title: New Kensington Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison and Four Years of Supervised Release for Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 60 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Devan Nicholson, 30. According to information presented to the court, from May 2022 to February 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Nicholson conspired to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. Nicholson was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of fentanyl that he distributed to others. Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Nicholson. Additional agencies participating in this investigation included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and other local law enforcement agencies. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: ST. THOMAS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO TRAFFICKING FENTANYL

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that on January 18, 2024, Tahir Donadelle, of St. Thomas, entered a guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, on September 8, 2022, Donadelle arrived at the Cyril E. King airport in St. Thomas after disembarking a flight from Atlanta, GA. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers were screening luggage from the flight and noticed that a suitcase appeared to contain marijuana. The officers placed the suitcase on the luggage carousel and observed Donadelle retrieve the suitcase. A CBP officer then escorted Donadelle for screening and inspection. Donadelle claimed the suitcase as his property. CBP officers then searched the suitcase and found three packages which contained 964 light blue pills. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratory confirmed that the pills contained 109 grams of fentanyl. Donadelle faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case was investigated by CBP and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne.


title: Two St. Croix Men Indicted in Castaways Robbery and Homicide

body_text: St. Croix, USVI – U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Enock Cole, age 25, and Jiovoni Smith, age 24, were indicted by a federal grand jury for the robbery and homicide that occurred at the Castaways bar and restaurant on St. Croix on November 14, 2018. The indictment charges Cole and Smith with Hobbs Act Robbery, Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence Resulting in Death, Use of a Minor in a Crime of Violence, and First-Degree Murder. Both men are scheduled to make their initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson III on February 1, 2024. If convicted, Cole and Smith face a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. For more information on the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, please see: https://www.justice.gov/psn. This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Virgin Islands Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rhonda Williams-Henry and Daniel H. Huston. United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Westchester County Jail Correction Officer And Co-Conspirator Charged With Robbery And Witness Intimidation

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); Joseph Spano, the Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Correction (“WCDOC”); and Jose A Gomerez, Police Commissioner of the City of Newburgh, announced that RECALDO FRAY, a correction officer at Westchester County Jail in Vahala, New York, was charged on Monday, January 15 with committing an armed robbery in Newburgh, New York, and later returning to Newburgh to intimidate the robbery victim. FRAY was arrested and presented on Tuesday, January 16 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause. During his presentment, FRAY made an application for bail, which the court denied, and he has been detained. Additionally, a Mount Vernon man, KAHEEM PALMER, was charged on Monday, January 22 with committing the armed robbery along with FRAY. PALMER was arrested and presented yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy. PALMER made an application for bail, which the court denied, and he was detained. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Recaldo Fray, a correction officer at Westchester County Jail, and Kaheem Palmer are alleged to have committed a gunpoint robbery of two individuals, restraining them and stealing their cash and marijuana. Fray allegedly betrayed his sworn duty to uphold the law, and he will now experience the justice system not as a partner, but as an accused violent offender. Both men will be held accountable for their alleged violent and brazen behavior.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “As a correction officer, Recaldo Fray swore an oath to uphold the law, not break it. Fray violated this oath when along with Kaheem Palmer, they allegedly committed an armed robbery. Frey compounded his problems by later attempting to intimidate his victim. Frey and Palmer now face significant time inside a jail cell. The FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force will continue to put violent offenders – no matter their profession – behind bars.” WCDOC Commissioner Joseph Spano said: “It’s both disgraceful and upsetting when one of our correction officers betrays their oath to serve and protect as sworn peace officers. Moreover, the alleged actions of this individual tarnishes the reputation of all honest and dedicated correction officers. I commend all of the involved law enforcement agencies for their dedication to uncovering this unlawful behavior and our Major Case Squad for providing assistance. Mr. Fray’s employment with the Westchester Department of Correction has been terminated.” As alleged in the Complaints against FRAY and PALMER: [1] On or about December 4, 2023, FRAY and PALMER forced entry into a residence in Newburgh, New York, restrained the two victims inside, and stole, at gunpoint, various items of value, including a large quantity of marijuana and approximately $4,500 in cash. FRAY then returned to the same residence on or about December 16, 2023, and attempted to threaten and intimidate a victim. * * * FRAY, 31, of Mount Vernon, New York, is charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of use, carrying, and possession of a firearm, which was brandished, in furtherance of a crime of violence, which carries a minimum sentence of seven years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed and a maximum sentence of life in prison; and one count of tampering with a witness or victim, and attempting to do the same, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. PALMER, 31, of Mount Vernon, New York, is charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of use, carrying, and possession of a firearm, which was brandished, in furtherance of a crime of violence, which carries a minimum sentence of seven years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force and the City of Newburgh Police Department. Mr. Williams also thanked the Westchester County Department of Correction and its major case squad for their assistance in the investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret N. Vasu and Jennifer N. Ong are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaints and the description of the Complaints set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Chicago Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution Charge

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Chicago, Illinois, man was sentenced on Monday, January 22, 2024, to 120 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine. According to public court documents at the time of his plea hearing, Joshua Adam Townsen, 42, admitted to the October 2022 distribution of a bag that contained approximately 220 grams of methamphetamine to Gilbert Ellis. On October 10, 2023, Gilbert Ellis was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment on conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, distribution of heroin near a school, distribution of heroin, and distribution of methamphetamine. Additional information on this drug conspiracy can be found in a previously published press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia/pr/eight-burlington-individuals-charged-federal-criminal-complaint-drug-charges After completing his term of imprisonment, Townsen will be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Taskforce, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Burlington Police Department, the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, the West Burlington Police Department, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Lee County Task Force, Muscatine Task Force, Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Johnson County Drug Task Force, Ottumwa Drug Task Force, and the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team in Illinois.


title: Burlington Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Burlington man was sentenced on January 23, 2024, to 25 years in federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine. According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Larry Keith Knotts, III, 36, conspired to distribute over 65 kilograms of Methamphetamine. As a part of the conspiracy, Knotts possessed a dangerous weapon and attempted to influence a witness. After completing his term of imprisonment, Knotts will be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Taskforce, Burlington Police Department, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, West Burlington Police Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN, an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime, is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. 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.


