title: Toledo man Sentenced to over 26 years for Coercion and Enticement of a Minor and Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: TOLEDO – Derrick Murphy, 40 of Toledo, Ohio was sentenced to 320 months imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Helmick after earlier pleading guilty to enticement of a minor and drug charges. Judge Helmick also ordered Murphy to serve 10 years of supervised release upon release from imprisonment. Murphy was sentenced to 180 months for his role in a drug conspiracy and for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute narcotics. According to court documents, in late July 2019, FBI agents in Toledo, Ohio received information from FBI agents in San Diego, California and Charlotte, North Carolina that a courier for a Sinaloa Mexico based drug trafficking organization had been identified bringing kilogram quantities of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl to Toledo. Further investigation by the Toledo agents identified Murphy as the local distributor leader. After a lengthy investigation, agents in late April 2021 received information that Murphy was expecting another large shipment of suspected fentanyl to be delivered. After surveillance, a subsequent traffic stop led to the seizure of approximately 5 kilograms of fentanyl and $17,515 in U.S. currency from members of Murphy’s organization. Subsequent federal search warrants resulted in the seizure of additional quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Murphy was also sentenced to 140 months for coercing and enticing a minor to engage in the production of sexually explicit materials from December 2020 to May 2021. Both sentences were ordered to be served consecutive to each other. This case was investigated by the FBI in conjunction with the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force and the Toledo Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alissa Sterling.


title: Bomb Maker Sentenced To 52 Months In Prison

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Terrance Wayne VanOchten, 57, of Mancelona, was sentenced to 52 months in federal prison. VanOchten pled guilty in June to possessing three pipe bombs, which were found as part of a large cache of military-style firearms and equipment. Other evidence in the case demonstrated that VanOchten made threatening statements about elected public officials at the same time he possessed the bombs. U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney imposed the sentence. “In urban centers and rural spaces, Michiganders deserve to live in peace and safety without the menace of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “Mr. VanOchten possessed unlawful pipe bombs, posed a threat to others, and is now being held to account.” Kalkaska County Sheriff’s deputies responded to VanOchten’s home in August 2022, after neighbors reported he was shooting what sounded like a machine gun. He answered the door with a loaded pistol, and later admitted he had been shooting a modified AR-15 style assault rifle into his backyard. Deputies executed a search warrant and found three assembled metal pipe bombs in VanOchten’s house. They also found highlighted explosives guides, a “Militia Battle Manual,” and more than a dozen weapons, including semiautomatic rifles, pistols, and a 40mm projectile launcher. VanOchten received an enhanced sentence because he was using drugs at the time of the shooting incident. The Court also considered that his bond was revoked for keeping undisclosed weapons and ammunition. “VanOchten’s illegal possession of explosives have found him a pathway to prison,” said ATF Detroit Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Illegal explosives and weapons are a threat to public safety and have no place in our community. Those who threaten public safety will be held accountable by ATF.” The case was investigated by ATF’s Grand Rapids Resident Agency and the Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Office. ###


title: SMC Systems Inc. to Pay $2.35 Million to Resolve Allegations of False Statements Relating to Energy Star Program

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: WASHINGTON – SMC Systems Inc., dba Skyetec, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, has agreed to pay $2.35 million to resolve allegations that it violated the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA), between 2014 and 2021, by knowingly and intentionally making false statements to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other entities about the results of inspections it was performing under the EPA’s Energy Star Program. FIRREA imposes civil penalties on any person or entity that violates certain predicate federal statutes involving false statements and financial fraud. On July 15, 2021, Skyetec was acquired by Quality Built, LLC, and re-organized as SMC Systems LLC. “EPA’s Energy Star program is an important vehicle for promoting energy efficiency and improving energy security,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable those who undermine these critical objectives and seek to profit by knowingly failing to comply with the program’s requirements. “The strength and integrity of the Energy Star program depends on accurate information provided by those who inspect and certify homes as energy efficient,” said U.S. Attorney Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to ensuring integrity in that process for both home buyers and financial institutions that assist borrowers in financing their homes, as well as holding accountable those who falsely certify Energy Star homes.” “ The integrity of the Energy Star program relies on an honest and transparent public-private partnership,” said Special Agent in Charge Nic Evans of the EPA Office of Inspector General (EPA-OIG). “These allegations and subsequent penalties send a clear message that oversight is imperative to bring to light partners that diminish the value of the Energy Star program.” The Energy Star Program is a voluntary public-private partnership to identify and promote energy-efficient products and buildings, to reduce energy consumption, to improve energy security and to reduce pollution through labeling of, or other communication about, products and buildings that meet the highest energy conservation standards. As part of the Energy Star Program, the EPA oversees the Energy Star Home Certification Program along with RESNET, a private Home Certification Organization that accredits and audits rating providers. Under the Home Certification Program, newly constructed homes receive energy inspections and obtain Energy Star Certificates reflecting that the home meets the required energy efficiency standards. An essential feature of this program is third-party verification that the home meets energy efficiency standards set by EPA. EPA relies on rating providers, like Skyetec, to ensure that all homes certified as Energy Star meet all Energy Star requirements. The rating provider must sign a partnership agreement with the EPA and must report all homes certified as Energy Star to the EPA. An essential component of the Energy Star Home Certification Program is a pre-drywall inspection to verify the presence and installation quality of a home’s insulation, alignment of air barriers, presence of prescribed framing and proper overall seal of a home. This is known as a “thermal bypass inspection.” The United States alleged that between 2014 and 2021, Skyetec knowingly and intentionally made false statements to the EPA, RESNET and others that it had properly performed these thermal bypass inspections when, in fact, it had failed to do so. Skyetec obtained both payment from a third party for a thermal bypass inspection and an Energy Star certificate from EPA based on the material misrepresentation that a thermal bypass inspection occurred. Skyetec reported information about these homes through internet platforms to both the EPA and RESNET as having satisfied Energy Star requirements when in fact they had not verified this through a thermal bypass inspection. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from EPA-OIG. The matter was investigated by Senior Trial Counsel Don Williamson and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsay Griffin, Charles Harden and Soma Nwokolo for the Middle District of Florida. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Ferry County Hospital District Agrees to Pay $15,000 Penalty and Implement Corrective Actions to Address Improper Opioid Dispensing Practices at Republic Pharmacy

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, WA – The Ferry County Hospital District agreed to pay a $15,000 Controlled Substances Act penalty and to institute corrective actions in regards to opioid prescribing practices at Republic Drug Store, a pharmacy in Republic, Washington, that Ferry County Hospital District purchased in January 2021 and has continued to operate since that time, announced Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. To protect the public, the Controlled Substances Act and its implementing regulations place legal responsibilities on medical professionals to ensure that opioid medications and other controlled substances are prescribed, dispensed, and used for medically-appropriate purposes and in a safe manner. The responsibility for the proper prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances is upon the prescribing practitioner, but a corresponding responsibility rests with the pharmacist who fills the prescription to ensure that prescriptions are legitimate, safe, and medically appropriate. This responsibility includes addressing and resolving “red flags”, that is, indications that a particular prescription may be unsafe or medically inappropriate, by obtaining additional information before filling the prescription. In the settlement announced today, Ferry County Hospital District admitted that, between October 2017 and November 2021, Republic Drug Store and its pharmacists and employees did not always appropriately exercise their corresponding responsibility in filling prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances. Ferry County Hospital District admitted that Republic Drug Store filled prescriptions that contained “red flags”, i.e., indications of possible fraud, drug-seeking, lack of medical necessity, potential for abuse or health risk, or potential for drug diversion into the community, without appropriately resolving those red flags prior to dispensing. Ferry County Hospital District further admitted that these red flags included: (1) numerous patients for whom Republic Drug Store filled prescriptions for a dangerous and medically-inappropriate combination of drugs known as the “holy trinity” (an opioid, a benzodiazepine, and a muscle relaxant taken in tandem), as well as other dangerous combinations; (2) high doses of opioids, including patients prescribed opioid doses far in excess of guidelines promulgated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); (3) fraudulent prescriptions purportedly issued by physicians who were no longer practicing medicine or who had their licenses suspended or revoked; (4) early refill prescriptions that Republic Drug Store filled with no explanation of why the patient had exhausted the prior month’s supply more than a week early; and (5) prescriptions written by naturopathic doctors who did not have the medical authority to prescribe controlled substances. “Pharmacies, such as Republic Drug, play a critical role in keeping our communities safe and strong,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Pharmacies serve a vital gatekeeper function in keeping our residents safe and healthy, preventing the diversion of dangerous drugs, and combatting addiction. I’m grateful that Ferry County Hospital District accepted responsibility and has entered into a robust agreement with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to ensure that it complies with its gatekeeper function and obligations going forward.” In addition to the $15,000 civil penalty, Ferry County Hospital District has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DEA concerning Republic Drug Store. Under the MOA, Republic Drug Store agreed to resolve all “red flag” prescriptions prior to dispensing any controlled substances. Republic Drug Store is also required to conduct quarterly physical inventory audits and provide those to the DEA. These audits must be performed by a team that includes a licensed pharmacist. Additionally, Republic Drug Store is required to provide training for its employees on how to detect and prevent filling of fraudulent or medically inappropriate prescriptions. Finally, Republic Drug Store further agreed to review and update its controlled substance policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the Controlled Substances Act going forward. “This resolution would not have been possible without the exceptional investigative work by DEA Seattle Field Division’s Diversion Group, and I am grateful for our longstanding and continuing partnership,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “We are committed to working hand-in-glove with DEA Diversion Group and our law enforcement partners to protect our communities and public health and safety.” “DEA’s core mission is to protect Americans and we need our partners in the healthcare community to help us by following the rules. When they do not, we hold them accountable, not to punish, but to encourage their cooperation and ensure that they are doing their part to keep people safe,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “We deeply appreciate our partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Washington, without whom this success would not have been possible.” The settlement was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington and DEA’s Seattle Field Division, Diversion Group. Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Tyler H.L. Tornabene handled this matter on behalf of the United States. republic_drug_final_fully_signed_sa.pdf


title: 35-Year-Old Omaha Man and Registered Sex Offender Sentenced in Armed Crime Spree

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Cordell R. Bridgeman, 35, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on September 28, 2023, in federal court in Omaha by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. to 238 months' imprisonment. On June 23, 2023, Bridgeman pled guilty to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and two weapons charges for brandishing firearms during and in relation to the two-armed robberies. After his release from prison, Bridgeman will begin a four-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. An investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Police Department determined that on September 18, 2020, Bridgeman, wearing a blue hoodie with the hood up, a light blue surgical mask, and dark pants, entered the Speedee Mart located at 100 West Centennial Road, Papillion, Nebraska. Bridgeman walked to the cooler and selected a beverage. Bridgeman proceeded to the register and requested a pack of "Diamond Swisher" cigars. When the employee requested identification to purchase the cigarettes, Bridgeman pulled out a gun and set it on the counter and demanded money from the register. The employee removed the drawer from the register. Bridgeman told the employee that she had five seconds to place the contents of the drawer in a plastic bag. That same day, Bridgeman robbed the Walgreens located at 3001 Dodge Street, in Omaha, Nebraska. Bridgeman approached a Walgreens employee working the counter and asked where hand sanitizer was located. When the employee went to scan the hand sanitizer, she saw that Bridgeman had a gun pointed at her at waist level in his right hand. Bridgeman told the employee to give him "Everything in the drawer" and "No funny business." The employee was having a hard time opening the register, and Bridgeman started counting backwards from three to one. The employee placed all the money that was in the register on the counter. Bridgeman grabbed the money, stuffed it in his pocket, and left the store. At sentencing, the government argued Bridgeman used excessive violence during the commission of these robberies. The government further informed the court that Bridgeman was a registered sex offender at the time he committed the armed robberies. He updated his sex offender registry with Sarpy Country on the same day he committed the robberies, in the same clothing. That evidence, along with the cooperation of several brave eyewitnesses, helped to secure the convictions in this case. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Police Department.


title: Wilber Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Possession of Child Pornography

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Kenneth Brinton, 65, formerly of Wilber, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for one count of possession of child pornography. Brinton was sentenced to 156 months in prison and will serve 13 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. The investigation of this case began when Saline County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) was informed that Brinton was arrested by the Beatrice Police Department for sexual assault of a child, child enticement, and additional charges regarding a minor. SCSO officers applied for a search of Brinton’s residence to further that investigation. During the execution of the search warrant, numerous videos of child pornography were located on Brinton’s computer. Overall, there were 57 videos and 8 images that contained child pornography located on Brinton’s electronic storage devices. Some of the files depicted minor females in the bathroom of Brinton’s residence. Brinton appeared in many of the videos as he turned on and off the camera before the minor would enter to use the bathroom. During the investigation he admitted to recording and saving these videos. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Saline County Sheriff’s Office.


title: Pell City Man Charged with Scheme to Defraud Investors

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Pell City man has been charged with a scheme to defraud investors in his various companies, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples. An information filed in United States District Court charges John Michael Golden , 48, with one count of wire fraud. According to the information, Golden was the founder and owner of Wolf-Tek, LLC; MountainTop Timber, LLC; and DroneTek, Inc. The information alleges that between January 2018 and July 2022, Golden devised a scheme to persuade individuals to invest in his companies. He made various misrepresentations to the investors, including his businesses were about to be sold for millions of dollars to companies such as Amazon, he had timber leases and an ability to harvest timber for profit, and he had hundreds of pre-orders for drones that he simply needed capital to fulfill. Golden also gave some investors Promissory Notes in which he misrepresented his ability to repay. Golden defrauded investors in his companies of more than $3.5 million dollars. He used the funds to pay back prior investors and for personal expenses. The maximum penalty for wire fraud is twenty years in prison. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Rummage is prosecuting the case.


title: CHINESE NATIONAL PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGALLY ENTERING THE UNITED STATES

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Thomas, VI . United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced that Guangsong Chen of China pleaded guilty to Illegal Entry into the United States in District Court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller. Chen faced up to six months of incarceration and was sentenced to time served. According to court documents, on August 3, 2023, Chen presented himself for inspection to U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Cyril E. King airport in St. Thomas prior to boarding a flight to the mainland. During their inspection, CBP officers determined that Chen traveled China to Suriname and on July 26, 2023, Chen illegally entered St. Thomas by boat after paying smugglers $7,500.00 for his transport. No legal document exists that allowed Chen to enter the United States, and there is no evidence that Chen sought or received prior permission to enter or reside in the United States. This case was investigated by the United States Customs and Border Protection and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz.


title: Bangladesh Citizen Sentenced to 14 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Stolen Firearm

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

body_text: Saipan, CNMI – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI), announced that the United States District Court for the NMI ordered 14 months imprisonment for MD Ikbal, age 37, a citizen of Bangladesh living on the island of Rota, after being convicted of Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(5)(A). Ikbal will enter deportation proceedings following his release from prison. During June 2016, Ikbal arrived in the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands (CNMI) pursuant to a CNMI-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) visa. A CW-1 is a nonimmigrant visa that allows employers in the CNMI to apply for permission to employ individuals who are otherwise ineligible to work under other nonimmigrant worker categories. Following the expiration of his visa in January 2017, Ikbal remained on the island of Rota without lawful immigration status. In October 2021, Ikbal entered the home of another without permission and threatened to kill occupants. Ikbal was subsequently charged in local court for trespassing and assault, then released on bail. During May 2022, police on Rota received a report that Ikbal was in possession of a firearm. Officers from the CNMI Department of Public Safety searched the island for Ikbal. After nine hours, they located Ikbal hiding in a jungle area, armed with a stolen .40 caliber handgun containing a fully loaded magazine. The firearm was a service weapon issued to a Rota police officer. The gun was reported stolen a week prior. “Federal law prohibits foreign nationals from possessing firearms and ammunition except in limited circumstances,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “These cases will be aggressively prosecuted by our office in an effort to keep our communities safe from gun crime.” The CNMI Department of Public Safety, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Albert S. Flores Jr. in the District of the Northern Mariana Islands prosecuted this case.


title: Chinese National Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Meth Trafficking on the Island of Saipan

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Saipan, CNMI – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI), announced that the United States District Court for the NMI ordered 51 months imprisonment for Bing Li, age 41, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). The Court also ordered Li to serve three years of supervised release and pay a $100 special assessment fee. He was further ordered to report for deportation proceedings. In January 2023, Bing Li received a package at the U.S. Post Office in Chalan Kanoa, Saipan. The package was addressed to Li and mailed by a sender in San Leandro, California. During an inspection of the package, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Customs and Biosecurity Officers discovered two plastic bags inside the package containing a total of 831.6 grams of methamphetamine with 99% purity levels. Upon questioning by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Li admitted he agreed with others to receive and further distribute the methamphetamine inside the package for personal profit. In January 2023, the street value on Saipan of the seized methamphetamine was at least $332,000. “This case demonstrates the continued targeting of mail parcels by law enforcement to interdict illicit drugs entering our jurisdictions,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “The penalties for traffickers are significant and include removal from the United States for foreign nationals.” This case was investigated by the CNMI Customs & Biosecurity and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Albert S. Flores Jr. in the District of the Northern Mariana Islands prosecuted the case.


title: Davenport Man Convicted of Producing, Distributing, and Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DAVENPORT, IA – A federal jury convicted a Davenport man yesterday for producing, distributing, and possessing child pornography. According to public court documents and evidence presented at trial, David Michael Woods, 51, sexually abused two minor victims in his care and produced recordings of the abuse and other sexual images of the minor victims, which he sent to others. Jason Richard Heider, 47, of Moline, Illinois, was also charged. In July 2022, Heider pled guilty to production and receipt of child pornography and admitted to his involvement in the abuse and production of child pornography of the minor victims. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.


title: North Carolina man sentenced for being a felon in possession of a gun

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael Alan Jones, 24, of Charlotte, North Carolina, who was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, was sentenced to time served (10 months) by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Moynihan, who handled the case, stated that in February 2019, Jones was convicted in Alamance County, North Carolina, of two felony crimes, and as a result is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. On March 19, 2022, in the Town of Leroy, in Genesee County, Jones possessed a semiautomatic rifle and ammunition in a vehicle in the vicinity of Route 33 and Griswold Road and School Road. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff William Sheron, Jr., and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. # # # #


title: Fulton County jail officer indicted on excessive force charges

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – Former Fulton County Detention Officer Monique Clark has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of using excessive force against a pretrial detainee at the Fulton County Jail. “We recognize that detention officers have a particularly challenging job as they work to maintain order and protect detainees in our district’s jails and prisons,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “However, this detention officer allegedly abused a handcuffed Fulton County detainee by strangling her and must be held accountable for such outrageous conduct.” “While those behind bars may have lost their freedom, they retain their humanity — and their civil rights,” said Special Agent in Charge Keri Farley of FBI Atlanta. “This case serves as an example that the FBI is committed to identifying and investigating those law enforcement officers who choose to abandon their oath and violate the public’s civil rights.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, information presented in court and other public information: At the time of the alleged misconduct, Monique Clark was employed as a detention officer at Fulton County Jail. On June 5, 2023, while Clark was working at the North Jail Annex in Alpharetta, Clark allegedly strangled a pretrial detainee without any legal justification. The detainee lost consciousness and suffered bodily injury as a result of the assault. Monique Clark, 32, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, has been indicted on charges of using excessive force against a pretrial detainee. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by the Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret R. Hobson and Brent Alan Gray and DOJ Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Alec C. Ward are prosecuting the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Carjacking and Weapons Violations

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, TEVIS STANTON , age 22, a resident of Orleans Parish, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle to imprisonment for 114 months, 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $200 special assessment fee after pleading to two counts of a four-count indictment. Count 1 of the indictment charged STANTON with carjacking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1). Count 2 of the indictment charged STANTON with using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii). According to court documents, STANTON committed a carjacking on March 22, 2022, in the 1200 block of Fern Street in New Orleans. In order to gain access to the vehicle during the carjacking, STANTON threatened to kill the victims as he was brandishing a firearm. Later, after the vehicle was located at an apartment complex, detectives identified STANTON as the perpetrator of the carjacking. 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. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Chesapeake Man Sentenced for Five-Hour Armed Robbery Spree

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake man was sentenced yesterday to 29 years in prison for his role in a series of armed robberies of 7-Eleven establishments in the cities of Newport News, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. According to court documents, starting just before midnight on July 24, 2019, and into the early morning hours of July 25, 2019, Deric Simons, 23; his co-conspirator Ronald Lee Brookins, Jr., 22, of Suffolk; and a third individual conducted a series of armed robberies at 7-Eleven convenience stores. Beginning at a store in Newport News, the three men entered the stores armed with a firearm, a knife, and a BB gun that resembled a real firearm. While brandishing their weapons, they demanded U.S. currency and commercial products from frightened employees. After leaving Newport News, the three conspirators committed four additional robberies, moving between locations in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. During the fifth and final robbery, Brookins and the third co-conspirator entered the convenience store while Simons remained in the getaway vehicle. In addition to the store employee, there were three customers inside the store at the time of the robbery. Brookins and the third co-conspirator brandished the BB gun and the loaded firearm at the employee and customers. As Brookins began to empty the register, an armed customer, fearing for everyone’s safety, discharged his personal weapon, injuring Brookins and killing the third co-conspirator. In June, Brookins was sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in the robberies. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police; Mark Talbot, Chief of Norfolk Police; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristin Bird and Megan Montoya prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-168.


title: POSTPONED: United States Attorney Will Thompson and Law Enforcement to Hold Press Conference in Child Sex Trafficking Case

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: ***UPDATE: The sentencing hearing for Larry Allen Clay Jr. has been continued. As a result, the press conference has been postponed.*** Initial advisory: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson and law enforcement officials will hold a press conference on Thursday, September 28, 2023 , following the sentencing of Larry Allen Clay Jr. The press conference is contingent upon the completion of the sentencing hearing, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. The time of the press conference will be announced once the hearing concludes. WHAT: Press conference for the sentencing of Larry Allen Clay Jr. WHEN: Thursday, September 28, 2023. Time TBA . WHERE: United State’s Attorney’s Office, Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse, 300 Virginia Street East, Charleston. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. ###


title: Former Missouri Police Officer Indicted, Accused of Sexually Abusing Handcuffed Detainees

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A former officer with the North County Police Cooperative was accused in an indictment Wednesday of sexually assaulting men that he’d detained or arrested. Marcellis Blackwell, 34, of St. Louis, was indicted on 21 felony counts: 16 counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, namely the right to bodily integrity, and five counts of altering records in a federal investigation. The indictment says that between Nov. 8, 2022 and June 5, 2023, Blackwell fondled the genitals of eight men who he had detained or handcuffed, committing abusive sexual contact. Blackwell also is accused in the indictment of sodomizing one of the men with his finger, an act of aggravated sexual abuse. The indictment also says Blackwell kidnapped the men and turned off his body camera prior to some of the incidents. A motion seeking to have Blackwell, formerly known as Willis Green Overstreet III, held in jail until trial said Blackwell “victimized people he thought would be less likely to report his behavior.” Following media coverage of one victim’s report, seven more victims came forward, the motion says. The motion also says Blackwell’s phone contains videos of as-yet unidentified victims. “The conduct alleged in the indictment is unacceptable for anyone, but infinitely more so for a police officer and when it involves handcuffed, helpless victims,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming. “We still have not identified all of the men who appear in recordings on the defendant’s phone and I’d like to encourage any potential victims to contact the FBI in St. Louis or the U.S. Attorney’s Office.” “We are not investigating the violation Blackwell cited to detain his victims,” said Special Agent in Charge Jay Greenberg of the FBI St Louis Division. “Our focus is on Blackwell’s alleged abuse of power to sexually assault his victims. Our goal is to bring justice to victims and to provide victim services.” FBI St. Louis has established a hotline for potential victims of Marcellis Blackwell. Please call (314) 589-2682. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The FBI investigated the case, following an initial investigation conducted by the North County Police Cooperative. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Krug is prosecuting the case.


title: Three Individuals Convicted for Laundering Money Stolen from Scam Victims Through Gift Cards

component: Civil Division

body_text: A jury in Los Angeles convicted three individuals for their roles in laundering proceeds of large-scale consumer fraud schemes through gift card transactions. Blade Bai, Bowen Hu and Tairan Shi were convicted of conspiracy to launder proceeds of wire fraud. Bai was also convicted of a separate money laundering conspiracy count. As part of the scheme, fraudsters engaged in government-imposter scams and tech support scams. In a government-imposter scam, fraudsters contact consumers and impersonate government officials, such as officials with the Social Security Administration or local police officers. The fraudsters falsely claim that victims need to purchase gift cards to resolve an issue, often claiming that the victims are subject to a pending arrest warrant or that the victims have a problem with their Social Security number. In a tech support scam, fraudsters deceive victims into believing that there is a serious problem with the victim’s computer or with an online or mobile app account access and that the problem can only be resolved by paying substantial amounts through gift cards. In this case, telephone scammers instructed victims to purchase gift cards from the retail store Target and provide the scammers with the account numbers and access codes listed on the gift cards. The defendants then distributed the numbers assigned to the gift cards to “runners,” who used the funds on the cards at Target stores (primarily in Los Angeles and Orange counties) to purchase consumer electronics, other gift cards and other items. In one instance presented as evidence at trial, runners acting on behalf of the defendants redeemed gift cards that originated from a victim in Illinois approximately 13 minutes after the victim purchased the cards. Through the purchases and other transactions at multiple Target stores, the defendants and their co-conspirators sought to conceal the fact that the gift cards had been originally funded with fraudulent proceeds. “Defendants played a key role in victimizing American consumers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This case is a testament to the commitment of the department and our partners to ensuring that all those who knowingly facilitate fraud face justice.” “This investigation is a good example of law enforcement collaboration coming together to protect communities from fraudulent activities,” said Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles “HSI and its partners on the El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force will continue to track down criminal organizations preying on innocent victims and ensure they are held accountable.” “These defendants knowingly laundered the proceeds of a fraudulent scheme that targeted vulnerable citizens, including older Americans,” said Assistant Director in Charge Donald Always of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “This significant conviction should educate potential victims about the scam and send a message to anyone conducting similar schemes that the bureau and our partners are serious about combating this fraud. Anyone being asked to purchase a gift card in order to resolve a technical issue or to avoid an arrest should not spend money but instead, make a report to the FBI at IC3.gov .” A fourth defendant, Yan Fu, had previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 months in prison. Bai, Hu and Shi are scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 26, 2024. HSI and the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, West Covina Resident Agency investigated the case. The investigation was conducted under the auspice of HSI Los Angeles' El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, a multi-agency task force comprised of federal and state investigators focused on financial crimes in Southern California. The Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General also provided assistance during the investigation, as did the following: the Brea (California) Police Department, Glynn County (Georgia) Police Department, Fontana (California) Police Department, Charlotte-Mecklenburg (North Carolina) Police Department, Streamwood (Illinois) Police Department, Cleveland (Ohio) Police Department, Madera County (California) Sheriff’s Office, New York Police Department, Norwood (New Jersey) Police Department, Loudoun County (Virginia) Sheriff's Office, Waukesha County (Wisconsin) Sheriff's Department, Fremont (California) Police Department, Marin County (California) Sheriff’s Office, County of Hawaii Police Department, Henderson (Nevada) Police Department, Wilmington (Massachusetts) Police Department, Las Vegas (Nevada) Metropolitan Police Department, Lewisville (Texas) Police Department, Gardena (California) Police Department, Des Moines (Iowa) Police Department, Cobb County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Department, Millburn (New Jersey) Police, Wauwatosa (Wisconsin) Police Department, San Angelo (Texas) Police Department, Fairfax City (Virginia) Police Department and Virginia Beach (Virginia) Police Department. Trial Attorneys Wei Xiang and Meredith Healy of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Tait of the Major Frauds Section for the Central District of California prosecuted the case. The Consumer Protection Branch and United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California are part of the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, which investigates and prosecutes scams run by transnational criminal organizations, including mass mailing and telemarketing fraud scams. If you purchased a gift card at the direction of a scammer, immediately call the gift card issuer and ask them to freeze the gift card numbers involved – and save your receipt and the gift card. Then, report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ or 877-382-4357, to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov , and to your local police department. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available. Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California may be found at www.justice.gov/usao-cdca .


title: Mexican Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Conspiracy

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Roberto Balbuena-Ignacio, 36, of Mexico, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Balbuena-Ignacio to 235 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Balbuena-Ignacio will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. Beginning in May 2021, an informant working for the DEA contacted Balbuena-Ignacio to purchase methamphetamine. Arrangements were made by Balbuena-Ignacio and on May 20, 2021, the informant met with an individual later identified as co-defendant Cash C. Cosgriff, and successfully purchased one pound of methamphetamine. Two additional drug deals, on June 23, 2021, and July 14, 2021, were also arranged with the informant meeting Balbuena-Ignacio and purchasing one pound of methamphetamine on each occasion. As part of the investigation, it was determined that a residence located in the area of 10th and Center in Omaha was being utilized by members of the conspiracy. A search warrant was executed on this residence on August 2, 2021, after Teodoro Alejandro Castillo-Rincon and Francisco Martinez-Mungia were observed carrying bags in. During the search almost 57 pounds of methamphetamine and 2 kilograms of cocaine were found. Cosgriff was sentenced on August 17, 2023, to 120 months’ imprisonment. Castillo-Rincon was sentenced on June 26, 2023, to 135 months’ imprisonment. Martinez-Mungia was sentenced on October 19, 2022, to 135 months’ imprisonment. Balbuena-Ignacio had a greater criminal history than his co-conspirators which resulted in him receiving a higher sentence. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Omaha Police Department.


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement with Janitorial Services Company to Resolve Immigration-Related Discrimination Claims

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement agreement with Greene Kleen of South Florida Inc. (Greene Kleen), a janitorial services company based in Miami. The settlement agreement resolves the department’s determination that Greene Kleen violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by discriminating against non-U.S. citizens when checking their permission to work in the United States. “Employers cannot impose specific document requirements on workers to prove their permission to work that differ based on citizenship or immigration status,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The department will not tolerate unlawful and discriminatory practices, which create unnecessary barriers to jobs for people who are just trying to make a living.” The department’s investigation determined that, from at least Jan. 1, 2019, to Feb. 28, 2022, Greene Kleen routinely allowed U.S. citizens to choose which acceptable documentation to present to prove their permission to work but routinely required lawful permanent residents and other non-U.S. citizens to present only one kind of documentation. Under the terms of the settlement, Greene Kleen will pay $140,000 in civil penalties to the United States, train its employees on the INA’s anti-discrimination requirements, revise its employment policies and be subject to monitoring by the department. Federal law allows all workers to choose which valid, legally acceptable documentation to present to prove their identity and permission to work in the United States, regardless of citizenship status, immigration status or national origin. The INA’s anti-discrimination provision prohibits employers from asking for specific or unnecessary documents because of a worker’s citizenship status, immigration status or national origin. Indeed, many non-U.S. citizens, including lawful permanent residents, are eligible for several of the same types of documents to prove their permission to work as U.S. citizens are (for example, a state ID or driver’s license and an unrestricted Social Security card). Employers must allow workers to present whatever acceptable documentation the workers choose and cannot reject valid documentation that reasonably appears to be genuine and to relate to the worker. The Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. The statute prohibits discrimination based on citizenship status and national origin in hiring, firing or recruitment or referral for a fee, unfair documentary practices and retaliation and intimidation . Find more information on how employers can avoid discriminating when verifying someone’s permission to work on IER’s website . Learn more about IER’s work and how to get assistance through this brief video . Applicants or employees who believe they were discriminated against based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin in hiring, firing, recruitment or during the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9 and E-Verify); or subjected to retaliation, may file a charge . The public can also call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); email IER@usdoj.gov ; sign up for a live webinar on watch an on-demand presentation ; or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites. Subscribe for email updates from IER. greene_kleen-signed-settlement.pdf


title: El Departamento de Justicia Llega a un Acuerdo con una Compañía de Servicios de Consejería que Resuelve Acusaciones de Discriminación Relacionada con la Inmigración

body_text: El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo conciliatorio con Greene Kleen of South Florida, Incorporated (Greene Kleen), una empresa de servicios de conserjería con sede en Miami, Florida. El acuerdo conciliatorio resuelve la determinación del Departamento de que Greene Kleen vulneró la ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA) al discriminar a no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. al verificar su permiso para trabajar en los Estados Unidos. «Los empleadores no pueden imponer requisitos de documentos específicos a los trabajadores para demostrar su permiso para trabajar que difieran en función de la ciudadanía o el estatus migratorio», dijo Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «El Departamento no tolerará estas prácticas ilegales y discriminatorias, que crean barreras innecesarias al empleo para las personas que solo están intentando ganarse la vida». La investigación del Departamento determinó que, desde al menos el 1 de enero del 2019, hasta el 28 de febrero del 2022, Greene Kleen permitía, de forma rutinaria, a los ciudadanos de los EE. UU. elegir la documentación aceptable que deseaban presentar para demostrar su permiso para trabajar, pero, de forma rutinaria, requería que residentes permanentes legales y otros no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. presentaran solamente un tipo de documentación. Conforme los términos del acuerdo, Greene Kleen pagará $140,000 en sanciones civiles a los Estados Unidos, capacitará a sus empleados en cuanto a los requisitos antidiscriminatorios de la INA, revisará sus políticas de empleo y se someterá a supervisión por parte del Departamento. Las leyes federales permiten a todos los trabajadores elegir la documentación válida y legalmente aceptable que desean presentar para demostrar su identidad y permiso para trabajar en los EE. UU., independientemente de su estatus de ciudadanía, estatus migratorio o nacionalidad de origen. La disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA prohíbe a los empleadores solicitar documentos específicos o innecesarios por motivos del estatus de ciudadanía, estatus migratorio o nacionalidad de origen de un trabajador. De hecho, muchos no ciudadanos de los EE. UU., incluidos los residentes permanentes legales, son elegibles para varios de los mismos tipos de documentos para demostrar su permiso para trabajar como lo son los ciudadanos de los EE. UU. (por ejemplo, un carnet de identidad estatal o licencia de conducir y una tarjeta de Seguro Social sin restricciones). Los empleadores deben permitir que los trabajadores presenten cualquier documentación aceptable que los trabajadores mismos elijan y no pueden rechazar documentación válida que parezca razonablemente genuina y relacionada con el trabajador. La Sección de Derechos de Inmigrantes y Empleados («IER», por sus siglas en inglés) de la División de Derechos Civiles es responsable de hacer cumplir la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA. La ley prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de estatus de ciudadanía y nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión, prácticas documentales injustas y represalias e intimidación Puede obtener más información sobre cómo los empleadores pueden evitar la discriminar al verificar el permiso para trabajar de alguien en el sitio web de IER . Aprenda más sobre el trabajo de la IER y cómo conseguir ayuda mediante este vídeo corto . Aquellos aspirantes o empleados que creen haber sido discriminados por motivos de su ciudadanía, estatus migratorio o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido, reclutamiento o verificación de la elegibilidad para trabajar (Formulario I-9 e E-Verify) o sujetos a represalias pueden presentar una denuncia . El público también puede llamar a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores al 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); llamar a la línea directa de la IER para empleadores al 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); enviar un correo electrónico a IER@usdoj.gov ; inscribirse a un seminario en línea gratuito o visualizar una presentación a la carta; o visitar los sitios web de la IER en inglés y español . Suscribirse a actualizaciones por correo electrónico de la IER. greene_kleen-signed-settlement.pdf


title: Hospice Medical Director Sentenced for $150M Hospice Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A hospice medical director was sentenced yesterday to four years and two months in prison for his role in a scheme that involved the submission of over $150 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for hospice and other health care services. According to court documents, from 2009 to 2018, Jesus Virlar-Cadena, 52, served as the medical director of the Merida Group, a large health care company that operated dozens of locations throughout Texas. Evidence at the trial of co-defendants Rodney Mesquias, Henry McInnis, and Francisco Pena, showed that the Merida Group marketed their hospice programs through a group of companies known as the Merida Group. They enrolled patients with long-term incurable diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as patients with limited mental capacity who lived at group homes, nursing homes, and in housing projects. In some instances, Merida Group marketers falsely told patients they had less than six months to live. They also sent chaplains to the patients based on the false pretense they were near death. In order to bill Medicare for these services, the Merida Group hired Virlar and other medical directors, but made payment of their medical director fees contingent upon an agreement to certify unqualified patients for hospice. In addition to regular medical director payments, Virlar received luxury trips, bottle service at exclusive nightclubs, and other perks in exchange for his certification of unnecessary hospice patients. In exchange for these illegal kickbacks, Virlar himself certified over $18 million in unnecessary hospice services as part of the over $150 million conspiracy. Mesquias was previously sentenced to 20 years in prison and McInnis was previously sentenced to 15 years in prison. Pena passed away before sentencing. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas, Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement. HHS-OIG, the FBI, and Texas Health and Human Services Commission investigated the case. Principal Assistant Chief Jacob Foster and former Trial Attorney Kevin Lowell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Swartz for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.


title: Six People Indicted for Drug, Firearms, and Robbery Crimes Related to Robbery of Undercover ATF Agent

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – MICHAEL LOTT , DIANTA TROPEZ , VERNELL WOODARD , QUINDELE ADDISON , SHEENA RUDOLPH , and CORIS ADDISON , all of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged in an eleven-count superseding indictment by a federal grand jury on September 22, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Duane Evans. According to the superseding indictment, DIANTA TROPEZ , VERNELL WOODARD , QUINDELE ADDISON , SHEENA RUDOLPH , and CORIS ADDISON conspired to and, in fact, distributed methamphetamine to an undercover Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) agent and another individual on August 29, 2023 at a Westbank, New Orleans apartment. After this methamphetamine distribution deal was completed, VERNELL WOODARD arranged to sell an ounce of fentanyl to the undercover ATF agent on the following day. When the undercover ATF agent and the other individual arrived at the apartment complex the next day, WOODARD called and told them to come up to the same apartment. As they were coming upstairs, MICHAEL LOTT, armed with an AR-15 style weapon hid in an interior closet inside the apartment. Once the undercover ATF agent and the other individual were in the apartment, DIANTA TROPEZ arrived. TROPEZ entered the apartment, took a Glock pistol from the front pouch of his hoodie, and pointed the pistol at the undercover ATF agent and the other individual, demanding that they get down and hand over their possessions. Simultaneously, MICHAEL LOTT emerged from the closet and pointed the AR-15 style weapon at them, also , demanding that they turn over their possessions. As a result of this criminal conduct, MICHAEL LOTT , DIANTA TROPEZ , VERNELL WOODARD , QUINDELE ADDISON , SHEENA RUDOLPH , and CORIS ADDISON are charged in an eleven-count superseding indictment. Count One charges DIANTA TROPEZ , VERNELL WOODARD , QUINDELE ADDISON , SHEENA RUDOLPH , and CORIS ADDISON with conspiring to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Count Two charges DIANTA TROPEZ , VERNELL WOODARD , and QUINDELE ADDISON with distributing more than five grams of pure methamphetamine. The penalties for Counts One and Two are at least five years and up to forty years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release. Count Three charges MICHAEL LOTT , DIANTA TROPEZ , and VERNELL WOODARD with conspiring to rob a person of money belonging to the United States. Count Four charges MICHAEL LOTT , DIANTA TROPEZ , and VERNELL WOODARD with a substantive count of armed robbery of a person of money belonging to the United States. Count Five charges MICHAEL LOTT , DIANTA TROPEZ , and VERNELL WOODARD with brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, namely the armed robbery charged in Count Four. Count Six charges MICHAEL LOTT , DIANTA TROPEZ , and VERNELL WOODARD with assaulting an officer of the United States with a deadly weapon. The penalties for these robbery-related counts are as follows. For the conspiracy in Count Three, a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. For the robbery in Count Four, a penalty of up to twenty-five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. As to the brandishing a firearm charge in Count Five, a mandatory minimum of at least seven years up to life in prison that must run consecutive to every other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. For the assault on a federal officer charged in Count Six, up to twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Counts Seven, Eight, and Nine charged MICHAEL LOTT , DIANTA TROPEZ , and QUINDELE ADDISON , respectively, with being felons in possession of firearms. The penalty for each defendant is up to fifteen years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Count Ten charges QUINDELE ADDISON with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, namely the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine charged in Count One. The penalty for that crime is a mandatory minimum of at least five years up to life in prison that must run consecutive to every other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. Finally, QUINDELE ADDISON and VERNELL WOODARD are charged in Count Eleven with maintaining a drug involved premises, which is punishable by up to twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Each count also requires payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The investigation giving rise to the superseding indictment was conducted primarily by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the Louisiana State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department and Crimestoppers GNO. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit and Nolan Paige, Chief of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Justice Department Sues Agri Stats for Operating Extensive Information Exchanges Among Meat Processors

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: The Justice Department filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Agri Stats Inc. today for organizing and managing anticompetitive information exchanges among broiler chicken, pork and turkey processors. The complaint alleges that Agri Stats violated Section 1 of the Sherman Act by collecting, integrating and distributing competitively sensitive information related to price, cost and output among competing meat processors. This conduct harms customers, including grocery stores and American families. The complaint, filed in the District of Minnesota, alleges that Agri Stats has for years produced comprehensive weekly and monthly reports for participating meat processors, which use the data to set prices and output levels. Spanning hundreds of pages, the reports contain recent data relating to sales prices, costs such as worker and farmer compensation and output that are often detailed by facility or company. Participating processors accounted for more than 90% of broiler chicken sales, 80% of pork sales and 90% of turkey sales in the United States. The complaint further alleges that Agri Stats understood that meat processors have used these reports for anticompetitive purposes and, in some instances, even encouraged meat processors to raise prices and reduce supply. While distributing troves of competitively sensitive information among participating processors, Agri Stats withholds its reports from meat purchasers, workers and American consumers, resulting in an information asymmetry that further exacerbates the competitive harm of Agri Stats’ information exchanges. “The Justice Department is committed to addressing anticompetitive information exchanges that result in consumers paying more for chicken, pork and turkey,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “This case is the latest effort by the Justice Department to protect American consumers, farmers and workers from anticompetitive practices in the agriculture industry.” The complaint alleges that Agri Stats’ scheme continues to this day in the chicken processing industry, among others. While Agri Stats paused its turkey and pork reporting after facing several private antitrust lawsuits, Agri Stats has expressed an intent to resume such reporting after these lawsuits’ resolution. This lawsuit marks the latest action by the Antitrust Division to combat unlawful information exchanges. It follows a recent enforcement action ( here and here ) against four poultry processors as well as two facilitators for participating in a long-running conspiracy to suppress workers’ compensation in the poultry industry. In that case, the district court entered consent decrees enjoining the processors from exchanging competitively sensitive information and barring the facilitators from providing surveys or other services that enable direct competitors in any industry to share competitively sensitive information. Anyone with information about collusion in agriculture industries, competitors sharing non-public price or compensation information or any other violations of the antitrust laws is encouraged to contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or antitrust.complaints@usdoj.gov . Information about anticompetitive practices in livestock and poultry markets can also be submitted to the USDA and Justice Department’s Agricultural Markets Enforcement Partnership at www.farmerfairness.gov . agri_stats_complaint.pdf


title: Former Employee Of Two Leading Global Financial Institutions And His Associates Charged With Insider Trading

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging ANTHONY VIGGIANO and his co-conspirator, STEPHEN FORLANO, Jr., with securities fraud and conspiracy. VIGGIANO and FORLANO were arrested this morning and will be presented later today. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni. Also unsealed is the guilty plea of CHRISTOPHER SALAMONE. SALAMONE pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla on September 21, 2023, to charges arising from his participation in the insider trading scheme, and he is cooperating with the Government. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Anthony Viggiano betrayed the trust of his employers by tipping his friends with material non-public information, undermining the integrity of our financial markets in the process. No matter how evasive insider traders’ conduct, or the lengths gone to hide their offenses, this Office will track down and prosecute those who attempt to cheat the system.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “This indictment is yet another example of individuals believing they can get away with benefiting from trading on material non-public information. As we have shown before, this type of alleged corporate self-dealing will not be tolerated. The FBI will ensure that those responsible for insider trading face the consequences in the criminal justice system.” According to the allegations contained in the Indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court and court filings: [1] ANTHONY VIGGIANO was employed at two different, leading global financial institutions located in New York, New York, specifically an investment management firm (“Firm-1”) and an investment bank (“Firm-2,” and together with Firm-1, the “Firms”). VIGGIANO worked as an analyst in Firm-1’s New York, New York, office between in or about April 2021 and in or about October 2021 and then worked at Firm-2 in New York, New York, as an associate in the asset management department. While working at the Firms, VIGGIANO received confidential internal communications that contained detailed information about non-public potential strategic partnerships involving Firm-1 and acquisitions involving Firm-2. VIGGIANO attended college with FORLANO and was a childhood friend of SALAMONE. In violation of the duties that he owed to each of the Firms, VIGGIANO tipped FORLANO and SALAMONE with material nonpublic information (“MNPI”) relating to the names of potential counterparties for Firm-1’s strategic partnerships and, later, information that VIGGIANO learned during his employment at Firm-2 about companies that were potential acquisition targets. After VIGGIANO started working at Firm-2, he continued tipping FORLANO with MNPI that VIGGIANO obtained through his employer. In total, VIGGIANO tipped FORLANO and/or SALAMONE with inside information in advance of at least seven different transactions involving publicly traded companies. FORLANO and SALAMONE each used MNPI provided by VIGGIANO to purchase shares in companies and to trade call options, including short-dated, out-of-the-money call options. VIGGIANO and SALAMONE agreed to split the profits from their illegal trading, which yielded total illegal profits of over approximately $300,000. FORLANO further provided this MNPI to friends and family through, among other means, a video game console’s audio chat function in order to evade detection by law enforcement. FORLANO himself illegally profited at least approximately $100,000 from the scheme. * * * VIGGIANO, 26, of Baldwin, New York, has been charged with eight counts of securities fraud under Title 15, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. FORLANO, 27, of Tampa, Florida, has been charged with three counts of securities fraud under Title 15, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. SALAMONE, 35, of Long Beach, New York, has been charged with three counts of securities fraud under Title 15, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. He also expressed appreciation for the work of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which separately initiated parallel civil proceedings against the defendants today. This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Davis and Jared Lenow are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Gary Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison

body_text: HAMMOND- Yesterday, Gary Burnett, 62 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Burnett was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, in April 2021, law enforcement purchased cocaine from Burnett. Later, during the execution of a search warrant conducted on his residence, law enforcement recovered 5 grams of heroin, 44.6 grams of cocaine, 22 grams of methamphetamine, a drug ledger as well as a .223 rifle with an extended magazine and multiple handguns. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula. 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: Buffalo man pleads guilty to production of child pornography

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael Regan, 41, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to production of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that in August 2020, Regan took a sexually explicit photo of Minor Victim 1 using his cellular telephone. Also in August 2020, during communications over the social media application TextNow, Regan directed Minor Victim 2 to send him sexually explicit images of herself. Regan then met Minor Victim 2 to engage in sexual contact. After the sexual contact, Regan instructed Minor Victim 2 not to tell anyone or he would come to her house. Minor Victim 2 felt threatened by Regan’s statement. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. Sentencing is scheduled for January 25, 2024, before Judge Sinatra. # # # #


title: Former CEO And Former CFO Of Telecommunications Company Charged In Connection With Massive Accounting Fraud Scheme

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging Victor Bozzo, former Chief Executive Officer and former Chief Commercial Officer of Pareteum Corporation, and EDWARD O’DONNELL, Pareteum’s former Chief Financial Officer, with conspiracy, securities fraud, making false Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, and improperly influencing the conduct of audits for their roles in a scheme to overstate Pareteum’s revenue by tens of millions of dollars. BOZZO and O’DONNELL were arrested earlier today and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian. Also unsealed is the guilty plea of STANLEY STEFANSKI, Pareteum’s former Controller. STEFANSKI pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter on September 14, 2023, to charges arising from his participation in the scheme to fraudulently inflate Pareteum’s revenue and related crimes, and he is cooperating with the Government. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Victor Bozzo, the former CEO of Pareteum, and Edward O’Donnell, the former CFO, and their co-conspirators allegedly schemed to inflate the company’s revenue, thereby making the company appear more profitable than it was and allowing Bozzo and O’Donnell to obtain performance bonuses they had not earned. To conceal their alleged fraud, Bozzo and O’Donnell then took steps to mislead the independent certified public accountants engaged to audit Pareteum’s financial statements. With today’s Indictment, Bozzo and O’Donnell’s alleged deceit comes to an end.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “This indictment reflects the serious harm executives caused by deliberately misleading shareholders, auditors, and the general public about the financial strength of a public company. The FBI remains committed to fighting white-collar crime, protecting investors, and holding fraudsters who degrade the integrity of our markets accountable.” According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court: [1] The defendants, and other senior executives at the company, engaged in a scheme to improperly and misleadingly recognize revenue at Pareteum, which owned and managed a mobile device network platform. The defendants and their co-conspirators made the revenue appear to have been earned in its records based on aspirational, non-binding purchase orders that did not impose any obligation on customers to pay Pareteum. The defendants, and other senior executives at Pareteum, knew that in many cases Pareteum was recognizing revenue before Pareteum had delivered any products or services to its customers. In order to conceal Pareteum’s fraudulent accounting practices, BOZZO, O’DONNELL, and other senior executives at Pareteum took steps to mislead the independent certified public accountants engaged to audit Pareteum’s financial statements. Pareteum’s inflated revenue gave the appearance that Pareteum was meeting aggressive revenue and growth projections, which served the ultimate goal of increasing Pareteum’s share price. In press releases accompanying Pareteum’s quarterly filings, Pareteum provided guidance on its expected revenue and revenue growth for the year. During each period, Pareteum touted its quarter-over-quarter revenue and revenue growth. Pareteum publicly identified revenue as the principal metric demonstrating its growth and touted its consistent record of quarter-over-quarter revenue growth and meeting or exceeding revenue guidance, which itself typically increased quarter-over-quarter. However, this ostensible pace of revenue growth was only possible because of the fraud orchestrated by the defendants. In order to carry out the fraud, the defendants and their co-conspirators improperly recognized revenue from customers based on non-binding contracts. Specifically, Pareteum’s customers were cellular providers that paid to use Pareteum’s platform to monitor, meter, and bill their own individual customers, who were individual cellphone or connected device end users. Typically, before a customer could use Pareteum’s platform, the customer and Pareteum would sign a Master Services Agreement, which set forth Pareteum’s obligations to provide the customer with SIM cards that provided cellphone users, who obtained cellphone service through Pareteum’s customer, access to Pareteum’s mobile network. At this stage, the customer did not owe Pareteum any money and no revenue had been earned by Pareteum; instead, Pareteum had first to develop and implement a platform for the customer and ensure that it functioned such that the customer could go “live” on the Pareteum network. Once the Pareteum customer was live on the network and sold a SIM card to an actual cellphone user, that user could put the SIM card into his or her phone and begin making calls or consuming mobile data. It was only at that point that Pareteum’s customer would be required to pay Pareteum for the data usage. BOZZO and O’DONNELL understood that purchase orders were not sales contracts because, as they and others at Pareteum well knew, and Paretuem’s customers understood, the purchase orders did not reflect binding commitments. Instead, purchase orders typically reflected anticipated future sales. Purchase orders typically set forth the customer’s intention to purchase SIM cards from Pareteum and to generate usage fees if and when the customer was able to sell the SIMs to end users who then activated the SIM cards and used Pareteum’s platform. However, in violation of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Pareteum executives, including VICTOR BOZZO and EDWARD O’DONNELL, caused Pareteum at times to recognize revenue at the time a purchase order was signed for the full projected value of the purchase order, even though they were aware that typically the relevant counterparties were obligated to pay that amount only if and when in the future all SIM cards in the purchase order had been shipped, were activated by Pareteum’s customers, and were used for one month on Pareteum’s network. As BOZZO and O’DONNELL were also aware, in many cases, pervasive technical and operational issues meant that Pareteum was actually incapable of satisfying its performance obligations under the terms of its agreements with customers. As a result of this fraudulent revenue recognition practice, from at least in or about 2018 through the first half of 2019, Pareteum improperly recognized and reported to the investing public more than $40 million of revenue that it should not have. As to one customer, referred to in the Indictment as Customer-4, Pareteum recognized revenue totaling $4.4 million based on an unsigned, draft purchase order for €6.3 million, which Customer-4 had not accepted. Instead, Customer-4 had signed a purchase order, which itself did not reflect a binding commitment but merely reflected anticipated future sales, for only €630,000 – in other words, one tenth of the draft €6.3 million purchase order and far less than the revenue Pareteum recognized. Pareteum nonetheless recognized $4.4 million in revenue for Customer-4 in three tranches, and at the time it recognized each of those tranches, Customer-4’s platform was not yet live and so it could not yet use Pareteum’s services. * * * BOZZO, 54, of Ringoes, New Jersey, and O’DONNELL, 58, of East Atlantic Beach, New York, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, make false SEC filings, and improperly influence the conduct of audits, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; one count of securities fraud under Title 15, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; one count of false SEC filings, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of improperly influencing the conduct of audits, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. Williams further thanked the SEC, which today filed a parallel civil action against BOZZO and O’DONNELL and also announced settled charges against STEFANSKI. This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kiersten A. Fletcher, Margaret Graham, and Allison Nichols are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: EDVA Honors Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement for Exceptional Service to the Community

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Today U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber recognized over 300 officers and agents from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with Public Service Awards. The Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) typically holds annual awards ceremonies to recognize the law enforcement officials for their service and contribution to various criminal and civil cases investigated and prosecuted here in EDVA. Award ceremonies took place September 6 in Newport News, September 7 in Norfolk, September 26 in Richmond, and today in Alexandria. “Here in EDVA, as part of the Department of Justice, our mission is to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect civil rights.” said Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “But we do not – and we cannot – do this work alone. Every day, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from across the country work to protect their communities. These awardees were critical teammates on federal cases that represent the very best of this noble work.” The awards highlighted federal cases, operations, and initiatives from 2022. The federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies listed below had officers and/or agents who were recognized for their bravery, outstanding collaboration, investigative achievement, investigative excellence, and victim assistance. Members of the following agencies were recognized at each of the ceremonies: Alexandria Newport News Norfolk Richmond Alexandria Police ATF Washington Field Division ATF Washington Field Division ATF Washington Field Division Arlington County Police Department of Labor OIG Chesapeake Police Department Department of Education – OIG ATF Washington Division FBI Cincinnati Department of Homeland Security – OIG Department of Homeland Security - OIG Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section – HTIU FBI Norfolk Field Office Department of Labor – OIG Department of Labor – OIG Defense Contract Audit Agency Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Defense Criminal Investigative Services Hampton Police FBI-Norfolk Field Office FBI-Richmond Field Office Defense Intelligence Agency-Office of Inspector General Homeland Security Investigations General Services Administration– OIG FDIC- OIG Department of Homeland Security Mathews County Sheriff’s Office Homeland Security Investigations Henrico County Police Drug Enforcement Administration Memphis Naval Criminal Investigative Service Naval Criminal Investigative Service Homeland Security Investigations Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Newport News Police Norfolk Police IRS-Criminal Investigation FBI Washington Field Office U.S. Marshals Service U.S. Marshals Service Richmond Police Homeland Security Investigations U.S. Postal Inspection Service U.S. Postal Inspection Service Small Business Administration – OIG IRS-Criminal Investigations Virginia Beach Police Virginia Attorney General’s Office Social Security Administration- OIG Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Virginia State Police Virginia Beach Police U.S. Postal Inspection Service Manassas City Police Department Virginia Dept. of Forensic Science VCU Police Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority Police Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit Virginia Office of Attorney General Montgomery County Police Department Virginia State Corporation Commission Virginia Office of the State Inspector General Naval Criminal Investigative Service Virginia State Police Virginia State Corporation Commission Small Business Administration - OIG TSA Federal Air Marshal Service U.S. Air Force – Office of Special Investigations U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Park Police U.S. Postal Inspection Service U.S. Secret Service Virginia State Police In addition to awards presented for investigative efforts, the peer recovery specialists of Project Recover and their law enforcement and emergency medical partners were also recognized with an award at the Richmond ceremony. Project Recover funds certified peer recovery specialists (CPRS) assigned to Richmond City PD, Richmond Ambulance Authority, Chesterfield County PD, Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, eleven Bon Secours hospitals, and the Bon Secours’ Partial Hospitalization Program. These CPRSs assist overdose victims in getting into treatment and recovery programs immediately following drug overdose resuscitation and provide follow-up services and support. These individuals and their medical and law enforcement counterparts were awarded for their significant impact on public health and safety through trainings, Naloxone distribution, engagements with individuals suffering from substance use disorder, and increasing public awareness of treatment and recovery services. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.


title: CEO Of Immigration Services Company Sentenced To 10 Months In Prison Following Trial Conviction For Immigration Fraud Offenses

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ULADZIMIR DANSKOI, the CEO of an immigration services firm, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken to 10 months in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to commit immigration fraud. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Uladzimir Danskoi, an experienced immigration practitioner who ran an immigration services firm’s Brooklyn office, disregarded the law and helped make a mockery of the U.S. immigration system by conspiring to defraud the United States and commit asylum and visa fraud. Asylum is meant to help vulnerable people who justifiably fear imprisonment, assault, torture, or death, because of their religion, nationality, ethnicity, political views, gender, or sexual orientation. Danskoi and his codefendants exploited the immigration system for financial gain by knowingly peddling false claims and coaching clients to lie under oath. They now face time in prison for these crimes.” According to the allegations in the Indictment and evidence presented at trial: A New York City immigration services firm, “Russian America,” worked with clients – primarily aliens from Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States – seeking visas, asylum, citizenship, and other forms of legal status in the United States. Among other things, Russian America advised certain of their clients in the manner in which they were most likely to obtain asylum in this country, fully understanding that those clients did not legitimately qualify for asylum. The firm also prepared and submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) clients’ fraudulent Form I-589 asylum applications, as well as asylum affidavits – statements of an asylum applicant’s personal history and claimed basis for asylum, often including allegations of past persecution – and related supporting documentation. Members and associates of each firm also coached certain clients to lie under oath during interviews conducted by USCIS Asylum Officers and provided legal representation to their clients during various immigration proceedings. ULADZIMIR DANSKOI and previously convicted codefendant YURY MOSHA operated and maintained Russian America’s Brooklyn and Manhattan offices, respectively. Each advised and aided their clients to seek asylum under fraudulent pretenses. Among other things, DANSKOI advised a client, a confidential Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) source (the “Source”), to seek asylum on the fraudulent basis that the client was persecuted in Ukraine for being a gay male, when in fact DANSKOI fully understood that the Source was a heterosexual male who suffered no such persecution. DANSKOI also advised the Source on how to most effectively advance this fraudulent claim; connected the Source with previously convicted codefendant KATERYNA LYSYUCHENKO, who helped the Source prepare a fraudulent personal history (or “Affidavit”); and personally submitted the Source’s fraudulent asylum application and Affidavit, filed under penalty of perjury, to USCIS. Meanwhile, MOSHA encouraged a second client, a Government cooperating witness posing as a person seeking asylum (the “Client”), to establish and maintain online blogs that were critical of the Client’s home country as a way to generate a claim that, based on the Client’s invented political opinion, it was unsafe for him to return to his native country. MOSHA did so understanding that the Client’s decision to blog was prompted not by his own idea or initiative, but by MOSHA’s instruction, and that the Client’s motive for blogging was to contrive a basis for asylum rather than to publicly express a sincerely held opinion. MOSHA also understood that the Client lacked the desire, topical knowledge, journalistic ability, and technical expertise to write blogposts and maintain these blogs. Accordingly, Mosha connected the Client with unapprehended codefendant TYMUR SHCHERBYNA, a Ukraine-based purported journalist, with the understanding that, in exchange for a fee, SHCHERBYNA would and did maintain and ghost-write the Client’s blog. MOSHA also personally prepared and submitted the Client’s asylum application, Affidavit, and related paperwork under penalty of perjury, knowing that these documents contained material falsehoods. When the Source and Client needed to prepare for an interview, conducted under oath by a USCIS asylum officer, DANSKOI and MOSHA connected each to previously convicted codefendant JULIA GREENBERG, a New York immigration attorney, who coached both clients to lie to Asylum Officers and provided legal representation to these clients during immigration proceedings. For example, GREENBERG, understanding that the Source was a heterosexual male who did not suffer persecution in his home country, prepared the Source for questioning by an Asylum Officer, advised the Source how to falsely answer certain anticipated questions from the Asylum Officer, and instructed the Source to dress and change the Source’s appearance in a manner that comported with GREENBERG’s vision of a gay male. DANSKOI and MOSHA also agreed to help certain Russian America clients obtain L1 employment visas by creating fake leases and staging offices to create the impression to USCIS that these clients had legitimate jobs waiting for them in the United States. A similar investigation into another Brooklyn-based firm engaged in asylum fraud on behalf of clients from Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States resulted in the convictions of three additional individuals: attorneys ILONA DZHAMGAROVA and ARTHUR ARCADIAN, and IGOR REZNIK. * * * DANSKOI, 56, of Staten Island, New York, was previously convicted of one count of conspiring to defraud the United States and conspiring to commit immigration fraud following a two-week trial before Judge Oetken. DANSKOI is the seventh defendant to have been sentenced in two immigration fraud cases pending before Judge Oetken and U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil. The six other defendants who have been sentenced by Judges Oetken or Vyskocil are: ILONA DZHAMGAROVA, 46, of Brooklyn, New York, who was sentenced to two years in prison; YURY MOSHA, 47, of Staten Island, New York, who was sentenced to 10 months in prison; IGOR REZNIK, 40, now of Pennsylvania, who was sentenced to 10 months in prison; ARTHUR ARCADIAN, 44, of Brooklyn, New York, who was sentenced to 6 months in prison; JULIA GREENBERG, 43, of Staten Island, New York, who was sentenced to 3 months in prison; and KATERYNA LYSYUCHENKO, of Milan, Italy, who was sentenced to time-served (approximately 2 months in prison). Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, and USCIS’s New York Asylum Office and Fraud Detection and National Security Unit, and he thanked U.S. Customs and Border Protection for its assistance. This case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David R. Felton and Jonathan E. Rebold are in charge of the prosecution.