, Maryland residence to talk to Blizzard in person, knocking on the front and back doors of Blizzard’s residence. No one came to the door, but R.M. received a voicemail from Blizzard, while he was still at Blizzard’s home. In the voicemail, Blizzard stated that the neighbors had called him and were complaining about the banging on the door. Blizzard further explained that all of R.M.’s money was gone, and that Blizzard had attempted suicide at his parent’s Myrtle Beach, South Carolina home, and was being hospitalized. On September 19, 2019, Blizzard sent an email to R.M.’s son in response to a message R.M.’s son had sent via social media to Blizzard’s wife inquiring about what happened to R.M.’s money. Blizzard told R.M.’s son that he had made some bad investments and felt terrible about failing R.M. and that is why Blizzard tried to end his life. As explained in his plea, Blizzard admitted that, in fact, he was never hospitalized and did not attempt suicide in South Carolina and that the reason R.M.’s account lost value was almost entirely because Blizzard withdrew R.M.’s funds, and deposited those funds into his own bank account, to use for his own purposes. A review of R.M.’s depository and investment accounts showed that between January 2013 and August 2019 there were a total of 242 distributions totaling approximately $1.4 million from R.M.’s retirement accounts. Of those, 129 distributions totaling $1.2 million were specifically requested from R.M.’s retirement accounts instead of being regular systematic annuity payments. After taxes and fees were deducted from those requested payments, approximately $1 million was deposited into R.M.’s Bank 1 account. This review also revealed that from April 2016 to April 2019 Blizzard deposited approximately 112 checks drawn on R.M.’s account into various bank accounts at Bank 1 and elsewhere that were held by Blizzard jointly with his wife or individually. These checks totaled approximately $848,000 and were written to Blizzard or Blizzard’s wife. A review of these checks showed that almost all had comments written on the memo section indicating various purposes such as payment of property taxes, construction, boat payments, and down payments for a new house. In addition, on at least three occasions Blizzard stole R.M.’s Social Security income, which was directly deposited into R.M.’s checking account. On each occasion, once the payment was deposited into R.M.’s account, a check in the amount of $1,200 or more, signed by R.M. and made payable to Eddy Blizzard, was deposited in Blizzard’s personal account. Also, in the fall of 2019, R.M.’s home was put into foreclosure because Blizzard failed to make the mortgage payments on R.M.’s home as he had promised. R.M. died on March 20, 2020. Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available through the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps, including identifying appropriate reporting agencies, providing information to callers to assist them in reporting or connecting them with agencies, and providing resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov . Victims are encouraged to file a complaint online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at this website or by calling 1-800-225-5324. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI and the FHFA OIG for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evelyn Lombardo Cusson and Aaron S.J. Zelinsky, who are prosecuting this case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help seniors, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/elder-justice-initiative . # # #


title: Five Charged in 2006 Cold-Case Kidnapping and Murder of Philadelphia Man

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that five Philadelphia men — Kevin Holloway, 45; Mark Scott, 48; Linton Mathis, 50; Atiba Wicker, 47; and Kenneth Tuck, 51 — were arrested and charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death, and aiding and abetting. The indictment alleges that on the evening of August 26, 2006, Shamari Taylor, a 38-year-old Philadelphia native, and his then-21-year-old girlfriend, were kidnapped from West Philadelphia by several men who were impersonating police officers. Taylor’s girlfriend was released by her captors several hours later, but Taylor remained missing until August 21, 2018, when law enforcement recovered his remains in a shallow grave in North Philadelphia. The ensuing investigation revealed that in the summer of 2006, at least nine men conspired to rob Taylor of cocaine and drug proceeds, and, in doing so, some of them disguised themselves as police officers while using fake badges, police lights, and firearms. Law enforcement established that, as part of the conspiracy, Taylor and his girlfriend were abducted and transported to a warehouse in North Philadelphia where Taylor was interrogated and tortured, in an effort to ascertain where he stored additional cocaine and money. Taylor was then suffocated to death and his body was discarded in Fairmount Park. Several days later, four of the kidnappers moved Taylor’s body, burying him in a vacant lot in North Philadelphia that has since become the parking lot of a charter high school. On the day after the abduction, Taylor’s family home in West Philadelphia was ransacked by two armed men who shot Taylor’s mother and sister in their heads; both women survived. In September 2006, Kenneth Tuck was arrested and charged locally in Philadelphia County in connection with the kidnapping. In 2008, after two trials, Tuck was acquitted of all charges in Philadelphia County. During that period, no one else was charged in connection with the kidnapping or death of Taylor. The investigation revealed that Tuck was recruited to join the conspiracy plot to kidnap and rob Taylor while posing as a police officer, and that Kevin Holloway and his drug-dealing associates, Mark Scott and Linton Mathis, participated in the kidnapping and murdered Taylor in the warehouse after torturing him. The investigation further revealed that Taylor’s friend, Atiba Wicker, and another acquaintance helped plan the crime, in part, by luring Taylor to the abduction site on August 26, 2006. Finally, the investigation revealed that Tuck’s family member bribed a witness who testified at Tuck’s state trial in 2007, and that witness along with other witnesses provided false testimony supporting Tuck’s alibi for the evening Taylor was abducted. “Anyone who commits a heinous crime and is still walking free years later might just assume they’ve gotten away with it,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Well, they should think again. We and our law enforcement partners will doggedly pursue justice for victims of violence and accountability for the perpetrators — no matter how long it may take.” "Although the criminal acts alleged here today occurred nearly 18 years ago, the work of our office has not ceased," said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. "The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue justice for victims of violent crime in our community." “Today's charges are the culmination of years of relentless pursuit of justice for Shamari Taylor and his loved ones,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel. “The nature of this crime, with its elaborate planning, impersonation of law enforcement, and brutal execution, underscores the commitment of law enforcement to bring closure to cold cases and hold those responsible fully accountable. Our communities deserve nothing less. I commend the collaborative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, as well as the unwavering dedication of the Philadelphia Police Department, in bringing these alleged perpetrators to justice. This case exemplifies the power of cooperation among law enforcement agencies at all levels to solve complex crimes and deliver justice for the victims and their families. We will not rest until justice is served.” “These arrests result in the charges brought against the defendants for the death and kidnapping of Shamari Taylor,” stated Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz of the DEA New Jersey Field Division. “The DEA and our law enforcement partners remain committed to making sure those responsible for these types of violent crimes face the consequences for their actions and are brought to justice.” "We will continue to work closely and build on our strong relationships with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to maintain public safety and focus our efforts on identifying, investigating, and disrupting individuals who are engaging in criminal activity," said Dr. Laurel R. Harry, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. "I want to thank our state parole agents who worked on this case for so long; their determination and long hours hasn’t gone unnoticed." If convicted, the defendants face a maximum possible sentence of mandatory life imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin Ashenfelter and Jason Grenell. An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Six Alleged Members of Norwalk-Area Drug Trafficking Ring Arrested

