title: Health Care Information Technology Contractor Agrees to Pay More Than $1.7 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations for Charging Unallowable Costs to the National Institutes of Health

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – Maryland-based Capital Technology Information Services, Inc., (“CTIS”), a health care information technology company, has agreed to pay the United States $1,712,949.44 to resolve federal False Claims Act allegations that it billed the National Institutes of Health (“NIH”) for costs that were unallowable for reimbursement. The civil settlement was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron and Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon, Office of Investigations, Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services. “Federal contractors are required to bill only for costs that are properly reimbursable and not for purely personal expenses unrelated to the contract work,” said United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron. “This settlement represents our continuing commitment to holding companies accountable who do not follow the rules for federal contracting and grants and take advantage of taxpayer funded programs.” “Federal grantees and contractors have a responsibility to ensure all charges they submit are for allowable expenses,” said Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG remains committed to protecting valuable taxpayer dollars, and the programs they fund, from fraud, waste, and abuse.” The core business of CTIS involved health data analytics and the provision of related website infrastructure to its customers to capture, store and use health and biomedical data. CTIS received a five-year grant from NIH, through the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (“NIMHD”), to establish a consortium of educational and for-profit organizations to study the impact of health delivery systems in a selected minority community, to understand possible disparities, and find innovative ways to eliminate the identified disparities. CTIS was also awarded an NIH Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (“CTEP”) Task Order cost-reimbursable contract to provide information technology and telecom solutions in support of NIH for CTEP. Under the contract and the grant, NIH would reimburse CTIS only for allowable expenses incurred during the performance period of the contract or grant. The settlement resolves allegations that between July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2018, CTIS knowingly billed the NIH for unallowable costs on both the NIH grant and the CTEP Task Order, including for such personal expenses as the costs of luxury vehicles, residential mortgage payments, housekeeping services, the cost of a wedding, and other unreasonable and/or non-contract-related work or for work not actually performed. The costs were falsely represented as incurred specifically in support of the work performed on the NIH grant and CTEP Task Order and as necessary to the overall operation of the business of CTIS. The civil settlement also resolves lawsuits filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act in United States ex rel. Sherette Rhodes, et. al., v. Capital Technology Information Services, Inc ., Civ. No. GJH-17-0609 and in United States ex rel. Connie Ezerski v. CTIS, Inc., et. al ., Civ. No. GJH-18-0486 (D.Md). The False Claims Act permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and obtain a portion of the United States’ recovery. As part of the civil resolution, two of the Relators will receive $171,294.94, collectively, and the other will receive $171,294.94. The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations. The settlement is not an admission of liability by CTIS, nor a concession by the United States that its claims are not well founded. CTIS cooperated throughout the ensuing federal investigation conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the DHHS-OIG for its work in this investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tarra DeShields who handled this case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud . # # #


title: Convicted Murderer Sentenced To Almost 5 Years In Federal Prison For Possessing Firearms

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Christopher Richard Munroe (55, Ocala) to four years and nine months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Munroe had pleaded guilty on March 20, 2023. According to court documents, on November 14, 2022, the Ocala Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from the owner of a moving company, who reported that Munroe had stolen three firearms while packing a residence for customers. When officers arrived on the scene, they found Munroe crouched down in some nearby bushes. The officers located the stolen firearms, seven ammunition magazines, and ammunition where Munroe had been hiding. Munroe had previously been convicted of second-degree murder in New York. He was released on parole in 2018. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the City of Ocala Police Department, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Crockett. 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: Suburban Chicago Doctor Sentenced to Federal Prison and Fined $1 Million for Health Care Fraud

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago doctor has been sentenced to a federal prison term and fined $1 million for submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare and a private insurer. JOHN A. GREAGER II, 75, of Hinsdale, Ill., pleaded guilty earlier this year to a health care fraud charge. U.S. District Judge Robert W. Gettleman imposed the fine and a 6-month prison sentence after a hearing Tuesday in federal court in Chicago. Greager owned and operated Cancer Therapy Associates S.C., in Lombard, Ill. From 2015 to 2021, Greager caused fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois falsely stating that mole-removal procedures had been provided to patients on multiple dates. In actuality, Greager knew that those services were not provided as billed. Greager had removed multiple moles on a single date, but the procedures were billed as though they were removed on separate dates to maximize reimbursement from Medicare and BCBS. Greager admitted that he knew insurers paid more for moles removed on separate dates than multiple moles on a single date. Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield ultimately paid Greager approximately $1.7 million as a result of his scheme. To conceal his fraudulent conduct, Greager stored moles onsite at his office and delayed sending them for pathology testing. As a result, the pathology reports made it appear as though Greager had removed the moles on separate dates. Greager’s conduct delayed critical testing on moles that he removed for serious illnesses, including cancer. Greager also created fake patient charts, including pre-operative and post-operative notes that indicated he performed mole-removal procedures on dates when he was not in Illinois. Medicare conducted an audit of Greager’s patient charts, prompting Greager to instruct his staff to create false records to hide the fact that he committed health care fraud. The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; Mario Pinto, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General in Chicago; and Amy K. Parker, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Hasten and Virginia Hancock.


title: Fort Myers Couple Arrested And Charged With More Than $2 Million COVID Relief Fraud

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and unsealing of a criminal complaint charging Timothy Craig Jolloff (46, Fort Myers) and Lisa Ann Jolloff (56, Fort Myers) with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of illegal monetary transactions. Timothy Jolloff is also charged with one count of wire fraud. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each of the charges. Timothy Jolloff faces an additional maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud offense. According to the complaint, between April and May 2020, Timothy Jolloff submitted false and fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications to the Small Business Administration (SBA), as well as a PPP approved lender. In PPP loan applications and loan documents, Timothy Jolloff falsely represented and certified that PPP funds would be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments. Moreover, in loan documents signed and submitted by Timothy Jolloff for EIDL loans, he mispresented that EIDL proceeds would be used solely as working capital and to alleviate economic injury. Timothy Jolloff’s false and fraudulent representations caused the SBA and a PPP lender to approve and fund 11 EIDLs and 6 PPP loans, totaling approximately $2.14 million. Timothy Jolloff and his wife, Lisa Jolloff, then conspired to unlawfully use PPP and EIDL funds to purchase three pontoon boats for more than $300,000 total, real estate in Indiana, home furnishings, outdoor kitchens for their homes, a 2020 Polaris UTV, as well as jewelry, and two dogs. The couple also fraudulently used more than $600,000 in EIDL funds to purchase a furniture business in Indiana and a landscaping business in Sarasota, which had no connection to the businesses for which the couple had obtained COVID relief funds. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Trent Reichling. In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus . The Department of Justice needs the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Complaints filed will be reviewed at the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation. Download Criminal Complaint


title: Sacramento Area Group Charged for Shipping Fentanyl Pills Across the United States