title: Alexandria Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – An Alexandria man was sentenced in federal court in Concord for failing to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Rex Jason Sumner, 53, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty to 12 months and 1 day in prison and 5 years of supervised release. “Prosecuting violations of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act is critical in our effort to keep the most vulnerable members of our community safe,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said. “Today’s sentence reinforces this Office’s dedication to protecting the public and ensuring accountability for those who attempt to circumvent their registration requirements.” “If not for the valuable assistance and resources dedicated to overseeing the deceptive movements of registered sex offenders throughout the country and abroad, offenders such as Mr. Sumner would unknowingly lay dormant in our communities,” proclaimed Deputy U.S. Marshal Andrew Grillo. “This case highlights the efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement networks efficiently coming together to resolve an important matter central to public safety.” “The Alexandria Police Department was glad to be part of this investigation. Sumner is a potentially dangerous individual who thought that he could come and hide in a small town in New Hampshire,” said Chief David Suckling of the Alexandria Police Department. “This was a great collaboration between many agencies, and we were proud to do our share.” According to Court documents and statements made in Court, Sumner is a Tier III sex offender with a duty to register for life. Sumner was released from prison in Oklahoma in 2018 and had been registering with Oklahoma authorities at an address in Oklahoma despite residing in New Hampshire since early 2023. Sumner would return to Oklahoma periodically to update his registration and continued to represent to authorities that he still resided in Oklahoma. The United States Marshals Service led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Alexandria (NH) Police Department, the Plymouth (NH) Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Garvin County (OK) Sherriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc ###


title: Charlottesville Man Arrested for Operating East Coast Prostitution Ring

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A Charlottesville, Virginia man, who posted hundreds of commercial sex ads for adult women in various cities in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, was arrested early this morning for violating the Mann Act, a federal law that criminalizes the transportation of any woman or girl for the purpose of prostitution. Brian Lamont Turner, 42, was arrested this morning at a home in Charlottesville following a hours-long standoff with police on a federal criminal complaint charging him with one count of violating the Mann Act. United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division announced the arrest. According to court documents, in February 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation received multiple reports from local law enforcement agencies identifying Turner and adult females suspected of engaging in commercial sex acts. The FBI’s investigation revealed an account on the commercial sex website SkiptheGames.com registered to an email address known to be used by Turner. The account posted hundreds of commercial sex advertisements in various states, including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. According to court documents, one of Turner’s most recent listings was posted on January 17, 2024, advertising commercial sex in Charlottesville. Turner controlled all or almost all aspects of arranging commercial sex dates. He created the advertisements, communicated with customers, and scheduled the dates. Text messages show him providing instructions and information to his victims about dates, such as how long the date was scheduled to last and how much money to charge. Turner also transported the adult victims to and from the hotels and often stayed in the hotel parking lot or another hotel room while the victims saw commercial sex customers. Turner specifically targeted female victims who had drug addictions, recruited them, and used their drug addictions to control them. Turner became the women’s main source of drug supply and threatened to withhold drugs from his victims if they did not complete their commercial sex dates or follow his directions. In addition, Turner is known to possess a firearm and has used it to compel his victims to follow his instructions. The FBI is investigating the case. The Charlottesville City Police Department and the Albemarle County Police Department assisted with Turner’s arrest. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Smith is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Independence Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Meth Trafficking, Illegal Firearms

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and for illegally possessing eight firearms. Nicholas G. Gutierrez, 43, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Tuesday, Jan. 23, to 15 years in federal prison without parole. On Aug. 29, 2023, Gutierrez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. The U.S. Postal Service interdicted a package destined for Gutierrez’s residence on April 14, 2023. Investigators opened the package and found three bundles of methamphetamine that weighed a total of approximately four kilograms. Investigators made a controlled delivery of the empty box to Gutierrez’s residence. Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at Gutierrez’s residence on April 19, 2023. Agents found a bag that contained more than a kilogram of methamphetamine on top of a dresser in the master bedroom. A Glock 19 pistol, which had been reported stolen, and additional illegal narcotics were found on the bed in the master bedroom, including several clear plastic bags that contained a total of approximately 440.67 grams of methamphetamine. Agents forced open a black safe that was in the master bedroom and found an Iver Johnson revolver, a Glock 29, a Glock 17, a Rock Island 1911, a Canik SPX Rival 9mm, a Remington .22-caliber rifle, and a Remington .270-caliber rifle. Agents also found 9.6 grams of heroin and 46.95 grams of fentanyl at Gutierrez’s residence. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Gutierrez has prior felony convictions for being a drug user in possession of a firearm and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg R. Coonrod. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Project Safe Neighborhoods This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Man Sentenced for Strangling Former Partner

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: A Bartlesville man was sentenced yesterday for Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Suffocating in Indian County, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge Terence C. Kern sentenced Andrew John Brown, 50, to 27 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. According to court documents, Brown began arguing with the victim. He admitted and plead guilty to placing the victim in a “chokehold” and strangled her with his hands. Brown was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility. The FBI and Osage Nation Tribal Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey prosecuted the case.


title: Columbia Physician Indicted for False Statements to Medicare

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., physician has been indicted by a federal grand jury for making false statements relating to Medicare orders. Jerry Joseph Bruggeman, M.D., 52, was charged in a 13-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Jan. 23. The federal indictment alleges that Bruggeman, a licensed physician, provided false statements regarding Medicare beneficiaries who received medical devices (such as braces) or genetic testing. The federal indictment charges Bruggeman with 13 counts of making false statements relating to health care matters. The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require Bruggeman to forfeit to the government $29,440, which represents his proceeds from the alleged offenses. According to the indictment, Bruggeman contracted with a telemedicine company in Boca Raton, Florida, which maintained an online portal that aggregated the personal information of Medicare beneficiaries who had been solicited by marketing companies. The company created medical assessments and orders for these beneficiaries, then hired medical professionals like Bruggeman to “review” and sign orders for cancer genetic testing, pharmacogenetic testing, and durable medical equipment. The federal indictment alleges that Bruggeman approved orders for medical devices for eight Medicare beneficiaries in March and April 2019. Bruggeman stated that he ordered the devices in each case based on his evaluation of the patient’s condition and determined that the device was “medically necessary and appropriate.” Bruggeman electronically signed a physician verification for each of the devices, indicating “by my signature, I am prescribing the items listed above and certify that the above-prescribed item(s) is medically indicated and necessary and consistent with current accepted standards of medical practice and treatment of this patient’s physical condition.” In fact, the indictment says, Bruggeman never evaluated or assessed the patient’s condition, never determined whether the device was medically necessary and appropriate for the patient, and never determined whether the listed device was consistent with current accepted standards of medical practice and treatment of the patient’s physical condition. The federal indictment also alleges that Bruggeman approved orders for genetic testing for five Medicare beneficiaries between January and March 2019. Bruggeman asserted in each case that the test results were necessary to the patient’s medical management. He electronically signed an accompanying letter of medical necessity that stated he would “receive the test results in order to pursue care for the patient.” In fact, the indictment says, Bruggeman never treated the patients. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Kummerer. It was investigated by Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.


title: Man Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter and Leaving the Scene of an Accident

body_text: A Sperry man was sentenced yesterday for Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country and Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge Terence C. Kern sentenced Roger Allen Stevens, 32, a member of Cherokee Nation, to 30 months imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release. According to the guilty plea, on October 28, 2018, Stevens failed to yield to the right of way to Timothy Hayhurst, while he was riding a motorcycle. This resulted in the death of Mr. Hayhurst. After the accident, Stevens did not contact 911 or stay at the scene of the accident. Stevens was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility. The FBI and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O. Johnston prosecuted the case.