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Norwalk Police Chief James Walsh today announced that the following six individuals have been charged with federal offenses stemming from their alleged involvement in narcotics trafficking in and around Norwalk: JOSE ORJUELA , aka “Hov,” 35, of Norwalk KIMBERLY DELACRUZ , aka “K,” 29, of Norwalk JELSON PEREZ , aka “Spank,” 41, of Norwalk CHRISTOPHER POMPONI , 58, of Darien DARRELL SANDERS , aka “Deezo,” 54, of Norwalk ALEJANDRO MARTIN DE LOS SANTOS , aka “Marcelino Lopez,” 45, of Norwalk As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Norwalk Police Department identified Orjuela as the leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in the Norwalk area. The investigation, which has included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Orjuela and others transported kilogram-quantities of cocaine from Texas and Ohio, and kilogram-quantities of fentanyl and heroin from New York City, and distributed the narcotics in and around Norwalk through a network of individuals, including Perez, Pomponi, and Sanders. At times, De Los Santos supplied the Orjuela organization with narcotics. Orjuela and his girlfriend, Delacruz, stored narcotics and drug proceeds at their Marlin Drive residence in Norwalk, and also used Pomponi’s Pine Brook Lane residence in Darien to store narcotics and drug proceeds, convert cocaine into crack cocaine, and package narcotics for street sale. On April 29, 2024, Orjuela, Delacruz, Perez, Pomponi, Sanders and De Los Santos were arrested on federal criminal complaints charging each with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances; possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; and use of a telephone to facilitate a narcotics trafficking felony. Pomponi is also charged with using or maintaining a drug-involved premises. Several additional individuals were arrested on related state charges. In association with the arrests, investigators executed multiple federal search warrants and seized approximately 15,000 dose bags of suspected fentanyl, approximately 350 grams of raw heroin, quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine, a 9mm handgun and ammunition, and a 2021 Ford F-150. Orjuela, Perez, Pomponi, Sanders, and De Los Santos are detained, and Delacruz is released on bond. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, the Norwalk Police Department, the Darien Police Department, the Stamford Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Kenneth L. Gresham through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Red Water Woman Sentenced to over 5 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Red Water woman was sentenced to 70 months in prison for conspiring to possess over 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. According to court documents, in May of 2021, Kelsy Ann Billie, 24, conspired to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine near the Pearl River Community of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. In September of 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Billie for her role in the distribution of methamphetamine. On January 8, 2024, Billie entered a plea of guilty to the charge. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi, Regional Agent in Charge Whitney Woodruff of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration who investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin J. Payne and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Burns.


title: Lowell Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Bank Robberies

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Lowell man pleaded guilty yesterday to the robberies of three Worcester banks in April 2023. Joselito Santiago-Matias, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery and two counts of armed bank robbery. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2024. Santiago-Matias was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2023. Santiago-Matias robbed a Santander Bank in Worcester on April 3, 2023; a Berkshire Bank in Worcester using a gun on April 12, 2023; and a Santander Bank in Worcester using a gun on April 19, 2023. The charge of bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of armed bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to up to 25 years, five years of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Worcester Police Department Interim Chief Paul B. Saucier made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan D. O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.


title: Jackson Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Production of Child Pornography

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man was sentenced to 360 months in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for production of child pornography. According to court documents, Delvan Jerrod Howard, 43, produced a video of an adult man engaging in sexually explicit conduct with a child. Howard was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 5, 2022. He pled guilty on January 11, 2024, to production of child pornography. Howard was ordered to pay 3,000 under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mississippi Attorney General Office’s Cyber Crime Unit investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda R. Haynes prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Arrested and Charged with Arms Export Control Act Violations, Smuggling Firearms Parts, Firearms Trafficking, Possession of Machineguns, Unlawful Transportation of a Firearm and Dealing in Firearms Without a License

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

body_text: NASHVILLE – Frank Ross Talbert, 40, a Lieutenant Colonel with U.S. Army Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) assigned to Fort Campbell, is facing federal criminal charges after law enforcement officers conducted an investigation and executed multiple search warrants uncovering evidence that Talbert unlawfully imported firearms parts from Russia and other countries, unlawfully dealt in firearms without a federal firearms license, and committed multiple firearms violations related to the possession of machineguns, announced Henry C. Leventis, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. Talbert was arrested today on a twenty-one count federal indictment charging him with eight counts of importing defense articles without a license, eight counts of smuggling firearms parts into the United States, one count of firearms trafficking, two counts of possession of unregistered machineguns, one count of transporting a machinegun without a license and one count of dealing in firearms without a license. If convicted, Talbert faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment and a fine up to $1,000,000. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Bowling Green Field Office; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Homeland Security Investigations; Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Field Office, Nashville Resident Agency; and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke Farzad is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # # # #


title: 62 Members of a Violent Gang Charged With Drug Trafficking and Firearms Violations in Arecibo, Puerto Rico