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a 17-count indictment Thursday against Sacramento residents Marcus Miller, 33; Reginald Jones, 33; Felicia Shaw, 31; Jimmy Van II, 38; and Jazzmine Campbell, 30; charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, in addition to other drug and gun charges, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, the conspirators shipped hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills around the country for more than a year. On several occasions, law enforcement seized packages shipped by Miller, Jones, and their co-conspirators, and found fentanyl pills, often hidden inside children’s toys. In total, law enforcement seized approximately 450,000 fentanyl pills connected to the conspiracy through seized shipments and search warrants. Based on additional evidence, law enforcement estimates that members of the conspiracy have shipped more than one million fentanyl pills to customers in several different states. During searches connected to the conspiracy, agents found hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills, over $80,000 in cash, and 17 firearms. Some of the pills and firearms were hidden inside secret compartments in the vehicles of Miller and Jones. This case was the result of a joint investigation between the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Sacramento Police Department, the Folsom Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Citrus Heights Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexis Klein and Ross Pearson are prosecuting the case. If convicted, all defendants face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF. This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.


title: Terrebonne Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DIOGO HERNANDEZ , age 19, a resident of Bourg, Louisiana, pled guilty on June 15, 2023, before Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, HERNANDEZ was arrested on July 27, 2022, when he conspired with his co-defendant, Anthony Monreal-Fabela, to take possession of twenty kilograms of cocaine that had been smuggled into the Port of New Orleans via a container ship. Monreal-Fabela and HERNANDEZ were to deliver the cocaine to a destination upon receiving further instructions. HERNANDEZ faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. This case was investigated by the United States Homeland Security Investigations, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and United States Customs and Border Protection. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Multi-Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty To Firearms Trafficking

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Kranston Algeno Rolle (33, Bradenton) has pleaded guilty to firearms trafficking. Rolle faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, on December 30, 2022, Rolle knowingly trafficked in and received multiple firearms, specifically: (1) a Smith & Wesson Model SD9 VE 9mm caliber pistol; (2) a Glock Model 45 .9mm caliber pistol and (3) a GForce Arms Model GF2P semi-automatic shotgun. Rolle discharged the firearms at a shooting range in Palmetto. Rolle had received the firearms knowing that receiving them would constitute a felony. Additionally, Rolle purchased a box of shotgun shells at the shooting range and signed a liability release form where he knowingly misrepresented his status as a convicted felon. On March 17, 2022, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Rolle’s home in Bradenton and located two firearms that matched the type used by Rolle at the shooting range in December. Rolle later admitted to using the pistols at the shooting range and unlawfully receiving and firing the shotgun. Rolle confirmed his identity in a video recording showing him discharging the firearms. He also confirmed his identity in a photograph showing him posing with one of the pistols. At the time of the offense, Rolle had multiple prior felony convictions including robbery, grand theft of a motor vehicle, felony battery, and fleeing and eluding a police officer. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee. 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: Former FedEx Driver from Middleborough Pleads Guilty to Selling Firearms He Stole from Packages on His Truck

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Middleborough man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to charges stemming from his stealing and selling three firearms from FedEx packages he was responsible for delivering. Frank P. O’Toole, 40, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession or sale of a stolen firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Sept. 26, 2023. O’Toole was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in August 2022 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2022. O’Toole previously worked as a FedEx delivery truck driver out of a FedEx facility in Middleborough. Between October 2021 and June 2022, O’Toole stole three packages he was responsible for delivering, each containing a firearm intended for a Federal Firearms Licensee. On Aug. 9, 2022 and Aug. 12, 2022, O’Toole sold the three firearms to an undercover agent during two separate controlled purchases. The charge of possession of a stolen firearm provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and Middleborough Police Chief Joseph Perkins made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of Levy’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: California Man Sentenced for Assaulting Two Female Passengers on Flight to Boston

body_text: BOSTON – A California man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for assaulting two women aboard a redeye flight from Los Angeles to Boston. Jairaj Singh Dhillon, 43, of Modesto, Cal., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Paul G. Levenson to one year of probation, with the first six months to be served in home confinement. On March 20, 2023, Dhillon pleaded guilty to two counts of assault while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. During an overnight flight from Los Angeles to Boston on May 31, 2022, Dhillon engaged in unwanted sexual contact with two female passengers sitting next to him. The first victim reported that Dhillon, seated in the aisle seat next to her, touched her thigh and groin area while she was taking care of her infant child who was in a car seat in the window seat next to her. The first victim called for help and stated out loud, “this man just groped me.” The second victim, who was seated in the aisle seat opposite Dhillon, reported that Dhillon reached out with both hands and simultaneously grabbed her groin and buttocks when she was standing in the aisle. Flight crew intervened and moved Dhillon to another part of the plane for the duration of the flight. Dhillon was immediately taken into custody upon the flight’s arrival in Boston. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of Levy’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: Convicted Felon Indicted For Possession Of Firearm And Ammunition

body_text: Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging John Knight (45, St. Petersburg) with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. If convicted, Knight faces up to 15 years in in federal prison. According to the indictment, on February 18, 2023, Knight possessed a Beretta 9mm semiautomatic pistol, 15 rounds of Federal cartridge 9mm ammunition, and one round of Remington Arms company 9mm ammunition. Knight was previously convicted of two felonies, including attempted murder in the 2 nd degree and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case 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: Orlando Area Man Sentenced To 20 Years For Gas Station Robbery

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge William Jung has sentenced Deshawn Martin (26, Orlando) to 20 years in federal prison for Hobbs Act robbery. Martin had pleaded guilty in February 2023. As part of his plea agreement, Martin acknowledged his guilt in four additional Hobbs Act robberies of businesses located in the Orlando area. According to court documents, on October 15, 2021, Martin and his co-defendant, Shinel Waldrop (27, Orlando), robbed a gas station in Plant City. Martin entered the store and pointed a weapon at two individuals, taking money from the cash register and from one of the victims. Martin then exited the store and fled in a vehicle driven by Waldrop. Waldrop previously pleaded guilty for her role in this case. In March 2023, she was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Plant City Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky. 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: Lexington County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Jerry Ward Galloway, 47, of Lexington, was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence presented to the Court showed that the United States Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force located Galloway at a local hotel. Galloway had an outstanding arrest warrant. When the agents arrested Galloway, they saw several plastic bags in plain view. The agents obtained a search warrant and during their search, they found a marijuana grinder, more plastic bags, a marijuana pipe, a scale, a glass jar containing marijuana and a firearm with three magazines. Galloway was prohibited from possessing a firearm based upon convictions for burglary 2nd offense, financial transaction card theft, possession of crack cocaine, distribution of methamphetamine, 3 counts of manufacturing of methamphetamine, and possession with the intent to distribute heroin. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Galloway to 96 months (8 years) imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-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), United States Marshal Fugitive Task Force, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon prosecuted the case. ###


