title: California Skilled Nursing Facility and Management Company Agree to Pay $3.825 Million to Settle Allegations of Kickbacks to Referring Physicians

component: Civil Division

body_text: Alta Vista Healthcare & Wellness Centre, LLC (Alta Vista), a skilled nursing facility in Riverside, California, and its management company, Rockport Healthcare Services (Rockport), have agreed to pay the United States and California a total of $3.825 million to resolve allegations that they submitted and caused the submission of false claims to Medicare and Medicaid by paying kickbacks to physicians to induce patient referrals. The settlement amount was negotiated based on Alta Vista’s and Rockport’s lack of ability to pay. The Anti‑Kickback Statute prohibits offering or paying remuneration to induce the referral of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded programs. It is intended to ensure that medical decision-making is not compromised by improper financial incentives and is instead based on the best interests of the patient. From 2009 through 2019, Alta Vista, under the direction and control of Rockport, gave certain physicians extravagant gifts, including expensive dinners for the physicians and their spouses, golf trips, limousine rides, massages, e-reader tablets, and gift cards worth up to $1,000. Separately, Alta Vista paid these physicians monthly stipends of $2,500 to $4,000, purportedly for their services as medical directors. At least one purpose of these gifts and payments was to induce these physicians to refer patients to Alta Vista. “Kickbacks can impair the independence of physician decision-making and waste taxpayer dollars,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to preventing illegal financial relationships that undermine the integrity of our public healthcare programs.” “Decisions that affect patient health should be made solely on the basis of a patient’s best interest,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “When a healthcare company cheats and offers kickbacks to gain an unfair advantage, it jeopardizes the health and wellbeing of those who rely on its services. These illegal schemes also make public services and programs costlier, and ultimately waste valuable taxpayer dollars. Today, I thank the U.S. Department of Justice for teaming up with the California Department of Justice on this case. This settlement demonstrates our commitment to protecting the integrity of Medi-Cal, and the taxpayer dollars that support the program." “The administrators and beneficiaries of the Medicare and Medicaid programs expect that providers will make decisions based on sound medical judgment, not their personal self-interest,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “As this case demonstrates, our office will take decisive action to address allegations that medical providers are paying or receiving improper financial benefits that could impact care provided to patients.” “Kickbacks impose hidden costs on the health care system, compromise medical decision making, and taint the doctor-patient relationship,” said Special Agent in Charge Timothy B. DeFrancesca of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue to prevent the waste of valuable taxpayer dollars and protect the integrity of federal health care programs.” The defendants’ conduct allegedly resulted in false claims to Medicare and California’s Medicaid programs, the latter of which is jointly funded by the federal government and California. Under the settlement, they will pay $3,228,300 to the United States and $596,700 to California. The settlement announced today stems from a whistleblower complaint filed in 2015 by a former Alta Vista accounting employee, Neyirys Orozco, pursuant to the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private persons to bring a lawsuit on behalf of the government and to share in the proceeds of the suit. Orozco will receive $581,094 as her share of the federal government’s recovery in this case. In addition to resolving their False Claims Act liability, Alta Vista and Rockport have entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with the HHS-OIG which requires, among other compliance obligations, an Independent Review Organization’s review of Alta Vista’s and Rockport’s physician relationships. The United States’ settlement in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the HHS-OIG, at 800‑HHS‑TIPS (800-447-8477). This matter was handled by the Civil Division's Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, and the California Department of Justice, with investigative support from the HHS-OIG. The case is captioned United States of America ex rel. Neyiris Orozco v. Shlomo Rechnitz et al. , No. 15-cv-6177 (C.D. Cal.). The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement With New Jersey County to Resolve Voting Rights Act Lawsuit

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it has secured an agreement that provides for a comprehensive Spanish-language election program for voters in Union County, New Jersey. The consent decree was approved by a three-judge court in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey. The proposed consent decree was filed in federal court in conjunction with a lawsuit brought by the Justice Department. The department’s lawsuit brings claims under Sections 203 and 208 of the Voting Rights Act regarding the availability of election assistance and materials in Spanish for Spanish-speaking voters with limited English proficiency. Section 203 requires that certain jurisdictions, including Union County, provide election materials and assistance in other languages, in addition to English. Section 208 provides a right for voters who need assistance with voting – due to inability to read or write, blindness or disability – to receive that assistance from the person of their choice, with certain limited exceptions. Under the consent decree, the Union County Clerk and Board of Elections will provide all election-related information in both English and Spanish, including information displayed in polling places and online. The Union County Board of Elections will also ensure that in-person language assistance is available at all early voting sites and at each election district with at least 100 Spanish-surnamed registered voters. Spanish-language assistance will continue to be available to all voters by telephone during elections. In addition, the consent decree provides that any voter covered by Section 208 who needs assistance to vote may be assisted by the person of that voter’s choice, other than an agent of the voter’s employer or union, during any stage of the voting process. The consent decree also provides that federal observers may monitor election day activities in polling places in Union County. “The Justice Department is committed to protecting the right to vote,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This agreement will ensure that Spanish-speaking residents of Union County can fully access the ballot box. The Civil Rights Division will continue to use every tool available to protect the rights of all voters seeking to participate in our democracy.” “The right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “We remain committed to ensuring that every eligible New Jersey voter can vote without language barriers. Now that a court order is in place, we look forward to working with Union County to accomplish this goal.” Individuals may file voting rights complaints with the Civil Rights Division either online here , or may call (800) 253-3931. Individuals may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey either online here or may call (855) 281-3339. More information about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting rights laws are available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section .


title: Flint-Area Medical Practice to Pay $200,000 and Establish a Victim Fund to Resolve Disability Discrimination Case

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: FLINT, MI –Flint Neurological Centre P.C. has agreed to pay up to $200,000 and to establish a victim fund to resolve a disability discrimination case that alleged the medical practice violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide auxiliary aids and services required to ensure effective communication with patients and their companions who are deaf or hard of hearing. In the March 2022 complaint which started this litigation, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan alleged the medical practice had a long history of ADA violations, including a prior investigation by the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) that resulted in the practice entering into a 2018 settlement agreement with MDCR that included compensation to a patient. “Effective communication is paramount for the deaf and hard of hearing, especially in the context of providing medical services,” said Dawn N. Ison, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. “The ADA guarantees that patients who are deaf or hard of hearing have the ability to exchange critical information with medical providers,” she added. These guarantees are a longstanding provision of the ADA, and our office will aggressively enforce the ADA to protect individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Under the terms of the three-year Consent Decree, Flint Neurological Centre, P.C. will pay a total of $150,000 in damages to ten patients and companions. It will also establish a $40,000 victim fund for additional individuals who may have been harmed by its past practices, and it will pay a $10,000 civil monetary penalty to the government. The Consent Decree requires Flint Neurological Centre to adopt a policy statement which notifies patients and their companions of their right to obtain sign language interpreters or other auxiliary aids and services free of charge. The medical practice is also required to train its staff on various topics, including how to provide effective communication to members of the deaf community. Patients and their companions of Flint Neurological Centre, P.C. who believe that the practice failed to provide them with an effective means of communication may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office to determine if they are entitled to compensation. They can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office by calling (313) 226-9151 or sending an email to usamie.civilrights@usdoj.gov . The full and fair enforcement of the ADA is a priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan and the Disability Rights Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. The Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office was established in 2010 with the mission of prioritizing federal civil rights enforcement. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmi/programs/civil-rights . This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Ackenhausen, Acting Chief of the Civil Rights Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nedra Campbell, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael El-Zein, and Executive Assistant United States Attorney Luttrell Levingston.


title: National MS-13 Gang Leader Along with 22 MS-13 Members and Associates Indicted for Murders and Other Acts of Violence

