title: Raleigh Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Leadership Role in Cross-Country Drug Conspiracy

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Lawrence Levon Jones, age 45, of Raleigh, was sentenced to 480 months in prison for his role as a leader of a Raleigh-based drug organization that sourced drugs from Los Angeles, California, and Newark, New Jersey. Jones was convicted by a federal jury of drug trafficking and firearms offenses in December 2023. He has eight prior felonies, including seven drug trafficking offenses and one conviction for felon in possession of a firearm. “This operation – which seized nine guns, over a hundred kilos of narcotics, and over three-quarters of a million dollars from a prolific drug trafficker – is a perfect example of our enforcement strategy. We are partnering with Raleigh Police to bring federal tools to dismantle the trans-national drug trafficking networks touching our Capital City,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Jones’ stored cocaine, ecstasy, and ‘kilo presses’ in a Raleigh stash house and had narcotics shipped across our interstates in a hidden compartment made to look like a stack of lumber on a truck. Today marks the end of the road for Lawrence Jones and his enterprise.” “Jones and his partners boldly believed they could run their cross-country drug trafficking operation from Raleigh without detection. The FBI and our law enforcement partners at the Raleigh Police Department worked tirelessly to ensure everyone involved in this conspiracy is held accountable for peddling drugs in our community,” said Robert M. DeWitt, the Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in North Carolina. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, during an investigation into drug trafficking activity, which included surveillance and wiretaps, agents determined that Jones regularly traveled to Los Angeles and Newark, picked up money from conspirators who were holding for him, and purchased large quantities of cocaine and marijuana. Couriers transported the drugs to the Raleigh area. On July 22, 2020, law enforcement in Texas stopped one of these couriers traveling eastbound from California and seized 400 pounds of marijuana and three kilograms of cocaine from a hidden compartment in the back of the truck that had been constructed to look like a large stack of lumber. That same day, agents arrested Jones when he arrived at his stash house in Raleigh. Inside the home, agents found 3.5 kilograms of cocaine, 138 grams of crack, 2 kilograms of marijuana, hundreds of ecstasy pills that contained methamphetamine, two handguns (one stolen), over $99,000 in cash, and five-kilo presses. Over the next two days, agents executed multiple search warrants at homes used by Jones’s organization in Raleigh and California and seized nine guns, over $757,000, and additional drugs. The prosecution of Jones was a part of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, 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. Other defendants associated with Jones pled guilty to drug trafficking and or firearms offenses and received the following sentences imposed by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III: -Tyrone Bragg, of Raleigh, pled guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy and firearms charges and received a sentence of 168 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release; -Calvin Lamar Kelley, of Keysville, Georgia, pled guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of 60 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release; -Wesley Kimball Kelly, of Atlanta, Georgia, pled guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy charge and received a sentence of 35 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release; -Keishron Ko-She Kilpatrick, of Raleigh, pled guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy and firearms charges and received a sentence of 84 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release; -Marquis Deja Brite, of Raleigh, pled guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy and firearms charges and received a sentence of 90 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release; -Hurley Matthew Cannady, of Raleigh, pled guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy and firearms charges and received a sentence of 117 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release; -David Earl Seawell, Jr., of Raleigh, North Carolina, pled guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy charges and received a sentence of 78 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release and -Robert McNeal, of Raleigh, pled guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced the defendant. The Raleigh Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Peaden and Nick Hartigan prosecuted it. Investigators also received valuable assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the 32nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Texas. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:20-cr-00388-D-1.


title: Two Men Admit to Federal Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Two West Virginia men have admitted to firearms charges. Mustafa A. Baker, age 54, of Wheeling, West Virginia, pled guilty today to the unlawful possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, Baker was wanted on outstanding warrants of brandishing and destruction of property. Wheeling Police officers pulled over Baker’s vehicle and found a loaded 9mm semiautomatic pistol and 10 rounds of ammunition. Baker is prohibited from having firearms because of eight prior felony convictions in Virginia, including drug possession, 3 rd offense DUI, felony domestic assault, and felony assault and battery. Michael Douglas Murphy, Jr., age 38, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, pled guilty to making a false statement in applications for a firearm. According to court documents, Murphy falsified a form when purchasing a firearm at the licensed dealer in Martinsburg, claiming the firearm was for his personal use, when in fact, the firearm was for another individual who was prohibited by law from possessing firearms. Investigative agencies include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the West Virginia State Police; and the Wheeling Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kyle, also with the Brooke County Prosecutor's Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.


title: Memphis Man Sentenced for Possession of 25 ‘Switch’ Devices

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – A federal judge has sentenced a Memphis resident to five years in federal prison for possessing 25 machine gun conversion devices, more commonly known as “switches”. United States Attorney Kevin Ritz announced the sentence today. According to information presented in court, U. S. Customs and Border Protection agents intercepted a package from an overseas shipper addressed to Roosevelt Wilson , 43, which was found to contain 25 machine gun conversion devices. These devices significantly enhance the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm, converting a gun designed to fire a bullet and quickly reload after each trigger pull to instead function as a fully automatic weapon. On February 28, 2023, officers made a controlled delivery of the package to the address listed. Wilson retrieved the package and the officers attempted arrest. The defendant then led officers on a high-speed pursuit through a residential neighborhood, tossing the package and a firearm out of his vehicle. Both were discovered along his path of travel. The firearm was later identified as a .40 caliber privately made, Glock-style gun with no serial numbers; it also had a machine gun conversion device affixed to it. Wilson pled guilty on January 12 to possession of 25 machine gun conversion devices and to receiving and possessing 25 machine gun conversion devices that had been unlawfully imported into the United States. On April 25, 2024, United States District Thomas L. Parker sentenced Wilson to 60 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Homeland Security Investigations and U. S. Customs and Border Protection investigated this case on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Southaven Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service also provided assistance. United States Attorney Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorney Eileen Kuo, who prosecuted this case, as well as law enforcement partners who investigated the case.


title: Readout of Pardon Attorney’s Outreach Efforts During Second Chance Month

component: Office of the Pardon Attorney

body_text: During the month of April, which is recognized as Second Chance month, the Office of the Pardon Attorney hosted a number of events to highlight opportunities for both currently incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. On Monday, April 22, and Tuesday, April 23, Pardon Attorney Elizabeth G. Oyer and staff members of the Office of the Pardon Attorney held a series of meetings and trainings in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) as part of the department’s initiative to increase the accessibility and transparency of the clemency process through education and community engagement. In 2023, the Office met with over 1,800 people in Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities to provide information about applying for clemency. On Monday, Pardon Attorney staff visited FCI Danbury, a low security co-ed institution. The Pardon Attorney’s team met with over 200 inmates and staff during their visit. The team provided a series of educational sessions about the federal clemency process and answered questions from inmates and staff. On Tuesday, the Pardon Attorney and members of her team met with over 1,100 incarcerated people and staff throughout the Yazoo City Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) in Yazoo City, Mississippi. The Pardon Attorney and her team conducted educational sessions at all three of the institutions in the FCC – Low I, Low II and Medium. Staff attended a session at the training center for FBOP employees and then visited each of the institutions with the Pardon team. Following the Yazoo City visit, Pardon Attorney Oyer and her staff traveled to Jackson, Mississippi, to meet with Judge Carlton Reeves, U.S. Attorney Todd Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi, Federal Public Defender Omodare Jupiter and U.S. Probation Officer Mark Quarles. During the meeting, U.S. Attorney Gee shared the critical steps his office has taken to expedite the review of cases and improve the clemency process. “Collaboration among stakeholders in the criminal justice system is essential to ensuring a well-functioning clemency process,” said Pardon Attorney Oyer. “Our visits to the Federal Bureau of Prisons have allowed us to provide thousands of incarcerated people with the knowledge and tools to utilize the clemency application process effectively. We have also educated hundreds of FBOP staff about the important role they can play in the process. Direct outreach and engagement with those in prison is essential to promoting public confidence in the clemency process.” The visits to FCI Danbury and Yazoo City FCC were the sixth and seventh in a series of quarterly educational events that the Pardon Attorney is conducting for incarcerated people and staff at different FBOP locations. April is recognized as Second Chance Month which helps to educate and highlight the resources available to those who are leaving incarceration. This April, the Office of the Pardon Attorney hosted its second annual “ Celebration of Second Chances .” Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, Pardon Attorney Oyer and other Justice Department officials delivered remarks highlighting the Justice Department’s support for second chances. The Justice Department is committed year-round to improving opportunities for rehabilitation and redemption and reforming and streamlining the clemency process. In December 2023, the department released a fact sheet detailing the actions taken to improve transparency, accessibility, efficiency and public engagement. Recent improvements include simplification of clemency forms to ensure that they are easy to understand and to use. The Office is also taking steps to reduce processing times and close long-pending petitions. As Deputy Attorney General Monaco noted in her remarks, the Office has reviewed approximately 12,000 clemency applications during the last two years. The department continues to engage with and educate the public on the clemency process.


title: Man Charged With Carjacking Resulting In Death

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the filing of a complaint charging Jordanish Garcia-Torres (28, Orlando) with carjacking resulting in death. If convicted, Garcia Torres faces a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment. According to the complaint, on April 11, 2024, Garcia-Torres carjacked a woman at gunpoint in Winter Springs, Florida, and forced her to drive to a location in Osceola County where she was murdered by gunshot and burned while in her vehicle. A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the St. Cloud Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Marshals Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie McNeff and Michael P. Felicetta. 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 Secures Agreement to Resolve Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Savannah, Georgia, Landlord

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that Iraj Shambayati, a landlord who owns and manages over 45 residential properties in and around Savannah, Georgia, has agreed to pay $600,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by sexually harassing and retaliating against his female tenants for over 15 years. “No female tenant should have to endure sexual harassment and abuse in the sanctity of her own home,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This settlement should send a clear message to housing providers and property owners: when you exploit your power and sexually harass and abuse tenants, the Justice Department will aggressively use federal civil rights laws to hold you accountable. As we mark National Fair Housing Month, we want survivors of these heinous acts to know that we stand with them and we encourage them to speak out and report complaints of unlawful sexual harassment.” “Sexual harassment by a landlord is never acceptable,” said U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg for the Southern District of Georgia. “This consent order takes Iraj Shambayati out of the property management business and emphasizes the Justice Department’s commitment to hold accountable landlords who would use their power to exploit tenants.” Under the consent order approved by the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, Shambayati and two other defendants, 1511 Rosewood LLC and IDHD Properties LLC, will pay $590,000 in monetary damages to female tenants and prospective tenants harmed by Shambayati’s conduct, as well as a civil penalty to the federal government. The order requires the defendants to vacate any retaliatory eviction judgments obtained against these tenants and to take steps to correct the tenants’ credit histories. The defendants are also prohibited from managing residential rental properties in the future and must retain an independent property manager for the properties. The lawsuit, filed in August 2023, alleged that, since at least 2008, Shambayati harassed female tenants by making repeated and unwelcome sexual comments and advances, inappropriately touching their bodies without their permission, entering their homes without their permission or knowledge, requesting sexual acts from them in exchange for rent or other housing-related benefits and taking retaliatory actions against female tenants who rejected his sexual advances or complained about the harassment. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia handled the case. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment at rental dwellings owned or managed by Iraj Shambayati should contact the Justice Department at Shambayati.Info@usdoj.gov or fairhousing@usdoj.gov or leave a message at 1-833-591-0291, selecting option 1 for English, option 2 for sexual harassment and then option 2 for Shambayati. The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. The goal of the department’s initiative is to address, deter and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers or other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative in October 2017, the department has filed 40 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered nearly $12 million for victims of such harassment. The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing based on sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt . Individuals can report sexual harassment or other forms of housing discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-833-591-0291 or submitting a report online . Individuals can also report such discrimination by contacting HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online .


title: Arizona Man Convicted Of Operating A Jet Ski In A Negligent Manner At Lake Mead National Recreation Area

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – An Arizona resident was found guilty on Thursday for operating a jet ski in a negligent manner that resulted in the death of a passenger at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts presided over the two-day bench trial. Bryce Tyrone Verhonich, 47, was found guilty of operating a vessel in a negligent manner, failing to wear a personal flotation device, and failing to attach an engine cut-off switch lanyard. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for August 5, 2024. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on June 30, 2022, Verhonich and a passenger traveled from his houseboat on a jet ski toward the Hoover Dam. As conditions worsened, Verhonich made a sharp turning maneuver that resulted in Verhonich and his passenger falling off the jet ski. Neither Verhonich nor the passenger were wearing life jackets at the time. The passenger’s body was ultimately recovered from Lake Mead National Recreation Area on July 6, 2022. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson made the announcement. This case was investigated by the National Park Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Edward D. Penetar and Brian Whang are prosecuting the case. ###


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Violating Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS - TYRONE SMOTHERS , age 42, of New Orleans, was sentenced on April 25, 2024 to 102 months imprisonment, followed by three (3) years of supervised release, and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee, by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, SMOTHERS was previously convicted of felony offenses in Orleans Parish. Due to his criminal history, he was prohibited from having a firearm. In the indictment against him, SMOTHERS was charged with illegally possessing multiple firearms, possessing fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana with the intent to distribute and, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug distribution. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Ollinger of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to a String of Armed Robberies and Attempted Robberies of Northwest Commercial Businesses

body_text: WASHINGTON – Roberto McBean, 30, of Hyattsville, MD, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court on Friday to a string of 10 armed robberies and attempted robberies in the District between August 22, 2023, and January 8, 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI Washington Field Office, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. McBean admitted to committing all 10 robberies. He pleaded guilty to four counts of interference with interstate commerce by robbery, aka Hobbs Act robbery, on April 26, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, who scheduled sentencing for September 5, 2024. According to court documents, McBean used a small hammer to rob a Sunoco gas station on the 2400 block of Wisconsin Ave., NW, on August 22, 2023. On August 31, McBean used a small vegetable knife to rob the Georgetown Wine and Spirits on the 2700 block of P street, NW of cash and a bottle of red wine. On September 18, 2023, McBean was stymied when he brandished a knife at the Universal Wine and Spirits on the 2000 block of Florida Ave.-- a customer saw what was happening and barked “Not today, Get out!” and McBean left without taking any money. On November 23, 2023, McBean entered the Glover Park Market on the 2400 block of 37 th Street, NW, with a black firearm and robbed the market of cash. On December 8, 2023, McBean gained entry to an Exxon gas station in Georgetown, on the 1600 block of Wisconsin Ave., NW, produced a gun and left with a small amount of cash. On December 8, 2023, McBean returned to the Sunoco gas station on Wisconsin Ave., produced his firearm, and ordered the employee to empty the register in a bag. On December 16, 2023, McBean returned to the Glover Park Market, went behind the counter, and opened the cash register. McBean took the cash from the register, multiple lottery tickets, and a plastic bag. On December 20, 2023, McBean went back to the Georgetown Wine and Spirits shop and ordered an employee to empty the register. The employee told McBean that he didn’t have a key to the register and McBean pulled out a firearm and again demanded money. The employee picked up the entire register and handed it to McBean. McBean fumbled with the machine before handing it back. Unsuccessful, McBean left the store. On January 4, 2024, McBean entered Sara’s Market and Dry Cleaners on the 3000 block of Q Street NW. McBean picked up a bottle of wine, set it on the counter, and demanded cash. The employee said the market did not accept cash and only accepted electronic payments. McBean left the store with only a bottle of wine. On January 5, 2024, McBean again returned to the Glover Park Market armed with a handgun and ordered an employee to fill a bag with cash. In addition to the money, McBean took lottery tickets and two packs of cigarettes with him. On January 8, 2024, McBean returned to the Glover Park Market for the fourth time. The store employee recognized McBean as the same man who had robbed her in December and a few days before. Agents with the FBI’s Washington Field Office arrested McBean on January 26, 2024. Because each of the six stores that McBean robbed bought and sold goods in interstate commerce, McBean’s actions in each of the robberies delayed, obstructed, or affected interstate commerce. This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office Violent Crimes Task Force and the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Ryan Lipes and Omeed A. Assefi.


title: Huntington Man Sentenced for Making False Declaration in Bankruptcy Case

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – John Christopher Spence, 67, of Huntington, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation, including six months on home detention with GPS monitoring, and fined $5,000 for making a false declaration in a bankruptcy case. According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about April 30, 2019, Spence filed for bankruptcy as an individual and separately on behalf of Park Place Properties LLC, one of his businesses. In the days and weeks leading up to his filing for bankruptcy, Spence made extravagant purchases including the buying of airfare to Grand Cayman Islands, Aruba, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Spence admitted that he made these purchases knowing that he would be filing for bankruptcy and did so with the intent of defrauding creditors through the bankruptcy process. Spence also admitted that he knew he was required to identify creditors and submit various schedules of assets and liabilities and a statement of financial affairs in each bankruptcy case. Each schedule and statement of financial affairs was filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court under criminal penalty for false swearing, concealing property, and obtaining money or property by fraud. On May 30, 2019, Spence caused to be filed Schedule A/B, a disclosure document, and a statement of financial affairs in his individual bankruptcy case. Spence failed to disclose that he had legal or equitable interests in condominiums in Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Scottsdale, Arizona; Avon, Colorado; Port Saint Lucie, Florida; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Spence admitted that he falsely stated on his Schedule A/B that he did not own or have any interest in condominiums. Spence further admitted that he lied about his legal or equitable interests in any condominiums during a meeting of creditors in his bankruptcy case on June 6, 2019. At the time he filed for bankruptcy, Spence owned a 100 percent interest in J.C. Spence Company LLC. Spence admitted that failed to disclose in each bankruptcy case that he owned J.C. Spence Company LLC, that he held a 100 percent interest in this company, and that this company possessed substantial assets. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The United States Trustee’s Charleston field office, which serves West Virginia, made the criminal referral of this case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-184. ###


title: Federal Jury Convicts Penn Hills Man on Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - After deliberating for less than two hours, a federal jury on April 18, 2024, found Harry E. Duncan guilty of three counts of violating federal drug and firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced. The verdict of guilt included one count each of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine; possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon; and aiding and abetting the straw purchase of three firearms. Duncan, 36, of the Penn Hills area of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was tried before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand in Pittsburgh. According to Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome A. Moschetta and Benjamin C. Dobkin, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that, in the fall of 2022, Duncan was the subject of an investigation by Allegheny County Police narcotics detectives for suspected involvement in drug trafficking. On November 18, 2022, the detectives served a search warrant on Duncan’s residence, finding in the basement over 1,000 stamp bags of fentanyl, significant amounts of unpackaged fentanyl powder, powder cocaine, and crack cocaine hidden in the ceiling. Throughout the basement, the detectives also discovered a large quantity of drug packaging materials, scales, cash, and 11 different cell phones. In addition to the drugs and drug trafficking paraphernalia, detectives found a Ruger AR-556 semi-automatic rifle, a Winchester 12 gauge shotgun, several hundred rounds of ammunition, and several pistol cases. Further investigation revealed that Duncan, who previously had been convicted of a felony, had engaged a former drug customer to unlawfully straw purchase the rifle and two of the pistols. In December of 2020, at Duncan’s direction, that person lied on background investigation paperwork and falsely stated that they were the purchaser of the firearms, when, in fact, the firearms were for Duncan. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for August 29, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $2.5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the defendant’s prior criminal history. Pending sentencing, the Court remanded Duncan into the custody of the United States Marshals. The Allegheny County Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to Duncan’s prosecution.


title: Laboratory Marketer and North Carolina Physicians Agree to Pay Over $1.3M to Settle Kickback Allegations

component: Civil Division

body_text: Laboratory marketer Thomas Anthony Carnaggio, of Irmo, South Carolina, and his marketing company, as well as three physicians in Charlotte, North Carolina, Steven Bauer, M.D., Larry Berman, M.D. and Alireza Nami, M.D., and their medical practices, have agreed to pay a total of $1,373,400 to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations arising from their involvement in laboratory kickback schemes. The parties have agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s investigations of other participants in the alleged schemes. “Using financial inducements to steer patients to a particular laboratory for taxpayer-funded testing can distort medical decision making and result in unnecessary services,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will diligently pursue those who undermine the integrity of federal health care programs by violating rules designed to protect the programs and their beneficiaries from fraud and abuse.” The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, TRICARE, and other federally funded healthcare programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients. The settlement announced today resolves allegations that a marketer and his marketing company offered kickbacks to doctors on behalf of a laboratory in Anderson, South Carolina, and that doctors and their medical practices received kickbacks from the laboratory in return for laboratory referrals. The alleged kickbacks resulted in the submission of false or fraudulent laboratory testing claims to Medicare and TRICARE in violation of the False Claims Act. Thomas Anthony Carnaggio and South Ventures LLC. Carnaggio and his marketing company agreed to pay $400,000 to resolve allegations that from January 2017 to January 2020, Carnaggio and his company, on behalf of the laboratory, offered to doctors in North Carolina and South Carolina thousands of dollars in kickbacks disguised as purported office space rental and phlebotomy payments to induce the doctors to order laboratory testing. In addition, Carnaggio and his marketing company allegedly received commissions from the laboratory as independent contractors based on the volume and/or value of the Medicare and TRICARE referrals that they arranged for and/or recommended, in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. Steven Bauer and Ballantyne Medical Associates PLLC. Dr. Bauer and his medical practice agreed to pay $205,000 to resolve allegations that from May 2016 to December 2021, they received thousands of dollars in kickbacks in the form of purported office space rental and phlebotomy payments from the laboratory, in return for ordering testing. Dr. Bauer and his practice provided information that assisted the government’s investigation and received credit under the Department of Justice’s guidelines for taking cooperation into account in False Claims Act matters. Larry Berman and Larry F. Berman, M.D., P.C. Berman and his medical practice agreed to pay $385,000 to resolve allegations that from July 2017 to November 2021, they received thousands of dollars in remuneration disguised as purported office space rental and phlebotomy payments from the laboratory in return for ordering testing. Alireza Nami and Joint and Muscle Medical Care, P.C. Nami and his medical practice agreed to pay $383,400 to resolve allegations that from November 2016 to November 2021, they received thousands of dollars in kickbacks from the laboratory disguised as the purchase price for used laboratory equipment, office space rental, and phlebotomy payments, in return for ordering testing. “Schemes like this compromise the integrity of our healthcare programs,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to pursue those engaged in illegal kickbacks and hold them accountable.” “This resolution underscores our commitment to ensuring fair and ethical practices in the healthcare industry,” said Special Agent in Charge Steve Jensen of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “The FBI, along with our law enforcement and regulatory partners, will continue to hold those accountable who defraud our healthcare systems for their personal gain.” “Providers who participate in kickback schemes do so at the risk of undermining the integrity of federal healthcare programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala Miles of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG remains steadfast in its collaboration with law enforcement partners to diligently investigate individuals engaged in kickback schemes for personal gain.” “It is unethical and wholly inappropriate for physicians to accept financial incentives to drive business,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Dillard of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Mid Atlantic Field Office. “Government healthcare systems are degraded and the reputation of the medical profession is tarnished when vendors pay medical providers kickbacks for use of their services. Working closely with our law enforcement partners, DCIS will continue to hold accountable those who choose to enrich themselves at the expense of patient health and trust.” The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, with assistance from HHS-OIG, DCIS and the FBI. Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Terranova in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth C. Warren for the District of South Carolina handled the case. The United States previously resolved allegations that physicians in South Carolina and Texas received kickbacks from the same laboratory. The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The claims resolved by the settlements are only allegations. There has been no determination of liability.


title: Louisiana Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Possess  with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Gulfport, Miss. – A New Orleans, Louisiana woman pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one ounce of fentanyl. According to court documents, Angelle McLaughlin, 30, was caught in the parking garage of a Mississippi casino engaging in a drug transaction. McLaughlin traveled with two other individuals from Louisiana to the Mississippi casino to sell fentanyl. Officers encountered the trio and found that McLaughlin was in possession of one ounce of fentanyl that was intended for sale to a recipient at the casino. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. The DEA reports that two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, and one kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. More facts on fentanyl can be found at https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl and https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl . McLaughlin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. She is scheduled to be sentenced on August 14, 2024, and 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. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Rose is prosecuting the case.


title: Russian National Residing in Sacramento Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Murat Kurashev, 37, a Russian national who resided in Sacramento, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. “This sentence holds Kurashev accountable for attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “Kurashev’s attempts to provide that material support were not isolated. They took place over a substantial period of time and his intent with those financial transfers was clear. We appreciate the court’s thoughtful consideration of this case and its recognition of the seriousness of Kurashev’s offense. Working with our investigative partners, we will continue to vigorously prosecute those who seek to provide material support to terrorist organizations.” “The FBI’s mission is clear – to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution. Anyone who provides support to a terrorist organization is a threat to the safety and security of all Americans, both here and abroad,” said Special Agent in Charge Siddhartha Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “I am grateful for the tireless dedication of FBI and U.S. Attorney’s personnel who are deeply committed to our partnership and ensuring all cases like these are thoroughly investigated and fairly prosecuted.” According to court documents, Kurashev attempted to provide financial support to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is designated by the Secretary of State as a foreign terrorist organization that engages in terrorism in Syria. Between July 2020 and February 2021, Kurashev used money transfer services to send approximately $13,000 to two known couriers of an HTS fundraiser. Records obtained from the money transfer services documented multiple transactions from Kurashev to the couriers in Turkey, usually in increments of $1,000. The couriers retrieved the funds often within 24 hours of transfer. Surveillance footage from money transfer businesses captured Kurashev during some of the transactions. Social media and encrypted mobile messaging discussions between Kurashev and the fundraiser made clear that Kurashev was fully aware of the fundraiser’s violent extremist ideology and participation and work on behalf of HTS. Kurashev stated that he wished he could join the fight in Syria as a mujahideen and regretted that he could only provide financial support. As their conversations showed, Kurashev and the fundraiser believed that providing money in support of the HTS fighters was tantamount to being engaged in violent jihad. According to court documents, Kurashev followed the fundraiser’s online presence and various social media accounts, which included solicitations for money to purchase military equipment, boots, clothing, firearms, and, in one case, a motorcycle. Forensic analysis of Kurashev’s Apple iCloud account revealed it to be replete with violent extremist content, including a video depicting HTS fighters. This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heiko P. Coppola and Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.


title: Former NSA Employee Sentenced to Over 21 Years in Prison for Attempted Espionage

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Jareh Sebastian Dalke, 32, of Colorado Springs, was sentenced today to 262 months in prison for attempted espionage in connections with his efforts to transmit classified National Defense Information (NDI) to an agent of the Russian Federation. According to court documents, Dalke pleaded guilty in 2023 to six counts of attempting to transmit classified NDI to a foreign agent. From June 6 to July 1, 2022, Dalke was an employee of the National Security Agency (NSA) where he served as an Information Systems Security Designer. Dalke admitted that between August and September 2022, in order to demonstrate both his “legitimate access and willingness to share,” he used an encrypted email account to transmit excerpts of three classified documents to an individual he believed to be a Russian agent. That person was an FBI online covert employee. All three documents from which the excerpts were taken contain NDI, are classified as Top Secret//Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and were obtained by Dalke during his employment with the NSA. “This defendant, who had sworn an oath to defend our country, believed he was selling classified national security information to a Russian agent, when in fact, he was outing himself to the FBI,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This sentence demonstrates that that those who seek to betray our country will be held accountable for their crimes. I am grateful to the FBI Denver and Washington Field Offices for their extraordinary work on this case.” “This sentence should serve as a stark warning to all those entrusted with protecting national defense information that there are consequences to betraying that trust,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Dalke believed he was passing classified information to an agent of the Russian government. The hard work of our FBI employees prevented that from happening and any potential harm to the United States.” “Two primary objectives of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado include keeping our citizens safe, and safeguarding the United States of America,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan for the District of Colorado. “Not only is this case an exceptional example of federal law enforcement cooperation, but the sentence Mr. Dalke received today reflects the seriousness of the actions he took in attempt to injure our country and help a foreign government.” On or about Aug. 26, 2022, Dalke requested $85,000 in return for all the information in his possession. Dalke claimed the information would be of value to Russia and told the FBI online covert employee that he would share more information in the future, once he returned to the Washington, D.C.-area. Dalke subsequently arranged to transfer additional classified information in his possession to the purported Russian agent at Union Station in downtown Denver. Using a laptop computer and the instructions provided by the FBI online covert employee, Dalke transferred five files, four of which contain Top Secret NDI. The other file was a letter, which begins (in Russian and Cyrillic characters) “My friends!” and states, in part, “I am very happy to finally provide this information to you… I look forward to our friendship and shared benefit. Please let me know if there are desired documents to find and I will try when I return to my main office.” The FBI arrested Dalke on Sept. 28, 2023, moments after he transmitted the files. As part of his plea agreement, Dalke admitted that he willfully transmitted files to the FBI online covert employee with the intent and reason to believe the information would be used to injure the United States and to benefit Russia. The FBI Washington and Denver Field Offices investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia K. Martinez and Jena R. Neuscheler for the District of Colorado and Trial Attorneys Christina A. Clark and Adam L. Small of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section handled the prosecution.


title: Hays County Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: AUSTIN, Texas – A San Marcos man was sentenced in a federal court in Austin to 120 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, Colten Romeo Thayer, 20, was arrested during a traffic stop on Aug. 29, 2022. During a search of his vehicle, Hays County Sheriff’s deputies found a bag containing 11 grams of fentanyl. Thayer had been purchasing fentanyl pills from other dealers in and around Hays County for personal use and for the purpose of selling. Thayer pleaded guilty Dec. 21, 2023. Co-defendant Anthony Perez Rios pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl. He remains in federal custody, scheduled to be sentenced May 23. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration and San Marcos Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel Cohen prosecuted the case. ###


title: Nevada Man Arrested and Indicted After Allegedly Stealing Over $7M Worth of Treasury Checks

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: St. George, Utah – An indictment was unsealed today following the arrest of a Nevada man who was indicted earlier this month by a federal grand jury for multiple federal crimes, including bank fraud. According to court documents, Kyle Eugene Duncan-Carle, 40, of Las Vegas, Nevada carried out a scheme to defraud multiple credit unions from January 2023 through September 2023 in the District of Utah. Duncan-Carle conducted the scheme by obtaining stolen U.S. Treasury checks made out to individuals and companies, assuming the identity of the individuals whose names were on the checks, opening credit union accounts under the assumed identities, and then depositing the checks and withdrawing the funds. The scheme resulted in Duncan-Carle obtaining at least six stolen treasury checks that totaled $7,075,695.55. This included an incident in April 2023 when Duncan-Carle assumed a victim’s identity, opened an American First Credit Union account under the victim’s name, and deposited a stolen tax-refund check for $821,333 made out to the victim. Duncan-Carle was arrested over the weekend in Lyon County, Nevada. Duncan-Carle is charged with bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and receipt of stolen government property. Because Duncan-Carle was arrested in Nevada, his initial court appearance on the indictment will take place at a United States District Courthouse in Nevada. U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI); the Internal Revenue Service Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA); and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen P. Dent and Luisa Gough of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Clovis Businessman Sentenced to Prison for $1.4 Million COVID-19 Relief Money Theft

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Ruben Mireles, 48, of Clovis, was sentenced today to one year in prison for stealing $1.4 million in COVID-19 relief money, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Mireles owned and operated a farm labor contracting business in Kings County. His business initially went by the name Vista Pacific Labor Solutions Inc. (VPLS) and then changed its name to Calzona Ag Management Inc., doing business as Vista Pacific Farm Management (CAM). In January 2021, after VPLS changed its name to CAM, Mireles caused CAM to apply for and receive a COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for $1.4 million from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Then, in April 2021, Mireles caused VPLS to apply for and receive another PPP loan for $1.4 million from the SBA based on false information. In the second loan application, Mireles falsely represented to the SBA that VPLS was a separate company from CAM when, in fact, VPLS and CAM were the same company. Mireles also falsely represented that he had not received any other PPP loans, even though he had previously received CAM’s loan. Finally, Mireles falsely represented that he was not subject to any pending criminal charges when he was actually facing state fraud charges. Based on Mireles’ representations, VPLS’s loan application was approved and the $1.4 million, to which he was not entitled, was deposited into his bank account. This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the SBA Office of Inspector General with assistance from the California Department of Insurance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton prosecuted the case. This effort is part of a California COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force operation, one of five interagency COVID-19 fraud strike force teams established by the U.S. Department of Justice. The California Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources in the Eastern and Central Districts of California and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces use prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.


title: Member of Violent Gang Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Involving Attempted Murder

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to his role in Cameron Street, a violent Boston gang. Eric Correia, a/k/a, “Bubba,” 26, has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy, and one count of distribution of and possession with attempt to distribute marijuana. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Sept. 11, 2024. Correia was identified as a member of Cameron Street, a violent gang based largely in Dorchester that uses violence to preserve, protect and expand its territory, promote fear and enhance its reputation. According to the charging documents, members use social media applications to promote Cameron Street, celebrate murders and other violent crimes committed by the gang, as well as denigrate rival gangs – in particular, the Dorchester-based NOB gang (Norton, Onley and Barry Streets), known more generally as Wendover. Cameron Street members allegedly possess, carry and use firearms to murder and assault gang rivals as well as protect narcotics and drug proceeds. Cameron Street members also allegedly distribute controlled substances and firearms, commit armed robberies and engage in human trafficking in part to generate income for the Cameron Street enterprise. Correia pleaded guilty to committing a March 2019 attempted murder with a firearm of a NOB/Wendover gang member on Clayborne Street in Dorchester. Additionally, Correia pleaded guilty to his role in an armed robbery of a drug customer as well as to distributing $1,400 worth of marijuana to a cooperating witness. Despite wearing a mask during the drug deal, Correia was identified through a “C” tattoo on his hand – a symbol commonly used by Cameron Street members to designate membership. The charge of RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to interfere with commerce by force or violence each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of distribution of marijuana provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, at least two years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. 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. 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 . Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Feld Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; Suffolk, Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Canton, Quincy, Randolph, Somerville, Brockton, Malden, Stoughton, Rehoboth and Pawtucket (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno of Levy’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Justice Department Recovers Fraudulent Transfer of Proceeds Arising from Kickback Scheme

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it reached a settlement worth over $16 million with Floyd Calhoun Dent, III arising from a health care fraud judgment against Dent as well as fraudulent transfer claims against Dent, certain members of his family, his family trust and several corporations owned or controlled by Dent that received millions in assets that were the proceeds of the fraud. Dent, along with two other individuals, was found liable by a South Carolina jury in 2018 for submitting false claims to Medicare and TRICARE, in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and the False Claims Act. A judgment was subsequently entered against Dent and the other two individual defendants jointly for $114 million. The judgment was affirmed by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in 2021. Prior to the judgment, but after Dent’s company, BlueWave Healthcare Consultants Inc., which he owned jointly with co-defendant Brad Johnson, had been served with a Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General subpoena (IG subpoena), Dent transferred tens of millions of dollars in assets, which were the proceeds of his health care fraud scheme, to his spouse, his parents, his in-laws, a family trust and 10 corporations owned and/or operated by Dent. These transfers started within a few months of service of the IG subpoena and continued through 2015. In 2016, the District Court froze 12 parcels of real property that were owned by Dent and his spouse and certain of the Dent corporations. In 2019, the United States filed an action under the Federal Debt Collection Procedures Act (FDCPA) against Dent and his spouse, the Dent children and the family trust, Dent’s parents and in-laws, the 10 Dent corporations, Dent’s sister, Dent’s long-time friend, two of Dent’s long-term employees and the spouse of one such employee. The 2019 lawsuit sought to recover amounts transferred by Dent to these entities and individuals. As part of the settlement announced today, Dent, his spouse and his family, the family trust and the 10 Dent corporations are surrendering nearly all of their assets, which are valued at over $33.6 million, including 22 parcels of real property worth approximately $19 million, $5 million in gold and silver coins, $8 million in cash and $1 million in vehicles, boats, farm equipment and other personal property. The settlement requires the assets be surrendered to the Justice Department and the Liquidating Trustee for now bankrupt Health Diagnostic Laboratories Inc. (HDL), a blood testing laboratory that participated in the health care fraud with Dent and his co-defendants. The HDL Liquidating Trustee will split these assets between the United States and other creditors of HDL pursuant to a bankruptcy court agreement. The United States’ share of the recovered assets is expected to exceed $16 million. “The payment of kickbacks has the potential to corrupt medical decision-making and to increase the cost of healthcare,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable those who pay or receive such kickbacks, as well as those who improperly seek to benefit from such violations by receiving the illegal proceeds.” Previously, in 2022, the United States resolved claims against a long-time friend of Dent and a long-term employee of Dent and the employee’s wife. These claims settled for a combined total of $2.4 million, which was split between the United States and the HDL Liquidating Trustee. “This recovery demonstrates our commitment to protect our federal health care programs so they can serve the people who need them most,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. The settlement announced today resolves the 2018 judgment against Dent in favor of the United States under the False Claims Act. It also resolves the United States’ allegations under the FDCPA that Dent’s transfer to certain family members, family corporations and the family trust were fraudulent transfers. The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Fraud and Corporate/Financial Litigation Sections and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina. Senior Trial Counsel Alicia J. Bentley and Trial Attorney Andrew Warner of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Leventis, Johanna Valenzuela and Joanna Stroud and Anne Frate (paralegal) for the District of South Carolina handled the FDCPA matter. The cases are United States ex rel. Lutz, et al. v. BlueWave Healthcare Consultants, Inc., et al. (D.S.C. Case No. 9:14-cv-00230-RMG) (False Claims Act judgment) and United States v. AROC Enterprises, LLC, et al. (D.S.C. Case No. 9:19-cv-234 RMG) (Federal Debt Collection Procedures action). The False Claims Act claims against Dent were adjudicated against him and other defendants. The fraudulent transfer claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability as to those claims. Settlement


component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – Jareh Sebastian Dalke, 32, of Colorado Springs, was sentenced today to 262 months in prison for attempted espionage in connections with his efforts to transmit classified National Defense Information (NDI) to an agent of the Russian Federation. According to court documents, Dalke pleaded guilty in 2023 to six counts of attempting to transmit classified NDI to a foreign agent. From June 6 to July 1, 2022, Dalke was an employee of the National Security Agency (NSA) where he served as an Information Systems Security Designer. Dalke admitted that between August and September 2022, in order to demonstrate both his “legitimate access and willingness to share,” he used an encrypted email account to transmit excerpts of three classified documents to an individual he believed to be a Russian agent. That person was an FBI online covert employee. All three documents from which the excerpts were taken contain NDI, are classified as Top Secret//Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and were obtained by Dalke during his employment with the NSA. “This defendant, who had sworn an oath to defend our country, believed he was selling classified national security information to a Russian agent, when in fact, he was outing himself to the FBI,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This sentence demonstrates that that those who seek to betray our country will be held accountable for their crimes. I am grateful to the FBI Denver and Washington Field Offices for their extraordinary work on this case.” “This sentence should serve as a stark warning to all those entrusted with protecting national defense information that there are consequences to betraying that trust,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Dalke believed he was passing classified information to an agent of the Russian government. The hard work of our FBI employees prevented that from happening and any potential harm to the United States.” “Two primary objectives of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado include keeping our citizens safe, and safeguarding the United States of America,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan for the District of Colorado. “Not only is this case an exceptional example of federal law enforcement cooperation, but the sentence Mr. Dalke received today reflects the seriousness of the actions he took in attempt to injure our country and help a foreign government.” "Every day, every FBI employee works to uphold the Constitution and protect the American people and our way of life. But it’s not every day we thwart a would-be spy among our own intelligence community ranks. Luckily such an occurrence is rare," said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. "If Dalke had been successful, the repercussions would have been severe. The penalty imposed reflects this." On or about Aug. 26, 2022, Dalke requested $85,000 in return for all the information in his possession. Dalke claimed the information would be of value to Russia and told the FBI online covert employee that he would share more information in the future, once he returned to the Washington, D.C.-area. Dalke subsequently arranged to transfer additional classified information in his possession to the purported Russian agent at Union Station in downtown Denver. Using a laptop computer and the instructions provided by the FBI online covert employee, Dalke transferred five files, four of which contain Top Secret NDI. The other file was a letter, which begins (in Russian and Cyrillic characters) “My friends!” and states, in part, “I am very happy to finally provide this information to you… I look forward to our friendship and shared benefit. Please let me know if there are desired documents to find and I will try when I return to my main office.” The FBI arrested Dalke on Sept. 28, 2023, moments after he transmitted the files. As part of his plea agreement, Dalke admitted that he willfully transmitted files to the FBI online covert employee with the intent and reason to believe the information would be used to injure the United States and to benefit Russia. The FBI Washington and Denver Field Offices investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia K. Martinez and Jena R. Neuscheler for the District of Colorado and Trial Attorneys Christina A. Clark and Adam L. Small of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section handled the prosecution.


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced  for Violating the Federal  Controlled Substances Act

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOEL CHENEAU, age 56, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on April 25, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court records, the Drug Enforcement Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted government authorized wire intercepts targeting individuals who transported large quantities of narcotics from Houston, Texas to New Orleans. After learning that another individual discussed supplying CHENEAU with heroin, federal agents contacted CHENEAU . CHENEAU then admitted that the discussions heard on intercepted calls involved drug trafficking and that CHENEAU’s drug trafficking activity involved more than 100 grams of heroin. As part of CHENEAU’s guilty plea, CHENEAU also admitted to a prior federal drug trafficking conviction from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B) and 846. The prior conviction increased the penalties against CHENEAU pursuant to recidivist enhancement provisions of federal law. Judge Ashe sentenced CHENEAU to 120 months imprisonment, the mandatory minimum, to be followed by eight years of supervised release. Judge Ashe also ordered CHENEAU to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel.


title: Sacramento County Man Indicted for Fraud in Connection with Medical Device Sales

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment on April 25, 2024, against Michael Andrew Scott, 38, of Fair Oaks, charging him with wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. The indictment was unsealed today following Scott’s arrest. According to court documents, between June 2018 and June 2022, Scott devised a scheme to defraud investors in his company, Trusted Medical Partnership. Scott told investors that either he or Trusted Medical Partnership received purchase orders from various health care providers in Northern California for medical devices but lacked the capital to fulfill the orders. Scott solicited and obtained loans from these investors, and, in exchange, promised them substantial returns in a relatively short time with zero risk. In order to convince some of his victims to lend him money, Scott sent them fabricated copies of these purchase orders. Scott’s victims lent him money on the basis of his false statements, including the fraudulent purchase orders, however, they received little to no returns on their investments. Instead, Scott spent the money on gambling, personal expenses, and payments to prior investors in order to keep the scheme running. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dhruv M. Sharma is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Scott faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office

component: USAO - Wyoming

body_text: Child Pornography Ricky Lee Smith , 55, of Laramie, Wyoming, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography. According to court documents, On Jun. 25, 2023, law enforcement received a CyberTip from a provider of cloud-based services regarding the user of a Verizon phone with a Wyoming number that traced back to Smith, who is a registered sex offender. Investigators served a search warrant at Smith’s residence and found over 750 images of child pornography on Smith’s phone. Smith was indicted in November 2023 and pleaded guilty in January 2024. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Apr. 24. This crime was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie R. Morrison. Drug Trafficking Michael E. Trujillo, II , 28, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, on Sep. 26, 2023, the Cheyenne Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Trujillo’s vehicle for speeding. During the traffic stop a certified narcotics canine alerted to the presence of drugs. Officers searched the vehicle and Trujillo’s person and found approximately 33 grams of suspected fentanyl pills, seven grams of methamphetamine, and approximately three grams of cocaine. Trujillo was indicted in November 2023, and pleaded guilty in January 2024. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Apr. 24. This crime was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood. Firearms Offenses Eric Lamario Mitchell , 41, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to court documents, on Jul. 13, 2023, the Cheyenne Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle where Mitchell was the front passenger. Officers located a .45 caliber 1911 handgun under his seat. Mitchell is a convicted felon and not allowed to possess firearms. Officers also executed a warrant for Mitchell’s hotel room and found a .22 caliber handgun under his mattress. Michell was indicted in November 2023, and pleaded guilty on Feb. 6. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Apr. 26. This crime was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the DEA. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer. About the United States Attorney’s Office The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include: Environmental Justice The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Project Safe Childhood Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious. Project Safe Neighborhoods Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. Victim Witness Assistance The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect. To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking


title: Stanislaus County Man Sentenced to over 19 Years in Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Andrew Satariano, 43, of Modesto, was sentenced today to 19 years and seven months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, on Sept. 4, 2021, police tried to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle Satariano was driving. Satariano stopped briefly, let a female out of the car, and then took off at a high rate of speed reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Satariano collided with several vehicles and the vehicle was disabled. Satariano fled from the car and hid nearby, after which police found and arrested him. Satariano had two loaded handguns, one of which was stolen and had a high-capacity magazine attached. He also had over 850 grams of pure methamphetamine that he was selling. Satariano’s sentence was affected by his extensive criminal history starting in 2001, which included prior convictions for evading police. This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office; the Stanislaus County Probation Department; and the Modesto Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sanchez prosecuted the case. This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office; the Stanislaus County Probation Department; and the Modesto Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sanchez prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the 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: Stanislaus County Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Passing Counterfeit Savings Bonds

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ronnie Douglas Fleming, 38, of Keyes, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for one count of passing counterfeit obligations of the United States, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, on 10 occasions between March and May 2022, Fleming passed 11 counterfeit United States savings bonds at banks in the Counties of Stanislaus, San Joaquin and other California counties. Fleming received $134,784 for the savings bonds. This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Fogg is prosecuting the case.


title: Madera County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl that Caused Overdose Death

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Elias Soliz, 26, of Madera, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for distributing fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, on Aug. 3, 2023, Soliz knowingly distributed one fentanyl pill to J.M. in Madera. J.M. suffered a fatal overdose just a few hours later. Law enforcement searched Soliz’ phone under a warrant and found that Soliz had deleted communications with the victim that had been found on the victim’s phone. Law enforcement also located additional evidence of drug dealing. This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Madera Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.


title: O.C. and Houston Men Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Supplying Fentanyl and Other Drugs Sold on Darknet and Causing Fatal ODs

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: SANTA ANA, California – Two men, one from Orange County and the other from Texas, were sentenced today to lengthy prison terms for using the darknet and encrypted messaging applications to sell more than 120,000 fentanyl-laced pills and other drugs to more than 1,000 customers across the country, causing several fatal overdoses in the process. Michael Ta, 25, of Westminster, was sentenced to 260 months (21 years and eight months) in federal prison by United States District Judge David O. Carter. At a separate hearing today, Judge Carter sentenced Rajiv Srinivasan, 37, of Houston, to 235 months (19 years and seven months) in federal prison. Ta pleaded guilty in August 2023 to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Srinivasan pleaded guilty in June 2023 to the same charge and to one count of distributing fentanyl resulting in death. Srinivasan operated the account “redlightlabs” on multiple darknet marketplaces, including the site “Dark0de.” Srinivasan and Ta used the redlightlabs account to advertise and sell counterfeit M30 oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and other illicit drugs. Srinivasan also used the encrypted messaging application Wickr to communicate with and sell drugs to customers. Srinivasan received virtual currency as payment for the drugs and then routed that virtual currency through cryptocurrency exchanges. Ta communicated with Srinivasan about drug orders, obtained fentanyl-laced pills and methamphetamine from sources of supply, stored those drugs in his residence, and mailed out packages with drugs to customers who had ordered them from Srinivasan on the “redlightlabs” account. From at least February 2022 to November 2022, Srinivasan and Ta engaged in at least 3,800 drug deals to approximately 1,400 customers in all 50 U.S. states, totaling more than 123,000 fentanyl-laced M30 pills, more than 9 kilograms (20 pounds) of methamphetamine, nearly 300 grams of “China white” (fentanyl powder) and black tar heroin, and 27 grams of cocaine. Ta and Srinivasan admitted in their plea agreements to causing the fentanyl overdose deaths of three victims. Both defendants further admitted to distributing fentanyl-laced pills to two additional victims, both of whom suffered fatal drug overdoses shortly after they received the pills from Ta and Srinivasan. Prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum, “the five victims of defendants’ crimes ranged in age from 19 to 51. They lived across the country, from California to Florida, Colorado to Arkansas. Each of the five victims leaves behind a family that has been forever and fundamentally changed by defendants’ actions. [Ta and Srinivasan] also victimized countless others as part of an epidemic of addiction and despair plaguing our district and our country.” In a related case , Omar Navia, 39, of South Los Angeles, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Navia admitted in his plea agreement that, from at least August 2021 to December 2022, he supplied fentanyl-laced pills and methamphetamine to Srinivasan and Ta’s customers. Navia faces a 10-year mandatory minimum prison sentence and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment at his August 19 sentencing hearing. Adan Ruiz, 27, of Garden Grove, a co-defendant in the Navia criminal case and an alleged co-conspirator with Srinivasan and Ta, has pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of distribution of fentanyl. His trial is scheduled for September 24. Both Navia and Ruiz are in federal custody. An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The FBI investigated this matter. The United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas provided substantial assistance. The investigation in this matter was conducted under the auspices of the FBI-led Joint Criminal Opioid Darknet Enforcement Team (JCODE), which targets darknet vendors by using sophisticated, high-tech techniques to identify drug traffickers who wrongly believe the dark web allows them to engage in criminal conduct with anonymity. Since its inception in 2018, JCODE investigations have resulted in the arrest of more than 300 darknet drug traffickers, as well as the seizure of more than $42 million in drug-tainted proceeds, over 800 kilograms of narcotics, and approximately 145 firearms. The Northern Colorado Drug Task Force (NCDTF) also helped investigate this matter. NCDTF works to protect the community by identifying, investigating, and impacting drug-related crime in Larimer County. Participating agencies who make this effort possible include Fort Collins Police Services, Larimer County Sheriff's Office, Loveland Police Department, Windsor Police Department, the Eighth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and Colorado Adult Parole. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Fayetteville Resident Agency also assisted during the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gregg E. Marmaro of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section prosecuted this case.


title: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement on the Shootings of Law Enforcement in North Carolina During U.S. Marshals Task Force Operation

body_text: This afternoon, a Deputy U.S. Marshal and two Task Force Officers were killed in the line of duty and multiple other officers were wounded while serving a state arrest warrant on a fugitive in Charlotte, North Carolina. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland issued the following statement: “Every single day, Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers put their lives on the line to apprehend some of our country’s most dangerous criminals. Today, three of those dedicated public servants made the ultimate sacrifice. Multiple other officers were critically injured while carrying out this operation to protect their community. "The Justice Department is heartbroken by the deaths of three of our own law enforcement colleagues, and we extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones as they grieve this unfathomable loss.”


title: Rochester man sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for drug trafficking and gun possession

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Torrence Dyck, 51, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, was sentenced to serve 150 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who handled the case, stated that Dyck operated a drug house on Warsaw Street in Rochester, using workers, who he recruited and paid, to distribute street-level quantities of cocaine to customers at the drug house. During the investigation, law enforcement recovered approximately 640 grams of cocaine, more than $20,000 in drug proceeds, drug packaging materials, and two firearms. Dyck has four prior felony convictions for Robbery, Criminal Negligent Homicide, federal narcotics conspiracy, and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol, and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division. Additional assistance was provided by the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley.


title: Buffalo man pleads guilty to child pornography and cyberstalking charges

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Raymond Brooks, 25, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession of child pornography by an individual with a prior sex offense conviction, and cyberstalking, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz T. Wright, who handled the case, stated that in January 2019, Brooks was convicted in Erie County Court of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child. On April 23, 2020, law enforcement searched Brooks’ cell phone, locating images and videos containing child pornography. Some of the images and videos depicted prepubescent minors engaged in violent sexual conduct. In January 2021, Brooks contacted a 15-year-old victim via Snapchat, and persuaded her to produce sexually explicit images of herself and send them to him. Brooks then contacted the victim repeatedly via Snapchat and threatened her to send more sexually explicit images or videos, or he would distribute the existing images and videos to her family members, friends, and other Snapchat users. As a result, the victim created more sexually explicit images and videos. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. Sentencing is scheduled for October 3, 2024, before Judge Sinatra.


title: Federal grand jury indicts postal worker for stealing mail

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Christopher Porter, 37, of Angola, NY, with two counts of theft of mail and six counts of delay of mail by a postal employee. The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz T. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, in October 2021, and January 2022, Porter, a United States Postal Service employee in Angola, embezzled mail and stole gift cards included in the embezzled mail. In addition, on six separate occasions in March 2022, Porter opened mail, delaying its delivery. Porter was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and released on conditions. The indictment is a result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Modafferi. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Rensselaer Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearm

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Andrew Williams, age 38, of Rensselaer, New York, pled guilty today to illegally possessing a rifle as a previously convicted felon. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement. Williams admitted that on May 2, 2023, he possessed the rifle and 15 other firearms, as well as ammunition, at his residence in Rensselaer. A prior felony conviction for burglary in the third degree prevented Williams from legally possessing the firearms and ammunition. Williams will be sentenced on September 4, 2024, by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. Williams faces up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. This case was investigated by ATF and the East Greenbush Police Department, with the assistance of the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emmet O’Hanlon and Mikayla Espinosa are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Port Charlotte Man Sentenced To More Than 4 Years In Federal Prison For Child Sexual Abuse Offenses

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Richard Welbourne (67, Port Charlotte) to 51 months in federal prison for possessing and accessing with intent to view images depicting the sexual abuse of children. Welbourne was also sentenced to 15 years of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Welbourne pleaded guilty on January 12, 2024. According to court documents, from August 7, 2022, through November 15, 2022, Welbourne knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view child sexual abuse material that he had searched for, downloaded, and viewed from the internet. In June of 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received four cybertips from an Electronic Service Provider reporting that Welbourne was involved in the possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). On November 15, 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at Welbourne’s residence in Port Charlotte, Florida and Welbourne’s computer was seized. In addition, agents spoke with Welbourne, who admitted that he would click on links that contained CSAM. Welbourne admitted that he would save the links to his “favorites” in the web browser so he could easily access the sites in the future. Welbourne said that he did not save any of the images or videos to his computer. Welbourne also admitted that he had seen girls as young as 4 or 5 years old on the CSAM sites that he visited and to accessing the internet to view CSAM for approximately 20 years. A subsequent forensic examination of Welbourne’s computer revealed child sexual abuse material. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava. 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’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Two Pinellas County Men Indicted For Robbing Convenience Store With A Firearm

body_text: Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces return of an indictment charging Alex Jones (31, Pinellas County) and Jhakheem Smith (24, Pinellas County) with Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit that robbery, and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence during the commission of the robbery. If convicted of the robbery offenses, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each charge. If convicted of the firearm offense, each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. According to the indictment and court hearings, on November 8, 2023, Jones and Smith robbed a convenience store in the Clearwater area. During the robbery, they brandished a firearm. They also used the firearm to strike the victim, a store clerk, in the back of the head. Jones and Smith then forced the victim at gun point to the back of the store before they fled the scene. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Clearwater Police Department, and the Largo Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. 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 out 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 first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Marion County Man Pleads Guilty To Disability Benefit Fraud Involving The Department Of Veterans Affairs

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Paul Lesslie Thompson (70, Anthony) has pleaded guilty to receipt of stolen government property. Thompson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and an order of forfeiture for at least $1.16 million, which represents the proceeds of the offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court records, on January 26, 1983, Thompson applied for United States Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Compensation based on a loss of vision. Between May 1993 and December 2022, Thompson exaggerated the impairment during his VA vision examinations. Based on his false representations to the VA, he eventually received 100 percent disability compensation. Despite his claims to the VA, however, Thompson maintained a Florida driver license and passed multiple associated vision examinations with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Based on his exaggerated visual impairment, Thompson fraudulently received $1,169,327.54 from the VA in disability compensation. This case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.