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On April 24, 2024, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 62 violent gang members from the municipality of Arecibo with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession and distribution of controlled substances, and firearms violations, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. This investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), Arecibo Strike Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with the collaboration of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bayamón Municipal Police, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Puerto Rico Public Housing Authority, and the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. “Thanks to the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and our state and local partners, more than 60 alleged gang members and over $72 million in drugs have been seized in this operation,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The residents of public housing projects deserve better than to be terrorized by violent drug trafficking gangs, and the Justice Department will be relentless in our efforts to dismantle the gangs that fuel violent crime and profit from poisoning our communities.” “The arrests in this case underscore the resolve of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners to uphold the rule of law and bring to justice violent criminals who threaten our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “The Department of Justice remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantle criminal organizations, hold gang members accountable, and pursue justice for victims.” “The allegations in today’s indictments tell a scary story about gang violence in these public housing communities,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “For all the innocent residents who are trying to raise healthy families in safe communities, law enforcement wants you to know that we are here for you. Living in public housing cannot, and should not, mean being subjected to an atmosphere of gun violence and drug dealing around you and your family. ATF’s number one priority is getting the worst criminals – the trigger pullers and drug dealers - off the streets. When rival gangs declare war on each other in the streets in any city, it is the innocent bystanders that suffer the greatest consequences. I want to commend all the ATF agents and our federal and local partners who worked tirelessly to make Arecibo and all of Puerto Rico a safer place.” “Through the relentless collaboration, between the DEA, ATF, state and federal partners have dealt significant blows to the violent drug trafficking organizations operating within the El Cotto public housing project,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Denise Foster. “With over $72 million in street value narcotics seized and over 40 arrests made, our joint efforts underscore our unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal enterprises and safeguarding our communities.” The indictment alleges that from 2014 through the present, the defendants worked as part of a drug trafficking organization (“DTO”) that distributed illegal drugs for significant financial gain and profit -- including cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”), heroin, cocaine, marihuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet), Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax), Clonazepam (commonly known as Klonopin), and Tramadol – all within 1,000 feet of the Ramón Marín Solá Public Housing Project (“PHP”), the Trina Padilla de Sanz PHP, the Manuel Zeno Gandía PHP, the Bella Vista PHP, and La Meseta PHP, all five facilities owned by a public housing authority and collectively referred to as “El Cotto.” The charging documents further allege that the leaders of the DTO that operates within the five PHPs comprising El Cotto met regularly to discuss drug trafficking activities and prevent issues between the members of the organization. The goal of the DTO was to maintain control of the drug trafficking activities within their territory by the use of force, threats, violence, and intimidation. The defendants acted in different roles to further the goals of the drug trafficking conspiracy, including acting as leaders, enforcers, runners, sellers, and facilitators. The defendants charged in the indictment are: [1] Melquisedec Navarro-Lorenzo, a.k.a. “Melqui/La M” [2] Joel Caraballo-López, a.k.a. “Flaqui” [3] Luis Amezquita-Lorenzo, a.k.a. “Berto/Bethoven” [4] Reinaldo Ortiz-González, a.k.a. “Chiqui/Compi Rey/Rajao/Viejo” [5] Alex Montalvo-Novoa, a.k.a. “Alex Chiquito” [6] Jonathan Joel Franco-Mercado, a.k.a. “Gancho” [7] Ivan Acosta-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Luis Ivan Acosta Rodríguez/Luis Ivan Santiago Pérez/Ivan El Negro/Billy The Kid/Wakala” [8] Albert De Jesús-Schelmety, a.k.a. “Macu/Macuco” [9] Renso Marcial-Rodríguez [10] Josué Cedeño-Feliciano, a.k.a. “Camboya” [11] César Cardona-Mena, a.k.a. “Chivas” [12] Lydia M. Pagán-Arocho, a.k.a. “Tata” [13] Luis Méndez-Medina, a.k.a. “Tommy El Gago/Tommy El Loco” [14] Jonathan Robles-Maldonado, a.k.a. “Paramédico/Jonathan Paramédico” [15] Joseph Sanabria-Alequin, a.k.a. “Pitbull” [16] Yefrain Molina-Viruet, a.k.a. “Harry Potter” [17] Erick Juarbe-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Erico” [18] Ramón Colón-Crespo, a.k.a. “Papito” [19] Jonathan Feliciano-Torres, a.k.a. “Duende” [20] Abdiel Yadiel Carrión-Rosado, a.k.a. “Gemelo” [21] Yadiel Abdiel Carrión-Rosado, a.k.a. “Gemelo” [22] Emmanuel Pérez-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Manny/Manes/El Duraco Del Castillo” [23] Obrian D. Mercado-Rivera [24] Ashley J. Rodríguez-Pérez, a.k.a. “Chal/Char” [25] Jimar I. Álvarez-Maldonado, a.k.a. “Gordo” [26] Jimel J. Ortiz-Delgado, a.k.a. “Maiky/La Jota” [27] Bryan Medina-Herrera, a.k.a. “Bryan Dialysis” [28] Rafael Valle-Delgado, a.k.a. “Rafa Valle” [29] Mitzuel Torres-Rivera [30] Jan C. Cuevas-Correa [31] Alexander Serrano-Colón, a.k.a. “Calle 13” [32] Joselito Rodríguez-Álvarez, a.k.a. “Bombili” [33] Ángel M. Felix-García, a.k.a. “Bully” [34] Ángel Cortés-Soto, a.k.a. “Ángel el Bizco” [35] Evans Y. Herrera-Quiñones, a.k.a. “El Enano” [36] Luis O. Valentin-Rivera, a.k.a. “Luis Paramédico/Paramédico Valentin/Omar” [37] Jesús D. Rodríguez-Martínez, a.k.a. “Spock/Danny” [38] Héctor Y. Rodríguez-Miranda, a.k.a. “Negri/Negrito” [39] Michael Jordan-Lugo, a.k.a. “Jordan/Goldo” [40] Kenneth Medina-Velázquez, a.k.a. “Kenny” [41] Edgardo J. Ríos-Santana, a.k.a. “Coco” [42] Kelvin Hernández-Bonilla, a.k.a. “Yampi/Yapi” [43] Carlos Rodríguez-Herrera, a.k.a. “Carlitos/Hermano de Brian Dialysis” [44] Natanael Franco-Mercado, a.k.a. “Nata/Hermano de Gancho/Cirilo” [45] Amisael Flores-Martínez, a.k.a. “Misa” [46] Giovanni Molina-Viruet, a.k.a. “Giovannie/Giovanny” [47] Alvin Y. Torres-Santiago, a.k.a. “Wisin/Yamil” [48] Emmanuel Serrano-Feliciano, a.k.a. “Nana” [49] Brandom L. Díaz-Navarro, a.k.a. “Brandon” [50] Joshua Vargas-Feliciano, a.k.a. “Buda” [51] Geovanell Mercado-Marrero, a.k.a. “Kiko” [52] Jorge Cintrón-Cordero, a.k.a. “Ogui” [53] Adonis J. Rosado-Serrano [54] Jonathan Ayala-Torres, a.k.a. “Menor/Siete Pestes/Jon” [55] José Santiago-Quiles, a.k.a. “Ewan” [56] Liuzkany Rivera-Arroyo, a.k.a. “Kany/Luzkany” [57] Adrián M. Lezca [58] Kevin X. Pérez-Molina, a.k.a. “Chino” [59] Jair X. Galarza, a.k.a. “Marciano” [60] Shaquilomar Molina-Soto, a.k.a. “Shaquille” [61] Israel Rivera-Rivera, a.k.a. “Gemelo” [62] Dexie Marie Narpiel Nieves, a.k.a. “La Flaca/Depsi/Petunia” Thirty-Six of the above-listed defendants also face one charge of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Upon conviction, all defendants are subject to a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $72,868,600. Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort; Deputy Chief of the Gang Section, AUSA Teresa Zapata-Valladares; and AUSAs Pedro R. Casablanca and R. Vance Eaton are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted on the drug trafficking charges, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison. A conviction on the firearms charge carries a mandatory, minimum sentence of five years to life imprisonment, to be served consecutively to any sentence imposed on the drug trafficking charges. This prosecution 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. 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 Judge Finds CBP Officer Guilty of Using Excessive Force

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: EL PASO, Texas – A federal judge convicted a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer for two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of the falsification of a document in a federal investigation. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Miguel Angel Delgado Jr., 40, of El Paso, used excessive force in two incidents while he was on duty at the Bridge of Americas Port of Entry between October 2019 and June 2020. As a result of Delgado’s unlawful use of force, the victims suffered bodily injury. Following one of the incidents, Delgado submitted a CBP Incident Log Report, in which he falsely reported the occurrence. Delgado faces up to 10 years in prison for each use of force incident and up to 20 years in prison for the falsification of a document charge. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Aguayo is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Final Defendant in Southeastern Massachusetts Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy Pleads Guilty

body_text: BOSTON – A Cranston, R.I. man pleaded guilty on April 30, 2024 in federal court in Boston to his involvement in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed fentanyl throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Mario Rafael Dominguez-Ortiz, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Aug. 6, 2024. Dominguez-Ortiz was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2022 along with nine other individuals. In March 2021, an investigation began into a DTO operating in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island led by Estarlin Ortiz-Alcantara. The investigation identified Dominguez-Ortiz as a member of the DTO, who was employed by Ortiz-Alcantara to deliver fentanyl. On four occasions between July and November 2021, Dominguez-Ortiz delivered fentanyl to a cooperating source. Each of the fentanyl deliveries were in amounts consistent with quantities intended for further distribution. Dominguez-Ortiz faces a up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Estarlin Ortiz-Alcantara pleaded guilty in December 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, 2024. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira; and Fairhaven Police Chief Michael J. Myers made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Homeland Security Investigations; Bristol County Sherriff’s Office; and Fall River, Taunton, Attleboro, Scituate, Yarmouth, Providence (R.I.) and West Warwick (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Nine Defendants Charged for Roles in Drug Trafficking Organization Associated with Sex, Money, Murder Street Gang