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: A 48-count, superseding indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging 23 alleged members and associates of the violent transnational criminal organization La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as the “MS-13,” with racketeering conspiracy and related offenses, including multiple murders and other acts of violence, drug distribution conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy. The superseding indictment adds charges against defendant Edenilson Velasquez Larin, also known as “Agresor,” “Saturno,” and “Paco,” who is allegedly a national leader of the MS-13 and the Fulton Locos Salvatruchas (Fulton) clique, for his leadership role in allegedly ordering murders, drug distribution, and money laundering for the MS-13. The superseding indictment also adds charges against defendants Christian Alas Leon, Carlos Alvarado, Jose Arevalo Iraheta, Jose Espinoza Sanchez, Erick Galdamez Leon, Blanca Garcia, Jose Guevara Aguilar, Oscar Hernandez Baires, Keila Hernandez May, Jose Mejia Hernandez, and Erick Zavala Hernandez—all of whom are alleged members or associates of the Fulton clique. Finally, the superseding indictment adds charges against Leyla Carranza for her alleged participation in the murder of Andy Peralta on April 23, 2018. The superseding indictment also includes charges against defendants Oscar Flores-Mejia, Ramiro Gutierrez, Yonathan Hernandez, Victor Lopez, Tito Martinez-Alvarenga, Emerson Martinez-Lara, Tylor Salmeron and Ismael Santos-Novoa, all of whom were previously indicted and arrested. Alas Leon, Carlos Alvarado, Arevalo Iraheta, Galdamez Leon, Guevara Aguilar, Mejia Hernandez, and Zavala Hernandez were arrested earlier this morning in New York, and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Cheryl L. Pollak at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn. Hernandez Baires was arrested in New Jersey and will have his initial appearance in Brooklyn. Carranza was arrested in Virginia and will have her initial appearance in the Eastern District of Virginia. Garcia was arrested in Colorado and will have her initial appearance in the District of Colorado. Espinoza Sanchez and Hernandez May were arrested in North Carolina and will have their initial appearances in the Middle District of North Carolina. Velasquez Larin is in immigration custody in Ohio and will have his initial appearance in the Northern District of Ohio at a later date. The remaining defendants are already in federal custody and will be arraigned on the superseding indictment at a later date. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York, and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrests and charges. “The murders and other crimes of violence allegedly committed by these defendants were brutal, cold-blooded, and utterly senseless,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office and our law enforcement partners are working tirelessly to dismantle the MS-13 at all of its levels, and we will not relent until this transnational criminal organization, its leaders, members, and associates are held accountable for the extreme violence and other criminal activity that they have perpetrated in our communities.” Mr. Peace also thanked the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, Queens County District Attorney’s Office, Nassau County Police Department, and the United States Attorney Offices for the Northern District of Ohio, District of New Jersey, District of Colorado, and Middle District of North Carolina for their valuable coordination with the investigation. “The defendants charged are alleged to have participated in heinous gang violence and criminal behavior that brought fear and terror to our communities. The indictments today mark another success in our fight against the continued threat posed by MS-13. The FBI Long Island Gang Task Force and our law enforcement partners are determined to eliminate the scourge of violence and criminal behavior brought by MS-13,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Driscoll. “Transnational gangs, like MS-13, threaten our national security and the safety of our neighborhoods by ravaging our communities with violent crime and narcotics,” stated HSI New York Special Agent-in-Charge Arvelo. “The individuals charged today are alleged to have committed numerous acts of senseless violence in the name of loyalty to their gang and now, thanks to the diligent investigative work of HSI New York and our partners at the FBI and NYPD, they will face federal prosecution for their crimes. This coordinated multi-agency law enforcement effort is the best means of disrupting MS-13’s illicit gang activity and undermining its ability to reign terror and violence in New York communities and elsewhere.” “Today’s charges again show that NYPD investigators, in close collaboration with our law enforcement partners, are relentless in seeking justice against gangs – no matter when or where their brutal violence is carried out,” stated NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “I thank and commend Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI’s New York Field Office, and the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York for their vital work on this important case.” Murder of Andy Peralta Alleged MS-13 associates Juan Amaya-Ramirez and Oscar Flores-Mejia were previously charged with the murder of 17-year-old Andy Peralta in Kissena Park in Flushing, Queens on April 23, 2018. The superseding indictment adds murder charges against Leyla Carranza, who allegedly lured Peralta to the park so that he could be murdered. As detailed in court filings, the assailants fatally beat, stabbed and strangled Peralta. Peralta’s killers photographed themselves posing over Peralta’s corpse while they displayed MS-13 gang signs with their hands. The photo was found in Amaya-Ramirez’s iCloud account during a court-authorized search of the account. Murder of Victor Alvarenga In the early morning hours of November 4, 2018, MS-13 members shot and killed Victor Alvarenga near his home in Flushing, Queens. Alleged MS-13 member Ramiro Gutierrez and others were previously charged for their roles in the murder. The superseding indictment adds charges against alleged MS-13 members Edenilson Velasquez Larin, Jose Espinoza Sanchez, and Tito Martinez-Alvarenga. As alleged, as a national leader for the MS-13 and a leader of the Fulton clique, Edenilson Velasquez Larin gave the order to kill Alvarenga, and the murder was overseen by Espinoza Sanchez. Murder of Abel Mosso Alleged MS-13 members Ramiro Gutierrez, Tito Martinez-Alvarenga and Victor Lopez were previously charged with the murder of Abel Mosso on a subway platform in Queens. The superseding indictment charges Emerson Martinez-Lara and Ismael Santos-Novoa for their alleged roles as lookouts during the murder. As alleged, in the early afternoon of February 3, 2019, Lopez and Martinez-Alvarenga followed Mosso, who they believed to be a member of the rival 18th Street gang, onto the No. 7-train at the Main Street station in Flushing, trailed by Gutierrez. Lopez and Martinez-Alvarenga assaulted Mosso inside the subway car and then dragged him out onto the platform at the 90th Street station in Jackson Heights. The defendants pulled out a gun, but Mosso wrestled it away. Gutierrez shouted in Spanish, “Nobody get involved, we’re MS-13, we’re going to kill him.” Gutierrez then grabbed the gun from Mosso and allegedly shot him multiple times, killing him. Murder of Eric Monge The superseding indictment adds charges for the murder of Eric Monge on September 6, 2020. Alleged MS-13 member Oscar Hernandez Baires is charged with murdering Eric Monge, a fellow member of MS-13 who had previously assaulted Hernandez Baires. As alleged, in the early morning hours of September 6, 2020, Hernandez Baires and another individual shot and killed Monge while he was seated in a parked car near his home in Queens. Monge’s wife had just taken their young children into their residence and returned to the car to find parking when Hernandez Baires and the other individual opened fire. Conspiracy to Murder Rival Gang Members Beginning in late 2019, alleged MS-13 member Jose Espinoza Sanchez, who was a leader of the gang’s Fulton clique, learned that members of the rival 18th Street gang were increasing their presence in Elmont, New York, which is part of Fulton’s territory. As leaders of the Fulton clique, Edenilson Velasquez Larin and Espinoza Sanchez allegedly ordered other MS-13 members, including alleged MS-13 members Jose Arevalo Iraheta, Oscar Hernandez Baires, and Erick Zavala Hernandez, to scour the Elmont neighborhood in search of 18th Street members to kill. In the spring of 2020, Velasquez Larin allegedly arranged for Fulton members from Maryland to travel to New York to help Fulton members from New York find rival gang members in Elmont. Alleged MS-13 member Jose Arevalo Iraheta and a Fulton member from Maryland ultimately found an individual they believed to be an 18th Street member and shot at him. Attempted Murders in Summer 2021 On the evening of July 29, 2021, in Westbury, alleged MS-13 member Christian Alas Leon and others chased a member of the rival Latin Kings gang with machetes. Alas Leon and another individual slashed the individual multiple times in his back and head with machetes before the victim managed to escape. As retaliation for the machete attack, a different Latin Kings member stabbed an MS-13 member in the chest. In response to that stabbing, members of the Fulton clique met at a public park in Hicksville and agreed to exact revenge by killing a Latin Kings member. Velasquez Larin, the leader of the clique, participated in the meeting by telephone and allegedly gave the order to kill. Shortly after the meeting in the park, on the evening of August 2, 2021, in Westbury, New York, alleged MS-13 member Galdamez Leon shot at a suspected Latin Kings member multiple times, and the victim sustained a gunshot wound to the ankle. Approximately one month later, on September 15, 2021, alleged MS-13 members Carlos Alvarado, Tylor Salmeron, and other individuals participated in the attempted murder of a different Latin Kings member who had provoked the MS-13 by posting on social media a mocking video of himself walking in Fulton territory in Westbury. Alvarado and another individual shot the victim in the face. Drug Distribution and Money Laundering Edenilson Velasquez Larin, Christian Alas Leon, Carlos Alvarado, Jose Arevalo Iraheta, Jose Espinoza Sanchez, Erick Galdamez Leon, Jose Guevara Aguilar, Oscar Hernandez Baires, Jose Mejia Hernandez, Tylor Salmeron and Erick Zavala Hernandez are also charged with selling cocaine and marijuana to earn money for MS-13. In addition, Velasquez Larin, Alas Leon, Alvarado, Espinoza Sanchez, Galdamez Leon, Blanca Garcia, Hernandez Baires, Keila Hernandez May, Mejia Hernandez and Zavala Hernandez are charged with money laundering in connection with the flow of tens of thousands of dollars from alleged MS-13 members to MS-13 leader Velasquez Larin. The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case was investigated as part of the ongoing efforts by the OCDETF, a partnership that brings together the combined expertise of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. Today’s charges are the latest in a series of federal prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York targeting members of the MS-13. Since 2003, hundreds of MS-13 members, including dozens of clique leaders, have been convicted on federal felony charges in the Eastern District of New York. A majority of those MS-13 members have been convicted on federal racketeering charges for participating in murders, attempted murders and assaults. Since 2009, this Office has obtained indictments charging MS-13 members with carrying out more than 65 murders in the district and has convicted dozens of MS-13 leaders and members in connection with those murders. These prosecutions are the product of investigations led by our law enforcement partners. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Siegel, Michael W. Gibaldi, and Anna Karamigios are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Emily Moosher. New Defendants: Edenilson Velasquez Larin (also known as “Agresor,” “Saturno,” and “Paco”) Age: 33 Thornton, Colorado Christian Alas Leon (also known as “Pata de Chucho”) Age: 24 Westbury, New York Carlos Alvarado (also known as “Brayle” and “Danny”) Age: 19 Westbury, New York Jose Arevalo Iraheta (also known as “Splinter” and “Daniel”) Age: 26 Queens, New York Erick Galdamez Leon (also known as “Truco,” “Burro,” and “Chicle”) Age: 23 Westbury, New York Blanca Garcia (also known as “Lisbeth”) Age: 31 Thornton, Colorado Jose Guevara Aguilar (also known as “Tranquilo,” “Malhechor,” and “Angel”) Age: 24 Queens, New York Oscar Hernandez Baires (also known as “Pinky,” “Duende,” “Roco,” and “Renuente”) Age: 23 Trenton, New Jersey Keila Hernandez May Age: 35 Carrboro, North Carolina Yonathan Hernandez Age: 24 Hempstead, New York Leyla Carranza Age: 22 Richmond, Virginia Jose Mejia Hernandez (also known as “Mismo” and “Timbre”) Age: 21 Westbury, New York Jose Espinoza Sanchez (also known as “Cable,” “Bleca,” “Clave,” and “Victor”) Age: 24 Carrboro, North Carolina Tylor Salmeron (also known as “El Duende”) Age: 20 Westbury, New York Erick Zavala Hernandez (also known as “Berry,” “Berro,” and “Alex”) Age: 26 Queens, New York Defendants Previously Indicted : Juan Amaya-Ramirez (also known as “Cadaver”) Age: 25 Fresh Meadows, New York Oscar Flores-Mejia (also known as “Chamuco”) Age: 23 Elmhurst, New York Ramiro Gutierrez (also known as “Cara de Malo”) Age: 30 Flushing, New York Victor Lopez (also known as “Curioso”) Age: 24 Flushing, New York Tito Martinez-Alvarenga (also known as “Imprudente”) Age: 23 Flushing, New York Emerson Martinez-Lara (also known as “Fugitivo” and “Adonay”) Age: 24 College Point, New York Ismael Santos-Novoa (also known as “Profe” and “Travieso”) Age: 35 Flushing, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-228 (S-2) (LDH) larin_et_al._superseder.pdf