title: Independence Man Indicted for Illegal Firearm Following Police Chase

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegally possessing a firearm after fleeing from police officers in a stolen pick-up truck. Duke A. Yates, 35, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Jan. 23. The federal indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Yates on Dec. 26, 2023. According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Yates was driving a stolen 2007 Ford F350 pick-up truck that had been used in the armed robberies of a Quik Trip and a Walgreen’s, both in Independence, within 10 minutes of each other at about 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 25, 2023. A police officer spotted the vehicle traveling north on E. Pitcher Road near Blue Ridge Cutoff in Independence. Yates immediately initiated a pursuit that reached speeds over 100 miles per hour. During the pursuit, the affidavit says, the truck failed to stop for posted stop signs and drove over medians. The truck slid onto 23 rd Street facing eastbound in the westbound lanes, causing another motorist to drive onto the shoulder to avoid a collision. Yates drove into oncoming traffic and veered at a marked police vehicle that was attempting to deploy stop sticks. Yates failed to negotiate a turn at 24911 E. Truman Road and went offroad, colliding with a power pole and breaking it at the base. Yates fled on foot, the affidavit says, and resisted arrest while being taken into custody. Officers searched the stolen truck and found a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun on the driver’s floorboard. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Yates has two prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance and prior felony convictions for robbery, tampering with a motor vehicle, theft, resisting arrest, property damage, and distributing drugs. The charge contained in this indictment is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Gibson. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department. Project Safe Neighborhoods This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Former Employee of Medical Device Manufacturer Sentenced for Forging Two FDA Letters that Led to Illegal Sale of Medical Devices

component: Civil Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that a federal judge sentenced a Philadelphia-area man to prison yesterday for his role in distributing medical devices without U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance. Peter Stoll III, 35, pleaded guilty last year to one felony count of violating the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) by causing the introduction of misbranded and adulterated medical devices into interstate commerce. U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Leeson sentenced Stoll to 12 months in prison and one year of supervised release. According to court documents, Stoll was a regulatory affairs specialist at a medical device manufacturer located in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and was responsible for making submissions to the FDA that were required before the company could sell its medical devices. In pleading guilty, Stoll admitted that in 2017, he created two false letters that purported to show that FDA had granted clearance to sell two different medical devices. As a result, the company illegally sold tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of medical devices throughout the United States. According to court documents, Stoll was responsible for shepherding two of the company’s devices through the FDA’s 510(k) clearance process: the ELAN-4 Air Drill, a high-speed surgical drill used for bone cutting, sawing and drilling, and the JS Series SterilContainer S2, a reusable sterilization container for medical instruments. Stoll admitted that he never submitted any 510(k) documents to FDA regarding either device. Instead, Stoll created a fraudulent letter using FDA letterhead and bearing the forged digital signature of an FDA official that falsely stated that FDA had cleared the ELAN-4 Air to be marketed. Stoll later created another, similarly fraudulent letter on FDA letterhead for the SterilContainer JS Series medical device. “Individuals who subvert the FDA clearance process for medical devices put patients’ lives at risk,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will work with its law enforcement partners to prosecute individuals who falsify documents and violate the law.” “The FDA’s checks and balances exist for one reason: to protect the public,” said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “One of the medical devices illegally sold in this case is meant to be used in invasive surgeries; the other, to sterilize instruments, preventing infection or contamination. Evading the prescribed FDA clearance process can literally be a matter of life and death, which is why we take these cases so seriously and work to hold perpetrators responsible for their actions.” “The FDA must be notified and given the opportunity to clear certain medical devices before they are distributed into interstate commerce,” said Assistant Commissioner for Criminal Investigations Justin D. Green of the FDA. “A medical device distributed without FDA clearance can put patients at risk. Our office will aggressively pursue those who place patients at risk by failing to follow the law. The FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI) protects the American public by rigorously investigating allegations involving FDA-regulated products and violations of the FDCA. In this case, OCI worked with the Justice Department to ensure a just resolution, and we applaud the exceptional work done by the team.” FDA’s OCI investigated the case. Trial Attorney Max Goldman and Assistant Director Ross S. Goldstein of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney and Health Care and Government Fraud Chief Mary Mary Beth Leahy for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case. Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch .


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $3.89 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2023

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson announced today that the Northern District of Oklahoma (NDOK) collected $3,891,104.49 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2023. Of this amount, $2,516,899.27 was collected in criminal actions and $1,374,205.22 was collected in civil actions. Additionally, the NDOK worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $14,977,950.60 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $1,266.60 was collected in criminal actions and $14,976,684.00 was collected in civil actions. “The Financial Litigation Program/ The Asset Recovery Unit at the U.S. Attorney’s Office ensures that court ordered restitution is paid to victims, fines are collected, and civil financial obligations are met. In fiscal year 2023, this team of federal prosecutors, investigators, and professional legal staff diligently worked to collect almost $4 million on behalf of taxpayers and victims of crime,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. For example, in June 2023, the Asset Recovery Unit recovered over $225,000 in court ordered fines, restitution and a money judgment from Scott Wayne Jarman. Jarman plead guilty and was sentenced for two False Statements to the United States Small Business Administration for COVID fraud. In July 2023, the Financial Litigation Program recovered $60,000 from Raymond Dudley. Dudley was sentenced for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 in Indian Country and Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country. Dudley’s monetary penalties were court ordered and received for the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) Assessment. The funds also go towards victim services including the Domestic Trafficking Victims Fund administered by the Attorney General. In October 2023, the Financial Litigation Program recovered almost $60,000 in restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA) upon the conviction of Kelly Dawson for Theft of Government Property. Dawson plead guilty in Jun. 2023 for collecting SSA funds on behalf of his children whom he placed in a group home. In November 2023, the Asset Recovery Unit recovered $134,325.69 on behalf of the victim in Matthew William Cook’s embezzlement; as well as $134,325.69 in payment of a forfeiture money judgment. Cook plead guilty in Aug. 2022 for wire fraud after creating a scheme to defraud his employer. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in NDOK, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $407,741.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2023. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.


title: Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Years of Stalking and Threatening Indiana Couple

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Patrick Kearney, 41, of Glenview, Illinois, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of stalking, one count of transmitting threats via interstate commerce, and two counts of making harassing telephone calls. According to court documents, beginning in September of 2019, and continuing through October 4, 2022, Patrick Kearney engaged in a targeted campaign of stalking, intimidation, and harassment directed towards Victims 1 and 2. Kearney met Victim 1 in the early 2000s, when they both attended the same university. Kearney pursued a relationship with Victim 1 by trying to walk with her after class, meeting her at her dorm, calling the dorm phone, and leaving mail at her dorm mailbox. Victim 1 did not reciprocate interest in a relationship with Kearney. Victim 1 graduated from college, married her husband, Victim 2, and had not seen Kearney since. In September of 2019, Kearney began sending Victim 1 anonymous handwritten letters to her home in Indiana, mostly stating that Victim 1 should have died in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The letters typically included pictures or drawings of the World Trade Center burning. Kearney sent approximately 23 handwritten letters to Victim 1 between September of 2019 and September of 2022, all including similar abusive language and most referencing September 11, 2001. In addition to sending letters, Kearney also began repeatedly calling Victim 1’s cell phone at all hours, leaving threatening voicemails and using different phone numbers to avoid being blocked. On February 22, 2022, Kearney mailed a package from Arizona to Victim 1’s home. The package contained Raid roach bait and a handwritten note stating, “Here is some poison for you and give the rest to your idiot boyfriend!” On May 16, 2022, Kearney mailed Victims 1 and 2 a package from Arizona that contained Combat cockroach poison. The package included a note stating that the couple should eat the poison. On July 11, 2022, at approximately 5:04 am, Kearney called Victim 2 and left a voicemail threatening that “you and her (Victim 1) should be shot in the f****** head.” As the victims were planning their wedding in 2022, they created a website that included wedding registry information. Kearney began leaving voicemails for Victims 1 and 2 impersonating customer service representatives from Crate & Barrel and Target and threatened to show up at the wedding and ruin it. Between October of 2019 and September of 2022, Kearney placed approximately 357 phone calls to Victim 1’s cell phone and left over 120 voicemails. Between May of 2022 and August of 2022, Kearney placed approximately 47 phone calls to Victim 2’s cell phone and left at least 35 voicemails. “This serious federal prison sentence is an appropriate consequence for the defendant’s years’ long campaign of cruel threats and harassment. He chose to terrorize an innocent couple and rob them of safety and peace—driven by his toxic mix of entitlement and resentment,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “As we near the end of Stalking Awareness Month, we must raise awareness that stalking crimes can manifest in many forms as our digital world evolves. Even without physical violence, the threat of escalation and fear of the unknown can be deeply traumatizing for victims. These actions are simply unacceptable, and federal law enforcement agencies will work together to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable.” “United States Postal Inspectors work diligently to keep U.S. Postal Service customers, and all Americans, safe from criminals who use the U.S. Mail system to further their illegal actions,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge for the Detroit Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service. “I commend the collective efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Indiana and Postal Inspectors in Illinois, Arizona, and Indiana in bringing this individual to justice. His victims can rest assured that the constant threat of harassment and stalking has come to an end.” The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Kearney be supervised for three years following his release from federal prison and pay a $500 fine. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $5,214,677 in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2023

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: HAMMOND- U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced today that the Northern District of Indiana collected $5,214,677.59 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2023. Of this amount, $2,898,640.06 was collected in criminal actions and $2,316,037.53 was collected in civil actions . Additionally, Northern District of Indiana worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $43,741,638.66 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. As part of this figure, the Northern District of Indiana recovered $31,251,810.00 from its’ settlement with BP Products North America, Inc. “When most people think about the work of a United States Attorney’s office, they mainly think about the number of criminals prosecuted and the sentences imposed. While prosecuting criminal conduct is important, that action alone does not completely advance public safety,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office promotes public safety by vigorously collecting monetary awards imposed by U.S. federal District Courts in civil and criminal judgments to compensate persons injured by criminals and civil violators. I am so very proud of my Office’s continued collection efforts.” The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Northern District of Indiana working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $2,171,602.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2023. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. ###


title: Two Jal Police Department Officers and One Former Jal Police Department Officer Charged with Deprivation of Rights

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Corey Patrick Saffell, Ceasar Enrique Mendoza, and Robert Edward Embly, aka Eddie, made initial appearances in federal court on an indictment charging them with two counts each of the deprivation of rights. Saffell, 34, of Jal, Mendoza, 28, and Embly, 43, both of Hobbs, will remain in custody pending detention hearings, which have been scheduled for Jan. 29, 2024. According to the indictment, between July 30 and July 31, 2021, Saffell, Mendoza, and Embly were employed as police officers with the Jal Police Department in Lea County when they allegedly violated John Doe’s constitutional rights to be free from unreasonable seizure by a law enforcement officer, including the right to be free from an unlawful arrest and the right to be free from unreasonable use of force by a law enforcement officer. The officers conduct resulted in bodily injury to John Doe and included the use of a dangerous weapon. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, all three men face up to 10 years in prison. The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Hobbs Police Department, Carlsbad Police Department, Lea County Sheriff’s Office, Jal Police Department, and New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matilda McCarthy Villalobos is prosecuting the case. View the Indictment # # # 24-27


title: U.S. Attorney Charges Bedford Hills Man With Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor And Attempted Enticement

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging JAMES COLLINS, JR., with enticing a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity and with sexual exploitation of a minor. COLLINS was arrested this morning and will be presented later this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “This case underlines the urgent need for law enforcement to continue its efforts to protect children from those who prey on them. As today’s arrest shows, we will use every tool available to law enforcement to investigate and prosecute those alleged to have sexually exploited children.” As alleged in the Complaint: [1] On or about November 7, 2023, COLLINS attempted to persuade an individual acting in an undercover capacity and posing as a 15-year-old boy to meet the defendant in Westchester County, New York, for the purpose of engaging in sexual activities. From at least on or about September 16, 2023, up to and including at least on or about November 7, 2023, COLLINS, who used the Snapchat username “jimc20237221,” persuaded a 17-year-old minor in Illinois to engage in sexually explicit activity and send COLLINS videos and photos of such activity. COLLINS was previously arrested and charged in Westchester County with Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree in connection with his November 7, 2023, conduct. He was on bail at the time of today’s arrest. Anyone who may have encountered COLLINS or whose child may have had any communications with COLLINS is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324). * * * COLLINS, 67, of Bedford Hills, New York, is charged with one count of attempting to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. He is also charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Westchester District Attorney’s Office, the New Castle Police Department, and the Oswego Police Department in Oswego, Illinois in connection with this investigation. The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia S. Cohen is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Drug Traffickers Sentenced to Combined 21 Years in Prison

body_text: Three defendants have been sentenced to a combined 21 years in federal prison for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Brian Daniel Ramirez, 45, Rodney Leon Dunn, 63, and Robby Layne Dunn, 62, were indicted for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance in August of 2023. In October of 2023, Mr. Ramirez, Mr. Rodney Dunn, and Mr. Robby Dunn plead guilty to one count each of Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On January 18, 2024, U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman sentenced Mr. Ramirez to 14 years in federal prison; Mr. Rodney Dunn to 4.5 years in federal prison, and Mr. Robby Dunn to 2.5 years in federal prison. According to court documents, the investigation began in June of 2023 when Hood County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit (HSCO SCU) began investigating the methamphetamine trafficking activities of the Brian Ramirez Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO). HCSO SCU deployed numerous investigative techniques and identified a suspected drug stash location in Granbury, Texas operated by Mr. Ramirez. The investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 1 kilogram of crystal methamphetamine, approximately 3 ounces of cocaine, and the arrests of Mr. Ramirez, Mr. Robby Dunn, and Mr. Rodney Dunn for their roles in the Ramirez DTO. The DEA Fort Worth with the assistance of the Hood County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Smith prosecuted the case.