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Nine people have been charged for their respective roles in a drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in Union County and elsewhere, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced. Jerry Ross, 46, of Somerset, New Jersey; Joseph Ross, 42, of Rahway, New Jersey; Luis Delvalle, 41, Pernell White, 36, and Jaquay Bell, 35, all of Piscataway, New Jersey; Andre Gaddy, 31, of North Plainfield, New Jersey; Jacob Douglas, 42, Tarrell Strond, 42, and Tayeire Thomas, 26, all of Plainfield, New Jersey; are each charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. Six of the defendants are scheduled to appear today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court. Douglas, White and Thomas remain at large. According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court: The defendants are all members and associates of a drug trafficking organization that operated an open-air narcotics market in and around the area of West 3rd Street in Plainfield, New Jersey. The organization is affiliated with, and the defendants are members and associates of, the Sex, Money, Murder criminal street gang, which is a set of the Bloods street gang. For several months, law enforcement conducted extensive surveillance of the area, conducted numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, and analyzed telephone records, all of which demonstrated extensive interactions related to drug trafficking between and among the members or the conspiracy. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker; the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William Daniel and Chief Harvey A. Barnwell; and officers of the Plainfield Police Department, under Director James Abney and Captain Brian Newman, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, under the direction of Port Director TenaVel Thomas, Port of New York/Newark; officers of Perth Amboy Police Department under the direction of Chief Lawrence Catano, and prosecutors with the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice under the direction of New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin. He also thanked the New Jersey State Police. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Goldberg and Rachelle M. Navarro of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. rossetal.complaint.pdf


title: Illegal possession of firearm sends Missoula felon to prison

body_text: MISSOULA — A Missoula felon was sentenced on May 1 to 33 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a loaded and stolen firearm, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. The defendant, Caleb Gerard Diamond, 24, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. In court documents, the government alleged that in May 2023, Diamond, while on felony probation for two separate crimes, was arrested for exposing himself in public while watching two females leave a movie theater. Diamond possessed a loaded .45-caliber handgun and methamphetamine. The gun had been stolen the previous October from a vehicle a few blocks from where Diamond was arrested. Twelve days earlier, Diamond stole ammunition from a local business. When questioned about firearms in his residence, Diamond initially stated he was not aware of any but then advised he recently had purchased a shotgun and gave it to his roommate. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case. The Missoula Police Department, Montana Probation and Parole 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: Poplar Bluff Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison After Being Caught Selling Methamphetamine

body_text: CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Thursday sentenced a Poplar Bluff, Missouri man to 10 years in prison for repeatedly selling methamphetamine and another two years for violating his supervised release from for an earlier heroin distribution case. Joshua E. Forbes, 31, sold meth to a member of the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force and sent other members of his conspiracy to sell the drug on six occasions between June and August of 2023. A total of about 450 grams of meth and 14 grams of cocaine were sold by the conspirators for $3,810. Forbes was on supervised release at the time of the drug sales, having been convicted of three counts of heroin distribution in 2021. Forbes pleaded guilty in January in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of distribution of methamphetamine. The Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Poplar Bluff Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Hunter is prosecuting the case.


title: Charleston Woman Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Alexis Nicole Davis, 26, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 21, 2023, Davis possessed 10 grams of fentanyl that was arranged to be sold at a Charleston gas station. When Davis arrived at the gas station, she recognized the would-be buyer was a confidential informant and the sale was not conducted. After Davis left the gas station, law enforcement officers stopped her and found the fentanyl in her purse. Davis admitted that she possessed the fentanyl and intended to distribute it to others. Davis is scheduled to be sentenced on July 25, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department-Special Enforcement Unit. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander A. Redmon is prosecuting the case. 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. 2:24-cr-72. ###


title: RGV tax preparers convicted for $3M tax fraud scheme

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – Three local sisters have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to aid and assist in the preparation of filing fraudulent tax returns to the IRS, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Maria Lourdes Campos was the owner and operator of Campos Tax Service (CTS) located in the Rio Grande Valley for over 10 years. Employed at Campos Tax Service were Campos’s two sisters, Elizabeth Romo and Gloria Romo. With the sisters’ assistance, most CTS clients fraudulently applied for and claimed either residential energy credits, business expenses or childcare credits. CTS employees did this to earn larger tax refunds for its clients. Once CTS employees completed the tax returns, they did not review the completed documents with their clients and only provided them with refund amounts or incomplete documents. From 2018 to 2020, Campos Tax Service filed approximately 6,501 federal income tax returns which included over $5 million of residential energy credits. The false and fraudulent filings between Campos, Elizabeth Romo and Gloria Romo resulted in a total sustained tax harm of $3,672,472. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton accepted the plea and set sentencing for Aug. 27. At that time, Campos and Elizabeth Romo face up to five years in federal prison while Gloria Romo faces up to three years in federal prison. Each also face a possible $250,000 maximum fine. All were permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing. IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric D. Flores and Cahal P. McColgan are prosecuting the case.


title: Two Men Sentenced to Prison as Part of Federal Investigation That Dismantled Mexico-to-Chicago Drug Pipeline

body_text: CHICAGO — Two suburban Chicago men have been sentenced to prison as part of a federal investigation that dismantled a Mexico-to-Chicago drug pipeline. SHELDON MORALES and EDUARDO SANTANA conspired with a supplier in Mexico and two inmates in a prison in Texas to traffic methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine from Mexico to Evanston, Ill., and Morton Grove, Ill., in 2019. The drugs were sent in packages from California and Arizona and later sold on the streets in the Chicago area. Law enforcement uncovered the drug trafficking activities through the use of wiretapped cellular phones, package seizures, and extensive surveillance. The case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers and other criminal offenders 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. A jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago in 2022 convicted Morales, 42, of Morton Grove, Ill., and Santana, 47, of Skokie, Ill., on a drug conspiracy charge. Morales was also convicted of an individual drug charge related to his attempted possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Mary M. Rowland on Tuesday sentenced Santana to 16 years and eight months in prison. Judge Rowland sentenced Morales on April 16, 2024, to 19 years and seven months in prison. Two other defendants were also convicted and sentenced to prison as part of this investigation. DARIUS MORALES, 34, of Evanston, Ill., was sentenced in 2022 to nearly eight years in federal prison for illegally possessing a semi-automatic handgun in Evanston. DEMETRIUS SHAVERS, 42, of Chicago, was sentenced in 2021 to more than six and a half years in federal prison for trafficking heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl in the Chicago area. The sentences were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Sheila G. Lyons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office. Substantial assistance was provided by the Evanston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles W. Mulaney and Kirsten Moran represented the government.


