title: Multiple defendants prosecuted on federal firearms, drug charges

body_text: SAVANNAH, GA: Newly returned indictments in the Southern District of Georgia include felony charges for illegal firearms possession and drug distribution, while additional defendants have been sentenced to federal prison or await further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal gun charges. “With our law enforcement partners, we continue the work of removing firearms from the hands of those who can’t legally possess them – especially those convicted of prior felonies,” said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “This effort is a vital step in reducing gun violence in our communities.” The cases are prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI, to reduce violent crime with measures that include targeting convicted felons who illegally possess guns. Those indicted during the February term of the U.S. District Court Grand Jury include: Daveon Daniels , 25, of Grovetown, Ga., charged with Illegal Possession of a Machinegun and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Matthew Lacey , 26, of Savannah, is charged in a superseding indictment with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He originally was indicted on the same charge in November 2023 and the superseding indictment adds enhanced penalties; and, Justin Anthony Brown , 32, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Two Savannah men also were named in a recently unsealed January indictment: Jacerio Maurice Famble , 35, and Aaron Jamonta Bennett , 32, are charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Psilocyn and Marijuana, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Psilocyn and Marijuana. Famble also is charged with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. All indicted defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. Defendants recently adjudicated on federal firearms charges include: Jonathan Duncan , 38, of Savannah, sentenced to 64 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police officers found a pistol and drugs in Duncan’s vehicle during a November 2022 traffic stop. As noted in his guilty plea, Duncan has a prior state conviction for illegal gun possession. Keith Ponsell, 34, of Jesup, Ga., sentenced to 24 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. A Georgia State Patrol trooper found an illegal “pen” gun in Ponsell’s pocket during a traffic stop in Jesup in June 2022. William Zaccaeus Hightower, 24, of Blackshear, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Marijuana, and Possession of a Machinegun. Pierce County sheriff’s deputies found a pistol and drugs in Hightower’s vehicle after an attempted traffic stop in May 2022 ended with Hightower striking a police vehicle and crashing. ATF agents determined the Glock 9mm pistol in Hightower’s possession was fitted with a device rendering it fully automatic. Christopher David Baskett , 46, of Augusta, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Richmond County sheriff’s deputies arrested Baskett in September 2020 while investigating reports of gunfire in downtown Augusta. After an initial confrontation, deputies located a pistol in Baskett’s vehicle. Baskett has a prior conviction for voluntary manslaughter in South Carolina. The cases are being prosecuted for the United States by the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office. Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual to possess a firearm if he or she falls into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to purchase – firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, also is a federal offense. For more information from the ATF on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atfw-form-4473


title: Mexican man receives life in prison for holding hostages at ransom

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 27-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced for holding multiple men against their will and demanding ransom, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Edgardo Hernandez-Zamora pleaded guilty June 8, 2023, to hostage taking. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now ordered Hernandez-Zamora to serve the rest of his life in federal prison. Co-conspirators Adrian Ramirez, 20, and Adrian Ramirez-Vasquez, 39, both from Mexico, also pleaded guilty to their roles and previously received 48 and 60 months in prison, respectively. Not U.S. citizens, both men are expected to face removal proceedings following their terms of imprisonment. In February 2023, law enforcement arrived at a residence in Laredo after learning of a potential kidnapping. During their investigation, authorities heard loud banging coming from a window within the home and observed men crying and screaming in Spanish “they were kidnapping us.” Authorities determined the men were being held against their will while Hernandez-Zamora communicated with their family members to demand a ransom. Hernandez-Zamora threatened to tie the victims up and cause them physical harm and that they would not see their families again if they did not comply. One of the family members paid $3,500 as a partial payment of the ransom demand for their release. Ramirez and Ramirez-Vasquez were both found to have conspired with Hernandez-Zamora in operating the stash house. Hernandez-Zamora has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the investigation with assistance from the Webb County Constable’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Scott Bowling prosecuted the case.


title: Tracy Woman Pleads Guilty to Fraudulent Scheme to Steal California Unemployment Insurance Benefits

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Kaymeisha Keyes, 32, most recently of Tracy, pleaded guilty today to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, between April 2020 and August 2021, Keyes executed a scheme to defraud the California Employment Development Department (EDD) by filing over 70 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with EDD, seeking Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and other benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. During the scheme, Keyes collected personally identifiable information of numerous individuals — including names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers — and used their identities to file fraudulent unemployment insurance claims. The filings represented, among other things, that the claimants had recently lost employment or were unable to find employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These unemployment insurance claims were fraudulent because, for example, the claimants were not unemployed, they were not eligible for California unemployment insurance benefits, or Keyes did not have authority to file claims on their behalf. Since at least October 2021, EDD partnered with ID.me — a private company used by the EDD for ID verification of claimants — to implement a system for verifying claimant identities before EDD can process unemployment insurance claims. In executing this fraudulent scheme, Keyes submitted false information to ID.me that allowed fake and stolen identities to be verified. This false information included images of fake driver’s licenses that contained photos of Keyes and co-schemers and the names of the purported claimants. She also submitted photos of herself and co-schemers that were used to verify the photos on the fake driver’s licenses. Once these false identities were verified, Keyes filed the fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with EDD under the same identities. In the fraudulent unemployment insurance applications, Keyes requested that the unemployment insurance benefits be mailed to various addresses under her control, including her residence in Tracy. EDD approved dozens of the fraudulent claims and authorized Bank of America to mail out EDD debit cards containing unemployment insurance benefits. Keyes then activated the EDD debit cards and spent the benefits on herself. The scheme sought over $2 million in unemployment insurance benefits and caused EDD and the United States to incur actual losses exceeding $1.1 million. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Office of Correctional Safety, and the California EDD – Investigation Division with assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow is prosecuting the case. Keyes is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on May 11, 2024. Keyes faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the wire fraud count. She faces a two-year mandatory prison sentence on the aggravated identity theft count, which must run consecutive to any sentence received on the wire fraud count. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. This case is prosecuted as part of the California COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force, one of five interagency COVID-19 fraud strike force teams established by the Department of Justice. The California Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources in the Eastern and Central Districts of California. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.


title: Former BOP Prison Guard Sentenced to 18 Months for Accepting a Bribe

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Heather Alissa Neff, 38, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to 18 months in prison, and 36 months of supervised release. Neff pleaded guilty to Accepting a Bribe by a Public Official on August 31, 2023. From 2016 through June 2019, Neff worked as a corrections officer in the Bureau of Prisons facility at FCI Safford where she regularly interacted with inmates. In early 2019, Neff entered into an inappropriate sexual relationship with an inmate incarcerated at FCI Safford. Neff received cash in exchange for a stream of benefits to the inmate, including sexual contact with the inmate; introducing contraband into the prison, which included nutritional supplements, loose tobacco, hygiene items, and rum; and assisting the inmate in circumventing a security feature of the prison by taking mail from the inmate out of the prison and inserting it into the U.S. mail on his behalf. Neff also accessed the BOP SENTRY system on behalf of the inmate and provided him with non-public information regarding other inmates. As a part of the plea, Neff acknowledged that one of the inmates she provided information about was later assaulted. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-23-00204-SHR-BGM RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-017_Neff # # # 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: Cryptocurrency futures market CEO charged with violating Bank Secrecy Act

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On Feb. 12, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Digitex Futures Exchange (Digitex Futures), was charged in federal court with willfully causing Digitex Futures to violate the Bank Secrecy Act by failing to establish and implement an anti-money-laundering program. According to the allegations in the indictment, from January 2018 through April 2022, Adam Colin Todd, 50, a former resident of Miami, Florida, illegally operated Digitex Futures, an online futures exchange company, as an unregistered futures commission merchant in the United States. As alleged in the indictment, Todd sold and offered futures contracts to Digitex Futures’ customers. Allegedly, Todd willfully failed to establish, implement, and maintain an adequate anti-money-laundering program, including an adequate know-your-customer program. The indictment further alleges that Todd publicly stated that he refused to implement know-your-customer policies for Digitex Futures. Todd made his initial appearance in federal court. If convicted, Todd faces up to five years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with other mitigating, aggravating, and statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement. FBI Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor Jones is prosecuting it. An information contains mere allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 23-cr-20478. ###


title: Apache Corporation to Pay $4 Million and Reduce Unlawful Air Pollution from Oil and Gas Wells in New Mexico and Texas, Eliminating More Than 10,000 Tons of Harmful Air Pollutants Annually

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: Apache Corporation (Apache) has agreed to pay $4 million in civil penalties and undertake projects expected to cost at least $5.5 million to ensure 422 of its oil and gas well pads in New Mexico and Texas comply with state and federal clean air regulations and offset past illegal emissions. Apache’s agreement settles a civil suit – filed jointly by the United States, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) – alleging that Apache failed to comply with federal and state requirements to capture and control air emissions from 23 of its oil and gas production operations in New Mexico and Texas. EPA and NMED identified the alleged violations through field investigations and repeated flyover surveillance conducted in 2019, 2020 and 2022. Compliance with this robust settlement will result in annual reductions of more than 9,650 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and 900 tons of methane, which equates to more than 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). VOCs are a key component in the formation of ground-level ozone or smog, which irritates lungs, exacerbates diseases including asthma and can increase susceptibility to respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. “Today’s settlement will ensure compliance at hundreds of oil and gas facilities across New Mexico and Texas,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Under the settlement, over 400 Apache facilities will be required to take extensive steps to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds – which contribute to smog – as well as methane gas, which is a significant contributor to climate change.” “Robust enforcement of Clean Air Act violations at oil and gas facilities protects communities from harmful smog and reduces methane emissions that are major contributors to global climate change,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Today’s agreement demonstrates EPA’s commitment to working with our state partners to tackle climate change and improve air quality for everyone living in the United States.” “Noxious pollutants directly threaten the health of neighboring communities while propelling our world toward climate disaster,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez for the District of New Mexico. “I applaud the tireless efforts of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, the U.S. EPA and the NMED to protect our lungs and our earth. Environmental justice is a top priority for the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico.” “This settlement shows that oil and gas operators deserve greater scrutiny because too many are failing to comply with federal and state rules,” said New Mexico Environment Cabinet Secretary James Kenney. “As a result, bad actors will cause greater federal and state regulation of the entire oil and gas industry as ozone levels rise and public health suffers.” The $4 million fine outlined in the settlement will be shared equally by the United States and the State of New Mexico, with New Mexico’s portion going to the state’s general fund. The settlement document (consent decree) was filed together with the complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico and requires the company to take numerous steps to ensure that 422 well pads covered by the consent decree and located in New Mexico and Texas are operated lawfully. In addition to the $4 million fine, Apache will also spend at least $4.5 million to implement extensive design, operation, maintenance and monitoring improvements, including installing new tank pressure monitoring systems that will provide advance notification of potential emissions and allow for immediate response action by the company. Apache will also spend over $1 million to offset the harm caused by the alleged violations by replacing, on an accelerated schedule, more than 400 pollutant-emitting pneumatic devices with non-emitting devices. Pound for pound, methane is approximately 28 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in terms of its impact on global warming. Accordingly, a reduction of 900 tons of annual methane reductions equates to more than 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and is akin to eliminating the use of more than 2.5 million gallons of gasoline annually. Greenhouse gases from human activities are a primary cause of climate change and global warming. This enforcement settlement furthers EPA’s commitment to deliver public health protections against climate-impacting pollution and other pollutants for communities across America and helps deliver on EPA’s top commitment in its strategic plan, which is to tackle the climate crisis. The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants that are considered harmful to public health and the environment. Ozone is a criteria pollutant that is created when oxides of nitrogen (NO x ) and VOCs react in the atmosphere. VOCs and NO x are emitted by oil and gas production facilities, such as those operated by Apache. During the timeframes of Apache’s alleged violations, air quality monitors in the relevant counties in New Mexico registered rising ozone concentrations exceeding 95% of the NAAQS for ozone. In counties where ozone levels reach 95% of the NAAQS, NMED is required by New Mexico state statute to take action to reduce ozone pollution. Apache Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of APA Corporation, which is engaged in the exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources in the United States. Apache Corporation is a large producer in the Permian Basin, which is a shale oil and gas producing area located in southeast New Mexico and West Texas. This settlement is part of EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative, Mitigating Climate Change . EPA also has a webpage on today’s settlement. The Justice Department’s Environmental Enforcement Section lodged today’s proposed consent decree in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico. The settlement is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. The consent decree will be available for viewing on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees . The Federal Register notice will also include instructions for submitting public comment.


title: St. Louis County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Dealing, Fatal Shooting of Teen

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Tuesday sentenced a man who was dealing fentanyl and fatally shot a 16-year-old with a fully automatic pistol in downtown St. Louis in 2022 to 15 years in prison. Judge Schelp also ordered John M. Whitney Jr., 22, of Bridgeton, to pay $8,341 for his victim’s funeral expenses. In March of 2022, Whitney was selling drugs outside a loft building on Washington Avenue in downtown St. Louis. After entering the lobby and heading to the elevators, he used a Glock handgun equipped with an aftermarket “switch” to fatally shoot a 16-year-old. Whitney claimed he was acting in self-defense after the teen drew his weapon first, Whitney’s plea agreement says. Surveillance video shows Whitney and the teen simultaneously drawing firearms and Whitney opening fire with the Glock as the teen turned towards Whitney with his pistol raised. Whitney then exchanged fire with the teen’s associate before both fled the building. The teen was socializing with others in the lobby. In a letter to Judge Schelp, the teen’s mother said it was his first time going out to have fun and that he was in the “wrong place at the wrong time.” “My heart is broken for the rest of my life,” she wrote. Whitney continued selling drugs and possessing firearms after killing the victim. In his plea agreement, he admitted selling fentanyl twice to someone working for the Drug Enforcement Administration. A court-approved search of his apartment on April 22, 2022, found a different Glock pistol with an aftermarket switch that converted it a fully automatic weapon, as well as three AR-15-style rifles, a .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol, raw fentanyl in a plastic bag and capsules containing fentanyl. "Guns and drugs are often coupled when we encounter drug distributors," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colin Dickey, supervisor of DEA operations in Eastern Missouri. "These criminals are engaged in illegal activities and believe they must protect them through equally illegal means. It's our job to show them how wrong they are, and take the dealers off the streets to prevent more harm." Whitney pleaded guilty in November to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoff Ogden is prosecuting the case.


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Marshall County Woman for Wire Fraud

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Paducah returned an indictment today charging a Marshall County woman with six counts of wire fraud. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Sheriff Matt Hilbrecht of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement. According to the indictment, from May 2020 to May 2023, Amanda S. Robertson, 33, used her position as a bookkeeper to unlawfully obtain funds and services totaling over $1,000,000 from her employer’s account. By accessing the company’s bank accounts, she scheduled unauthorized electronic payments and issued company checks to pay her personal expenses. Robertson will make her initial appearance at a future date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Robertson faces a maximum sentence of 120 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by the FBI and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Los Angeles Man Sentenced to Prison for Dark Web Drug Conspiracy and Firearms Crimes

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gabriel Alva, 32, of Winnetka, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for conspiring to distribute heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine over the dark web, and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Alva and his co-conspirators ran multiple drug vendor accounts on various dark web contraband marketplaces, including “Diablow” on the Silk Road 3.1 marketplace, “RaiseAppeals” on the Dream marketplace, and “RaisedByDiablow” on the Nightmare marketplace. Alva’s dark web vendor pages offered crystal methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and other narcotics for sale. Alva accepted payment in cryptocurrency for the narcotics he sold on the dark web and converted approximately $1.3 million worth of various cryptocurrencies into cash while operating his vendor accounts. Federal law enforcement agents executed search and arrest warrants at Alva’s residence in May 2019. Agents seized nearly 2 kilograms of heroin, more than 2 kilograms of cocaine, and nearly 24 kilograms of methamphetamine. Agents also recovered six firearms inside Alva’s residence (including a Remington shotgun, a Smith & Wesson assault rifle, and an unserialized AR-15 assault rifle), as well as a silencer, a scope, and several magazines of ammunition. This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Northern California Illicit Digital Economy (NCIDE) Task Force. The NCIDE Task Force is a federal task force focused on targeting all forms of illicit dark web and cryptocurrency activity in the Eastern District of California and beyond, and includes agents from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stefanki prosecuted the case.


title: Professional Rock Climber Convicted of Sexual Assaults in Yosemite National Park

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal jury found Charles Barrett, 39, guilty today of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of abusive sexual contact that occurred during a weekend in Yosemite National Park, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the victim went to Yosemite for a weekend of hiking, and Barrett, who was working and living in the park, sexually assaulted her three times. During trial, three other women testified that Barrett also sexually assaulted them. These assaults were not charged because they were outside federal jurisdiction but were admitted at trial as relevant to the charged assaults. “This defendant used his renown and physical presence as a rock climber to lure and intimidate victims who were part of the rock-climbing community. His violent sexual assaults were devastating to the victims, whom he later threatened in the lead-up to trial,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “Today, the defendant has been held accountable for his crimes. My office will continue its work to make National Parks such as Yosemite a safe place for all." This case is the product of an investigation by the National Park Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael G. Tierney and Arin C. Heinz are prosecuting the case. U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez is scheduled to sentence Barrett on May 21, 2024. Barrett faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. If you have information related to this case or believe you may be a victim, please submit a tip online , call 888-653-0009, or email nps_isb@nps.gov .


title: United States Files Lawsuit Against Philadelphia Resident, Alleging Violations of FAA Regulations When Flying Drones

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that the United States has filed a complaint in U.S. District Court against Michael DiCiurcio of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In its complaint, the United States alleges that DiCiurcio operated small unmanned aircraft systems (“sUAS”) — commonly known as drones — unlawfully and unsafely in the Philadelphia area between at least December 2019 to the present, in violation of Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) requirements. The United States alleges that DiCiurcio operated flights at night, in close proximity to the William Penn Statue, PSFS Building, and the Liberty One Building. On one occasion, the sUAS almost struck a church steeple during flight. The United States alleges that, during certain flights, DiCiurcio improperly operated the sUAS inside of controlled airspace near the Philadelphia International Airport, over people and cars, and, in at least one instance, lost control of the sUAS, causing it to fly uncontrolled over Philadelphia. The FAA warned DiCiurcio in writing and provided him with counseling and education regarding requirements for safe operations of a sUAS under the Federal Aviation Regulations. The United States alleges that DiCiurcio nonetheless has continued to operate sUASs illegally and in a careless or reckless manner that endangers others. The United States seeks substantial civil penalties and an injunction to prevent additional illegal conduct. “Failing to adhere to the safety requirements for flying drones endangers people and property,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “All drone operators have a responsibility to ensure that they observe all applicable regulations and guidance. Our office is committed to ensuring total compliance with the FAA regulations and we will vigorously enforce violations wherever we find them.” “We work hard to educate people about safely flying their drones, and we don’t hesitate to take strong enforcement action when pilots deliberately flout the rules,” said Deputy FAA Administrator Katie Thomson. The allegations regarding unsafe sUAS flights in violation of FAA regulations are described in detail in the complaint. The case is captioned United States of America v. Michael DiCiurcio , Case No. 24-cv-00612 (E.D. Pa.). The case has been investigated by the FAA’s Flight Standards Division and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Viveca D. Parker. All civil claims are allegations only. There has been no determination of civil liability.


title: Chicago Consultant Convicted of Federal Tax Offenses

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: CHICAGO — A Chicago consultant has been convicted on federal tax offenses for underreporting and failing to file federal income taxes. The jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago on Monday convicted ANNAZETTE COLLINS, 61, of Chicago, on four tax counts, including two counts of willfully filing a false individual income tax return, one count of willfully failing to file a corporate income tax return, and one count of willfully failing to file an individual income tax return. The jury acquitted Collins on two other tax counts. U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso set sentencing for June 21, 2024. Each felony count of filing a false individual income tax return is punishable by up to three years in federal prison. The misdemeanor counts of willfully failing to file individual or corporate income tax returns each carry a maximum sentence of one year in federal prison. Evidence presented at trial revealed that Collins willfully filed a false individual tax return for the calendar years 2014 and 2015, and willfully failed to file an individual income tax return for the calendar year 2016. Collins also willfully failed to file a corporate income tax return for the calendar year 2016 on behalf of her consulting and lobbying business, Chicago-based Kourtnie Nicole Corp. Prior to operating her consulting business, Collins served in the Illinois General Assembly as a Representative and Senator. The conduct for which Collins was convicted resulted in a federal tax loss of approximately $86,000. The conviction was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago, and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Parthum and Amarjeet S. Bhachu.


title: Owners and Operators of illicit marijuana business sentenced to federal prison for violations of federal and state law

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A father and son from Seattle were each sentenced today to 30 months in prison for their scheme to violate the state’s marijuana production regulations and produce and sell marijuana on the black market, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Qixian Wu, 59, and Yong Cong Wu, 30, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering. At their sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour said the men knew what they were doing violated state law and he was concerned “about the firearms connected with the grows.” “Even after multiple visits from state regulators, the Wu family continued to illegally grow and sell marijuana – some of it likely tainted with illegal pesticides,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “By seeking licensing under the regulatory scheme—while not complying in any meaningful way with this system—the Wu family not only violated federal law, but also, threatened the viability of the state’s approach to the legalization of marijuana in Washington.” According to records filed in the case, as early as November 2016, regulators began noticing irregularities in reports from the Wu’s licensed marijuana production business—New Direction—located on West Marginal Way SW. Inspections in July, August and September 2018 identified product that was not appropriately tagged or tracked. Samples taken in September were tested and found to be tainted with illegal pesticides. In October, inspectors from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) seized all the product at New Direction. Despite the regulatory attention, the Wu family did not change operations and continued to falsify reports with respect to the marijuana produced at New Direction. Yong Cong Wu and his brother—who is scheduled for sentencing in April—also operated a second business, Affordable Indoor Growing Supplies (AIG), which provided marijuana grow equipment to other illegal growers throughout the area. The men deposited cash derived from illegal marijuana sales into the accounts of the gardening store business to hide the fact that these deposits, in fact, involved illicit drug proceeds. They also used a casino next to the gardening store to launder the funds. When investigators searched the home and businesses associated with the Wu family in October 2020, they seized more than 3,000 marijuana plants and over 100 kilograms of processed marijuana. At the garden store they seized $69,456 in cash drug proceeds and $34,800 in money orders. At the Wu family residence investigators seized $152,631 in cash drug proceeds, eleven firearms, a 2018 Mercedes G-550 and a 2020 Mercedes G63 W4—purchased outright in September 2020 for more than $235,000. In all, the defendants are forfeiting the commercial property that facilitated their illicit conspiracy, two luxury cars, and about $250,000 in cash as proceeds of crime. The defendants also agreed to abandon the firearms seized from the family residence. Both men will be on three years of supervised release following the prison terms. 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 . The case was investigated by U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), King County Sheriff’s Office, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Silvio with substantial investigative assistance from OCDETF Auditor Becky Carnell.


title: Federal Investigation of GBEN Pump-and-Dump Scheme Results in Conviction of Eight Men and Recovery of over $400,000 for Victim Restitution

body_text: CLEVELAND - United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko announced the results of a federal investigation involving eight men that were charged in two cases with participating in a pump-and-dump scheme designed to inflate the stock price of Global Resources, Inc. (“GBEN”), a public company that purportedly planned to bring hemp-infused wine to market. All the defendants pleaded guilty and were sentenced to a combined total of 165 months of imprisonment. The defendants charged and convicted were Thomas Collins, 50, of Weatherford, Texas; Patrick Thomas, 50, of Carrollton, Texas; Hughe Duwayne Graham, 66, of Riverside, California; Brian Kingsfield, 54, of Costa Mesa, California; Tyler Paulson, 62, of Canyon Lake, California; Gary Kouletas, 47, of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey; and Scott Levine, 45, of Delray Beach, Florida. According to court documents, from February 2014 to August 2020, the defendants conspired to defraud investors by issuing millions of shares to themselves at little to no cost, artificially controlling the price and volume of shares using manipulative trading techniques, and obfuscating the true sellers of stock, all while selling the stock at fraudulently inflated prices to unsuspecting victims in Ohio and throughout the country. As part of the scheme, Levine used his position to facilitate the conspiracy’s ability to execute trades of GBEN shares between company insiders and investors who had been solicited to buy blocks of free-trading stock. Kouletas and others operated PAG Group, which was used to enter into secret agreements with company insiders to sell free-trading stock on their behalf for a portion of the proceeds. Members of the conspiracy also knowingly made false statements and omissions when they solicited investors to purchase restricted GBEN stock, including concealing the fact that the salesman’s compensation was up to 40% of the victim’s investment. As a result of the defendants’ combined fraudulent conduct, nearly 50 identified investors lost more than $2 million after purchasing worthless restricted and free-trading stock. The Court determined each defendant’s sentence after a review of factors unique to each case and defendant, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offenses, and the nature of the crimes. The defendants were sentenced to the following terms of imprisonment: Thomas Collins, 37 months; Patrick Thomas, 18 months; Hughe Duwayne Graham, 12 months and 1 day; Brian Kingsfield, 37 months; Gary Kouletas, 43 months; and Scott Levine, 18 months. The defendants were also ordered to pay restitution to the identified victim-investors. So far, the government has recovered over $400,000, which the Clerk of Court will distribute to victims for restitution. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cleveland Division. The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alejandro A. Abreu.


title: Chelsea Sunn Sentenced for Defrauding Former Employer

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Chelsea Sunn, 32, of Hartford, Vermont, was sentenced yesterday in United States District Court in Burlington to two years of probation following Sunn’s guilty plea to a charge of wire fraud. U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III ordered that Sunn pay restitution in the amount of $75,000. On July 7, 2023, the United States Attorney filed a one-count information charging Sunn with wire fraud. Sunn pleaded guilty to that information in August 2023. According to the information, beginning in 2016 and continuing until April 2020, Sunn, who was then known as Chelsea Roy, was employed by Blakeman’s Towing and Recovery, a vehicle towing and roadside assistance business in Tunbridge. Sunn was hired as a full-time office worker but later converted to part-time employment. Sunn was compensated on an hourly basis that included time and a half pay for claimed overtime work. Among other duties, Sunn handled Blakeman’s billing and payroll. According to the information, beginning no later than December 2018 and continuing at least until March 2020, Sunn defrauded Blakeman’s Towing and Recovery by falsely inflating the hours she reportedly worked. This caused Blakeman’s to pay Sunn tens of thousands of dollars beyond her authorized compensation. In the course of defrauding Blakeman’s Towing and Recovery, Sunn used the interstate wire communication system to report her fraudulently-inflated work hours, and caused Blakeman’s to make electronic direct deposits of fraudulently-obtained funds into Sunn’s bank account in Vermont. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Secret Service. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples. Sunn is represented by David Kirby, Esq.


title: Ruskin Man Sentenced For Mail Fraud

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven has sentenced Benjamin Lara (39, Ruskin) to one year and one day in federal prison for mail fraud. The court also ordered Lara to pay $68,086.23 in restitution. Lara entered a guilty plea on November 13, 2023. According to court documents, between March 2016 and July 2017, Lara was employed as a personal banker at a bank in West Bradenton. Through this position, Lara assisted an 85-year-old bank customer. Lara later used information gained through his position to send 31 automatic bill payment checks in his name, to his home address in Ruskin, from that customer’s accounts. Lara also electronically transferred funds from the victim’s account onto three pre-paid cards. In total, between December 2017 and July 2019, Lara stole $68,086 from the victim’s bank account. This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.


title: Albuquerque Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Voluntary Manslaughter

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Silvester Castillo was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Castillo, 38, of Albuquerque, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter on July 6, 2023. According to publicly available court records, on May 31, 2021, officers from the Navajo Nation Police Department responded to a residence in Torreon, New Mexico in reference to a homicide. Officers found Jane Doe in the front yard lying face up with her sweatpants around her ankles and obvious blunt force trauma to her head, face, and body. She was located near a Buick sedan that was still running and had sustained heavy damage to the rear bumper. Castillo was located inside of the residence with blood on his hands, pants, and shoes. Jane Doe’s 4-year-old daughter told law enforcement that her mommy was dead, and that Castillo told her to hide the shovel. During a forensic interview, Jane Doe’s daughter disclosed that she saw Castillo hit Jane Doe with a shovel, remove her clothes, and then run over her face with a car. Castillo then told her not to tell. Castillo’s grandmother also witnessed the incident but waited until daylight to walk to the neighbor’s house for help. Castillo denied any involvement in Jane Doe’s death. He claimed that she brought him alcohol against his wishes and told him she was a “Skinwalker.” He also claimed that she poisoned him, causing him to lose consciousness. Lastly, Castillo claimed self-defense, stating that Jane Doe had bit his shoulder, cut his hand, and burned his arm. Agents were unable to locate any injuries on Castillo other than an older burn scar. According to OMI, Jane Doe’s cause of death was blunt force trauma, the manner of death was homicide. Jane Doe suffered significant scalp wounds, including tears and a subarachnoid hemorrhage, with head and facial injuries consistent with a car wheel driving over it. She also had several broken ribs and a lung injury. Upon his release from prison, Castillo will be subject to three years of supervised release. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Trembly and Caitlin Dillon are prosecuting the case. # # # 24-69


title: Jacksonville Woman Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy To Create And Distribute Animal Crush Videos

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Nicole Danielle Devilbiss (35, Jacksonville) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to create and distribute animal crush videos. Devilbiss faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Animal crushing is defined under federal criminal law as “actual conduct in which one or more living non-human mammals, birds, reptiles, or amphibians, is purposely crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, impaled, or otherwise subjected to serious bodily injury.” According to the plea agreement, in September 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Jacksonville received information regarding an individual residing in Jacksonville, who was identified as an administrator of a social media application group chat that was dedicated to the abuse, torture, and death of various-aged monkeys. The HSI investigation revealed that numerous people involved in the group exchanged hundreds of messages about the abuse and torture of monkeys, as well as videos depicting the abuse and torture of monkeys. The purpose of the group was to fund, view, distribute, and promote animal crush videos that depicted the torture, murder, and sadistic mutilation of animals, specifically baby and adult monkeys. The co-conspirators agreed to create animal crush videos using videographers and animals in other countries, to include Indonesia, which would then be sent to the United States. The name of the group changed multiple times to innocuous names that were inconsistent with the goals and interests of the group, which appeared to be in an effort to avoid detection by law enforcement. This investigation led to the identification of Devilbiss as a member of that group. Law enforcement was able to obtain some of those messages and videos that were exchanged involving her. Devilbiss and her co-conspirators collectively funded the creation of animal crush videos using online payment applications. Co-conspirators outside the United States received this funding and used it create animal crush videos. Between April 14, 2022, and continuing through May 23, 2023, Devilbiss sent at least three payments to her co-conspirators using an online payment application for the purpose of funding the creation of animal crush videos. The IP addresses from the Devilbiss’s transactions were tied to her internet account at her residence. A federal search warrant was executed at her residence and numerous electronic devices were seized. Devilbiss’s devices were reviewed and analyzed. Law enforcement found numerous videos depicting the torture of monkeys. This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Washington and Elisibeth Adams.


title: Man Sentenced to Life Plus 10 Years in Prison for St. Louis Murder, Drug Conspiracy

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

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A felon convicted of drug trafficking charges that included a 2019 St. Louis murder was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp to life plus 10 years in prison. Freeman Whitfield IV, 29, was an enforcer for a large drug conspiracy, evidence and testimony at Whitfield’s trial in October showed. The conspirators brought drugs from Houston and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. to the St. Louis area. A Drug Enforcement Administration investigation that started in 2018 eventually resulted in the seizure of more than $1.5 million in drug proceeds, as well as 25 kilograms of cocaine, 3 kilograms of fentanyl, 10 kilograms of heroin, luxury vehicles, watches and guns. Antonio Boyd, who distributed drugs for Whitfield’s supplier and co-conspirator, Guy R. Goolsby, was arrested on March 21, 2018. Whitfield decided to kill Boyd after hearing rumors that he might be cooperating with investigators, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Mantovani told jurors during Whitfield’s trial. Boyd was fatally shot Dec. 9, 2019, outside a home in the 2500 block of West Palm Street in St. Louis. Another man was shot and wounded. In a related DEA investigation, Whitfield sold fentanyl to an undercover officer in March and July of 2020, as well as others. During a court-approved search of Whitfield’s homes, investigators recovered an AK-style pistol, an AR-15-style pistol, thousands of rounds of ammunition, other firearms, body armor, a police scanner, cash, six cell phones, digital scales and 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl. Drug Enforcement Administration. Drug Enforcement Administration “The Drug Enforcement Administration knows violence is a principal element of drug trafficking, as this case clearly demonstrates,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colin Dickey, supervisor of DEA operations in Eastern Missouri. "This enforcer protected the command and control of a drug trafficking organization dealing in the triple threat of fentanyl, cocaine and heroin. It’s particularly satisfying for us in law enforcement that he will no longer endanger the lives of our citizens with illegal drugs or the gun violence that takes so many St. Louis lives.” Whitfield was found guilty by a jury in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in October of seven felonies: conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, heroin and cocaine; knowingly possessing and discharging a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, causing the death of Antonio Boyd through premeditated murder; knowingly possessing and discharging a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession of one or more firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes; being a felon in possession of a firearm and being a felon in possession of ammunition. Goolsby was sentenced in 2020 to 151 months in prison. This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Charles County Police Department and the Bridgeton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Mantovani and Geoff Ogden prosecuted the case.


title: Former enlistee indicted for theft from U.S. Army

body_text: HOUSTON – A 26-year-old Houston man has been charged with selling stolen government property, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Tamoshion Rucker is a former U.S. Army enlistee who allegedly stole and attempted to sell Image Intensifier Tubes (IITs) for personal gain, according to the indictment. The charges allege the investigation began in December 2022 when authorities attempted to retrieve stolen ITTs that were posted for sale on eBay. These IITs were allegedly manufactured to fulfill government contracts which are not available or authorized for sale to the public. As stated in the indictment, to safeguard this technology and equipment, IITs require demilitarization at the end-of-life cycle use. The instructions allegedly involve striking them with a ball peen hammer, ensuring destruction and for the fragments to be disposed of in accordance with hazardous waste guidelines. IITs cannot be resold or otherwise transferred to anyone after they have been used, according to the charges. He was permitted release upon posting bond pending further criminal proceedings. If convicted, Rucker faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. The FBI and Army Criminal Investigative Division conducted the investigation with assistance from Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Ferko is prosecuting the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: DeSoto County Residents Arrested  for Payroll Protection Fraud

component: USAO - Mississippi, Northern

body_text: Oxford, Mississippi – Three DeSoto County residents were arrested today on criminal charges related to their involvement in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain government funds intended to protect employees of endangered businesses during the COVID pandemic through the Payroll Protection Program of the U.S. Small Business Administration. According to court documents, Zipora Hudson, Montreal Hudson, and Deandre Jones, all of Olive Branch, are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud for their involvement in the fraudulently application of PPP loans. The defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering by participating in wire transfers involving proceeds of the fraud scheme. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 30 years for the conspiracy and wire fraud violations and 20 years for the money laundering charges. A federal district court judge would determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The alleged scheme in the instant case was initially uncovered during the course of a civil investigation. The federal investigative agencies that assisted with this investigation emphasized their ongoing commitment to hold accountable those citizens who seek to fraudulently and unfairly profit from federal pandemic relief programs. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi is prosecuting the case. The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Jackson Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute 144 Grams of Methamphetamine

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to court documents, Randy Williams, Jr., 52, of Jackson, sold methamphetamine from his residence to an individual. Williams was held accountable for distributing a total amount of 144 grams of methamphetamine, with 81 grams having a purity of 100%. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Acting Special Agent in Charge Rebekah Day of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jackson Police Department, and Hinds County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keesha Middleton.


title: Schenectady Woman Indicted on Social Security Fraud Charges

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – AnnMarie Ditoro, age 41, of Schenectady, New York, was indicted earlier this month on charges of social security fraud. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Sharon B. MacDermott, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office, made the announcement. The indictment alleges that Ditoro misused her children’s Social Security benefits after Schenectady County Department of Social Services removed her children from her custody. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Ditoro was arraigned on February 7 and ordered released pending further proceedings. If convicted, Ditoro faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General is investigating this case, which is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Paul Tuck.


title: Convicted Murderer Sentenced to 110 Months in Prison for New Gun Crime

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Tuesday sentenced a convicted murderer caught with a firearm in St. Louis to 110 months in prison. Lucky B. Miner, 51, was in a stolen Hyundai stopped by St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers on July 20, 2022, amid a rash of thefts of Kias and Hyundais. The vehicle had no rear license plate and a heavily damaged steering column allowing it to be driven without a key. When Miner got out of the vehicle, officers recognized him from prior interactions. They called to Miner, who walked away and up a ramp towards a home, taking a chrome pistol out of his waistband. After first trying and failing to open the home’s door, Miner dropped the gun. He then began repeatedly hitting the door with his right shoulder to force it open. Police detained Miner before he could succeed. The driver of the Hyundai had a .22-caliber revolver in her purse. Miner pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in November to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. In 1998, Miner was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of second-degree murder at a bench trial in St. Louis Circuit Court. This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Dunkel prosecuted the case.


title: Massachusetts man sentenced to 15 years in prison for child pornography distribution

body_text: MIAMI – On Feb. 9, a Massachusetts man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution to victims totaling $33,500 in West Palm Beach federal court after being previously convicted of 15 counts of distribution of child pornography. During the summer of 2023, Eric Bahre, 41, of Westfield, Massachusetts, sent dozens of videos of child pornography, including the sado-masochistic abuse of infants and toddlers to a woman in South Florida in a chatroom. During his communication, Bahre emphasized that the videos were for the woman to share them with her “child.” In June 2023, HSI West Palm Beach and HSI Springfield federal agents, along with Westfield Police Department (WPD), Hampden County Sheriff’s Office (HCSD), and the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) officers found electronic devices containing videos and photographs of child exploitation material in Bahre’s house. They also found evidence of Bahre’s communications with the woman, and others, in chatrooms dedicated to the distribution of child pornography. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami, announced the sentence. HSI West Palm Beach Office investigated the case with assistance from HSI Springfield Office, WPD, HCSD, and MSP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), 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 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 the Project Safe Childhood initiative and for information regarding Internet safety, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . To report online child sexual exploitation, use the electronic Cyber Tip Line or call 1-800-843-5678. The Cyber Tip Line is operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in partnership with the HSI and other law enforcement agencies. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 23-cr-80093. ###


title: Ohio County Woman Sentenced to 10 Years for Federal Drug Charge

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Chelsea Marion Banks, age 28, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 121 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, Banks was working with another person to sell drugs in the Wheeling area. Investigators executed search warrants on Banks’s Wheeling home and two Pennsylvania storage units, yielding more than a kilogram of fentanyl, cocaine, stolen firearms, ammunition, and more than $208,000 in cash. Banks will be under United States Probation supervision for three years following her release from prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Nogay prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Wheeling Police Department; and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.


title: Menasha Man Sentenced to 25 years in Federal Prison for Sexually Assaulting a Toddler on Video

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on February 13, 2024, John D. Schaefer (age: 35) of Menasha, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 300 months’ imprisonment for production of child pornography and distribution of child pornography in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and 2252A(a)(2)(A). In November of 2022, law enforcement was contacted by the defendant’s roommate who stated that he had been shown a video produced by Schaefer depicting the sexual abuse of a child who was approximately 15 months old. Further investigation revealed that Schaefer sexually assaulted the child while acting as a babysitter. As part of the investigation, law enforcement seized Schaefer’s electronic items, which contained the video of that abuse and over 2.2 terabytes of child sexual abuse material. During the sentencing hearing, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach noted the horrific nature of the defendant’s actions, the long-term mental health effects that his actions had on his victim and on the children depicted in the over 156,000 images and videos that he possessed and distributed. Judge Griesbach found a strong need to protect the community and sentenced Schaefer to 25 years’ imprisonment. Upon release from prison, Schaefer will serve a lifetime on supervised release and must register as a sex offender under state and federal law. This case was investigated by the Menasha Police Department, the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Oshkosh Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ 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.projectsafechildhood.gov . ### For further information contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov (414) 297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Chinese Nationals Sentenced for Trafficking Counterfeit Gift Cards to Belleville

component: USAO - Illinois, Southern

body_text: EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced two Chinese nationals to more than 12 months imprisonment for their involvement in a gift card scheme directed at Target shoppers across the Midwest. Hongying Wang, 53, and Guangwei Gao, 38, pleaded guilty to one felony count of using and trafficking in a counterfeit access device. The pair have been incarcerated since Jan. 21, 2023, and so have served their full prison time. “The defendants placed fake gift cards onto sales racks with the intention of stealing the loaded funds once purchased by patrons,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “The investigation took a coordinated effort, and I commend the law enforcement officials contributed to this case.” According to court documents, Wang, Gao, or others working with them retained the access numbers to 6,100 gift cards with intent to place the altered gift cards on the sales racks at Target. Once a gift card was loaded with funds by an unsuspecting patron, the fraudsters would have the codes needed to steal the funds. In January 2023, a Target security officer observed Wang and Gao placing gift cards onto the racks in the Belleville store for customers to purchase. Upon further review, the gift cards were altered with the codes scratched off and covered by stickers to appear untouched. “The gift card scheme concocted by these two defendants had the potential to steal money from anyone,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP special agents will thoroughly investigate cases to hold people accountable and protect the public.” In addition to Belleville, the following Target locations were knowingly affected by the scheme: Albuquerque, New Mexico; Norman, Oklahoma; Edmond, Oklahoma; Liberty, Missouri; Independence, Missouri; St. Peters, Missouri; Town and Country, Missouri; and Brentwood, Missouri. Homeland Security Investigations and the Illinois State Police contributed to the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter T. Reed prosecuted the case.


title: Shooter During Marijuana Robbery Sentenced to Ten Years

body_text: NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man was sentenced today to ten years and one day in prison for shooting another man in broad daylight while robbing his victim of approximately 6.5 ounces of marijuana. According to court documents, Brycen Scott Beal, 19, arranged a meeting to purchase a small amount of marijuana from D.M. When D.M. arrived at the agreed location in the residential parking lot of the Patriots Crossing Apartment Complex in Newport News, at midday on February 21, 2023, Beal did not purchase any marijuana. Instead, Beal reached into the vehicle D.M. was driving and grabbed a backpack containing approximately 6.5 ounces of marijuana. As Beal ran off, he fired three gunshots at D.M. using a Glock 23 .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun. Two of Beal’s shots penetrated the windshield and one hit D.M. in the leg, seriously injuring him. D.M. drove off and reported the incident. Medical services were deployed to aid D.M., and the Newport News Police (NNPD) reported to the scene. Through the course of the investigation, NNPD confirmed Beal was the shooter with security camera footage of the apartment complex that captured the incident, as well as forensically matching the firearm seized from Beal’s residence, pursuant to a lawful search warrant, with the three shell casings recovered from the scene. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter G. Osyf and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Levey-Weinstein prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-64.


title: Alexandria Fentanyl and Gun Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Alexandria man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to court documents, Carrington Hammond, 29, worked with Arizona-based suppliers and local redistributors to sell kilogram-level quantities of fentanyl in the Eastern District of Virginia. Hammond’s co-conspirators mailed packages across the country to Hammond containing tens of thousands of counterfeit pills. The pills had the appearance of pharmaceutical oxycodone but instead were laced with fentanyl. Law enforcement identified one such package containing 50,000 fentanyl-laced pills. Hammond also trafficked fentanyl in powder form, as well as cocaine. In addition to drug trafficking, Hammond sold multiple firearms during the conspiracy. Law enforcement recovered three firearms that Hammond sold to a local drug redistributor, including a “ghost” gun. A ghost gun is a firearm that is not marked with a serial number and is often made using a 3-D printer, so there is no way to track its origins or owners. On August 10, 2023, law enforcement searched an Alexandria apartment unit of Hammond and several of his co-conspirators, from which they sold their drugs and firearms. During the search of the two-bedroom apartment, law enforcement seized over five kilograms of counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, over two kilograms of fentanyl powder, over one kilogram of cocaine, 2.5 kilograms of marijuana, and two firearms. One firearm was hidden under a couch cushion, and the other was a semi-automatic weapon kept loaded next to a safe containing a kilogram of fentanyl. Hammond had been prosecuted multiple times at the state level for drug and firearm-related offenses, as well as violent crimes. Three of his charged co-conspirators are scheduled to be sentenced on February 20. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Ajay D. Lall, Acting Inspector in Charge for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Washington Division; Don Hayes, Alexandria Chief of Police; and Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather D. Call and Kristin S. Starr prosecuted the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Assistance was provided by the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-166.


title: Spokane Man Sentenced to 15 Years on Drug and Firearm Charges  Following Guilty Verdict at Trial

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington - U.S. Senior District Judge Rosanna Malouf Peterson sentenced Johnathan Leslie Allen, also known as “Ghost,” to a total of 180 months in federal prison on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine, and two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Allen was convicted of those crimes on November 17, 2023, following a multi-day jury trial. Senior Judge Peterson also sentenced to Allen to 5 years of federal supervision after he is released from prison. According to court documents and information disclosed at trial and sentencing, in October of 2022, Allen sent several text and Facebook messages to two coconspirators to obtain several ounces of methamphetamine for Allen to sell. Allen and one of his coconspirators obtained the drugs and then went to a Wal-Mart in Spokane Valley, where the coconspirator sold the drugs to an Undercover Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”). The very next day, Allen brought a Ruger 9mm firearm to the Spokane Transit Authority bus plaza in downtown Spokane. Allen gave it to the same coconspirator to sell to the Undercover Agent, which the coconspirator did. Allen and his coconspirators were indicted in January 2023 and a warrant was issued for Allen’s arrest. Allen was arrested on February 7, 2023, on the gaming floor of the Northern Quest Casino. At the time Allen was placed in custody, he was carrying a loaded, chambered 9mm firearm in the pocket of his sweatshirt. His coconspirators have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Allen proceeded to trial. After four days of trial testimony, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts. At Allen’s sentencing hearing, the United States introduced evidence from Allen’s own Facebook account that showed Allen had been involved in distributing illegal narcotics and illegally possessing guns in the Spokane area separate from his charged conduct in this case. “I am grateful for the dedication of the investigators, agents, and prosecutors, who brought Mr. Allen to justice. As a result of such dedication, a dangerous offender, two illegal firearms, and illegal narcotics have been removed from the Spokane community,” stated Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. “Today’s sentence further reflects the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to vigorously prosecuting those who distribute illegal drugs and firearms in Eastern Washington.” “Drugs and guns are a losing combination,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Mr. Allen’s willingness to sell drugs and illegally possess firearms earned him this well-deserved sentence. ATF will vigorously investigate those who are conducting dangerous actions such as these in our communities.” This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Herzog.


title: Dayton man sentenced to 11 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: DAYTON, Ohio – Dlaquan Cantrell, 33, of Dayton, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 132 months in prison for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine. According to court documents, in fall 2022, Cantrell sold narcotics to an undercover officer on four occasions. Prior to the meetups, Cantrell used FaceTime, voice calls and text messages to set up the drug transactions. For example, in one FaceTime call, Cantrell opened a shoe box and showed the undercover officer a large amount of drugs and cash. Cantrell sold drugs in the parking lots of local establishments like Applebee’s and Kohl’s. When law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence at which Cantrell was staying, officers discovered hundreds of grams of marijuana hidden in a Lego box in a child’s room, as well as fentanyl, a stolen, loaded firearm and magazine attachment. Cantrell also hid $8,000 in cash inside a child’s teddy bear. The fentanyl Cantrell sold was mixed with Xylazine. Cantrell was arrested in October 2022 and pleaded guilty in September 2023. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Cheryl Mimura, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and members of the Warren County Drug Task Force announced the sentence imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Thomas M. Rose. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly K. Rossi is representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Homestead Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Machine Gun Charges

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Homestead, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The four-count Second Superseding Indictment named Erik Addison, 27, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment, on May 8, 2023, Addison possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. The Indictment further alleges that, on the same date, Addison possessed a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and that he possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition. The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment for possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, with a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Douglas C. Maloney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this 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. A second superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Pittsburgh Convicted Felon Indicted for Possession of Firearm

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a federal firearms law, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The one-count Indictment named Raymon Brown, 28, as the sole defendant in this case. According to the Indictment, on February 1, 2024, Brown was found in possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a felony. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this 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. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Ada Resident Pleads Guilty To Obstruction Of Justice

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that David Henry Vick, Jr., age 38, of Ada, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to an Information charging him with Obstruction of the Due Administration of Justice. The Information alleged that in June and July of 2023, Vick twice corruptly influenced, obstructed, and impeded the due administration of justice by causing and inducing an individual from appearing before two empaneled federal grand juries in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. At the plea hearing, Vick admitted that when he learned that the potential witness had been subpoenaed to testify before empaneled grand juries in June and July of 2023, he directed the individual to not appear or testify. Due to Vick’s inducements, the witness failed to appear to testify. The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Ada Police Department. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Vick will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.


title: Iowa City Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Federal Prison for Child Pornography Charges

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man was sentenced on Thursday, February 1, 2024, to 180 months in federal prison for Receipt or Distribution of Child Pornography. According to public court documents presented at the time of the plea hearing, Michael Joseph Schmidt, 27, was identified by the Johnson County, Iowa Sheriff’s Office Joint Forensic Analysis Cyber Team (JFACT) for uploading child sexual abuse material to Kik. In April 2022, agents executed a search warrant on Schmidt’s residence. Multiple electronic devices were located at Schmidt’s residence that contained numerous images of child sexual abuse material. After completing his term of imprisonment, Schmidt is required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Schmidt was also ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by JFACT. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc . / For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.


title: Former Iranian-Owned Boeing Aircraft Successfully Returned to the United States

component: Criminal - Office of International Affairs

body_text: The Department of Justice today completed enforcement of a final order for forfeiture of a U.S.-manufactured Boeing 747 cargo plane, previously owned by Mahan Air, a sanctioned Iranian airline affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). On Feb. 11, the government of Argentina transferred physical custody of the aircraft to the United States pursuant to the final order of forfeiture, which was issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on May 3, 2023, which rests all right, title, and interest in the aircraft in the United States of America. The Boeing 747 cargo plane arrived in the Southern District of Florida where it will be prepared for disposition. “The seized American-built aircraft was transferred by a sanctioned Iranian airline in a transaction that violated U.S. export control laws and directly benefited the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is a designated terrorist organization,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that the full force of U.S. laws deny hostile state actors the means to engage in malign activities that threaten our national security.” “Mahan Air – known to ferry weapons and fighters for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hizballah – violated our export restrictions by selling this airplane to a Venezuelan cargo airline. Now, it’s property of the United States government,” said Assistant Secretary of Export Enforcement’s Matthew S. Axelrod. “This seized airplane’s arrival in the United States is a powerful example of our unceasing efforts to prevent Iran and its proxies from leveraging and profiting from U.S. technology.” “The United States’ forfeiture of the Boeing 747 cargo plane culminates over 18 months of planning, coordination, and execution by the United States government and our Argentine counterparts,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “Bad actors – both near and far – are on alert that the United States will use all its tools to hold those who violate our laws to account. The successful seizure of the Boeing 747 underscores our commitment to prevent the illegal exportation of U.S. technologies and enforce U.S. export control laws.” “Using a whole-of-government approach, we have worked with our international partners to forfeit a plane transferred by Iranian entities in violation of U.S. sanctions and export control laws,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “Foreign adversaries – seeking to illegally use American-made products to further their endeavors – need to know that the United States government will work with the international community to hold them accountable for their illegal conduct. The United States appreciates the collaboration with our Argentinian law enforcement and judicial partners.” “The transfer of this plane to U.S. custody is the final step in the long process to bring this case to its rightful conclusion,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI's National Security Branch “The FBI, along with our federal government and international partners, used every tool under our authorities to hold the Iranian government and their affiliates accountable for violating U.S. laws.” The plane was previously detained by Argentine law enforcement. On July 19, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a seizure warrant for the aircraft, which Argentine authorities promptly enforced. On Oct. 20, 2022, in support of its ongoing criminal investigation, the United States filed a civil forfeiture complaint alleging that the aircraft’s transfer from Mahan Air to Empresa de Transporte Aéreocargo del Sur, S.A. (EMTRASUR), a Venezuelan cargo airline and subsidiary of Consorcio Venezolano de Industrias Aeronáuticas y Servicios Aéreos, S.A (CONVIASA), a Venezuelan state-owned company, violated U.S. export control laws. As alleged, Mahan Air was subject to a Department of Commerce Temporary Denial Order, which prohibited, among other things, Mahan Air from engaging in any transactions involving any commodity exported from the United States that is subject to the Export Administration Regulations. The complaint further alleged that the unauthorized transfer of this aircraft directly benefited the IRGC-QF. According to court documents, the registered captain of the aircraft was an ex-commander for the IRGC and a shareholder and member of the board of a second sanctioned Iranian airline, Qeshm Fars Air, affiliated with the IRGC-QF. Argentinian law enforcement also recovered a Mahan Air flight log documenting the aircraft’s flights after the unlawful transfer to EMTRASUR and confirmed additional violations of U.S. export control laws between February and May 2022 when EMTRASUR reexported the aircraft between Caracas, Venezuela; Tehran, Iran; and Moscow, Russia, without U.S. Government authorization. This matter is being investigated by the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security’s Miami Field Office and the FBI Miami Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rajbir Datta for the District of Columbia, Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy R. Camacho for the Southern District of Florida, and Trial Attorney Alexander Wharton of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are handling the seizure and investigation, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Brian Rickers and Legal Assistant Jessica McCormick. Senior Trial Attorney John Beasley and Trial Attorney Jesse Ormsby of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs; Special Agent Adam Mastriani and Task Force Officer Robert Cunniff of the FBI Miami Field Office; the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; and Ricardo Hernandez of the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Buenos Aires provided significant assistance in working with the Argentine authorities, led by Argentine Federal Judge Federico Villena and the U.S. Marshals Service to manage the difficult logistics and coordination of the physical transfer of the Boeing aircraft from Argentina to the United States.


title: Pike County Physician Sentenced to 22 Years' Imprisonment for Drug Distributions - One Resulting in Death

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Martin Evers, age 66, of Pike County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 264 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for unlawfully prescribing oxycodone, fentanyl, and methadone to three patients, including a Monroe County woman who died as a result of using the drugs. In addition to the prison term, Judge Mariani ordered that Evers pay a fine in the amount of $50,000 and be supervised by a probation officer for three years following his release from prison. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Evers was convicted by a jury on December 5, 2022. Jurors deliberated for just two hours before finding Evers guilty on all 71 counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances, as charged in the superseding indictment. The counts involved the unlawful distribution of oxycodone, fentanyl and methadone, all Schedule II controlled substances, and diazepam, a Schedule IV controlled substance. One of the counts for which Evers was convicted involved the unlawful distribution of oxycodone and fentanyl that resulted in the death of a 48-year old Monroe County woman on February 11, 2019. During the three-week trial, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office presented the testimony from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) - Diversion Division, six pharmacists who refused to fill prescriptions issued by Evers, a Walmart Global Investigations witness who offered testimony related to Walmart’s issuance of a nationwide ban for filling all narcotic prescriptions issued by Evers, an expert on pain medicine, an expert toxicologist, an expert pathologist, a Pennsylvania State Police Officer, and a witness from the Monroe County Coroner’s Office. During the time charged in the superseding indictment, Evers was an employee of the Bon Secours Charity Health System and practiced as a primary care physician in Milford, Pennsylvania. He was licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and authorized to prescribe controlled substances for legitimate medical purposes and in the usual course of professional practice. Evers is no longer licensed to practice medicine. The jury found that Evers repeatedly prescribed oxycodone, fentanyl, and methadone outside the usual course of professional practice and not for legitimate medical purposes and as a result, addiction and death occurred. After the jury’s verdict on December 5, 2022, Judge Mariani ordered Evers detained. The two-year long investigation in this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its Diversion Division, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and Jenny Roberts prosecuted the case. This case was prosecuted as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and other opioids. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin and opioid traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit opioid trafficking offenses. This case is also 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 this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant. # # #