title: Two Southeastern Colorado Farmers Sentenced to Federal Prison and Will Pay Over $6.5 Million for Defrauding Federal Crop Insurance Programs

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER—U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan announced today that Patrick Esch and Ed Dean Jagers of Springfield, Colorado, have agreed to pay over $6.5 million to resolve allegations that they defrauded federal crop insurance programs by tampering with and damaging rain gauges. One way the United States Department of Agriculture supports farmers and ranchers is by providing federal funding for crop insurance programs that pay indemnities when there is less than the usual amount of precipitation. Mr. Esch and Mr. Jagers concocted a scheme to defraud these insurance programs by making it appear that there was less precipitation in their area than there actually was. To carry out that scheme, the members of the conspiracy, including Mr. Esch and Mr. Jagers, tampered with and damaged rain gauges in southeast Colorado between July 2016 and June 2017 to prevent those gauges from accurately measuring rainfall. Some of the rain gauges that were tampered with belonged to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and were operated by the National Weather Service. The conspirators used various means and methods to tamper with the rain gauges. Mr. Esch covered gauges in southeastern Colorado with agricultural equipment and used other means as well, such as filling gauges with silicone to prevent them from collecting moisture, cutting wires on the gauges, or detaching and then tipping over the bucket that collected precipitation. Mr. Jagers typically used an agricultural disc blade to cover up a rain gauge in Lamar, Colorado. This tampering created false records making it appear that less rain had fallen than was the case. The United States investigated Mr. Esch and Mr. Jagers using civil tools, including the False Claims Act, which imposes civil penalties for certain types of fraud on the federal government, and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act, which imposes civil penalties for a variety of misconduct, including knowingly making any false statement or report for the purpose of influencing in any way the action of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. The United States alleges that this conduct violated both statutes. Mr. Esch and Mr. Jagers have agreed to pay a combined $3.5 million to settle these civil allegations. The United States also indicted Mr. Esch and Mr. Jagers criminally for their roles in the conspiracy. Mr. Esch and Mr. Jagers both pled guilty and were sentenced to pay a combined $3.1 million in restitution. Mr. Esch was also sentenced to be imprisoned for a term of two months. Mr. Jagers was sentenced to be imprisoned for a term of six months. The criminal action is United States v. Esch , 23-cr-00259-CNS (D. Colo.). “Hardworking farmers and ranchers depend on USDA crop insurance programs, and we will not allow these programs to be abused,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “This case also shows the full measure of justice that can be achieved when our office uses both civil and criminal tools to protect vital government programs.” “The OIG works steadfastly to uphold the integrity of Federal programs, and we’ll relentlessly investigate those who defraud the American taxpayers and the Federal Government,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Shawn Dionida with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General. “We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for pursuing justice until the conspirators were held accountable for tampering with government equipment for the purpose of exploiting the Federal Crop Insurance Program to fraudulently receive funds they were not entitled to receive.” “The Department of Commerce OIG is dedicated to working with the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners to curb fraud, waste, and abuse. We continue to vigorously investigate those individuals who seek to compromise the integrity of National Weather Service equipment and data in an effort to defraud the Federal Government. We greatly appreciate the cooperation and effort of the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners in ensuring justice is served in this matter,” said Jeffrey Lysaght, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General.” “These defendants orchestrated a scheme to defraud the federal government. Holding them accountable would not have been possible without assistance from our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Colorado and the Offices of the Inspector General at U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Commerce,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “The FBI will continue to track down opportunists who try to cheat the system for personal benefit.” The claims resolved in the civil settlements are allegations. In agreeing to settle, Mr. Esch and Mr. Jagers did not admit liability except to the extent admitted in their guilty pleas. The civil settlements also resolve qui tam allegations against Mr. Esch and Mr. Jagers brought in federal court by private party. The qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act allow a private party known as a “relator” to file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. In this case, the relator has passed away, and the relator’s estate will receive approximately $500,000. The qui tam action is United States ex rel. Fox v. Esch , 20-cv-03744-MDB (D. Colo.). The investigations into this crop insurance fraud scheme were a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General, and the FBI. The criminal matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Fields. The civil matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jasand Mock.


title: Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter and Driving Under the Influence, Related to a Fatal Crash on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – Samuel Sweeley, age 33, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to federal charges of involuntary manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a fatal vehicle crash on the Baltimore-Washington (“BW”) Parkway. The guilty plea was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland and Chief Jessica M.E. Taylor of the United States Park Police (“USPP”). According to his guilty plea, at approximately 2:38 a.m. on September 4, 2022, Sweeley was driving his Lexus SUV northbound on the BW Parkway, approaching the ramp to the inner loop of I-495/I-95. Sweeley got into the exit lane, but did not exit, instead driving onto the shoulder beyond the exit ramp. Approximately 10 to 15 feet beyond the exit ramp, Sweeley drove his SUV into the rear of an occupied Hyundai Elantra sedan, which was parked on the shoulder with its hazard lights on. As detailed in the plea agreement, the male driver was pronounced dead at the scene and the female passenger was transported to the hospital. Sweeley consented to a blood draw and was transported to the hospital by a USPP officer. Sweeley subsequently declined to allow a blood draw to occur. The officer noticed that Sweeley had an odor of alcohol emanating from his person and breath, was slurring his speech, and had red, bloodshot, water eyes. The officer administered field sobriety tests, determined that Sweeley was under the influence of alcohol, and obtained a search warrant for a blood draw from Sweeley. At 6:48 a.m., approximately four hours after the crash, Sweeley’s blood was drawn and found positive for alcohol at a level of .15 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. The USPP investigation of the collision determined that the primary causes of the crash were that Sweeley improperly utilized a parallel deceleration lane, was traveling 80 mph in a posted 55 mph zone, and was driving under the influence at the time of the crash. Sweeley faces a maximum sentence of eight years in federal prison for involuntary manslaughter and a maximum of six months in prison for driving under the influence. As part of his plea agreement, Sweeley will be required to pay restitution, including compensation for the loss and/or damages to the victim’s vehicle, as well as the victim’s emergency medical, funeral and burial costs. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has scheduled sentencing for June 18, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the USPP for its work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Shabnam Aryana and Joel Crespo, who are prosecuting the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Orleans Parish Man Sentenced for Concealment of Bankruptcy Assets

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – JOSHUA BORGES (“BORGES”) , age 38 and a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on February 28. 2024 by U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier to 2 years probation after BORGES previously pleading guilty to concealment of assets in connection with a bankruptcy, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court records, on or about April 17, 2018, BORGES knowingly and fraudulently failed to disclose property that belonged to him in a bankruptcy case. Specifically, he knowingly and fraudulently failed to disclose to the trustee charged with control of the debtor’s property and from the creditors and the United States Trustee, $9,000.00 in cash on hand, and his business interest in Elite Enterprise Holding, LLC, which had a value of at least approximately $89,771.08. In addition to the sentence, BORGES was sentenced to payment of a $5,5000 fine and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. A restitution hearing has been set for May 9, 2024, to determine the loss to the victims in his bankruptcy proceeding. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, and the Office of the U.S. Trustee for the Eastern District of Louisiana with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit and Andre Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit.


title: Sacramento Man Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of a Gun

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned indictment today against John Damian, 30, of Sacramento, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, on Nov. 8, 2023, Damian was detained by law enforcement during execution of a search warrant. During the search, detectives located a loaded Glock 27 .40‑caliber semi-automatic firearm in his sweatshirt pocket. Damian is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions for assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, being a felon in possession of a firearm, assault with a semi-automatic firearm, and negligent discharge of a firearm. This case is the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew De Moura is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Damian faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 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. 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 U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Korean National Sentenced for “Bust Out” Bank Fraud Scheme in Sacramento Area and Elsewhere

