title: Three Sentenced in Conspiracy that Brought Methamphetamine to St. Louis

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig on Friday sentenced two of the final three defendants in a conspiracy that brought methamphetamine from California to St. Louis. Judge Fleissig on Wednesday sentenced Darius McCullum, 33, to 10 years in prison. McCullum was the Los-Angeles based supplier of some of the methamphetamine. McCullum pleaded guilty in April to a felony charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. He admitted obtaining pounds of methamphetamine in California and then shipping it to Eric Williams in Detroit, Michigan, who mailed the resulting proceeds back to McCullum. Williams then sold the drug to others around the country. Lethem Thompson-Bey obtained methamphetamine from Williams via Ashley D. Gibson in Lexington, Kentucky and then sold it to Steven L. Bell and others in St. Louis. The group transported and distributed illegal narcotics in numerous states including California, Michigan, Missouri, Kentucky and Texas and used “stash” houses in Detroit, Lexington, St. Louis, and elsewhere to store drugs. Investigators seized about 4.8 kilograms of methamphetamine on April 21, 2021, another 8 kilograms on methamphetamine on May 4, 2021 and 3.5 kilograms on May 24, 2021. On August 23, 2021, investigators executed a court-approved search warrant at McCullum’s home in Los Angeles and found several pounds of marijuana and three guns, including one that had been stolen in Little Rock, Arkansas two years earlier, his plea agreement says. "Drug trafficking organizations, like this one involving McCullum, will use every method they can to get their poison distributed," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colin Dickey, lead of Drug Enforcement Administration investigations in Eastern Missouri. "DEA and our partners have shut down this operation of shipping methamphetamine from Los Angeles to the Midwest and to the network of street dealers who then distributed it into our neighborhoods. Fortunately, this is one drug dealership that we can call closed for business.” On Friday, Judge Fleissig sentenced Jasmine C. Taylor, 35, to two years in prison and Haley B. Mason, 21 to the time she’d already served behind bars. Taylor transported money and drugs for Williams and Gibson. Mason was a courier who was caught with $65,250 cash in a suitcase at the on April 22, 2021. Bell, 31, of St. Louis County, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in June. Williams, 32 of Jackson, Tenn., was sentenced to 186 months in prison in May. Gibson, 26, of Lexington, was sentenced to 78 months in prison in April. Thompson-Bey, 28, of St. Louis, received a 126-month sentence last August. All 20 defendants in the case pleaded guilty. Defendants agreed to forfeit $181,000 cash seized during the investigation, as well as jewelry, ammunition, three pistols, two AR-15-style rifles and an AR-15-style pistol. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Federal Jury Finds Bloods Gang Member Guilty of Drug Distribution and Firearms Violations

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – A federal jury found a Prior Lake man guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm as a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. Following a three-day trial before Senior Judge Susan Richard Nelson, Nathan John Walz, 35, a member of the Minneapolis Bloods street gang, was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm as a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. According to evidence presented at trial, on November 1, 2022, at approximately 7:50 a.m., officers with the Minneapolis Police Department were dispatched to the Lowry Hill neighborhood after receiving a report of a “slumper” in a car. Officers approached the car and identified the individual slumped over in the driver’s seat as Walz. Officers observed a handgun in plain view on the center console of the car and took Walz into custody. The handgun was a stolen Kimber, model Super Custom Carry, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Officers also recovered from the vehicle 28 grams of methamphetamine and a variety of other drugs, as well as a digital scale and plastic baggies. Because Walz has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited from lawfully possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Minnesota Department of Corrections, and the Minneapolis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Esther S. Mignanelli and Joseph S. Teirab tried the case.


title: FORMER TENNESSEE STATE SENATOR AND CO-CONSPIRATOR SENTENCED FOR CAMPAIGN FINANCE SCHEME

component: Criminal - Public Integrity Section

body_text: NASHVILLE – Former Tennessee State Senator and practicing attorney Brian Kelsey was sentenced today to one year and nine months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for violating campaign finance laws and conspiring to defraud the Federal Election Commission (FEC) as part of a scheme to benefit his 2016 campaign for U.S. Congress. According to court documents, Kelsey, 45, of Alexandria, Virginia, secretly and unlawfully funneled money from multiple sources, including his own Tennessee State Senate campaign committee, to his federal campaign committee. To carry out the scheme, Kelsey conspired with others, including Joshua Smith, who owned a members-only social club in Nashville, of which Kelsey was a member, and controlled a Tennessee political action committee affiliated with the club. Kelsey, Smith, and others caused a national political organization to make illegal and excessive contributions to Kelsey’s federal campaign committee by secretly coordinating with the organization on advertisements supporting Kelsey’s federal candidacy, which caused false reports of contributions and expenditures to be filed with the FEC. “Brian Kelsey intentionally violated federal campaign finance laws and his oath as a state senator in order to deny Tennessee voters their right to make informed decisions about his candidacy for Congress,” said United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee. “The court’s sentence today reflects the seriousness of his crimes and is a strong reminder of our commitment to root out public corruption and ensure the integrity of federal elections.” “The defendants attempted to hide from voters how Kelsey raised and spent campaign money,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The integrity of our elections is essential to democracy, and voters should know how candidates raise and spend campaign dollars. The Department will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to uncover and prosecute campaign finance schemes designed to evade disclosure, and to ensure that violations of these laws carry a high cost.” Kelsey and his co-conspirators orchestrated the concealed movement of $91,000 – $66,000 of which came from Kelsey’s State Senate campaign committee, and $25,000 of which came from a nonprofit corporation that publicly advocated on legal justice issues – to a national political organization for the purpose of funding advertisements that urged voters to support Kelsey in the August 2016 primary election. Kelsey and his co-conspirators also caused the political organization to make $80,000 worth of contributions to Kelsey’s federal campaign committee in the form of coordinated expenditures. “The sentence handed down today makes it clear that no one is above the law,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI diligently investigates campaign finance fraud to ensure that U.S. elections are free from unfair influence, and anyone caught attempting to scheme their way into office will be held accountable.” Joshua Smith was also sentenced today to five years of probation, a $250 fine, and 720 hours of community service for aiding and abetting the solicitation, receipt, direction, transfer, and spending of soft money in connection with a federal election. The FBI Memphis Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Klopf for the Middle District of Tennessee, Trial Attorney John Taddei of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard for the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case. #####


title: Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization Indicted

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of a 17-count indictment charging Clemente Betancourt (27), Estevan Betancourt (18), Larry Lee Woodard, Jr. (28), Adonis Bonilla (28), Omar Mejia (28), Jesse Leahy (47), and Alexander Perez (29), all residents of Bradenton, with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted on all counts, each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit any and all property, which is alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offenses. According to the indictment, between March 2022 and May 2023, the above-named individuals were involved in a conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in Bradenton and throughout Manatee County. In addition to the conspiracy charges, the defendants are charged with narcotics transactions on specific dates. At the time of the arrests, a search warrant was executed at Clemente and Estevan Betancourt’s house in Bradenton. As a result of that search, three firearms, approximately one pound of methamphetamine, 22 cellphones, cocaine, and marijuana were seized. 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 a joint Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) which includes Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Central Florida Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) which includes the Bradenton Police Department, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the North Port Police Department, the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Palmetto Police Department, the Sarasota Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also assisted with the investigation. This case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Guzman, David Sullivan, and Suzanne Nebesky. 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: Former Tennessee State Senator and Co-Conspirator Sentenced for Campaign Finance Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Former Tennessee State Senator and practicing attorney Brian Kelsey was sentenced today to one year and nine months in prison for violating campaign finance laws and conspiring to defraud the Federal Election Commission (FEC) as part of a scheme to benefit his 2016 campaign for U.S. Congress. According to court documents, Kelsey, 45, of Alexandria, Virginia, secretly and unlawfully funneled money from multiple sources, including his own Tennessee State Senate campaign committee, to his federal campaign committee. To carry out the scheme, Kelsey conspired with others, including Joshua Smith, who owned a members-only social club in Nashville, of which Kelsey was a member, and controlled a Tennessee political action committee affiliated with the club. Kelsey, Smith, and others caused a national political organization to make illegal and excessive contributions to Kelsey’s federal campaign committee by secretly coordinating with the organization on advertisements supporting Kelsey’s federal candidacy, which caused false reports of contributions and expenditures to be filed with the FEC. “The defendants attempted to hide from voters how Kelsey raised and spent campaign money,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The integrity of our elections is essential to democracy, and voters should know how candidates raise and spend campaign dollars. The Department will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to uncover and prosecute campaign finance schemes designed to evade disclosure, and to ensure that violations of these laws carry a high cost.” “Brian Kelsey intentionally violated federal campaign finance laws and his oath as a state senator in order to deny Tennessee voters their right to make informed decisions about his candidacy for Congress,” said U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee. “The court’s sentence today reflects the seriousness of his crimes and is a strong reminder of our commitment to root out public corruption and ensure the integrity of federal elections.” Kelsey and his co-conspirators orchestrated the concealed movement of $91,000 – $66,000 of which came from Kelsey’s State Senate campaign committee, and $25,000 of which came from a nonprofit corporation that publicly advocated on legal justice issues – to a national political organization for the purpose of funding advertisements that urged voters to support Kelsey in the August 2016 primary election. Kelsey and his co-conspirators also caused the political organization to make $80,000 worth of contributions to Kelsey’s federal campaign committee in the form of coordinated expenditures. “The sentence handed down today makes it clear that no one is above the law,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI diligently investigates campaign finance fraud to ensure that U.S. elections are free from unfair influence, and anyone caught attempting to scheme their way into office will be held accountable.” Joshua Smith was also sentenced today to five years of probation for aiding and abetting the solicitation, receipt, direction, transfer, and spending of soft money in connection with a federal election. The FBI Memphis Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorney John Taddei of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Klopf for the Middle District of Tennessee, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard for the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case.


title: Starkville Man to Serve 5 Years in Prison for Possessing a Glock Switch

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

body_text: Oxford, Mississippi – A Starkville man was sentenced on Thursday to 5 years in prison for possession of a Glock handgun with a fully automatic conversion device. According to court documents, Tyquerius Doss, 20, previously pled guilty to possession of a machinegun, that is, a Glock, model 19C, 9mm handgun with a fully automatic conversion device commonly referred to as a “Glock switch.” On August 10, U.S. District Court Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Doss to 60 months imprisonment followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. “Federal law prohibits anyone from possessing an unlicensed machine gun, which is what a Glock with a switch becomes,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “The potential for deadly violence increases exponentially when criminals possess automatic weapons, and we will continue to do all we can to remove the criminals and the illegal machine guns from the street. We commend the FBI, ATF, and the Starkville Police Department for their joint efforts to make our streets safer.” “The FBI is committed to ensuring the safety of the public,” remarked FBI Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby. “When individuals, like Mr. Doss, deliberately alter the firing ability of otherwise-legal firearms to change their intended use, this becomes a danger to society. It is imperative the FBI partners with the U.S. Attorney's Office and our local partners to investigate and prosecute these violations to the fullest extent of the law.” This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the FBI, and the Starkville Police Department. AUSA Robert Mims prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Orlando Man Sentenced To More Than Six Years In Federal Prison For Bribery Of Public Official, COVID-19 Fraud, And Enticement Of Prostitution

body_text: Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Nabil Dajani (57, Orlando) to six years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy to bribe a public official, submit a false claim, commit theft of government property, and commit wire fraud; submission of a false claim; and enticement of another to travel for prostitution. Dajani pleaded guilty to these offenses on May 23, 2023. According to court documents, Dajani conspired with an employee of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to submit fraudulent applications for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and paid the SBA employee bribes and kickbacks in order to get the fraudulent EIDL loans approved. As a part of this scheme, Dajani submitted fraudulent loan applications for two ineligible businesses and recruited others, including former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg, to also submit false applications for EIDL loans and to pay the SBA employee bribes and kickbacks. Additionally, between September 2016 and October 2016, Dajani aided and abetted another individual in persuading, inducing, and enticing two adult victims to travel in interstate commerce, specifically between North Carolina and the Middle District of Florida, to engage in prostitution. This case was investigated by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the United States Secret Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda Daniels and Chauncey A. Bratt.


title: Zaquikon T. Roy Arrested in Lewiston, Maine, on Vermont Firearm Charge

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Zaquikon T. Roy, 35, of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested yesterday in Lewiston, Maine, on a criminal complaint issued in the District of Vermont, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Zaquikon made his initial appearance today on the Vermont complaint in U.S. District Court in Portland, Maine. U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Frink Wolf detained Roy and ordered him to be transferred to the District of Vermont for further proceedings. According to court documents, in April 2021, the Vermont State Police recovered a firearm during the execution of a search warrant of a vehicle in Fair Haven, Vermont. This gun was traced back to Roy and it was determined that Roy possessed the firearm in connection with the distribution of cocaine. At the time Roy possessed the firearm, Roy had prior felony convictions. If convicted of this offense, Roy faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment on the count alleged in the criminal complaint and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the complaint are merely accusations, and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Vermont State Police. 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn .


title: Man Pleads Guilty to Sending Bomb Threat to Arizona State Election Official

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today to sending a communication containing a bomb threat to an election official in the Arizona Secretary of State’s office. “Americans who serve the public by administering our voting systems should not have to fear for their lives simply for doing their jobs,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “As this case demonstrates, the Justice Department is investigating and prosecuting violations of federal law against election officials and election workers. Only by protecting those who administer the election process can we ensure that the right to vote, itself, is protected.” According to court documents, on or about Feb. 14, 2021, James W. Clark, 38, of Falmouth, sent a message via the website contact form of the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office, Election Division, addressed to the election official, and warned her that she needed to “resign by Tuesday February 16th by 9 am or the explosive device impacted in her personal space will be detonated.” “Threatening public officials is a serious matter, never warranted by the situation no matter how heated or politically charged,” said U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona. “Cases like this are important in protecting not only the public official victimized by the conduct, but also the integrity of our election processes as a whole.” Shortly after transmitting the message, Clark conducted online searches that included the full name of the election official in conjunction with the words “how to kill” and “address.” Additionally, on or about Feb. 18, 2021, Clark conducted online searches involving the Boston Marathon bombing. “Defending the rights of Americans, particularly the right to vote, is a fundamental part of the FBI’s mission to protect the American people and uphold the constitution,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Election workers are dedicated members of our community who have the solemn responsibility of ensuring the integrity of the U.S. voting process. The FBI will fiercely protect election officials from threats of violence and intimidation, and in doing so, protect the fidelity of U.S. elections.” Clark pleaded guilty to one count of making a threatening interstate communication. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 26 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and Special Agent in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Phoenix Field Office joined in the announcement. The FBI Phoenix Field Office is investigating the case, with assistance from the FBI Boston Division. Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean K. Lokey for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the Department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers – whether elected, appointed, or volunteer – are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. A year after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ offices and FBI field offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun. Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Department of Justice, including the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Criminal Division, the Civil Rights Division, the National Security Division, and the FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo . To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found here: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/ . You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov . Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.


title: Four South Louisiana Men Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Firearms

body_text: LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the resolution of several cases involving the illegal possession of firearms. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced the following individuals: Devin Blake Badon , 31, of Cameron, Louisiana, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Badon pleaded guilty on April 19, 2023 to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. A complaint was received by the Johnson Bayou Police Department about a female whose vehicle was being followed by Badon. Deputies arrived on the scene and contacted Badon, who was non-compliant with their commands and he was subsequently placed under arrest. Inside Badon’s vehicle, deputies located three firearms. At the time of his arrest, Badon had three felony convictions, including simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, negligent homicide and criminal damage to property. As a convicted felon, Badon was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Johnson Bayou Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog. Demetrius Jerone Davis , 39, of Abbeville, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Davis pleaded guilty on October 17, 2022 to possession of a stolen firearm. On January 29, 2021, deputies with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop a vehicle being driven by Davis. Davis advised deputies that he had a firearm under the driver’s seat. The firearm was seized and identified as a SCCY Model CPX-9 9mm pistol which contained 15 rounds of ammunition and had been reported stolen. Davis admitted to knowing the firearm was stolen and that he possessed the firearm in connection with a felony level controlled substance offense. Davis also admitted to committing the offense after having been previously convicted of felony offenses for distribution of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, both in 2005, and distribution of cocaine in 2008. The case was investigated by the ATF and the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy. Mark Edward Fee , 43, of Sulphur, was sentenced to 84 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. On October 8, 2021, investigators with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Fee’s residence where he was the sole occupant. Deputies found a Hi-Point Model C9 9mm semi-automatic pistol, along with several rounds of ammunition inside the residence. Law enforcement officers learned that the firearm had been reported stolen. Agents with the ATF analyzed the seized firearm and found it be a functioning firearm which had traveled in or affected interstate and foreign commerce. Fee was arrested and charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted to agents that he was aware that the firearm and ammunition were in his residence and knew he was prohibited from possessing them. Fee pleaded guilty to the chare on April 19, 2023. The case was investigated by the ATF and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker. Javeon Jaron Green , 22, of Lake Charles, was sentenced to 46 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. In November 2020, an arrest warrant was issued for Green based on information investigators with the Lake Charles Police Department and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office had learned through their investigative efforts. On November 28, 2020, officers located Green and other associates in a hotel in Lake Charles. A search warrant was obtained and executed on the hotel rooms rented by Green and his associates. Law enforcement agents found a loaded FNX .45 caliber pistol, a loaded 9mm Glock Model 19 with extended magazine, and a loaded .45 caliber Glock Model 23C pistol. Other evidence was obtained by agents revealing photos and videos of Green possessing the handguns recovered from the hotel room and the metadata indicated they were taken on a date after Green’s prior felony conviction. Green was previously convicted of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in 2019 in Calcasieu Parish. The case was investigated by the ATF, Lake Charles Police Department, and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Vermaelen. These cases are 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 U.S. Postal Service Mail Carrier Sentenced for Stealing Mail from Customers in Santee

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 11, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Former U.S. Postal Service mail carrier Tracy Rumley of El Cajon was sentenced in federal court this morning to five years of probation and 200 hours of community service for stealing mail from customers on her postal route in the Santee area of San Diego. When imposing sentence, U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino said, “Stealing mail is not the way to go. You will be caught, and you will be prosecuted.” During the evening of November 21, 2022, an off-duty San Diego Police detective saw a woman in a hooded sweatshirt open a communal mailbox at his apartment complex in Santee, California and remove multiple pieces of mail. As the detective approached, the female closed the mailbox and fled in a White Nissan. After getting the license plate of the vehicle, the detective determined that Rumley resided at the same address as listed for the vehicle registration and referred the matter to the U.S. Postal Service. Rumley had been placed on administrative leave from her employment at the Santee Post Office earlier that month and was terminated by the Postal Service on December 12, 2022. After securing a search warrant for the residence, on December 21, 2022, United States Postal Service Inspectors found more than 1,500 pieces of mail in Rumley’s residence including, but not limited to, gift cards, credit cards and even several Christmas presents that had all been stolen from nearly 900 customers along her mail delivery route in Santee. Inspectors also found the keys she was given as a mail carrier to access mailboxes. The keys were hidden in a potted plant within her bedroom. In her plea agreement, Rumley admitted that, even after being placed on administrative leave, she kept those keys though she was not authorized to do so and used them to continue to steal mail even after she was terminated. The government’s sentencing papers quoted several statements given by the victims of Rumley’s crimes. Those statements emphasized what Judge Sammartino observed was a “betrayal” of duty by the victims’ mail carrier. For example, a child who had been impacted by Rumley’s theft commented that, “I felt shocked because I got robbed by the mail lady.” An adult victim said, “She played us for idiots.” “When customers entrust the U.S. Postal Service with their letters and packages, they expect each and every piece will be delivered to its final destination,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Haden. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will zealously pursue those whose actions impact the integrity of our mail delivery system to achieve justice for the victims.” Haden thanked former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Luce and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General for their excellent work on this case. “The sentencing in this case demonstrates the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s commitment to protect the sanctity of the U.S. Mail and to ensure the public’s trust in the Postal Service by holding those that commit theft accountable for their actions,” said Carroll Harris, Inspector in Charge of the Los Angeles Division. DEFENDANT Case Number 23cr0216-JLS Tracy Rumley Age: 44 El Cajon, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Count 1: Keys or Locks Stolen – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1704 Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine Count 2: Theft of Stolen Mail Matter – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1708 Count 3: Theft of Mail by Postal Employee – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1709 Maximum penalty (Counts 2 & 3): Five years in prison and $250,000 fine AGENCY U.S. Postal Inspection Service


title: Essex County Mother and Son Admit Roles in Scheme to Harbor Non-U.S. Citizens Through Marriage Fraud

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, woman and her son admitted conspiring to commit marriage fraud, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Andrea Torres, 56, of Newark, pleaded guilty on Aug. 10, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court to a two-count superseding indictment charging her and others with conspiracy to harbor non-U.S. citizens by orchestrating fraudulent marriages between the non-citizens and U.S. citizens. Her son, Philip Torres, 27, also of Newark, pleaded guilty to Count Two of the superseding indictment. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From September 2016 through March 2021, Andrea Torres and her sister, Regina Johnson, arranged and facilitated sham marriages for non-U.S. citizens who wished to remain in the United States despite the lack of legal status or proper documentation. Andrea Torres and Johnson recruited U.S. citizen potential spouses and paid them a fee in exchange for those U.S. citizens entering into sham marriages with Andrea Torres’ and Johnson’s non-citizen clients. From March 2021 through June 2021, Andrea Torres’ son, Philip, also participated in the scheme by, among other things, officiating some of the sham marriages. Andrea Torres and Johnson arranged for the “couples” to obtain fraudulent marriage licenses and even arranged and charged their clients for wedding ceremonies and after parties that were staged to make the sham marriages appear legitimate. Andrea Torres and Johnson further advised their clients to open joint bank accounts and to meet frequently with their U.S. spouses. Clients were also advised to take photographs in a variety of locations and in different clothing to memorialize the relationship and to give the appearance of cohabitation, even though none of the clients ever resided or intended to reside with their U.S. spouses. Andrea Torres and Johnson then helped their clients complete immigration forms to obtain permanent residency on the basis of the materially false misrepresentations. Johnson previously pleaded guilty to the charge in Count One of the superseding indictment. Each count of conspiracy to which Andrea Torres and Philip Torres pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing for both is scheduled for Dec. 14, 2023. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and members of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel, with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas. He also thanked U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services for its assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek of the National Security Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Blake A. Coppotelli of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark. torres.sindictment.pdf


title: Ventura Man on Parole After Manslaughter Conviction Sentenced to  5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms and Ammunition

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A convicted killer who admitted to illegally possessing a loaded firearm and threatening to shoot rival gang members at a public park in Ventura County despite the presence of children was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison. Jose Alcaraz Guerrero, 34, a.k.a. “Kruz,” of Ventura, was sentenced by United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha. Guerrero pleaded guilty on March 24 to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Guerrero admitted in court that he illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition at Moranda Park in Port Hueneme in May 2020 and that he illegally possessed another firearm during the following month. Guerrero was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because of his 2011 conviction in Ventura County Superior Court of voluntary manslaughter. Guerrero served nine years in California state prison for this conviction before being paroled in early 2020. Guerrero’s reason for possessing a loaded firearm at a public park was “to shoot at rival gang members, notwithstanding the presence of innocent civilians who would be caught in the crossfire,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. Some of the bystanders in the park included children. Guerrero has been in federal custody since July 2022. The FBI investigated this matter, with substantial assistance from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the Port Hueneme Police Department, and the Oxnard Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kathy Yu of the Violent and Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.


title: Man and Woman Found Guilty of Serious Felony Crimes Which Occurred Within the Boundaries of the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Yakima, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that a jury returned verdicts on August 11, 2023 following the trial of Sundron Larsell Miller (age 37) and Paula Eulojia Cantu-Lopez (age 27), of White Swan, Washington. Miller was found guilty of carjacking, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and assault with intent to commit murder. Cantu Lopez was found guilty of carjacking, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Evidence introduced at trial established that Miller and Cantu-Lopez were romantically involved. On December 28, 2021, the victim was with both Miller and Cantu-Lopez, driving in the area of Fort Simcoe Road on the Yakama Reservation. The victim was driving her pickup, and Miller began assaulting Cantu-Lopez. When the victim tried to intervene, both Miller and Cantu-Lopez turned and assaulted the victim, who is an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation. During the assault, the victim was pulled out of her own truck, and Miller attempted to shoot the victim with her own rifle, which had been on the backseat of the truck. Miller pointed the rifle at the victim’s face, and the victim saw Miller pull the trigger and heard a “clicking” sound. Fortunately, the rifle was unloaded. After attempting to kill the victim, Miller and Cantu-Lopez beat the victim, threw her in the back of the truck, and transported her to a residence in White Swan. Miller then got into the driver’s seat of the victim’s truck, and while Miller drove away, Cantu-Lopez sat in the back seat and held the victim by her hair. After arriving at a residence, the victim was again beaten by Miller and Cantu-Lopez. Ultimately, and with an incredible amount of bravery, the victim was able to break away and run for her life. Officers with the Yakama Nation Police Department quickly responded to the scene and collected evidence of the crimes. The Federal Bureau of Investigation also assisted in the investigation. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian presided over the trial, which began on August 7, 2023. Sentencing in this matter is set for November 15, 2023. “I am incredibly grateful for the courage of victims – many of whom have suffered generations of trauma – who are willing to engage with law enforcement to seek justice,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “The agents, officers, and prosecutors, who investigated and tried this case have dedicated their careers to protecting members of our community. Today’s result would not be possible but for the joint efforts of the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department, the FBI, the United States Attorney’s Office and the community. By working together, we can continue to build trust and keep our communities safe and strong.” “The sudden violence displayed in this case is horrifying,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “The subjects assaulted the victim multiple times, took her truck, and attempted to use her own firearm against her. The FBI and our tribal partners are committed to combatting violent crime and holding those responsible accountable.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Michael Murphy and Christopher Bridger, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington. 1:22-CR-02041-SAB


title: City of Gary Receives $1 Million in DOJ Funding

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: HAMMOND – United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson and Gary Police Chief Anthony Titus announce that the City of Gary have been awarded $1 Million Dollars in Byrne Discretionary Community Project Funding. The City of Gary received notice of this funding late August 10, 2023, from the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. The funding will be utilized for permanent mounted LPR cameras, stationery video surveillance cameras & associated reoccurring costs. This technology and equipment will continue to be a driving force and deterrent within the city community. The benefits of having this technology and equipment will build on officer safety, engaging the officers to be proactive, developing the situation before occurrence, focusing on high crime targeted areas and connecting with the residents will make them feel safer knowing the technology is there and with assistance from more police engagement. United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “A key component to increasing public safety in local communities is having the funding to acquire and deploy available technology. The Department of Justice, through its grant programs, is committed to assisting local governments, as shown by this 1 million dollar grant to the City Of Gary, in funding these modernization efforts. My office will continue to work with the Gary Police Department to increase safety for City residents and visitors.” “It’s not the dollar amount of the grant as much as it is the relationship with our Federal partners that I’m pleased about today. The citizens of Gary are better served when all law enforcement entities come together with a common goal,” said Gary Police Chief Anthony Titus. “This $1 million dollar grant will help the Gary Police Department acquire technology that will be used to serve the citizens of Gary. It will enhance our already robust LPR and mobile video camera systems. A heartfelt thanks to the Department of Justice, and everyone involved in helping the City of Gary secure this funding.” ###


title: Former Chief Financial Officer sentenced to prison for falsifying accounting entries for publicly traded Vancouver, Washington staffing firm

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Tacoma – The former Chief Financial Officer of Barrett Business Services, Inc. (BBSI) of Vancouver, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 15 days in federal prison for falsely certifying the company’s 2013 annual report, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. James Miller, 61, of Washougal, Washington, pleaded guilty on November 4, 2022, following years of shareholder litigation and a Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) fraud investigation. At the sentencing hearing Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo said, “The entries were deliberate – you knew what you were doing…. We have to be able to rely on the fact that financial statements are accurate.” “As a former auditor and CPA, Mr. Miller understood the importance of accurately disclosing financial information,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman. “Nevertheless, he made fraudulent entries 29 times, totaling over $12 million. He ‘cooked the books’ and then certified the financial reports as accurate – keeping shareholders and company executives in the dark about the fraudulent entries for three years.” According to records filed in the case, between 2008 and 2016, Miller served as CFO of Barrett Business Services Inc. The company provided human resources functions for other businesses. One of the services BBSI provided was calculating and paying workers compensation obligations for its customers. The amount of workers’ compensation paid out was a key indicator in assessing the company’s expenses. Between 2012 and 2013, Miller made accounting entries that understated the amount by which the workers compensation expense had increased, and instead attributed $12 million of workers’ compensation expense to payroll taxes and other costs. Miller’s accounting entries violated Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and concealed potentially important trend from analysts evaluating the company. After making each false entry, Miller directed a staff accountant to initial the entry. This created the appearance that the staff accountant had made the entries, when in fact Miller had done so. Even as he was preparing the false entries, Miller exercised his options to sell tens of thousands of shares of BBSI stock, selling $2.4 million worth of shares in just two days in 2013. In recommending that the court sentence Miller to ten months in prison, Assistant United States Attorney Seth Wilkinson noted, “When Miller executed those (stock) trades, he knew BBSI’s actuary had reported a substantial increase in workers’ compensation expense. And as Miller admitted in his SEC testimony, he also knew this was an important expense for the company. But, because Miller had secretly gamed BBSI’s accounting, the public—including those who purchased Miller’s stock—did not have this knowledge.” The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Wilkinson.


title: Canadian Truck Driver Arrested With Almost 400 Kilograms Of Cocaine, Charged With Drug Conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Ahmed El Kady, 37, of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10,000,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan E. Leydecker, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on August 7, 2023, El Kady made entry into the United States at the Ambassador Bridge Port of Entry in Detroit, Michigan, driving a commercial truck (Subject Vehicle) without a commercial trailer attached. El Kady advised CBP Officers that he was picking up a trailer locally in Detroit. Investigators surveilled El Kady and the Subject Vehicle to the TA Travel Center in Dexter, Michigan, where, over the next two days, he appeared to make some sort of exchange with the drivers of two other commercial trucks. Investigators continued to surveil El Kady as he traveled to Ohio before returning to Dexter, Michigan and making another exchange with the driver of a third commercial truck. El Kady then traveled to Buffalo, NY, arriving on evening of August 9, 2023, and spending the night at local truck stop. On August 10, 2023, in the early afternoon, El Kady’s wife Maja Tambur arrived at the truck stop. El Kady and Tambur got into Tambur’s vehicle, traveling to Niagara Falls, where they made frequent stops throughout the area and were observed driving evasively in a manner consistent with individuals conducting counter surveillance. After their attempts to lose investigators from their surveillance, El Kady and Tambur attempted to return to the truck stop to the Subject Vehicle. A federal search warrant was executed on the Subject Vehicle, during which approximately 386 kilograms of suspected cocaine were seized, and El Kady was taken into custody. El Kady made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and is being held pending a detention hearing on August 14, 2023, at 11 a.m. The complaint is the result of a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in Charge Matthew Scarpino, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Canada Border Services Agency. Additional assistance was provided by Customs and Border Protection, CBP Air and Marine Unit, U.S. Border Patrol, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, the Buffalo Police Department, the North Tonawanda Police Department, the Cheektowaga Police Department, the Ontario Provincial Police, Peel Police, and Toronto Police Services. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Distributing Methamphetamine and Fentanyl

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 11, 2023 SAN DIEGO –Danny Lamar Miller-Kidd was sentenced in federal court to 15 years in prison for his leadership role in a Baja California-based drug trafficking organization that imported and distributed hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin to various sub-distributors throughout the United States, including California, Arizona, Oregon, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Illinois, and Tennessee. Miller pleaded guilty in December 2022 to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. As part of his plea agreement, Miller admitted that he worked as a multi-kilogram distributor of controlled substances for a Baja California-based drug trafficking organization. Specifically, he worked with his co-conspirators to import multi-kilogram quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and heroin from Mexico intended for distribution throughout the United States. During the wiretap investigation, agents identified Miller as a leader of a drug distribution cell who was responsible for distributing controlled substances to various sub-distributors in Arizona, Utah, Illinois, Colorado and other states. Miller was acting in furtherance of the conspiracy when he was stopped by law enforcement in the Southern District of California as he was transporting more than 30 pounds of pure methamphetamine, 5,000 fentanyl pills, and multiple firearms inside his vehicle in September 2021. Wire intercepts revealed that Miller obtained his drugs from Mexico that were secreted in buckets of construction material. Miller was also known to possess assault rifles, including an AR-15 with a silencer, “ghost guns,” and other weapons throughout the investigation. “Every defendant we convict of drug-related crimes is one less cog in the massive machine that delivers poison to our streets,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden. “We will continue to fight relentlessly to protect our communities from deadly drugs like fentanyl.” “Here’s another example of how DEA and our partners continue to aggressively target drug trafficking organizations that are importing and distributing drugs into our country,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe. “IRS special agents will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to dismantle drug trafficking organizations by bringing their leaders to justice,” said Tyler Hatcher, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation Los Angeles Field Office. “By following and eliminating the trail of illicit proceeds fueling the drug trade, IRS Criminal Investigation combats the flow of illegal guns and drugs that are killing Americans and destroying our communities. Mr. Miller’s sentencing should send a clear message of our resolve.” This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. DEFENDANTS Case Number 22cr1143-GPC REDACTED Age: 42 Fugitive REDACTED Age: 34 Fugitive Danny Lamar Miller-Kidd Age: 51 180 months’ custody Angela Diane Guerrero Age: 39 70 months’ custody Elizabeth Allison Edelman Age: 41 156 months’ custody Erik Valenzuela Age: 44 57 months’ custody Ramiro Aguilar Age: 41 108 months’ custody Amber Mae Yaeger Age: 40 Pending sentencing Andrew Mauricio Martinez Age: 21 Pending sentencing REDACTED Age: 46 Fugitive Nilesh Prasad Maharaj Age: 44 Fugitive Nofoaiga Mauu Age: 42 Pending trial Yendi Cecilia Rosas Age: 22 18 months’ custody Arturo Valenzuela-Preciado Age: 60 37 months’ custody Montserrat Lopez-Barron Age: 23 Pending trial Maria Conchita Alonso-Lopez Age: 27 Awaiting sentencing Juan Manuel Godinez-Gutierrez Age: 42 Fugitive SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841(a)(1) and 846 Possession of Controlled Substances with Intent to Distribute – Title 21, U.S.C., Section 841(a)(1) Importation of Controlled Substances – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 952 and 960 Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 1956(a)(1) and (h) Criminal Forfeiture – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 982 Maximum penalties: For the drug charges, term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine and a lifetime of supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and 3 years of supervised release. AGENCY Drug Enforcement Administration Bureau of Land Management Internal Revenue Service Customs and Border Protection Homeland Security Investigations United States Border Patrol United States Postal Inspection Service San Diego Sheriff’s Department Chula Vista Police Department Oceanside Police Department California Highway Patrol Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department San Diego County District Attorney’s Office *Allegations contained in an Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: San Diego Man Charged with $4 Million Covid-Related Loan Fraud and Money Laundering