title: Augusta man sentenced to prison for COVID-19 scheme that netted more than $4.5 million in loans and grants

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: STATESBORO, GA: A Richmond County man has been sentenced to federal prison for conducting a scheme to submit fraudulent applications for COVID-19 small business relief funding that netted more than $4.5 million in payments. Kamario Thomas , 42, of Augusta, was sentenced to 38 months in prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Money Laundering, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Thomas to pay $4,546,945 in restitution to the U.S. Small Business Administration, and to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. “In collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we continue to pursue those who illegally profited from a COVID-19 program designed to help struggling small businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “Kamario Thomas defrauded the government and aided other individuals in stealing money from the taxpayers, and this sentence holds him accountable.” The 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided more than $650 billion in funding for qualifying small businesses facing financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, with grants and forgivable loans available through the Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) or Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). As described in court documents and testimony, Thomas completed false and fraudulent EIDL applications for himself, and received hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks in return for completing and submitting fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications on behalf of others. To create those applications, Thomas fabricated IRS forms and tax records. In total, the scheme caused the disbursement of more than $4.5 million in fraudulent CARES Act loans and grants. “Individuals who provided fraudulent information to gain access to SBA funds intended to support eligible small businesses will face justice,” said SBA OIG’s Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite. “I want to thank the U.S. Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.” “IRS-CI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who fraudulently received funds from programs under the CARES Act,” said Lisa Fontanette, acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Kamario Thomas’ sentencing sends a clear message that individuals who defraud the government will be held accountable.” “Greed has no place in the relief programs intended to aid the nation’s hardworking small business owners who struggled during the pandemic,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This sentence should serve as an example to others that the FBI will work with our law enforcement partners to stop people like Thomas who illegally profit from these programs and hurt law abiding business owners.” The case was investigated by the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, IRS Criminal Investigation, the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenifer A. Stanley. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Former Federal Law Enforcement Officer Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Transportation of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: EUGENE, Ore.—On June 20, 2023, a former Veteran’s Administration police officer and resident of Roseburg, Oregon was sentenced to federal prison for repeatedly placing hidden cameras in sensitive personal locations to capture sexually explicit photos and videos of minors. Robert Wayne Roady, 50, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison and 10 years’ supervised release. In October 2020, Roady’s conduct was reported to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office who opened an investigation. Roady later admitted to hiding the cameras. On November 5, 2020, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Roady with attempted sexual exploitation of a child. On March 1, 2023, Roady pleaded guilty to a one-count criminal information charging him with attempted transportation of child pornography. This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the FBI. It was prosecuted by Adam E. Delph and Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon with assistance from Allison D. Eichmann, Chief Deputy District Attorney for the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1. Anyone who has information the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov . This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: University City Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Missouri Medicaid, Pandemic Loan Fraud