title: Pinehill Man Charged with Murder and Assault in Indian Country

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Ellery Brent Yazzie appeared in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Yazzie, 36, of Pinehill, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending trial, which is currently not scheduled. According to the criminal complaint, on the morning of Dec. 22, 2023, the Ramah Navajo Police Department received an emergency call from a witness who stated that Ellery Brent Yazzie shot his father, sister, and brother at a residence in Pinehill following a verbal argument. When officers arrived at the residence, they found the two males deceased and Yazzie alive with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The witness had attempted to drive the third victim to the hospital but linked up with an ambulance enroute which transported the victim to Zuni Hospital. Physicians advised a special agent from the FBI that the victim sustained life-threatening injuries and would have died without timely medical care. The victims were all enrolled members of the Navajo Nation. A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted on the current charges, Yazzie faces up to life in prison. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Ramah Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caitlin L. Dillon and Jena Ritchey are prosecuting the case. View the Criminal Complaint # # # 24-28


title: Third Co-Conspirator Sentenced in International Fraud Scheme Targeting Elderly Victims

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – On January 23, 2024, a resident of Reseda, California, was sentenced in federal court to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $117,525 in restitution on his conviction of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Roberto Gutierrez, 51. Two co-defendants, Roderick Feurtado and Tarek Bouanane, both of Las Vegas, Nevada, were sentenced by Judge Ranjan on Friday, January 19, for their roles in the case, with Feurtado receiving a sentence of ten years and Bouanane a sentence of 46 months, each followed by three years of supervised release, along with restitution totaling $258,520 to 16 victims. Additional information regarding those sentencing hearings and the larger investigation and prosecution of the alleged masterminds of the fraud scheme can be found here. According to information presented to the court, the three were participants in a scheme to defraud elderly victims. Posing as attorneys, members of the conspiracy called numerous victims and falsely represented that one of the victim’s relatives, typically a grandchild, had been incarcerated and needed money for bail and legal fees. Gutierrez and others would then visit the victims at their homes, posing as a courier or bail bondsman to collect the fraudulently obtained money. At least $250,000 was obtained in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere through the conspiracy. Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Ranjan emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the harm it caused the victims. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey R. Bengel and Michael R. Ball prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police, and Bethel Park Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of the three individuals. Anyone with information about allegations of elder fraud can report it by calling the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 833–372–8311. More information about the Department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice . For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/assistant?orgcode=USDOJEFH or at 877-FTC-HELP.


title: Investigators dismantle fentanyl drug trafficking network in Eastern Panhandle - 82 people charged

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eighty-two people have been indicted by a federal grand jury for a drug trafficking operation that distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine in the Eastern Panhandle. The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that an indictment was unsealed, charging individuals from Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia with drug trafficking. According to court documents, Gary Bernard Brown, Jr., also known as “Gee,” age 38, of Baltimore, Maryland, supplied others with large quantities of fentanyl capsules and powder for redistribution in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. The investigation yielded 10 kilograms of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, firearms, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in assets. “In a coordinated effort across three states, the FBI and our partners worked seamlessly to degrade the capabilities of a criminal enterprise that endangered the lives of our children and neighbors by pedaling illegal narcotics into our communities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Mike Shanahan of the FBI-Pittsburgh Division. “Today, their illicit activities came to an end.” After a large-scale arrest operation in the region, 11 of the 82 defendants are still at-large. Investigators are searching for: Charles Delroy Singletary, age 43, of Baltimore, Maryland Jeffrey Lee Pullen, age 52, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia Benjamin Paul Knotts, age 48, of Charles Town, West Virginia Haile Madalynn Speaks, age 21, of Charles Town, West Virginia James Sanford, age 39, of Martinsburg, West Virginia John Ernest LeCluse, age 39, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia Shelby Elizabeth Thompson, age 29, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia April Dawn Wentzell, age 36, of Ranson, West Virginia Daniel Lee Corbin, Jr., age 35, of Martinsburg, West Virginia Kendall Axavier Baker, age 31, of Winchester Virginia David Lewis Pennington, Jr., age 20, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia If you have any information, call 1-877-926-8332 or go to https://www.usmarshals.gov . Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. This case was a collaborative investigative effort that includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Pittsburgh Field Division, Baltimore Field Division, and Richmond Field Division); the Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office; the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office; Ranson Police Department; Martinsburg Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; Stafford County Sheriff's Office (Virginia); Frederick County Sheriff's Office (Maryland); Frederick County Sheriff's Office (Virginia); Winchester Police Department; and the Clarke County Sheriff's Office (Virginia). This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. List of defendants: www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/us-v-gary-brown-jr-et-al-defendant-list View the indictment here: U.S. v. Brown et al indictment


title: Thirteen Indicted On Drug Conspiracy Charges

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging thirteen individuals in a drug conspiracy and related charges. According to the indictment, the defendants conspired with one another to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine within the Middle District of Florida. See chart below for details. Defendant Charges Maximum Penalty Daniel Carrillo (35, Weeki Wachee) 1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine 3 Counts -Distribution of cocaine Life in prison (Mandatory Minimum of 10 years) Yoned Onil Santana Vazquez (18, Hudson) 1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine 1 Count - Distribution of cocaine 40 years (Mandatory Minimum of 5 years) Georgelys Natal Vazquez (27, Hudson) 1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute cocaine 1 Count - Distribution of cocaine 20 years Lucy Carrillo Gonzalez (60, Port Richey) 1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute cocaine 1 Count - Distribution of cocaine 20 years Jacqueline Navarro (53, Port Richey) 1 County - Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine 5 Counts - Distribution of cocaine 1 Count - Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine Life in prison (Mandatory Minimum of 10 years) Betsy Luz Trinidad (32, Weeki Wachee) 1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine 4 Counts - Distribution of cocaine Life in Prison (Mandatory Minimum of 10 years) Rolando Alvarez Canete (40, Holiday) 1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute cocaine 1 Count - Distribution of cocaine 20 years in prison Kevin Valdez (33, Port Richey) 1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute cocaine 20 years in prison Victor Hernandez Jr (24, Port Richey) 1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute cocaine 20 years in prison John Patrick Barrett, (57, Port Richey) 1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine 1 Count - Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine Life in prison (Mandatory Minimum of 10 years) Jennifer Hanna (51, Hudson) 1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine 1 Count - Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine 2 Counts - Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine Life in prison (Mandatory Minimum of 10 years) Johan Eloy Del Valle Carrillo (41, Puerto Rico) 1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute cocaine 1 Count - Attempted distribution of cocaine 20 years in prison James Perry Oneal (29, Clearwater) 1 Count – Conspiracy to distribute cocaine 1 Count – Possession with intent to distribute of cocaine 20 years in prison An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samantha Beckman and Jeffrey Chang. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. 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.