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 11, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Denny Bhakta of San Diego was arraigned in federal court today on additional charges that he fraudulently obtained $4 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans through several entities he managed and controlled. Bhakta was first indicted in December 2021 for defrauding investors in his companies; a grand jury returned a superseding indictment this week that includes additional charges. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was enacted to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering economic harm as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act established the Paycheck Protection Program known as PPP, under which banks would make forgivable loans to small businesses, so that those businesses could keep their doors open and employees on their payroll. If a business used the money for payroll and other eligible business expenses, the loans would be forgiven, and the federal government’s Small Business Administration would pay back the bank. According to court documents, Bhakta applied for and received at least 18 PPP loans on behalf of four entities he managed and controlled, including Fusion Hotel Management, LLC; Fusion Hospitality Corporation; True Vine Hospitality LLC; and Manu Bhakta Foundation. According to charging documents, his loan applications contained lies and false promises. He misrepresented the entities’ number of employees and average monthly payroll expense, his ownership of other businesses, and whether the PPP loan funds would be used for payroll and other eligible expenses. Bhakta did not use the money as promised; instead, he used the funds to make credit card payments, pay large expenses at casinos, and make cash withdrawals, according to the superseding indictment. He also allegedly used some of the money to perpetuate an investment fraud scheme. Bhakta was originally charged with securities fraud and money laundering for running an investment fraud scheme that took in at least $28 million from investors since 2016. According to court documents and statements made in court, Bhakta solicited investments in his companies, Fusion Hotel Management, LLC and Fusion Hospitality Corporation. Bhakta falsely told investors that Fusion routinely acquired discounted blocks of hotel rooms from Hilton, which Fusion then sold to United Airlines at a higher price for a significant profit. Instead of buying blocks of hotel rooms with investors’ funds, however, Bhakta used the money for personal expenses and to make payments to other investors. “The Paycheck Protection Program served as a lifeline to many businesses desperately trying to stay afloat during the pandemic,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Haden. “Anyone who abused this critical program will be held accountable.” DEFENDANT Case Number 21-CR-3352-JLS Denny Bhakta Age: 41 San Diego, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Securities Fraud – Title 15, U.S.C., Sections 78j(b), 78ff, and Title 17, C.F.R., Section 240.10b-5 Bank Fraud – Tile 18, U.S.C. Section 1344(2) Money Laundering – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1957 Maximum penalty: Thirty years in prison AGENCY Federal Bureau of Investigation Securities and Exchange Commission *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.


title: Four East Tennessee Doctors Convicted in  Drug Trafficking and Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: FRANKFORT, Ky. – A federal jury sitting in Frankfort convicted four Tennessee physicians on Friday of conspiracy to illicitly prescribe controlled substances and related fraud and money laundering offenses. The defendants worked together in two east Tennessee clinics, called EHC Medical, that purported to offer treatment for opioid use disorder. The evidence presented established that the defendants agreed to unlawfully prescribe buprenorphine (the controlled substance in the drug known by its trade name, Suboxone) and benzodiazepine-class drugs, including clonazepam. Evann Herrell, Mark Grenkoski, Keri McFarlane, and Stephen Cirelli were each physicians who worked for EHC Medical in Harriman and Jacksboro, Tenn. Robert Taylor, who opened EHC Medical in 2013 and operated it through late 2018, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and was sentenced earlier this year to 30 months in prison. He forfeited $13.8 million and paid an additional fine of $200,000. Lori Barnett, a registered nurse who helped Taylor supervise day-to-day operations, and three other physicians – Matthew Rasberry, Helen Bidwaid, and Eva Misra – also pleaded guilty to related drug or money laundering charges and are awaiting sentencing. At trial, the United States presented evidence of a wide-ranging conspiracy to provide prescriptions for high doses and dangerous combinations of Suboxone and benzodiazepines to cash-paying customers. These drugs were being sold, traded, and abused throughout southeastern Kentucky. The evidence further established that the Defendants engaged in a conspiracy to falsify medical records, while putatively treating patients, and that Herrell, Grenkoski, and McFarlane conspired to cause millions of dollars in fraudulent submissions to Medicare, Kentucky Medicaid, and other health benefit programs for prescription drugs and urine drug testing. “These physicians focused on their own greed and self-interests, not the needs of their patients,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Their illegal scheme had a damaging impact on their patients, fraudulently preyed on health benefit programs, and undermined the public’s faith in legitimate medical practices in this field. We, and our law enforcement partners, remain committed to holding those who take advantage of the medical licenses entrusted to them, to profit through unlawful prescriptions, accountable. The opioid epidemic created an acute need for responsible substance abuse treatment. Drug trafficking, operating under the guise of addiction treatment, is another despicable consequence of this problem.” United States Attorney Shier; J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; and Tamala E. Miles, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), jointly announced the guilty verdict. The Defendants are scheduled to appear for sentencing on December 4, 2023. The statutory maximum penalty for the drug trafficking conspiracy is 10 years, for the conspiracy to falsify documents in connection with delivery of health care services is 5 years, and for the fraud and money laundering counts is 20 years. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence. The defendants also face potential fines, a forfeiture money judgment, and a judgment of restitution, as ordered by the Court. The investigation was conducted by the DEA, IRS, and HHS, with support from the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Greg Rosenberg, Amanda Huang, and Andrew Smith. The case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, an initiative focusing on significant drug trafficking and money laundering criminal organizations. – END –


title: Franklin County Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Production of Child Pornography

body_text: FRANKFORT, Ky. — A Frankfort man, Charles Crawford, 53, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on Friday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, for production of child pornography. According to his plea agreement, Crawford admitted that, on March 19, 2022, he was pulled over in a traffic stop because he was observed to have a minor sitting on his lap. During the stop, it was discovered that Crawford had a sexual device strapped to his leg and that he was under the influence of methamphetamine. A search of the car was then performed, which revealed methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a digital camera. A search of the camera revealed three videos of Crawford sexually assaulting a minor victim. Crawford pleaded guilty in January 2023. Under federal law, Crawford must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life. He was also ordered to pay restitution to his victim. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigation; Daniel Cameron, Kentucky Attorney General; Chief Dustin Bowman, Frankfort Police Department; and Sheriff Chris Quire, Franklin County Sheriff's Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the HSI, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, the Frankfort Police Department, and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov -END-


title: Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearm Crimes

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Rodney Sumlin, 37, of Syracuse, pled guilty today to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-New York Division, made the announcement. As part of his guilty plea, Sumlin admitted that on November 8, 2022, he knowingly possessed 108 grams of cocaine at his residence in Syracuse, which he intended to distribute to others. Sumlin further admitted that at his residence he also possessed a loaded .45 caliber pistol, which he possessed in furtherance of his drug-trafficking. At sentencing, Sumlin faces up to life in federal prison, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. DEA investigated the case, with assistance from the Syracuse Police Department, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case.


title: Rapid City Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffery L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on December 5, 2022. Michael McLeod, 43, was sentenced to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Michael McLeod was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in September of 2020. He pleaded guilty on August 19, 2022. During the conspiracy, McLeod traveled to Nebraska on at least one occasion to transport methamphetamine to South Dakota. Once the methamphetamine arrived in the Rapid City area it was dispersed to others for use and distribution. Others charged in the conspiracy have already been sentenced. This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. McLeod was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: District Man Pleads Guilty to Assault With Intent to Kill

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Jose Avelino Felipe, 45, pleaded guilty to stabbing his female roommate in 2021, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Avelino Felipe pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of assault with intent to kill. Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe scheduled sentencing for October 22, 2023. According to the government’s evidence, on December 4, 2021, the defendant and his wife were living in the same apartment as the victim and her husband. That evening, the defendant and the victim’s husband got into a physical altercation in the home. Both men left the home after the altercation. Shortly thereafter, the defendant returned to the home, where the victim remained. The defendant came to her bedroom and asked whether she would call the police. She stated she would not. Nevertheless, the defendant then stabbed the victim twice with a knife, once in the chest, and once in her left shoulder. The defendant fled the apartment before police arrived. Both the victim and her husband required emergency surgery for their injuries. The victim continues to recover from her injuries. The Metropolitan Police Department Capitol Area Regional Fugitive Task Force apprehended the defendant on May 23, 2023. In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department, which investigated the case. He also expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Covert who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Concludes Investigation  Into Fatal Jump from D.C. Building Rooftop

body_text: WASHINGTON - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced today that there is insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights or District of Columbia charges against a sergeant from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who was involved in the February 2023 fatality of B.B., a 35-year-old District resident who died after running off the rooftop of an apartment building in Northwest Washington, D.C. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the MPD Internal Affairs Division conducted a comprehensive review of the incident, which included a review of law enforcement and civilian eyewitness accounts, BWC footage, physical evidence, recorded radio communications, forensic reports, the autopsy report, and reports from MPD. According to the evidence, at about 4:53 a.m. on February 28, 2023, B.B. was on an apartment building rooftop in the 4500 block of MacArthur Boulevard, Northwest, yelling suicidal thoughts. A 911 call brought MPD officers, including Sergeant Travis Maguire, to the rooftop. As documented on their BWC footage, Sgt. Maguire and others spoke with B.B. and attempted to get him away from the edge of the building, ultimately luring B.B. toward them with a cigarette. In an attempt to incapacitate B.B., Sgt. Maguire discharged his ECD (taser) but it failed to take effect. B.B. then ran off the roof. After a careful, thorough, and independent review of the evidence, federal prosecutors found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Sergeant Maguire used excessive force under the circumstances or otherwise willfully violated B.B.’s rights. Use-of-force investigations generally The U.S. Attorney’s Office reviews all police-involved fatalities to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to conclude that any officers violated either federal criminal civil rights laws or District of Columbia law. To prove civil rights violations, prosecutors must typically be able to prove that the involved officers willfully used more force than was reasonably necessary. Proving “willfulness” is a heavy burden. Prosecutors must not only prove that the force used was excessive, but must also prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officer acted with the deliberate and specific intent to do something the law forbids. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will continue to devote the resources necessary to ensure that all allegations of serious civil rights violations are investigated fully and completely. The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division investigates all police-involved fatalities in the District of Columbia.


title: Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to 14 years in Federal Prison

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Second-Degree Murder – Aiding and Abetting. The sentencing took place on August 11, 2023. Lance Wahokiza Red Cloud, 28, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Red Cloud was indicted for Second Degree Murder – Aiding and Abetting by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He pleaded guilty on May 26, 2023. The charge related to Red Cloud and two other individuals beating Robert Lynn Jumping Eagle to death in November of 2021 in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case. Red Cloud was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Maryland Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison For Fatal Stabbing Inside Local D.C. Nightclub

body_text: WASHINGTON – Michael Dolson, 37, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for the March 14, 2022 stabbing death of Kenneth Thomas, Jr., 42, of Silver Spring Maryland, announced United States Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Mr. Thomas was a Howard University graduate with a Masters of Divinity and a licensed Minister. Dolson pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed on March 24, 2023, in Superior Court in the District of Columbia. In addition to the prison term, Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered five years of supervised release. According to the government’s evidence, on Sunday, March 13, 2022, Dolson and his companion went to the Cloud Lounge at 1919 9 th St., NW. The couple was seated at the back of the establishment, away from other patrons, ordered cocktails and smoked marijuana, despite the club’s rule against the consumption of marijuana on the property. Kenneth Thomas, Jr., approached the couple and asked to sit at the table with them, which he did for an hour and a half. As the evening wore on, Dolson became annoyed with the victim and gestured for Thomas to sit elsewhere. Thomas did not oblige so Dolson slashed Thomas on the face with a hidden knife he brought into the nightclub. Thomas stood up and Dolson lunged at him, stabbing him in the chest. Dolson and his companion then left the club. Thomas was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead. Dolson was later arrested on April 5, 2022, and has remained in custody ever since. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the cases at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Lashone Samuels, Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark and Victim Witness Service Coordinator, Katina Adams-Washington. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah C. Santiago, who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: Five Men Arrested in Sex Trafficking Operation

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Ellsworth AFB Office of Special Investigations, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department conducted a joint sex-trafficking operation during the 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The operation began on August 4, 2023, and continued through August 10, 2023. As a result, the following five men were arrested and charged: Burton Dave Chief, Jr. , 35, Rapid City – Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Vincent Alberto Barrios , 42, Box Elder - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet James Halen Dreamer , 41, Rapid City - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet James Peter Fast Horse , 45, Rapid City - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet Jacob Chinni Wilson , 38, Rapid City - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet “Working with our law enforcement partners, we were able to take more dangerous sexual predators off the streets of South Dakota this week,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “We appreciate the exceptional collaboration between state, local, and federal agencies that made this operation a success.” The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction for Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor is 15 years up to 30 years in federal prison; and any term of years, not less than five, up to lifetime supervised release. The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet is 10 years up to life in federal prison; and any term of years, not less than five, up to lifetime supervised release. The charges are merely accusations, and all five defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 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 . The cases are being federally prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Collins and Heather Knox.


title: Arvin, California, Man Sentenced for Facilitating a Drug Crime

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that United States District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Arvin, California, man convicted of Use of a Communication Facility in the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Crime. The sentencing took place on August 11, 2023. Eduardo Acosta, 24, was sentenced to 37 months custody in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Acosta was indicted for Use of a Communication Facility in the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Crime by a federal grand jury in June 2022. He pleaded guilty on May 26, 2023. Acosta resides in California. His acquaintance, Victor Alfonso Leon-Pacheco, was in custody in Oklahoma. Acosta accepted payments for drug proceeds that were wired through money exchange services. This occurred multiple times between September 2021 and January 2022. Acosta also sent packages containing controlled substances to South Dakota at the direction of Leon-Pacheco. Acosta and Leon Pacheco utilized cell phones to communicate, which are also considered to be communication facilities. This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, which is local drug task force comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. Acosta will report to the Bureau of Prisons in September.


title: Rapid City Woman Sentenced for Drug Trafficking

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on December 12, 2022. Stevie Williams, 39, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Williams was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in March of 2021. She pleaded guilty on August 19, 2022. During the conspiracy, methamphetamine was trafficked into South Dakota from Arizona and Mexico through arrangements made with Williams and others in the conspiracy. Williams was responsible for sending large amounts of money through the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, and other mail carriers for the methamphetamine that was received. The methamphetamine was then dispersed to others for use and further distribution. Others charged in the conspiracy are awaiting sentencing or trial. This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina S. Nelson prosecuted the case. Williams was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Lincoln Man Found Guilty of Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Richard E. Tripp, 71, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was found guilty today by a jury in federal court in Lincoln. Tripp was convicted of one count of possession of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography. Sentencing has been set for November 9, 2023, at 1 p.m. before Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Tripp faces a minimum of 15 years and up to 40 years in prison for the distribution count. For the possession count, Tripp faces a minimum of 10 year and up to 20 years in prison. Imgur, LLC reported uploads of 38 suspected child pornography image files to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). In turn, NCMEC issued Cybertipline Reports to investigators with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, an investigative unit of the Nebraska State Patrol. Based upon information provided in the Cybertipline Reports, investigators were able to determine that the images were uploaded to the Internet from Tripp’s residence in Lincoln, where he was living with two registered sex offenders. After examining his devices, investigators found more than 1,400 files containing child pornography involving prepubescent children, toddlers, and infants. Some of the children depicted in the image files were subjected to bondage, and some were subjected to bestiality. Tripp is a registered sex offender, convicted of two counts of sexual assault of a child in the first degree in 2007. There were two victims involved in the 2007 case. This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.


title: Former Oklahoma Police Officer Indicted For Sexual Assault And Obstruction

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury in Muskogee, Oklahoma, returned a three-count indictment, unsealed today, charging former Savanna Police Department (SPD) police officer Jeffery Scott Smith Jr. with a federal civil rights violation for sexually assaulting a victim while acting under color of law and obstructing justice. According to the indictment, on Nov. 2, 2022, in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, Jeffery Scott Smith Jr., 35, while on duty as an SPD police officer, conducted a traffic stop on a car in which the victim was a passenger. Count one of the indictment charges Smith with depriving the victim of her right to bodily integrity when he sexually assaulted the victim during the traffic stop. That indictment alleges that Smith’s conduct resulted in bodily injury to the victim and included the commission of a nonconsensual sexual act with the victim. Counts two and three of the indictment charge Smith with knowingly altering, concealing, covering up and falsifying an SPD record by deactivating his SPD body worn camera and SPD dashboard camera during the traffic stop, with the intent to impede, obstruct, and influence an investigation into his sexual misconduct. If convicted, Smith faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison on the civil rights count and 20 years in prison on each of the obstruction of justice counts. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office is investigating the case, with assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office. Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Compton for the Eastern District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: McCurtain County Resident Pleads Guilty To Federal Firearm Crime

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Cedric Jamara Cherry, of Idabel, Oklahoma, age 42, pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. The Indictment alleged that on March 15, 2023, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, Cherry possessed a firearm and ammunition, in and affecting interstate commerce, despite having been previously convicted of a felony. Under federal law, individuals previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Cherry was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.


title: Lowell, Maine Man Sentenced to 3 Years for Cyberstalking

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Lowell, Maine man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland for cyberstalking. U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Jonathan Trayes , 34, to 36 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Trayes pleaded guilty on September 26, 2022. According to court records, Trayes was involved in a brief relationship with the victim which ended when Trayes was arrested for violating conditions of release after the victim accused him of physical assault. Trayes eventually pleaded guilty in state court to domestic assault with priors, violating conditions of release and aggravated assault and was sentenced to five years of incarceration with all but two years suspended followed by four years of probation. Beginning shortly after his release, Trayes began posting embarrassing, sexually graphic images and videos of the victim online, including identifying information including the victim’s name and what he believed was the victim’s address. The harassment continued for more than a year, leading the victim to reach out to the FBI. The FBI conducted the investigation. # # #


title: Career Criminal Sentenced to 4+ Years in Prison for Fentanyl, Cocaine Trafficking in Androscoggin County

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: An Auburn man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland today for trafficking both fentanyl and cocaine base in and around Androscoggin County. U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Zachery Paradis (aka “Pee Wee”), 41, to 51 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Paradis pleaded guilty on December 1, 2022. According to court records, in March 2022, the FBI conducted a controlled buy of narcotics from Paradis, purchasing 10 grams of fentanyl. During the exchange, which was captured on video and audio recording, Paradis bragged of multiple other crimes including being involved in a 2021 shooting in Lewiston. In April 2022, a second controlled buy of approximately 12.8 grams of cocaine base took place. A career criminal, Paradis has at least ten convictions as an adult, including two past federal convictions for firearms offenses. The FBI’s Southern Maine Gang Task Force, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Lewiston Police Department and Auburn Police Department investigated the case. ###