title: Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today signed a final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the accessibility of web content and mobile applications (apps) for people with disabilities. This final rule clarifies the obligations of state and local governments to make their websites and mobile applications accessible. Every day, people across the country use the web and mobile apps to access public programs and services, including emergency information, courts, healthcare providers, schools, voting information, parking, permit applications, tax payments, and transit updates. If these technologies are not accessible, it can be difficult or impossible for people with disabilities to access critical services. Consequently, individuals with disabilities may be excluded from accessing public services that other people routinely use. “This final rule marks the Justice Department’s latest effort to ensure that no person is denied access to government services, programs, or activities because of a disability,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “By issuing clear and consistent accessibility standards for state and local governments’ digital content, this rule advances the ADA’s promise of equal participation in society for people with disabilities. I want to thank the many public servants across the Department, led by the Civil Rights Division, for their tremendous work on this rule.” “This rule affirms the Justice Department’s unwavering commitment to achieving the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act — ensuring that people with disabilities can fully and equally participate in our society,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “The rule, which clarifies the standards for making mobile apps and websites accessible, is vital to people’s ability to use and benefit from public programs and services.” “This rule is truly historic and long overdue as it will help break down barriers that have kept people with disabilities from fully participating in American life,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. “The rule will help ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to a full range of government services including critical activities like voting, taking online courses, applying for public benefits, filing taxes and more. For far too long, people with disabilities have been left behind as we've witnessed more services and government activity increasingly move online. This rule is helping to usher us into a new era by bringing an end to the discrimination faced by millions of Americans with vision, hearing, cognitive and manual dexterity disabilities across our country.” The rule will provide much-needed standards for addressing a wide variety of barriers. For example, the rule will help ensure blind individuals can access information about public transportation on a city’s mobile app or website, enable people who are deaf or hard of hearing to participate in university lectures online and allow individuals with manual disabilities affecting their ability to use a mouse to access web information about voter registration. Ensuring that people with disabilities can access web content and mobile apps and fully participate in public programs and services will improve the day-to-day lives of individuals with disabilities in communities throughout the country. The final rule mandates technical standards for state and local governments to help ensure the accessibility of their programs and services provided through the web and mobile apps. By providing clarity on how to make sure these platforms are accessible for people with disabilities, this final rule advances the ADA’s promise of a more inclusive society. The final rule will soon be available for review on the Federal Register’s website at www.federalregister.gov . A fact sheet detailing information about the final rule is available here . For further information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit the department’s website at www.justice.gov/crt . For inquiries regarding the ADA, please contact the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or visit the ADA website at www.ada.gov . View ASL translation here.


title: El Departamento de Justicia publicará una norma final para fortalecer el acceso a aplicaciones móviles y la web para personas con discapacidades

body_text: El Fiscal General Merrick B. Garland firmó hoy una norma final en virtud del Título II de la ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA, por sus siglas en inglés) para garantizar la accesibilidad de contenido web y las aplicaciones móviles (aplicaciones) para personas con discapacidades. Esta norma final aclara las obligaciones de los gobiernos estatales y locales de hacer accesibles a sus sitios web y aplicaciones móviles. Cada día, personas por todo el país utilizan las aplicaciones móviles y la web para acceder a programas y servicios públicos, lo que incluye información de emergencia, tribunales, proveedores de atención médica, escuelas, información sobre la votación, aparcamiento, solicitudes de permisos, pagos de impuestos y actualizaciones de tránsito. Si estas tecnologías no son accesibles, puede ser difícil o imposible para las personas con discapacidades acceder a servicios críticos. Como resultado, las personas con discapacidades pueden ser excluidas del acceso a servicios públicos que otras personas utilizan habitualmente. “Esta norma final marca el esfuerzo más reciente del Departamento de Justicia para garantizar que a ninguna persona se le niegue el acceso a servicios, programas o actividades gubernamentales debido a una discapacidad”, declaró el Fiscal General Merrick B. Garland. “Al emitir estándares de accesibilidad claros y coherentes para el contenido digital de los gobiernos estatales y locales, esta norma promueve la promesa de la ADA de igualdad de participación en la sociedad para las personas con discapacidades. Quiero agradecer a muchos funcionarios públicos de todo el Departamento, liderados por la División de Derechos Civiles, por su tremendo trabajo en esta norma”. “Esta norma afirma el compromiso inquebrantable del Departamento de Justicia de cumplir con la promesa de la ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades, garantizando que las personas con discapacidades puedan participar plena y equitativamente en nuestra sociedad”, afirmó el Fiscal General Asociado en funciones, Benjamin C. Mizer. “La norma, que aclara los estándares para hacer accesibles las aplicaciones móviles y los sitios web, es primordial para la capacidad de las personas de usar y beneficiarse de programas y servicios públicos”. “Esta norma es verdaderamente histórica y pendiente desde hace mucho tiempo, ya que ayudará a romper las barreras que han impedido que las personas con discapacidades participen plenamente en la vida estadounidense”, comentó la Fiscal General Adjunta de la División de Derechos Civiles, Kristen Clarke. “La norma ayudará a garantizar que las personas con discapacidades tengan la igualdad de acceso a una gama completa de servicios gubernamentales, entre ellos actividades críticas como votar, realizar cursos en línea, solicitar beneficios públicos, presentar impuestos y más. Durante demasiado tiempo, las personas con discapacidades se han quedado atrás mientras cada vez más servicios y actividades gubernamentales se están trasladando al Internet. Esta norma nos está ayudando a dar paso a una nueva etapa al poner fin a la discriminación a la que se enfrentan millones de estadounidenses con discapacidades de vista, audición, cognitivas y manuales por todo nuestro país”. La norma proporcionará estándares muy necesarios para abordar una amplia variedad de barreras. Por ejemplo, la norma ayudará a garantizar que las personas ciegas puedan acceder a información sobre el transporte público en la aplicación móvil o el sitio web de una ciudad, permitir que las personas sordas o con dificultades auditivas participen en conferencias universitarias en línea y permitir que las personas con discapacidades manuales que afectan su capacidad de usar un ratón acceden a información en línea sobre el registro de votantes. Garantizar que las personas con discapacidades puedan acceder a contenido web y aplicaciones móviles y participar plenamente en programas y servicios públicos mejorará la vida diaria de las personas con discapacidades en comunidades por todo el país. La norma final exige estándares técnicos para los gobiernos estatales y locales ayuden con el fin de garantizar la accesibilidad de sus programas y servicios proporcionados a través de la web y las aplicaciones móviles. Al proporcionar claridad sobre cómo asegurarse de que estas plataformas sean accesibles para las personas con discapacidades, esta norma final hace avanzar la promesa de la ADA de una sociedad más inclusiva. La norma final pronto estará disponible para su revisión en el sitio web del Registro Federal en www.federalregister.gov (solo en inglés). Pronto estará disponible una hoja informativa que detalla la información sobre la norma final en www.ada.gov (solo en inglés). Para obtener más información sobre la División de Derechos Civiles, visite el sitio web del Departamento en https://www.justice.gov/es/crt . Para consultas relacionadas con la ADA, comuníquese con la línea gratuita del Departamento para información sobre la ADA al 800-514-0301 (voz) o al 833-610-1264 (TTY) o bien visite el sitio web de la ADA en www.ada.gov (solo en inglés).


title: Kentucky Man and Businesses Sentenced for Roles in 2018 Big Sandy River Oil Spill

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Today, David K. Smith, 69, of Paducah, Kentucky, was sentenced to one year and six months of federal probation, including six months on home detention, and River Marine Enterprises LLC and Western River Assets LLC were each fined $100,000 and placed on corporate probation for five years for discharge of refuse into navigable waters. The defendants were also ordered to pay $1,856,957.92 in restitution, and the LLC defendants cannot conduct or operate any business while on probation. The defendants admitted to roles in the January 2018 discharge of oil into the Big Sandy River. According to court documents and statements made in court, Smith was the sole owner and officer of both River Marine Enterprises and Western River Assets, and was responsible for the operation of both companies. Western River Assets owned a towboat, the Gate City, that docked along the West Virginia shore of the Big Sandy River from at least 2010 until January 2018. River Marine Enterprises operated the Gate City during this time. On or about January 10, 2018, the Gate City sank while docked, discharging oil and other substances into the Big Sandy River. The oil left a sheen on the river and oily deposits beneath the surface. As a direct result of the Gate City’s sinking and oil spill, the City of Kenova, West Virginia, closed its municipal drinking water intake for three days and various regulatory agencies took actions and expended resources to respond to the spill. Smith admitted that at the time of the January 2018 sinking and spill, he had yet to comply with an administrative order issued by the United States Coast Guard on December 5, 2017, requiring Smith to remove all oil and hazardous materials from the Gate City. The Coast Guard issued the administrative order following an inspection of the Gate City in or about November 2017. The administrative order said in part that the Gate City presented an “imminent and substantial threat to the public health or welfare of the environment because of a threatened discharge of oil from the vessel.” Smith further admitted that River Marine Enterprises had contracted with a qualified business to remove oil from the Gate City, but that the contractor was not able to access the Gate City safely to remove the oil prior to January 10, 2018 because of site conditions. “This crime could have easily been prevented. Instead, Mr. Smith left an unseaworthy vessel moored in the Big Sandy for eight years and took no action to remove the hazard it posed to the water quality of the river,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “This criminal conduct caused real harm to communities downriver and worsened the pollution of an already strained river system. It also cost the Coast Guard over $1.8 million to remediate the damage caused by the sinking of the vessel and the resulting discharge of oil.” Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division (EPA CID). Thompson also commended the U.S. Coast Guard, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, the West Virginia National Guard and other responders for their efforts to contain and clean up the oil spill. “By failing to maintain the condition of his towboat, the defendant blatantly ignored the environmental impact his actions would cause,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Amon of EPA’s criminal investigation program in West Virginia. “This sentencing demonstrates that EPA will hold those who deliberately violate the Refuse Act accountable.” United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes and Special Assistant United States Attorney Perry McDaniel prosecuted the case. On May 5, 2022, the Department launched the Office of Environmental Justice and announced a comprehensive environmental justice enforcement strategy. Enforcement of this strategy relies upon meaningful engagement and transparency with impacted communities regarding environmental justice issues, efforts, and results. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia enforces federal laws to protect environmental quality and human health in all communities within the district. In coordination with components of the Justice Department, the United States Attorney’s Office will hold polluters accountable for their actions, prioritizing cases that will reduce public health and environmental harms to overburdened and underserved communities. More information is available on the Environmental Justice and Enforcement page of the website for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. The United States Attorney’s Office encourages the public to report suspected environmental violations within the district. Reports may be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency or by email, mail, or phone to the United States Attorney’s Office. 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-5. ###


title: Inmate Pleads Guilty to Possessing Weapon at FCI McDowell

body_text: BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – William Williams, 24, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) McDowell, pleaded guilty today to possession of a weapon by an inmate at a federal prison. According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 12, 2022, an FCI McDowell staff member conducted a random pat-down search of Williams and found a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in his left front pants pocket. The shank was a piece of metal approximately five inches long with a sharpened point on one end and a cloth handle. Williams admitted to possessing the shank, and further admitted that it was designed and intended to be used as a weapon. Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on August 12, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons is prosecuting 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. 1:24-cr-52. ###


title: Central States Pension Plan Agrees to Repay Excess Special Financial Assistance Funds

component: Civil Division

body_text: The Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan (Central States) has entered into a civil settlement agreement pursuant to which it has agreed to repay more than $126.5 million in excess funds that it received from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) in connection with the PBGC’s Special Financial Assistance Program. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 established the Special Financial Assistance (SFA) Program to protect millions of workers in multiemployer pension plans who faced cuts to their benefits, including potentially catastrophic benefit reductions in many cases. The SFA Program is administered by the PBGC, which was authorized to make one-time payments to certain eligible multiemployer pension plans in the amount that was projected to enable the plans to pay all benefits through 2051. Because inclusion of participants who died in the census data provided with the SFA application could alter the amount of funding that an eligible multiemployer plan would need to pay benefits in future years, the PBGC initially required SFA applicants to provide documentation of an independent death audit to identify deceased participants in support of plans’ SFA applications. Despite its best efforts, Central States’ census erroneously included approximately 3,500 deceased participants among the more than 360,000 plan participants identified in the plan’s SFA application. The erroneous inclusion of deceased participants in Central States’s application was identified during an audit conducted by the PBGC’s Office of Inspector General (PBGC-OIG). The audit determined that as a result of the errors Central States’ SFA award of approximately $35.8 billion was overstated by approximately $126 million. Central States cooperated with the government’s investigation in this matter, including assisting with the actuarial analyses necessary to calculate and validate the amount of the excess funds that it received. “This settlement demonstrates the Civil Division’s commitment to help recover any excess funds paid in connection with the SFA Program,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “I encourage other pension plans to cooperate with the government’s ongoing efforts to identify and recoup excess SFA Program funds.” “PBGC-OIG is committed to conducting investigations, audits and other work to strengthen the public trust in government operations,” said Inspector General Nicholas J. Novak of the PBGC-OIG. “Today’s settlement ensures that Central States will return approximately $126.5 million to the United States Treasury, and demonstrates that the partnership between the PBGC-OIG and the Justice Department provides a critical mechanism to protect taxpayer funds.” “The PBGC has been coordinating with the PBGC-OIG, Justice’s Civil Division and Central States to finalize this agreement,” said PBGC Director Gordon Hartogensis. “We appreciate their collaborative efforts in facilitating this recovery. PBGC is also working with other plans to recover any SFA funds paid out because of inaccurate census data.” The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, PBGC-OIG and PBGC Office of General Counsel, along with the Department of Labor and Department of Treasury. Senior Trial Counsel Kelley Hauser of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch handled the matter. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. Settlement


title: Former Michigan Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Offense for Using Excessive Force on Arrestee

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A former police officer with the Warren Police Department in Michigan pleaded guilty today to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. Matthew Rodriguez, 49, pleaded guilty to using excessive force against an arrestee while fingerprinting and photographing him at a local detention facility. “This police officer carried out a violent assault on a man who was doing nothing to harm or endanger him and then tried to cover up his crime,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Police officers are not above the law in our country and will be held accountable when they violate people’s civil and constitutional rights. When law enforcement abuses their authority, it erodes trust between the police and the community they are sworn to protect and serve. The Justice Department stands ready and willing to investigate and prosecute any police officer who unlawfully uses excessive force against those in their custody.” “The defendant’s actions in this case were shocking and flagrantly violate the standards of conduct we expect of all sworn law enforcement officers,” U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “This investigation, and today’s guilty plea, reflect my office’s commitment to protecting the rights of every citizen in the community, even those who are accused of committing crimes.” “Police officers are trusted to determine when force is necessary and when it deprives people of their civil rights,” said Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “FBI investigations like these are key to removing abusive officers from law enforcement and a step towards restoring trust with the community.” According to court documents, on June 13, 2023, then-officer Rodriguez was fingerprinting and photographing an arrestee, identified in court documents only as J.S., who had recently been brought to the Warren Police Department’s jail for processing. After taking J.S.’s fingerprints, Rodriguez struck J.S. multiple times and slammed J.S.’s head against the floor, causing injury to J.S. When Rodriguez began to assault him, J.S. was not physically resisting Rodriguez and posed no immediate threat to anyone. During the plea hearing, Rodriguez admitted that he knew that his use of force against J.S. was unreasonable and contrary to department policy, and that he wrote a report in which he made false statements about the incident and omitted material information. J.S. suffered bodily injury from the beating. The Warren Police Department publicly released footage of the assault in June 2023. Rodriguez is scheduled to be sentenced on August 20. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Detroit Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Moran for the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Another Co-founder of Medical Charity in St. Joseph Pleads Guilty to $8 Million Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Another co-founder of a so-called Christian health care sharing ministry in St. Joseph, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in an $8 million wire fraud conspiracy that cheated hundreds of members, and to making false statements on a personal tax return. James L. McGinnis, 77, of St. Joseph, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to a federal information that charges him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of making false statements on a tax return. McGinnis co-founded Medical Cost Sharing, a tax-exempt organization, and served as its chief operating officer from 2014 through December 2022. Craig Anthony Reynolds, 62, of St. Joseph, another co-founder of Medical Cost Sharing, pleaded guilty to the same charges in a separate but related case on Nov. 14, 2023. Reynolds incorporated and ran Medical Cost Sharing as its president and chief executive officer from 2014 through December 2022. McGinnis and Reynolds each admitted that he and his co-conspirators used false and fraudulent promises to market Medical Cost Sharing as a “Health Care Sharing Ministry” to defraud hundreds of “ministry members.” They collected more than $8 million in member “contributions,” yet paid only 3.1 percent in health care claims so that they could personally profit and take most of the members’ contributions for themselves. McGinnis and Reynolds pocketed at least $5,168,268 from the member contributions from December 2015 through December 2022. Thus, McGinnis and Reynolds took at least 64 percent of total member contributions for their personal profit. McGinnis and Reynolds marketed Medical Cost Sharing as a “Christian Health Care Sharing Ministry” through insurance brokers, radio stations, social media, and its website. Medical Cost Sharing sales materials promoted its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt designation, advertising that it was different from for profit health insurance. The Medical Cost Sharing website claimed, “while we are not an insurance company, many think of us as a Christian Health Insurance, or Christian Medical Insurance because, like conventional insurance plans, we help you pay your healthcare costs. We help you protect your family. But unlike these corporate, profit based plans, we are a healthcare sharing ministry … your healthcare costs are shared with other Christians enrolled in our medical sharing plans.” Medical Cost Sharing promised its member that if they paid monthly “contributions,” Medical Cost Sharing would pay claims after the members’ “personal responsibility” (deductible) was met. In reality, McGinnis and Reynolds admitted, Medical Cost Sharing rarely paid members’ health care claims. Sometimes Medical Cost Sharing would pay a part of a claim if the member filed a complaint with their state attorney general and/or hired an attorney to represent them against Medical Cost Sharing. Medical Cost Sharing paid no claims at all from Feb. 22, 2021, through December 2022, although it collected a total of nearly $1.2 million in dues in 2021 and 2022. On Dec. 13, 2022, federal agents served search warrants on the Medical Cost Sharing business location and the residences of McGinnis and Reynolds and seized property generated from Medical Cost Sharing proceeds. Medical Cost Sharing continued to try to collect membership dues after the search and seizure warrants. On Dec. 27, 2022, the court entered a temporary restraining order that prohibited Medical Cost Sharing, McGinnis, and Reynolds, from continuing to perpetrate a fraudulent scheme and from processing Medical Cost Sharing member payments, among other actions. In addition to the wire fraud conspiracy, McGinnis also pleaded guilty today to making false statements on a personal tax return. McGinnis admitted that he filed a return that claimed he had no taxable income in 2019. Reynolds actually received at least $140,881 in taxable income in 2019. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, McGinnis must pay restitution to Medical Cost Sharing member victims and to the IRS. McGinnis also must forfeit to the government any property obtained from the wire fraud conspiracy and a money judgment representing all proceeds obtained from the scheme. Under federal statutes, McGinnis is subject to a sentence of up to 23 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathleen D. Mahoney, Patrick Daly, and John Constance. It was investigated by the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation. FBI Website for Victims of Medical Cost Sharing Fraud Those who believe they are victims of this fraud and wish to receive restitution for any losses suffered as a result may provide their information through the MCS Victim Information Page that has been established by the FBI. https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/mcs-victim-information-page


title: Decatur Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Minors

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: URBANA, Ill. – A Decatur, Illinois, man, Kevin Dial, 52, of the 5100th block of Hickory Point Frontage Road, was sentenced on April 5, 2024, to 50 years imprisonment for sexual exploitation of minors, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Dial directed the sexual abuse of three minors, including a two-year-old child, and ordered that the abuse be recorded. The government also presented a statement by one of the victims detailing the trauma he suffered because of the sexual abuse he endured at the order of Dial. During the hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Colin S. Bruce described Dial’s actions as “horrific,” noting the defendant had destroyed the lives of his victims. The Court further described this case as one of the worst cases that had come before him. Dial was convicted following a three-day jury trial in October of 2023. At sentencing, Dial faced statutory penalties of 15 to 30 years imprisonment on each count of the sexual exploitation of his children and up to 20 years for receiving and possessing child pornography. Those penalties could be imposed to be served consecutively, which the Court chose to do. “The acts by this defendant are beyond comprehension.” said United States Attorney Gregory K. Harris, “We commend the complex work done locally and abroad by the dedicated law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable among us and seek justice for these innocent victims.” “From Decatur, Illinois, to the Philippines, the FBI’s extensive reach delivered justice to children who were victims of one of the worst child sexual abuse cases we have seen in some time,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “The investigation, which resulted in a significant sentence, demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to use the full strength of our authority to protect children.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, with assistance from the Philippine National Police, investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Ritzer and Nathan Bertrand represented the government in the prosecution.


title: Case of Drive-By Murder on I-295 in 2015 Ends with Murder Conviction

component: Criminal - Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section

body_text: WASHINGTON – Oscar Ramos, 35, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty today of first degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed for the May 28, 2015 shooting that killed 50-year old Pedro Melendez Alvarado, of Alexandria, Virginia, and wounded 56-year old Miguel A. Rodriguez Carabantes, also of Alexandria, Virginia. The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). A Superior Court jury returned the verdict after a six-day trial. According to the government’s evidence, Ramos, who is a member of MS-13, was a passenger in a car that was driving on I-295 NB, in Southwest, D.C., near exit 1, when the car he was in pulled alongside another vehicle being driven by Mr. Alvarado who was on his way to work with Mr. Carabantes. The defendant and another passenger in the car with him opened fire on Mr. Alvarado’s car, struck the victims, then pulled away. The defendant was charged in 2021 after evidence was developed identifying him as one of the shooters. The defendant and Mr. Alvarado are both from El Salvador. The defendant believed Mr. Alvarado was somehow involved in the death of the defendant’s father, years earlier, in El Salvador. The Honorable Mark Raffinan scheduled sentencing for July 12, 2024. In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from MPD, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the Department of Justice Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. Field Office, the Prince George’s County (Md.) Police Department, the Montgomery County (Md.) Police Department, the Chelsea, Massachusetts Police Department, and the Anne Arundel County (Md.) Fire Department. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Liebman and Jacqueline Yarbro who prosecuted the case at trial.


title: New Jersey man indicted for nationwide scheme to tamper with diesel pollution control systems in violation of the  Clean Air Act

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Tacoma – A 43-year-old Columbia, New Jersey man was arraigned today on an indictment charging him with conspiracy and thirteen counts of violating the Clean Air Act for his scheme to interfere with pollution control software on diesel trucks, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Jonathan Achtemeier entered pleas of not guilty to all counts. Trial is scheduled in front of U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright on June 10, 2024. “Working with a laptop from the comfort of his own home, the defendant allegedly remotely tampered with pollution control systems to enable trucks nationwide to cause massive amounts of unlawful pollution. His actions degraded the air in the Western District of Washington and nationwide in a manner that harms us all,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “I am grateful to the employee of a local company who came forward and exposed the fact that trucks in his company’s fleet had been altered by the defendant.” According to the indictment, Achtemeier conspired with mechanics in garages and operators of truck fleets to disable the anti-pollution software installed on diesel trucks. Achtemeier allegedly disabled the software remotely by connecting to laptops he had provided to various coconspirators. Some of the coconspirators would pass the laptop on to others seeking to have the anti-pollution software disabled on their trucks. Once the laptop was hooked up to the truck’s onboard computer, Achtemeier could access it from his computer and delete the software designed to slow the truck if the pollution control device was missing or malfunctioning. Achtemeier allegedly altered the software after the mechanic had removed the pollution control equipment or in coordination with that process. Removing the pollution control equipment and disabling the software results in trucks polluting at 30 to 1,200 times the level of a truck with pollution control systems. Tampering with pollution control software is a violation of the Clean Air Act. Achtemeier charged as much at $4,500 per truck for work that often took him two hours or less. Achtemeier advertised his services on social media nationwide, doing business as Voided Warranty Tuning (VWT) or Optimized Ag. Between 2018 and 2021 his company took in more than $5 million in gross profits. The coconspirators in this case have service garages or truck fleets in various areas of Washington. The trucks that were altered range from pick-ups such as a Dodge R3500 to Kenworth and Freightliner semi-trucks. Conspiracy is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Violating the Clean Air Act is punishable by up to two years in prison per count and a $250,000 fine. The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Watts Staniar and Seth Wilkinson, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Karla Perrin. Ms. Perrin is an attorney with the EPA. achtemeier_indictment.pdf


title: Spotsylvania man pleads guilty to coercing a child to produce pornographic material

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Spotsylvania man pleaded guilty today to production of child pornography. According to court documents, in July 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Toronto contacted HSI Richmond regarding a Discord account with username “FairyHunter.” HSI identified Shane Johnston, 46, as the account user. In August 2023, HSI agents obtained a search warrant for five electronic devices belonging to Johnston. The devices contained 7,453 media files constituting child pornography. A review of Johnston’s Discord account revealed a conversation in June 2023 between Johnston and a nine-year-old child during which Johnston induced the child to produce and send to him images of herself engaging in sexual activity. Johnston is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 13. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Roger L. Harris, Spotsylvania County Sheriff, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea Gibbons is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-51.


title: Idaho Man Arrested for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS

body_text: Alexander Scott Mercurio, 18, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, was arrested Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Coeur d’Alene for attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS. According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, Mercurio pledged his allegiance to ISIS and intended to commit attacks on its behalf. He planned to attack individuals at churches in Coeur d’Alene on April 7 using weapons, including knives, firearms, and fire. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) conducted the investigation and thwarted Mercurio’s violent plot. Mercurio is currently in custody awaiting his initial appearance which will be set by the Court. “As alleged in the complaint, the defendant swore an oath of loyalty to ISIS and planned to wage an attack in its name on churches in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Thanks to the investigative efforts of the FBI, the defendant was taken into custody before he could act, and he is now charged with attempting to support ISIS’s mission of terror and violence. The Justice Department will continue to relentlessly pursue, disrupt, and hold accountable those who would commit acts of terrorism against the people and interests of the United States.” “The defendant allegedly pledged loyalty to ISIS and sought to attack people attending churches in Idaho, a truly horrific plan which was detected and thwarted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “This investigation demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to stop those who wish to commit acts of violence on behalf of – or inspired by – foreign terrorist groups.” “Across the Department of Justice, and in my office, we have no higher calling than to protect our nation and our communities from terrorism. Along with our law enforcement partners, my office will always remain laser-focused on this part of our mission,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit for the District of Idaho. “I want to thank the FBI for its tireless work on this investigation and its thorough efforts to prevent violence. The support from local law enforcement was also integral to successfully disrupting the alleged plot.” “This case should be an eye-opener to the dangers of self-radicalization, which is a real threat to our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Protecting the American people from terrorism remains the FBI’s number one priority, and we continue to encourage the public to report anything suspicious to the FBI or your local law enforcement.” Mercurio is charged by a federal complaint with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, Mercurio faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge would determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI is investigating the case with valuable assistance provided by the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, and Ada County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather S. Patricco and David G. Robins and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin D. Whatcott for the District of Idaho, and Charles Kovats and Andrea Broach of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Complaint


title: Illinois Family Members Sentenced for Kidnapping, Forced Labor and Conspiracy for Coercing Two Minors and a Third Victim in Years-Long Scheme

body_text: Domingo Francisco-Juan, 44, was sentenced today to life in prison for kidnapping, forced labor and conspiracy to commit kidnapping and forced labor. The court also ordered Francisco-Juan to pay $50,000 in restitution to a victim. His codefendant Lorenza Domingo-Castaneda, 35, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for forced labor and conspiracy to commit forced labor, and also ordered her to pay over $80,000 in restitution to three victims. A third defendant, Catarina Domingo-Juan, 41, was previously sentenced on Dec. 18, 2023, to 240 months in prison for forced labor and conspiracy to commit forced labor, and was ordered to pay over $80,000 in restitution to three victims. All three defendants are siblings and Guatemalan nationals. “Forced labor crimes exploit children and some of the most vulnerable members of society and strike at the heart of human dignity,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Francisco-Juan’s sentence is historic, marking the first life sentence in over a decade in a forced labor case under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. These victims, two of them children, were subjected to physical and sexual abuse to compel them to work as domestic servants, hotel maids and factory laborers. We are grateful to the survivors of these crimes for their tremendous courage in coming forward and reporting the violence and abuse they suffered. The sentences imposed in this case should send a message to human traffickers everywhere that there will be severe consequences for their actions and the Justice Department stands ready to hold them accountable for their violent and coercive schemes.” “The partnerships across all levels of government were imperative in bringing these individuals to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris for the Central District of Illinois. “We appreciate the dedication and time that all the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies involved have committed to this case. We also commend the various victim services organizations, both private and public, who provided support and services to the victims in this case. Labor traffickers are insidious in the way they control their victims, and we will continue the fight to protect endangered members of our society from these horrific crimes.” “Today’s sentences shine a bright light on the very real presence of forced labor crimes in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Chicago. “HSI special agents will continue to fight against the exploitation of the vulnerable and support victims by providing critical resources and services. Well done to the HSI special agents and our law enforcement community partners for bringing these predators to justice.” According to court documents, the defendants, who are siblings, conspired to bring one minor victim from Guatemala to the United States to work in Domingo-Castaneda and Domingo-Juan’s homes between December 2015 and January 2021. Francisco-Juan accompanied the minor victim into the United States after falsely assuring the victim’s mother that the victim would receive a better education and opportunities within the United States if permitted to travel with him. Domingo-Juan took custody of the minor victim after falsely claiming to government officials that she was the minor victim’s relative. Instead of providing the minor victim with access to an education and better opportunities within the United States, the defendants cut off the minor victim from her family and compelled her into working around the clock for their benefit. Domingo-Castaneda and Domingo-Juan took the money that the minor victim earned working outside of their homes, and Francisco-Juan benefitted by receiving the victim’s domestic services around the homes. Court documents also show that Domingo-Castaneda and Domingo-Juan conspired to compel the labor and services of a separate minor victim and an adult victim in their homes and in area businesses between December 2018 and March 2021. Similar to the first minor victim, Domingo-Castaneda used false promises of a better life and education within the United States to lure the minor victim away from her mother and entice her into traveling to the United States. Instead of following through with her promises, Domingo-Castaneda, along with Domingo-Juan, compelled the minor victim and the adult victim to provide domestic services around their homes and required both victims to give them all of the earnings they made while working at area businesses. Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case, with assistance from the Champaign Police Department, Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service and Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office. Trial Attorney Kate Alexander of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Freres for the Central District of Illinois prosecuted the case. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking .


title: Phoenix Police Officer Arrested and Charged for Receiving and Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Alaa Robert Bartley, 41, of Gilbert, was arrested on Friday for receiving and possessing child sex abuse images. He was charged by federal criminal complaint on Friday with one count of Knowingly Receiving Child Pornography and one count of Knowingly Possessing Child Pornography. Bartley is an officer with the Phoenix Police Department. The complaint alleges that, between August 2020 and February 2022, while living in Gilbert, Bartley used a social media platform to communicate with an adult woman, with the two expressing their sexual interest in children and the woman sending Bartley child pornography images. The affidavit alleges that Bartley used a fictitious name, but identified himself as a police officer and sent a picture of himself that showed his face to her. The adult woman has been charged separately in the Eastern District of Michigan in CR-23-20653. A count of Knowingly Receiving Child Pornography carries a minimum mandatory sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to a lifetime of supervised release. A count of Knowingly Possessing Child Pornography carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; if the offense involved a visual depiction of a prepubescent minor or minor who had not attained the age of 12, the offense carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to a lifetime of supervised release. A complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution., Bartley - Complaint CASE NUMBER: 24-6161MJ RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-047_Bartley # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Woman Convicted by Federal Jury of Burning Down Local San Diego Business

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – April 8, 2024 SAN DIEGO – A federal jury has convicted Carey Alice Hernandez, bookkeeper for Off Road Warehouse headquartered in Kearny Mesa, of intentionally setting fire to the business to cover up the disappearance of more than $700,000 while she was in charge of company finances. After a four-day trial, jurors found Hernandez guilty of malicious destruction of a building by means of fire, witness tampering and making false statements. In late 2018, the owner of Off Road Warehouse, also known as ORW, which sold and installed automotive parts and gear for off-roading, decided to sell the business located at 7915 Balboa Avenue. The purchaser began an audit of ORW. The audit revealed that during Hernandez’s tenure as bookkeeper and controller in charge of the company books and records, $744,621 went missing between January 2015 and March 2019. The jury found that in the early morning hours of March 28, 2019, Hernandez started the fire at Off Road Warehouse, causing the building to burn to the ground. According to evidence presented at trial, shortly before the fire, local surveillance video showed an SUV with dark wheel rims driving near the defendant’s house in Point Loma. Further video surveillance showed the defendant driving the same vehicle to the scene of the arson before she started the inferno. Surveillance also showed her driving back home after the fire, in the same dark-rimmed SUV. The day after the fire, Hernandez sent misleading texts to ORW employees in an attempt to convince them her wheel rims were light, not dark. Specifically, after learning that law enforcement was searching for a dark- rimmed SUV, she tried to convince employees who had changed her vehicle’s distinctive rims before the fire that her vehicle had light rims during the time of the fire and thus, the SUV spotted on surveillance cameras could not be hers. During a subsequent interview with special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Hernandez lied about the distinctive rims on her vehicle. However, the lies to law enforcement and attempts to tamper with witnesses were contradicted by the video surveillance from the day after the fire, showing the defendant driving around San Diego in her dark-rimmed, not light-rimmed, SUV. These acts resulted in her convictions for witness tampering and false statements. ATF’s National Response Team (NRT) investigated this case in conjunction with San Diego’s Metro Arson Strike Team (MAST). The NRT is ATF’s mobile, rapid response team which investigates the cause and origin of large fires, explosions and bombings at the request of local public safety agencies. “While it is extremely fortunate that no one was physically hurt in this blaze, it was a devastating loss for the company,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “This defendant used arson, tampering with witnesses, and deceit to put the community in danger, but the jury held her accountable.” “ATF’s National Response Team responded to this multimillion-dollar loss within 24 hours determining the fire was deliberately set,” said ATF Los Angeles Field Division Special Agent in Charge Chris Bombardiere. “Arson crimes are not victimless fires. This criminal act devastated a business and the livelihood of several individuals and families. ATF stands willing and ready to partner with federal, state, and local public safety officials to keep our communities free from dangerous arsonists.” Hernandez is scheduled to be sentenced July 12, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Jinsook Ohta. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Brehm and Carl Brooker. DEFENDANT Case Number 22cr145-JO Carey Alice Hernandez Age: 46 Rathdrum, Idaho SUMMARY OF CHARGES Malicious Destruction of Building by Means of Fire – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 844(i) Maximum penalty: No less than five years in prison and no more than 20 years and $250,000 fine Witness Tampering – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1512(b)(3) Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine False Statements – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1001(a)(2) Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine INVESTIGATING AGENCY Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives


title: Coeur d’Alene Man Arrested for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS

body_text: COEUR D’ALENE – Alexander Scott Mercurio, 18, of Coeur d’Alene, was arrested Saturday, April 6, 2024 in Coeur d’Alene for attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, Mercurio pledged his allegiance to ISIS and intended to commit attacks on its behalf. He planned to attack individuals at churches in Coeur d’Alene on April 7, 2024, using weapons, including knives, firearms, and fire. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) conducted the investigation and thwarted Mercurio’s violent plot. Mercurio is currently in custody awaiting his initial appearance, which will be set by the Court. “As alleged in the complaint, the defendant swore an oath of loyalty to ISIS and planned to wage an attack in its name on churches in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Thanks to the investigative efforts of the FBI, the defendant was taken into custody before he could act, and he is now charged with attempting to support ISIS’s mission of terror and violence. The Justice Department will continue to relentlessly pursue, disrupt, and hold accountable those who would commit acts of terrorism against the people and interests of the United States.” “The defendant allegedly pledged loyalty to ISIS and sought to attack people attending churches in Idaho, a truly horrific plan which was detected and thwarted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “This investigation demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to stop those who wish to commit acts of violence on behalf of – or inspired by – foreign terrorist groups.” “Across the Department of Justice, and in my office, we have no higher calling than to protect our nation and our communities from terrorism. Along with our law enforcement partners, my office will always remain laser-focused on this part of our mission,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. “I want to thank the FBI for its tireless work on this investigation and its thorough efforts to prevent violence. The support from local law enforcement was also integral to successfully disrupting the alleged plot.” “This case should be an eye-opener to the dangers of self-radicalization, which is a real threat to our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Protecting the American people from terrorism remains the FBI’s number one priority, and we continue to encourage the public to report anything suspicious to the FBI or your local law enforcement.” Mercurio is charged by a federal complaint with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, Mercurio faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge would determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI is investigating the case with valuable assistance provided by the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ada County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather S. Patricco and David G. Robins and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin D. Whatcott for the District of Idaho, and Charles Kovats and Andrea Broach of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ### MercurioA_Complaint and Affidavit


title: Washington County Woman Who Embezzled Over $230,000 From HOA, Sentenced to 12 Months of Home Detention

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: ST. GEORGE, Utah – Sharon Lee Ann Gordon, 66, of Hurricane, Utah, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day of home detention, and three years’ probation as a result of a guilty plea for stealing over $230,000 from an HOA during her time as the HOA Treasurer. In addition to her sentence, United States District Court Chief Judge Robert J. Shelby ordered Gordon to pay the remaining $63,448.32 in restitution to the HOA and $20,490 in restitution to the IRS for tax loss for unreported income. According to court documents and statements made at the change of plea hearing, Gordon embezzled approximately over $232,000 from four Lava Bluff HOA bank accounts between 2016 and March 2022. In execution of the scheme, Gordon diverted the funds electronically by transferring them directly to her personal account, writing checks to herself and her boyfriend and forging other board members’ signatures, depositing checks representing HOA member fees directly into her personal accounts, writing checks to casinos from HOA accounts, and withdrawing cash from HOA accounts. Additionally, Gordon falsely reported to the Internal Revenue Service her total income from 2017 through 2021. “Gordon abused her HOA position of power to steal thousands of dollars for her own personal benefit,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah. “Gordon’s greed further emboldened her to hide money from the IRS. By teaming up with our federal partners we will continue to investigate and prosecute these cases.” “This case not only saw that those members of the Lava Bluff HOA, were directly harmed by Ms. Gordon’s embezzlement, but as is always the case with tax fraud, the American taxpayers as a whole were victimized,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick. “Gordon believed that she could shirk her responsibility to her community as well as to the American tax system; however, IRS-Criminal Investigation takes its responsibility seriously and will investigate and assist in the prosecution of any violators of these laws.” “Money that was designated for the community’s management went to line Gordon’s own pockets,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI. “This case should serve as an example that fraud never pays. The FBI and our partners are committed to identifying and investigating those who abuse their trusted positions.” The case was investigated jointly by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, St. George Resident Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Dent of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.


title: Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally  Reentering the United States After Being Deported Two Times

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported two times was sentenced April 5, 2024, to almost three months in federal prison. Javier Juarez-Cuaquehua, age 35, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Cresco, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 15, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported. At the guilty plea, Juarez-Cuaquehua admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Juarez-Cuaquehua was previously deported in July 2009 and November 2019. On December 19, 2023, immigration officials learned Juarez-Cuaquehua had illegally returned to the United States and found Juarez-Cuaquehua at the Howard County Jail following his arrest on state charges. Juarez-Cuaquehua was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Juarez-Cuaquehua was sentenced to 81 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Juarez-Cuaquehua is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-CR-2001. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Central American Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally  Reentering the United States After Being Deported

body_text: A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to five months in federal prison. Luis Montiel-Rincon, age 29, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 30, 2023, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported. At the guilty plea, Montiel-Rincon admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Montiel-Rincon was previously deported in April 2015. On October 10, 2023, immigration officials learned Montiel-Rincon had illegally returned to the United States and found Montiel-Rincon at the Linn County Jail following his arrest on state charges for eluding. In November 2023, Montiel-Rincon was convicted in the Iowa District Court for Linn County of eluding. In that case, Montiel-Rincon eluded officers in August 2023 and willfully failed to bring his motorcycle to a stop while reaching speeds of up to 101 mph in a 30-mph zone. Montiel-Rincon was also convicted in the Iowa District Court for Linn County in November 2023 for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated from an incident occurring in July 2023. Montiel-Rincon was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Montiel-Rincon was sentenced to 148 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Montiel-Rincon is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-83. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Mexican Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Illegally  Reentering the United States After Being Deported Six Times

body_text: A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to two years in federal prison. Miguel Araujo-Rocha, age 38, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 8, 2023, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported. At the guilty plea, Araujo-Rocha admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Araujo-Rocha was previously deported in April 2018, September 2018, October 2019, February 2021, September 2021, and October 2021. On October 6, 2023, immigration officials learned Araujo-Rocha had illegally returned to the United States and found Araujo-Rocha at the Tama County Jail following his arrest on state charges. Araujo-Rocha was previously convicted in the Western District of Texas in August 2018 and in February 2019 of illegally reentering the United States. He was also convicted in the Iowa District Court for Tama County in March 2014 of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and child endangerment for driving drunk with minor children in the car, including a two-year-old. Araujo-Rocha also knowingly used a fraudulent Social Security card and alias to prove his authorization to work in the United States when he completed employment and tax forms in March 2022 at a business in Grinnell, Iowa. Illegal aliens are not authorized to work in the United States. The name and number on the Social Security card was a real Social Security number assigned to a United States citizen whose name was on the card. Araujo-Rocha was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Araujo-Rocha was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Araujo-Rocha is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-73. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: WASHINGTON – A former police officer with the Warren Police Department in Michigan pleaded guilty today to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. Matthew Rodriguez, 49, pleaded guilty to using excessive force against an arrestee while fingerprinting and photographing him at a local detention facility. “This police officer carried out a violent assault on a man who was doing nothing to harm or endanger him and then tried to cover up his crime,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Police officers are not above the law in our country and will be held accountable when they violate people’s civil and constitutional rights. When law enforcement abuses their authority, it erodes trust between the police and the community they are sworn to protect and serve. The Justice Department stands ready and willing to investigate and prosecute any police officer who unlawfully uses excessive force against those in their custody.” “The defendant’s actions in this case were shocking and flagrantly violate the standards of conduct we expect of all sworn law enforcement officers,” U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “This investigation, and today’s guilty plea, reflect my office’s commitment to protecting the rights of every citizen in the community, even those who are accused of committing crimes.” “It is important for the citizens of Michigan to have faith in law enforcement officers and trust that they are performing their duties with integrity,” said Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “This incident should not be considered a reflection of the excellent work performed by the officers in serving and protecting the community every day. Our officers placed their lives on the line, day in and day out, for the citizens of this great state. However, it is important to maintain the highest standards and hold each other accountable as we honor our oaths of office. I would like to thank the city of Warren for their cooperation during our investigation.” According to court documents, on June 13, 2023, then-officer Rodriguez was fingerprinting and photographing an arrestee, identified in court documents only as J.S., who had recently been brought to the Warren Police Department’s jail for processing. After taking J.S.’s fingerprints, Rodriguez struck J.S. multiple times and slammed J.S.’s head against the floor, causing injury to J.S. When Rodriguez began to assault him, J.S. was not physically resisting Rodriguez and posed no immediate threat to anyone. During the plea hearing, Rodriguez admitted that he knew that his use of force against J.S. was unreasonable and contrary to department policy, and that he wrote a report in which he made false statements about the incident and omitted material information. J.S. suffered bodily injury from the beating. The Warren Police Department publicly released footage of the assault in June 2023. Rodriguez is scheduled to be sentenced on August 20. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Detroit Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Moran for the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Harrodsburg Man Convicted of Armed Methamphetamine Trafficking in Johnson County

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LONDON, Ky. – A Harrodsburg, Ky., man, Aristotle White, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, to 181 months in prison, for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking offense. White was convicted of the charges after a two-day trial in November 2023. According to evidence presented at trial, on May 11, 2022, officers with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was being driven by White. During the search of the vehicle, law enforcement located nearly 300 grams of methamphetamine, two loaded firearms, and over $2,500 in United States currency. Witness testimony revealed White to be regularly obtaining large quantities of methamphetamine and importing it into, among other places, Johnson County. Under federal law, White must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for four years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division; Sheriff Scott Hazelette, Johnson County Sheriff’s Department; and Sheriff William Meade, Magoffin County Sheriff’s Department, jointly announce the sentencing. The investigation was conducted by the DEA, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office, and Operation UNITE. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Trimble is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. — END —


title: Federal Inmate Indicted For Assault With Intent To Commit Murder

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Shane McMillan (50, Texas) has been indicted for one count of assault with the intent to murder and one count of possession of contraband by a federal inmate. If convicted, McMillan faces up to 25 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, McMillan is an inmate in the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County. On July 9, 2023, he assaulted another inmate with the intent to commit murder. McMillan was also in possession of a sharp metal object, which is a prohibited item in prison. An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.


title: Former Michigan Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Offense for Using Excessive Force on Arrestee

body_text: DETROIT – A former police officer with the Warren Police Department in Michigan pleaded guilty today to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. Matthew Rodriguez, 49, pleaded guilty to using excessive force against an arrestee while fingerprinting and photographing him at a local detention facility. “This police officer carried out a violent assault on a man who was doing nothing to harm or endanger him and then tried to cover up his crime,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Police officers are not above the law in our country and will be held accountable when they violate people’s civil and constitutional rights. When law enforcement abuses their authority, it erodes trust between the police and the community they are sworn to protect and serve. The Justice Department stands ready and willing to investigate and prosecute any police officer who unlawfully uses excessive force against those in their custody.” “The defendant’s actions in this case were shocking and flagrantly violate the standards of conduct we expect of all sworn law enforcement officers,” U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “This investigation, and today’s guilty plea, reflect my office’s commitment to protecting the rights of every citizen in the community, even those who are accused of committing crimes.” “It is important for the citizens of Michigan to have faith in law enforcement officers and trust that they are performing their duties with integrity,” said Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “This incident should not be considered a reflection of the excellent work performed by the officers in serving and protecting the community every day. Our officers placed their lives on the line, day in and day out, for the citizens of this great state. However, it is important to maintain the highest standards and hold each other accountable as we honor our oaths of office. I would like to thank the city of Warren for their cooperation during our investigation.” According to court documents, on June 13, 2023, then-officer Rodriguez was fingerprinting and photographing an arrestee, identified in court documents only as J.S., who had recently been brought to the Warren Police Department’s jail for processing. After taking J.S.’s fingerprints, Rodriguez struck J.S. multiple times and slammed J.S.’s head against the floor, causing injury to J.S. When Rodriguez began to assault him, J.S. was not physically resisting Rodriguez and posed no immediate threat to anyone. During the plea hearing, Rodriguez admitted that he knew that his use of force against J.S. was unreasonable and contrary to department policy, and that he wrote a report in which he made false statements about the incident and omitted material information. J.S. suffered bodily injury from the beating. The Warren Police Department publicly released footage of the assault in June 2023. Rodriguez is scheduled to be sentenced on August 20. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Detroit Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Moran for the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Suspect Arrested in Arson at Burlington Office of Senator Sanders

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Shant Soghomonian (also known as Michael Soghomonian), 35, previously of Northridge, California was arrested on April 7, 2024, pursuant to a federal criminal complaint charging him with using fire to damage the building at One Church Street in Burlington, Vermont – a building used in interstate commerce and as a place of activity affecting interstate commerce. An initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle has not yet been scheduled. According to court records, Soghomonian entered the building at One Church Street in Burlington on the morning of April 5, 2024, and proceeded to the third floor where the Vermont office of Senator Sanders is located. Soghomonian was recorded on a security video spraying a liquid near the outer door of the office and then lighting the area with a handheld lighter. A blaze quickly began while Soghomonian departed via a staircase. The resulting fire damaged the outside of the office door and surrounding areas, and the building sprinklers discharged on multiple floors. The Senator’s office was occupied by multiple employees who were not physically injured during the incident. It is not known how many other occupants were in the building, but no injuries were reported. The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the complaint are merely accusations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. If convicted, Soghomonian faces a maximum possible penalty of not less than 5 years and not more than 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and sentencing factors in the United States Code. U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the joint investigatory efforts of the Burlington Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Shelburne Police Department; the Williston Police Department; the Vermont State Police; and the U.S. Capitol Police. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Lasher. Counsel for Soghomonian has not yet been identified.


title: Benton Harbor Man Sentenced For Illegal Gun Possession After Shootout At Apartment Complex

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Shamonte Demorquez Buchanan, 26, of Benton Harbor, was sentenced to 71 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou also imposed a period of 3 years of federal supervised release. “The people of Benton Harbor deserve to carry out their lives free from the threat of violence, and the prosecution of Mr. Buchanan is one step closer to achieving that goal,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “The individuals who drive violence in a community – those willing to pull triggers – are almost always only a few. But the fear and devastation they inflict is shattering. There is no acceptable level of violent crime. My team and I will not rest until every person, in every neighborhood, in every community is safe from violent crime.” Buchanan was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm following a shootout on July 9, 2023, which occurred in a parking lot at the River Terrace Apartments in Benton Harbor. During the shootout, which involved multiple shooters, an apartment across the parking lot was struck five times by gunfire. One bullet entered a bedroom where an occupant was, and there was also a young child in the apartment. During the offense, which was caught on surveillance video, Buchanan was shot and dropped his firearm. Evidence recovered at the scene indicated Buchanan fired 13 rounds and that his firearm had an extended magazine. His possession of the firearm he used in the shooting was a violation of federal law because Buchanan had multiple prior felony convictions and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm. Buchanan previously pled guilty on December 18, 2023. “The Michigan State Police (MSP) is proud to work closely with state and federal partners. The Benton Harbor Major Case Unit (MCU) is diligent in our efforts to hold those responsible for the most violent acts in and around Benton Harbor,” said MSP D/Sgt. Benjamin Mahaffie, supervisor of the MCU . “The MCU is made up of state police detectives, Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety detectives, and a member of the Michigan Department of Corrections. Our efforts have shown that when we collaborate on these investigations, we are able to make the city a safer place to be.” “I am grateful for the unyielding persistence of our office and our local, state and federal partners to rid our streets of illegal firearms, as they inflict pain and suffering in our communities,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan . “The FBI will use all of our investigative resources to combat these serious offenses and ensure the safety of our citizens.” This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative to reduce violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, and federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement work closely together to identify and prosecute individuals responsible for driving violent crime in our communities in order to make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Individuals with information or concerns about violent crime or firearms offenses should contact local law enforcement. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit: https://www.justice.gov/psn . This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Michigan State Police (MSP), Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, Benton Township Police Department, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren F. Biksacky prosecuted the case. ###


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office and DEA Announce the First Utah Drug Overdose Task Force to Combat the Opioid Epidemic in the Beehive State

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – United States Attorney, Trina A. Higgins and Acting Special Agent in Charge, Dustin Gillespie, of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Rocky Mountain Field Division announce the formation of the Utah Drug Overdose Task Force. Over the past few years, Utah has experienced a rise in overdose/poisoning incidents, and fentanyl has been the primary catalyst. According to the most recent data by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, 603 Utahns died as a result of drug overdose in 2021. That same year, 67% of Utah overdose deaths were related to opioids and 29% were related to fentanyl. Learn more: https://opidemic.utah.gov/ . “Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat the United States has ever faced, and Utah is no exception, said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “My office and our law enforcement partners are working every day to protect our communities from fentanyl and other illicit drugs and prosecute people who traffic these deadly substances. It is also our goal to raise awareness. Through the Utah Drug Overdose Task Force, I am confident we can make a difference.” According to the DEA, Fentanyl has saturated the drug market in Utah. It is cheaper, more potent, and more widely available than ever before. The Utah Drug Overdose Task Force or UDOTF is a decentralized task force consisting of sworn law enforcement members from agencies across the Salt Lake valley. Led and coordinated by DEA’s Rocky Mountain Field Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah, the participants remain with their departments conducting their normal duties and serve on the task force as a collateral duty when needed. The goal of task force is to raise awareness and increase the number of prosecutable cases through proper evidence collection and preservation. Currently, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah has 10 cases either indicted or under investigation that are a result of the Utah Drug Overdose Task Force. “Through the task force we aim to consolidate intelligence, particularly digital evidence, from various drug overdose and poisoning crime scenes so that we may identify and exploit potential linkages between incidents, said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dustin Gillespie, of the Salt Lake City District Office. The Utah Drug Overdose Task Force is made up of 10 state, local and federal law enforcement offices: • Drug Enforcement Administration • Salt Lake City Police Department • Unified Police Department/Salt Lake City Sheriff’s Office • Layton City Police Department • Sandy City Police Department • Ogden City Police Department • Davis County Sheriff’s Office • South Jordan Police Department • Homeland Security Investigations • U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah Utah Drug Overdose Task Force is made possible through funding for state/local overtime provided by the Department of Justice Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). Funding allows members of the task force to deploy to crime scenes (after hours) when requested to assist and guide a first responder thru the processing of a crime scene. DEA’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) has also assisted with supplies needed by the task force for preserving and securing evidence when at crime scenes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA created a checklist to serve as a guide for first responders arriving to an overdose/poisoning crime scene. OCDETF The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force ( OCDETF ) identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. HIDTA The High Intensity Drug trafficking Areas ( HIDTA ) program, created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, provides assistance to Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Utah is a member of the Rocky Mountain HIDTA (along with CO, WY, and MT).


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Ohio County Felon for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Bowling Green, KY – A federal grand jury in Bowling Green returned an indictment on March 13, 2024, charging an Ohio County man with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division made the announcement. According to the indictment, on December 12, 2023, Christopher Phillip Saunders, 29, possessed a Taurus .40-caliber semiautomatic pistol, a Hermann Weihrauch .32-caliber revolver, a Companhia Braziliera de Cartuchos (CBC) .410-gauge single-shot break-action shotgun, and ammunition. Saunders was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On August 30, 2023, in Clark Circuit Court, Saunders was convicted of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and theft. On July 6, 2022, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Saunders was convicted of wanton endangerment first-degree (2 counts) and criminal mischief first-degree. Saunders was arraigned yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The Court ordered the defendant detained pending trial. If convicted, Saunders faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. The case is being investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Two Okaloosa County Men Sentenced To Federal Prison For Fentanyl Overdose Death In Jail

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Chase Gary, 30, and Joshua Gervais, 28, both of Okaloosa, Florida, were sentenced to 30 years and 14 years in federal prison, respectively, after previously pleading guilty to distribution of fentanyl resulting in the death of another. Each will be required to serve a term of three years supervised release following their imprisonment. The sentences were announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “Hundreds of individuals are killed every day in communities throughout our country due to the distribution of fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Each of these deaths are a tragedy, robbing individuals of their promise and crippling families left behind with unimaginable grief. We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to vigorously prosecute traffickers for their callous disregard for human life. This sentence serves as a significant deterrent to drug traffickers and demonstrates our continued resolve to hold them accountable.” On the morning of December 24, 2022, Gervais notified jail staff that his cellmate at the Okaloosa County Jail was not breathing. The jail staff attempted CPR and other life-saving measures without success and the cellmate was pronounced dead. The ensuing investigation revealed that Gary, who was housed in the next cell, smuggled fentanyl pills into the jail inside his body. Once inside the jail, Gary gave some of the pills to Gervais, who traded them with his cellmate for some food items. The autopsy revealed that the cellmate died of acute fentanyl poisoning. “The ripple effect of the damage done by people who distribute fentanyl impacts virtually every facet of society,” said Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden. “The potential to cause another individual’s death with each dose handed out is a constant dark threat and those responsible for doling it out will suffer the consequences of playing fast and loose with other people’s lives. We’re proud to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement partners to hold them accountable.” “Drug overdose and poisoning deaths in our country are overwhelmingly caused by a synthetic opioid like fentanyl. We need our communities to understand that all it takes is one pill, just one fake pill made from illicit fentanyl, to end a life,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “DEA remains committed to working with our local law enforcement partners and using all of our available resources to identify the drug distributors in our communities and hold them accountable for their actions.” This case resulted from an investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Walter Narramore prosecuted the case. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 29 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robberies of Six Indianapolis Restaurants and Shooting at an Employee

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Lamont Vales, 25, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 29 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to six counts of interference with commerce by robbery, two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. According to court documents, between December 29, 2019, and January 22, 2020, Lamont Vales robbed six Indianapolis Arby’s and Subway restaurants at gunpoint. During each robbery he pretended to be a customer. Once he reached the register, he brandished a pistol at with an extended magazine and ordered employees to give him cash from the restaurant’s register or safe. The robberies the Defendant committed are summarized as follows: DATE RESTURANT December 29, 2019 Subway 5389 Rockville Rd January 9, 2020 Arby’s 801 W 10 th St January 13, 2020 Arby’s 3846 Lafayette Rd January 14, 2020 Subway 4088 Pendleton Way January 17, 2020 Subway 6225 W 56 th St January 22, 2020 Arby’s 801 W 10 th St On January 22, 2020, Vales again robbed the same Arby’s he robbed thirteen days earlier. One of the employees who was aware of the previous robbery began chasing Vales. The chase lasted for about a block before Vales tumed around and fired four shots at the employee. The employee was physically unharmed. Evidence technicians located 9mm shell casings at the crime scene were able to locate fingerprints that identified Vales as the suspect. IMPD detectives conducted a court-authorized search of Vales’ residence. Investigators seized the clothing and shoes worn by Vales in the six robberies. During a recorded interview, Vales admitted to committing each of the six robberies using a 9mm semiautomatic pistol. At the time of his arrest, Vales had been previously convicted of carrying a handgun without a license and has a pending charge for battery resulting in serious bodily injury. “Six times in three short weeks, this armed criminal terrorized employees and patrons of Indianapolis restaurants,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “No one should be forced to fear for their lives simply because they went to work or for a bite to eat. To make our neighborhoods safer, gun violence must be met with serious consequences. Our federal prosecutors are committed to working with the outstanding investigators of the FBI and IMPD to ensure that violent, armed criminals are taken off our streets and held accountable for the damage they cause.” The FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman. Judge Brookman also ordered that Vales be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison and pay $1,100 in restitution. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Corbin D. Houston, who prosecuted this case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###