title: Cary Man Sentenced to Prison in Ponzi Scheme

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Kumar Arun Neppalli, 57, was sentenced to 44 months in the Federal Bureau of Prison and ordered to pay almost $1 million in restitution to victims in connection with a Ponzi investment fraud scam. Neppalli previously pleaded to guilty to 17 counts of Wire Fraud. The investigation revealed Neppalli relied on his good standing within the Indian American community in Cary to defraud numerous victims under the false pretense that he would invest their money in a legitimate real estate development in the Orange County area. Neppalli leveraged his employment with the town of Chapel Hill to convince the victims that he had insider knowledge of development plans with respect to the purported real estate. Neppalli would request a specific amount of money within a short timeframe, sometimes the same day, to facilitate closing the transaction. Neppalli promised a return of the principal investment plus a profit within a few months, often asking his victims not to discuss the transaction with other members of the community or referencing a non-disclosure agreement. Neppalli used the funds from these victims to pay back earlier investors who believed that he was returning their original investment and legitimate capital gains. “Neppalli was a conman running a classic ‘affinity fraud,’ targeting Indian American investors in the Triangle for their hard-earned savings,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “It was a pure Ponzi scheme – stoking false hopes of financial success, but using new investor money to pay off earlier investors, while masquerading those payments as legitimate profits. Investors should beware affinity fraudsters like Neppalli promising outsized returns on short timelines while exploiting membership in a particular religious or ethnic group to gain credibility and target victims.” “Neppalli swindled members of his own tight-knit community. He pretended to have inside information to make them rich, instead many victims lost their entire life savings. While fraud of this magnitude can have a lasting impact, we hope the time Neppalli must serve in federal prison brings a sense of justice to his victims," said Robert M. DeWitt, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle announced the sentence. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Triangle Fraud Taskforce led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Beraka is prosecuting the case. 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. 5:22-CR-00347-BO.


title: Member of Navajo Nation Sentenced to 57 Months for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – 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 Alvin White was sentenced to 57 months in prison. White, 54, of Little Water, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and entered into an agreement with the government on February 1, 2023. In his plea agreement, White also agreed to cooperate and provided testimony in the now-concluded trial against his co-defendant, Raydell Billy. According to court documents, on the evening of April 11, 2022, White and his co-defendants, Raydell Billy and Raynorma Billy, burst into John Doe’s home and attacked him. At Raydell’s trial, White testified that he and Raydell Billy attacked John Doe with the intent to commit bodily harm. He testified that they both hit John Doe and that Raydell Billy discharged a firearm in John Doe’s direction. After Raydell Billy discharged the round and rapped the pistol across John Doe’s skull, the three assailants left, and in anger one of them riddled John Doe’s car with bullet holes. Raynorma Billy pleaded guilty on February 28, 2023, to being a conspirator, admitting that she, Raydell Billy, and Alvin White discussed and agreed to assault John Doe. Raynorma was sentenced to time served, followed by three years of supervised release. Raydell was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon on March 8, 2023, and sentenced to 120 months in prison. This case was investigated by the Farmington office of the Federal Bureau Investigation and by Navajo Nation Office of Criminal Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander F. Flores and Matthew J. McGinley. View the Plea Agreement # # # 24-29


title: British Investor And Billionaire Businessman Joseph Lewis Pleads Guilty To Insider Trading Scheme

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the guilty plea of JOSEPH LEWIS to charges of committing securities fraud and conspiring to commit securities fraud through insider trading. LEWIS was arrested in July 2023 and pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Jessica G.L. Clarke today. In addition, BROAD BAY LTD., a corporate entity owned and directed by LEWIS, pled guilty today before Judge Clarke to a superseding criminal information, regarding its participation in a securities fraud scheme to hide LEWIS’s ownership shares of a pharmaceutical company through a pattern of false filings and misleading statements. In connection with this plea, BROAD BAY LTD. has agreed to pay $50 million in financial penalties, among other penalties, and to continue to cooperate with the Government in this investigation. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Today’s guilty pleas once again confirm — as I said in announcing the charges against Joseph Lewis just six months ago – the law applies to everyone, no matter who you are or how much wealth you have. Billionaire Lewis abused inside information he gained through his access to corporate boardrooms to tip off his friends, employees, and romantic interests. Now, he will pay the price with a federal conviction, the prospect of time in prison, and the largest financial penalty for insider trading in a decade. His company, Broad Bay Ltd., who failed to detect and report this misconduct, has also been held to account and will plead guilty and pay more than $50 million in financial penalties.” According to the allegations contained in the Indictments, Superseding Information, and other filings and statements made in court: JOSEPH LEWIS is a billionaire businessman and investor who is the principal owner of the Tavistock Group, an international private investment organization. By virtue of LEWIS’s investments in certain companies, he has controlled one or more board of director seats at those companies and has deputized employees to serve on various company boards. In turn, through these employees, LEWIS received material, non-public information about these companies. LEWIS, on multiple occasions over the course of several years, misused and misappropriated this confidential information to provide stock tips to various individuals in his life, including his employees, romantic partners, and friends, as a way to provide them with compensation and gifts. These individuals, in turn, traded on the tips provided by LEWIS for vast personal gain. In addition, BROAD BAY LTD. and other corporate entities under the direction and control of LEWIS engaged in a scheme to hide LEWIS’s ownership and control shares of a pharmaceutical company through a pattern of false filings and misleading statements. LEWIS and his companies were required to file schedules of share ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) because he was an owner of more than 10% of the stock of Mirati Therapeutics (“Mirati”). LEWIS and entities under his control reported to the SEC that he owned between 16 and 19.99% of the stock, when, in reality, he beneficially owned and controlled more than 19.99% of Mirati stock through offshore shell companies and other entities. As a result of the false disclosure of his ownership, corporate entities under the direction and control of LEWIS were able to exercise warrants in Mirati that they would otherwise not have been able to exercise, at vast financial gain. LEWIS and certain entities under his control falsely swore on SEC filings to incorrect Mirati share ownership totals on at least 13 separate occasions between in or about November 2013 and in or about November 2017. In or about 2018, the Mirati shares held in offshore entities were sold, and then approximately $25 million in proceeds was transferred to an account controlled by BROAD BAY LTD. As part of the guilty plea of BROAD BAY LTD., LEWIS and BROAD BAY LTD. have agreed LEWIS and his companies will resign and relinquish their control over board of director seats and participation in board of director meetings of any corporation publicly traded in the United States, will cease ownership of certain investments over the five year period of probation, will cooperate with the Government’s ongoing investigation and prosecution, and will pay $50 million in financial penalties, including a $15,586,021 fine and $34,413,979 in forfeiture. * * * LEWIS, 86, a British national, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison, and two counts of securities fraud, which each carry a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison. BROAD BAY LTD. pled guilty to one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years’ probation. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He also expressed appreciation for the SEC, which previously initiated civil proceedings against LEWIS. This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicolas Roos and Jason A. Richman are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Essex County Tax Preparer Admits $4.4 Million Conspiracy to Defraud IRS