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Kuttawa Man on Child Pornography Charge

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville, and Sheriff Brent White of the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement. According to the indictment, Taylor Glass, 33, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography. The defendant made an initial appearance on June 15, 2023, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted the defendant faces a sentence of up to 20 years. There is no parole in the federal system. HSI and the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. xxx


title: Monroe Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Offenses Related to His Sexual Abuse of 3 Girls

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that HECTOR TORRES, 34, of Monroe, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 300 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for child exploitation offenses related to his sexual abuse of three minor girls. According to court documents and statements made in court, Torres used Snapchat, FaceTime and text messaging to communicate with three minor girls, ages 11 and 12, and coerce them to send him naked pictures of themselves and to engage in sexual activity with him. On multiple occasions in February 2021, Torres picked up the girls in his car and brought them to a shopping plaza parking lot in Hartford where they each engaged in sexual activity with Torres at his direction. Torres promised to give the girls money, sneakers, vaping supplies, and/or food if they sent him photos of their bodies and/or engaged in sex acts with him. In March 2021, investigators reviewed at least three videos of Torres’s sexual abuse of the girls. Torres has been detained since his arrest on April 13, 2021. On March 8, 2023, he pleaded guilty to two counts of coercion and enticement of minors to engage in sexual activity, and one count of production of child pornography. This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hartford Police Department, the Monroe Police Department, and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com .


title: Justice Department Finds Civil Rights Violations by the Minneapolis Police Department and the City of Minneapolis

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: WASHINGTON – Following a comprehensive investigation, the Justice Department announced today that the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) and the City of Minneapolis (City) engage in a pattern or practice of conduct in violation of the U.S. Constitution and federal law. The Department also announced that the city and MPD have agreed in principle to resolve the Department’s findings through a court enforceable consent decree with an independent monitor, rather than through contested litigation. Specifically, the Justice Department finds that the MPD: Uses excessive force, including unjustified deadly force and unreasonable use of tasers; Unlawfully discriminates against Black people and Native American people in its enforcement activities, including the use of force following stops; Violates the rights of people engaged in protected speech; and Along with the city, discriminates against people with behavioral health disabilities when responding to calls for assistance. The Department identified and concluded that persistent deficiencies in policy, training, supervision, and accountability contribute to the unlawful conduct. “ George Floyd’s death had an irrevocable impact on his family, on the Minneapolis community, on our country, and on the world,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The patterns and practices of conduct the Justice Department observed during our investigation are deeply disturbing. They erode the community’s trust in law enforcement. And they made what happened to George Floyd possible. Today, we have completed our investigation, but this is only the first step. We will continue to work with the city and the MPD toward ensuring that MPD officers have the support and resources they need to do their jobs effectively and lawfully as we work together toward meaningful and durable reform.” “I know this community is still hurting and that today’s announcement may also open up old wounds,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “The Justice Department is committed to working with Minneapolis on a path forward, to constitutional policing, and stronger police-community trust. Together we can build a Minneapolis that protects the rights, safety, and dignity of all.” “Every American deserves policing that is fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The protests that unfolded across Minneapolis, and the country, underscore the urgency behind our efforts to ensure that police departments respect constitutional rights, while garnering public trust. We will stand by the people of Minneapolis as we work to institute reforms that are lasting and enduring.” “These findings present a sobering picture of a flawed system – but today we turn towards change through justice,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Bildtsen for the District of Minnesota. “This thorough investigation is the foundation to make fair and lawful policing a reality for our entire community.” The city and MPD cooperated fully with the Justice Department’s investigation. The Department provided a comprehensive written report of its investigative findings to the city and MPD. The report acknowledges the changes already made by the city and MPD, and it identifies additional remedial measures that the Department believes are necessary to fully address its findings. The Department opened this investigation on April 21, 2021. The investigation was conducted by career attorneys and staff in the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota. The team conducted numerous onsite tours of MPD facilities; interviewed MPD officers, supervisors, and command staff; spoke with city officials and employees; accompanied behavioral crisis responders and officers on ride-alongs; reviewed thousands of documents; and watched thousands of hours of body-worn camera footage. Department attorneys and staff also met with community members, advocates, service providers, and other stakeholders in the Minneapolis area. The Department conducted this investigation pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 12601 (Section 12601), which prohibits law enforcement officers from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of rights protected by the Constitution or federal law, the Safe Streets Act of 1968, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The findings announced today are the result of the Department’s civil pattern or practice investigation and are separate from the Department’s criminal cases against former MPD officers for federal crimes related to the death of George Floyd. The Department will reach out to members of the Minneapolis community for input on remedies to address the Department’s findings. Individuals may also submit recommendations by email at Community.Minneapolis@usdoj.gov or by phone at 1-866-432-0268. This is one of eight investigations into law enforcement agencies opened during this Administration by the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department under Section 12601. The Department has ongoing investigations into the Phoenix Police Department ; the Mount Vernon Police Department ; the Louisiana State Police ; the New York City Police Department’s Special Victims Division ; the Worcester Police Department ; and the Oklahoma City Police Department . The Department has issued Section 12601 findings reports in the past year regarding the Louisville Metro Police Department, as well as the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Department . Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt . Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota is available at www.justice.gov/usao-mn . Information specific to the Civil Rights Division’s Police Reform Work can be found here: www.justice.gov/crt/file/922421/download . The Justice Department will hold a virtual presentation on the findings at 5:00 p.m. CT. Members of the public are encouraged to attend to learn more about the findings. Please join the meeting here . View the findings report here and the settlement in principle here .


title: Dulce Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse in Indian Country