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Sarah. E. Pitlyk on Tuesday sentenced a University City, Missouri man to five years in prison for fraudulently obtaining a $135,000 pandemic loan and defrauding the Missouri Medicaid program out of $1.2 million. Judge Pitlyk also ordered Deandre D. Horne to repay $1,474,338, representing the Medicaid losses as well as repayment to the Small Business Administration for multiple Paycheck Protection Program loans. In July of 2020, Horne falsely claimed to be the sole owner of Budget Towing & Recovery LLC to apply for a PPP loan, which was intended to help small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Horne also inflated the number of employees and falsely claimed a monthly payroll of $40,000. He received a $135,707 loan. Horne did own Serenity Home Health Care CDS, and between July 6, 2017 and March 18, 2021, he fraudulently billed Missouri Medicaid for services that were not supported by valid timesheets or electronic visit verification (EVV) documents. Horne created false EVV documentation to support the bills. Horne also admitted falsely claiming to be the personal care attendant for multiple Missouri Medicaid beneficiaries, billing for times when he was traveling elsewhere in the country or to foreign locations. “DeAndre Horne was actually vacationing in Paris, Chile, Japan, Brussels, Punta Cana, Portugal and Jamaica on the days he claimed to be physically providing home health services in St. Louis,” said Special Agent in Charge Jay Greenberg of the FBI’s St. Louis Division. “Medicaid, which is funded by taxpayers, paid him $1.2 million for services his company claimed, but never rendered.” "By falsely claiming funds from federal health care programs and pandemic relief measures, this individual took valuable resources away from their intended recipients during a time when many Americans were hurting and needed that support," said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "As this case demonstrates, HHS-OIG will not hesitate to hold accountable those who attempt to illicitly profit off of public health programs." Horne pleaded guilty in February to one count of health care fraud and one count of wire fraud. The case was investigated by the Missouri Attorney General’s office, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Reiter is prosecuting the case.


title: Norwalk Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution and Firearm Possession Offenses

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GREGORY T. WILLS, also known as “G Money,” “G” and “Greg Jamison,” 41, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 120 months, followed by five years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses. According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2020, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Norwalk Police Department made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Wills. On September 23, 2020, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of a Norwalk residence that Wills used as a “stash” location and seized approximately 60 grams of fentanyl, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, four handguns, and numerous rounds of ammunition. Investigators located Wills later that day at another location in Norwalk. He discarded a loaded handgun as he attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended. The investigation also revealed that in May 2018, one of Wills’ drug customers died of an overdose of fentanyl and heroin. Wills has been detained since his arrest. On January 23, 2023, Wills pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Wills’ criminal history includes a 2003 federal conviction, under the name Greg Jamison, for distributing crack cocaine, which resulted in a 108-month prison term. This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Norwalk Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan and Karen L. Peck 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: CEO Of Clean Energy Company Convicted By Jury Of Fraud, Identity Theft, Money Laundering, And Obstruction Offenses

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Abrams, age 40, of Easley, South Carolina, was convicted following a jury trial of all 48 counts in an indictment charging wire and mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, money laundering, unlawful monetary transactions, obstruction of justice, and false statement offenses. The trial, held before United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, spanned nine days, and the jury deliberated for approximately three hours before returning its verdict. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Abrams was the Chief Executive Officer of EthosGen LLC, a company operating in the clean energy industry. The evidence at trial showed that in 2017 and 2018, Abrams provided extensive forged documents and false information to induce several investors to invest $1,100,000 in his company. The false documentation included forged teaming agreements and intellectual property licenses, where Abrams substituted his and EthosGen LLC’s name for other companies and individuals, claiming that EthosGen LLC owned technology it did not own. During a pre-investment due diligence process, Abrams also provided forged tax returns and false financial statements that fabricated an existing customer base, and inflated EthosGen LLC’s historical revenues, business activity, and profitability, thereby making it a more attractive investment. Abrams further provided forged contracts and purchase orders to potential investors, in which he claimed to have a revenue stream that, in reality, belonged to other companies. Following an initial investment of $900,000, Abrams provided additional forged contracts and false customer sales documentation to induce an investor to advance another $200,000 to EthosGen LLC. As a result of those activities, the jury convicted Abrams of 18 counts of wire fraud, and one count of mail fraud. The jury also convicted Abrams of five counts of aggravated identity theft based on his forging multiple individuals’ signatures and using their personal information on falsified documentation, without their authorization. The evidence at trial also showed that Abrams used approximately $800,000 of the investors’ money to purchase a personal residence in Easley, South Carolina. To conceal his financial activities, Abrams transferred $700,000 of the funds through a series of five bank accounts under his control, and opened in the names of shell companies, before purchasing the residence. He then lied to investors and to his own financial professionals, claiming that he used the funds to purchase company inventory for EthosGen LLC. Abrams provided investors with falsified company reports, certifications, and accounting records to corroborate his misrepresentations about the use of the investment funds. He also provided forged bank account statements and false information to both of EthosGen LLC’s sequential Chief Financial Officers, and to its accounting professionals. In reliance on those forgeries and lies, the accounting professionals unknowingly included false entries in EthosGen LLC’s books and records. As a result of those actions, the jury convicted Abrams of one count of money laundering, and 12 counts of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. The evidence at trial further showed that, upon becoming aware of the Internal Revenue Service’s criminal investigation, Abrams took several steps to obstruct investigators. Namely, he used misrepresentations and forged bank statements to induce EthosGen LLC financial professionals to create false documents and accounting records that purported to classify his embezzlement of investor funds as a shareholder loan. Abrams also met with investigators on two occasions and provided materially false statements in response to their questions. Those false statements included lies about purchasing inventory for EthosGen LLC, that EthosGen LLC owed him $800,000, that he provided his investors with truthful information when they evaluated his company during a due diligence process, and that he was ignorant about the origin of multiple forged contracts that he sent to investors. As a result of those activities, the jury convicted Abrams of four counts of obstruction of justice, and seven counts of providing false statements to federal investigators. At the conclusion of trial, the jury also found that the residence Abrams purchased in Easley, South Carolina, was subject to forfeiture, as the illegitimate proceeds of his crime. The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phillip J. Caraballo and Jeffery St John are prosecuting the case. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The maximum penalty under federal law for the most serious offenses are 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The aggravated identity theft charges carry mandatory, consecutive two-year minimum sentences of imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances, and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant. # # #


title: Council Bluffs Woman Sentenced for a Drug Distribution Offense

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – A Council Bluffs woman was sentenced June 15, 2023 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Amanda Marie Sprinkel, 33, was sentenced to 60 months in prison following her plea of guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Sprinkel must serve a four-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on September 20, 2022, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force executed a search warrant on a home in Council Bluffs. Amanda Sprinkel was located sitting in a vehicle in the driveway of the Council Bluffs residence. Officers witnessed Sprinkel throw an object on the driver side floorboard. A backpack was found containing 62 grams of suspected methamphetamine. A search of Sprinkel’s phone would later show messages negotiating narcotic transactions and other messages arranging and discussing narcotic sales. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force investigated the case.


title: Hyde Park Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Armed Bank Robbery

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Hyde Park man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for the armed robbery of a Hyde Park bank. Paul Whooten, 59, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to seven years in prison and five years of supervised release. On January 12, Whooten pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery. On Dec. 21, 2019, Whooten entered a branch of Rockland Trust Bank in Hyde Park wearing a long, dark coat over a yellow and black reflective jacket with a bright yellow hood, as well as a knit hat, black sunglasses, a mask and gloves. Whooten was also carrying something that looked like an assault rifle but that later turned out to be a BB-gun. Upon entering the bank, Whooten pointed it at the teller and stated, “Give me all of your money.” The teller filled Whooten’s bag with $13,603 in cash, and Whooten fled the bank on foot. Bank surveillance cameras captured images of Whooten throughout the robbery. Shortly after leaving the bank, Whooten was observed on the street wearing clothes consistent with those observed inside the bank and still holding what appeared to be a rifle in his hand. Law enforcement immediately apprehended Whooten and a black rifle-type BB gun and bag of cash were recovered from him. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam W. Deitch of Levy’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: Washington state woman sentenced for threats to kill Texas judge

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 34-year-old Cheney, Washington, resident has admitted she threatened to kill a federal judge, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Elena Rose Markham pleaded guilty to threatening to assault and murder a federal judge. Immediately thereafter, visiting U.S. District Judge David Alan Ezra imposed a 19-month-term of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence regarding Ezra’s competency restoration and current mental health treatment. In handing down the sentence, Judge Ezra noted her circumstances influenced her conduct. “Unlawful threats against our judiciary are an assault against our democracy,” said Hamdani. “Our system of justice relies on the ability of personnel to do their jobs without fear of retribution. We will not stand for anyone making any kind of threat – but especially when those statements use language about bullets to the head and murder.” On Nov. 3, 2021, a woman calling herself “Elena” left two voicemail messages on the business line for a U.S. district judge. The messages were approximately three minutes, 46 seconds and four minutes, 20 seconds in length. As part of her plea, Markham admitted to being “Elena” and making the threats. In the voice messages, Markham indicated she was upset her federal lawsuit was dismissed and made several, irrational claims regarding judges who were afraid to deal with certain cases. “What about a bullet in your head, maybe that’ll work,” she said. She further indicated she was not afraid and threatened to put liens on all federal judges. Markham claimed the judge was in her “war book” and if she ever saw him in a tunnel, her “team” would shoot him. Markham has been and will remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings. The FBI - Corpus Christi Division conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Ferko prosecuted the case.


title: Blood Gang Leader Armed with Machine Gun Pleads Guilty with  Co-Conspirator to Distributing Fentanyl from China

body_text: ATHENS, Ga. – The leader of the 1831 Piru Blood criminal street gang in Athens and a co-conspirator pleaded guilty to federal fentanyl distribution charges this week resulting from “Operation Tourniquet,” a lengthy FBI-led investigation. Gregory O’Neal Wade, Jr. aka “Woop” aka “Big Homie” aka “OOG,” 31, of Athens, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl and one count of possession of an illegal machine gun. Wade, Jr. faces a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum sentence of life in prison to be followed by a maximum of five years of supervised release and a maximum $10,000,000 fine. Co-defendant Johnathan Edward Brown aka “Zeus,” 31, formerly of Riverdale, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. Brown faces a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum sentence of life in prison to be followed by a maximum of five years of supervised release and a maximum $1,000,000 fine. The hearings occurred before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self III on June 20. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 3, 2023. “Fentanyl, Glock switches and gangs is a particularly deadly combination and one which has no place on the streets of Athens,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Operation Tourniquet’s success is the result of the excellent partnership between many law enforcement agencies focused on reducing violent crime and the spread of fentanyl.” “The gangs pushing deadly fentanyl in our communities have a role in fueling the deadliest drug epidemic our country has ever seen,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is determined to continue working with our partners to cut the head off the snake by targeting the leaders of these operations and removing them from our streets.” “Criminal street gangs continue to wreak havoc in Georgia communities,” said GBI Director Mike Register. “The results from Operation Tourniquet underscore the importance of law enforcement partnerships to tackle violent crimes and these serious drug offenses. The GBI remains committed to working with our local and federal partners.” “This successful outcome of Operation Tourniquet is a testament to the invaluable partnerships we have with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The collaborative efforts have allowed us to disrupt a significant threat to our community,” said Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters. “I want to emphasize that we will not tolerate the presence of gangs, or the distribution of deadly substances like fentanyl within our community and will continue to prioritize our efforts against such networks.” According to court documents, Wade and his 1831 Piru associates were the subjects of a lengthy joint investigation into violent crime and fentanyl distribution in the Athens-Clarke County region named “Operation Tourniquet.” The 1831 Piru Bloods are a set of the nationally affiliated Piru street gang, which originated in the 1960s in Compton, California. Throughout 2020 and 2021, the 1831 Piru Bloods engaged in numerous illegal acts involving drugs and firearms in the Athens-area, when Wade was its leader. The criminal street gang claimed two Athens apartment complexes as their territory—The Flats and Regency Park Apartments, referred to as “The Trenches” by gang members—and frequently sold guns and drugs from those locations. As a result of “Operation Tourniquet,” agents ultimately executed a search warrant at Wade’s Jennings Mill Parkway apartment in July 2021. Wade attempted to evade arrest by leaping out of a third story window but was quickly apprehended by a police K-9 and his handler. Inside the apartment, officers found Brown and D’Angelo Caleb Perkins aka “Yak,” 26, of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, who had been staying with Wade. The apartment contained almost a kilogram of fentanyl, approximately 90 grams of cocaine and over eight pounds of marijuana. In Wade’s bedroom dresser drawer, officers found a Glock 19 with an auto sear switch, a mechanism that converts a semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic machine gun. In the same drawer, a 30-round extended magazine and a 50-round drum (high capacity) magazine was recovered. Wade admitted that he kept the machine gun as protection from those who might do him harm. Officers found additional firearms, a “kilo press” used to compress illegal drugs purchased by Brown and a money counter in Wade’s apartment. On June 6, 2021, Brown communicated with a drug supplier in China who was using the name "Convert.” Brown requested to purchase one kilogram of fentanyl to which Convert sent a reply message: "Sorry, the product you interested are controlled product in China." Brown then began to communicate over WhatsApp with a new source named "Marcus" and negotiated a one-kilogram fentanyl transaction. Wade, along with Brown, admitted to buying and selling large quantities of fentanyl and other drugs for distribution in the Athens community. Co-conspirator Perkins is wanted on multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Perkins remains at-large. Anyone with information regarding Perkins’ whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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 . This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. This case was investigated by the FBI Athens Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the GBI Gang Unit, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department Gang Unit, the Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case for the Government.


title: Hartford, Connecticut Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking Offense

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on June 20, 2023, Raymond Rivera, 33, of Hartford, Connecticut, was sentenced in United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont, to serve 66 months in prison after his guilty plea to one count of possessing cocaine and fentanyl with intent to distribute. U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III also ordered Rivera to serve a five-year term of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment. At the time of the offense, Rivera was serving a term of supervised release from a 2015 drug conviction in federal court in Connecticut. Rivera’s commission of the Vermont offense provided the basis for a violation of Rivera’s supervised release. On the supervised release violation, Judge Sessions sentenced Rivera to 12 months in jail consecutive to the 66-month sentence on the new criminal case. According to court records and proceedings, Rivera was found in possession of a large quantity of cocaine and fentanyl on October 20, 2022, during the execution of a Vermont state search warrant at a residence in Northfield, Vermont. Rivera was arrested during the search and has been detained since then. U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Northfield Police Department in the investigation and prosecution of Rivera. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Van de Graaf handled the prosecution of Rivera. Allan Sullivan, Esq., represented Rivera.


