title: Keswick Man Sentenced to Prison for Failing to Pay Payroll Taxes, Making False Statements on PPP Loan Applications

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DES MOINES, IA – A Keswick man was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for failing to pay over $700,000 in employment taxes for his business, and for making a false statement for purposes of obtaining a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for the business. According to court documents, during the years 2014 through 2020, Thomas Sieren, 60, was a co-owner of TCS Fabricating, Inc. and, during that time, failed to pay $703,615.69 in employment taxes to the IRS. This included the failure to pay taxes that he had collected from TCS’s employees through withholding, as well as matching contributions to Social Security and Medicare. In 2020 and 2021, Sieren obtained two PPP loans on behalf of TCS in the total amount of $237,379. The PPP loan applications misrepresented that TCS had paid its payroll tax obligations. Sieren will be required to pay TCS’s unpaid payroll tax obligations, together with interest and penalties. He also will be required to pay restitution of $237,379 to the United States Small Business Administration. Following Sieren’s release from prison, he will be required to serve two years of supervised release. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal made the announcement. This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Essley prosecuted the case.


title: Inmate Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Weapon at FCI Beckley

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Matthew Jackson, 27, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Beckley, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a weapon by an inmate of a federal prison. According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 3, 2022, a FCI Beckley staff member conducted a pat-down search of Jackson and found a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in Jackson’s underwear. The shank was a piece of metal, approximately 5 inches long, sharpened at one end and with a cloth handle on the other end fashioned from an institution-issued t-shirt. Jackson admitted to possessing the shank, and further admitted that it was designed and intended to be used as a weapon. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-232. ###


title: Former Baden Resident Sentenced to 124 Months’ Imprisonment for Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Baden, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to a total term of 124 months’ imprisonment followed by lifetime supervised release on his conviction of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor and for violating the terms of federal supervised release, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Andrew Kincaid, age 35, formerly of Baden, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak. According to information presented to the court, on March 16, 2021, Kincaid knowingly possessed an electronic device containing child sexual abuse material, in violation of federal law and the conditions of Kincaid’s supervised release related to his 2010 federal conviction, also for possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. Homeland Security Investigations-Pittsburgh conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kincaid. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Firearms and Ammunition Smuggler Sentenced to 51 Months

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Miguel Armando Castro, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker, to 51 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He also was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. Castro pleaded guilty to Smuggling Goods from the United States. On January 19, 2022, Castro attempted to exit the United States into Mexico via the vehicle lanes at the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona. Castro was the driver and sole occupant of a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had received alerts on the Silverado and Castro related to a prior ammunition smuggling incident. Upon initial inspection of the Silverado, CBP found a bag on the front seat that contained a loaded .22 caliber revolver. CBP further inspected the vehicle and found two high-capacity Glock firearm magazines, four regular-capacity Glock firearm magazines, and one .22 caliber Walther firearm magazine. The firearm, ammunition, and firearm magazines Castro smuggled and intended to export to Mexico are all designated on the United States Commerce Control List as prohibited by law for export from the United States into Mexico without a valid license. Castro did not have a license or any other lawful authority to export any of the items from the United States into Mexico. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon Bolling and Austin Fenwick, United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: 4:22-cr-00678-JCH-AMM RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-083_Castro # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Project Manager Sentenced for False Statements Regarding Lead Contamination at City Park, Firm Pays $2 Million Restitution

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A project manager has been sentenced in federal court for misleading federal authorities about lead contamination in a Granby, Mo., city park after he was hired to conduct remediation at the site. Lynn Eich, 65, of Dewitt, Iowa, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Thursday, June 1, to five years of probation and ordered to pay a $40,000 fine. Eich’s employer, Environmental Quality Management, has paid more than $2 million in restitution in two federal civil settlements. Environmental Quality Management paid $1,708,748 in a federal civil settlement agreement related to violations of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, and $338,119 in a federal civil settlement agreement related to violations of the False Claims Act. These settlement agreements, executed on April 24, 2023, fully compensates the government for its costs to remove lead contamination from the Granby park. On July 28, 2022, Eich pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement relating to a federal environmental remediation contract. Eich was employed by Environmental Quality Management as the project manager for a soil remediation project in Newton County, Mo. The remediation company was awarded a contract from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency, which ultimately totaled nearly $12 million, to perform mine waste remediation at the Newton County Mine Waste Remediation Superfund Site in and around Granby. This area had been previously contaminated with lead in the surface soil deposited through historical mining and smelting operations in the area. The contract required the removal of contaminated soil and backfilling some areas, including Granby City Park, using clean fill material. According to court documents, Eich caused further contamination of the site then misled federal administrators about the extent of the contamination. Approximately one month before it was awarded the contract for the Newton County project, the remediation company was also awarded an EPA contract in Oronogo, Mo., to complete a similar but larger soil remediation project. The receipt of both contracts was not expected and caused Eich to request a personnel change to the Newton County project’s Quality Assurance, Quality Control (QAQC) Manager in order to complete both contracts. Eich represented to the Corps of Engineers that the replacement for the QAQC Manager had comparable experience as the person listed on the original application and that the replacement was qualified to fulfill the duties of a QAQC Manager on the Newton County project. In fact, the replacement QAQC Manager was not qualified and had little to no experience testing soil for hazardous materials. Between Sept. 12 and Oct. 19, 2016, the QAQC Manager failed to properly test fill material that was used to remediate Granby City Park. On Oct. 14, 2016, the site superintendent, who reported to Eich, received laboratory analysis of two samples taken from the offsite borrow source. One sample indicated lead levels of 640 mg/kg and the other indicated a lead level of 720 mg/kg, both in excess of the contractual requirement of less than 100 mg/kg. The results of these samples were not reported to the EPA or the Corps of Engineers as required by federal environmental laws. On June 4, 2018, Eich called the Corps of Engineers and indicated that a “hot spot” had been detected in Granby City Park. During the call, Eich misrepresented the scope of the area of contamination at the park by stating that it was less than 1,000 cubic yards. Eich also submitted a map of Granby City Park that showed a limited area of contamination when, as Eich knew, lead contamination was pervasive through the entire park. Eich admitted that he intentionally made this false statement and provided false information regarding the scope and amount of lead contamination at Granby City Park. The EPA then conducted its own sampling of Granby City Park, followed by additional sampling by the EPA National Enforcement Investigations Center, which found Granby City Park was still contaminated by lead in the soil. The EPA was required to hire another remediation contractor to conduct a removal project of Granby City Park. The removal project required removal of the contaminated backfill and soil from the park to ensure the health and safety of the community. The removal project was completed in June 2021, resulting in additional costs to the EPA. This criminal case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brent Venneman and Casey Clark. It was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General; the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigative Division; the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and the Army Criminal Investigative Division, Major Procurement Fraud Unit. The civil cases were executed by the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Regional Counsel and the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Division Chief Jeff Ray.


title: Steelton Man Charged With Drug Trafficking And Firearm Offenses

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Leron Harris, age 30, of Steelton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on May 31, 2023, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment states that Harris distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute cocaine on multiple occasions between August 2022 and March 2023 in Harrisburg and Steelton. The indictment further states that he possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Dauphin County Drug Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Baer is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is a term of life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Medical Examiner: 5 Suspected Overdose Deaths in One Day

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson, today issued a public health alert, stating that Cuyahoga County suffered at least 5 suspected overdose deaths within a 12-hour-period on June 1, 2023. “Drug overdose continues to be a problem in our community with periodic clusters of deaths like yesterday,” Dr. Gilson warned. “Individuals should avoid using illicit drugs or use a harm reduction plan in the event they are unable to stop using. Treatment can help with long-term sobriety.” Death Date Month Death Date Day Death Day Year Sex (AFAB/AMAB) Age Hispanic Race Residence City 06 01 2023 Male 38 No White Broadview Heights 06 01 2023 Female 32 Yes White Cleveland 06 01 2023 Male 63 Yes White Cleveland 06 01 2023 Male 52 No White Cleveland 06 01 2023 Female 70 No White Parma Consider developing a personal harm reduction plan if you or anyone that you know is actively using or recovering from opioid addiction. Harm reduction plans can include the following: • Have Naloxone and fentanyl test strips ready. Naloxone and fentanyl test strips will work with most fentanyl analogues. • Don’t use drugs alone. There is a much higher risk of fatally overdosing if another person is not monitoring. • Sit upright. Sitting upright can reduce the risk of slumping forward in an overdose – potentially causing airway obstruction. • Call 911 (Good Samaritan). The Good Samaritan Law provides immunity for a minor drug possession or drug paraphernalia offense for the person who overdosed and the person who called 911 to seek help. • Seek Treatment. As with most chronic diseases, addiction is treatable. While treatment may vary upon an individual’s needs, recovery is possible. For a list of community resources, please visit: https://www.testyourdrugscc.com


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

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Madison County man, Donald Caudy, III, 43, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on Friday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, after pleading guilty to one count of using a minor to create visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The investigation began in May 2022, when the Michigan State Police were investigating an individual suspected to be involved in crimes involving the possession of child pornography. While reviewing evidence obtained in that case, law enforcement discovered that the individual from Michigan had received multiple sexually explicit images of the same child, from another individual, and had been involved in chat conversations involving graphic discussion of the sexual assault of children. The investigation ultimately revealed that the person responsible for sending the images of the minor and engaging in the graphic chats with the Michigan suspect was Donald Caudy, III, who resided in Madison County, Kentucky. During a search of Caudy’s electronic devices, multiple sexually explicit images of a four-year-old child were discovered. The images were the same images that had been distributed to the suspect in Michigan. Caudy admitted that he was responsible for creating the sexually explicit images and, ultimately, distributing them to the suspect in Michigan. Caudy pled guilty in February 2023. Under federal law, Caudy must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for twenty years. 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 Investigations - Nashville; and Col. Phillip Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by HSI and the KSP. 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: Green Bay Pastor Arrested for Online Crimes Targeting a Venezuelan Child

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 2, 2023, a criminal complaint was issued charging Cory J. Herthel (age: 40) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, with attempted production of child pornography and the transfer of obscene material to a Venezuelan child in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and 1470. The attempted production of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years of incarceration in federal prison upon conviction. The transfer of obscene materials charge carries up to ten years’ imprisonment. A conviction on either charge would require Herthel to register as a sexual offender. According to the criminal complaint, Herthel met the child while performing missionary work and thereafter maintained contact with the child online. Herthel encouraged the minor to send him videos of the child’s genitalia in exchange for monetary payments. He is further alleged to have sent the child images of his genitals. This case is being investigated by the Green Bay and Milwaukee offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with the assistance of the Green Bay Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble. A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood , a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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.justice.gov/psc . # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Man Sentenced for Sex Trafficking Minors in the Philippines

body_text: U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad for the Eastern District of Wisconsin joins Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr., of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, in announcing Donald A. Stenson, 67, of West Allis, Wisconsin, was sentenced today to ten years in prison for sex trafficking multiple minors in the Philippines. He was also ordered to pay $40,000 in restitution and a $10,000 special assessment. Following his release from prison, Stenson will spend ten years on supervised release. According to court documents, Stenson traveled to the Philippines on multiple occasions starting in 2007 and repeatedly engaged in sexual activity with minors there. Between 2016 and 2019, Stenson lured five minor victims between the ages of approximately 11 and 17 into commercial sex arrangements, engaged in sexual activity with the victims, and then provided them with money and gifts. A search of Stenson’s electronic devices uncovered multiple images and videos of the minor victims, including a video depicting Stenson engaging in sex acts with a minor. The search also uncovered sexually explicit messages with minors and messages in which Stenson discussed with John Burgdorff about engaging in sex acts with the minor victims. Burgdorff traveled with Stenson to the Philippines, and Stenson encouraged the victims to meet with Burgdorff, who then also engaged them in commercial sexual activity. Stenson was identified based on a CyberTipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Stenson and Burgdorff were both arrested at Burgdorff’s residence in West Allis and charged as co-defendants in connection with their sex trafficking of these minor victims. On November 3, 2022, Burgdorff was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor in a foreign place. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Milwaukee, HSI’s Manila Transnational Criminal Investigation Unit, and Philippine Authorities investigated the case. Trial Attorney William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan J. Paulson and Abbey M. Marzick of the Eastern District of Wisconsin prosecuted the case, with assistance from CEOS Trial Attorney Kaylynn Foulon. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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.justice.gov/psc . # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Lochbuie Man Sentenced to Thirty Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER - The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Steven Patrick McConnell, age 32, from Lochbuie, Colorado, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by 25 years on supervised release, for production of child pornography. According to facts contained in the plea agreement, in December 2021, the defendant was using an online platform to chat with an individual who, unknown to the defendant, was an undercover agent with the FBI. The defendant informed the undercover agent that he had access to a six-year-old minor child and that he regularly sexually assaulted the minor. He then sent the undercover agent a photo of the minor child. In a series of chat exchanges, the defendant then indicated that he planned to assault the minor child again, possibly as soon as that evening. The FBI obtained the IP address associated with the defendant, responded to the defendant’s residence with local law enforcement, obtained a warrant, and searched the defendant’s bedroom. Subsequently, the defendant admitted that he had engaged in sexual abuse of the minor child and made pornographic images of the minor. Devices recovered from the defendant’s bedroom were later analyzed and found to contain child pornography produced by the defendant, as well as evidence that the defendant distributed these images to other persons online. “The horrific abuse sustained by the victim in this case can never be undone – that harm is forever,” said United States Attorney Cole Finegan. “Thanks to the quick action by the FBI, this predator was stopped and will be off the street for decades to come.” “This heinous predator repeatedly victimized a trusting child because his access to the child was undetected. Law enforcement intervention stopped the egregious crimes, but the child will live with the experience for the rest of his life,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “The FBI Denver Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is relentless in its work of protecting vulnerable children and holding their abusers accountable.” United States District Court Judge William J. Martinez presided over the sentencing on May 31, 2023. The FBI investigated this case, with assistance from the Lochbuie Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Hindman handled the prosecution. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page. Case number 22-cr-23


title: Chicago Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Surreptitiously Recording Boys in YMCA Locker Rooms

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for surreptitiously recording thousands of videos of nude boys inside YMCA lockers rooms. For approximately two decades, MICHAEL PORTER surreptitiously recorded videos of nude boys inside the locker room at three Chicago-area YMCAs, where Porter was a member. Porter placed a video-recording device inside of a bag and then strategically placed the bag on the floor of the locker rooms. Porter sexually abused at least one of the boys, capturing the abuse on video. During the investigation law enforcement seized from Porter six recording devices, seven cameras, 30 USB drives, hundreds of cassette tapes and DVDs, and two laptops. Law enforcement discovered in his possession 46,563 images and 44,553 videos depicting child pornography, including approximately 2,245 videos produced by Porter. Porter, 58, pleaded guilty last year to federal charges of production, receipt, and possession of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis on Thursday ordered Porter to pay $63,500 in restitution to victims. The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department. “Michael Porter was a prolific manufacturer and collector of child pornography,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen Totten and Elly M. Peirson argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Regardless of whether these images will ever surface again, the victims will live with the trauma imposed upon them by the defendant for the rest of their lives.” If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


title: Verona Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Illegal Gun Possession

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Lazerek Austin, 19, Verona, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 30 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Austin pleaded guilty to this charge on February 24, 2023. On May 31, 2022, Austin was convicted in Dane County Circuit Court of felony car theft, and he was released pending sentencing. Austin failed to appear at sentencing on July 20, 2022, at which time a warrant was issued for his arrest. Over the course of that summer, law enforcement was monitoring the social media activities of a local street gang in response to retaliatory violence between it and another gang. Detectives found photographs and video of Austin in possession of several different firearms that were posted after he was convicted and failed to appear in court. On August 17, 2022, detectives located Austin at an apartment in Middleton and arrested him. Inside of the apartment they located a handgun inside of a box in the closet. Austin’s DNA was found on that handgun. Subsequent investigation found numerous pictures of Austin holding handguns, an AR15, an AK variant, and Glocks that had a full auto switch installed on them. Austin told detectives that one photo was of him holding five handguns that belonged to others. He admitted that he posed in those photos to look tough and said that he kept a gun for protection from others who thought that he did something to wrong them. Some of the photos involved Austin openly holding handguns and AR15’s in parking lots, and many showed him with guns in cars in Madison and Chicago. At sentencing, Judge Peterson recognized that Austin was a very young man but said that he gave the court no option but to send him to prison because he was a danger to the community. Judge Peterson considered the nature of the photos that Austin posted as showing he was part of a group where he and his friends were reinforcing each other’s bad behavior, and that trajectory was that someone was going to get shot. In weighing the options of protecting the public versus rehabilitation, Judge Peterson said that the court had to stand up for the protection of the community. Austin was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release. The charge against Austin was the result of an investigation conducted by the Fitchburg, Madison, and Middleton Police Departments, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Response Team, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan. This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.


title: New Orleans Man Federally Indicted for Carjacking

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Today, DEVON FRITH , age 24, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment for violation of the Carjacking statute and the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. FRITH is charged in Count One with Carjacking in violation of Title 18, United States Code, 2119 and in Count Two with Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1). As to Count One, FRITH faces a term imprisonment of not more than 15 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release; as to Count Two, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years and a maximum term of life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 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. The case was investigated by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Violent Crimes Unit is assigned to the prosecution of this case.


title: Former Bank Employee Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Fraudulently Opening Bank Accounts as Part of a Larger Bank Fraud Scheme Targeting Churches and Religious Organizations

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang today sentenced Diape Seck, age 29, of Rockville, Maryland, to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a bank fraud scheme in which he and his co-conspirators obtained or attempted to obtain almost $2 million by fraud, including the theft of checks from the mail of churches and religious institutions. Judge Chuang also ordered Seck to pay restitution in the amount of $1,708,446.49, and to forfeit $114,647.50. A federal jury convicted Seck on February 24, 2023. The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland; Postal Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey D. Pittano of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG); Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department; Chief Terry Sult of the Cary, North Carolina, Police Department; and Sheriff Dusty Rhoades of the Williamson County, Tennessee, Sheriff’s Office. According to the evidence presented at his eight-day trial, from at least January 2019 to January 2020, Seck, a customer service representative with Bank A, conspired with Mateus Vaduva, Marius Vaduva, Vlad Baceanu, Nicolae Gindac, Florin Vaduva, Marian Unguru, Daniel Velcu, Vali Unguru and others to commit bank fraud. Specifically, the evidence showed that Seck fraudulently opened bank accounts in fake identities in exchange for cash bribes. Co-conspirators engaged in fraud that included fraud involving rental cars and the deposit of checks stolen from the incoming and outgoing mail of churches and other religious institutions, into the fraudulently opened bank accounts. The co-conspirators then withdrew the funds and spent the fraudulently obtained proceeds. As detailed in the trial evidence, Diape Seck facilitated the opening of hundreds of bank accounts at Bank A for his co-conspirators, who used purported foreign identities, often but not universally Romanian, to fraudulently open bank accounts with him at Bank A, as well as bank accounts at other victim financial institutions. Seck opened accounts for co-conspirators without their presence in the bank, without verifying identity information, and opened accounts for co-conspirators who opened multiple accounts at a time under different identities. To conceal his improper activities, Seck opened accounts for the co-conspirators at the same time he conducted legitimate bank activities. The co-conspirators paid Seck up to $500 in cash in exchange for each of the fraudulent bank accounts he opened. According to court documents and witness testimony, Seck violated numerous bank policies in opening approximately 412 checking accounts in a one-year period from approximately January 2, 2019 through January 3, 2020, relying predominantly on purported Romanian passports and driver's license information. Checks payable to and written from churches and other religious institutions from around the country were deposited into many of the 412 checking accounts which were not opened in the names of the churches. The co-conspirators fraudulently negotiated the stolen checks by depositing them into the victim bank accounts, including the fraudulent accounts opened by Seck at Bank A, often by way of automated teller machine (ATM) transactions. After depositing the stolen checks into the bank accounts, the conspirators made cash withdrawals from ATMs and purchases using debit cards associated with the bank accounts. Co-conspirators also used fraudulently obtained debit cards to rent cars which they used and then failed to return, resulting in charges by the rental car companies which had to be “written off” by Bank A. According to court documents, co-conspirators deposited at least approximately $780,064.04 in stolen checks into the accounts Seck personally opened on their behalf and the bank had to write off at least approximately $921,590.50 from the co-conspirators’ rental car fraud in the accounts Seck opened for them. Co-conspirators Vlad Baceanu, age 38; Marian Unguru, age 36; and Vali Unguru, age 20, all of Baltimore, Maryland, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud. Mateus Vaduva, age 29, of Baltimore was sentenced to five years in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $1,320,885.84; Nicolae Gindac, age 52, of Dania Beach, Florida was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $1,096,660.11; Florin Vaduva, age 31, of Dania Beach, Florida was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $1,096,660.11; Marius Vaduva, age 28, of Baltimore was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $1,334,230.84; and Daniel Velcu, age 43, of Baltimore was sentenced to 34 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $1,313,499.79, after they previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, HSI, the FDIC Office of Inspector General, the Montgomery County Police Department, the Cary (North Carolina) Police Department, and the Williamson County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Darren Gardner, who prosecuted the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Book Readers Look on With Pride as Students Take Next Step in Education

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – As summer approaches, many schools are holding graduations. But for staff of the Law Enforcement Coordination and Community Outreach Section (LEC/COS) of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, two recent graduations were particularly special. LEC/COS staff regularly hold monthly readings for pre-kindergarten students in an effort to develop in them a love of reading. And children from two of the reading program’s mainstay schools—Paul L. Dunbar K-8 Center in Miami and Trinity Christian Academy in Miami Gardens—have moved on … to kindergarten. The students looked so excited on stage, hugging and high fiving one another as family members applauded and yelled words of encouragement. The elegantly dressed 4 and 5-year-olds beamed with pride. “It’s tough to see them move on,” said Law Enforcement Coordination Specialist Mark McKinney. “You read to them many times during the year and develop a certain relationship. I’m proud of them for taking the next step in their education, but I am going to miss them.” Law Enforcement Coordination Specialist Darcey Lindsley can relate. “I have attended many graduations over the years and it’s always bittersweet,” she said. “We try to attend their graduation ceremonies to show our support and have one last group hug with them. It’s a special moment.” In addition to the hug, Lindsley had a final message for the young students. “Do you know what you have to do over the summer?” she asked to a group of future Dunbar K-8 Center kindergartners. “Read! Promise me, okay? I want you to continue to work on your reading skills so you’ll have good momentum heading into next school year.” According to national literacy data, approximately 25 percent of children in America grow up without learning how to read. Also, upward of 80 percent of preschool programs in low-income neighborhoods lack age-appropriate books for their students. To help combat this, LEC/COS staff provide books for children to take with them to build up their home libraries. “Reading is crucial to a child’s educational development and future success,” said LEC/COS Chief J.D. Smith. “We’ve seen the data. We know how important it is to get children interested in reading at a young age. If we can help a parent or teacher reinforce the importance of reading, we are glad to do it.” Smith and staff have done these readings for about seven years and soon will have a fresh group of pre-K students to hear how difficult it is to catch that gingerbread man. Anyone interested in donating children’s books may do so by emailing U.S. Attorney’s Office staff at usafls.vrp@usdoj.gov or by calling (305) 961-9134. A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls . Parents, family members, and a whole bunch of balloons filled the auditoriums of two graduating pre-K classes at local South Florida schools. The students in these classes were part of a reading program put on by the Law Enforcement Coordination and Community Outreach Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. ###


title: Bayamón Psychologist Sentenced to 19 years and 7 months of Imprisonment for the Attempted Coercion and Enticement of Two Minor Females

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico announced that this afternoon psychologist Samuel Pérez-Figueroa was sentenced to 235 months of imprisonment, equivalent to 19 years and 7 months, by Chief Judge Raúl Arias Marxuach of the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico for the attempted coercion and enticement of two minor females. Pérez-Figueroa will also have to serve an additional 6 years of supervised release and register as a sex offender. Pursuant to the facts admitted by Perez-Figueroa as part of his plea agreement, he used a cellular telephone and internet instant messaging capabilities from October through November 2021 to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce two female minors, a 15-year-old and an 11-year-old, to engage in illegal sexual activity. Perez-Figueroa used his cellular phone to solicit sexually explicit images from two minors he was contracted to provide mental health services to. Chief Judge Arias indicated during the sentencing hearing that this crime was particularly disgraceful because Perez-Figueroa abused his position of trust as a psychologist. Instead of being a source of comfort for his patients, he chose to traumatize these minor victims. The FBI conducted the investigation and Assistant United States Attorney and Chief of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit, Jenifer Y. Hernández-Vega, prosecuted the charges. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI encourage other victims of sexual extortion to report this type of criminal behavior. If you or anyone you know has been the victim or a witness to this or any other federal crime, please call (787) 987-6500 or visit tips.fbi.gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous. ###


title: Leader Of Houston-Based Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty To Leading Large-Scale Methamphetamine Distribution And Importation Conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that FRANCISCO JAVIER MECINA BARRERA, a/k/a “Angel,” pled guilty today to conspiring to import and distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and to using, carrying, and possessing a firearm which was brandished in furtherance of those drug crimes. The charges stem from MECINA BARRERA’s leadership of a large-scale methamphetamine distribution and importation operation he called the “Cartel de Houston” — Spanish for “Houston Cartel” — or “CDH.” MECINA BARRERA pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The defendant was the leader of a drug and firearms trafficking organization that smuggled large numbers of firearms from the United States into Mexico. The organization then traded the firearms for hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine, which were distributed throughout the United States. Today’s guilty plea reaffirms our Office’s commitment to hold large-scale international drug and firearms traffickers accountable for their crimes.” According to court filings and statements made in court proceedings: From at least in or about March 2020 to at least in or about April 2021, FRANCISCO JAVIER MECINA BARRERA was the leader of an international narcotics importation and distribution organization that imported hundreds of kilograms of crystal and liquid methamphetamine from Mexico into Texas and further distributed it throughout the United States, including to New York. MECINA BARRERA called his group the Cartel de Houston, or “CDH,” because it was based in Houston and had ties to Mexico-based drug trafficking cartels. CDH was also an international supplier of firearms. At MECINA BARRERA’s direction, members of CDH smuggled numerous firearms into Mexico and delivered them to Mexico-based drug traffickers, often in exchange for methamphetamine that they then smuggled back into the United States for distribution. MECINA BARRERA and other members of CDH also used firearms to threaten and intimidate a narcotics customer of CDH who owed MECINA BARRERA money for drugs. After establishing CDH, MECINA BARRERA appointed co-defendant Adalid Cabrera Huato, a/k/a “China,” as his right-hand man in Houston, and MECINA BARRERA recruited others, including co-defendants GIOVANNI DE LA MORA and JAIME SANTILLANO, to acquire and transport numerous guns from the United States into Mexico, trade them for substantial quantities of methamphetamine, and transport the drugs into the United States, where they would distribute them throughout the country, including to the Bronx, New York. MECINA BARRERA provided his co-conspirators with vehicles and instructed them on how to hide the guns and drugs in the fuel tank to avoid detection. MECINA BARRERA also utilized a Mexico-based religious figure known as “Lucifer” to bless the CDH’s members and drugs as they were crossing the border. * * * MECINA BARRERA, 31, of Michoacan, Mexico, and Houston, Texas, pled guilty to (i) conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; (ii) conspiracy to illegally import methamphetamine into the United States; and (iii) use, carrying, and possession of a firearm in connection with, and in furtherance of, the narcotics conspiracy and the narcotics importation conspiracy, which was brandished. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 17 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The statutory minimum and maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. CABRERA HUATO, DE LA MORA, and SANTILLANO previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. CABRERA HUATO is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2023. DE LA MORA and SANTILLANO were previously sentenced by Judge Marrero to 90 months and 86 months in prison, respectively. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETF”) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-drive, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations New York City Border Enforcement Security Task Force, which is comprised of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the New York City Police Department. Mr. Williams also thanked the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Houston Police Department, and the DEA Houston Division for their invaluable assistance in this investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jane Y. Chong, Michael R. Herman, and Mitzi S. Steiner, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Jacqueline Hauck, are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Casper Woman Arraigned on Arson Charges

body_text: Lorna Roxanne Green , 22, of Casper, Wyoming, was indicted by a federal grand jury in May and was arraigned today for arson of a facility engaged in interstate commerce before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kelly H. Rankin. Green pleaded not guilty. A jury trial has been set for July 24, 2023, before U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson. If convicted, Green faces a minimum of five years and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This crime is being investigated by the Casper Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. An indictment merely contains allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Case No: 23-CR-00066


title: New Orleans Man Charged with Federal Drug and Firearm Violations

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LARRY WILLIAMS , age 37, of New Orleans, was indicted today for charges involving firearms and narcotics, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Count 1 charged WILLIAMS with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). For this offense, he faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Count 1 also charged WILLIAMS with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, hydrocodone, and Tapaentadol, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). For this offense, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Count 2 charged WILLIAMS with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). For this offense, he faces at least five years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment, consecutive to any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Count 3 charged WILLIAMS with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). For this offense, he faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. For each of the counts in which the defendant is charged, he faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 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. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, Health Care Fraud Coordinator.


title: Activity in the U. S. Attorney's Office

body_text: Child Pornography Michael Gregory Schaefer , age 38 of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 135 months in prison for receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence, which included 10 years of supervised release following imprisonment and a $200 special assessment, on May 31, 2023. The case was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department and U.S. Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christyne M. Martens. Drug Trafficking Michael Anthony Smith, age 64, of Marianna, Arkansas, was sentenced on May 25, 2023, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced Smith to 70 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release and $100 special assessment. According to court records, on September 29, 2020, Michael Smith was observed speeding on I‑80. Before a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper was able to conduct a traffic stop, Smith exited I-80 and parked at the Flying J truck stop in Cheyenne, Wyoming. A canine unit was deployed and alerted to the presence of a controlled substance coming from Smith’s vehicle. The vehicle was searched, and officers discovered over 14 kilograms of raw marijuana and over 1.6 kilograms of methamphetamine. Smith admitted he was a regular trafficker of controlled substances . The crime was investigated by the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Cheyenne Police Department. Wendy Delana Kaufman , age 51, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced on May 26, 2023, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced Kaufman to 78 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $500 in community restitution and a $100 special assessment. This crime was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Coppom. Firearms Offenses Matthew Pruitt , age 20, of Cheyenne, Wyoming was sentenced on May 26, 2023, for being a felon in possession of a firearm to 27 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence. The crime was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood prosecuted the case.


title: Rochester Felon Pleads Guilty To Drug And Gun Charges

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced that Jesus Santiago, 32, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that on June 23, 2022, Santiago was on supervised release. U.S. Probation officers searched his residence on Glide Street in Rochester, and recovered a loaded 9mm, semi-automatic handgun, ammunition, approximately 362 grams of marijuana, and drug packaging material. In 2016, Santiago was convicted in Erie County, NY Court of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. In 2019, he was convicted in the Western District of New York of being felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. As a result, Santiago is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. The plea is the result of an investigation by U.S. Marshals Service Task Force, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina, the United States Probation Office, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Timothy C. Englerth, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito. Sentencing is scheduled for August 30, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. before Judge Larimer.


title: Rochester Man Charged With Production And Possession Of Child Pornography

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Stephen Nicot, 60, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production and possession of child pornography, which carry a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in July 2022, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received information that Nicot had cameras hidden in a bathroom of his residence. The Sheriff’s office subsequently executed a search warrant at the residence, seizing a USB drive, cell phones, an SD card, and a laptop. A forensic review of the items seized recovered numerous photographs and videos depicting young boys and adult men nude. Some of the videos depicted young boys and adult men showering. Investigators believe some of the videos were taken by the camera hidden in Nicot’s bathroom. In addition, investigators have identified videos that they believe were taken by a camera that Nicot hid in a bathroom, that included a shower, in an Orleans County, NY, church. The investigation has identified five victims. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1-585-546-2220. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. 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: Three sent to prison for Pearland bank robbery

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – Three Houston men have been ordered to federal prison for aiding and abetting bank robbery and brandishing a firearm for the 2021 robbery of a local Woodforest Bank, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Alex Dwayne Thomas, 20, and Rafael Fernandez, 29, pleaded guilty Feb. 24 and Jan. 26, respectively. Today, Judge Alfred H. Bennett sentenced Thomas and Fernandez to 24 and 18 months in prison, respectively, for the bank robbery. They each also received an additional 84 months for the firearms charges which must be served consecutively. The respective 108 and 102-month prison terms will be followed by three years of supervised release. Accomplice Lorenzo Lewis Smith, 20, Houston, also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 108 months April 20. “These men put innocent lives at risk – first when they terrorized bank employees at gunpoint, then by engaging in a reckless escape,” said Hamdani. “Thankfully, authorities were on their heels and put them in custody in short order. This sentence shows our vigilance in combatting violent crime and how we partner with law enforcement to ensure these criminals are off the streets of Houston.” The charges stem from a violent take-over style robbery of a Pearland area Woodforest Bank Nov. 5, 2021. During the robbery, Thomas jumped over the teller counter while brandishing a 9mm firearm with an extended magazine. Smith then used a crowbar to pry open the cash drawers and stole U.S. currency. Both then fled to an awaiting get-away car that Fernandez was driving. Authorities pursued the vehicle in a high-speed chase before safely apprehending all three men. All three men will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Task Force officers and the Pearland Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Peneguy and John M. Lewis prosecuted the case.


title: U.S. Attorney Will Thompson Issues Statement Regarding West Virginia State Police Sergeant Fatally Shot in the Line of Duty

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson issued the following statement regarding West Virginia State Police Sgt. Cory Maynard, who was shot and fatally wounded in the line of duty on Friday, June 2, 2023, in Mingo County. We join with all West Virginians in grief at the loss of State Police Sgt. Cory Maynard, who was shot and fatally wounded in the line of duty earlier today. Throughout this district, our state and our nation, the men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line for the safety and protection of us all. Today’s tragedy is a grim reminder of the dangers inherent in that sacred task. Sgt. Maynard proved himself an outstanding example of selfless service and dedication to his community, and we mourn alongside our state and the law enforcement community. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. ###


title: Vermont Man Sentenced to 10 Years Following Jury Conviction for Attempted Enticement of a Minor

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Thomas Cesiro, age 69, of Rutland, Vermont, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. After a three-day trial, the jury voted to convict Cesiro on October 13, 2022. The trial evidence established that from October 10 to October 20, 2020, Cesiro exchanged more than 1,000 text messages and 9 phone calls with Albany-based investigators who were posing as both a 12-year-old girl and the adult mother of the girl. During one phone call, Cesiro instructed the girl how to conduct a sexual act. On October 20, 2020, Cesiro traveled from his residence in Rutland to Bennington, Vermont, to meet the purported mother and 12-year-old child, and brought with him various sex devices and gifts for the child, including a vibrating Frozen -themed toothbrush. Cesiro was encountered by law enforcement officials upon his arrival to the meeting location and arrested. United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a 10-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release. This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, including investigators from the Colonie Police Department, Rotterdam Police Department, and New York State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Williams and Richard Belliss. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better located, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/ .


title: Owner of Several Key West Hospitality Staffing Companies Sentenced for Tax and Immigration Crimes

component: Tax Division

body_text: A Florida man was sentenced yesterday to two years and eight months in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States and conspiring to harbor aliens and induce them to remain in the United States. According to court documents and statements made in court, between November 2010 and October 2020, Batyr Myatiev owned and operated several Key West labor staffing companies, including Best Results Total Services, Inc, Ameri Hosp LLC, and Golden Sands Management, LLC, that facilitated the employment of non-resident aliens in hotels, bars, and restaurants operating in Key West and elsewhere who were not authorized to work in the United States. Myatiev encouraged workers to enter the United States illegally and induced them to remain in the country, in violation of immigration laws. Myatiev’s labor staffing companies paid alien workers without withholding federal income and employment taxes from their wages and did not report said wages to the IRS. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge K. Michael Moore ordered Myatiev to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $6,869,869.80 in restitution to the United States. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzalez for the Southern District of Florida made the announcement. IRS-Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case. Senior Litigation Counsel Sean Beaty and Trial Attorneys Jessica A. Kraft, Nicholas J. Schilling, Jr., Matthew C. Hicks, and Wilson Stamm of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Senior Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Clark for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.


title: Virginia Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Shooting a Man in Northwest Washington

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Richard Nduba, 39, of Alexandria, Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for firing multiple shots at a man in August 2022 in Northwest Washington D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Interim Chief Ashan Benedict, of the Metropolitan Police Department. Nduba was convicted on March 22, 2023, following a three-day trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, of assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. In addition to the prison term, the Honorable Erik Christian ordered 36 months of supervised release. According to the government’s evidence, on August 10, 2022, the defendant argued with with the victim, a friend, outside the Walmart on 99 H Street NW around 7:00pm. After the argument, the victim, who is wheelchair bound, went to the 800 block of 1 st street NW next to the Walmart’s loading dock area to speak on the phone. The defendant circled the block in his rental SUV until he found the victim. Upon finding the victim, the defendant lowered his window, pointed a black handgun at the victim, and shot at the victim twice. The defendant stopped shooting only after the victim acted as if he had been hit and played dead in his wheelchair. Both shots, however, missed the victim. A bullet hole was later discovered in Walmart’s loading dock door, next to where the victim had been sitting at the time of the shooting. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was investigated, prosecuted. and tried by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Omeed Assefi and Colin Cloherty of the Major Crimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Nielsen and Kathleen Kern, Paralegal Specialist Debra McPherson, and Litigation Technology Specialist Charlie Bruce.


title: Man Sentenced for Sex Trafficking Minors in the Philippines

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Wisconsin man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for sex trafficking multiple minors in the Philippines. According to court documents, Donald A. Stenson, 67, of West Allis, traveled to the Philippines on multiple occasions starting in 2007 and repeatedly engaged in sexual activity with minors there. Between 2016 and 2019, Stenson lured five minor victims between the ages of approximately 11 and 17 into commercial sex arrangements, engaging in sexual activity with the victims and then providing them with money and gifts. A search of Stenson’s electronic devices uncovered multiple images and videos of the minor victims, including a video depicting Stenson engaging in sex acts with a minor. The search also uncovered sexually explicit messages with minors and messages in which Stenson discussed engaging in sex acts with the minor victims with John Burgdorff, 66, of West Allis. Burgdorff traveled with Stenson to the Philippines, and Stenson encouraged the victims to meet with Burgdorff, who then also engaged them in commercial sexual activity. Stenson was identified based on a CyberTipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Stenson and Burgdorff were both arrested at Burgdorff’s residence in West Allis and charged as co-defendants in connection with their sex trafficking of these minor victims. Burgdorff was sentenced in November 2022 to two and a half years in prison for engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor in a foreign place. Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Chicago made the announcement. HSI Milwaukee, HSI’s Manila Transnational Criminal Investigation Unit, HSI Bangkok, and Philippine authorities investigated the case. Trial Attorney William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan J. Paulson and Abbey M. Marzick for the Eastern District of Wisconsin prosecuted the case, with assistance from CEOS Trial Attorney Kaylynn Foulon. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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.justice.gov/psc .


title: Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More Than 184 Years Combined in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Arkansas, Western

body_text: FAYETTEVILLE – The final member of a Northwest Arkansas drug trafficking organization was sentenced to federal prison for crimes related to the Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings for the United States District Court in Fayetteville. According to court documents, beginning in approximately September of 2020, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating out of the Fayetteville Division responsible for distributing methamphetamine. During the course of their investigation, investigators identified both Steven Warner and Elmer Francis as leaders of this local group. Warner was further identified as a methamphetamine source of supply for the local group. Those members of the drug trafficking organization indicted federally have been sentenced as follows: Steven James Warner aka Misfit: age 46, McAlester, Oklahoma – Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 400 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release. Elmer Nathaniel Francis aka Nathan : age 65, Cave Springs, Arkansas - Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 327 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release. Vincent James Burrough : age 58, Spiro, Oklahoma - Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 270 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release. Charley Edward Rouell Jr. : age 52, Stigler, Oklahoma – Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 250 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release. Danial Wayne Plack : age 42, Fayetteville, Arkansas – Distribution of more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 188 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release. Michael Winberry : age 52, Cave Springs, Arkansas – Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 180 months imprisonment and 4-year term of supervised release. Cassandra Claire Webb : age 34, Fort Smith, Arkansas – Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine – 60 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release. Eunice Felicitas Cisneros : age 44, Moreno Valley, California – Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 135 months imprisonment and 4-year term of supervised release. Landon Dale Thompson Jr. : age 42, Van Buren, Arkansas – Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine – 87 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release. Christie Michelle Yandell Warner : age 49, Yukon, Oklahoma – Aiding and abetting in the distribution of more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine – 180 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release. Paul Eugene Wisdom : age 34, Fayetteville, Arkansas – Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – 140 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release. U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration Fayetteville Resident Office investigated the case, and were assisted by the following federal and local agencies: United States Marshals Service, ATF, FBI, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Rogers Police Department, Benton County Drug Unit, Bentonville Police Department, 4 th Judicial District Drug Task Force, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas Department of Community Corrections – Probation and Parole, Arkansas Counter Drug Unit, and the Arkansas State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Harris prosecuted the case for the United States. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: Las Vegas Man to Federal Prison for Iowa Meth Conspiracy

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: James Conlan, 58, from Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced May 31, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa, to over eight years in federal prison. On January 25, 2023, Conlan plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hears showed that between January 2021 and December 2021, he and others were involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than a kilogram of methamphetamine across Northwest Iowa. Conlan further admitted that he utilized the United States Postal Service to send methamphetamine from Las Vegas, Nevada, to an undercover post office box in Spencer, Iowa on two occasions. Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Conlan was sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment and must serve a term of four years of supervised release following the imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Conlan remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick T. Greenwood and Shawn Wehde, and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, U.S. Postal Service, Department of Homeland Security, Iowa DCI Laboratory, Iowa State Patrol, Colorado State Patrol, and the Cherokee Iowa Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-4049. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Sallisaw Resident Sentenced For Arson In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Felicia Nicholl Bargar, age 35, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 36 months in prison and ordered to pay $7,500.00 in restitution for committing Arson in Indian Country. The charges arose from investigations by the Sallisaw Police Department, the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On May 6, 2022, Bargar pleaded guilty to willfully and maliciously setting fire to and burning a dwelling. According to investigators, in October 2020, Bargar intentionally set fire to a trailer house she was renting after receiving an eviction notice. “I am thankful for the cooperative investigative work of law enforcement which resulted in the defendant being brought to justice for her senseless and malicious acts," said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Sequoyah County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Charles B. Goodwin, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting by appointment, presided over the hearing in Oklahoma City. Bargar will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.


title: Eufaula Resident Sentenced For Murder In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that William Clayton Brown, age 40, of Eufaula, Oklahoma, was sentenced to consecutive life sentences in prison for one count of First Degree Murder in Indian Country and one count of Second Degree Murder in Indian Country. The charges arose from investigations by the Eufaula Police Department, the District 25 Violent Crime Task Force, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Office of Fugitive Apprehension and Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On September 1, 2021, Brown was found guilty by a federal jury of Second Degree Murder in Indian Country. During the trial, the medical examiner testified Brown fatally stabbed a victim with a sharp instrument. Further testimony revealed Brown attempted to hide the victim’s body in a field. On July 7, 2022, a federal jury found Brown guilty of First Degree Murder in Indian Country. During the trial, witnesses testified that while in the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, Brown killed a second victim in a cell, strangling him with a ligature before beating him and suffocating him with plastic bags. “William Brown has proven he is a hardened and violent criminal, and a true menace to society,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. “For the lives he took and the families he affected, he has duly earned each of his life sentences. Thanks to the efforts of the FBI and our law enforcement partners, Brown will never again endanger the citizens of Oklahoma.” “The defendant is obviously an extremely violent person and the consecutive life sentences imposed by Court were fitting punishment for his heinous crimes,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted these cases because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in McIntosh and Pittsburg Counties, which are within the boundaries of the Creek and Choctaw Nation Reservations, respectively, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable David C. Joseph, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, sitting by designation, presided over the September 2021 trial and the sentencing hearings in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The Honorable Jodi W. Dishman, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting by assignment, presided over the July 2022 trial in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Brown will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve non-paroleable sentences of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.


title: Wilson County Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Child Pornography Offenses

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A Lucama, N.C. man was sentenced yesterday to 144 months in prison for the receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) between April 2020 and August 2021. On February 7, 2023, Jason Ray Batten, 39, pled guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography. According to court documents and other information presented in court, on November 23, 2020, an online undercover employee observed a user of the social media platform, Kik, posting links containing CSAM. Investigators traced the IP address used by the account back to North Carolina and ultimately identified the individuals to whom the subject user accounts were registered. On August 24, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at Batten’s address and also confronted Batten at a nearby property. When confronted, Batten made a number of voluntary admissions, including that he had been involved in the transmission, receipt and possession of CSAM for approximately four years, was a member of multiple online groups known for sharing of CSAM, and even served as the moderator of one such online group. A full forensic examination revealed numerous image and video files of CSAM, including files depicting the sexual abuse of minors as young as infants, and a number of CSAM videos over 10 minutes long. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and Greenville Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan M. Stephany prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-CR-00239-BO. ###


title: Oklahoma City Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY — Today, STEVEN NEEL HARRY , 61, of Oklahoma City pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Harry started communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer in September 2022. During those conversations, Harry discussed meeting an individual at a hotel in Oklahoma City to engage in sexual activity with a person whom Harry believed was a 12-year-old girl. FBI agents arrested Harry on March 22, 2023, after he arrived at the metro hotel. On April 18, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Harry. Count 1 charged him with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, and Count 2 charged him with commission of a felony sex offense by an individual required to register as a sex offender. This afternoon, Harry pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the indictment before Judge Charles B. Goodwin. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in approximately 90 days. At sentencing, Harry faces not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, and a special assessment of $55,100. Harry would also be required to serve a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life. He has been in federal custody since his arrest on March 22, 2023. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison B. Christian and Brandon Hale are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . Reference is made to public records for more information.


title: Three Defendants Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Series of Commercial Arsons

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – United States District Judge Terry F. Moorer has sentenced to prison three of eight defendants involved in a series of 2021 arson attacks at Walmart stores in Alabama and Mississippi. The court sentenced Jeffery Sikes, a.k.a. “Kenneth Allen,” age 42, to serve 216 months in prison. Judge Moorer ordered Alexander Olson, age 23, to serve 180 months in prison. Finally, the court sentenced Quinton Olson, age 22, to serve 36 months in prison. According to court documents and testimony during the sentencing evidentiary hearing, these defendants initially resided in Kearney, Nebraska, and lived in Lillian, Alabama, at the time of the conspiracy. Jeffery Sikes had entered a guilty plea to wire fraud in the District of Nebraska and absconded to Alabama with several co-defendants before he was sentenced in that case. While in Alabama, Sikes led a conspiracy with seven co-defendants to set fire to Walmart stores. The conspirators held a series of planning meetings in which they also drafted a document entitled the Declaration of War and Demands for the People that made various demands and threats against Walmart locations. Alexander Olson and Quinton Olson participated in these planning meetings. The defendants circulated this document to multiple media outlets to draw attention to the arson attacks. Multiple conspirators set malicious fires at four Walmart locations. Jeffery Sikes and Alexander Olson set fires at one Walmart location, and Alexander Olson was present during the malicious fires at all four locations. At the evidentiary hearing, the Court heard from multiple witnesses who suffered the impacts from these fires. The defendants were arrested in February 2022 after a months-long investigation. They pleaded guilty to participation in a conspiracy to set these malicious fires. “These three defendants deliberately endangered innocent shoppers and destroyed millions of dollars of merchandise when they intentionally and maliciously set fires in four stores in two states,” said United States Attorney Sean P. Costello. “Setting fire to a business isn’t an economic or political argument, it’s a serious violent crime that has serious consequences. These criminals were brought to justice thanks to the exceptional work of the men and women of the FBI, who demonstrated persistence, creativity, and professionalism throughout this complex investigation.” FBI–Mobile Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown said, “Jeffery Sikes, the admitted mastermind of a series of Walmart store fires was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison, which was double the recommended prison term under the federal guidelines. This sentence was based on the totality and severity of the defendant’s actions. Sikes will also be required to pay approximately $7.3 million dollars in restitution to Walmart. This case demonstrates domestic terrorism continues to persist in a variety of forms. The investigative rigor and professionalism of the Mobile JTTF and its partners brought this investigation to a successful conclusion.” Co-defendants Erica Sikes, Jenna Sikes, and Mikayla Scheele are scheduled be sentenced by Judge Moorer on June 2, 2023. Michael Bottorff and Sean Bottorff are scheduled to be sentenced on June 12, 2023, and August 24, 2023, respectively. This case was primarily investigated by FBI–Mobile. In addition, Mobile Fire Investigators, ATF–Mobile, FBI–Jackson, FBI–Omaha, and various FBI Headquarters components contributed to this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Bodnar, Scott Gray, and Kasee Heisterhagen prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States. Substantial assistance was also provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska as well as the Department of Justice–Counterterrorism Section.


title: Former Oklahoma Jail Sergeant Sentenced for Using Excessive Force

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, Johnnie K. Drewery, 29, a former sergeant with the Grady County Jail in Chickasha, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 48 months of probation, 30 days of weekend incarceration, and 104 hours of community service for using excessive force against an inmate, and thereby violating the inmate’s constitutional civil rights, announced Robert J. Troester, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma. On January 19, 2022, Drewery pleaded guilty to a felony civil rights violation. According to court documents and admissions Drewery made during the plea hearing, on July 11, 2020, Drewery, along with other officers, transported an inmate, D.H., into a holding cell at the Grady County Jail. As the cell door was closing, D.H. spit on Drewery. Drewery then screamed for the cell door to be reopened. When the cell door was unlocked, Drewery rushed into the cell and, in retaliation for being spit on, struck and repeatedly kneed D.H. D.H. suffered a fractured rib as a result of this assault. “Former Sergeant Drewery violated the public trust and the laws he was sworn to uphold when he assaulted a man entrusted to his care,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “Being a correctional officer did not make him above the law. My office remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all Oklahomans – including those who are incarcerated.” “Mr. Drewery’s retaliatory actions toward an inmate in his care not only violated the victim’s civil rights, but also compromised the public’s trust toward the law enforcement community,” said Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “The sentence handed down today illustrates the FBI’s commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of all Americans.” The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry for the Western of District of Oklahoma and Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case. Reference is made to court records for further information.


title: Culpeper Woman Pleads Guilty to Dark Web Murder-For-Hire Plot

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A Culpeper, Virginia woman, who went online in an attempt to hire a hitman using bitcoin, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court. Annie Nicole Ritenour, 27, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of using interstate commerce facilities in the commission of a murder-for-hire. According to court documents, in 2021 Ritenour accessed a website on the dark web whose advertisements boasted the ability to “kill any person you want as long as it is not a president or very important person that is guarded by the military.” On June 26, 2021, Ritenour set-up an account with the website and placed an “order” for murder-for-hire services. The order was titled, “shoot and get away.” With her order, Ritenour included a picture of the intended victim, his workplace address, and his work hours. She also included the following instructions: I am just looking for a simple quick job. The address of the person will be best place to make the target, as it is his workplace. He works 6am to 3 pm Monday through Friday…. Ritenour also included a description of the victim’s vehicle and license plate number. After placing the order, Ritenour made three separate payments via Bitcoin to the website’s “escrow account” totaling $3,200. She was arrested before the balance of payment could be made. At sentencing, Ritenour faces 36 to 87 months in prison. United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Richmond Division, made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald M. Huber is prosecuting the case for the United States.