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ki Jang, 60, of Los Angeles, was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for conspiring to commit bank fraud, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, between January 2017 and September 2017, Jang participated in a nationwide check kiting “bust out” scheme in order to obtain cash from banks. The scheme’s participants obtained a real Republic of Korea passport that was altered to bear a new photograph and name, which they used to open bank accounts with a small amount of cash. The accounts were dormant until a time the participants believed the bank would allow the account holder to deposit a check and make withdrawals before the check actually cleared. At that time, the participants wrote checks from a different bank account with non-sufficient funds, deposited those checks into the dormant account, and then withdrew cash from the dormant account before the checks cleared. The participants would access funds by purchasing a money order and then depositing the money order into yet another bank account associated with the scheme. The bust-out scheme resulted in an actual loss of $273,800 to the banks, and a total intended loss of $466,318 based on additional, unsuccessful bust-out attempts. Korean nationals Hee Soung Oh, 47; Jong Eun Lee, 48; and Kyung Min Kong, 55, were previously sentenced: Oh to two years and nine months, Lee to 22 months, and Kong to seven years and nine months in prison. Charges are pending against Bon Soke Hong, who was indicted on Oct. 21, 2021. The charges are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Audrey B. Hemesath and Whitnee Goins are prosecuting the case.


title: Sacramento Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Roberto Daniel Gomez Gonzalez, 27, of Sacramento, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, on March 30, 2020, law enforcement agents searched Gomez Gonzalez’s residence and seized more than 3 kilograms of 95% pure methamphetamine, 1,000 fentanyl pills, 228 grams of heroin, a loaded firearm, and over $8,000 in cash. This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron L. Desmond and Alexis Klein prosecuted the case. This prosecution is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. The Sacramento Strike Force is a co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the Sacramento Strike Force is to identify, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) shipping narcotics, firearms, and money through the Eastern District of California, thereby reducing the flow of these criminal resources in California and the rest of the United States. The Sacramento Strike Force leads intelligence-driven investigations targeting the leadership and support elements of these DTOs and TCOs operating within the Eastern District of California, regardless of their geographic base of operations.


title: North Louisiana Men Sentenced on Illegal Possession of Drug and Firearm Charges

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

body_text: MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that two North Louisiana men were sentenced today by United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty on drug and firearms charges. Nicholas D. Moore , 31, of Ruston, was sentenced to 132 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Between August 2022 and January 2023, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office performed five controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Moore. The purchased narcotics were sent to the DEA Laboratory for analysis and the results came back that they were methamphetamine. Law enforcement agents subsequently obtained a search warrant for a residence in Ruston where Moore had lived for several days. During the execution of the search warrant, agents discovered multiple bags of methamphetamine, small bags of cocaine, and marijuana and over $8,000 in cash. The seized narcotics were tested at the DEA Laboratory and determined to contain methamphetamine. The case was investigated by the DEA and Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert F. Moody. Demartinas Edwards , 42, of Monroe, was sentenced to 21 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. In addition, Edwards was ordered to pay a fine of $1,000. According to information presented in court, on November 30, 2022, officers with the Monroe Police Department’s HEAT Team obtained a search warrant for a residence in Monroe and Edwards was found on the premises. Edwards had an outstanding warrant and was arrested at that time. Inside the residence, officers found a firearm in the bedroom along with other possessions that belonged to Edwards. He later admitted to officers that the firearm belonged to him and that he had found it on the street. Because of Edwards’ prior felony conviction, he was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. Edwards pleaded guilty to the charge of being a felon in possession of firearms on December 8, 2023. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Monroe Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert F. Moody. # # #


title: Celina physician indicted for illegally distributing controlled substances

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: SHERMAN, Texas – A Celina physician and eight others have been indicted for federal drug distribution violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today. Kevin Shelton, 53, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in February 2024, charging him with possession with conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The following individuals were also charged in the indictment: Stephanie Shelton, 48, of Celina; Jai Ellis, 41, of Celina; Clay York, 50, of Rowlett; Stephanie York, 49, of Rowlett; Jeffrey Cornwell, 47, of McKinney; Raman Bhaumik, 45, of Plano; Prasenjit Bhaumik, 48, of Plano; and David Pokorny, 62, of Sherman. The defendants made initial appearances on Feb. 29, 2024 before U.S. District Judge Sean Jordan. According to the indictment and information presented in court, the defendants are alleged to have conspired to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, including Hydrocodone; Oxandrolone; Nandrolone; Phentermine; Alprazolam; Diazepam; Testosterone; Tramadol; Adderall; and Dextroamphetamine. The defendants also conspired to commit the offense of money laundering. If convicted, the defendants each face up to 20 years in federal prison. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. This case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by assistant U.S. attorneys in Plano and Sherman. A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: California Man Admits to Aiding and Abetting a Wire Fraud Scheme During COVID-19 that Cost the Federal Government Over $100,000

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A California resident pleaded guilty today to aiding and abetting wire fraud, which led to defrauding the federal government of approximately $114,066 in unemployment benefits during COVID-19, while he was living and working in Utah. He also admitted to aiding and abetting others to fraudulently apply and pay him as compensation. According to court documents and admissions made during his change of plea hearing, Robert James Waff, 50, of Sacramento, CA, from June 2020 to September 2020, devised a scheme to defraud the California Employment Development Department by applying for the Covid-19 related California unemployment benefits through the California EDD website. Waff admitted that he applied, and aided and abetted others to apply, for unemployment benefits that were funded by the CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Waff applied for the benefits electronically, and submitted a false address, false employment history and false income. Waff then began collecting the unemployment benefits while living and working in Utah. Waff then assisted three others, who never worked in California, to apply electronically for the same benefits by supplying them with the same false information. He then had debit cards mailed to his address in Utah. In return for his assistance, the three individuals paid Waff a cash portion of their unemployment benefits. See former release here . Waff is scheduled to be sentenced May 15, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in courtroom 3.4 before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Division and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (OIG). Assistant United States Attorney Brian Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. 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.


title: Canadian Man Pleads Guilty to Stolen Valor Offense and Unlawfully Forging Military Discharge Paperwork

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Randall J. Montour, age 45, a resident of Cornwall, Ontario, pled guilty today to violating the Stolen Valor Act of 2013 and to falsifying his military discharge certificate. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and United States Marshal David L. McNulty made the announcement. Montour admitted that he falsely altered his Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, Form DD-214, to reflect he received an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force and that he earned numerous decorations, medals, badges, citations or campaign ribbons, including the Purple Heart. Military records show, however, that Montour received a bad-conduct discharge from the Air Force in 2001 and was awarded only the Air Force Training Ribbon during his time in service. He is not a Purple Heart recipient. Montour also admitted that he used his altered Form DD-214 to purchase Purple Heart Recipient license plates from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, which he then affixed to his vehicle. Sentencing is scheduled for June 27, 2024. Montour faces up to 1 year in jail, a fine of up to $100,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 1 year. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The United States Marshals Service investigated the case with assistance from the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas G. Collyer is prosecuting the case.


title: Colonie Man Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Insurance Fraud

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Rocco Resciniti, a/k/a “Rock,” age 50, of Colonie, New York, pled guilty today to conspiring to defraud the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) by obtaining unemployment insurance benefits under the name of another person, including benefits funded by the federal government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, North East Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG). Resciniti admitted that he provided Carl J. DiVeglia III with the personal identifying information of three individuals, which DiVeglia used to file false claims via the NYSDOL website. Resciniti further admitted that as a result of the fraudulent applications submitted by DiVeglia, the NYSDOL paid $69,718 in unemployment insurance benefits. As part of his plea agreement, Resciniti agreed to pay $69,718 in restitution to the State of New York. DiVeglia previously pled guilty to fraudulently obtaining $1.6 million in unemployment insurance benefits as part of the scheme. Charges against two of Resciniti’s three co-defendants, Todd Ward and Jamaine Myers, are still pending ; the charges against them are merely allegations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The third co-defendant, Christopher Ward, pled guilty earlier this month. Resciniti faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years when he is sentenced on July 18, 2024 by United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. The FBI and USDOL-OIG are investigating this case, with assistance from the NYSDOL Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph S. Hartunian and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting the case. 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 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 .


title: Long Island Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kenny Gonzalez, age 30, of Bayshore, New York, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement. As part of his prior guilty plea, Gonzalez admitted that he and his co-conspirator drove from Long Island to Queens where they picked up approximately two kilograms of cocaine from their drug supplier. Gonzalez and his co-conspirator intended to distribute the cocaine in the Northern District of New York. United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a 4-year term of supervised release to follow Gonzalez’s prison term. The case was investigated by DEA Albany with the assistance DEA Long Island and members of the Suffolk County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda prosecuted the case.


title: Oahu Man Sentenced to Forty Years in Prison for Producing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – Chief United States District Judge Derrick K. Watson sentenced Daniel Brito, 33, of Honolulu, today to forty years in prison and lifetime of supervised release for production of child pornography. He must also pay the four identified minor victims $3,000 each in restitution. Brito has been detained in custody since he was arrested in December 2021. Brito pleaded guilty to the child pornography production offense on November 2, 2023. At the time of the offenses in the federal case, Brito was on State probation and a registered as a sex offender due to a prior State of Hawaii conviction for sexual assault in the third degree of a minor relative. According to information produced to the court, from around 2019 through 2021, Brito communicated on multiple internet-based social media applications with at least four minor females, as young as twelve years old, for the purpose of directing and soliciting them to send him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves. In addition to the sexually explicit materials Brito solicited from those minors, Brito also possessed thousands of images of child pornography, to which he had access from his phone on the date of his arrest. The videos included those of adults engaged in sexual acts with young children. “This substantial sentence reflects the horrifying fact that while on probation for sexually assaulting a child family member, Brito victimized at least four additional children,” said United States Attorney Clare E. Connors. “No child should suffer the incalculable damage from such abuse, and we will continue to identify perpetrators, prosecute them and help victims find healing through the justice system.” “This sentence highlights how important it is to the FBI and our community to protect our keiki from predators such as Brito who, despite being a registered sex offender, continued to victimize others,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill. “The public should know that we will continue to vigorously pursue and investigate those who prey on our children and bring them to justice.” This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Perlmutter handled the prosecution.


title: Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison

body_text: FORT WAYNE –Jade Sims, 43 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty distribution of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Sims was sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, in June and July 2022, Sims distributed methamphetamine. A short time later, a search warrant was executed on his residence, wherein Officers located marijuana, cocaine, digital scales, a grinder, a pill press along with ammunition, a magazine and a handgun box. Two days prior to the execution of the search warrant, a traffic stop of Sim’s vehicle resulted in the recovery of a handgun. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force with assistance from the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. 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: دادستان ایالات متحده اتهاماتی بر علیه تبعه ایرانی برای کارزارسایبری چند ساله هدف قرار دادن پیمانکاران دفاعی ایالات متحده وشرکت های  بخش خصوصی اعلام می‌کند