title: Former Village of Brewster Police Officer Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for his Role in Commercial Sex Bribery Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, former Village of Brewster Police Officer Wayne Peiffer was sentenced by United States District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall to 36 months’ imprisonment for his participation in a conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act extortion and conspiracy to commit bribery. Additionally, Peiffer must pay $5,000 in forfeiture as well as perform community service during his supervised release for no less than four hours per week for a total of 208 hours. The community service should benefit Brewster, New York or a nearby community. The charges arose from Peiffer’s protection of two Queens-based prostitution businesses from law enforcement when the businesses brought women to his jurisdiction in Brewster, New York, to engage in prostitution. Peiffer pleaded guilty to the charges in April 2022. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges. “The defendant is rightly punished with a prison sentence for disgracing his badge, violating the public trust in the community he was sworn to serve, and facilitating the victimization of vulnerable women all for his own self-satisfaction,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Rooting out public corruption in all its pernicious forms is a priority of this Office as such conduct undermines trust in law enforcement.” Mr. Peace also expressed his appreciation to the Putnam County District Attorney’s Office for their continued support and assistance throughout this investigation. “Wayne Peiffer violated his sworn oath to serve the community by using his authority as law enforcement to protect known sex traffickers and perpetuate the further victimization of the trafficked women,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith. “Today, justice has been restored. Peiffer’s sentence emphasizes the FBI’s intolerance of corrupt individuals who abuse their position and disrupt the public’s confidence in our law enforcement departments.” “Wayne Peiffer, a police officer and trusted public servant, used his official position to shield prostitution route drivers and sex traffickers from other local and state law enforcement in exchange for sexual favors,” stated HSI New York Special Agent-in-Charge Arvelo. “This case is particularly alarming because Peiffer not only betrayed his sworn duty to uphold the law, but his actions also facilitated the trafficking of young women. HSI will not tolerate those who abuse their positions of trust to commit these despicable acts exploiting the most vulnerable members of our society.” “Today, a former police officer who once swore an oath and then betrayed it in reprehensible fashion is facing the consequences of his actions,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “Law enforcement is a noble profession that provides no harbor for those who would tarnish the shield we proudly wear. I commend everyone from the NYPD, HSI, FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District for their work on this important case.” From approximately 2010 through October 2018, Peiffer provided protection to members of a prostitution business and a sex trafficking organization that each transported women from Queens to Brewster for the purposes of engaging in prostitution. Peiffer’s protection included advance notice of increased law enforcement activities and assistance with avoiding detection and apprehension. For example, on one occasion Peiffer warned members of the Cid-Hernandez Sex Trafficking Organization not to travel to Brewster because law enforcement officers in a narcotics investigation were conducting car stops in the area. Peiffer met one of the criminal organization’s employees in a service station and told him to leave the area. On another occasion Peiffer called one of the organization’s drivers and advised him not to travel to Brewster because of law enforcement activities. When a driver for the organization was pulled over by another Brewster police officer, Peiffer vouched for the driver, describing him as a “friend.” In exchange for his assistance, Peiffer received sexual services from the women at no cost. Four of Peiffer’s co-defendants, Luz Elvira Cardona, Roberto Cesar Cid Dominguez, Blanca Hernandez Morales and Jose Facundo Zarate Morales were convicted after trial of sex trafficking in October 2023, and they are awaiting sentencing. Co-defendant Cristian Godinez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to facilitate prostitution and conspiracy to facilitate bribery. He was sentenced in December 2023 to 14 months in prison. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas J. Moscow and Rachel A. Bennek are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Ryan Costley. The Defendant : WAYNE PEIFFER Age: 51 Highland, New York Co-Defendants : LUZ ELVIRA CARDONA Age: 35 Queens, New York ROBERTO CESAR CID DOMINGUEZ Age: 61 Queens, New York CRISTIAN NOE GODINEZ Age: 44 Queens, New York BLANCA HERNANDEZ MORALES Age: 53 Queens, New York JOSE FACUNDO ZARATE MORALS Age: 35 Queens, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-622 (LDH)


title: Sixty-Two Members of Violent Gang Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms Violations in Puerto Rico

body_text: Note : The release has been edited to reflect words that were omitted from the Attorney General’s quote. On April 24, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 62 violent gang members from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession and distribution of controlled substances, and firearms violations. “Thanks to the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and our state and local partners, more than 60 alleged gang members have been charged and over $72 million in drugs have been seized in this operation,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The residents of public housing projects deserve better than to be terrorized by violent drug trafficking gangs, and the Justice Department will be relentless in our efforts to dismantle the gangs that fuel violent crime and profit from poisoning our communities.” “The allegations in today’s indictments tell a scary story about gang violence in these public housing communities,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “For all the innocent residents who are trying to raise healthy families in safe communities, law enforcement wants you to know that we are here for you. Living in public housing cannot, and should not, mean being subjected to an atmosphere of gun violence and drug dealing around you and your family. ATF’s number one priority is getting the worst criminals — the trigger pullers and drug dealers — off the streets. When rival gangs declare war on each other in the streets in any city, it is the innocent bystanders that suffer the greatest consequences. I want to commend all the ATF agents and our federal and local partners who worked tirelessly to make Arecibo and all of Puerto Rico a safer place.” “The arrests in this case underscore the resolve of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners to uphold the rule of law and bring to justice violent criminals who threaten our communities,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “The Justice Department remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantle criminal organizations, hold gang members accountable, and pursue justice for victims.” “Through the relentless collaboration, between the DEA and ATF, state and federal partners have dealt significant blows to the violent drug trafficking organizations operating within the El Cotto public housing project,” said Special Agent in Charge Denise Foster of the DEA Detroit Field Office. “With over $72 million in street value narcotics seized and over 40 arrests made, our joint efforts underscore our unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal enterprises and safeguarding our communities.” The indictment alleges that, from 2014 through the present, the defendants worked as part of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed illegal drugs for significant financial gain and profit — including cocaine base (commonly known as crack), heroin, cocaine, marijuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet), Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax), Clonazepam (commonly known as Klonopin), and Tramadol — all within 1,000 feet of the Ramón Marín Solá Public Housing Project (PHP), Trina Padilla de Sanz PHP, Manuel Zeno Gandía PHP, Bella Vista PHP, and La Meseta PHP, all five facilities owned by a public housing authority and collectively referred to as El Cotto. The charging documents further allege that the leaders of the DTO that operates within the five PHPs comprising El Cotto met regularly to discuss drug trafficking activities and prevent issues between the members of the organization. The goal of the DTO was to maintain control of the drug trafficking activities within their territory by the use of force, threats, violence, and intimidation. The defendants acted in different roles to further the goals of the drug trafficking conspiracy, including acting as leaders, enforcers, runners, sellers, and facilitators. The defendants charged in the indictment are: Melquisedec Navarro-Lorenzo, also known as Melqui and La M Joel Caraballo-López, also known as Flaqui Luis Amezquita-Lorenzo, also known as Berto and Bethoven Reinaldo Ortiz-González, also known as Chiqui, Compi Rey, Rajao, and Viejo Alex Montalvo-Novoa, also known as Alex Chiquito Jonathan Joel Franco-Mercado, also known as Gancho Ivan Acosta-Rodríguez, also known as Luis Ivan Acosta Rodríguez, Luis Ivan Santiago Pérez, Ivan El Negro, Billy The Kid, and Wakala Albert De Jesús-Schelmety, also known as Macu and Macuco Renso Marcial-Rodríguez Josué Cedeño-Feliciano, also known as Camboya César Cardona-Mena, also known as Chivas Lydia M. Pagán-Arocho, also known as Tata Luis Méndez-Medina, also known as Tommy El Gago and Tommy El Loco Jonathan Robles-Maldonado, also known as Paramédico and Jonathan Paramédico Joseph Sanabria-Alequin, also known as Pitbull Yefrain Molina-Viruet, also known as Harry Potter Erick Juarbe-Rodríguez, also known as Erico Ramón Colón-Crespo, also known as Papito Jonathan Feliciano-Torres, also known as Duende Abdiel Yadiel Carrión-Rosado, also known as Gemelo Yadiel Abdiel Carrión-Rosado, also known as Gemelo Emmanuel Pérez-Rodríguez, also known as Manny, Manes, and El Duraco Del Castillo Obrian D. Mercado-Rivera Ashley J. Rodríguez-Pérez, also known as Chal and Char Jimar I. Álvarez-Maldonado, also known as Gordo Jimel J. Ortiz-Delgado, also known as Miky and La Jota Bryan Medina-Herrera, also known as Bryan Dialysis Rafael Valle-Delgado, also known as Rafa Valle Mitzuel Torres-Rivera Jan C. Cuevas-Correa Alexander Serrano-Colón, also known as Calle 13 Joselito Rodríguez-Álvarez, also known as Bombili Ángel M. Felix-García, also known as Bully Ángel Cortés-Soto, also known as Ángel el Bizco Evans Y. Herrera-Quiñones, also known as El Enano Luis O. Valentin-Rivera, also known as Luis Paramédico, Paramédico Valentin, and Omar Jesús D. Rodríguez-Martínez, also known as Spock and Danny Héctor Y. Rodríguez-Miranda, also known as Negri/Negrito Michael Jordan-Lugo, also known as Jordan and Goldo Kenneth Medina-Velázquez, also known as Kenny Edgardo J. Ríos-Santana, also known as Coco Kelvin Hernández-Bonilla, also known as Yampi and Yapi Carlos Rodríguez-Herrera, also known as Carlitos and Hermano de Brian Dialysis Natanael Franco-Mercado, also known as Nata, Hermano de Gancho, and Cirilo Amisael Flores-Martínez, also known as Misa Giovanni Molina-Viruet, also known as Giovannie and Giovanny Alvin Y. Torres-Santiago, also known as Wisin and Yamil Emmanuel Serrano-Feliciano, also known as Nana Brandom L. Díaz-Navarro, also known as Brandon Joshua Vargas-Feliciano, also known as Buda Geovanell Mercado-Marrero, also known as Kiko Jorge Cintrón-Cordero, also known as Ogui Adonis J. Rosado-Serrano Jonathan Ayala-Torres, also known as Menor, Siete Pestes, and Jon José Santiago-Quiles, also known as Ewan Liuzkany Rivera-Arroyo, also known as Kany and Luzkany Adrián M. Lezca Kevin X. Pérez-Molina, also known as Chino Jair X. Galarza, also known as Marciano Shaquilomar Molina-Soto, also known as Shaquille Israel Rivera-Rivera, also known as Gemelo Dexie Marie Narpiel Nieves, also known as La Flaca, Depsi, and Petunia If convicted on the drug trafficking charges, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Thirty-six of the above-listed defendants also face one charge of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on the firearms charge, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison, to be served consecutively to any penalty imposed on the drug trafficking charges. Upon conviction, all defendants are subject to a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $72,868,600. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. ATF, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), Arecibo Strike Force, and DEA investigated the case, with the collaboration of the FBI, USMS, Bayamón Municipal Police, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Puerto Rico Public Housing Authority, and Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Assistant U.S. Attorney and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort, Deputy Chief of the Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Zapata-Valladares, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Pedro R. Casablanca and R. Vance Eaton for the District of Puerto Rico are prosecuting the case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Bronx Man Sentenced To 12 Years In Prison For Shooting