title: Former Financial Director of Monroe Hospital Sentenced for Committing Wire Fraud

component: USAO - Louisiana, Western

body_text: MONROE, La. – Edward Calloway , 44, of West Monroe, Louisiana, has been sentenced on federal wire fraud charges, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. At the sentencing hearing, Chief United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced Calloway to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. According to evidence presented to the court, Calloway served as the Financial Director for Ouachita Parish Hospital Service District’s G.B. Cooley Hospital (“Cooley Hospital”) from 2016 until October 2019. Prior to serving as their Financial Director, Calloway was the First Staff Accountant from 2010 until 2016. Beginning in 2012, Calloway began stealing from Cooley Hospital by transferring money from the hospital’s general fund, sinking fund, and payroll accounts to his personal accounts at Richland State Bank and Louisiana Capital Federal Credit Union. Calloway used a computer to initiate the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) bank transfers. The bill of information filed in this case charged Calloway with causing an ACH transfer of $1,945.34 to be transferred by an interstate wire from a Cooley Hospital account to his personal bank account. Calloway’s theft continued until October 2019 and resulted in a total loss of $892,602.18. Calloway pleaded guilty to the charge of wire fraud on December 12, 2022. “G.B. Cooley Hospital Service is an iconic medical and counseling services provider to northeast Louisiana residents who need specialized care due to mental and physical issues and is funded by state and federal taxpayer dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “Mr. Calloway had a fiduciary duty as Financial Director to oversee these state and federal funds in a prudent fashion to the benefit of Cooley’s residents and clients, not himself. Instead, he took advantage of these individuals by stealing this money for his personal gain and has now been held accountable. We will be vigilant and unwavering in our duty to protect the interests our most vulnerable citizens in the district and the taxpayer dollar.” The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Louisiana Office of State Inspector General and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Alexander C. Van Hook, Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney. # # #


title: Georgia bar and restaurant owner sentenced to federal prison, ordered to pay restitution for tax evasion

body_text: STATESBORO, GA: The co-owner of multiple bars and a restaurant in Georgia has been sentenced to federal prison for tax evasion. Eugene R. Britt III , aka Trey Britt, 53, of Milledgeville, Ga., was sentenced to 24 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to Tax Evasion, as jointly announced by Deputy Assistant Attorney General David A. Hubbert of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg of the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randall Hall also ordered Britt to pay $362,249.53 in restitution and a fine of $10,000, and to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system. “Trey Britt created a scheme to illegally withhold profits that should have been remitted to the U.S. Treasury,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “Avoiding the obligation of paying taxes places a greater burden on all law-abiding taxpayers, and Britt is being held accountable for his actions.” As described in court documents and testimony, Britt engaged in a scheme to evade taxes owed to the IRS on income from multiple bars and a restaurant he and others owned near college campuses in Georgia. As part of the scheme, Britt and others disguised their ownership in the bars by causing each establishment to be owned on paper by a single person. Britt and the other true owners then shared in the profits by skimming cash and disbursing it amongst themselves. Britt personally controlled the distribution of cash for three of the establishments. As part of his guilty plea, Britt acknowledged that for approximately two decades he skimmed cash from his bars and restaurants and did not report it on his tax returns. Additionally, Britt admitted to engaging in a similar cash skimming operation with respect to sales of beer at a music festival in 2015. Britt ensured that his individual tax return was false because he did not inform his accountant of the cash he received from the bars and the music festival during this year. “Business owners have a responsibility to accurately report their income and not doing so is unlawful,” said Lisa Fontanette, acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents will pursue those who disregard that responsibility in order to steal from taxpayers and the federal government.” “Hard-working taxpayers should not have to shoulder the burden for people like Trey Britt who fail to pay their taxes because of greed,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will work with our partners to make sure there are serious consequences for those who intentionally avoid their tax obligations.” IRS-Criminal Investigation and the FBI investigated the case, which was prosecuted for the United States by Assistant Chief David Zisserson and Trial Attorney Casey Smith of the U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division, and the Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Office.


title: Spartanburg Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Firearm Offenses

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA — Lonnie Roosevelt Chamblee, III, of Spartanburg, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Evidence presented to the Court showed that on May 13, 2021, a trooper with the South Carolina Highway Patrol discovered a distribution quantity of marijuana and two semi-automatic pistols in Chamblee’s vehicle after stopping him for running a redlight. One of the firearms was equipped with a large capacity magazine. Chamblee has at least 12 prior criminal convictions dating back to 2011, including convictions for Distribution of Cocaine Base and Discharging a Firearm into a Vehicle While Occupied. United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Chamblee to 96 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Schoen is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Gary Man Sentenced To 292 Months In Prison

body_text: HAMMOND- Anthony Day, age 55, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after a jury found him guilty of armed robbery, brandishing a firearm during that robbery, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Day was sentenced to 292 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. According to the documents in this case, the convictions stemmed from the October 8, 2019, robbery of a bank in Hammond, Indiana where the defendant brandished a gun during the commission of the offense. Wearing a disguise, Day approached a bank teller, displayed a gun and requested cash from the teller’s drawer. Day and his accomplice ordered the bank employees and patrons to lie down on the ground before fleeing the bank. When apprehended, Day’s DNA was on multiple items recovered, including a revolver, a firearm with an extended magazine, and his disguise. Co-defendant, Omar Williams, pled guilty to armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during that robbery, and he was previously sentenced to 235 months in prison. This investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance of the Hammond Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula and Special Assistant United States Attorney Patrick D. Grindlay. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Georgia Bar and Restaurant Owner Sentenced to Prison for Tax Evasion

component: Tax Division

body_text: A Georgia man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for evading taxes in connection with his ownership of multiple bars and a restaurant in Georgia, as well as beer sales at a music festival. According to court documents and statements made in court, for the past two decades, Eugene R. Britt III, also known as Trey Britt, of Milledgeville, Georgia, engaged in a scheme to evade taxes owed to the IRS on income from bars and a restaurant he and others co-owned. Britt and others concealed their ownership interest by causing each establishment to be nominally owned by a single person. Britt and the other true owners shared in the profits generated by the establishments by skimming cash and disbursing it amongst themselves without reporting the cash as income to the IRS. Additionally, Britt used a similar organizational structure in the sale of beer at a music festival in 2015 and did not report the cash he received from the businesses or the music festival on his personal income tax returns. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge J. Randal Hall of the Southern District of Georgia ordered Britt to serve three years of supervised release and to pay a $10,000 fine and $362,250 in restitution. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg for the Southern District of Georgia made the announcement. IRS-Criminal Investigation and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant Chief David Zisserson and Trial Attorney Casey S. Smith of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tania Groover of the Southern District of Georgia prosecuted the case.


title: Former Bangor Resident Sentenced to 7+ Years for Role in Penobscot and Aroostook County Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A former Bangor resident was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Bangor for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Wayne Smith , 32, to 85 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Smith conspired with others to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. Miller knowingly and intentionally joined and participated in the conspiracy. His participation resulted in contacts with local law enforcement that resulted in the seizure of drugs, firearms, drug paraphernalia, and other items. There are 21 defendants in this and related cases. Ten other defendants have pleaded guilty in this case, and four other participants in the conspiracy were sentenced in prior related cases. Six additional defendants have been charged; a charge in a criminal complaint or an indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the police departments in Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle and Houlton. U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: 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. ###


title: Connecticut Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Ismael Ortiz-Vargas, 37 years old, of Bristol, Connecticut, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Ortiz-Vargas was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, in November 2022, the car Ortiz-Vargas was driving was stopped on the Indiana Toll Road and police discovered that he was transporting a kilogram of cocaine from Connecticut to Wisconsin to sell in Milwaukee. At the time of the stop, an arrest warrant had been issued for a violation of his federal supervised release based on his previous federal conviction for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana. This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Indiana State Police as part of a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Molly E. Donnelly. ###


title: DeMotte Man Sentenced To 210 Months In Prison

body_text: HAMMOND- Thomas Spangle, age 42, of DeMotte, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to receipt of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Spangle was sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release. According to the documents in this case, on or about July 19, 2019, Spangle began his 15-year term of supervised release following his conviction for distribution of child pornography. In March 2021, information was received that Spangle was viewing child pornography on his cellphone while on supervised release. While being monitored, several potential images of child pornography were identified. In April 2021, a search warrant was conducted on his electronic devices and a forensic exam revealed his cell phone contained 48 videos files, 31 of which depicted child pornography. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (GRIT) with assistance of the Indiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emily A. Morgan and Philip C. Benson. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Battlefield Man Sentenced to 30 Years For Leading Conspiracy to Distribute Nearly 38 Kilos of Fentanyl

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Battlefield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for leading a conspiracy that distributed nearly 38 kilograms of fentanyl in southwest Missouri and resulted in several overdose deaths. Two Springfield, Mo., residents were also sentenced as co-conspirators in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. James D. Collins, also known as “Red,” 49, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 30 years in federal prison without parole. Co-defendant Rufus H. Jones, also known as “Shorty,” 73, of Springfield, was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison without parole. Co-defendant Heather R. Kinnison, 31, of Springfield, was sentenced to four years and six months in federal prison without parole. On Aug. 17, 2022, Collins pleaded guilty to leading the conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in Greene County from Jan. 31, 2019, to May 18, 2020, and to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Jones and Kinnison also pleaded guilty to their roles in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. According to court documents, Collins is responsible for the distribution of 37.8 kilograms of fentanyl. Collins transported at least 300 grams of fentanyl by vehicle from either St. Louis, Mo., or Chicago, Illinois, to Springfield twice a week. Collins then distributed fentanyl to co-conspirators, including Jones. Collins admitted to investigators that he had been dealing with his source of supply for the past 10 years. On April 17, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Collins’s residence. They found a large plastic bag that contained 331.1 grams of fentanyl. Law enforcement seized more than 700 grams of fentanyl during the course of the conspiracy. According to court documents, multiple overdose deaths occurred related to Collins’s distribution of fentanyl. After he was incarcerated in the Greene County Jail, Collins bragged to his cellmate about multiple overdoses caused by the drugs he was distributing. For example, in March 2020, co-defendant Elmer E. Freeman Jr., also known as “Duck,” 56, sold fentanyl (supplied by Collins) to Randi Highfill, who in turn, distributed the fentanyl to an individual identified in court documents as “J.G.” J.G. died, and Highfill pleaded guilty in state court to involuntary manslaughter and delivery of a controlled substance in connection with this incident. On Oct. 22, 2019, another individual identified in court documents as “J.W.” overdosed and died. According to court documents, Collins led a conspiracy that was distributing significant amounts of fentanyl laced with an assortment of other dangerous substances, including xylazine. The DEA recently issued a Public Safety Alert warning about the newly widespread threat of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” is a powerful sedative that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for veterinary use. Because xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone (Narcan) does not reverse its effects. As a result, xylazine and fentanyl drug mixtures place users at a higher risk of suffering a fatal drug poisoning. Moreover, people who inject drug mixtures containing xylazine also can develop severe wounds, including necrosis—the rotting of human tissue—that may lead to amputation. Lab results indicate that the fentanyl seized from Collins’s residence contained fentanyl, tramadol, cocaine, and xylazine. Fentanyl seized from one of his co-conspirators contained fentanyl, tramadol, and xylazine. In his plea agreement, Collins admitted that he purchased a 2015 GMIC Yukon XL with a $7,000 cash down payment and two additional cash payments totaling $13,500. The vehicle was purchased in a co-conspirator’s name with the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking. Collins also possessed a Smith & Wesson .45-caliber pistol in connection with his drug trafficking activities and maintained a stash house to avoid detection by law enforcement. Collins, Jones and Kinnison are among five defendants who have been sentenced in this case. Freeman is among seven defendants who have pleaded guilty and await sentencing. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica R. Eatmon and Cameron A. Beaver. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Phelps County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department. OCDETF This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The OCDETF program is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.


title: Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 144 Months in Prison

body_text: FORT WAYNE – Joseph Golden, 36 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Golden was sentenced to 144 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, Golden engaged in the sale of methamphetamine and heroin to law enforcement on two occasions in August and September 2022. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement located over 800 grams of methamphetamine in Golden’s vehicle, which had a purity level of 99 percent. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Allen County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brent Ecenbarger.


title: KC Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking, Illegal Firearms

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man who illegally possessed 13 firearms, including machine guns, pleaded guilty in federal court today to fentanyl trafficking, carrying a firearm during and in relation to fentanyl trafficking, and illegally possessing a machine gun. Ban N. To, 19, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to a federal information that charges him with one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of possessing a machine gun. According to today’s plea agreement, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department placed a felony vehicle alert on a red Toyota Highlander due to its association with a homicide that occurred on April 15, 2023. The vehicle had been caught on surveillance video pulling into a parking lot near Southwest Trafficway and Mill Street in the Westport area. The vehicle then proceeded east to another parking lot in the same area. The two occupants of the vehicle exited and proceeded north on foot. At some point the suspects began chasing and shooting at another man. The chase ended at West 40 th Street and Washington Avenue where surveillance video captured the two suspects exchange gunfire in the street with the other man. The other man suffered several gunshot wounds and was later confirmed deceased. The two suspects ran away but eventually returned to the vehicle and drove away. Multiple spent shell casings were recovered from the scene. Kansas City police officers stopped the red Toyota Highlander, which was being driven by To, on April 21, 2023. To told investigators that he is the primary driver of the vehicle and had not loaned the vehicle to anyone during the prior week. To also said the vehicle had not been stolen anytime recently and that only he and his father have keys to the vehicle. Officers searched the Toyota Highlander and found a loaded Taurus .45-caliber handgun, which had been reported stolen, under the driver’s seat. They also found a zip lock bag that contained approximately 75 fentanyl pills near the steering wheel. Officers found three additional firearms inside the locked glove compartment – a Glock 9mm handgun that had been reported stolen, a Polymer80 9mm handgun without a serial number, and a Glock .40-caliber handgun equipped with a Glock switch to make it fully automatic. Kansas City police detectives also were able to recover nine more firearms associated with To while he was being detained in the Jackson County Detention Center. To, in a monitored telephone call, asked his girlfriend to go to his storage locker and remove some bags. Detectives were able to track down those bags, which contained a Mossberg .22-caliber rifle, a Romarm/Cugir Mini-Draco 7.62x39mm pistol, a Radical Firearms 7.62x39mm rifle, a Sigarms .357-caliber pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol, two Glock .357-caliber pistols, and two Glock .40-caliber pistols equipped with Glock switches to make them fully automatic. Under federal statutes, To is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department. Project Safe Neighborhoods This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: High-Ranking Member of Brooklyn-Based "KavKaz Nation" Crime Syndicate Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Extortions and Unlawful Firearm Possession