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Christian Quintana, 34, of Dulce, pled guilty to abusive sexual contact and aggravated sexual abuse in Indian country. A federal grand jury indicted Quintana on Oct. 26, 2021. According to the plea agreement and other court records, between Oct. 2012, and Oct. 2013, Quintana engaged in sexual contact with a child, identified as Jane Doe 1, who at the time was less than 12 years old. Between Oct. 2019, and Oct. 2020, Quintana engaged in a sexual act with a second victim, a minor identified as Jane Doe 2, by force, and threatened to kill “everyone” and himself if she told anyone. Based on her knowledge of Quintana’s history of violence, Jane Doe 2 complied. Both victims are enrolled members of the Jicarilla Apache Tribe. Quintana will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Quintana faces between 15 and 25 years in prison. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-130


title: Navajo Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Voluntary Manslaughter

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Brian Tony was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in prison. A federal jury convicted Tony, 51, of Gallup, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, of voluntary manslaughter on March 10, 2022. According to court records, on May 8, 2016, Tony, accompanied by his brother and his girlfriend, drove to a residence in Gallup and picked up the victim and the victim’s friend. While at the residence, Tony retrieved a hammer and placed it in his vehicle. Tony drove them to a location called “Superman Canyon,” where Tony and the victim got out of the vehicle and the victim was killed out of sight of the other passengers. An autopsy revealed that the victim had been stabbed repeatedly in the head and neck and had blunt-force trauma wounds on his head. This case was investigated by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph M. Spindle and Nicholas J. Marshall are prosecuting the case. ### 23-131


title: U.S. Attorney and Federal Law Enforcement Partners Announce Formalization of Darknet Marketplace and Digital Currency Crimes Task Force

component: USAO - Arizona

number: 2023-094_DNMDCC Task Force

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino, HSI SAC Scott Brown, IRS-CI SAC Al Childress, DEA SAC Cheri Oz, and United States Postal Inspection Service Acting Inspector in Charge Greg Torbenson yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) memorializing a Darknet Marketplace and Digital Currency Crimes Task Force (DNMDCC Task Force). Since 2017, these federal partners have focused on darknet drug vendors and cryptocurrency-enabled crimes. Ever-evolving technology has allowed drug traffickers and other criminal actors to expand into the digital world and use the darknet to engage in their illegal activity. Criminals have long sought to launder the proceeds of their illegal activity through various means, and technology has facilitated this on a grand scale. As these criminal activities and enterprises have become more sophisticated, law enforcement tools, resources, and intelligence have had to adapt. Federal partners in Arizona have collectively investigated and prosecuted many of these cases in recent years. Some significant prosecutions include: United States v. Ruelas et. al., CR17-0317-PHX-JAT: Silvester Ruelas, Kevin Dean McCoy, Amber Nicole Worrell, and Peggy V. Gomez conspired together to traffic heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine on the darknet. During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized from Ruelas’ residence and subsequently forfeited nine firearms, various bars of silver, gold and platinum, assorted jewelry, three high-end watches, and a Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl ring. The Court sentenced Ruelas to 240 months in prison, McCoy to 180 months in prison, Worrell to 120 months in prison, and Gomez to 60 months in prison. Liliana Sibirian Gomez was also charged with the others, pleaded to possession with intent to distribute, and was sentenced to 24 months in prison. The last defendant in the case was sentenced in 2021. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. United States v. McCoy et. al., CR21-0427-PHX-SPL: Charles McCoy, Lauren Rempel, and John Barnhill conspired together to distribute fentanyl through the dark web. Customers paid in cryptocurrency, and McCoy and Rempel laundered the proceeds of the offense through a cryptocurrency exchange. The Court sentenced McCoy to 180 months in prison, Barnhill to 72 months in prison, and Rempel to 87 months in prison. The last defendant in the case was sentenced in 2023. This prosecution is part of an OCDETF investigation. United States v. Cummings , CR22-0172-PHX-DWL: Michael Brian Cummings sold blue M-30 pills containing fentanyl on the dark web under the vendor name “PillPlugPaul.” He pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute and agreed to forfeit all of the computers and cell phones used in the offense. His sentencing is scheduled for July 31, 2023, in front of United States District Judge Dominic W. Lanza. “We’ve done great work with our federal partners in the dark web and crypto space,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “This task force will enable us to continue the great collaboration with USPIS, DEA, IRS-CI and HSI, and I look forward to robust interdiction and prosecution efforts to deter digital crimes.” “HSI and our partners have been working at the forefront of combating criminal activities facilitated through the use of cryptocurrency on dark web marketplaces and other anonymous platforms,” said Scott Brown, special agent in charge for HSI Arizona. “This taskforce will have impactful repercussions on those criminal operators who attempt to grow their businesses and launder the illicit proceeds through advancing technology. HSI looks forward to growing in this investigative space alongside our law enforcement partners.” “IRS-CI is increasingly dedicating more investigative time and agent expertise to tackle darknet and cryptocurrency crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Albert Childress of the IRS Phoenix Field Office. “Our agents excel in addressing sophisticated cyber-related schemes and are up to the challenge of locating and apprehending criminals who try to hide in the digital world.” “DEA is committed to saving lives,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Cheri Oz. “Drug traffickers who are hiding in the darknet will be aggressively targeted and unmasked by this task force.” “The U.S Postal Inspection Service’s participation in this task force with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice underscores our commitment to keeping the U.S. Mail safe for all who handle and receive it,” said Phoenix Division Acting Inspector in Charge Glen Henderson. “Dark web vendors and their operatives believe they can hide anonymously while perpetrating their crimes. The collaborative effort of this task force proves criminals operating on the web are never truly anonymous and they will be uncovered and prosecuted.” Over the last several years federal partners have seen an increase in the use of the internet, both clear net and darknet, to facilitate the illegal sale and distribution of narcotics, firearms and parts, technologies, and Personal Identification Information (PII), and other contraband. Additionally, there has been a rise in the use of digital currency to facilitate these activities. The parties to the MOU agree that the unique investigative capability of a DNMDCC Task Force will serve the needs of all the communities within the District of Arizona. The mission of the DNMDCC Task Force is to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations that are exploiting the appearance of anonymity on the darknet or using digital currency to facilitate criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, money laundering, theft of PII, and child exploitation. The goal of the DNMDCC will be to provide increased collaboration, enhance resources, and disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations that are using these new and emerging technologies. 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. RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-094_DNMDCC Task Force # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Two Loan Brokers Plead Guilty to Bank Fraud Scheme

body_text: BOSTON – Two operators of a loan brokerage businesses pleaded guilty yesterday today in federal court in Boston to conspiring to defraud a Massachusetts-based bank and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Ted Capodilupo, 57, of South Easton, and Joseph Masci, 71, of Boston, pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf scheduled sentencing for Sept. 8, 2023. The defendants were charged in January 2022 along with co-conspirator Brian Ferris, a loan officer at a Massachusetts-based bank. Between 2015 and 2018, Capodilupo, Masci and Ferris agreed to defraud the bank and the SBA by submitting fraudulent loan applications to the bank, which administered the SBA’s small business express loan program, to secure bank loans guaranteed by the SBA. Specifically, Capodilupo and Masci submitted dozens of fraudulent loan applications to the bank on behalf of borrowers who were ineligible for traditional business loans. These loan applications misrepresented, among other things, the identity of the real loan recipients and the businesses for which the loans were sought. Capodilupo and Masci also fabricated federal tax forms submitted in support of the fraudulent loan applications, falsified applicant signatures and falsely indicated that no broker had assisted in preparing or referring the loan applications. Capodilupo and Masci charged borrowers fees for obtaining these fraudulent loans. Ferris, who worked as a loan officer at the bank, caused the bank to issue loans for which Capodilupo and Masci submitted applications and received a kickback from Capodilupo and Masci of approximately $500 per loan. The scheme generated approximately $270,000 in fees for Capodilupo and Masci. Many of the loans that the bank issued as a result of the fraudulent applications ultimately defaulted, resulting in substantial losses to the bank. On April 21, 2023, Ferris pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 3, 2023. The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison; five years of supervised release; a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater; restitution; and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Patricia Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), New York Region; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Brian Tucker, Special Agent-in-Charge, Eastern Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection; and Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, Special Agent in Charge of SBA OIG’s Eastern Region, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Holcomb of Levy’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Grand Jury - June 2023

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 10 unsealed Indictments charging 12 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. * Ciprian Amariutei , a/k/a Steffano Ferrari, a/k/a Gianluca Ferrer, age 37, of Omaha, Nebraska, and Mona Maria Tataru, a/k/a Maria Murino, age 32, of Los Angeles, California, are charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I charges Amariutei and Tataru with illegal possession, production, or trafficking in device making equipment on or about April 23, 2023 and continuing to on or about April 25, 2023. The penalty if convicted is 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Amariutei and Tataru with possession of fifteen or more devices which are counterfeit and unauthorized on or about April 23, 2023 and continuing to on or about April 25, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Amariutei with aggravated identity theft on or about April 23, 2023 and continuing to on or about April 25, 2023. The penalty if convicted is an additional 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV charges Tataru with aggravated identity theft on or about April 23, 2023 and continuing to on or about April 25, 2023. The penalty if convicted is an additional 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency and property seized. * Latjor Gony , age 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Gony with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on or about July 21, 2020 and continuing to on or about December 28, 2021. The penalty if convicted is 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Gony with illegal possession of a machine gun on or about July 21, 2020 and continuing to on or about December 28, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. * Victor Aaron Gonzales , age 37, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Gonzales with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture), a detectable amount of cocaine and a detectable amount of marijuana on or about February 1, 2022 and continuing to on or about November 17, 2022. The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, not less than five-years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Gonzales with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about November 16, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, not less than five-years and up to life term of supervised release consecutive, and a $100 special assessment. * Dexter D. Hall , age 36, is charged with a prohibited person in possession of ammunition on or about February 8, 2023. The penalty if convicted is 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. * Thomas Janes , age 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with possession of child pornography on or about March 9, 2023. The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than five years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $5,100 special assessment. * Salome Juarez-Castro , age 24, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 22, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. * Miguel Angel Lopez Aguirre , age 30, is charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien after an aggravated felony conviction on or about April 19, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. * Brian E. Nielsen , age 46, of Oakland, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about February 24, 2023. The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, not less than five years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. * David Sikes , age 68, of Alma, Nebraska, is charged with harboring or concealing a person from arrest on or about January 17, 2018 and continuing to on or about January 14, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. * Alphonso Johnson, Jr. , age 45, of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Stacey Vanarsdale , age 36, of Lincoln, Nebraska, are charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Johnson and Vanarsdale with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), on or about July 9, 2022 and continuing to on or about August 10, 2022. The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, not less than five years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Johnson and Vanarsdale with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about August 10, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, not less than five years and up to life term of supervised release consecutive, and a $100 special assessment.


title: Omaha Man Convicted of Escaping from Custody

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Dejuan Wynne, 30, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for Escaping from Custody. United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Wynne to 24 months’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after his release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system. On April 28, 2022, Wynne escaped from his designated Bureau of Prisons placement at Dismas Charities in Omaha. Wynne was serving a sentence based on a prior conviction for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. On May 5, 2022, the Metro Fugitive Task Force located Wynne at a Mega Saver parking lot in Omaha. Wynne was located with a stolen firearm. Wynne was convicted in Douglas County for possessing the firearm and his federal sentence in the instant offense will run consecutive to his state sentence of 25-30 years. This case was investigated by the Metro Fugitive Task Force.


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Hopkinsville Man for Methamphetamine Trafficking

body_text: Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Paducah, Kentucky returned an indictment on June 13, 2023, charging a Hopkinsville man with methamphetamine trafficking. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Ronald Yeatts of the United States Army’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) at Fort Campbell, and Sheriff Tyler DeArmond of the Christian County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement. According to the indictment, Stephen Antwain Taylor, 30, was charged with possessing with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Taylor made his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Kentucky on June 15, 2023. If convicted, Taylor faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by the United States Army CID at Fort Campbell and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the DEA Paducah Post of Duty. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting this case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Three Mt. Carmel Borough Police Officers Indicted For Civil Rights Violations

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that former Lt. David Donkochik, age 51, former Patrol Officer Jonathan McHugh, age 35, and Patrol Officer Kyle Schauer, age 34, of the Mt. Carmel Borough Police Department, were indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for charges of using excessive force when arresting people over a three-year period. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that former Lt. Donkochik, former Patrol Officer McHugh, and Patrol Officer Schauer were involved in a conspiracy to violate the civil rights of those they arrested from 2018 to 2021. The indictment alleges that in 22 different arrests, they kicked, punched, choked, and otherwise used excessive force against those they were arresting. In those arrests, they caused bodily injuries to their victims. Donkochik, McHugh and Schauer took steps to ensure that video of the arrests were not captured by police cameras, or if footage that incriminated them was captured, took steps to ensure that footage was not preserved. They falsely reported that arrestees acted in a manner requiring violence and then charged arrestees with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and related offenses to conceal their own use of violence. Donkochick, McHugh and Schauer would then threaten arrestees with more violence. “The defendants violated the civil rights of numerous individuals in their community over an extended period and in the course of doing so, betrayed the significant public trust placed in them,” said U.S. Attorney Karam. “This week’s indictment reflects our office’s commitment to ensuring that those who abuse their official positions are held accountable.” “We in law enforcement are granted significant authority in order to effectively do our jobs,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “When someone wearing a badge abuses those powers and deprives another human being of their civil rights, the FBI and our partners will ensure that justice is brought to those who egregiously violate the public's trust.” “The indictment announced today is a culmination of outstanding joint investigative efforts and actions by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Public Corruption Task Force,” said Captain James Cuttitta, Special Investigations Division of the Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation. “I commend Trooper Emily Dressler and those State Police members who assisted her for their hard work during this lengthy investigation. Anytime law enforcement investigates their own, it is challenging and difficult. The charges outlined in the indictment are disturbing, and the residents of Northumberland County should be pleased these Officers will be held accountable. Mount Carmel is a town with proud traditions, and residents should be able to trust that their Police Officers will uphold the oaths they swore to at all times. The Pennsylvania State Police members assigned to the public corruption task forces will remain committed to fully investigating these types of investigations statewide. We want to thank the witnesses, residents, multiple law enforcement departments and officers, and numerous county service agencies who cooperated during this difficult investigation. The indictment announced today would not be possible without your assistance. We also thank the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office for their continued outstanding partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police.” The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlo Marchioli and Michael Consiglio are prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Luzerne County Woman Pleads Guilty To Fentanyl Trafficking

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Candacelee Ellis, age 37, of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on June 14, 2023, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to the charge of conspiracy to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Ellis admitted to conspiring with other individuals to distribute between 160 grams and 280 grams of fentanyl in the Luzerne County area between 2019 and 2020. Ellis was indicted by a grand jury in August 2020 for fentanyl trafficking. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Kingston Police Department, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Under federal law, the offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of up to forty years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. ###


title: Houstonian sent to prison after hiding meth in speaker box

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 32-year-old man has been sent to prison following his conviction for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Martin Alejandro Carreno pleaded guilty Nov. 8, 2022. Today, U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein ordered Carreno to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony about the impact meth has had on individuals, families and communities and noted that deadly drugs lead to disaster. In March 2022, authorities learned Carreno was selling meth by the kilogram in the Houston area and had recently received a large quanity. Law enforcement conducted a search of his residence and discovered more than nine kilograms of meth concealed inside a speaker box. The total weight was approximately 9.15 kilograms meth with a 99% purity level. It had an estimated street value of $500,000. Carreno will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of Precinct 3 Harris County Constables Office. 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 on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage . Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart A. Burns prosecuted the case.


title: Department of Justice Allocates Eight Additional Attorneys to the U.S. Attorney’s Office

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – The U.S. Department of Justice has allocated eight additional attorney positions and two support staff positions to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan to meet the district’s needs and the priorities of the Office and the Department, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today. U.S. Attorney Ison had requested the additional resources over the past three months to meet her priorities of rebuilding community trust, reinvigorating civil rights enforcement efforts, and restructuring the office’s approach to violent crime. The eight additional attorneys and two support staff personnel will be hired over the coming months and will serve in the Detroit, Flint, and Bay City offices. Two additional prosecutors and a new support staff employee will be hired to focus on violent crime and national security cases, including counter-terrorism efforts. One of the additional Assistant U.S. Attorneys will be dedicated to prosecuting criminal civil rights violations and bringing civil enforcement actions to protect civil rights. Two new prosecutors will be focused on prosecuting violent crime on the Isabella Reservation in Indian Country from the Office’s Bay City Branch. Two new attorneys, in term positions, will be detailed to fight fraud on Covid-19 pandemic relief programs through criminal prosecutions and civil enforcement actions. A new Assistant U.S. Attorney, as well as a new information technology specialist, will work on the Office’s eLitigation operations and improving the use of technology to manage electronic discovery in our civil and criminal cases. As part of the process, the Department of Justice received requests for new resources and new prosecutors from U.S. Attorney’s Offices around the country. Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Department’s top leadership evaluated the requests, made final decisions, and recently notified the Offices of these decisions. On June 21, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., the Office will be holding a recruitment event in preparation for the hiring of these additional eight attorneys. “These additional resources will further invigorate our efforts to protect the District’s citizens and communities and to protect taxpayer dollars from fraud,” U.S. Attorney Ison said. “I am grateful to Attorney General Garland for awarding our Office with these new positions to better combat violent crime, defend civil rights, and fight fraud.”


title: Arizona Couple Sentenced to Three Years Each in Federal Prison for Selling Dried Opium Poppy to Indianapolis Residents

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Todd Anderson, age 60, and Carolyn Anderson, age 58, of Flagstaff, Arizona, have each been sentenced to three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution of opium poppy and morphine. According to court documents, from June 2019, through August 2020, the Andersons packaged and shipped hundreds of pounds of poppy straw (dried opium poppy) to Indiana and California for re-distribution by others. The pair used their four businesses, registered in Arizona, to illegally import the poppy from the United Kingdom. Poppy Straw is a Schedule II Controlled Substance that can result in death if improperly ingested. It is highly addictive and can be abused for its opioid effects. An active ingredient in poppy straw is morphine, a powerful opioid that is also a Schedule II controlled substance. The Anderson’s operated a website that offered “dried poppy pods” for sale in various quantities. Neither Todd or Carolyn, nor their businesses, were registered importers with the DEA to sell any controlled substances, as required by law. There are over a hundred types of poppy plants, but the variety unlawfully imported and sold by Todd and Carolyn Anderson is the only variety designated as a controlled substance. The dried poppy pods and other parts of the plant are often ground up and steeped in hot water to make “poppy tea” containing high amounts of morphine. On multiple occasions, Carolyn Anderson arranged, via text message, for individuals in Indianapolis and Noblesville to purchase anywhere from 10 to 50 pounds of poppy straw for $125 per pound. The pair instructed buyers to describe their business to authorities as “an Online dried floral business” and labeled packages as containing “dried decorations.” On August 13, 2020, Todd and Carolyn were arrested at their property in Arizona, where local law enforcement officers recovered 499 kilograms of poppy straw—approximately one half a metric ton. In addition to the poppy straw at their property, agents seized approximately 40 additional kilograms of poppy straw that the Andersons shipped to customers in Indiana and elsewhere. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers, Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Indianapolis Field Office, and Rodney Hopkins, Postal Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Detroit Division made the announcement. “Illegal opioid abuse and substance use disorders have driven epidemic levels of overdoses and other traumas suffered by our families, friends, and neighbors,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “The federal prison sentences imposed against these defendants demonstrate that interstate and international drug trafficking schemes carry serious criminal consequences. Our federal prosecutors, along with our outstanding partners in the DEA and USPIS, are committed to making the public safer through investigation and prosecution of those who push dangerous drugs into our communities in search of illicit profits.” The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge, Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that the two defendants be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following their release from federal prison and ordered each defendant to pay a $15,000 fine. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Bradley P. Shepard and William L. McCoskey, who prosecuted this case. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation . OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. ###


