title: Parmelee Man Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Federal Prison  for Assaulting a Fellow Jail Inmate and Possessing a Firearm While a Felon

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Parmelee, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on December 16, 2024. Daryl John Plumman, age 32, was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Plumman was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2023. He pleaded guilty on July 24, 2024. The convictions stem from two different incidents that occurred in 2023 in the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. On April 21, 2023, law enforcement was looking for Plumman in Parmelee in connection with an alleged assault that happened earlier in the day. Plumman was located sitting in the driver seat of a parked vehicle, with a loaded 9 mm pistol under his seat. He was previously convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in federal court. As a result of this conviction, it is illegal for Plumman to possess firearms or ammunition. On July 29, 2023, Plumman was an inmate at the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Adult Correctional Facility. On that day, Plumman and another man attacked a fellow inmate and assaulted him with a pencil. The assault matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State Court. This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kirk Albertson and Brian Murphy prosecuted the case. Plumman was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Two Men Sentenced to Federal Prison in Connection with an Assault on the Pine Ridge Reservation

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced two Pine Ridge, South Dakota men. The sentencings took place on November 18, 2024. Angelo Poor Bear, 40, was convicted of Misprision of a Felony and sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Jadan Poor Bear, 31, was convicted of Aiding and Abetting Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and sentenced to one year and eight months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The Court ordered Jadan Poor Bear’s prison sentence to be served consecutively to a one year and eight months sentence he received for another assault he committed on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Angelo and Jadan Poor Bear were indicted for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon by a federal grand jury in February 2024. Jadan pleaded guilty on August 27, 2024, and Angelo pleaded guilty on September 5, 2024. The charges stemmed from Jadan beating the victim with a baseball bat, causing serious injuries, and Angelo taking steps to prevent law enforcement from discovering the crime. The assault occurred on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in January 2024. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case. Both men were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Former Alabama Police Sergeant Sentenced for Federal Civil Rights Violation for Using Excessive Force

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A former Alabama sergeant was sentenced today to 16 months in prison and two years of supervised release for assaulting an arrestee. Ryan Phillips, 42, a former sergeant with the Daleville, Alabama, Police Department (DPD), previously pleaded guilty to one count of depriving an arrestee of his civil rights. During his plea, Phillips admitted that, in March 2022, after a verbal dispute, he willfully used unreasonable force against an arrestee after he removed his badge and firearm, entered the victim’s jail cell and struck the victim in the upper body and face multiple times. Phillips further admitted that he had no legitimate law enforcement purpose for engaging in this conduct, and the victim suffered bodily injury including multiple lacerations and bruises to the face and chest. “People being held under arrest have the right to be treated humanely and not to be violently assaulted behind bars,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant disregarded his oath to protect and serve his community, abused his power and violated the victim’s civil rights when he entered that jail cell and repeatedly hit the victim. This sentence should serve as a reminder to all law enforcement that a badge is not a license to answer verbal insults with physical violence and excessive force. The Justice Department will hold accountable officials who violate arrestee’s civil rights.” “Phillips’ assault not only violated the victim’s constitutional rights, his crime also dishonored his profession,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson for the Middle District of Alabama. “The purpose of this prosecution is not merely to punish Phillips for losing his composure and unlawfully beating an arrestee, this prosecution is also intended to protect the reputation of every honest and hardworking law enforcement officer risking his or her life every day.” “Law enforcement officers are entrusted to safeguard everyone’s civil rights,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Montgomery Field Office. “In this case, that trust was broken, and the officer egregiously violated an individual’s civil rights. It will remain a top priority for the FBI to ensure anyone violating someone’s civil rights is held accountable, especially those within law enforcement.” The FBI Montgomery Field Office, Montogomery Resident Agency investigated the case. Trial Attorney MarLa Duncan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.


title: Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime for Plotting Mass Shooting of Gay Community

body_text: A Michigan man pleaded guilty today to one count of committing a hate crime by attempting to carry out a mass killing. According to court documents, Mack Davis, 22, of Owosso, admitted that he attempted to conduct a mass killing of individuals at a political party headquarters and a nearby bar in the Eastern District of Michigan because he associated both locations with gay people. “This defendant amassed an arsenal of firearms, rounds of ammunition and bombmaking parts that he intended to use to carry out the mass killing of gay people. This kind of vile and heinous hate-fueled violence, intended to target innocent people based on their sexual orientation, runs contrary to our values as Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Bias-motivated crimes targeting the LGBTQI+ community will not be tolerated. The Justice Department will continue using every tool at our disposal to protect communities from the scourge of hate-fueled violence by prosecuting those who carry out or attempt to carry out such crimes.” “Davis’ plans were chilling. He intended to commit mass shootings at two locations — destroying countless lives and devastating our community — all because of his fanatical hatred for gay people,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “I applaud the work of law enforcement in disrupting this awful plot and arresting Davis before he could carry out his planned attacks. Today’s guilty plea is a reflection of my office’s commitment to prosecuting bias crimes and is a critical step in holding this defendant accountable for his actions.” “Mack Davis’ guilty plea to a federal hate crime highlights the unwavering dedication of law enforcement to uphold the safety and security of every community in Michigan,” said Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of FBI Detroit Field Office. “This case serves as a stark reminder that there is no tolerance for hate-fueled violence. Davis confessed to devising a plan motivated by his deep-seated hatred, targeting innocent individuals associated with the LGBTQIA+ community. The FBI’s Detroit Field Office, Flint Resident Agency, in collaboration with the Owosso Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and the Michigan State Police, acted swiftly to prevent this malicious scheme from being carried out. Our collective action disrupted a serious threat and reaffirmed our commitment to protecting vulnerable communities from harm. Michigan law enforcement remains committed to ensuring all individuals live free from fear of violence or discrimination. We are dedicated to combating hate, protecting the safety and well-being of Michigan residents, and fostering a safe environment where everyone, regardless of identity, can thrive in peace.” According to court documents, from at least July 2023 through June 2024, Davis accessed search engines and social media sites to research, post about, and pay tribute to mass killers, and wrote about dozens of mass killers in journals and on other items in his home. During that period, Davis also began to plot his own mass killing, by, among other things, drafting lists of weapons and tactical gear he owned and intended to acquire for use in his mass killing. By June, Davis had crossed off every item on the list of weapons and tactical gear he intended to acquire, and had amassed an arsenal that included two firearms, magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, a crossbow and arrows, assorted bomb-making parts, smoke grenades, tactical gear and clothing and several knives. Davis inscribed one of the knives with the anti-gay slur, “FAGGOT Killer.” From April through June, Davis solidified his plan to commit the mass killing. Among other acts, Davis posted on a social media site that he intended to commit a mass killing at a political party headquarters, which Davis referred to as “Location 1,” that Davis wrote was “filled with far-left liberal, faggot scum.” Davis wrote that he would continue the mass killing at “Location 2,” a nearby bar that Davis wrote was “a faggot bar.” Davis researched both locations online, conducted physical surveillance of both locations and posted about his research and surveillance on the social media site. During that period, Davis also vandalized two cars that belonged to his neighbors, whom he knew to be gay, by spray-painting the word “fag” on one of the cars. Days later, Davis also test-fired one of his firearms, an illegal short-barreled rifle, by firing approximately 60 bullets into several of his neighbors’ properties, including one of the cars that he had previously vandalized. The Owosso Police Department arrested Davis for that shooting. Davis was later transferred to federal custody, where he has remained since. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for a later date. Because Davis’s hate crime involved an attempt to kill, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Detroit Field Office investigated the case, with assistance the from the Owosso Police Department, ATF and Michigan State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Lee Carlson and Christopher W. Rawsthorne for the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Erin Monju of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.


title: Darknet Drug Trafficker from Pennsylvania Pleads Guilty in D.C. to Selling Mass Quantities of Fentanyl Online

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: WASHINGTON – Jacob Blair, 26, of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today for his role in drug conspiracy that sold a wide variety of counterfeit narcotics, including large amounts of fentanyl, on the online site Tor2Door, a Darknet marketplace. The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves of the District of Columbia; U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan of the Western District of Pennsylvania; Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, Special Agent in Charge Kevin P. Rojek of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Washington Division; Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division; and Acting Special Agent in Charge KaiWah Chan of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. Blair pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. before U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson to a charge of conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and 50 grams of methamphetamine, and to a charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Blair also pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to a charge, originally filed in the Western District of Pennsylvania, of distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Sentencing is pending. Blair is facing a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison—10 years for conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and five years for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. According to the plea agreement, Blair was responsible for distributing more than 1.2 kilograms but less than 4 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and at least 50 grams but less than 200 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. He also admitted to mass-marketing the narcotics by means of an interactive computer service. According to court documents, from August 1, 2022, through February 24, 2023, Blair and a co-defendant operated vendor accounts on various darknet marketplaces. On the marketplace Tor2Door, Blair and his co-defendant advertised their controlled substances using the monikers “YVS” and “YVendor Supplier” which they touted as “a syndicate of professionals that specialize in making the best products the markets have to offer. We focus on quality, consistency, stealth, and speed.” The conspiracy completed at least 459 sales of illegal narcotics. Blair manufactured and obtained counterfeit Oxycodone, Adderall, and Xanax pills for sale. Blair posted these controlled substances on Tor2Door and four other marketplaces for sale and accepted Bitcoin or Monero cryptocurrencies. During the conspiracy, Blair and his co-conspirator shipped counterfeit Oxycodone pills to the District of Columbia on at least six occasions. These pills contained fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and metonitazene, a Schedule I controlled substance. In addition, they also shipped counterfeit Xanax pills to the District. On February 22, 2023, law enforcement executed search warrants at Blair’s residence in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, and other locations. During the search, law enforcement recovered 10 firearms, over 20,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills that contained fentanyl, an industrial pill press machine, and industrial mixing equipment. This case was investigated by the FBI’s Field Offices in Washington D.C. and Pittsburgh, the DEA, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations. Valuable assistance was provided by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Moon Township Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Strong of the District of Columbia’s Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) section and Assistant U.S. Attorney DeMarr Moulton of the Western District of Pennsylvania. 24cr560


title: Bitwise Founders Sentenced to 11 Years and 9 Years in Prison for $115 Million Fraud

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO , Calif. —Jake Soberal, 38, and Irma Olguin, Jr., 44, the founders and leaders of the failed Fresno-based start-up company, Bitwise Industries (“Bitwise”), were sentenced to 11 years and 9 years in prison, respectively, for defrauding people out of approximately $115,000,000, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced today. “Defendants likened themselves to gods and joked about deceiving their well-intentioned investors while committing a massive fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “They lied repeatedly to pull in over $100 million to a dying business venture that they knew never had any meaningful revenue. To make themselves rich and keep up the façade, they used fabricated bank statements, false financial information, forged documents, and fake loan collateral. These sentences serve as a reminder of the hazards of such financial crimes, and my office will continue to work with the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and our law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who commit them.” “The willful and egregious fraud carried out by Irma Olguin Jr. and Jake Soberal will have long lasting impacts on not only those who invested in the well-orchestrated scam of Bitwise, but also the nearly 1,000 employees and contractors who abruptly lost their jobs when the Bitwise swindlers ran out of money,” said IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Oakland Field Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kulbir Mand. “White-collar crimes are damaging to victims, families, and communities alike. IRS-CI and its law enforcement partners are experts at investigating financial crimes and building cases that lead to justice. Today’s sentencing should serve notice that the consequence for committing white-collar crime is severe.” “This case demonstrates how disastrous the impact can be when a company’s executives fail to conduct themselves ethically and lawfully. Bitwise Industries co-CEOs Jake Soberal and Irma Olguin, Jr. repeatedly lied to investors and lenders to keep their massive Ponzi scheme afloat, despite knowing that the business model would never generate positive revenue. The $115 million loss is significant, but the damage to the professional reputations of innocent parties and the loss of more than 900 jobs and associated benefits employees depended on will have a lasting, negative impact on the economy and individual lives,” said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “The FBI remains steadfast, safeguarding our economy by working with all partner agencies to ensure that those who exploit positions of trust to commit large-scale corporate frauds are held accountable for their criminal activity.” According to court records, Bitwise was, and still is, the biggest startup company to come from California’s Central Valley. The company’s objective was to use technology to create jobs for underserved groups of people, revitalize blighted urban areas, and show that such a project could be profitable. Olguin, Jr. and Soberal received national media attention by appearing in publications like Forbes Magazine and giving Ted Talks where they portrayed Bitwise as being a success. They also made a substantial annual salary. By early 2022, however, the company was not generating any revenue and was running low on funds. Thereafter, Olguin, Jr. and Soberal fabricated financial information for its board and for investor materials and doctored audit reports to make it appear as though Bitwise was generating revenues and turning a profit. They also altered bank statements and forged bank representatives’ signatures on bank correspondence to inflate the company’s cash balances. They did so to convince people that Bitwise was excelling when the company was actually failing. The following are illustrative examples of Olguin, Jr. and Soberal’s fraud: In a February 2022 presentation and July 2022 prospectus that were circulated to investors, Olguin, Jr. and Soberal represented that Bitwise’s cash balance was over $44,000,000 as of the end of 2021. They also represented that the company’s revenue was more than $58,000,000. In reality, the company’s cash balance was less than $12,000,000 at that time and its revenue was non-existent. In June and July 2022, Olguin, Jr. and Soberal falsely represented to a California-based investment firm that Bitwise had secured a $150,000,000 investment from another, London-based investment firm. This was done to convince the California-based investment firm to purchase several buildings that Bitwise owned. Several months later, Soberal falsely represented to another lender that Bitwise still owned those buildings to to provide collateral for another loan from another lender of millions of dollars. In a March 2023 presentation circulated to investors, Olguin, Jr. and Soberal represented that Bitwise’s cash balance was over $77,000,000 as of the end of 2022. They also represented that the company’s revenue was more than $143,000,000. In reality, the company’s cash balance was less than $5,000,000 at that time and its revenue nominal. Also in March 2023, Olguin, Jr. and Soberal provided an investor with an altered version of an audit of Bitwise that was previously conducted by an international audit firm. They altered the audit to make it appear as though Bitwise’s revenue was 300 percent higher than the true number. Also in March 2023, Soberal represented to a long-time Bitwise employee that the company had sufficient resources on-hand to induce the employee to make a significant loan to the company. This pattern continued until the end of May 2023 when Bitwise ran out of money and the company collapsed. Olguin, Jr. was a computer engineer who had previously run another technology company, and Soberal was an attorney who had previously practiced at a law firm doing intellectual property work. Moreover, the defendants hired unqualified family members and friends, which allowed them to compartmentalize information and work in secret to spin the false statements needed to conceal and continue with their fraud. For these reasons, Olguin, Jr. and Soberal received special sentencing enhancements. This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph Barton and Henry Z. Carbajal III prosecuted the case.


title: Kern County Woman Sentenced to Five Years for $825,000 Credit Card Fraud Scheme Where She Used Identities Stolen from Health Care Providers

body_text: FRESNO , Calif. — Karina Arceo, 34, of Wasco, was sentenced to 60 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for conspiring to commit bank fraud and committing aggravated identity theft in a long-running credit card fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced today. “The defendant used patient healthcare files to commit fraud and identity theft instead of treating those files with the care and sensitivity they deserve,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “Let this case serve as a warning those who consider abusing such access to patient files: my office will work tirelessly with the FBI and our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute fraud and identity theft crimes committed with sensitive patient information.” “Arceo violated her employer’s trust by abusing her access to personally identifiable information, fueling an elaborate, greed-driven scheme that she and her partner enjoyed until they were taken into custody,” said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “This case should serve as a reminder to all to freeze and routinely check your credit to ensure accounts are not opened without your knowledge. It is also a reminder to would-be criminals that the FBI will identify and pursue anyone who abuses a position of trust to exploit others for personal gain.” According to court records, from February 2016 through August 2022, Arceo and her partner and co-defendant, Miguel Leyva, stole the personally identifiable information (PII) for more than 125 victims. They stole much of the PII from patient files at health care providers in Kern County where Arceo worked. As part of their fraud scheme, Arceo and Leyva used the stolen PII to open thousands of fraudulent credit cards in the victims’ identities and made hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent purchases on the credit cards in Fresno County, Kern County, the Bay Area, and elsewhere. The fraudulent purchases included home appliances, furniture, wall art, automobile accessories, designer clothing and shoes, luxury camping equipment, tickets to concerts and sporting events, and travel, among other items. Indeed, they used fraudulent purchases to remodel their home kitchen and their child’s room. Arceo and Leyva also resold many of the items that they fraudulently purchased for cash and reaped a windfall because they did not actually pay for the items. They also used checks that had been stolen from companies in Kern County to access the companies’ bank accounts and make fraudulent payments towards the credit cards so as to keep their scheme going. Altogether, their scheme caused a total actual loss of more than $825,000. Selfie of defendants celebrating after fraudulent purchase at Bed, Bath, & Beyond Arceo’s sentence was enhanced because text messages that she exchanged with Leyva showed that she was the leader of the scheme. Arceo would pull the stolen PII used to open the fraudulent credit cards from her cloud account and send it to Leyva. The text messages also showed that Arceo would coach Leyva on how to make the fraudulent purchases. For example, she would tell him which cashiers to target at the stores and what to say if the cashiers started asking questions. Finally, the text messages showed that Arceo used lyrics from a popular hip-hop song at the time to describe herself as being “the boss” of the scheme who “makes money move” and to Leyva as just being a “worker.” Leyva was previously sentenced to 65 months in prison. At the sentencing hearing, Arceo submitted a letter to the court that Leyva wrote from prison where he tried to minimize her role in the scheme and identified himself as being the leader. That argument was rejected by the court. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph D. Barton and Arelis M. Clemente are prosecuting the case.


title: Defendant Admits Role in Fatal Fentanyl Overdose of Carlsbad Woman

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Bryan Kim Bullard pleaded guilty in federal court today to distributing the fentanyl that resulted in the death of a 25-year-old Carlsbad woman. According to the plea agreement, on September 9, 2023, Bullard’s co-defendant, Cameron William Fulston, reached out to the victim, identified in court records as D.G., via Facebook messenger. At 8:55 p.m., D.G. left via a Lyft ride-share from her residence in Carlsbad and traveled to an apartment complex in San Diego. She arrived at 9:33 p.m. The plea agreement said that shortly after 10 p.m., Bullard sold fentanyl to D.G. at the apartment complex. At 11:16 p.m., co-defendant Fulston exited the apartment building. Bullard messaged Fulston about a minute later, asking for “Narcan.” At approximately 12:22 a.m. on September 10, 2023, Bullard called 911 from the victim’s phone, reporting her overdose. When San Diego Police Department officers responded, Bullard had left the apartment, and D.G. was found in the bathroom, not breathing. San Diego police officers administered CPR until medical personnel arrived to take D.G. to the hospital. Five days after her admittance, D.G. was removed from life support. Within the apartment, officers found drug paraphernalia and blue pills that tested positive for fentanyl. Bullard admitted in his plea agreement that when he was arrested on November 16, 2023, he possessed 51.16 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and 20.84 grams of pure methamphetamine. The parties stipulated that D.G.’s death was caused by the fentanyl distributed by Bullard on September 9, 2023. “Instead of immediately calling 911 at the first sign of overdose, the defendant’s delay sealed D.G.’s fate,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Today, he was held to account for her death as the U.S. Attorney’s Office battles on for victims of the fentanyl crisis.” “Fentanyl remains the most deadly drug threat our nation has ever seen,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian Clark. “This loss underscores the gravity of the ongoing fentanyl crisis and strengthens our resolve to bring to justice those who profit by selling fentanyl.” Bullard is scheduled to be sentenced on March 14, 2025, at 9 a.m. On September 23, 2024, Cameron William Fulston was found not competent to stand trial. His next court date is a Status Hearing regarding restoration of competency set for January 24, 2025. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jill S. Streja and Adam Gordon. Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team (formerly known as Team 10) led the investigation. This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the San Diego Police Department, the La Mesa Police Department, National Guard Counterdrug Task Force and the California Department of Health Care Services to investigate and prosecute the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs—fentanyl in particular—that result in overdose deaths. The Drug Enforcement Administration created the Overdose Response Team as a response to the increase in overdose deaths in San Diego County. DEFENDANTS Case Number 24-cr-01063-BAS Bryan Kim Bullard Age: 43 San Diego, CA Cameron William Fulston Age: 29 Carlsbad, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Distribution of Fentanyl 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Drug Enforcement Administration San Diego Police Department San Diego County District Attorney’s Office Homeland Security Investigations La Mesa Police Department California Department of Health Care Services


title: Houston gun dealer heads to prison for assisting in illegal firearms trafficking

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 45-year-old Cypress resident has been sentenced for aiding and abetting engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Nicah Anderson pleaded guilty Aug. 9. U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison ordered Anderson to serve 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by one year of supervised release. “Anderson selfishly prioritized his profits over public safety,” said Hamdani. “Anderson claimed his gun store was not as profitable as he hoped, but that’s no excuse for turning a blind eye so many suspect gun sales. Today, the court held him accountable for his wrongdoing. Just as important, he is now forced to disgorge his ill-gotten gains.” “Violent crime threatens the safety and wellbeing of every community, and illegal firearms trafficking fuels that violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “It is our duty to ensure that those who exploit the system, especially licensed gun dealers who break the trust placed in them, are caught and held accountable. We are taking critical steps toward reducing violent crime and protecting innocent lives by targeting those who enable the flow of illegal firearms.” Anderson was a federal firearms licensee and former majority owner and operator of NE Guns. Between December 2022 and March 2023, Anderson allowed people to straw purchase numerous firearms. Some included Barret .50 caliber, military-grade sniper rifles; FN SCAR 17S, .308 caliber rifles and 9 millimeter pistols. These guns are known weapons of choice for Mexican drug cartels. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at NE Guns July 19, 2023. Among other things, they seized 266 firearms, 138,940 rounds of ammunition, seven silencers and NE Guns’ business records. The investigation found that between October 2022 and August 2023, NE Guns received $115,000 from purchases suspected straw purchasers made. As part of the investigation, Imran Ali, 28, Spring, Averyl Pereyra, 27, Houston, and Ammar Ali, 26, Spring, admitted to conspiracy to straw purchase firearms. According to their plea agreements, Imran Ali was prohibited from purchasing firearms and enlisted Pereyra - his girlfriend – and his brother - Ammar Ali - to purchase firearms for him. Imran Ali would select the firearms, arrange the purchases and have Pereyra and Ammar Ali make the purchases. Imran Ali would then quickly resell the guns, which resulted in at least $97,700 in profits. In total, the group purchased 60 firearms, six of which were later recovered at crime scenes in Mexico. U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison will impose sentencing Feb. 11, 2025. At that time, they each face up to five years in federal prison. All remain on bond pending that hearing. Anderson was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Suh and John Ganz prosecuted the case.


title: Wisconsin Man Sentenced to 2 Years for Possessing Destructive Devices

component: National Security Division (NSD)

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that James Morgan, 31, Jefferson, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 2 years in federal prison for possessing destructive devices. He pled guilty to the charge on April 16, 2024. The FBI received information indicating that Morgan made and possessed destructive devices. Acting on that information, on December 21, 2023, local and federal law enforcement agents executed a federal search warrant at Morgan’s travel trailer in Janesville, Wisconsin. Morgan was living in the trailer at the time. Inside a locked safe in the trailer, agents found six improvised explosive devices. The devices were homemade and had several nails glued to the outside. The devices were rendered safe and sent to the FBI lab for formal testing. Experts from the FBI lab determined that the devices contained explosive powder and were in fact “destructive devices” under federal law. During an interview with agents, Morgan admitted he made the devices with his father and referred to them as “grenades.” He said he knew they were illegal. “We take these cases very seriously and will do everything necessary to ensure that individuals who make and possess destructive devices will be prosecuted in federal court,” said U.S. Attorney O’Shea. “Homemade explosive devices pose a risk to the safety of Wisconsin residents,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle of the Milwaukee Division. “Mr. Morgan’s reckless behavior could have caused destruction and death or serious bodily injuries. The FBI continues to work with our local law enforcement partners to hold criminals accountable and ensure public safety throughout the state.” At sentencing, Judge Peterson expressed concern over Morgan’s decision to make and possess destructive devices, especially considering Morgan’s history of posting racist and anti-government sentiments on social media. Judge Peterson noted that explosive devices are inherently dangerous and that Morgan’s decision to add nails to the outside of the devices suggested a purpose beyond a simple fascination with explosives. Judge Peterson expressed hope that the federal prosecution would interrupt Morgan’s criminal conduct and give him an opportunity to redirect his life. Morgan is still facing charges in the Eastern District of Wisconsin for possessing chemical weapons based on chemicals found in his storage locker in Whitewater, Wisconsin, the same day as the destructive devices were found in the Western District of Wisconsin. If convicted of this charge, Morgan faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. Unless and until Morgan is convicted of this charge, he is presumed innocent. The charges in the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Janesville Police Department, and the Whitewater Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Duchemin for the Western District of Wisconsin, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Scully for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Trial Attorney Justin Sher of the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the cases.


title: Washington State Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Debt Consolidation Scheme

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A Vancouver, Washington man was sentenced to federal prison today for intentionally defrauding customers during a multiyear debt consolidation scheme. Javier Antonio Banuelas Urueta, 55, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $115,750 in restitution to his victims. According to court documents, between April 2019 and April 2024, Banuelas and his co-conspirator devised and carried out a scheme whereby they collected money and property from clients in exchange for purported debt consolidation services through their company, ConsoliDebt Solutions, LLC (ConsoliDebt). Banuelas paid for advertisements offering debt consolidation services on radio stations in Oregon and Washington despite not being licensed to work in the industry or provide such services. When victims called ConsoliDebt they reached Banuelas who would discuss their debts, create monthly payment plans, and falsely claim to consolidate or reduce the victim’s debt. As part of the scheme, Banuelas directed clients to deposit funds directly into ConsoliDebt bank accounts, transfer funds to the company, or mail in personal checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders. To instill trust in the company, victims received falsified monthly statements detailing account information, payments received, and debt amounts settled. Instead of paying victims’ debts as promised, Bauelas used client funds to pay for personal expenses such as car leases, residential rent, and various wire transfers. On April 4, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a seven-count indictment charging Banuelas with conspiring to commit and committing mail and wire fraud. On August 1, 2024, Banuelas pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit and committing mail and wire fraud. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Rachel K. Sowray, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.


title: Rochester business owner sentenced on tax charge

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that James Leonardo, 56, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of filing a false tax return, was sentenced to time served and one year supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. Leonard was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $2,267,315.42. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who handled the case, stated that Leonardo is the sole member and owner of MY PI, LLC. The company owns a 110-foot yacht named “Pure Insanity,” which resulted in rental income for MY PI, LLC. Leonardo was required to report net profits or losses from the business use of the yacht on his personal federal income tax returns. For the years 2015 through 2018, Leonardo reported the rental income received by MY PI, LLC. However, to reduce the taxes owed, he falsely deducted all the losses incurred with respect to operation and maintenance by falsely claiming that the yacht was used 100% of the time for business purposes. In actuality, the yacht was only used for business purposes one-third of the time. As a result, Leonardo was only entitled to deduct one-third of the losses generated for operation and maintenance. As a result, he failed to report and pay additional income taxes totaling $872,869 for 2015 through 2018. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Harry Chavis, Acting Executive Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office, and the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General’s, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction Special Agent-in-Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, Northeast Field Office.


title: Rochester business owner pleads guilty to tax evasion

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Scott Reeves, 72, of Victor, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to tax evasion, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who is handling the case, stated that Reeves owns Fussy Contracting Inc. aka Mr. Fussy, a roofing business that operated out of a Portland Avenue location in Rochester during the tax years 2017 through 2022. After providing roofing services to residential and commercial customers, Fussy Contracting was paid primarily by check, which Reeves deposited to bank accounts and also cashed at a local check casher. Reeves was required to pay income taxes based on income he received from Fussy Contracting. For the tax years 2017 through 2022, he failed to file his Individual Income Tax Returns as well as the Income Tax Returns for the corporation, which resulted in no taxes being paid on the profits earned from operating Fussy Contracting. For the tax years 2017-2022, Reeves failed to report gross receipts totaling $5,398,008.27. After paying material expenses, labor expenses, and check cashing fees, Reeves kept the remaining $1,538,215.00, resulting in a tax loss of $248,394.00 to the IRS. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Harry Chavis, Acting Executive Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office. Sentencing is scheduled for March 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Wolford. # # # #


title: Former Nurse Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Medication

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Lexington, Ky., woman, Abigail Hall, 51, pleaded guilty on Monday, before U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, to tampering with a consumer product. According to her plea agreement, between January 2023 and August 2023, Hall worked as a contract registered nurse at several facilities in Kentucky, including a health care facility in Lawrenceburg, Ky., that focused on care for the elderly and infirm. Then, on August 27, 2023, Hall took morphine that had been prescribed for three patients that she was treating at the healthcare facility, all of whom had significant disease and pain concerns. Hall replaced the stolen morphine with water and blue food coloring, to resemble the real medication. Ultimately, Hall took at least seven syringes of stolen morphine and administered the tampered morphine to one of the patients. “Instead of actually caring for the patients in her charge – patients who needed their pain medication – she stole their medicine and even administered fake medicine to one of them,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Her conduct was as disgraceful as it was deceptive and callous. Fortunately, through the hard work of our law enforcement partners, she will now face the consequences of her profound betrayal.” “Patients suffering from pain trust their health care providers to provide relief through effective and appropriately dosed medications,” said Special Agent in Charge George A. Scavdis, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice healthcare professionals who violate their position of trust and jeopardize patients’ health and well-being by tampering with their pain medications.” United States Attorney Shier and Special Agent in Charge Scavdis, jointly announced the guilty plea. The investigation was conducted by FDA-OCI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Smith is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. Hall is scheduled to be sentenced on March 24, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. She faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and may be ordered to pay restitution and fines. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. — END —


title: Meriwether County Man Sentenced to Prison for Armed Drug Trafficking

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ga. – A West Georgia resident with a criminal past who is currently serving a life sentence in a state prison, was sentenced to serve more than 14 years in a federal prison after he was convicted at a bench trial of firearms and drug trafficking charges. Howatdrick Jamal Jones, 32, of Woodbury, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 175 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release to run concurrently to his state prison sentence by U.S. District Judge Clay Land on Dec. 17. Jones was found guilty of one count of possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute, one count of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon following a bench trial on Sept. 23. There is no parole in the federal system. “Violent reoffenders must be held accountable for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “This case is a testament to the ongoing collaboration with our law enforcement partners from every level to bring to justice those creating the most havoc in our communities.” “Guns, drugs and violence are unfortunately all too common tools of the drug trafficking organizations operating in our communities,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Cases like this clearly demonstrate the resolve of the DEA to hold violent drug traffickers accountable.” “I would like to thank all of the law enforcement entities involved for their hard work on this case,” said Waverly Hall Police Chief Jason Durham. “This is another proven example that illegal drugs and guns will not be tolerated.” According to the evidence at trial, Jones was stopped by a Waverly Hall Police Department officer on Oct. 16, 2019, after the officer’s automatic license plate reader triggered an alert that the owner of the car had active arrest warrants. The officer smelled marijuana and searched the vehicle, finding cocaine, a digital scale and a razor blade next to the drugs. Jones was concealing a .45 caliber pistol. At the time, Jones had several prior felony drug convictions; it is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. Jones was convicted of bank robbery on Sept. 20, 2023, in the Superior Court of Pike County, Georgia, and is serving a life sentence for his crime. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Waverly Hall Police Department with valuable assistance from the FBI and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Williams and Crawford Seals prosecuted the case for the Government.


title: Ocala Man Indicted For Double Robbery

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Danny Anzardo (45, Ocala) with two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. If convicted of the robbery offenses, Felix faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each robbery. The firearm offense carries a minimum sentence of seven years, up to life, in federal prison, which must be served consecutively to any prison term imposed for the robberies. According to court documents, Anzardo robbed two establishments—a general retail store and a jewelry store—on October 29, 2024. During the first robbery, Anzardo pointed a firearm at the cashier, demanding money from the cash register. Anzardo took approximately $88 from the cash register and fled. A few hours later, Anzardo robbed the jewelry store. Anzardo implied to the victim that he had a firearm inside his backpack and threatened to kill the victim. Anzardo stole approximately $13,000 worth of jewelry from the store. Anzardo was arrested the following day and confessed to both robberies. He admitted that he used a firearm during the first robbery and that he disposed of it in a lake before he robbed the jewelry store. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ocala Police Department, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Callaos. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Davenport Man Sentenced to 200 Months in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Meth

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison today for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to public court documents, between June 2022 and February 2023, Eric Eugene Muhammad, 38, distributed methamphetamine in Davenport and Moline, including more than 100 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Muhammad has three prior drug convictions in Illinois Circuit Court for Knox County and was also on probation in Knox County for an aggravated battery charge at the time of his involvement in this drug distribution offense. After his term of imprisonment, Muhammad will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Division of the Quad Cities SAFE Streets Task Force, Moline Police Department, and Davenport Police Department.


title: Davenport Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Meth

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced today to 240 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to public court documents, between at least January 2024 and May 2024, Rosston Tate, 40, distributed more than ten pounds of methamphetamine in the Quad Cities area with Kyle Ogden Antle, 23, of Davenport, and Jason Douglas Ringold, 26, of Davenport. Tate used three-way jail phone calls to continue trafficking methamphetamine after Antle and Ringold were arrested. Tate actively recruited members to the conspiracy and directed others to deliver drugs. Tate also illegally possessed firearms, including during his drug trafficking. Tate committed this offense while he was on supervised release related to his most recent felony drug conviction for manufacture/delivery of heroin in the Wisconsin District Court for Milwaukee County. After completing his term of imprisonment, Tate will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. In November, Antle pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to his drug trafficking. Antle’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 16, 2025. Yesterday, Ringold pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Ringold’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 15, 2025. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Rock Island Police Department. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Sioux City Man Sentenced to 106 Months in Federal Prison for Meth and Firearm Charges

body_text: COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Sioux City man was sentenced today to 106 months in federal prison for possessing a distribution quantity of methamphetamine and a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking. According to public court documents, Rodney Lamard Hall, II, 31, was found in possession of a distribution quantity of pills containing approximately 37 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana, and a loaded nine-millimeter pistol with an extended magazine. At the time he committed this offense, he was on probation for possessing a firearm and marijuana in April 2023, with the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County. After completing his term of imprisonment, Hall will be required to serve a four-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Council Bluffs Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Charge

body_text: COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Council Bluffs man was sentenced today to 180 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to public court documents, in December 2023, law enforcement identified Dennis Earl Page, Jr., 56, as the driver of a truck that struck a parked vehicle in Council Bluffs. A search of Page’s person and truck resulted in the seizure of approximately 14 grams of methamphetamine, 32 grams of marijuana, a loaded pistol, ammunition, and cash. Page was convicted of methamphetamine delivery charges in January 2018 and again March 2018 in the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, and was discharged from state parole in August 2022. After completing his term of imprisonment, Page will be required to serve an eight-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department and Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Grand jury charges Cincinnati man with crimes related to $6.5 million fraud scheme

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – A local man was indicted on charges alleging he defrauded victims out of more than $6.5 million through an online laundry and dry-cleaning pickup and delivery business. Benjamin Cantey, 41, of Cincinnati, was charged in a six-count indictment that was unsealed yesterday. According to the indictment, in 2019, Cantey started Carbon IQ Inc., doing business as Rumby, as a Delaware corporation that he operated out of Cincinnati. Rumby was a venture-backed startup that purported to provide an e-commerce platform for pickup and delivery of laundry and dry cleaning. Cantey sought to raise investment money as the founder and CEO of the company. It is alleged that from 2020 through 2022, Cantey defrauded investors and potential investors of money and property. Cantey allegedly lied about his business experience and prior business success to recruit investors. He also allegedly communicated false information that overstated Rumby’s revenue, profits, bank balance, growth and potential growth. He allegedly sent false presentation decks to victims. For example, Cantey claimed that Rumby ended May 2022 with a $1.5 million bank balance when in reality the account had a negative balance of approximately -$53,000. The defendant allegedly spent $850,000 in investor money to help purchase a 5,000-square-feet, $1.7 million home on Garden Place in Cincinnati. Cantey is charged with four counts of wire fraud and two counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew C. Singer is representing the United States in this case. An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. # # #


title: Columbus man sentenced to more than 6 years in prison for firearms crimes

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jamie L. Pannell, 43, of Columbus, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 78 months in prison for firearms crimes. According to court documents, on multiple dates in April and May 2023, Pannell sold multiple firearms – some including auto-conversion devices – to an undercover agent. An auto-conversion device turns a firearm into a fully automatic weapon, allowing the entire magazine of bullets to be released in seconds with one pull of the trigger. Pannell discussed switch devices with the undercover agent, noting the differences between metal and plastic switches, and promising he could deliver on the sale of switches in future transactions. The defendant then sold the agent additional firearms, two of which had switches. In total, Pannell sold eight firearms as part of the controlled law enforcement transactions. As a previously convicted felon, Pannell is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. His past convictions also include violent crimes against women. Pannell was charged federally in June 2023 and pleaded guilty in April 2024 to illegally possessing firearms as a felon and possessing machineguns. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth A. Geraghty is representing the United States in this case. ###


title: Former South Bay High School Coach Arraigned On Charges Of Enticement Of Minors And Receipt Of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN JOSE – Todd Baldwin, a former sports coach, teaching assistant, and operations manager at Valley Christian High School in San Jose, was arraigned in federal court this afternoon on charges of enticement of minors and receipt of child pornography. Baldwin, 44, currently of Bremerton, Wash., was charged by complaint on Oct. 10, 2024, and by information on Nov. 19, 2024. According to the complaint, Baldwin allegedly persuaded, induced, and enticed two minor boys, both high school students at the time, to produce child sexual abuse materials in exchange for money from December 2022 to August 2023. Baldwin allegedly paid thousands of dollars via mobile payment services to the minor boys and to at least two other students whom Baldwin had recruited to create child sexual abuse materials for resale online. The complaint further alleges that Baldwin designated some of the exploited minors as his “Teacher Assistants.” The information formally charges Baldwin with two counts of enticement of minors in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b) and two counts of receipt of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2252(a)(2) and (b). An information merely alleges that crimes have been committed. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Baldwin faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, a term of supervised release, and restitution. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. Baldwin surrendered to federal authorities in San Jose on Oct. 28, 2024, and made his initial appearance in federal court on the same day. He is currently on conditional release. He is next scheduled to appear before the Honorable Beth Labson Freeman, U.S. District Judge, on Feb. 4, 2025. United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp made the announcement. Assistant United States Attorney Marissa Harris is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sahib Kaur. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the San Jose Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Squad. Baldwin Information Baldwin Complaint


title: Peoria Man Sentenced to 102 Months in Prison for Heroin and Cocaine Trafficking Involving Firearms and for Violating Federal Supervised Release

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

body_text: Peoria, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois man, Terrance J. Shaw, 43, was sentenced on December 12, 2024, to 102 months in federal prison for heroin and cocaine trafficking offenses involving firearms and for violating the terms of his federal supervised release. His sentence includes a six-year term of supervised release to be served upon completion of his term of confinement. At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Jonathan E. Hawley, the government established that in early March 2024, Peoria Police responded to two ShotSpotter alerts of gunfire in the 700 Block of Lasalle Street. Officers located shell casings and focused their investigation on a residence associated with Shaw. At that time, Shaw was on federal supervised release for trafficking crack cocaine and possession of a firearm by a felon. On March 7, 2024, federal agents of the Peoria Area Federal Firearms Task Force and Peoria Police executed a search warrant at Shaw’s home. During the search, agents located 82 grams of heroin, 10 grams of cocaine, 312 grams of cannabis, drug packaging materials, digital scales and utensils with cocaine residue, multiple cellphones, a 9mm pistol and ammunition, and an AR-15 rifle with .223 caliber ammunition. Agents also located over $14,000 in U.S. currency in the home. A criminal complaint was filed against Shaw in March 2024. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on March 19, 2024, charging him with drug trafficking offenses and firearms offenses. In August 2024 he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Shaw also admitted that he had violated the terms of his supervised release by committing the new drug and firearm offenses. Shaw’s total sentence of 102 months is a combination of the terms of imprisonment on the drug trafficking and gun offenses and a term of imprisonment for violating supervised release. The statutory penalties for possession with intent to distribute the quantities of heroin and cocaine involved in the case are up to 30 years imprisonment, followed by 6 years of supervised release. The penalties for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime are 5 years to life imprisonment, followed by 2 to 5 years of supervised release. Imprisonment on the firearm count must be served consecutive to the other counts. The Peoria Area Federal Firearms Task Force, comprised of agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Peoria Police Department; the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department; Illinois Department of Corrections; and the Illinois State Police, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution. The case against Shaw is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: A Michigan Man Pleaded Guilty Today to One Count of Committing A Hate Crime by Attempting to Carry Out a Mass Killing

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: FLINT - According to court documents, Mack Davis, 22, of Owosso, admitted that he attempted to conduct a mass killing of individuals at a political party headquarters and a nearby bar in the Eastern District of Michigan because he associated both locations with gay people. “This defendant amassed an arsenal of firearms, rounds of ammunition and bombmaking parts that he intended to use to carry out the mass killing of gay people. This kind of vile and heinous hate-fueled violence, intended to target innocent people based on their sexual orientation, runs contrary to our values as Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Bias-motivated crimes targeting the LGBTQI+ community will not be tolerated. The Justice Department will continue using every tool at our disposal to protect communities from the scourge of hate-fueled violence by prosecuting those who carry out or attempt to carry out such crimes.” “Davis’ plans were chilling. He intended to commit mass shootings at two locations — destroying countless lives and devastating our community — all because of his fanatical hatred for gay people,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “I applaud the work of law enforcement in disrupting this awful plot and arresting Davis before he could carry out his planned attacks. Today’s guilty plea is a reflection of my office’s commitment to prosecuting bias crimes and is a critical step in holding this defendant accountable for his actions.” “Mack Davis’ guilty plea to a federal hate crime highlights the unwavering dedication of law enforcement to uphold the safety and security of every community in Michigan,” said Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of FBI Detroit Field Office. “This case serves as a stark reminder that there is no tolerance for hate-fueled violence. Davis confessed to devising a plan motivated by his deep-seated hatred, targeting innocent individuals associated with the LGBTQIA+ community. The FBI’s Detroit Field Office, Flint Resident Agency, in collaboration with the Owosso Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and the Michigan State Police, acted swiftly to prevent this malicious scheme from being carried out. Our collective action disrupted a serious threat and reaffirmed our commitment to protecting vulnerable communities from harm. Michigan law enforcement remains committed to ensuring all individuals live free from fear of violence or discrimination. We are dedicated to combating hate, protecting the safety and well-being of Michigan residents, and fostering a safe environment where everyone, regardless of identity, can thrive in peace.” According to court documents, from at least July 2023 through June 2024, Davis accessed search engines and social media sites to research, post about, and pay tribute to mass killers, and wrote about dozens of mass killers in journals and on other items in his home. During that period, Davis also began to plot his own mass killing, by, among other things, drafting lists of weapons and tactical gear he owned and intended to acquire for use in his mass killing. By June, Davis had crossed off every item on the list of weapons and tactical gear he intended to acquire, and had amassed an arsenal that included two firearms, magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, a crossbow and arrows, assorted bomb-making parts, smoke grenades, tactical gear and clothing and several knives. Davis inscribed one of the knives with the anti-gay slur, “FAGGOT Killer.” From April through June, Davis solidified his plan to commit the mass killing. Among other acts, Davis posted on a social media site that he intended to commit a mass killing at a political party headquarters, which Davis referred to as “Location 1,” that Davis wrote was “filled with far-left liberal, faggot scum.” Davis wrote that he would continue the mass killing at “Location 2,” a nearby bar that Davis wrote was “a faggot bar.” Davis researched both locations online, conducted physical surveillance of both locations and posted about his research and surveillance on the social media site. During that period, Davis also vandalized two cars that belonged to his neighbors, whom he knew to be gay, by spray-painting the word “fag” on one of the cars. Days later, Davis also test-fired one of his firearms, an illegal short-barreled rifle, by firing approximately 60 bullets into several of his neighbors’ properties, including one of the cars that he had previously vandalized. The Owosso Police Department arrested Davis for that shooting. Davis was later transferred to federal custody, where he has remained since. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for a later date. Because Davis’s hate crime involved an attempt to kill, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Detroit Field Office investigated the case, with assistance the from the Owosso Police Department, ATF and Michigan State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Lee Carlson and Christopher W. Rawsthorne for the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Erin Monju of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.


title: Columbus man sentenced to more than 4 years in prison for cyberstalking, sextorting young gay men he targeted on dating apps

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Omoruyi O. Uwadiae, 29, of Columbus, was sentenced in federal court here today to 51 months in prison for harassing, cyberstalking, extorting and stealing the identities of victims in multiple states including Ohio, Colorado and Washington. For several months in 2019, Uwadiae committed crimes targeting gay and bisexual men. According to court documents, Uwadiae obtained sexually explicit photographs and videos from potential victims and then used the content to threaten them. Uwadiae threatened to distribute the explicit material widely on the internet and specifically to victims’ friends, family members, employers and others. The defendant demanded money from some victims. From others, he demanded they meet him, have sex with him, or make damaging admissions such as admissions that they were racist. On multiple occasions, Uwadiae carried through with his threats. He sent sexually explicit photographs and videos to the victims’ friends, family members (including at least one victim’s mother, at least one victim’s brother, and at least one victim’s sister), employers and acquaintances, and also posted sexually explicit photographs and videos widely on the internet. Multiple victims had not publicly disclosed their sexual orientation, which Uwadiae’s actions disclosed, contrary to their wishes. The defendant also used victims’ identifications to create false accounts on social media and post the victims’ personal information and explicit images online. Uwadiae targeted young gay men on Grindr and other online sites. He would obtain their sexually explicit photographs and videos consensually and then use them to extort. In some cases, he posted their nude images on Male General and other websites without their consent and then demanded money or other things of value to take down the images. Male General is a blog marketed to gay men containing, among other things, boards where users can post images and text. For example, one victim was a student at The Ohio State University who communicated with Uwadiae on Grindr. Uwadiae ultimately demanded that the victim either pay him $200 or have sex with him. When the victim did not comply, Uwadiae created false social media accounts using true photos of the victim, stating, “this guy is gay, see pics for evidence.” The victim had not disclosed his sexual orientation to his family and had told Uwadiae he was concerned that his family would react negatively if they learned he was bisexual. Another victim was a minor at the time of Uwadiae’s crimes. When he and Uwadiae first communicated, he told Uwadiae that he was 18 years old, when in fact he was 17. After Uwadiae began distributing explicit images of the victim, members of the victim’s family told Uwadiae that he was 17, and Uwadiae ultimately acknowledged that fact. Even after Uwadiae knew the victim was a minor, he continued to distribute sexually explicit images of the victim, sending them to the victim’s mother and others, and also creating a publicly viewable Facebook page with the explicit images. Uwadiae was charged in the Southern District of Ohio in April by a bill of information and pleaded guilty in May to 22 total counts, including cyberstalking, making interstate communications with the intent to extort and seven count of unlawfully using a means of identification. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill are representing the United States in this case, which was investigated by the FBI. # # #


title: Garland Man Sentenced in Methamphetamine Conspiracy

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Steven Butler, age 54, of Garland, Nebraska, was sentenced December 17, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge Joseph Bataillon sentenced Butler to 108 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Butler’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. On May 6, 2022, Steven Butler sold meth to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The meth weighed approximately 57.4 grams. On May 12, 2022, investigators were surveilling Butler’s residence and observed him to leave in a vehicle. Knowing he had a suspended license, a Deputy from Seward County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle Butler was driving. Butler admitted to using meth and agreed to let investigators go to his residence to collect the meth he had there. Butler unlocked the cabinet and investigators located a cigar box with three separate baggies of meth. The bags each weighed 6.9 grams, 4.8 grams and 3.8 grams. Butler admitted that he had been distributing meth to other individuals. This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.


title: Former Latino Peace Officers Association Fundraiser Sentenced for Wire Fraud Conspiracy and Tax Evasion

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jack Olson, age 68, formerly of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced on December 17, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and tax evasion. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Olson to a total of 33 months’ imprisonment: 21 months for the conspiracy charge and 12 months for tax evasion. The sentences were ordered to be served consecutively. There is no parole in the federal system. After Olson’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. Senior Judge Gerrard ordered Olson to pay $136,178.75 in restitution. Between 2017 and April 2023, Olson conspired to defraud the Latino Peace Officers Association (LPOA) for his own personal benefit. Olson, a/k/a “Cody Jones,” would solicit funds from individuals and entities in the District of Nebraska on behalf of LPOA. LPOA donor letters represented that “every penny” of the donations went to athletic programs to keep target youths out of gangs and to other LPOA causes. The LPOA website similarly represented that 100% of donations went to athletic programs for children. As part of the conspiracy to defraud the LPOA, the percentage of LPOA donations Olson kept for himself increased from 65% of gross donations to 80% of gross donations without LPOA board approval. Olson spent a significant amount of those funds on himself and others for personal expenses unrelated to business dealings. Between 2018 and 2021, while soliciting funds for the LPOA, Olson also conducted business using extensive amounts of cash and avoided making records that would allow the IRS to ascertain his tax liability for his fundraising business. Despite being paid 65% to 80% of donated funds to LPOA, Olson failed to file income tax returns for tax years 2018 through 2021, resulting in a federal tax loss of $95,705. Co-defendants Johnny Palermo, age 48, of Omaha, was sentenced in April 2024 to 24 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and Richard Gonzalez, age 56, of Papillion, Nebraska, was sentenced in January 2024 to 18 months’ imprisonment for the conspiracy charge. Both were ordered to pay restitution: $65,014.67 for Palermo; and $66,749.35 for Gonzalez. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigations.


title: Muskogee Resident Pleads Guilty To Federal Firearm Charge

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Rickey Everett Ballard, age 29, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. The Superseding Indictment alleged that between May 1, 2024, and May 29, 2024, Ballard knowingly possessed a semiautomatic .300 blackout caliber pistol and twenty-nine rounds of ammunition after having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. The charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Ballard will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.


title: Ardmore Resident Pleads Guilty To Felony Assault Charge

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Richard Alan Chastain, age 52, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea of one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. The Indictment alleged that on July 17, 2024, Chastain assaulted the victim with a dangerous weapon, with intent to do bodily harm. The crime occurred in Carter County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charges arose from an investigation by the Ardmore Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, 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. Chastain will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.


title: McAlester Resident Pleads Guilty To Maiming

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Cody Ray McFadden, age 36, of McAlester, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Maiming in Indian Country. The Indictment alleged that on July 17, 2022, McFadden, intending to maim and disfigure, disabled the victim. The crimes occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charges arose from an investigation by the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, 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. McFadden will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Satter represented the United States.


title: Tahlequah Resident Sentenced For Federal Firearm Crime

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Heath Tyler Bryan, age 34, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 92 months in prison for one count of illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. The charge arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On May 15, 2024, Bryan pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition. According to investigators, on January 1, 2024, troopers discovered Bryan in possession of a loaded .38 special revolver and one round of ammunition. Bryan possessed the firearm and ammunition despite knowing that he had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Bryan will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edith Singer and Rachel Geizura represented the United States.


title: Bartlesville Resident Sentenced For Federal Drug Crime

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Luther Lee Taylor, a/k/a Luther Lee High, a/k/a Luther Lee Taylor High, age 44, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 151 months in prison for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The charge arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Atoka County Sheriff’s Department, and the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police. On August 27, 2024, Taylor pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on April 21, 2024, law enforcement intercepted Taylor approximately half a mile from the Howard-McLeod Correctional Center in Atoka County carrying two large duffel bags which were found to contain baggies of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Taylor will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Lorenz represented the United States.


title: Idabel Resident Sentenced For Federal Drug Crime

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Teresa Leona Dean, age 55, of Idabel, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 6 years in prison for one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine. The charge arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. On June 5, 2024, Dean pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on August 17, 2023, Dean distributed over 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Dean will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Richard J. Lorenz represented the United States.


title: Austin Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for $1.5 Million Wire Fraud Scheme

body_text: AUSTIN, Texas – An Austin man was sentenced in federal court to 41 months in prison for defrauding multiple investors in a $1.5 million Ponzi scheme. According to court documents, Nurnepes Nurjanov, 34, was an informal day trader who, in September 2019, began soliciting funds from investors, drafting agreements that promised minimum returns, the split on profits between him and his investors, and investor access to the trading accounts. He also promised to use investment funds only for stock trades and agreed to pay “50% of clean profit” to the investor. To entice potential investors, Nurjanov created false documents indicating favorable investment returns and, using a trading simulator template, showed them alleged gains he was making. One investor agreed to invest $50,000 in October 2019, and was shown a fraudulent investment statement reflecting a significant return. Another investor provided $50,000 in December 2020, followed by $142,500 in February 2021. That investor made several other large investments with Nurjanov over the next several months before selling their business in June 2022 and investing the proceeds of $325,000 with Nurjanov. Subsequentially, that investor referred a friend to Nurjanov, who in-turn was convinced by multiple false statements to wire Nurjanov $200,000. While they did receive alleged investment returns, the funds were proceeds from money invested by other victims of Nurjanov’s scheme. Nurjanov spent other portions of the fraudulently acquired cash and assets for his personal living expense. In total, Nurjanov defrauded victims of $1,524,500. Nurjanov was summoned to appear in court and made his initial appearance June 13, 2024, at which time he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. In addition to imprisonment, Nurjanov was ordered to pay $1,505,500 in restitution. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Guess prosecuted the case. ###


title: Tallahassee Area Realtor Found Guilty Of Willfully Failing to File Income Tax Returns

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Sedita Charles Cayson, 59, of Panacea, Florida, was found guilty by a federal judge of five counts of willfully failing to file his income tax returns during a five-year period, spanning tax years 2017-2021. The guilty verdict returned at the conclusion of a day-and-a-half bench trial, was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Trial testimony and evidence demonstrated that Cayson—a Florida real estate agent known as the “Land Man”— had been a serial non-filer of his income taxes for multiple years. Evidence showed that Cayson had a history of tax delinquencies with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and that he was assessed liens for his federal income tax delinquencies for years 2004-2007 and 2011-2013. Despite earning real estate sales commissions averaging over $150,000 per year, Cayson willfully failed to file his income tax returns for tax years 2017-2021. Further evidence indicated that beginning in 2017, Cayson instructed his real estate broker to split his commission checks into amounts that were less than $10,000, the majority of which Cayson cashed at the bank immediately upon receiving them. Sentencing is scheduled for February 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Robert L. Hinkle. Cayson faces up to one year in federal prison and a $25,000 fine for each count, followed by a term of up to one year of supervised release. This conviction was the result of an investigation by the United States Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Harley Ferguson and Justin M. Keen prosecuted the case. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: University of Delaware Failed to Disclose Professor’s Foreign Government Ties

component: USAO - Delaware

body_text: Wilmington, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that the University of Delaware (UD), located in Newark, Delaware, has agreed to pay $715,580 to resolve civil allegations that it failed to disclose a UD professor’s affiliations with and support from the government of the People’s Republic of China in connection with federal research funding. This settlement relates to a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) grant that was issued to UD in June 2020. Since 2011, federal law has prohibited NASA from using funds to collaborate with China or any Chinese-owned companies. The settlement resolves allegations that UD caused NASA to violate this law by failing to disclose that one of the principal investigators on the grant was affiliated with the Chinese government through: (1) employment at a Chinese university; (2) participation in a program established by the Chinese government to recruit individuals with knowledge or access to foreign technology intellectual property; and (3) a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China. “Federal law requires universities, institutions, and researchers to make disclosures, including certain foreign affiliations, when applying for grants so that the granting agencies can assess whether to fund their research and development,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware David C. Weiss. “My office will hold accountable applicants who undermine the integrity of the federal grant process by knowingly failing to submit complete and truthful applications.” “NASA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) is dedicated to identifying and aggressively pursuing individuals who conceal affiliations with foreign entities and undermine the integrity of our academic system to obtain research funding,” said Adelle K. Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the Eastern Field Office, NASA OIG. “We commend the exceptional investigative efforts of our agents, and the work of the USAO for the District of Delaware that resulted in this settlement. Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to safeguard taxpayer funds that are intended for federal research and development programs.” The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware and NASA-OIG. This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shamoor Anis and Claudia L. Pare for the District of Delaware. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. usa-ud_settlement_agreement_1.pdf


title: Fargo Man Convicted by Jury for Witness Tampering Conspiracy in Murder

component: USAO - North Dakota

body_text: FARGO – United States Attorney Mac Schneider, District of North Dakota, announced that Shaquiel Anthony Mendez , age 31, was convicted at trial of Conspiracy to Tamper with a Witness after a four-day jury trial held before Chief District Court Judge Peter D. Welte in Fargo. Mendez is scheduled to be sentenced on April 21, 2025. Mendez was convicted for his role in conspiring to tamper with a federal witness after the witness was assaulted and stabbed with a pencil in the Cass County jail. This witness tampering case is related to the investigation into the murder of Santino Marial which occurred on August 28, 2020, in Fargo. “An attack on a witness is an attack on the rule of law,” Schneider said. “This case is a reminder that anyone who conspires to use violence against a federal witness in the District of North Dakota will make themselves a federal defendant. I want to thank our career prosecutors, the trial team, and our partners in federal and local law enforcement for their work to secure a conviction and ensure justice was done in this case.” Daniel Saydee Cisse , age 20, is currently serving an eleven-year sentence for his role in the witness tampering conspiracy. Ahmed Abdi Hassan , age 21, has pled guilty for his role in the witness tampering conspiracy and is currently scheduled to be sentenced on January 21, 2025. Jesse James Burnett , age 31, has been indicted for Murder in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime and Conspiracy to Tamper with a Witness and is scheduled for trial on April 1, 2025. This case is being investigated by Fargo Police Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATFE). The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher C. Myers, Matthew Kopp, and Jacob Rodenbiker. # # #