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Roman Nikoghosyan was sentenced by United States District Judge Dora L. Irizarry to 8 years’ imprisonment for the extortion and the extortion conspiracy of two separate individuals and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Nikoghosyan was arrested in Los Angeles, California, in July 2021, and pleaded guilty to the charges in September 2022. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the sentence. “Nikoghosyan is a prolific extortionist who learned the consequences today of preying on the Eurasian community in Brooklyn,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “His prosecution serves as an example of the priority this Office has placed on protecting vulnerable members of the district from lawless, violent individuals.” Mr. Peace thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, and the New York City Police Department for their outstanding investigative work on the case. As set forth in court filings, Nikoghosyan, is a high-ranking member of a violent, Brooklyn-based Eurasian organized crime syndicate—KavKaz Nation (“KavKaz”)—that operated primarily in the Manhattan Beach and Brighton Beach neighborhoods in Brooklyn, New York. Members of KavKaz, including Nikoghosyan, referred to their membership as the “KWAY” or “K WAY,” and wore jewelry or articles of clothing emblazoned with the word “KavKaz.” Members of KavKaz drew on ties to the Caucus region of Eurasia, namely Armenia, Uzbekistan, parts of Southern Russia, and Azerbaijan, in furtherance of their criminal goals, including extortion. Relying on his reputation for violence and repeated threats of physical harm, Nikoghosyan extorted two individuals in 2021. In February 2021, Nikoghosyan was operating a narcotics distribution scheme in which he employed the victim of one of his extortionate schemes to transport packages containing marijuana. When the victim discovered the illicit content of the packages and refused to continue distributing the narcotics, Nikoghosyan, with the assistance of co-conspirators, demanded $10,000 in extortionate payments from the victim, threatening to stab him or break his legs if he did not comply. In May 2021, Nikoghosyan extorted $5,000 from a second victim. The defendant advised an associate that he “spoke with that son of a b----,” and that he warned the victim, “Do you not want to walk around Brooklyn anymore?” As detailed in court filings, during the course of the investigation, Nikoghosyan discussed assaulting victims with co-conspirators and threatening individuals with physical violence, including the use of weapons. Additionally, in June 2021, Nikoghosyan engaged in multiple conversations related to the escape of a co-conspirator from a New York City Department of Corrections jail barge. Nikoghosyan attempted to provide a vehicle for the co-conspirator to drive to California, along with approximately $2,000 for the co-conspirator to use while on the run. Nikoghosyan, having been previously convicted of felony attempted robbery, also pleaded guilty to possessing a Hi-Point 995 rifle that was found during the execution of a search warrant at a stash house in Brooklyn that was operated by the defendant. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew R. Galeotti and Dana Rehnquist are in charge of the prosecution. The Defendants : ROMAN NIKOGHOSYAN (also known as “Roma”) Age: 34 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-421 (DLI)


title: Wilmington Man Receives 70 Month Sentence for Possessing “Ghost Gun” and Other Firearms with High-Capacity Magazines

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Wilmington man was sentenced today to 70 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On March 21, 2023, Shyheim Zyaan Waters-Davis, age 20, pled guilty to the charge. According to court documents and other information presented in court, beginning in October of 2022, members of the Wilmington Police Department received information from multiple sources that Waters-Davis was selling crack cocaine in the Wilmington area and was known to carry a firearm. Thereafter, law enforcement conducted several controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Waters-Davis and, on November, 17, 2022, members of the Wilmington Police Department and members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force executed a search warrant at the home of Waters-Davis. The search revealed approximately 123 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a privately manufactured firearm (aka “ghost gun”) with a 24-round extended magazine, a stolen 9mm firearm with a 50 round drum magazine, and cash. At the time of this offense, Mr. Waters-Davis was on state probation for felony breaking or entering a motor vehicle. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Wilmington Police Department Vice and Narcotics Unit, the FBI’s Coastal Carolina Safe Street’s Gang Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Special Assistant United States Attorney William Van Trigt prosecuted the case. Mr. Van Trigt is a prosecutor with the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office assigned to the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute federal violent crimes and other criminal matters. This has been made possible by a grant funded by New Hanover County. The conviction is a result of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) initiative which is collaborative effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with the community, to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, and interagency coordination and intelligence-led policing. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:23-cr-00008M-001.


title: Final Of Fifteen Defendants Sentenced For Lansing-Based Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney sentenced Defendant Edward Washington to serve 396 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for his role in distributing fentanyl throughout the Lansing, Michigan area. Defendant Washington was the final of fifteen defendants to be sentenced in an investigation and prosecution that focused on two drug trafficking organizations distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine in the greater Lansing area. “These drugs are taking more lives across Michigan and the United States than ever before and my office is committed to disrupting the pipelines that distribute these poisons across the region,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Edward Washington oversaw the distribution of bulk quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin throughout the Lansing area,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene. “This successful prosecution and sentencing is a reminder that the DEA will pursue these criminals to not only stop the illegal distribution of poisons in our community, but also to prevent the associated violence.” The DEA and Lansing Police Department (LPD), including Lansing Police Department Special Operations Section (LPD SOS), led this interagency investigation. The investigation and convictions were the culmination of an interagency investigation conducted through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. Interagency investigations are a crucial part of how the Department of Justice combats illegal drug trafficking. Often, agencies partner through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. The following individuals were convicted and sentenced as part of the investigation: Name Sentence Edward Washington 396 months Davanti Heard-White 324 months John Humphrey 276 months Arnon Lake 181 months Jeffrey Humphrey 180 months Jordan Suttles 180 months Maguel Villanueva 151 months Demetrus Heard 121 months Demanuel Porter 120 months Marquise Brooks 96 months Jamar Street 87 months Jerome Till 70 months Angela Dority 60 months Michael Terry 57 months Latisha Mack 37 months Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vito S. Solitro, Stephen P. Baker, and Theodore J. Greeley, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney B. René Shekmer prosecuted the case. ###


title: Former FBI Analyst Sentenced for Retaining Classified Documents

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former analyst with the Kansas City Division of the FBI was sentenced in federal court today for illegally retaining documents related to the national defense at her residence. Kendra Kingsbury, 50, of Garden City, Kansas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to three years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Kingsbury pleaded guilty on Oct. 13, 2022, to two counts of unlawfully retaining documents related to the national defense. Kingsbury was an intelligence analyst for the FBI for more than 12 years, from 2004 to Dec. 15, 2017. Kingsbury was assigned to a sequence of different FBI squads, each of which had a particular focus, such as illegal drug trafficking, violent crime, violent gangs, and counterintelligence. Kingsbury held a TOP SECRET//SCI security clearance and had access to national defense and classified information. Training presentations and materials specifically warned Kingsbury that she was prohibited from retaining classified information at her personal residence. Such information could only be stored in an approved facility and container. Kingsbury admitted that, over the course of her FBI employment, she repeatedly removed from the FBI and retained in her personal residence (at that time in North Kansas City, Mo.) an abundance of sensitive government materials, including classified documents related to the national defense. In total, Kingsbury improperly removed and unlawfully and willfully retained approximately 386 classified documents in her personal residence. Some of the classified documents she unlawfully removed and kept in her home contained extremely sensitive national defense information. According to court documents, Kingsbury put national security at risk by retaining classified information in her home that would have, if in the wrong hands, revealed some of the government’s most important and secretive methods of collecting essential national security intelligence. Kingsbury admitted to investigators that she retained and destroyed other documents over the years that could have contained classified and/or national defense information. The documents retained by Kingsbury in her personal residence included documents in electronic format on hard drives, compact discs, and other storage media. The national defense information that Kingsbury unlawfully retained included numerous documents classified at the SECRET level from the FBI that describe intelligence sources and methods related to U.S. government efforts related to counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and defending against cyber threats. These documents included details on the FBI’s nationwide objectives and priorities, including specific investigations across multiple field offices that were open at the time Kingsbury unlawfully retained the documents. In addition, Kingsbury retained documents relating to sensitive human-source operations in national security investigations, intelligence gaps regarding hostile foreign intelligence services and terrorist organizations, and the technical capabilities of the FBI against counterintelligence and counterterrorism targets. The national defense information that Kingsbury unlawfully retained also included numerous documents classified at the SECRET level from another government agency. These documents described intelligence sources and methods related to U.S. government efforts to collect intelligence on terrorist groups. The documents included information about al Qaeda members on the African continent, including a suspected associate of Usama bin Laden. In addition, there were documents regarding the activities of emerging terrorists and their efforts to establish themselves in support of al Qaeda in Africa. The FBI investigated what uses Kingsbury put to the classified documents she illegally removed from the secure workspace, but according to court documents, the investigation revealed more questions and concerns than answers. Investigators reviewed Kingsbury’s telephone records, which revealed a number of suspicious calls. Kingsbury contacted phone numbers associated with subjects of counterterrorism investigations, and these individuals also made telephone calls to Kingsbury. Investigators have not been able to determine why Kingsbury contacted these individuals, or why these individuals contacted her. Kingsbury declined to provide the government with any further information. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Edwards for the Western District of Missouri and Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. It was investigated by the FBI Omaha Field Office.