title: Orlando Man Pleads Guilty To Possessing With The Intent To Distribute 400 Grams Or More Of Fentanyl And 500 Grams Or More Of Cocaine

body_text: Orlando, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Christian Yaveh Cruz-Santiago (25, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine. Cruz-Santiago faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 12, 2023. According to court documents, on February 2, 2023, Cruz-Santiago agreed to sell approximately one kilogram of cocaine for approximately $20,500, and a half kilogram of fentanyl for $20,000 to a DEA confidential source. The following day, Cruz-Santiago arrived to meet the confidential source and had in his possession two vacuum-sealed plastic bags containing brick-like white substances. Additionally, he possessed a third plastic bag containing a white powder. A chemist at a DEA laboratory confirmed that one of the brick-like packages contained fentanyl with a net weight of 400.5 grams and the substance in the second brick-like package was cocaine with a net weight of 1001.3 grams. A DEA chemist also confirmed that the third plastic bag was fentanyl with a net weight of 73.12 grams. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Terry B. Livanos.


title: Hialeah Man Pleads Guilty To Access Device Fraud And Aggravated Identity Theft

body_text: Orlando, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Homberto Machin Morejon (38, Hialeah) has pleaded guilty to possessing 15 or more counterfeit and unauthorized access devices, and aggravated identity theft. Morejon faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the access devices offense and a consecutive minimum mandatory sentence of 2 years for the aggravated identity theft offense. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 12, 2023. According to court documents, on November 20, 2019, U.S. Secret Service (USSS) agents and members of the USSS Financial Crimes Task Force observed Morejon at a gas station in Cocoa standing between fuel pumps and holding what appeared to be a stack of white cards while periodically shuffling through them. Morejon then passed the cards between the fuel pumps to other individuals who had arrived at the gas station. A search incident to arrest of Morejon yielded 36 gift cards with magnetic stripes on the rear of each card. Subsequent investigation revealed that the gift cards had been re-encoded with credit and or debit card information of other persons. The following day, a search warrant was executed on the vehicle Morejon was seen operating at the gas station. Sixty-four additional gift cards with magnetic stripes were seized along with a laptop. A forensic examination determined that the laptop contained the names of approximately 1,350 individuals and their credit or debit card account numbers. On January 31, 2020, USSS agents, along with officers from the USSS Financial Crimes Task Force, executed a search warrant in Orlando at Morejon’s residence at the time. The agents seized, amongst other items, a laptop, 17 gift cards with magnetic stripes encoded with other persons’ credit card and or debit card numbers, several thumb drives, multiple phones, an external hard drive, a diesel fuel hose, several reproduced gas pump security stickers, and multiple ledgers containing suspected diesel fuel sales transactions. A forensic examination of one of the phones yielded multiple images of gas meters depicting amounts of gasoline purchased, images of gas pumps, and gas stations. A forensic audit of the external hard drive revealed the names of approximately 690 individuals and their credit or debit card account numbers. A forensic examination of one of the thumb drives produced the names of approximately 250 individuals and their credit or debit card account numbers. In total, Morejon was found to be in possession of more than 2,000 victims’ names and their credit or debit card account numbers. This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Terry B. Livanos.


title: Raleigh ENT Doctor Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Adulterating Surgical Devices, for Defrauding Medicare, and for Stealing Patient Identities

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Anita Louise Jackson, 62, was sentenced to 300 months in prison for adulterating surgical devices used in more than 1400 nasal surgeries performed on Medicare patients between 2011 and 2018. Jackson was also ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit 4.7 million dollars. In January of this year, Jackson was found guilty by a federal jury on 20 criminal counts, including device adulteration, fraud, conspiracy and identity theft. “This doctor put profit over patients by reusing single-use surgical devices hundreds of times, even though those devices came into contact with blood and other bodily fluids. In doing so, she risked the contamination of one patient’s sinuses with the bodily fluids of other patients,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Medicare auditors also found that Jackson was the top-biller for balloon sinuplasty surgeries in the country, having billed the program over $46 million. When auditors began to audit the defendant’s practice, she and her staff falsified medical records and forged patient signatures in an attempt to justify billing the surgeries.” Evidence presented at the trial demonstrated that Jackson was an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor who operated Greater Carolina Ear, Nose, and Throat (GCENT), with offices in Raleigh, Lumberton and Rockingham. Jackson, through her employees, marketed balloon sinuplasty, an in-office procedure to treat chronic sinusitis, as a “sinus spa,” and encouraged patients to come to the office for a “free” sinus spa, which was a treatment that they may not have needed. Jackson falsified medical records to justify the billing of balloon sinuplasty surgeries to Medicare auditors. “This case is a reminder that health care fraud is not a victimless crime. Jackson stole millions of dollars that are essential to the Medicare program and willfully endangered her patients’ health,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Our agency, working with our law enforcement partners, will continue to ensure that those who defraud our federal health care programs and needlessly risk harm to patients are held accountable.” Between 2011 and the end of 2017, Jackson performed 1555 balloon sinuplasty surgeries on 919 Medicare beneficiary patients, using the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Entellus XprESS device. However, instead of using the device only once and only on one patient, as required by FDA guidelines, Jackson reused the devices on multiple patients. Between 2012 and 2017, Jackson obtained, at most, 36 new Entellus devices, despite being, at times, the top-paid Medicare provider of balloon sinuplasty services in the country and providing more than 1500 surgeries. In addition, Jackson failed to inform her patients that they were receiving a procedure with an adulterated device. During the trial, Jackson admitted that she had sufficient money to buy every patient a new device but chose not to do so. “U.S. consumers rely on FDA oversight to ensure that medical devices are safe and effective. When healthcare providers disregard safety information, including single-use and single-user designations, resulting in the adulteration of medical devices, they put patients’ health at risk,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Patrick Whelan, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice providers who jeopardize the public health.” Jackson billed Medicare more than $46 million dollars for the balloon sinuplasty procedures between 2014 and 2018. In that time, she netted more than $4.79 million from Medicare for these surgeries. That amount does not include any sinuplasty surgeries performed on patients with private health care insurance. The jury ordered Jackson to forfeit these profits. The final judgment on restitution in this case will not be entered until after 90 days. During this time period, patient victims will have an opportunity to present any specific claims of loss to the Court arising from the charges. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by United States Judge James C. Dever III. The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the United States Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), and the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service lead the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William M. Gilmore and Karen K. Haughton prosecuted the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District has a pending civil action against Jackson, in case captioned: United States of America and the State of North Carolina ex rel. Lee M. Mandel, MD, FACS, and Erin Craig v. Anita Louise Jackson, MD and Greater Carolina Ear, Nose & Throat, P.A., No. 17-cv-925 (MDNC). 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. 5:21-cr-00259-D .


title: Informational: Federal Court arraignments

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt: Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on June 13 was: Donna Rae Lamere, 66, of Great Falls, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lamere faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Lamere was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Russell Country Drug Task Force and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-44. Jerry Scot Saunders, 34, of Great Falls, on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Saunders faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Saunders was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-46. Mikayla Elizabeth Magnussen, 23, of Havre, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Magnussen faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Magnussen was detained pending further proceedings. The Tri-Agency Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-51. Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on June 15 was: Nancy Michelle Hartscok, 36, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hartscok faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Hartscok was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-69. Appearing for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint on June 14 was: Ryan William Newhart, 27, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Newhart faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Newhart was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-107. Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on June 15 was: Kyle Kenneth Smith, 32, of Kalispell, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Smith faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Smith was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Kalispell Police Department, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-5. Amber Marie Cody, 40, of Butte, on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cody faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Cody was released pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-08. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl . XXX


title: Man Who Bragged About Sex With 16-Year-Old Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Texas, Northern

body_text: A Lamesa man who bragged to his coworkers about having sex with a 16-year-old child was sentenced Thursday to 14 years in prison for his sexually explicit photographs of her, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Osbaldo Moreno, 21, was charged via criminal complaint in November 2022 and indicted the following month. He pleaded guilty in February to receipt of child pornography and was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix. According to court documents, the investigation began when a co-worker reported to law enforcement that Mr. Moreno bragged about having sex with the minor victim in the workplace bathroom, breakroom, and parking lot. In plea papers, Mr. Moreno admitted that the child was 15 when he first began having sex with her. A review of the defendant’s cell phone revealed multiple disturbing text messages, including one in which he threatened, “U need to chill or am going to rape u and u not going to be able to walk again.” He also demanded sexually explicit photos of the victim, which she sent. On his cell phones (he had several), investigators discovered more than 150 explicit images and videos of the child. In an interview with law enforcement at the Midland Children’s Advocacy Center , the child reported that Mr. Moreno routinely ordered her to send nude images of herself and asked her to stop going to school so that they could have sex more often. She said that he declined to use protection during sex because he wanted to impregnate her. Mr. Moreno has also been charged by the state with two counts of sexual assault of a child. Those cases remain pending. Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Office and the Lamesa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam prosecuted the case.


title: Three New Hampshire Men Charged with Conspiring to Harass and Intimidate Two Journalists

body_text: BOSTON – Three New Hampshire men have been charged in connection with a conspiracy to harass and intimidate two New Hampshire journalists employed by New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR). The alleged harassment and intimidation of the victims included the vandalism – on five separate occasions – of the victims’ homes, as well as the vandalism of the home of one of the victim’s immediate family members with bricks, large rocks and red spray paint. Tucker Cockerline, 32, of Salem, N.H., Michael Waselchuck, 35, of Seabrook, N.H. and Keenan Saniatan, 36, of Nashua, N.H. were each charged by criminal complaint with conspiring to commit stalking through interstate travel. Cockerline and Waselchuck were arrested this morning and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston this afternoon, were detained pending a hearing scheduled for June 20, 2023 at 2 p.m. Saniatan remains at large. “The critical role that the press plays in our society goes back to the founding of our nation. Today’s charges should send a clear message that the Department of Justice will not tolerate harassment or intimidation of journalists. If you engage in this type of vicious and vindictive behavior you will be held accountable,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of any healthy democracy and these three men are now accused of infringing on that freedom by conspiring to harass and intimidate two New Hampshire journalists who were simply doing their jobs,” said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division. “Everyone has a right to express their opinion, but taking it over the line and committing vandalism will not be tolerated." According to the charging document, after a year-long investigation, an NHPR journalist (Victim 1) published an article in March 2022 detailing allegations of sexual and other misconduct by a former New Hampshire businessperson, identified in the charging document as Subject 1. Another NHPR journalist (Victim 2) also contributed to the article, which appeared on NHPR’s website during and after March 2022. Thereafter, it is alleged that Cockerline, Waselchuck and Saniatan conspired with each other and with at least one other individual – allegedly identified as a close personal associate of Subject 1 — to retaliate against NHPR and Victims 1 and 2 by vandalizing the victims’ homes with bricks and large rocks, as well as spray-painting lewd and threatening language on the homes’ exteriors. It is alleged that the following acts of vandalisms occurred in April and May 2022: At approximately 11:00 p.m. on April 24, 2022, a brick was thrown through a front exterior window of Victim’s 1’s former residence in Hanover, N.H. The word “C*NT” was spray-painted in large red letters on the front door; On the evening of April 24, 2022 or during the early morning hours of April 25, 2022, the word “C*NT” was spray-painted in large red letters on the front door of Victim 2’s home in Concord, N.H. The exterior of the home was also damaged by a large rock, which appeared to have been thrown at the house; Shortly before midnight on April 24, 2022 or during the early morning hours of April 25, 2022, a softball-sized rock was thrown through a front exterior window of Victim 1’s parents’ home in Hampstead, N.H. The word “C*NT” was spray-painted in large red letters on one of the garage doors; At approximately 12:54 a.m. on May 21, 2022, Victim 1’s parents’ home in Hampstead was vandalized a second time. The word “C*NT” was spray-painted in large red letters on one of the garage doors. Although no windows were broken, a brick was discovered on the ground near the house’s foundation as if it had been thrown at the house; and At approximately 5:54 a.m. on May 21, 2022, a brick was thrown through an exterior window of Victim 1’s house in Melrose, Mass. The phrase “JUST THE BEGINNING” was spray-painted in large red letters on the front of the home. The charging documents allege that Cockerline, Saniatan and Waselchuck are responsible for committing all five of these vandalisms. The charge of conspiracy to commit interstate stalking carries a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI Acting SAC DiMenna made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Concord, Hampstead and Hanover, New Hampshire Police Departments and the Melrose, Massachusetts Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Casey and Torey B. Cummings of Levy’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.