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, tax preparer admitted that he conspired to obtain over $4.4 million by defrauding the IRS, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Omar Khater, 33, of Fairfield, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court on Jan. 23, 2024, to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS. Khater’s conspirator, Walid Khater, 38, of Arizona, is charged by complaint and his case remains pending. “This defendant has admitted his role in an elaborate scheme that used stolen personal identifying information and fabricated tax returns to bilk the IRS of millions of dollars. Working with our law enforcement partners, we will root out these illegal and dangerous schemes, and those who perpetrate them can expect the same result as Omar Khater.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “With this year’s filing just around the corner, today’s plea is a stark reminder as to how valuable your personally identifiable information is to criminals and how important it is to safeguard the information,” Tammy Tomlins, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, said. “Along with our law enforcement partners, we will vigorously pursue individuals who steal other people’s identities to enrich themselves through the filing of fraudulent tax returns.” “Khater is now admitting he worked with others to falsely file returns based on stolen identities and pocketed the refunds,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “We trust tax preparers with a tremendous amount of vital information about our lives, and when they use it to break the law it's unsettling to say the least. Khater fleeced the IRS out of millions of dollars, but he's the one now paying for his fraud.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Omar and Walid Khater were relatives who worked together and with others to steal victims’ identities, which they used to file false tax returns and fraudulently receive tax refunds from the IRS. They electronically submitted tax documents to the IRS falsely claiming that the individual taxpayers listed on those documents had earned certain income or won thousands – and in some cases millions – of dollars in gambling and lottery winnings. The false filings also claimed tax withholdings on the purported income or gambling winnings that entitled the tax filer to refund payments from the IRS. The Khaters and others typically submitted these fraudulent tax filings using the names and personal identifying information of victims without the victims’ knowledge or permission. The fraudulent filings caused the IRS to pay lucrative tax refunds, which the Khaters and others directed to various bank accounts that they controlled. This scheme caused the U.S. Treasury to issue tax refunds $4.49 million, which the Khaters and others diverted to bank accounts they controlled in New Jersey and elsewhere. The count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison and the count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison. Both counts are also punishable by a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross loss or gain caused by the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for June 12, 2024. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins in Newark; and special agents of FBI-Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, with the investigation leading to today’s plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fatime Meka Cano of the Economic Crimes Unit and Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations against Walid Khater are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. khater.information.pdf


title: New Hanover County Social Worker Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud Medicaid

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Felicia Moore Jones, 52, pled guilty to conspiring to defraud North Carolina Medicaid (“Medicaid”) in a scheme that resulted in more than $400,000 in fraudulent billing. Jones faces up to 10 years in prison and a potential fine. “Ms. Jones’ was a social worker who was supposed to help poor Medicaid recipients get healthcare. Instead, she stole and sold their identifying information in a scheme to bill taxpayers for care that was never provided,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “We are fortunate to live in a generous country, where we are proud to help the less advantaged through programs like Medicaid. But we will find and prosecute anyone who abuses that generosity for their own profit.” According to the filed charge and information summarized in court, Jones was a social worker in New Hanover County who conspired with a licensed mental health counselor, Lakia Washington, to defraud Medicaid. Jones used her government employment to obtain personally identifying information (PII) of New Hanover County residents enrolled in Medicaid, including their Medicaid ID numbers. In exchange for an agreed-upon fee per beneficiary, Jones then provided the PII to Washington, knowing it would be used to generate fraudulent claims for services never rendered. Investigators have attributed over $400,000 of Washington’s fraudulent Medicaid billing to the beneficiary PII Jones provided to Washington. Late last year, Washington pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Based upon the investigation, no out-of-pocket costs were borne by the individuals whose identities were used as a part of the scheme. “Government employees are supposed to be responsible stewards of our personal and health data, not steal it for their own profit,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “I’m grateful to my Medicaid Investigations Division and our federal partners for their work to protect taxpayer resources and patient information.” The Center for Medicaid Services, within the federal Department of Health and Human Services, is responsible for overseeing the Medicaid program in North Carolina, which has been administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services since 1978. Medicaid providers are assigned a National Provider Identifier, which they use to submit claims for reimbursement for services rendered to Medicaid beneficiaries. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the plea. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, is leading the investigation with the assistance North Carolina Medicaid Investigations Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Beraka is prosecuting the case. 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. 5:23-CR-00377-BO.


title: Two Landover Hills Brothers Indicted for an Alleged Lottery Scheme that Defrauded Victims of More Than $3.5 Million

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging brothers Dwayne and Wayne Henry, age 32 and 34, respectively, both of Landover Hills, Maryland, for conspiracy to commit mail fraud, in connection with a lottery scheme where victims believe that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes and are required to send payment in advance for taxes and other fees before they are entitled to receive their winnings. The superseding indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Postal Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department; and Special Agent in Charge Colleen Lawlor of the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, Philadelphia Field Division. According to the superseding indictment, from October 2020 until December 2023, the defendants and their co-conspirators contacted the victims by mail and over the phone and convinced them that they had won millions of dollars in a lottery or sweepstakes but were required to send payment in advance for taxes and other fees before they could receive their winnings. The defendants and other conspirators caused the victims to send payments for the purported taxes and other fees through wire transfer, by gift card, by sending cash and by other payment methods. As detailed in the superseding indictment, the defendants sent lottery solicitations, as well as packages and suitcases that purportedly contained the victims’ winnings to victims throughout the United States, using a false address and fictitious name when mailing the items. The defendants allegedly tracked the packages sent to and from the victims and Wayne received numerous packages that contained victim funds addressed to “Anthony Henry.” The superseding indictment further alleges that Wayne opened two bank accounts to receive money from the scheme, including in cash deposits and peer-to-peer transfers and that Dwayne and Wayne Henry sent numerous payments to each other using a digital payment network. The majority of the ATM cash withdrawals from one of the bank accounts also allegedly occurred outside the United States. For example, the superseding indictment alleges that the conspirators sent packages and caused packages to be sent that contained checks made payable to victim J.S. in the amount of $150 million, cell phones, and typewritten notes, including a note requesting that J.S. contact the writer at a telephone number ending in 9391 “to get in touch . . . about paying you the 150 million dollars.” The superseding indictment further alleges that in early 2023, Wayne, Dwayne, and other conspirators caused victim J.P. to believe that J.P. had won $5.5 million in the lottery. As detailed in the superseding indictment, J.P. received a metal briefcase purportedly containing partial payment of the lottery winnings and was told that he/she would receive a code to unlock the briefcase after J.P. sent the required taxes and fees. J.P. was also allegedly told that if J.P. opened the briefcase without receiving the code, the money would be destroyed by an exploding ink pack inside the briefcase. According to the indictment, as a result of the scheme, the victims sent more than $3.5 million to the defendants and other conspirators based on false pretenses, representations, and promises involving false lottery or sweepstakes winnings. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the mail fraud conspiracy. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An initial appearance has not yet been scheduled. A superseding indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by superseding indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps, including identifying appropriate reporting agencies, providing information to callers to assist them in reporting or connecting them with agencies, and providing resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov . Victims are encouraged to file a complaint online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at this website or by calling 1-800-225-5324. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, HSI, the Prince Georges County Police Department, and the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General for their work in the investigation and thanked the Maryland State Police, the Baltimore County Police Department, and the Anne Arundel County Police Department for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Evelyn Lombardo Cusson and Christine Goo, who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help seniors, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/elder-justice-initiative . # # #