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JOSEPH ORENGO JR. was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for a shooting on September 7, 2021, on a residential street in the Bronx and conspiracy to distribute narcotics, including fentanyl. ORENGO previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Vincent L. Briccetti, who imposed today’s sentence. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “This Office has been steadfast in its commitment to ending the scourge of gun violence on the streets of New York City. The defendant chose to fire multiple rounds on a residential street in the Bronx in broad daylight. He put the safety of New Yorkers at risk and terrorized a public space. Today’s sentence sends a clear message: this must stop. If you fire a gun on the streets of New York City as part of drug dealing, you will go to prison.” According to statements made in public court proceedings and filings and a video of the attempted shooting: On September 7, 2021, ORENGO confronted a man on a residential street in the Bronx over a disputed drug debt. As that man drove away, ORENGO fired two shots at him: The shooting occurred at approximately 11:35 a.m., as bystanders were walking down the block. * * * In addition to his prison term, ORENGO, 29, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Police Department This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven J. Kochevar is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding COVID-19 Relief Programs and Commercial Equipment Lenders

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Maryland man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act loan programs and to his role in a years-long scheme to defraud commercial equipment financing companies. According to court documents, Andra Shirone Thompson, 47, of Silver Spring, joined a conspiracy to submit fraudulent applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans on behalf of companies he controlled, including Alpha Bravo Tango LLC., Senergy Consulting Group Inc., and Novus Ordo Seclorum LLC. As a result of the deceitful loan applications, Thompson fraudulently obtained $716,375. Thompson spent a portion of the proceeds on vehicles, including a 2014 Lamborghini Aventador, and on renovations to a home in North Carolina. Thompson also joined a conspiracy to defraud equipment financing companies by submitting fraudulent invoices that falsely showed the sale of substantial quantities of computer servers and related equipment. Thompson and his co-conspirators caused borrowers to submit these invoices to lenders to support their applications for loans to purchase the items shown on the invoices. Once approved, the loan proceeds were deposited into accounts controlled by Thompson and his co-conspirators. Unbeknownst to the lenders, the sales evidenced by the invoices never occurred. Thompson and his co-conspirators typically “kicked back” a portion of the proceeds to the borrower who submitted the application and kept the rest for themselves. Thompson personally participated in three executions of this scheme that caused approximately $813,362 in fraudulently induced lending. Thompson pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Erek Barron for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C., Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Pittano of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Mid-Atlantic Region; Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Braithwaite of the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), Eastern Region; and Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement. IRS-CI, FDIC-OIG, SBA-OIG, and the FBI are investigating the case. Trial Attorney David A. Peters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Wenner for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case.


title: Phoenix Police Officer Indicted and Ordered Detained for Child Pornography and Exploitation Offenses

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Alaa Robert Bartley, 41, of Gilbert, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Tuesday for a series of child pornography-related offenses, including Attempted Production of Child Pornography; Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor; and multiple counts of Distributing, Receiving, and Possessing Child Pornography. Also on Tuesday, a federal Magistrate Judge ordered that Bartley be detained in custody pending trial. The indictment alleges that between August 2020 and August 2023, Bartley repeatedly exchanged digital images of child pornography. The indictment also alleges that in 2019, Bartley attempted to take sexually explicit images of a 15-year-old girl in a bathroom, and from December 2023 to April 2024, he used facilities of interstate commerce while attempting to induce another minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. Attempted Production of Child Pornography carries a potential sentence of 15-30 years in prison; Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor carries a sentence of 10 years to life in prison; and each count of Distributing, Receiving, and Possessing Child Pornography carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. All counts also carry a potential fine of up to $250,000 and up to a lifetime term of supervised release. An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, is handling the prosecution. Bartley - Indictment CASE NUMBER: CR 24-0749-PHX-JJT RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-057_Bartley


title: North Carolina Man Charged with Mailing Antisemitic Threat Targeting Middle Georgia Rabbi

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: MACON, Ga. – A North Carolina man is in custody and federally charged with allegedly mailing an antisemitic threat to a Middle Georgia Rabbi. Ariel E. Collazo Ramos, 31, of High Point, North Carolina, is charged with one count of mailing threatening communications. The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on April 9 and was unsealed on May 2. Collazo Ramos was taken into custody at his High Point residence today; his initial appearance will occur in the Middle District of North Carolina at a time determined by the Court. According to the indictment, Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar of Temple Beth Israel in Macon received a threatening postcard at her home via the U.S. Postal Service on Feb. 1, 2024, allegedly from Collazo Ramos. On one side of the postcard, there was a handwritten message: "Is there a child rape, torture, and murder tunnel under your house? We have the Zyklon B. Use Code "GASTHEJEWS" for 10% off!" The reverse side of the postcard displayed a hand-drawn image depicting a purported Jewish male wearing a rat costume and the words “JEWS ARE RATS.” If convicted, Collazo Ramos faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The case is being investigated by FBI. Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes is prosecuting the case for the Government with assistance from Trial Attorney Erin Monju of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. ###


title: Federal Charges Filed Against Couple in Theft from Isleta Pueblo Business

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A husband and wife face federal charges for allegedly working together to steal over $10,000 from a local business on the Isleta Pueblo in February 2023. The indictment alleges that on February 4, 2023, Frank Joe Hernandez , 43, and his wife, Eva Ann Hernandez , 45, both of Los Lunas, traveled together to Chical Haystack and entered the business together. Eva walked to the cash register and remained near there to act as a lookout while Frank walked to the business office and stole approximately $10,410.30 in currency and a check from the business’ safe. Eva and Frank then left the business together. Eva and Frank are both charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit larceny over $1,000 and larceny over $1,000. A federal judge detained Frank until trial. Eva was released with conditions, including that she does not enter the Isleta Pueblo. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today. The Isleta Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the Belen Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Jones is prosecuting the case. View the Indictment An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # #


title: South Portland Man Sentenced to Five Years on Gun and Drug Trafficking Charges

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A South Portland man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute. U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Joshua Hopkins , 33, to 60 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release. Hopkins pleaded guilty on February 21, 2024. According to court records, in April 2023, investigators located Hopkins, who had an active state arrest warrant, at a South Portland hotel. A search of a backpack Hopkins had been wearing revealed multiple scales, a single round of 7.62 mm x 39 mm ammunition, a blender that contained suspected fentanyl powder, smaller containers of additional suspected fentanyl powder, bags of suspected cocaine, and what appeared to be a substance used to “cut” drugs. Officers found a black Norinco SKS-style rifle in the vehicle. The round of ammunition in the backpack matched the caliber of the rifle. Hopkins is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior felony convictions. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; South Portland Police Department; Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. ###


title: Five Plead Guilty In Multi-Million Dollar Conspiracy To Launder Computer Fraud Proceeds Offshore To Chinese Companies

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that five individuals have pleaded guilty to a total of 35 counts of conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering, concealment money laundering, and structuring in an international scheme to hide proceeds of computer fraud committed on victims throughout the nation. Each faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for each count of structuring. Defendant Date of Guilty Plea Count(s) in Indictment to Which Defendant Pleaded Guilty Scheduled Sentencing Date Cristian Rodriguez Labour 2/21/24 1 (conspiracy) 5/22/24 Jihad William Morales 5/2/24 1 (conspiracy) 2-8 (money laundering) 9-11 (structuring) TBD Michael Gabriel Robles Vazquez 4/9/24 1 (conspiracy) 12-14 (money laundering) 7/10/24 Aramys Gonzalez Rodriguez 3/25/24 1 (conspiracy) 15-23 (money laundering) 24-29 (structuring) 7/10/24 Jorge Ivan Ortiz Buil 4/9/24 1 (conspiracy) 30-34 (money laundering) 35 (structuring) 7/10/24 According to the plea agreements and other court documents, Labour recruited Morales, Robles Vazquez, Gonzalez Rodriguez, and Ortiz Buil to incorporate fake businesses in Florida and open business bank accounts in Deltona and Orlando. Unnamed conspirators hacking into the computer systems of small businesses throughout the country would then direct wire transfers to the fake businesses in Florida. Once the transfers were received, Labour, Morales, Robles Vazquez, Gonzalez Rodriguez, and Ortiz Buil would immediately transfer the bulk of the funds to businesses in the Zhejiang, Weifang, Shouguang, Huzhou, and Hangzhou regions of China while withdrawing a portion as payment for their participation in the conspiracy. The transfers were designed to conceal the source of the fraud proceeds and the defendants further obscured their withdrawals by structuring them to avoid bank reporting requirements. Over a two-week period, in early March 2021, Labor and Morales laundered over $560,000 and attempted to launder another $200,000 using a single account in Deltona by sending the fraud proceeds to accounts in Zhejiang and Weifang and taking $80,000 in structured withdrawals as payment. Morales was captured on camera during one of the withdrawals (pictured below): From June through November 2021, Labor and Vazquez used three different bank accounts in Orlando to launder $116,000 and attempted to launder $50,000 more. From August through December 2021, Labour and Gonzalez-Rodriguez used at least three different bank accounts in Orlando to launder over $1 million. Labour and Ortiz Buil attempted to launder $1 million in one bank account in December 2021 before successfully laundering around $250,000 at four different banks from December 2021 through February 2022, which laundering included using other individuals that Ortiz-Buil recruited into the scheme. Overall, members of the conspiracy successfully laundered $3,323,941 to offshore accounts in China and unsuccessfully attempted to launder another $6,145,877, all of which were the proceeds or attempted proceeds of computer fraud and cyber intrusions on small businesses throughout the United States. This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.


title: Jury Finds District Man Guilty of Firearm Offenses, Fleeing Law Enforcement, Reckless Driving

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Frederick Powell, 29, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a jury of unlawful possession of a firearm (prior conviction) and other charges after attempting to hide his pistol inside the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission building following a Friday-night vehicular flight from police through the H-Street corridor on September 15, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Powell also was found guilty of carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, as well as felony fleeing from law enforcement and reckless driving. The verdict was returned on April 30, 2024, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Andrea Hertzfeld scheduled sentencing for July 12, 2024. Powell faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. According to the government’s evidence, on September 15, 2023, at approximately 9:40 p.m., Powell was driving an unregistered vehicle in the 800 block of K Street. When MPD officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Powell fled at high speed, running red lights and stop signs, even though traffic was heavy and many pedestrians, enjoying the district’s night life, were around. An MPD officer later spotted Powell’s vehicle parked outside the entrance to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission building. As officers approached, Powell entered the building, and once out of view of officers, took a .45 caliber pistol from his waistband and discreetly placed it on the floor. The firearm was loaded with one round in the chamber and nine rounds in the magazine. The serial number on the firearm had been obliterated, making it difficult to trace. Luckily, Powell’s actions were captured on the building’s surveillance system. Powell had previously been convicted of two counts of robbery and one count of conspiracy in 2017 and was on supervision for a 2021 conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm (prior conviction). This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.


title: Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Operating an Illegal Gambling Business and Tax Fraud

component: Tax Division

body_text: An Ohio man pleaded guilty today to tax evasion, operating an illegal gambling business and two counts of money laundering associated with his ownership and operation of illegal gambling businesses in Northeast Ohio. According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2009 through 2022, Steven Saris owned and operated multiple illegal gambling businesses in Northeast Ohio including Café 62, Lucky’s, Winner’s World and Spin City. He also owned and operated such businesses in Springfield, Ohio, and throughout Florida. Saris concealed his involvement in these businesses by arranging for others to serve as nominee owners. For tax year 2015, Saris filed a false tax return that did not report more than $1.4 million in income he received from his gambling businesses. For tax years 2016 through 2021, Saris did not file tax returns or pay all the tax that he owed despite earning more than $8.5 million in income from his gambling businesses. During that time, Saris made only two nominal payments in 2018 when he filed an application for an extension of time to file his 2017 return. Saris used his proceeds from the illegal gambling businesses to gamble millions at legal casinos and to acquire and renovate at least two residential properties located in Canton, Ohio. Saris’ conduct caused a tax loss to the IRS of $2,823,391. In July 2018, law enforcement executed search warrants at multiple illegal gambling businesses and associated locations in Northeast Ohio. Following those search warrants, Saris made false statements to law enforcement. At the same time he was making false statements to law enforcement, Saris continued operating the illegal gambling businesses in Ohio and did not disclose these operations to law enforcement. In August 2022, law enforcement executed a court authorized search warrant at Saris’ residence and for his cell phone. Upon being told of the search warrant for his phone, Saris told law enforcement that he did not know the location of his cell phone. Law enforcement recovered Saris’ cell phone from the water tank of a bathroom toilet in Saris’ residence. Sentencing for Saris is scheduled for Aug. 8. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the counts of money laundering and five years in prison for both tax evasion and for operating an illegal gambling business. Saris also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Treasury’s Office of Inspector General, Stark County Prosecutor’s Office, Ohio Casino Control Commission and Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission-Major Crimes Task Force investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Sam Bean and Hayter Whitman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio prosecuted the case.


title: Mexican And Honduran Nationals Indicted For Aggravated Identity Theft

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of indictments charging Antonio Resendiz-Badillo (39, Mexico) and Erlin Maradiaga-Flores (30, Honduras) with aggravated identity theft, misuse of Social Security numbers, and making false statements regarding citizenship with the intent to engage unlawfully in employment. If convicted on all counts, each faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 2 years, up to 12 years, in federal prison. According to the indictments, Resendiz-Badillo and Maradiaga-Flores misused the names and Social Security numbers of others and falsely claimed to be United States citizens with the intent to engage unlawfully in employment. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray


title: Durant Resident Sentenced To 15 Years For Sexual Exploitation Of A Child

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Micheal Shane Burch, age 33, of Durant, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 180 months in prison for one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child/Use of a Child to Produce a Visual Depiction. The charges arose from investigations by the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On September 19, 2023, Burch pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, law enforcement discovered nude photos of a minor on Burch’s phone after the child’s parents filed a complaint about Burch behaving suspiciously. Law enforcement questioned Burch, who consented to a search of his phone and admitted to taking the images found on it. The crime occurred in Bryan County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Keith Starrett, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee. Burch will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorneys Morgan Muzljakovich and Jessica Bove represented the United States.


title: Two Individuals Arrested for Defrauding Canadian Company that Sought to Purchase Protective Surgical Masks at Outset of Covid-19 Pandemic

body_text: Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, a criminal complaint was unsealed charging Jonathan Cannon and Julie Dotton with wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud a company seeking to purchase personal protective equipment (“PPE”) at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cannon was arrested this morning at his home on Long Island and arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Steven L. Tiscione who released the defendant on a $500,000 bond. Dotton was arrested this morning in Buffalo and will make her initial appearance this afternoon in federal court in the Western District of New York. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrests and charges. “As alleged in the complaint, the defendants sought to take advantage of a provider’s need for life-saving personal protective equipment through a fraudulent scheme that was designed in reality to line their own pockets,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office will continue to work diligently to ensure that fraudsters who sought to capitalize on the worldwide pandemic will be brought to justice. There is no free pass for Covid-19 fraud.” “Jonathan Cannon and Julie Dotton allegedly defrauded a healthcare company of approximately $8.2 million under the false pretense of selling personal protective equipment. The defendants’ alleged failure to provide these critical garments, especially during the onset of a global pandemic, selfishly deprived potential consumers and patients in need. Today’s arrests highlights the FBI’s steadfast pursuit of those who jeopardize the health of others for personal financial gain,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith. According to court filings, as part of their fraudulent scheme, Cannon and Dotton allegedly misrepresented their ability to obtain PPE to a Canadian company that was an official provider of PPE to two Canadian provinces during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a nominal entity she controlled, Dotton entered into a contract with the company to sell approximately 12 million face masks to it for $8.2 million. Cannon and Dotton then caused the company to wire the $8.2 million payment to a purported third-party escrow agent’s bank account. Rather than use the funds to procure the PPE as promised, Cannon and Dotton caused the purported escrow agent to transfer the funds to a bank account controlled by Cannon, who, in turn, disbursed the funds to various third parties for the defendants’ benefit. After Cannon and Dotton failed to procure the agreed upon PPE for the company, and the company demanded delivery of the PPE or a refund, Cannon and Dotton strung them along with excuses for a number of months. The charge in the complaint is an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Drew G. Rolle, John O. Enright and Adam Toporovsky are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Peyton Jefferson. The Defendants : JONATHAN CANNON Age: 58 Miller Place, New York Julie Dotton Age: 51 Orchard Park, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-MJ-342


title: District Man Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder While Armed for July 2021 Shooting

body_text: WASHINGTON – Eric Davis, 60, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty today by a jury of first-degree murder while armed for the July 2021 shooting of Theodore “Bino” Riley, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The Honorable Michael O’Keefe scheduled sentencing for August 2, 2024. Davis was found guilty following a jury trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, of first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense. According to evidence presented during the trial, on July 19, 2021, around 7:33 p.m., Davis was captured on surveillance walking with the victim, Theodore Riley, to an alley adjacent to 1608 Gales Street Northeast. Once in the alley, Davis shot Mr. Riley once in the head. The defendant then quickly walked out of the south end of the alley and fled while attempting to change his outward appearance by putting on a long-sleeved shirt over the short-sleeved shirt he had been wearing. Mr. Riley was found in the alley face-down with a single .45 caliber casing at his feet. Davis was arrested on September 22, 2021. Judge O’Keefe ordered that the defendant remain held pending sentencing. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted and tried by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathleen Gibbons and Saman Danai of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.


title: Billings felon sentenced to five years in prison for illegal possession of four stolen firearms

body_text: BILLINGS — A Billings felon who admitted to illegally possessing four firearms, all stolen, was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. The defendant, Armondo Anthony Ronquillo, 37, pleaded guilty in January to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. In court documents, the government alleged that in January 2023, law enforcement served a search warrant on Ronquillo’s residence and located three handguns, 100 rounds of ammunition, meth, fentanyl pills and $546 in cash. Ronquillo admitted to selling drugs and trading them for firearms. In March 2023, Ronquillo was the front seat passenger in a vehicle stopped by law enforcement. Ronquillo had a fanny pack that contained a pistol and 10 rounds of ammunition. All four firearms in Ronquillo’s possession had been stolen. Ronquillo was prohibited from possessing firearms because of previous felony conviction in Montana. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla. E. Painter prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration 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: Former Boy Scout Volunteer Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for Hiding Cameras in Camp Bathrooms

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel on Thursday sentenced a former Boy Scout volunteer to 22 years in prison for hiding cameras in bathrooms at a St. Francois County, Missouri scout camp. Judge Sippel also ordered David Lee Nelson to pay $55,000 in special assessments that will go to a fund for victims and prevention programs and $6,810 to pay for counseling for the victims in this case. After he gets out of prison, Nelson will be on supervised release for life, with special conditions that include a prohibition against any contact with minors without permission. Nelson hid two cameras in bathrooms at the S Bar F Scout Ranch in St. Francois County in July of 2021 while working there as a volunteer. Nelson hid the cameras in paper towel dispensers, positioning them so they would capture a shower stall and other portions of the bathroom. One camera was discovered when a scout leader and scouts were cleaning out one of the restroom stalls. A search uncovered another camera, and leaders then called the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department. When questioned later by a sheriff’s deputy after being spotted near the bathrooms, Nelson lied and said he was looking for a cell phone charger that he’d left in the stall. During Thursday’s hearing, victims and their parents said Nelson was supposed to be protecting the scouts and was supposed to be someone children could trust. Nelson’s crimes, they said, have now left them unable to trust others. The victims also said they now experience fear and discomfort every time they try to use a public bathroom. Nelson, 41, of Redmond, Washington, pleaded guilty in January to two counts of production of child pornography and two counts of attempted production of child pornography. The St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Drake is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .