title: Three Admit Selling Anabolic Steroids

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – Three men have pleaded guilty in federal court and admitted conducting thousands of sales of anabolic steroids. David Underwood, 44, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Thursday to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute anabolic steroids. Andrew Moore, 39, pleaded guilty to that charge Monday. Jeffrey Swanson, 33, of Edwardsville, Ill., pleaded guilty in April to two counts of the same charge and was sentenced in July to 13 months in prison. Their plea agreements say that in November 2018, Swanson and a partner were distributing anabolic steroids via Facebook. By mid-2019, Swanson and Moore formed a new partnership to sell anabolic steroids through a Facebook page called “SP Online,” also known as “SP Pharma.” Moore and Swanson obtained raw steroids, then processed and packaged them for retail distribution. Customers ordered from a “menu” posted on the SP Online page and typically paid by mailing cash. Moore and Swanson then mailed out the steroids. An undercover officer made several purchases of anabolic steroids from Moore. During one buy, Moore told the undercover officer he purchased approximately one kilogram of raw product at a time. In roughly May 2020, Underwood and Swanson established a Facebook page labeled “LLL Online” to sell steroid products under the “Lay Low Labs” banner in the same manner as SP Online. Underwood later took over LLL Online and continued to sell steroids through the page. Swanson continued to sell steroids on his own. During the investigation, investigators recovered thousands of orders for steroids made from each page. Swanson admitted that more than 60,000 units of product were attributable to his actions or the conduct of other conspirators reasonably foreseeable to him. Underwood accepted responsibility for between 20,000 and 40,000 units and Moore for 40,000 to 60,000 units. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Casey is prosecuting the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Indictment Charges New Haven Man with Cocaine Trafficking Offense

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging ROBERTO LOZADA, also known as Roberto Lozado and “Omi,” 51, of New Haven, with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The indictment was returned on November 14, 2024, and Lozada appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge. He has been detained since his arrest on October 1, 2024. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on October 1, 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration received information that Lozada would be delivering a half-kilogram of cocaine to an unknown person in the area of Forbes Avenue and Woodward Avenue in New Haven. Investigators initiated surveillance and Lozada was stopped when he arrived at the location. A search of a backpack he was carrying revealed approximately 553 grams of cocaine. The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force, which includes members from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe.


title: Extradited Nigerian National Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Business Email Compromise Scheme

component: Criminal - Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section

body_text: WASHINGTON — Okechuckwu Valentine Osuji, 39, a Nigerian national, was sentenced yesterday in New Haven, Connecticut, to eight years in prison for operating a business email compromise scheme out of multiple countries, including the United States. According to court documents and statements made in court, Osuji and his co-conspirators targeted specific individuals and businesses by masquerading as trustworthy entities in electronic communications to obtain money. They used witting and unwitting “money mules” to receive fraud proceeds in their bank accounts and then either transferred those funds from the money mule accounts to accounts under the co-conspirators’ control or converted the stolen proceeds to cash for further transfer. Over the years-long operation of the scheme, numerous victims were tricked into transferring funds into bank accounts the victims believed were under the control of legitimate recipients as part of normal business operations. In reality, the bank accounts were controlled by Osuji and his co-conspirators. The victims included a Connecticut-based financial company, a Colorado-based lending company, an Alaska-based nonprofit performing arts organization, a New York-based food and beverage company, and many others. The scheme also involved the exploitation of elderly individuals through romance scams to serve as some of the unwitting money mules, including one woman who testified at trial that she was duped into sending her own personal savings and income, including Social Security checks, to an individual she believed to be her romantic partner, but who was in fact one of Osuji’s co-conspirators. The scam resulted in the near-total depletion of her life savings, caused her to declare bankruptcy, and led to the repossession of her house. Her personal bank account was also used to facilitate the fraud against one of the companies targeted by Osuji. Osuji was arrested in Malaysia and extradited to the United States in 2022. On May 1, 2024, a jury in New Haven found Osuji guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. As a result of the scheme, losses and intended losses totaled over $6 million. At his sentencing hearing, Osuji was ordered to pay restitution to his victims. Osuji’s alleged co-conspirator, John Wamuigah, remains in Malaysia and is pending extradition proceedings. An indictment is merely an allegation, and Wamuigah is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Another co-conspirator, Tolulope Bodunde, also a citizen of Nigeria, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Oct. 16 to two years in prison. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut; and Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller of the FBI New Haven Field Office made the announcement. The FBI New Haven Field Office and the Stamford Police Department investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Royal Malaysia Police, and Malaysian Attorney General’s Chambers provided valuable assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Osuji. Trial Attorney Lydia Lichlyter of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel for the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case. To learn more about business email compromise scams, please visit www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/business-email-compromise and www.ic3.gov/CrimeInfo/BEC .


title: Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to Prison for Federal Supervised Release Violations After Being Found in Possession of Drugs and Ammunition

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws and was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for his crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Derrick Jaquay Holliday, 39, who pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, ketamine, and buprenorphine, and possession of ammunition as a convicted felon. Judge Conti also ordered Holliday to serve six years of supervised release following his prison term. Prior to sentencing, the Court was informed that, on July 23, 2024, law enforcement conducted a search of Holliday’s apartment as a condition of his existing term of federal supervised release. During the search, law enforcement recovered the controlled substances, ammunition, and a taser cartridge, as well as drug paraphernalia known to be used for the packaging and sale of narcotics. He has a 20-year history of committing serious crimes, including several prior drug trafficking and weapons crimes. Assistant United States Attorneys Ross E. Lenhardt and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The United States Federal Probation and Pretrial Services Office of the Western District of Pennsylvania; United States Marshals Service’s Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Holliday.


title: Indiana, Pa., Man Sentenced for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Indiana, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 46 months of incarceration, to be followed by three years of federal supervised release, related to his conviction for violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Jacob Robert Kelly, 26. Kelly earlier this year pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. In imposing the sentence, Judge Conti emphasized the serious nature of Kelly’s criminal conduct and the harm his conduct could have had on the community. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kelly. 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: Palmer man guilty of aviation violations

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal jury convicted a Palmer man yesterday for violating multiple aviation regulations. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, for roughly 30 years, William Marsan, 57, held an Airman Certificate as an Airline Transport Pilot issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He operated an aviation business out of Palmer, Alaska, and owned a Piper Cherokee aircraft. In June 2023, the FAA received a report that Marsan, as the pilot in command of the Piper Cherokee aircraft, failed to radio his intention to take off from Warren “Bud” Woods Palmer Municipal Airport and operated the aircraft against the flow of landing traffic, resulting in a near mid-air collision with another aircraft attempting to land. Law enforcement investigated the June 2023 incident and discovered that Marsan was operating an aircraft without a valid license or valid registration. The investigation revealed that in June 2022, Marsan sent a letter to the FAA revoking the registration of his aircraft. Investigators also discovered that Marsan allowed his medical certificate to lapse in 2020 and 2021, which was required to keep his pilot’s license. When FAA inspectors contacted him in July 2023 as part of the investigation, Marsan refused to provide his airman certificate, aircraft registration and airworthiness certificates, all of which are requirements through the FAA, and claimed he was not required to have any of those documents. As a result of the investigation, the FAA issued an Emergency Order of Revocation of Marsan’s pilot’s license in January 2024, which required the immediate surrender of his pilot’s license or the filing of an appeal of the decision within 10 days. Marsan failed to file an appeal or surrender his license but continued to fly his aircraft until his initial arrest in July 2024. Marsan was released pending trial. He failed to appear for multiple court hearings prior to his trial and he was rearrested in September 2024. Marsan was convicted of one count of operating an aircraft without a license and one count of operating an unregistered aircraft. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on one count of operating an aircraft displaying a false aircraft registration mark. “Aviation is a pillar of our state’s transportation infrastructure. Mr. Marsan’s actions flagrantly violated critical aviation regulations designed to safeguard both the industry and those who rely on it,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Let this conviction serve as a clear message that those who choose to violate these rules will face prosecution. I also want to extend appreciation to the law enforcement officers and investigators whose dedication led to the successful prosecution of this case.” “The use of unregistered or unauthorized aircraft poses a significant risk to public safety and undermines the integrity of Alaska’s airspace,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work alongside law enforcement partners and aviation authorities to hold operators accountable who willfully disregard laws designed to keep our community safe.” “I credit the FAA Aviation Safety Inspectors for bringing this matter to my attention and thank the FBI for being excellent partners in addressing the referral. I also sincerely appreciate the U.S. Attorney’s Office for seeing the case to its conclusion,” said Regional Administrator Michael O’Hare of the FAA, Alaska Region. The FBI Anchorage Field Office and FAA, Alaska Region investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Bradley and Mac Caille Petursson are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Federal judge convicts Boulder man of illegally possessing firearm

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

body_text: HELENA — A federal judge on Dec. 4 convicted a Boulder felon accused of illegally possessing a firearm he had tried to hide and while he was on state supervision, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. After a one-day bench trial on Nov. 25, Chief U.S. Judge Brian M. Morris announced the verdict on Dec. 4, finding Paul Anthony LaFournaise, 59, guilty of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. LaFournaise faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for April 16, 2025. LaFournaise was detained pending further proceedings. In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that on May 11, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports that LaFournaise was threatening a sister at the family residence because believed the sister had stolen an item of his, a “black bag.” LaFournaise also called 911 to report that his brother had punched him in the face. The brother told deputies he had punched LaFournaise because LaFournaise had threatened his mom and sister and shoved him. Deputies ultimately identified LaFournaise as the primary aggressor and arrested him for partner/family member assault. The investigation determined that the sister had found items belonging to LaFournaise-- a 9mm pistol, a holster, ammunition, drugs and drug paraphernalia-- inside a black bag that was under a sweatshirt in a flowerpot inside a shed. The sister then hid the bag and contents from LaFournaise and was concerned because he is a felon, was on state supervision and prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. LaFournaise told investigators he had handled the gun and had purchased the drugs that were in the black bag. He had received the bag and knew it contained a gun before May 11. LaFournaise further explained that he had hidden the bag earlier in the day on May 11 by placing it in a planter and putting things on top of it. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Probation and Parole and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . XXX


title: Former Commerce City Manager and Former Baldwin Park City Attorney Bribery Guilty Pleas and Plea Agreements Unsealed

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Two former top city officials in Commerce and Baldwin Park have pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme involving bribes in exchange for a corrupt Baldwin Park politician’s votes and influence over his city’s cannabis permitting process, the Justice Department announced today. Edgar Pascual Cisneros, 42, of Montebello, who served as Commerce’s city manager from November 2017 to December 2023, pleaded guilty on November 6, 2023, to federal bribery. Robert Manuel Nacionales Tafoya, 62, of Redondo Beach, who served as Baldwin Park’s city attorney from December 2013 to October 2022, pleaded guilty on December 5, 2023, to federal bribery and tax evasion charges. Federal prosecutors today unsealed the criminal charges and plea agreements, in which both Cisneros and Tafoya agreed to cooperate in ongoing public corruption investigations. According to the plea agreements, shortly after Baldwin Park began issuing marijuana permits in June 2017, then-Baldwin Park City Councilmember Ricardo Pacheco solicited bribes from companies seeking those permits. Cisneros helped a company obtain a marijuana permit and related approvals through approximately $45,000 in bribes and that the company promised to pay Cisneros at least $235,000 to help secure the permit. Tafoya facilitated a bribery scheme involving former Compton City Councilmember Isaac Galvan, in which Galvan sought to obtain a marijuana permit for his consulting client also through bribes to Pacheco. Tafoya further admitted to evading payment of approximately $650,000 in federal tax liability. Pacheco pleaded guilty in June 2020 to a federal bribery charge unrelated to the marijuana-permit scheme. Pacheco further admitted to orchestrating bribery schemes involving Tafoya and Gabriel Chavez, a former San Bernardino County planning commissioner who pleaded guilty to a federal bribery charge in November 2022. Pacheco’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 2025. Chavez’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 2025. In September 2023, Galvan and his consulting client, Yichang Bai, were arrested on a federal grand jury indictment alleging they paid $70,000 in bribes to Pacheco in exchange for his vote and support for marijuana permits for Bai’s company, W&F International Corp. Both men have pleaded not guilty. Their trial is scheduled for June 10, 2025. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating these matters. Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas F. Rybarczyk, Michael J. Morse, and Lindsey Greer Dotson of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section are prosecuting these cases. Any member of the public who has information related to this or any other public corruption matter is encouraged to send information to the FBI’s tip line at tips.fbi.gov or to contact the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565.


title: Arkansas Man Sentenced to More than 16 Years in Federal Prison for a Scheme to Obtain More Than $16 Million in COVID-19 Relief Funds

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington – On December 5, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Tyler Keith Andrews, age 39, of Russellville, Arkansas, to 196 months in federal prison in connection to a scheme to obtain millions of dollars in COVID-19 funds by directing, assisting, facilitating, and submitting false and fraudulent loan applications. Judge Rice also imposed 3 years of supervised release, restitution of $16,330,814.30 to the Small Business Administration, and forfeiture of $4,300,474.75. On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One program, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) program, offered forgivable loans to eligible small businesses in order to retain or rehire employees who lost their jobs, or were in danger of doing so, due to the pandemic. Another program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, provided low interest loans that could be deferred until the conclusion of the pandemic to provide “bridge” funding for small businesses to maintain their operations during shutdowns and other economic circumstances caused by the pandemic. The PPP and EIDL programs have provided billions of dollars in aid, the vast majority of which has not been paid back, including hundreds of millions of dollars disbursed within Eastern Washington. According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, between June 2020 and May 2022, Andrews, then a resident of Arkansas, directed, assisted, and facilitated the submission of dozens of EIDL loan applications using false and fraudulent information on behalf of his co-conspirators, including co-conspirators in the Eastern District of Washington. Andrews charged his co-conspirators a fee, usually 10% of the loan amount, to paid after receipt of the funding. In total, Andrews assisted co-conspirators in obtaining at least $13,449,179 in EIDL funding. Andrews also submitted numerous false and fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications on behalf of his own businesses, including Andrews Associates, Inc., Texas Oil and Gas Express, Inc., Total Logistic Solutions, and numerous other businesses. In the applications, Andrews misrepresented active status, payroll, number of employees, revenue, and other information in order to obtain EIDL and PPP funding. In total, Andrews obtained at least $3,253,541 in PPP and EIDL funding for his own businesses. Andrews’s company, TE Andrews Holdings, LLC, obtained an additional $1,232,000 in Small Business Administration loan programs. According to Court documents, after originally being released pending trial following his initial Indictment and arrest, in July 2023, Andrews was arrested and indicted by a grand jury in the Western District of Arkansas for passport fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with attempting to fraudulently obtain a passport using false information in an apparent attempt to flee the United States. “Mr. Andrews developed a fraudulent scheme to assist and advise others on how to lie and cheat in order to obtain millions in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds – funds that were supposed to help small and local businesses that were struggling to stay afloat during a global crisis. He then took a percentage off the top of the over 13 million dollars fraudulently obtained through his scheme,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am proud of the work my office’s COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force. Our skilled prosecutors and law enforcement partners will continue to be relentless in tracking down fraudsters and holding them accountable.” “Mr. Andrews took advantage of a program meant to help Americans affected by the pandemic to enrich himself.” said Gregory L. Austin, Acting Special Agent in charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “While legitimate small business owners were struggling to stay open and pay employees, he fraudulently obtained millions in assistance funding. Despite his efforts to conceal the fraud, the dedication of the investigators and prosecutors were able to bring his scheme to an end.” "Today’s charges highlight our unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of SBA programs,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Weston King. “Exploiting relief efforts for personal gain undermines public trust and deprives legitimate businesses of essential assistance. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s office and our law enforcement partners for their support and dedication to ensuring that those who engage in fraudulent schemes are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” In February 2022, U.S. Attorney Waldref and the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) began working with federal law enforcement agencies to create and launch a COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force that would leverage partnerships between different agencies to aggressively investigate and prosecute fraud against COVID-19 relief programs in Eastern Washington. The Strike Force consists of agency representatives from the USAO, Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Department of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs OIG, General Services Administration OIG, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) OIG, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Energy OIG, Department of Labor (DOL), and others. This case was investigated by the Eastern District of Washington COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force, the FBI, the Small Business Administration, and TIGTA. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter. U.S. Attorney Waldref also wishes to thank the Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas for their assistance and coordination. 2:22-cr-00057-TOR


title: Bay Area Man Indicted After Escaping from Federal Custody for Nearly 8 Years

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Eric Pree, 55, of San Francisco, charging him with escape from custody, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, in 2012, Pree was convicted on federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. He was sentenced to 101 months and transferred to serve his sentence at the U.S. Penitentiary Atwater. On Jan. 29, 2017, Pree was discovered missing from the facility. Pree did not have permission to leave the Atwater facility and remained at large until his arrest. In October 2024, investigators arrested Pree in Walnut Creek. At the time of his arrest, Pree had several cellphones, ID cards, debit and credit cards in different peoples’ names, as well as multiple driver’s licenses and a fake Harvard University Student ID. He is back in federal custody serving the remainder of his original sentence while also facing his new indictment for the escape. This case is the product of an investigation by the Diplomatic Security Service's San Francisco Field Office and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Pree faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Prior felon going back to prison for possession of child pornography

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Cameron Stroke, 43, of Depew, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography following a prior conviction, was sentenced to serve 124 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that in October 2019, Stroke was convicted on a federal charge of possession of child pornography and sentenced to five years’ probation. On May 23, 2023, U.S. Probation Officers conducted a home inspection at Stroke’s residence and found an unauthorized cell telephone in his possession. A forensic review recovered approximately 181 images and 12 videos of child pornography stored on the device. Some images depicted prepubescent minors. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger. # # # #


title: Dubuque, Iowa, Man Guilty of Cocaine Conspiracy

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who conspired with others to distribute large quantities of cocaine that resulted in the death of a young Dubuque woman pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Maurice Randolph, age 44, from Dubuque, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams of more of cocaine within 1000 feet of several parks and schools in Dubuque, Iowa, between 2017 and April of 2021, that resulted in the death of a young Dubuque woman on February 14, 2021. At the plea hearing, Randolph admitted he was a member of a conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine in the Dubuque area near numerous parks and schools. He admitted that on February 14, 2021, one of his coconspirators distributed cocaine to a young woman in Dubuque who went home, used the cocaine and died. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Randolph remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Randolph faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and 8 years to life on supervised release following any imprisonment. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick J. Reinert and Nicole Nagin and investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Iowa Medical Examiner’s Office and the Dubuque Drug Task Force, comprised of Dubuque Police Department, Dubuque Sheriff’s Office. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-01013. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Owner of Med Spa Charged with Covid-19 Relief Fraud, Using Funds for a Bentley and Luxury Purchases

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI — Cassandra Yolanda Clarke, 45 of Miramar, Fla., had her initial appearance yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Fort Lauderdale and was charged with fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief loans and grants under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). According to allegations in the indictment, Clarke submitted fraudulent applications on behalf of Narotique Med Spa LLC and Narotique Beauty Bar Inc., seeking COVID-19 relief funds from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and PPP participating lenders. Clarke is alleged to have created and submitted fraudulent IRS tax forms with the applications. Clarke is charged with having received approximately $851,894 in COVID-19 relief funds from the fraudulent scheme. The indictment charges Clarke used the fraudulently obtained funds to lease a Bentley Bentayga and make luxury purchases at the Bal Harbour Shops. The indictment charges Clarke with three counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. If convicted, Clarke faces up to 10 years in prison for money laundering, and 20 years in prison for wire fraud. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement. FBI Miami’s Palm Beach Resident Agency investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Bailyn is prosecuting it. An indictment is a merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . On Sept. 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the Southern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed multiple instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Additional information regarding the Strike Force may be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-covid-19-fraud-strike-force-teams . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case no. 24-cr-60227. ###


title: Magoffin County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: PIKEVILLE, Ky. – A Salyersville, Ky., man, Daniel Jackson, 57, was sentenced on Thursday, to 97 months in prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, following his conviction for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. According to evidence presented at his trial, on February 7, 2024, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle being driven by Jackson. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement located and seized over 70 grams of methamphetamine. Jackson then attempted to discard a bag of fentanyl, in the police car, after his arrest. Under federal law, Jackson must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; and William “Bill” Meade, Magoffin County Sheriff, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the DEA, the Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office, and Operation UNITE. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Trimble is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Leading member of drug smuggling group headed to prison

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 66-year-old Mexican man has been sentenced for his role in smuggling fentanyl into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Juan Hernandez Alcantar pleaded guilty Aug. 6. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now ordered him to serve 168 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Alcantar is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, Judge Marmolejo noted Alcantar’s role as a leader/organizer, how deadly and dangerous fentanyl is and the number of deaths that could result from such a large amount of drugs. In July 2023, Alcantar recruited drug mules to transport fentanyl and cocaine. He had been residing at his daughter’s residence and was using her vehicle to conduct his drug operation. During the scope of the conspiracy, Alcantar arranged for the smuggling of 2,194 grams of fentanyl, 1,200 grams of heroin and 2,100 grams of cocaine. Authorities learned Alcantar was going to be smuggled to San Antonio in a tractor trailer with other undocumented aliens in an effort to evade the Border Patrol checkpoint north of Laredo. They were able to stop the trailer and take him into custody. Alcantar is an undocumented alien who has a history of illegally entering the United States and committing criminal offenses. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol as part of the South Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Terence A. Check Jr. prosecuted the case assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Hakala-Finch.


title: Twenty-One-Year-Old Sentenced in Wire Fraud Conspiracy

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Ian Betkie, age 21, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on December 5, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for conspiring to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Betkie to 4 months imprisonment on the wire fraud charge and 24 months on the aggravated identity theft charge for a total of 28 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After Betkie’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release on both charges. A task force of Sarpy County, Douglas County, and Pottawattamie County agencies was assembled to investigate a significant spike in the Omaha and Council Bluffs metro areas in burglarized vehicles. The modus operandi of the thefts was that one member of the conspiracy would drive a vehicle slowly through a residential neighborhood while other members of the conspiracy, called “runners,” would enter into vehicles parked in driveways or parked on the street outside of the residence and steal property like credit cards, identification, computers, money, and other valuables. The members of the conspiracy would then take the stolen cards from the vehicles to area stores like Wal-Mart and other retailers and buy drinks, food, and prepaid cards that they would load up with money from the stolen cards. They would also purchase money orders to further conceal the source of the proceeds and the money orders would be deposited back to bank accounts or bitcoin accounts belonging to the members of the conspiracy. Law enforcement was able to identify and arrest all five members of the conspiracy. Co-conspirator Hassan Mohamed was sentenced on June 12, 2024, to 20 months imprisonment on the wire fraud charge and 24 months on the aggravated identity theft charge for a total of 44 months. Co-conspirator Hazem Sarmin was sentenced on June 14, 2024, to 18 months imprisonment on the wire fraud charge and 24 months on the aggravated identity theft charge for a total of 42 months. Co-conspirator Abas Ali was sentenced on November 8, 2024, to 27 months imprisonment on the wire fraud charge and 24 months on the aggravated identity theft charge for a total of 51 months. Co-conspirator Bead Chan will be sentenced January 3, 2025. He pled guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. This case was investigated by the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Lincoln Woman Sentenced to Over 4 Years for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Wren G. Chamberlain, age 22, of Lincoln, Nebraska was sentenced on December 5, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln for one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Chamberlain to a total of 51 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Chamberlain’s release from prison, she will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. On August 12, 2023, a Confidential Informant (“CI”) helped law enforcement arrange a controlled purchase of M30 pills from Aidan Glenn. Glenn informed the CI that he was going to meet with Michael Smith at a location in Lincoln to get more pills. Law enforcement arrested Glenn, Chamberlain, and Smith. Chamberlain agreed to speak with law enforcement and consented to a search of her cellphone. She admitted that she and Glenn arrange M30 purchases from Smith together. Her phone showed extensive conversations with Glenn, Smith, Chase Hartung, and others coordinating purchases and sales of M30s dating back to at least July 1, 2023. Chamberlain and Glenn’s phones show that they worked together to arrange purchases and sales. Chamberlain bonded out shortly after her arrest and began working with another individual to sell M30s and fill the void in the market left by Smith’s arrest. The two were arrested on November 28, 2023, with 13.8 grams of cocaine, 29.13 grams of heroin, 9.29 grams of psilocyn, and 190 M30 pills (the pills weighed approximately .1 grams each). Michael Smith is currently set for a change of plea hearing on December 11, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacqueline M. DeLuca. Chase Hartung is currently set for a court hearing on December 19, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacqueline M. DeLuca. Aidan Glenn is currently set for sentencing on January 9, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Susan M. Bazis. This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.


title: Omaha Woman Sentenced to more than 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine Charge

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jessica Hernandez, age 36, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced on December 5, 2024, in federal court in Omaha after having pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of meth. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Hernandez to 126 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Hernandez’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. On May 19, 2022, Omaha Police Department officers executed a search warrant on a South Omaha residence. Jessica Hernandez and codefendant Jose Arevalo-Villalobos were encountered leaving the residence prior to the search and were allowed to leave. The search revealed one pound of meth hidden in a bedroom with used by Hernandez. An additional 4 pounds of meth were found in a storage room. The investigation revealed that Hernandez and Arevalo-Villalobos, her boyfriend, had been living at the residence for approximately two weeks and paying the owner to store meth there. A firearm was found in a lockbox hidden in the basement that investigators determined belonged to Arevalo-Villalobos, who was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment on January 19, 2024. This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Salt Lake Police Officer Recognized with Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the recipients of the Seventh Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing, including Detective Tyler Norman of the Salt Lake City Police Department. This prestigious award recognizes law enforcement officers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to strengthening trust, promoting community engagement, and enhancing public safety. “Community policing is essential to building trust and ensuring public safety,” said Attorney General Garland. “These officers have gone above and beyond their duty to foster partnerships with the communities they serve. Their work is an inspiration to us all and a reminder of the profound impact law enforcement can have on individuals, neighborhoods, and society.” Detective Norman’s relentless pursuit of justice has not only disrupted gang activity but also established him as a leading expert in the field across the county. His tireless dedication, his work to build his own knowledge of the intricacies of the law, and countless hours of investigative work has resulted in the arrest of numerous violent street gang members and the seizure of firearms and narcotics. His efforts have profoundly strengthened public safety throughout the region. “I want to thank Detective Norman for his outstanding and selfless work to protect our citizens and keep the community safe,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah. “Congratulations on this prestigious achievement.” The Attorney General’s Award recognizes individual state, local, and Tribal sworn officers, deputies, and troopers for exceptional efforts in community policing. The awarded individuals have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations, or innovations in community policing. The awardees were selected from a nationwide pool of nominees for their outstanding achievements in fostering safer, more inclusive communities. The Department of Justice commends these officers for their service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to their communities. For more information about the awards, visit www.justice.gov .


title: Grand Jury Returns Multiple Firearms Indictments

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury has returned indictments, charging five individuals with federal firearms violations. Dustin Allen Wayne Plants, 31, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was indicted for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to court documents, Plants was found with a firearm and ammunition in Marshall County. Plants was previously convicted of two felony charges of entering of a building in Marshall County, prohibiting him from possessing firearms. David Earl Ellis, 44, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to the indictment, Ellis is prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior domestic violence conviction in Ohio County. Jakob Barnes, 38, of Wheeling, West Virginia, is charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm. According to the indictment, Barnes, prohibited from having firearms because of a prior malicious assault conviction in Ohio County, had two firearms in his home. Adam Jamal Ramadan, 28, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was indicted for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to court documents, Ramadan was found with a firearm and ammunition during a traffic stop in Ohio County. Ramadan is prohibited from possessing guns due to prior convictions for robbery, receiving stolen property, and a firearms offense. Tomez Faulkner, 38, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm. According to the indictment, Faulkner is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior drug and aggravated assault convictions. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Perri is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office; the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office; and the Wheeling Police Department. An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Brockton Man Arrested for Selling Fentanyl; Multiple Machineguns and Kilograms Recovered During Search

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Brockton man was arrested today for allegedly selling over 100 grams of a fentanyl analogue to a cooperating witness. At the time of the alleged offense, the defendant was on probation for a 2019 fentanyl conviction and on pretrial release for a separate March 2024 drug arrest. Joshua Tavares, 29, was charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl analogue. Tavares was arrested this morning and following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, was detained pending a hearing scheduled for Dec. 6, 2024. According to the charging documents, on Nov. 1, 2024, Tavares sold 100 grams of a fentanyl analogue to a cooperating witness which was captured on video recording. During searches of Tavares’s residence and multiple suspected stash houses, approximately four kilograms of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, packaging materials for distribution of controlled substances and over $89,000 in cash were recovered. A .40 caliber Glock firearm and a 9mm Glock firearm with a machinegun conversion device were also located at Tavares’ residence. A 9mm Glock firearm with a machinegun conversion device and a tactical laser sight was allegedly recovered from a stash location along with numerous rounds of ammunition and multiple loaded magazines, including a 50 round “drum” style magazine. Machinegun conversion devices, commonly referred to as “switches,” are designed to convert firearms into fully automatic weapons. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams and more of fentanyl analogue provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Brockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Pittsburgh Man Charged with Attempted Murder and Assault of DEA Agent and Related Drug and Firearms Violations

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of attempted murder and assault of a federal officer or employee, as well as violations of federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The five-count Superseding Indictment named Drew Gordon, 22, as the sole defendant. According to the Superseding Indictment, on or about August 30, 2024, Gordon attempted to murder a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and assaulted the agent with a deadly and dangerous weapon (a firearm). The Superseding Indictment further charges Gordon with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and quantities of cocaine base and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. During a prior detention hearing in this case, the government presented testimony and evidence that, on August 30, 2024, a special agent with the DEA was shot at multiple times while he was working on an unrelated investigation in the Carrick area of Pittsburgh. A total of 18 rounds were fired. The agent was not struck by the gunfire, but his vehicle was hit multiple times. The government further established that the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with other law enforcement agencies, gathered extensive evidence tying Gordon to the shooting, including cell phone location records, cell phone data, surveillance video, and vehicle records and data. Investigators located 10 spent 9mm cartridge cases on scene, and five additional 9mm cases were recovered from the vehicle allegedly used by the defendant during the shooting. During the prior hearing, the government further established that, later that evening, investigators executed a federal search warrant at the defendant’s residence, pursuant to which agents discovered over 100 bricks of fentanyl, approximately 85 grams of crack cocaine, approximately four ounces of powder cocaine, and approximately $10,000 in cash. Agents also seized a 9mm Glock pistol equipped with a 50-round drum magazine, an empty 9mm Glock magazine, and a .40 caliber Glock pistol equipped with an extended magazine. “Drew Gordon allegedly fired as many as 18 shots at a DEA agent, striking the agent’s vehicle multiple times, while the agent was simply doing his job: keeping our streets safe,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Violent assaults on law enforcement, whether federal, state, or local, pose a major threat to the safety of our communities. We will pursue those who unleash gun violence into our communities—regardless of whether they target law enforcement officers or civilians—with the full weight of federal law. Today, we commend the dedication of the FBI and our other law enforcement partners—including the DEA, ATF, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police Department, and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department—for their swift work to identify the alleged shooter and build the case that led to today’s charges.” “The attempted murder of a federal law enforcement officer, someone who dedicates their life to public safety, threatens our entire community,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The FBI and our local, state, and federal partners stand side by side in holding violent offenders accountable. Our agents, and those of our partners, operate on the front lines to protect our communities, and we will meet any attempt to harm them with the full force of justice.” If convicted on all counts, Gordon faces a maximum sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $8 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorneys Douglas C. Maloney and Brendan J. McKenna are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment, with assistance from several other agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Pittsburgh Bureau of Police; Allegheny County Police Department, and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office. 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 superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Two Charged With Sex Trafficking Of A Minor

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Craig Coins, Jr., age 30, and Aubreanna Odendahl, age 26, both of Mississippi, were indicted on charges involving conspiracy, sex trafficking of a minor, transportation of a minor for sexual activities, and production of child pornography. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that the minor was transported from Mississippi to Tioga County, Pennsylvania in April and the criminal conduct took place from March to May of 2023 in Tioga County and elsewhere. The case was investigated by the Wellsboro Police Department, Mississippi Capitol Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood , a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. The maximum penalty under federal law is up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Florida Inmate Pleads Guilty To Mailing Threats To Prosecutor And Judge

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Taylor Ryan Hill (27, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to mailing threatening communications. Hill faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, on February 12, 2024, Hill was a state inmate at Hardee Correctional Institution in Bowling Green. On that date, he mailed a threatening letter to an Assistant State Attorney in Clay County who had prosecuted Hill for his underlying convictions of violent crimes. The letter threatened to have that prosecutor, as well as the judge who had sentenced him, killed. It was signed “Taylor Ryan Hill” and was mailed in an envelope with a return address of Taylor Hill, his inmate number, and the address for the Hardee Correctional Institution. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in cooperation with the Office of the State Attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Lasry and Michael J. Coolican.


title: New York Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with Transnational “Grandparent Scam” Operated from Dominican Republic

component: Civil Division

body_text: A New York man pleaded guilty yesterday to serving as a courier for a Dominican Republic-based “grandparent scam” that targeted elderly Americans. Victor Anthony Valdez, 40, of the Bronx, New York, was charged in District of New Jersey with one count of wire fraud conspiracy for his role in the scam. According to the indictment, returned over the summer by a grand jury sitting in Newark, New Jersey, the scam operated from call centers in the Dominican Republic, making phone calls to elderly American victims purporting to be the victim’s grandchild, an attorney representing the grandchild in criminal proceedings, court personnel, or other persons associated with the legal system. Co-conspirators told the victims that their grandchildren had been arrested and needed cash for bail or other expenses. Once victims were convinced through lies and falsehoods, coconspirators instructed the victims to provide cash to couriers, including Valdez, who went to victims’ homes to pick up the money. While acting as a courier for the scam between August 2020 and August 2021, Valdez is alleged to have retrieved, or attempted to retrieve, tens of thousands of dollars from defrauded victims at their homes in New York and New Jersey. Valdez was an employee of the Social Security Administration, New York Region, at the time he committed the offense. “The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and its law enforcement partners will vigorously pursue individuals who prey on vulnerable and elderly victims through fraudulent schemes like the one in which the defendant here participated,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Those who aid transnational criminals in deliberately targeting vulnerable consumers in the United States will be held accountable.” “The defendant admitted today to his role in a scam targeting vulnerable seniors,” said U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “The defendant and his co-conspirators took advantage of grandparents’ love and concern for their grandchildren they believed to be in trouble, convincing them to pay thousands of dollars. My office will continue to protect the rights of all victims, and we will relentlessly prosecute those who target and cheat vulnerable seniors.” “Mr. Valdez intentionally conspired to defraud the elderly of their money and property through a cruel, international grandparent scam,” said Acting Inspector General Hannibal “Mike” Ware of the Social Security Administration. “The vast majority of the victims are Social Security beneficiaries, who live on a fixed income. We will continue to aggressively pursue such intolerable criminal activities. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work in prosecuting this case.” Valdez pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy in a hearing in Newark before the Honorable Claire C. Cecchi of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Valdez is scheduled to be sentenced on April 9, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case. Trial Attorney Joshua Ferrentino of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Silane and Alison Thompson for the District of Jersey are prosecuting the case. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can 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. More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov / or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov .


title: Former Ohio Jail Deputy Charged with Civil Rights Violations

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A three-count indictment was unsealed yesterday charging a former Franklin County, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office deputy with two counts of depriving an inmate of his civil rights and one count of conspiring to do the same. According to the indictment, in March 2022, Matthew Carey, 27, of Grove City, Ohio, was employed as a deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and he worked in the Franklin County Corrections Center. While he was working, it is alleged that Carey intentionally disclosed a pretrial detainee’s pending charges to another detainee. The indictment details that Carey knew the victim detainee had been charged with a sex offense, and that individuals charged with sex offenses were at increased risk of being physically assaulted by other detainees. It is alleged that the other detainee understood Carey’s words and gestures to be directing and authorizing an attack on the victim. The indictment charges that Carey had no legitimate law enforcement reason to disclose the victim’s charges, and that, after disclosing that information, Carey took no reasonable steps to protect the victim from the predictable and expected assault by other inmates that Carey had set in motion. In addition to the conspiracy, Carey is charged with two counts of depriving the victim of his constitutional rights under color of law, first by depriving the detainee of his right to be free from unreasonable force and second by depriving the detainee of his right to be free from a deputy’s deliberate indifference to a substantial risk of serious harm. The indictment charges that the crimes resulted in bodily injury. If convicted, Carey faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola of the FBI Cincinnati Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Cincinnati Field Office investigated the case. Deputy Criminal Chief Jessica W. Knight for the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Cameron Bell of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: U.S. Attorney Will Thompson Presents 2024 Law Enforcement Awards

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson honored more than 80 federal, state and local law enforcement professionals today for their outstanding contributions to investigations and cases in the Southern District of West Virginia. The 2024 Law Enforcement Awards, presented during a ceremony at the Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse in Charleston, recognize both invaluable assistance within specific categories of cases and office initiatives as well as overall exemplary service over the past year. “Today, we recognize and honor those who did an outstanding job serving and protecting our communities during the past year. They provided vitally important assistance to our office in the pursuit of justice,” Thompson said. “We also celebrate and promote the cooperation among agencies. Through these awards, we salute collaborative efforts, including joint investigations and partnerships formed to spearhead criminal justice initiatives. These are so crucial to our shared mission.” Law enforcement officers and organizations were honored in the following categories: Category: White Collar Crime Outstanding White Collar Crime Case: U.S. vs David K. Smith et al. (3:23-cr-5) Port Security Specialist Todd A. Childers, United States Coast Guard (USCG) Marine Science Technician First Class Caitlin Furman, USCG Marine Science Technician First Class Adam Krukowski, USCG Marine Science Technician First Class Lenn L. Pitt, USCG Chief Warrant Officer Michael D. Rushane, USCG Chief of Inspections Geoffrey Scibek, USCG Special Agent Nick Gillispie, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Special Agent Kim Taylor, USEPA Environmental Inspector Supervisor Ryan Harbison, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection An investigation revealed that David K. Smith, 69, of Paducah, Kentucky, was the sole owner and officer of Western River Assets LLC and River Marine Enterprises LLC. Western River Assets owned a towboat, Gate City, that docked along the West Virginia shore of the Big Sandy River. The U.S. Coast Guard inspected the Gate City towboat and issued an administrative order in November 2017 that required Smith to remove all oil and hazardous materials from the Gate City towboat. This administrative order said in part that the Gate City presented an “imminent and substantial threat to the public health or welfare of the environment because of a threatened discharge of oil from the vessel.” On or about January 10, 2018, the Gate City towboat sank while docked along the West Virginia shore of the Big Sandy River. The sinking discharged oil and other substances into the Big Sandy, leaving a sheen on the river and oily deposits beneath the surface. As a direct result of the Gate City’s sinking and oil spill, the City of Kenova, West Virginia, closed its municipal drinking water intake for three days. Various regulatory agencies had to take actions and expend resources to respond to the spill. Smith pleaded guilty individually and on behalf of River Marine Enterprises and Western River Assets to the discharge of refuse into navigable waters on October 17, 2023. Smith was subsequently sentenced to one year and six months of federal probation, including six months on home detention. River Marine Enterprises and Western River Assets were each fined $100,000 and placed on corporate probation for five years. The defendants were also ordered to pay $1,856,957.92 in restitution, and the LLC defendants are prohibited from operating any business while on probation. Outstanding White Collar Crime Case: U.S. vs Tabatha Deavers et al. (2:23-cr-14) Inspector Melissa Belmont, United States Postal Inspection Service United States Secret Service Special Agent Bryan Cruickshank (now with the United States Postal Inspection Service) Special Agent Gary Hilton, U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Brian Horvath, United States Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General Detective Brian Middleton, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office From approximately December 2020 through at least December 1, 2022, Brittany King, 35, of East Bank, and Tabatha Deavers, 30, of Charleston, were employed by a Kanawha County business that cleaned local office spaces. King and Deavers unlawfully obtained the personal identification information of multiple individuals while cleaning these area businesses. They also rerouted the mail of their identity theft victims, which allowed King and Deavers to open lines of credit and bank accounts and obtain loans and credit cards in the names of their identity theft victims. King and Deavers caused a loss of at least $260,239.19 to more than 10 victims as a result of their fraudulent schemes. They stole money and property from individuals, lenders, financial institutions, car dealerships and other companies. King and Deavers pleaded guilty in the fall of 2023 to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. They were both sentenced to five years in prison. The mother of Tabatha Deavers, Amy Deavers, pleaded guilty in October 2023 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with this case. Amy Deavers admitted that she helped access and attempt to transfer a veteran’s stolen disability benefits as part of the identity theft scheme. Category: Project Safe Childhood Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched by the Department of Justice in 2006. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, 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. Outstanding PSC Case: U.S. vs Thomas John Mills (5:21-cr-96) Detective Wayne Long, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office Detective Jarred Payne, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office On or about March 10, 2020, Thomas John Mills, 37, of Beckley, was released from jail following a conviction for child abuse causing injury against a 15-year-old female victim. After being released from jail through October 2020, Mills communicated via his cell phone and Facebook Messenger to coerce the same15-year-old female victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct including masturbation and the lascivious exhibition of her genitals, for the purpose of creating images and videos of this conduct. Mills had the minor take pictures and videos to send to him and also had her participate in live video chats where he told her to engage in sexually explicit conduct. The Court described the case as “one of the worst set of circumstances” it has seen.” Mills pleaded guilty to production of child pornography. On February 23, 2023, Mills was sentenced to 30 years in prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, and is required to register as a sex offender. Category: Drug Trafficking Outstanding Drug Trafficking Case: Operation Smoke & Mirrors U.S. v. Jasper Wemh et al. (2:23-cr-4), U.S. v. Antonio Jeffries et al. (2:23-cr-31), U.S. v. Alexandria Estep et al. (2:23-cr-33), U.S. v. Ildiberto Gonzalez Jr. et al. (1:23-cr-32) Digital Forensic Specialist Kelsey Billups, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Paralegal Specialist Amy Boyd, FBI Senior Digital Forensic Examiner Melinda Cash, FBI Tactical Specialist Rose Chestnut, FBI Intelligence Analyst Sarah Cole, FBI Special Agent Mark Phillip Gunther II, FBI Special Agent Jennifer L. King, FBI Senior Financial Investigator Dean A. Lauffer, FBI Evidence Technician Joshua VanMeter, FBI Keven Allen, Charleston Police Department, Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) Detective Matthew Cooper, St. Albans Police Department, MDENT Corporal Wes Daniels, Charleston Police Department, MDENT Detective David Harvey, South Charleston Police Department, MDENT Detective Jordan Hilbert, Charleston Police Department, MDENT Corporal Paul J. Hodge, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, MDENT Corporal Brian Hudson, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, MDENT Corporal Seth Johnson, Charleston Police Department, MDENT Administrative Assistant Lori Lipscomb, MDENT Corporal Owen Morris, Charleston Police Department, MDENT Lieutenant Justin Raynes, Nitro Police Department, MDENT Detective Nigel Waller, Charleston Police Department, MDENT Deputy Chief of Police Jason Webb, Former MDENT Commander, Charleston Police Department Corporal Michelle R. Shaffer, West Virginia State Police Special Agent Ambra Dunn, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Detective Alexander Bobinger, Charleston Police Department Special Agent Dan Karshenas, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) The eight-month investigation dubbed Operation Smoke and Mirrors resulted in the largest seizure of methamphetamine to date in the state of West Virginia. It disrupted a drug trafficking organization (DTO) with connections to California and the southern border that was responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl in Charleston . Law enforcement obtained more than 50 search warrants, culminating in waves of arrests in March 2023. Law enforcement seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash. Four federal indictments were returned charging 32 individuals for their roles in the DTO. Another 24 individuals were charged in state criminal complaints. Thirty of the federal defendants pleaded guilty. Another was convicted by a federal jury after a two-day trial. The remaining federal defendant, Deayria Eyshay Willis, 25, of Charleston, is a fugitive. Nearly two dozen of the federal defendants were sentenced to prison. Eight of those defendants were sentenced to 10 years or more of imprisonment. This investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) initiative. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Critical to the success of this strategy is harnessing the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies while in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. Outstanding Drug Trafficking Case: U.S. vs Raymond Jaquette Howard, et al. (3:22-cr-102) Special Agent Ben Henrich, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Special Agent Brian Roscoe, DEA Special Agent Matt Yount, DEA Corporal K.L. Adkins, West Virginia State Police, Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West First Sergeant P.W. Boyles, West Virginia State Police, Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West Captain Lacy J. Deskins, West Virginia State Police, Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West Sergeant J.R. Garnes, West Virginia State Police, Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West First Sergeant J.M. Parde, West Virginia State Police, Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West Detective Jon Vernon, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West Lieutenant T.L. Weese, West Virginia State Police, Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West Sergeant A.M. Whittington, West Virginia State Police On September 22, 2021, Howard, 34, of Las Vegas, Nevada, sold approximately 1.01 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant at a Huntington motel. On November 16, 2021, law enforcement searched Howard’s motel room and found approximately 4.6 pounds of fentanyl and a loaded Glock 43x pistol hidden in the ceiling. On December 24, 2021, Howard was a passenger in a vehicle pulled over by law enforcement officers. The vehicle was searched an officers found approximately 399.6 grams of fentanyl in a backpack. Howard admitted that the fentanyl was his and that he intended to sell the fentanyl or direct others to sell the fentanyl on his behalf. Howard pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. He was sentenced on January 17, 2023, to 14 years and eight months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. A related defendant, Jamie Lyn Music, 41, also of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl. This case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), an enforcement surge that has sought to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas. Category: Violent Crime and Project Safe Neighborhoods Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) brings 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. Outstanding Violent Crime and Project Safe Neighborhood Case: U.S v. Randell Lee Proctor (2:23-cr-74) Special Agent Jarrod Chittum, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent Mari Woodford, ATF Detective Chris Boner, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Nathan Brill, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office Deputy T.D. Burks, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office Deputy D.J. Dorsey, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office Trooper D.M. Copley, West Virginia State Police Trooper Larry Holstein III, West Virginia State Police Forensic Scientist Farrah S. Machado, West Virginia State Police Corporal S.W. Perdue, West Virginia State Police Sergeant Joseph Robinson, West Virginia State Police On December 29, 2022, Randell Lee Proctor, 45, of Belle, was engaged in a domestic altercation with his girlfriend while armed with a handgun. Proctor fired one round into the air while walking through a neighborhood in Rand. He fired a second round into the ceiling of a front porch at a residence where the girlfriend was inside. Proctor then entered the residence and began physically assaulting the girlfriend. Law enforcement officers responded after receiving complaints about the gunshots and found Proctor inside the residence. They recovered a Hi-Point, model C9, 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Proctor pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Proctor had four prior convictions for domestic battery in Kanawha County Magistrate Court. He was sentenced on December 7, 2023, to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Outstanding Violent Crime and Project Safe Neighborhood Case: U.S. vs Thomas Ray III (3:21-cr-57) Officer Ernie Blackburn, Huntington Police Department Corporal Nicholas Bloomfield, Huntington Police Department Captain Steve Compton, Huntington Police Department PFC Angela Faircloth, Huntington Police Department Sergeant Steve Fitz, Huntington Police Department Detective Christopher Hurst, Huntington Police Department Officer Matt Keesee, Huntington Police Department Sergeant Joseph Koher, Huntington Police Department Sergeant Adrian Roasario, Huntington Police Department Corporal David Rowsey, Huntington Police Department Special Agent Jarrod Chittum, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) On October 23, 2020, Thomas Ray III, 54, of Huntington, entered an Artisan Avenue residence in Huntington where he physically assaulted two women, brandished a firearm, pointed it at the forehead of a third woman and fired two rounds into the air. Officers responding to the resulting 911 calls located Ray in an alley several blocks from Artisan Avenue. Ray fired a round at one officer and continued to flee. Ray fired several more shots at officers while fleeing before they returned fire and wounded him in the leg. Ray was still holding the firearm while on the ground and resisted being placed into custody. Officers recovered the firearm, a loaded Smith & Wesson Model M&P Shield .40-caliber pistol, after Ray tossed it to the ground. Officers also found .40-caliber ammunition and a Harrington and Richardson revolver in Ray’s pants pockets. A federal jury found Ray guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm on July 12, 2023, following a two-day trial. Ray knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for forcible detention while armed and giving a false bomb or gas alarm in Will County, Illinois, Circuit Court on February 28, 2012, and for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on December 9, 2013. At the time of this offense, Ray was serving a term of federal supervised release for the 2013 conviction. Ray was sentenced on December 18, 2023, to 12 years in prison, including two years for committing a crime while on supervised release. Outstanding Violent Crime and Project Safe Neighborhood Case: U.S. v. Stephen Simmons (3:23-cr-21) Senior Special Agent Jason J. Berty, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Branch Chief David Bullard, ATF Special Agent Jarrod C. Chittum, ATF Special Agent Kachine R. Jonese, ATF Special Agent Sean McNees, ATF Special Agent Mari Woodford, ATF Detective Mathew Cooper, St. Albans Police Department Lieutenant Brandon Perry, St. Albans Police Department Sergeant J.R. Farry, Nitro Police Department On January 3, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the residence of Stephen Simmons, 41, of Nitro. Law enforcement seized two Glock switches, two drop-in auto sears, six firearm silencers, and more than 40 firearms including a Ruger, model 10/22, .22-caliber rifle that was reported stolen in Boone County. Simmons pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered machinegun for possessing one of the Glock switches, admitting that he did not register device in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by federal law. Investigators documented Simmons’ substantial history of unlawful drug use and addiction. Their investigation showed that Simmons was illegally using drugs at the same time he possessed firearms, silencers, and devices designed solely to convert semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic machineguns. The Court concluded that Simmons was an unlawful user of controlled substances, and as a result was prohibited from possessing firearms on January 3, 2023. Simmons was sentenced on September 12, 2023, to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Drug and Violent Crime Task Force of the Year: Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) The U.S. Attorney’s Award for Drug and Violent Crime Task Force of the Year recognizes outstanding cooperative law enforcement efforts and endeavors that have significant and lasting community impact. This award is a highlight of our annual ceremony because it not only honors a task force for one or more specific cases but also for their continuing role in significant investigations and prosecutions. The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department. This year’s award recognizes MDENT for its role in Operation Smoke and Mirrors. Law Enforcement Officers of the Year Our Law Enforcement Officer of the Year awards honor individual federal, state, and local officers selected for work that consistently stands out in significant cases. Federal Law Enforcement Officers of the Year: Special Agent Terrance “Terry” Taylor, U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) State Law Enforcement Officers of the Year: Captain Lacy Deskins, West Virginia State Police Local Law Enforcement Officers of the Year: Deputy Jason A. Redden, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office Each of these individuals has distinguished himself in multiple cases prosecuted by this office. This award also honors them for their consistently outstanding contributions throughout their careers to the criminal justice system and the communities they serve. Outstanding Community Partner: West Virginia State University West Virginia State University has been a committed contributor as a West Virginia Civil Rights Stakeholder and a gracious host of the Stakeholders’ quarterly meetings. The Civil Rights Stakeholders are an array of federal, state and local agencies and organizations committed to addressing and responding to hate crimes and incidents in the Southern District of West Virginia. West Virginia State University is also a valued partner with this office in the advancement of the Department of Justice’s United Against Hate initiative, a nationwide initiative to combat unlawful acts of hate and improve hate crime reporting. 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: Smith County man sentenced for producing counterfeit identification documents

component: USAO - Texas, Eastern

body_text: TYLER, Texas –A Tyler man has been sentenced to federal prison for counterfeit documents scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. Juan Carlos Rodriguez, Sr., 50, pleaded guilty to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on December 4, 2024. According to information presented in court, in January 2024, Rodriguez produced and provided counterfeit permanent resident cards and social security cards for three individuals in exchange for $450. In March of 2024, Rodriguez again produced and provided fraudulent permanent resident cards and social security cards for another eight individuals in exchange for $1,200. A federal search warrant was executed at Rodriguez’s residence where law enforcement officers recovered additional fraudulent identification documents in various stages of manufacture and the equipment used to produce the documents. Rodriguez admitted to producing more than 25 fraudulent identification documents. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Smith County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan R. Jackson. ###


title: Former Long Island Resident Pleads Guilty to Massive Fraud Scheme Involving Sports Betting

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Cory Zeidman pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with a yearslong scheme to defraud prospective sports bettors in New York and Florida by claiming to have inside information on sporting events. The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Lee G. Dunst. When sentenced, Zeidman faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, as well as forfeiture and restitution of approximately $3.6 million. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), Daniel B. Brubaker, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, New York (USPIS) and Patrick J. Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), announced the guilty plea. “Zeidman and his partners baited unsuspecting victims with false claims of an edge in sports betting only to feed them lies and pocket millions of dollars from their savings and retirement accounts,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Today’s guilty plea sends a message to all those who would prey upon the public by falsely advertising gambling as an ‘investment opportunity’: the only sure bet here is that this Office will work tirelessly to root out sources of disinformation and fraud and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.” “Sports bettors sought Corey Zeidman’s advice before gambling their money— but it was Zeidman himself who was scoring big through his deceptive practices, outright lies, and high-pressure tactics that exploited unsuspecting clients,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Walker. “Today, HSI New York and our law enforcement partners brought Zeidman’s racket to an end. The public deserves to know the truth concerning where their money is going, and HSI is committed to working with our partners to protect the community wherever and whenever possible from illicit schemes.” “Today’s guilty plea is proof that this individual gambled and lost when he thought his illegal activities would fly under the radar,” stated USPIS Inspector in Charge Brubaker. “Illegal gambling is not a victimless crime, Zeidman and his partners were able defraud so many individuals with their lies and had them pay these exorbitant fees for nothing. USPIS will continue to investigate individuals who are intentionally skirting federal regulations for their own selfish desires. I would like to thank Homeland Security Investigations, Nassau County Police Department, and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York for their collaborative effort on this massive investigation,” stated USPIS Inspector in Charge Brubaker. “The guilty plea of defendant Cory Zeidman is a reminder that crimes against our residents will not go unpunished. Numerous victims lost millions of dollars after being given fraudulent and misleading information regarding online betting. We need to set an example and continue to investigate and arrest offenders who commit fraud and any other crimes against our residents. I would like to thank the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Homeland Security Investigations for their assistance in this case,” stated NCPD Commissioner Ryder. As alleged in court documents, Zeidman helped run an organization that placed national radio advertisements to lure prospective bettors to retain the organization for sports betting advice. Using fake names and high-pressure sales tactics, Zeidman and his partners falsely led the bettors to believe that their organization had access to non-public information—bettors were often told, for example, that Zeidman’s organization had access to non-public player injury information, “dirty” referees, or that professional sporting events were “fixed” and that media executives’ shares predetermined outcomes with Zeidman’s organization. This information, the bettors were told, made gambling on sporting events a low or no-risk proposition. Victims were required to pay exorbitant fees to obtain this supposedly privileged information which, unbeknownst to them, was fictitious or based on the conspirators’ open-source internet research. Over the course of several years, Zeidman and his partners reaped millions in fees from victims. Any individuals who believe they may have been the victim of the alleged crimes perpetrated in connection with this release can contact HSI at 1-866-347-2423. In July 2022, Mr. Peace was selected as the Chairperson of the White Collar Fraud subcommittee for the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC) . As the leader of the subcommittee, Mr. Peace plays a key role in making recommendations to the AGAC to facilitate the prevention, investigation and prosecution of various financially motivated, non-violent crimes including the sort of predatory fraud perpetrated by Zeidman and his partners. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Charles P. Kelly and Anthony Bagnuola are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Samantha Schroder and FSA Supervisory Paralegal Melissa Thorpe. The Defendant : CORY ZEIDMAN Age: 63 Boca Raton, Florida E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-228 (JS)