title: San Jose Resident Sentenced To Five Years’ Imprisonment For Possession Of Child Pornography

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN JOSE – Brian Risso was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Beth L. Freeman, U.S. District Judge. Risso, 63, of San Jose, pleaded guilty to the charge on June 8, 2023. According to his plea agreement, Risso admitted that in February 2022, he knowingly possessed visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B). At sentencing, the Court found that these depictions included prepubescent minors and minors engaged in sadistic or masochistic conduct. According to a court filing, Risso possessed 542 files containing child pornography, including 513 images and 29 videos. In addition to the prison term, Judge Freeman ordered Risso to serve 60 months of supervised release, to begin after his prison term and to pay a fine of $25,000; and to pay a $5,100 special assessment. Judge Freeman scheduled a hearing to decide issues regarding restitution for April 9, 2024. Assistant United States Attorney Neal C. Hong is prosecuting the case. This case is a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: January Is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. To commemorate this month, United States Attorney Jason R. Coody renews his Office’s commitment to prosecuting human traffickers, protecting victims, empowering survivors, and preventing the proliferation of these abhorrent crimes. In recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reaffirms that vindicating the rights of human trafficking victims and other vulnerable persons ranks among its highest priorities. “Human trafficking is an abomination,” said United States Attorney Jason R. Coody. “With no regard for human dignity, traffickers inflict indescribable physical harm to their victims and often leave emotional scars that cannot be healed. With our law enforcement partners, our office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting those who must be held accountable for their despicable crimes.” Anyone who has information about a potential human trafficking situation or a person who may be experiencing human trafficking should contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. To enhance awareness and educate the community about human trafficking, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has released a Public Service Announcement on how to identify potential trafficking situations and where to report suspected human trafficking activity. The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services Issue Letter to State Medicaid Administrators Urging Coverage for Life-Saving Hepatitis C Medications

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a joint letter to state Medicaid administrators urging them to ensure, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), that their Medicaid programs allow people who have both Hepatitis C (HCV) and substance use disorder (SUD) to access life-saving HCV medications called direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). More than two million adults in the United States have HCV, which can result in a range of serious health conditions including liver disease, liver cancer and death. However, highly effective DAA medications cure HCV in more than 95% of cases. “Medicaid recipients with substance use disorders are entitled to the same access as others to a cure for Hepatitis C,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This letter reminds state Medicaid administrators that they have an obligation to ensure their programs are in compliance with federal civil rights law. The Justice Department stands ready to enforce the ADA in order to eliminate unnecessary barriers that stand in the way of equal access to health care.” The letter highlights a settlement agreement between the Justice Department and Alabama’s Medicaid Agency (Alabama Medicaid) to address a policy that denied Medicaid coverage for DAAs to patients who had consumed any alcohol or illicit drugs within the six months prior to starting treatment. Alabama Medicaid’s policy meant that people with HCV and SUD, who also had evidence of recent use of alcohol and/or illicit drugs, were denied potentially life-saving medication. Following the initiation of an investigation by the department, Alabama Medicaid withdrew this policy and entered into an agreement to secure Medicaid coverage for such patients going forward. The letter explains that both the Justice Department and HHS enforce the ADA with respect to state Medicaid programs. The ADA requires that states, in administering their Medicaid programs, provide individuals with disabilities, including SUD, equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from a state’s Medicaid program. The letter urges all state Medicaid administrators to review their current and forthcoming policies and practices, including those on HCV treatment, to determine if any changes are necessary to comply with the ADA. For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt . For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TTY 833-610-1264) or visit www.ada.gov . ADA complaints may be filed online at www.civilrights.justice.gov/report .


title: Alaska charter company pays $900,000 in Klutina River Fire settlement

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Groves Salmon Charters LLC, a fishing guide service in Copper Center, Alaska, paid $900,000 to resolve a lawsuit brought by the U.S. alleging the company negligently ignited the Klutina River Fire in 2019. The settlement requires Groves Salmon Charters LLC and a fishing guide employed by Groves to pay for damages incurred during the Klutina River Fire. The wildfire ignited on July 8, 2019, after Groves’ guide started a campfire at or around mile 17 of the Klutina River. Later that evening, an individual reported a large forest fire in the area along the Klutina River. The fire ultimately burned 176 acres of land before it was extinguished by state authorities. Wildfire investigators determined Groves’ guide started a campfire at or near mile 17 of the Klutina River despite being aware of high fire danger. Investigators determined Groves’ guide caused the Klutina River Fire when he failed to properly extinguish the campfire. The State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Fire Protection undertook fire suppression efforts. The U.S. Department of Interior BLM, Alaska Fire Service was fiscally responsible for all the fire suppression costs. A multi-agency team of fire investigators from the U.S. Forest Service, Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection, and BLM conducted the investigation. “My office wants to recognize the tireless work the State of Alaska put forward to suppress this fire, the work of the U.S. Forest Service investigators to pinpoint the cause of the fire, and the BLM Office of Law Enforcement and Security and the Alaska Fire Service who worked to complete the investigation. This settlement represents the final step in the government’s effort to ensure justice was served in this case,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “As we experience longer fire seasons and more extreme fire behavior, we will hold anyone who ignites wildland fires accountable for the costs of fires they cause on Alaskan lands. We will take all measures to protect and conserve public lands for the use and enjoyment of all.” “Escaped campfires like this one are at the top of the list for human-caused wildfires on BLM-managed public lands in Alaska,” said BLM Alaska Prevention and Mitigation Program Lead Casey Boespflug. “These fires are often a result of a campfire or warming fire not being fully extinguished or not being built on bare ground or rock. Using a burn pan or fire barrier reduces the likelihood of a fire escaping if built on organic materials, even in wet or cold conditions.” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jackie Traini and Glenn Shidner, with the help and support of the Department of the Interior Office of the Solicitor, litigated the case. ###