component: USAO - New York, Southern

number: ۰۷۹-۲۴

body_text: دیمین ویلیامز، دادستان ایالات متحده برای منطقه جنوبی نیویورک؛ متیو جی. اولسن، دستیار دادستان کل برای امنیت ملی؛ برایان ورندرن، دستیار مدیر بخش سایبری اداره تحقیقات فدرال («اف بی ای»)؛ و جیمز اسمیت، دستیار مدیر مسئول دفتر منطقه‌ای نیویورک اف بی آی، امروز بازکردن کیفرخواستی را اعلام کردند که شهروند و ساکن ایران علیرضا شفیعی نسب را متهم می‌کند به دست داشتن در یک کارزار سایبری برای به مخاطره انداختن دولت ایالات متحده و نهادهای خصوصی، از جمله وزارتهای خزانه داری و امور خارجه ایالات متحده، پیمانکاران دفاعی، و دو شرکت مستقر در نیویورک. این پرونده به قاضی منطقه ای ایالات متحده مری کی ویسکوسیل محول شده است. شفیعی نسب هنوز آزاد است. دیمین ویلیامز، دادستان ایالات متحده گفت: «همانطور که ادعا می‌شود، علیرضا شفیعی نسب در یک کارزار سایبری با به کاربردن فیشینگ نیزه‌ای و سایر فنون هک برای آلوده کردن بیش از ۰۰۰/۲۰۰ دستگاه قربانی شرکت کرد، که بسیاری از آنها حاوی اطلاعات دفاعی حساس یا محرمانه بوده‌اند. طرحهای نفوذ سایبری مانند جرمی که ادعا شده است، امنیت ملی ما را تهدید می‌کنند و من به شرکای مجری قانونمان و دادستانهای حرفه ای این دفتر افتخار می‌کنم که با به کاربردن فناوریهای نوآورانه و اقدامات تحقیقاتی، این مجرمان سایبری را مختل و ردیابی می‌کنند.» متیو جی. اولسن، دستیار دادستان کل برای امنیت ملی گفت: «ادعا می‌شود که آقای شفیعی نسب در حالی که در ظاهر به عنوان یک کارشناس امنیت سایبری برای مشتریان مستقر در ایران کار می‌کرد، در یک کارزار مداوم برای به مخاطره انداختن سامانه‌های رایانه‌ای بخش خصوصی و دولتی ایالات متحده شرکت داشت. اتهامات امروز روشنگر بوم‌سازگان سایبری فاسد ایران است که در آن مجرمان آزادند که سامانه‌های رایانه‌ای خارج از کشور را هدف قراردهند و اطلاعات و زیرساختهای حساس ایالات متحده را تهدید کنند. قسمت سایبری امنیت ملی ما همچنان تمرکز دارد که این طرحهای هک فرامرزی را مختل، و با آنهایی که مسئول هستند برخورد کند.» برایان ورندرن، دستیار مدیر بخش سایبری اف بی آی گفت: «اف بی آی اهرم همه تواناییهایش را در مبارزه با سازمانهای هکری ایرانی که بخش دولتی و خصوصی آمریکا را تهدید می‌کنند به کار خواهد برد. ما همه را تشویق می‌کنیم که با رعایت بهداشت سایبری احتمال آسیب‌پذیری از عاملان بدخواهی مثل شفیعی نسب را تعدیل کنند. همکاری نزدیک با شرکا که امروز منجر به باز کردن این کیفرخواست شد اینجا تمام نمی‌شود، و ما مشتاقانه در انتظار ادامه همکاری در این فضا هستیم.» جیمز اسمیت، دستیار مدیر مسئول دفتر منطقه‌ای نیویورک اف بی آی گفت: «مجرمان سایبری مخاصم مصمم هستند که با به کار بردن کارزار هک به ایمنی عمومی ما آسیب بزنند و امنیت ملی ما را تهدید کنند. ادعا می‌شود که علیرضا شفیعی نسب در طول چندین سال در یک کارزار تهاجمی برای هدف قراردادن نهادهای دولتی ایالات متحده، پیمانکاران دفاعی، و شرکتهای مستقر در نیویورک که از نزدیک با وزارت دفاع کار می‌کنند شرکت می‌کرد. این پرونده یادآور این است که لازم است همه ما در امنیت سایبری آگاه و کوشا باشیم تا قربانی عاملان بدخواه نشویم. برای مبارزه با عاملان متخاصم دولت-ملت که در تلاش به آسیب زدن به کشورمان در فصای سایبری هستند، اف بی آی همچنان به رهبری ادامه خواهد داد.» بر پایه اتهامات موجود در کیفرخواستی که امروز در دادگاه فدرال منهتن باز شد: ۱ دست کم از سال ۲۰۱۶ تا حدود آوریل ۲۰۲۱، علیرضا شفیعی نسب و دیگر توطئه‌گران عضو یک سازمان هکری بودند که در یک کارزار چند ساله هماهنگ برای انجام و تلاش برای انجام نفوذهای کامپیوتری شرکت داشتند. این نفوذها بیش از دوازده شرکت آمریکایی و وزارت خزانه‌های داریی و امور خارجه ایالات متحده را هدف قرار دادند. قربانیان بخش خصوصی این گروه هکری در درجه اول پیمانکاران دفاعی بوده‌اند که شرکتهایی هستند که برنامه‌های وزارت دفاع ایالات متحده را حمایت می‌کنند. علاوه بر این، این گروه یک شرکت حسابداری مستقر در نیویورک و یک شرکت مهمان‌نوازی مستقر در نیویورک را هدف قرار داد. در انجام کارزار هک خود، این گروه از فیشینگ نیزه‌ای برای آلوده کردن رایانه های قربانی با بدافزار استفاده کرد - یعنی فریب دادن دریافت کننده یک رایانامه برای کلیک کردن روی یک پیوند مخرب. در جریان کارزار خود علیه یک قربانی، این گروه بیش از ۰۰۰/۲۰۰ هزار حساب کاربری کارکنان را به مخاطره انداخت. در یک قربانی دیگر، توطئه‌گران حسابهای کاربری ۰۰۰/۲ کارمند را هدف قرار دادند. به منظور مدیریت کارزار فیشینگ نیزه‌ای خود، این گروه یک برنامه کامپیوتری خاص ساخت و به کاربرد که توطئه‌گران را قادر به سازماندهی و استقرار حملات فیشینگ نیزه‌ای کرد. در جریان این حملات فیشینگ نیزه‌ای، توطئه‌گران یک حساب مدیریتی رایانامه متعلق به یک پیمانکار دفاعی («پیمانکار دفاعی-۱») را هک کردند. دسترسی به این حساب مدیریتی توطئه‌گران را قادر به ایجاد حساب های غیر مجاز پیمانکار دفاعی-۱ کرد، که سپس توطئه‌گران از آنها برای فرستادن کارزار فیشینگ نیزه‌ای به کارکنان یک پیمانکار دفاعی دیگر و یک شرکت مشاوره استفاده کردند. علاوه بر فیشینگ نیزه‌ای، توطئه‌گران مهندسی اجتماعی به کار بردند، از جمله جا زدن خود به نام دیگران، معمولا زنان، تا اعتماد قربانیان را بدست بیاورند. این تماسهای مهندسی اجتماعی شیوه دیگر توطئه برا شفیعی نسب در این طرحها شرکت می‌کرد. در طول مشارکت خود در آن طرح، او در استخدام محک رایان افراز، یک شرکت مستقر در ایران که در ظاهر خدمات امنیت سایبری ارائه می‌داد، اما در واقع چهره‌ای برای عملیات توطئه‌گران بود. شفیعی نسب مسئول تهیه زیرساختهای مورد استفاده توطئه بود. در طول انجام این کارها شفیعی نسب با به کاربردن هویت دزدیده شده یک فرد حقیقی یک سرور و حسابهای رایانامه‌ای ثبت کرد که در طول عملیات سایبری به کاربرده شدند. * * * شفیعی نسب، ۳۹ ساله از ایران، متهم به یک فقره توطئه برای ارتکاب تقلب کامپیوتری است که حداکثر مجازات آن پنج سال زندان است؛ یک فقره توطئه برای ارتکاب کلاهبرداری سیمی، که حداکثر مجازات آن ۲۰ سال زندان است؛ یک فقره کلاهبرداری سیمی، که حداکثر مجازات آن ۲۰ سال زندان است؛ و یک فقره سرقت هویت وخیم، که مجازات آن یک دوره پی‌در‌پی اجباری دو سال زندان است. حداکثر مجازاتهای بالقوه در این مورد توسط کنگره مقرر می‌شود و در اینجا فقط برای اطلاع ارائه شده، زیرا هر گونه مجازات متهم توسط قاضی تعیین خواهد شود. همزمان با باز کردن کیفرخواست، برنامه «پاداش برای عدالت» وزارت امور خارجه پاداشی تا ۱۰ میلیون دلار برای اطلاعاتی که منجر به شناسایی شفیعی نسب یا مکان او می‌شود ارائه می‌دهد. هر کسی که اطلاعاتی در باره شفیعی نسب و فعالیتهای سایبری بدخواهانه او دارد با «پاداش برای عدالت» از راه کانال تور آن وزارتخانه تماس بگیرد: he5dybnt7sr6cm32xt77pazmtm65flqy6irivtflruqfc5ep7eiodiad.onion (مرورگر تور نیاز دارد). آقای ویلیامز از کار تحقیقاتی برجسته اف بی ای، از جمله کار بخش سایبری اف بی ای، ستایش کرد. این پرونده توسط واحد تقلبها و جرایم سایبری پیچیده اجرا می شود. دستیاران دادستان ایالات متحده رایان ب. فینکل، داینا مک کلود، و دنیل جی. نسیم مسئولین پیگرد قانونی هستند، با کمک از وکیل محاکمه متیو چنگ از قسمت سایبری بخش امنیت ملی. اتهامات مندرج در کیفرخواست صرفا اتهام هستند، و متهم بیگناه فرض می شود مگر اینکه و تا زمانی که گناهکار بودنش ثابت شود. _____________________ ۱ همانگونه که سرفصل بیان می‌کند، تمام متن کیفرخواست و توصیفی که کیفرخواست در اینجا مطرح می‌کند فقط ادعا است، و هر واقعیتی که توصیف شده است فقط باید به عنوان یک ادعا تلقی شود. استقرار بدافزار روی رایانه‌های قربانی و به مخاطره انداختن آن دستگاه‌ها و حسابها بود.


title: Federal, local law enforcement disrupt meth traffickers based in Park County

body_text: BILLINGS — Investigations by federal and local law enforcement agencies into methamphetamine traffickers who attempted to set up base in Livingston in Park County have resulted in federal drug convictions, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced today. During a press conference at the Park County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Building in Livingston, U.S. Attorney Laslovich, along with federal, local and drug task force partners, discussed the dismantling of a drug ring that brought large quantities of meth from Idaho to Livingston for redistribution in Park and Gallatin counties and elsewhere. Joining the U.S. Attorney were officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Park County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri River Drug Task Force. “As these investigations show, Montana’s smaller and more rural communities, like Livingston, are not immune from drug traffickers who bring in meth from out of state and try to enlist local addicts and dealers to redistribute drugs. Without local lower-level dealers willing to sell for larger suppliers, these larger suppliers would not have a way to push their drugs to individual users. The collaborative work of the Park County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri River Drug Task Force, and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was critical to the investigation and federal prosecution of these cases. Our work is ongoing and regardless of the size of the Montana community, we will continue to aggressively prosecute drug traffickers poisoning our communities,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. “Violent crime can swiftly overwhelm any community, ending its sense of safety, victimizing countless individuals, and inflicting economic losses on businesses,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. “Now, more than ever, it is imperative for local, state and federal law enforcement, alongside our communities, to remain united and steadfast in efforts to detect, disrupt, and combat violent crime." “The Sheriff’s Office and our partners are committed to dismantling the drug trade in Park County,” Park County Sheriff Brad Bichler said. “Strong partnerships are invaluable when taking on a mission of this magnitude, and we are lucky to have a group who are working together to achieve our goals and objectives. We will continue to remove this poison and those who deal in it from Park County.” "The Missouri River Drug Task Force is proud of the work done on these investigations. This is a great example of what can be accomplished through collaborative efforts between local, state, and federal agencies,” said MRDTF Commander Nate Kamerman, who is the investigations captain with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. “MRDTF's focus is on interstate Drug Trafficking Organizations, but these investigations nearly always begin with data gathered at the local level. The presence of a Park County Sheriff's Office deputy on the MRDTF not only set the foundation for our involvement in these investigations, but also allowed for effective communication with our federal partners. MRDTF will continue to work with agencies at every level to provide thoroughly investigated and documented cases, allowing prosecutors to fulfill their role in holding drug traffickers accountable." According to court documents, a drug trafficking investigation began in early 2020 when law enforcement learned that defendants Oscar Albert Nevarez, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and co-defendant, James D. Murrieta, of Utica, New York, were bringing meth from outside of Montana to Livingston for redistribution in Park and Gallatin counties and elsewhere in Montana. Murietta and Nevarez were business partners, and Nevarez made approximately five trips to Idaho and back to get meth from a source of supply. Murietta and Nevarez used a Livingston residence as a base from which they supplied local dealers. Law enforcement also bought meth from Murietta in Bozeman and Belgrade in controlled purchases. Nevarez was sentenced to six years in federal prison, while Murietta was sentenced to 56 months in federal prison for their convictions in the case. In addition, investigations have led to federal charges against other individuals in Park County on various drug trafficking crimes involving meth, fentanyl and heroin and firearms crimes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas K. Godfrey prosecuted the cases. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Park County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigations. These cases are 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. XXX


title: Justice Department to Implement Groundbreaking Executive Order Addressing National Security Risks and Data Security

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Note: Read the Department's fact sheet on this matter here . On Feb. 28, the President will issue a groundbreaking Executive Order (E.O.) addressing the extraordinary and unusual national security threat posed by the continued effort of certain countries of concern to access Americans’ bulk sensitive personal data and certain U.S. Government-related data. The first of its kind, the E.O., entitled “Preventing Access to Americans’ Bulk Sensitive Personal Data and U.S. Government-Related Data by Countries of Concern,” will direct the Justice Department to establish, implement and administer new and targeted national-security programming to address this threat. The E.O. will require the Department, in consultation with other agencies, to issue regulations that prohibit, or otherwise restrict, certain categories of data transactions that pose an unacceptable risk to national security. “Our adversaries are exploiting Americans’ sensitive personal data to threaten our national security,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “They are purchasing this data to use to blackmail and surveil individuals, target those they view as dissidents here in the United States, and engage in other malicious activities. This Executive Order gives the Justice Department the authority to block countries that pose a threat to our national security from harvesting Americans’ most sensitive personal data—including human genomic data, biometric and personal identifiers, and personal health and financial data.” “Today, we make clear that American citizens' sensitive and personal data is not for sale to our adversaries,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “The Justice Department has long focused on preventing threat actors from stealing data through the proverbial back door. This executive order shuts the front door by denying countries of concern access to Americans’ most sensitive personal data.” “Hostile foreign powers are weaponizing bulk data and the power of artificial intelligence to target Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today’s announcement fills a key gap in our national security authorities, affording the Justice Department a new and powerful enforcement tool to protect Americans and their most sensitive information from being exploited by our adversaries.” In addition to this new program, the E.O. will take other steps to enhance the Justice Department’s existing authorities to address data-security risks, including with respect to telecommunications infrastructure, the health care market, and consumer protection. Under existing transaction-specific authorities, the Department closely scrutinizes data-security risks, including as the chair of the interagency committee known as Team Telecom that reviews foreign participation in the U.S. telecommunications sector; as a co-lead agency for investments reviewed by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS); and in other roles addressing counterintelligence risks through the U.S. Government’s supply-chain authorities. The Department, including the FBI, also works closely with the Intelligence Community to share information with the private sector about the threats facing their sensitive data and systems. In accordance with the Executive Order, the Justice Department’s National Security Division will implement its provisions on behalf of the Attorney General, and contemplates identifying China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela as countries of concern under this program. The National Security Division will issue an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) describing the initial categories of transactions involving bulk sensitive personal data or certain U.S. Government-related data as outlined in the E.O. and seeking public comment on items the Department of Justice contemplates regulating, including prohibitions on data brokerage and transfers of genomic data, and restrictions on vendor, employment, and investment agreements. The purpose of the ANPRM is to provide transparency and clarity about the intended scope of the program and to solicit input from the public before it goes into effect. The Department welcomes comments on the ANPRM from industry, civil society, and advocacy groups with expertise on data security and cybersecurity, organizations and entities affected by the proposed regulations, and anyone else with an interest in the proper administration of the Executive Order’s directions to prohibit or restrict certain transactions involving Americans’ bulk sensitive personal data or U.S. Government-related data with countries of concern or persons subject to their jurisdiction. Written comments on the ANPRM may be submitted within 45 days on regulations.gov. The ANPRM will be followed by proposed regulations at a later date. The Department is committed to protecting Americans from countries that may seek to collect and weaponize their most sensitive data. As the nation’s lead law enforcement and domestic counterintelligence agency, the Department is a key line of defense. The Department undertakes law enforcement and counterintelligence investigations and prosecutions to disrupt and deter state-sponsored malicious cyberactivity that seeks to exfiltrate sensitive data from U.S. victims for intelligence collection and economic espionage. The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that this program remains carefully calibrated and is consistent with the United States’ longstanding commitments to cross-border data flows with trust, an open and secure internet, and open scientific research through international cooperation and collaboration. This program is a targeted national security measure, focused on transactions with a handful of identified countries of concern or covered persons subject to their jurisdiction. The E.O. does not authorize — and indeed specifically prohibits — the Department from establishing data-localization requirements as part of this targeted new program. The E.O. and contemplated program also exempt certain categories of data transactions, such as those ordinarily incident to financial services, in order to allow low-risk commercial activity to continue unimpeded and to minimize unintended economic impacts on businesses and markets. The Department looks forward to continuing to receive and consider public input through the rulemaking process.


title: Marion County Man Sentenced for Federal Drug Charge

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Cedric Pierre Young, age 33, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison to be followed by six years of supervised release for heroin and fentanyl trafficking. According to court documents and statements made in court, Young, also known as “Billy,” sold heroin and fentanyl near Fifth Street Park playground and the Marion County Adult and Community Education Center, both in Marion County. Investigators searched several properties connected to Young, finding nearly 245 grams of fentanyl and cash. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Three Rivers Drug Task Force investigated. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.


title: Grant County man admits to firearms and drug charges

body_text: ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacob Glen Vance, age 23, of Petersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to having a machine gun and methamphetamine. Vance pled guilty to possession of a machine gun and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, Vance’s home was searched as a part of another investigation, and officers found a fully automatic AR-15 rifle, two short-barreled rifles, two silencers, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and cash. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.


title: Fourth Defendant in Fatal Tractor Trailer Smuggling Case Pleads Guilty

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – A Mexican national pleaded guilty in a federal court in San Antonio to one count related to his involvement in the organization responsible for the smuggling of at least 66 migrants in June 2022, which resulted in the deaths of 47 adults and six children. According to court documents, Luis Alberto Rivera-Leal aka Cowboy, 38, was a member of the human smuggling organization responsible for the failed smuggling attempt on June 27, 2022 that illegally brought adults and children from Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico into the U.S. Rivera-Leal would meet tractor trailers that had transported migrants to San Antonio and further transport small groups of migrants to Houston in his personal vehicle. Rivera-Leal pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport aliens placing lives in jeopardy. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Rivera-Leal is the fourth defendant to plead guilty in this case. Other co-defendants whose cases are still pending include Homero Zamorano Jr., 47, who served as the driver of the tractor trailer; Felipe Orduna-Torres aka Cholo aka Chuequito/Chuekito aka Negro, 29; and Armando Gonzales-Ortega aka El Don aka Don Gon, 54. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee for the HSI San Antonio Division made the announcement. HSI is investigating the case with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and has received tremendous support from Customs and Border Protection; Border Patrol; Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations; the San Antonio Police Department; the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office; the San Antonio Fire Department; the Marshall Police Department; and the Palestine Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Fuchs, Sarah Spears and Amanda Brown are prosecuting the case. These charges resulted in coordination with Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is part of the JTFA, which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The Task Force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, or endanger migrants, pose national security threats, and are involved in organized crime. JTFA consists of federal prosecutors and attorneys from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the Southwest Border (District of Arizona, Southern District of California, Southern District of Texas, and Western District of Texas), from the Criminal Division and the Civil Rights Division, along with law enforcement agents and analysts from DHS’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol, the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration. ###


title: Former South Florida Pharmacy CEO Sentenced to Prison for Lying to Federal Investigators

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On Feb. 23, Patrick Smith, 71, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the former CEO and President of Patient Care America (PCA), a compounding pharmacy located in Broward County, was sentenced to 6 months in prison for lying to federal agents who were investigating PCA for various health care fraud offenses. According to court records, in March of 2020 Smith voluntarily met with DCIS agents who were investigating PCA on allegations of health care fraud and payment of kickbacks to marketing groups that solicited TRICARE beneficiaries on behalf of PCA. TRICARE is the health care benefit program for United States military members and their families. During that interview, Smith lied to agents about his role in the scheme. Smith falsely claimed, for example, that he played no role in hiring the marketing groups and that he didn’t know they were directly soliciting TRICARE beneficiaries. In all, PCA paid over $40 million in kickbacks to the marketers for recruiting and referring TRICARE beneficiary prescriptions for expensive, unnecessary compounded medications to PCA. To date, over a dozen of PCA’s marketers and employees have been convicted and sentenced for their roles in the scheme. The government has recovered more than $30 million in fraud proceeds from PCA and the individual defendants. Smith was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roy K. Altman. Smith pled guilty, on July 21, 2023, to making a materially false statement in a matter within the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Defense. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe of the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Darrin K. Jones of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Justin C. Fielder of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement. DCIS and FDA-OCI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Juenger prosecuted this case. DCIS, FDA-OCI, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG), and the FBI investigated related cases. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 22-cr-20532. ###


title: Founder Of New York Narcotics Delivery Service Sentenced To 150 Months In Prison For Causing Three Overdose Deaths

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JOSE LUIS TEJADA AYBAR was sentenced yesterday to 150 months in prison for operating the Cab Louie Delivery Service, an on-demand drug courier service that delivered fentanyl-tainted cocaine to customers in September 2019. The deadly mix caused the overdose deaths of Marsha Clarke of the Bronx, New York, and Martin Banks and Edward Lynch of Yonkers, New York, as well as the hospitalization of Clarke’s husband. TEJADA was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter, Jr. Co-defendants ALLEN ALEXIS ABISADA GUZMAN and MARTIN PEREZ were previously sentenced to 98 months and 70 months in prison, respectively. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The sentencing of Jose Luis Tejada Aybar marks a crucial step in bringing justice to the victims not only of the Cab Louie Delivery Service but also those victims of fentanyl and other lethal drugs. The devastating consequences of Tejada’s operation underscore the importance of dismantling criminal enterprises like this, and this prosecution reaffirms our unwavering commitment to combating organized crime and protecting our communities from the dangers of drug trafficking.” According to the sentencing papers and the Court’s determinations at the sentencing hearing: In March 2018, JOSE LUIS TEJADA AYBAR (“TEJADA”) started the Cab Louie Delivery Service, which delivered cocaine to customers in the Bronx and Westchester County. Customers would call or text one of the business’s rotating dispatch lines to place an order, and the Cab Louie Delivery Service would send a driver to deliver cocaine to the customer. During its operation from March 2018 to September 2021, the Cab Louie Delivery Service sold, in total, more than 15 kilograms of cocaine — equivalent to nearly 24,000 bags of cocaine. As his business expanded, TEJADA hired employees for the Cab Louie Delivery Service. Two of those employees were ALLEN ALEXIS ABISADA GUZMAN (“ABISADA”) and PEREZ, both of whom delivered cocaine for the business. In addition to hiring employees, TEJADA led the Cab Louie Delivery Service by sourcing its cocaine, obtaining and operating the dispatch phones, and providing ABISADA with a car to deliver cocaine. TEJADA profited from the business throughout its three-plus years of operation. On September 19, 2019, ABISADA delivered cocaine on behalf of the Cab Louie Delivery Service to three different customers: Clarke, Banks, and Lynch. The cocaine was tainted with fentanyl. Within two days, Clarke, Banks, and Lynch were found dead, and Clarke’s husband was found unresponsive. Medical examiners determined that Clarke, Banks, and Lynch all died from acute intoxication by the combined effects of cocaine and fentanyl, among other drugs. Clarke’s husband was hospitalized for a fentanyl overdose and in a coma for a period. When he emerged from the coma, Clarke’s husband had to relearn how to speak, how to feed himself, how to use the restroom, and how to walk. Despite learning of the overdose deaths of Banks and Lynch through a local news article, which he saved on his phone, TEJADA continued operating the Cab Louie Delivery Service. Between November 6, 2019, and February 13, 2020, a New York Police Department (“NYPD”) undercover officer made six controlled purchases of cocaine from the Cab Louie Delivery Service. TEJADA personally made two of the deliveries, ABISADA made three, and PEREZ made one. * * * In addition to the prison term, TEJADA, 41, of Miami, Florida, was sentenced to five years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD, the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) New York Strike Force, and the Complex Analytical and Social Media Enhancement Team at the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Mr. Williams also thanked the Yonkers Police Department and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the case. The OCDETF New York Strike Force provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the New York Strike Force is to target, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking and money laundering organizations, reduce the illegal drug supply in the United States, and bring criminals to justice. The Strike Force is affiliated with the DEA’s New York Division and includes agents and officers of the DEA; NYPD; New York State Police; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; New York National Guard; U.S. Coast Guard; New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision; Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office; Fort Lee Police Department; Palisades Interstate Parkway Police; Teaneck Police Department; Hillsdale Police Department; Closter Police Department; Northvale Police Department; River Vale Police Department; Englewood Police Department; Saddle River Police Department; Bergen County Sheriff’s Department; Hawthorne Police Department; and Hackensack Police Department. The case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Li is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Bloods Gang Member Who Shot at FBI Agent in Columbus Sentenced to Prison

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Columbus resident and confirmed member of the Bloods criminal street gang who fired multiple rounds at an FBI agent to evade arrest in 2022 was sentenced to prison for his crimes this week. Jarvis Smith, 29, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 117 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on Feb. 27, after he pleaded guilty to one count of forcible assault on a federal law enforcement officer, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on Aug. 9, 2023. Co-defendant Joshuia Johnathon Luke Brown aka “Black,” 26, was sentenced to serve a total of 319 months in prison on Jan. 29, after Brown was convicted by a federal jury of one count of forcible assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, three counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on Sept. 18, 2023. U.S. District Judge Clay Land handed down the sentences. The defendants are not eligible for parole. “Jarvis Smith and Joshuia Brown fired multiple rounds at an FBI agent, striking the agent’s car as well as a nearby home; thankfully, no one was injured or killed,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “All levels of law enforcement are working together to hold violent gang members accountable for their crimes and reduce violence in Columbus and across the Middle District of Georgia.” “Anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer is dangerous and an extreme threat to public safety. Putting away violent criminals, like Brown and Smith, is one of the most important things we can do to protect our communities,” said Rich Bilson, Senior Supervisory Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Columbus office. “The FBI will not tolerate any act of violence against another individual, let alone against one of our own. Thankfully, no one—including our Special Agent—was injured during their act of terror. Columbus is a safer community with these gang members off the streets." “The federal system leveraged justice for both cowards involved,” said Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman. “This wild west behavior is unacceptable. I am grateful for the work and courage our FBI agents displayed. I see the fruits of their labor in our community. It's making a huge impact with gang and criminal activity.” According to court documents, federal agents were surveilling Smith and Brown in July 2022 as part of a larger and ongoing investigation into armed drug trafficking in the Columbus community. Through surveillance, agents observed a drug transaction involving Smith and Brown on July 28, 2022, in the vicinity of 1049 Winston Road in Columbus. At 4:35 p.m., Smith departed the scene in his car with Brown. FBI Agent S.A. conducted mobile surveillance as Smith traveled down Wade Street, turning south on Sheridan Avenue. Smith, who was driving, stopped his car in the middle of the road and he and Brown, who was a passenger, stepped outside of the car with weapons pointed in the agent’s direction and fired multiple rounds at the agent’s car, hitting the passenger door, the roof and the rear bumper of the FBI vehicle. One round traveled through the back of the FBI agent’s passenger seat, hitting a small bag on the front passenger side. Another round entered a private residence’s living room window, shattering a painting on the wall. The FBI agent was not injured during the shooting. FBI and Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office units attempted to stop Smith’s car; Smith and Brown were able to elude law enforcement in a lengthy pursuit by car and on foot. Smith was taken into custody on July 28. After a manhunt that last several days, Brown turned himself in on Aug. 10. Law enforcement recovered a camo backpack dropped by Smith during the pursuit that held a fully loaded Glock pistol with an extended magazine, a fully loaded .380 semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. Also, several baggies containing methamphetamine, pills and other illegal drugs were found inside Smith’s backpack. A bag dropped by Brown during the pursuit contained a fully loaded Glock 19X handgun with an extended magazine. Two bullets recovered from the FBI agent’s vehicle matched the Glock 19X found inside Brown’s discarded bag. Both the Glock 19X and the Glock pistol were modified to operate as machine guns. Smith is a confirmed member of the Bloods criminal street gang and has a prior conviction of aggravated assault, burglary and robbery in Muscogee County, Georgia, Superior Court, Case No. SU-13-Cr-1336. Brown is a member of US World, a hybrid criminal street gang based out of Columbus that is affiliated with other national criminal gangs. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple agencies including the DEA, the Columbus Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Phenix City Police Department and the Russell County, Alabama, Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Williams and Crawford Seals prosecuted the cases for the Government.


title: Wauchula Man Sentenced For Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington has sentenced Christopher Froehlich (42, Wauchula) to 40 years in federal prison for producing child sexual abuse material. Froehlich entered a guilty plea on July 19, 2023. According to court documents, Froehlich posed as a 15-year-old boy and connected with the 15-year-old victim via a live-streaming video service. Froehlich convinced the victim that they were in a relationship and coerced the child to produce sexually explicit videos and photos for Froehlich. When the child tried to stop producing sexually explicit videos and photos for Froehlich, Froehlich threatened to post the videos and photos to social media for the child’s family and friends to see. In June 2020, the child attempted to stop communication with Froehlich, at which point Froehlich posted the child’s nude photos to social media. Froehlich continued to contact the child until June 2022 by using various phone numbers and different usernames on social media platforms. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abigail K. King and Courtney H. Derry. This is another case 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’ Office and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Local Non-Profit Director Charged in Pernicious  “Deed Fraud” Scheme Targeting Low Income Detroiters

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – Zina Thomas, 60, of Detroit was charged in a criminal complaint filed in United States District Court for her role orchestrating a fraud scheme that stole houses from dozens of Detroit residents, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent-in-Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Special Agent-in-Charge Machelle L. Jindra, Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General; Detroit Police Chief James E. White; and Wayne County Register of Deeds Bernard J. Youngblood. The complaint charges Thomas with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft. Thomas was arrested today. According to the complaint, Thomas, while serving as the Director of Homeownership Programs for the United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC), conspired with other individuals to steal over 30 properties across Wayne County, predominately located in the City of Detroit. The complaint alleges that Thomas and others perpetrated a scheme to defraud by filing multiple fraudulent quitclaim deeds, frequently transferring the target properties from the victim-owners to non-existent “interim owners” before ultimately selling the properties to unwitting third parties. It is also alleged that these fraudulent deeds were falsely notarized by Thomas or another person, which made them appear legitimate and thus enabled them to be filed with the Register of Deeds. The complaint also alleges that Thomas emailed a Wayne County Treasurer’s Office employee fake driver’s licenses and other documents, which were then uploaded into the Treasurer’s Property Tax Administration system to halt pending foreclosures. According to the complaint, Thomas received payment for at least some of the properties via wire transfer into a bank account in the name of her realty company, and Thomas then transferred proceeds from that account to her personal bank account. And the scheme targeted low-income individuals who were facing potential tax foreclosure. According to the complaint, Thomas currently resides in one of the properties involved in the scheme. The United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC), is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing housing assistance to Detroit’s low-income residents. The UCHC and its executive leadership cooperated with the investigation. United States Attorney Ison stated, “This scheme targeted some of our most financially vulnerable citizens and was perpetrated by an individual whose job it was to help those very people avoid losing their homes to foreclosure. This arrest is the result of a multi-agency, cooperative investigation involving both federal and state law enforcement, and is reflective of our ongoing efforts to identify and disrupt fraud schemes like this as quickly as possible.” “While working in a capacity to provide assistance to residents experiencing financial hardships, Ms. Thomas allegedly exploited individuals in the process of losing their homes,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "The FBI and its law enforcement partners will continue to investigate these reprehensible acts of fraud.” “Thomas allegedly abused her position to help fraudulently sell properties facing tax foreclosure for her own personal gain,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Machelle Jindra with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General. “HUD OIG will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to bring bad actors to justice and protect the integrity of HUD housing programs.” “I want to thank U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for her continued collaboration to ensure that those who victimize Detroit residents face the fullest consequences of the law,” said Detroit Police Chief James E. White. “The DPD remains committed to addressing all aspects of crime and working with our partners across law enforcement to keep Detroiters safe.” “A rash of incoming complaints to my Deed Fraud Task Force, followed with methodical investigative teamwork, culminated in today’s announcement,” said Wayne County Register of Deeds Bernard J. Youngblood. “Wayne County is the national leader in combating this new crimewave and we are proud to partner with local, state and federal law enforcement to protect the property rights of our citizens.” A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is completed, a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of the Inspector General, and the Detroit Police Department. Significant investigative assistance was provided by the Wayne County Register of Deeds’ Mortgage & Deed Fraud Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Particka.


title: Tampa Man On Federal Supervised Release Pleads Guilty To Firearm And Narcotics Offenses

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Benjamin Cedric Graddy (40, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute dimethylpentylone and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Graddy faces a minimum mandatory penalty of five years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, on March 17, 2023, officers from the Tampa Police Department observed a vehicle being driven by Graddy fail to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of 22 nd Street North and 27 th Avenue East in Ybor City. During the traffic stop, the officers smelled the odor of marijuana and observed white powder in plain view on the driver’s floorboard. A search of the vehicle revealed a Glock 22 .40 caliber firearm located in the vehicle’s center console. The officers also recovered a distribution amount of dimethylpentylone (67.56 grams) as well as N-ethylpentylone in two containers inside the vehicle. At the time of the offense, Graddy was also on federal supervised release for a prior felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition conviction. He also had multiple prior felony convictions, including attempted felony murder, attempted robbery with a deadly weapon, attempted burglary of an occupied building and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As a convicted felon, Graddy is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Diego F. Novaes. 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: Justice Department Finds Conditions at Three Mississippi Prisons Violate the Constitution

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today its findings that conditions of confinement at three Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) facilities violate the 8th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The Department’s 60-page report details its findings from a thorough investigation of the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, South Mississippi Correctional Institution, and Wilkinson County Correctional Facility. These three prisons currently house about 7,200 people. The report concludes that MDOC routinely violates the constitutional rights of people incarcerated at all three facilities by failing to protect them from widespread physical violence. The state does not adequately supervise the incarcerated population, control the flow of contraband, adequately investigate incidents of serious harm, or provide adequate living conditions. These problems are exacerbated by chronic understaffing that has allowed gangs to exert improper influence inside the prisons. The report also concludes that Mississippi unconstitutionally subjects persons at Central Mississippi Correctional Facility and Wilkinson County Correctional Facility to prolonged restrictive housing under harsh conditions that places them at substantial risk of serious physical and psychological harm. “People living in prisons and jails have a constitutional right to safe and adequate living conditions,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “Our investigation uncovered that people in these three facilities were subjected to violent and unsafe conditions, in violation of the Constitution. We look forward to working with Mississippi officials to remedy these violations and improve safety and living standards for people incarcerated in the state of Mississippi.” “Every state is constitutionally obligated to protect the people it incarcerates from known, pervasive and deliberately unchecked violence, and to house people in conditions that do not pose a serious risk of physical and psychological harm,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Our investigation uncovered chronic, systemic deficiencies that create and perpetuate violent and unsafe environments for people incarcerated at these three Mississippi facilities. The unconstitutional conditions in Mississippi’s prisons have existed for far too long, and we hope that this announcement marks a turning point towards implementing sound, evidence-based solutions to these entrenched problems. The Justice Department stands ready to enforce the dictates of the Constitution that protect the safety and human dignity of all people housed at state prison facilities. Our work makes clear that people do not abandon their civil and constitutional rights at the jailhouse door.” “Ensuring constitutional and humane conditions of confinement in our prisons is a key part of public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner for the Northern District of Mississippi. “By allowing physical violence, illegal gang activity, and contraband to run rampant, Mississippi not only violates the rights of people incarcerated at these facilities, but also compromises the legitimacy of law enforcement efforts to protect our communities. Our office remains committed to upholding the rights of all our district’s residents. We look forward to working with the Mississippi Department of Corrections to protect the constitutional and civil rights of those incarcerated at these three Mississippi prison facilities.” “The conclusion of the investigation and the issuance of findings is only the start of the work necessary to ensure that the state of Mississippi and the Mississippi Department of Corrections fulfill their constitutional obligations to the people it incarcerates,” said U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi. “The minimum remedial measures outlined in this report create the framework for what the state must do to reasonably protect people in these facilities from violence and prevent deprivation of fundamental physical and psychological needs. While this report makes clear that there is much work for the state to do, we are committed to working with state officials to ensure that Mississippi abides by its constitutional obligations.” Today’s announcement follows the Department’s April 2022 report finding that conditions at the Mississippi State Penitentiary (known as Parchman) violated the constitutional rights of persons incarcerated there by subjecting them to violence, failing to provide adequate care for serious mental health needs, or adequate suicide prevention measures and using prolonged restrictive housing in a manner that poses a risk of serious harm. The Justice Department launched its investigation of Parchman, Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, South Mississippi Correctional Institution, and Wilkinson County Correctional Facility in February 2020, under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA). As required by CRIPA, the department provided the State of Mississippi with written notice of the supporting facts for its conclusions and the minimum remedial measures necessary to address the alleged violations. The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi conducted the investigation. For more information about the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section . You can also report civil rights violations to the section by completing the complaint form available at civilrights.justice.gov/ . To provide information related to the Department’s investigation of the four Mississippi prisons, please call 1-833-591-0288 or email the department at Community.MSDoc@usdoj.gov .


title: Two More Defendants Arrested During 2023 Joint Enforcement Operation in Carlsbad Plead Guilty to Federal Drug Offenses

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration El Paso Division, announced today that Kassandra Lee Perales and Jared Michael Moore, two of the 12 defendants arrested during a joint enforcement operation last year in Carlsbad, pleaded guilty in federal court to federal drug offenses. Perales, 33, of Carlsbad, pleaded guilty on Feb. 6, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine and 400 grams and more of fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams and more of cocaine, attempt to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine, attempt to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 400 grams and more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine. Moore, 42, of Carlsbad, pleaded guilty on Feb. 27, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Both Perales and Moore will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. According to publicly available court records, on March 5, 2023, Moore took possession of 55.8 net grams of cocaine with the intent of distributing it. When he was driving away, law enforcement agents stopped Moore and seized the cocaine, as well as 10.97 grams of pure meth. On April 3, 2023, Perales traveled from Carlsbad to El Paso to pick up 1,974 net grams of cocaine and 501.4 net grams of pure meth that had been transported from Mexico into the United States the day before and left in the trunk of a vehicle. Unbeknownst to Perales, the drugs had been seized by law enforcement the day before. The following week, on April 10, 2023, Perales met with another individual and took possession of 893.3 net grams of pure meth and 657 net grams of fentanyl pills with the intent of transporting them to North Dakota to sell. On April 11, 2023, Perales departed Carlsbad for North Dakota when they were stopped by officers who seized the drugs. At sentencing, Perales faces between 10 years and life in prison followed by a term of supervised release and Moore faces up to 20 years in prison followed by a term of supervised release. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force, with enforcement assistance from the United States Marshal Service, Carlsbad Police Department, Eddy County Sheriff’ Department, Roswell Police Department, Chaves County Drug Task Force, DEA Airwing and Customs and Border Patrol. The New Mexico Air National Guard’s Air Unit, Artesia Police Department and Customs and Border Patrol’s Air Unit provided support during the operation on August 1, 2023. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Renee L. Camacho and Devon Aragon-Martinez are prosecuting the case. This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. ### 24-84


title: Philadelphia Man Sentenced for Role in a Multi-State Drug Enterprise

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dominic Asquith, age 39, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 105 months in federal prison for his role in a drug racketeering enterprise that had reach into Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Delaware. According to court documents and statements made in court, Asquith worked for a multi-state organized drug trafficking business dubbed the “19 th Street Enterprise.” During the investigation, Asquith was arrested in Maryland on the property of a home that the enterprise targeted for a robbery. He was found with a backpack containing rope, a mask, and two cell phone jamming devices used to disable cell phones. The Philadelphia-based enterprise sold drugs, committed acts of violence, laundered money, and committed fraud. Asquith will be required to be on three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the West Virginia Air National Guard investigated. The Eastern District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office assisted. 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 . U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided. ###


title: United States Sues For-Profit Schools In Tampa And Orlando For False Claims Involving The Post-9/11 GI Bill

body_text: Tampa, FL - The United States has filed a civil lawsuit against two New Horizons Computer Learning Center franchises and their owner, Robert J. Remington, alleging they submitted false claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition payments. The defendants allegedly overcharged the VA by failing to report tuition waivers and scholarships provided to GI Bill students and falsely certifying compliance with Title 38’s ban on incentive compensation tied to student enrollment. The GI Bill financially supports service members, veterans, and their eligible dependents who attend an education or training program at an educational institution. The longer a person serves in the military, the greater the benefits available under the GI Bill. If a school offers to waive tuition for a student receiving less than 100-percent assistance, that tuition waiver must be reported to the VA and the student’s portion reduced accordingly. Additionally, Title 38 prohibits participating schools from paying any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing student enrollments. In its complaint, the United States alleges Remington and his businesses, LTJ Group V, LLC, and Innovak of Florida, Inc., which did business as New Horizons Computer Learning Centers, repeatedly failed to report tuition waivers for students receiving less than 100-percent assistance under the GI Bill and failed to comply with Title 38 by paying commissions, bonuses, or other incentive payments to enrollment representatives based on sales of New Horizons courses to GI Bill students. The claims asserted against Remington, LTJ Group V, and Innovak of Florida are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. This case was investigated by the Department of Justice and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsay S. Griffin and Mamie V. Wise. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to the VA Office of Inspector General at (800) 488-8244 or at vaoighotline@va.gov.


title: Pharmacy Owner and Operations Manager Convicted of $2.3M Ohio Medicaid Fraud

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal jury convicted an Ohio pharmacist and his operations manager, a pharmacy technician, yesterday for conspiring to defraud Ohio’s Medicaid program. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Nathanael Thompson, 45, of Westerville, owned four pharmacies in Columbus, Ohio. Sanam Ahmad, 34, of Galena, managed the pharmacies. Thompson and Ahmad conspired to charge Medicaid for a particular manufacturer’s omeprazole, a type of proton pump inhibitor, which was reimbursable at a significantly higher rate than most omeprazole. In reality, the dispensed medication was generic omeprazole purchased at big-box warehouse retail stores. In addition, to maximize profits, Thompson’s pharmacies put in place certain protocols to dispense omeprazole as though a doctor had prescribed the drug even when there was no prescription. The jury convicted Thompson and Ahmad of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and two counts of defrauding Medicaid. They face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the conspiracy charge and each health care fraud charge. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio, Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit Division, Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Mimura of the FBI Cincinnati Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Chicago Region, Special Agent in Charge Jeff Krafels of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) Mid-Atlantic Area Field Office, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, and Director Steven W. Schierholt of the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy Executive made the announcement. The DEA, FBI, HHS-OIG, USPS-OIG, Ohio Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Kathryn Furtado and Leslie Fisher of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .