title: New Haven Man Admits Illegal Possession of 2 Handguns, Including One Converted to a Machine Gun

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DUAYNE NELSON, 31, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to unlawful possession of firearms by a felon. According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 14, 2022, Nelson was arrested in West Haven after he was found with a Taurus G3C 9mm handgun with 12-round magazine, and a Glock 27 .40 caliber handgun with a 13-round extended magazine and fitted with a “sear switch” that made the gun fully automatic. Nelson’s criminal history included state convictions for criminal weapon possession and robbery in the second degree. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. Nelson is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford on February 20, 2024, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. Nelson is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing. This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the West Haven Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Federal Jury Trial Ends with Guilty Verdict Against Abbeville Man for Trafficking of Fentanyl

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that a federal jury trial last week against Gabriel Hawthorne , 41, of Abbeville, Louisiana , ended with the jury finding Hawthorne guilty of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, specifically fentanyl. United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays presided over the week-long trial. According to information presented in court, Hawthorne conspired with two others who were also indicted, Frederick Malaki Thornton and Andrea Mitchell, to distribute heroin and fentanyl in the Abbeville area. In March 2022, an individual exchanged a series of phone calls and text messages with Mitchell, and she agreed to sell heroin to that individual. She arranged the distribution of the heroin by communicating with Thornton, who was her boyfriend at the time, and Hawthorne, who was her supplier. Hawthorne owned a business, ZZ’s Kitchen, in Abbeville and would use that business to store the narcotics that he, Mitchell and Thornton made arrangements to sell. Mitchell also admitted that Hawthorne would mix the heroin before giving it to her to sell. The suspected heroin which was sold by Mitchell and Thornton were seized and sent to the DEA Laboratory for testing and resulted a positive test for fentanyl. Hawthorne faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Frederick Thornton and Andrea Mitchell each previously pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. The case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John W. Nickel and J. Luke Walker. # # #


title: Mescalero Man Charged with Domestic Assault

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Theodore Ian Chavez, IV appeared in federal court on an indictment charging him with assault of an intimate partner by strangling and assault of an intimate partner resulting in substantial bodily injury. Chavez, 25, of Dulce, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, will remain on conditions of release pending trial. According to the indictment, on Aug. 6, 2023, Chavez assaulted Jane Doe, his intimate partner, by strangling her and the assault resulted in substantial bodily injury to Jane Doe. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Chavez faces 10 years in prison. The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joni Stahl is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-272


title: Spokane Valley Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison on Drug Charges and Violation of Federal Supervised Release

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington - United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Justin Richard Byers, 39, of Spokane Valley, Washington, to 130 months in federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Rice also sentenced Byers to an additional 14 months for violating his term of supervised release. According to court documents, in February of 2023, the Moses Lake Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit developed information that Byers was selling fentanyl pills and had a federal warrant for his arrest stemming from multiple violations of his term of federal supervised release. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) tracked Byers to an RV at a campground in North Spokane. When Byers exited the RV, Agents approached Byers in an effort to arrest him. In response, Byers ran back inside the RV and, despite repeated commands, refused to come out. After approximately 30 minutes, Byers exited his trailer, and surrendered to agents without further incident. Byers was arrested on the federal warrant. Agents obtained a search warrant for the RV and located 1,000 fentanyl-laced pills as well as a scale with drug residue. In the sink, Agents located fentanyl pills as well as liquid, indicating Byers had attempted to flush the pills to avoid them being seized by Agents. Unfortunately for Byers, as there was no water in the RV. Byers attempted to pivot; however, unsuccessfully attempted to flush the pills down the sink with a carbonated soda. Agents ultimately removed the p-trap to the sink and located many additional fentanyl pills. Agents also located about 500 fentanyl pills strewn about the RV. Agents also located two handguns, one of which had been stolen. Agents also learned Byers was connected to two storage units in Spokane. During a search, agents located a variety of ammunition, a loaded magazine, more suspected fentanyl-laced pills and a quantity of methamphetamine. “Mr. Byers is a repeat offender, who, when released from prison, picked up right where he left off -- pedaling poison in our neighborhoods. Holding individuals accountable who are dealing drugs and removing these narcotics from our streets will make all our neighborhoods and communities safer and stronger,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “I’m grateful for the dedication of our law enforcement partners, who worked to bring Mr. Byers to justice.” “One would hope that prison would be a deterrent for a convicted felon from pursuing additional illegal actions on release,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “In this case, Mr. Byers was not deterred. ATF will always work tirelessly to investigate those whose actions are a continuing danger to our communities.” “We are proud of the work done by our Street Crimes Detectives on this case, and grateful for the relationship we have with our ATF partners to bring this to a successful conclusion, ” stated Moses Lake Police Chief David Sands. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Moses Lake Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard.


title: Informational: Federal Court arraignments

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt: Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Nov. 22 was: Sonja Mae Mercado, 32, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mercado faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Mercado was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-106. Leo Antonio Rodriguez, 43, unknown address, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rodriguez faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Rodriguez was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-139. Appearing for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint was: Tirrell Lewis, 43, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lewis faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Lewis was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-504. Appearing on Nov. 21 was: Sonny Leroy Carsten, 42, of Billings, on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Carsten faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, $1 million fine and five years of supervised release on the bank fraud charge and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft charge. Carsten was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Columbus Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-133. Ali Sage Hausmann, 24, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth and false statement during a firearms transaction. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hausmann faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Hausmann was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-108. Joshua Lee Jackson, 33, a transient, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jackson faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Jackson was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-135. Patrick Allen Justice, Jr., 25, of Billings, on charges of bank robbery. If convicted of the most serious crime, Justice faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Justice was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-136. Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Nov. 22 was: Haley Rushel Hickman, 23, of Libby, on charges of theft of mail. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hickman faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hickman was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-47. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl . XXX


title: Burnsville Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of Machineguns

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A Burnsville man has pleaded guilty to illegal possession of machinegun conversion devices, or switches, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, in March 2023, federal agents received information that Benjamin Jehle Zwack, 29, an employee at a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) business, was selling 3D-printed machinegun conversion devices, commonly known as “switches” or “auto sears.” These devices enable firearms to be fired as a fully automatic weapon by a single function of the trigger and qualify as machineguns under federal law. According to court documents, on March 7, 2023, an undercover agent went to the FFL business and purchased from Zwack eleven 3D-printed machinegun conversion devices designed to convert a semiautomatic AR-Type weapon to shoot automatically. During the purchase, the undercover agent observed a firearm in Zwack’s waistband. According to court documents, on March 30, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on Zwack’s residence and vehicle. Officers recovered a Girsan-Regard, 9mm semi-automatic pistol from the center console of Zwack’s vehicle and a shotgun and ammunition from his residence. A search of Zwack’s storage locker revealed additional firearms, suspected homemade silencers, ammunition, and a suspected destructive device. Zwack pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz to one count of possession of a machinegun. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Dakota County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Steinkamp is prosecuting the case.


title: Authorities seek potential child exploitation victims in Southeast Texas

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A former martial arts and gymnastics instructor from Alvin has been charged with multiple child pornography crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Franklin Joseph Perkins, 40, previously worked at the Kuk Sool Won Dojo and Gulf Coast Gymnastics, both located in Alvin. He is charged with transportation, receipt and possession of child pornography. Perkins appeared today for a detention hearing, at which time U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison found him to be a danger to the community and ordered him into custody pending further criminal proceedings. Law enforcement has identified at least two alleged victims but believe there are more. If you are a victim or have any information about potential others, please contact Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Galveston at 409-443-0103. A federal grand jury returned the three-count indictment Nov. 15. According to information presented at the detention hearing, the investigation began when they learned of suspected child sexual abuse materials uploaded using an online account Perkins controlled. They executed a federal search warrant at his residence which revealed child sexual abuse content stored in a Google Drive account associated with Perkins, according to the testimony and evidence at the hearing today. Law enforcement also allegedly discovered non-pornographic images of what appears to be underage minors in gymnastics clothing and screenshots that depict young girls’ social media accounts. During the investigation, two women, now adults, have come forward to report allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate contact involving Perkins when they were still minors living in Alvin. “Every day we entrust our children, often budding athletes, to the care of coaches and authority figures. We cannot and will not take these kinds of allegations lightly,” said Hamdani. “But, we also need your help. Our goal is not only to secure justice but to also make sure any and all possible victims have their voices heard. If you or anyone you know has been in contact with Franklin Perkins and have knowledge any potential crime, please come forward.” “Identifying victims of child sexual exploitation not only helps law enforcement investigate and convict the individuals responsible for the abuse, it also helps to connect the victims and their families with the services they need to recover,” said Mark Dawson, special agent in charge for HSI Houston. “HSI has dedicated full-time victim assistant specialists who work closely with child sexual exploitation victims to connect them with the medical treatment, counseling and other services that they might need following sexual abuse. We know this process can be extremely difficult for victims and our specialists make every effort to sensitively respond to the unique needs of child victims and provide a trauma-informed environment conducive to recovery.” If convicted, Perkins faces a minimum of five and up to 20 years in federal prison, for the transportation and receipt charges and up to 10 for possessing child pornography. All counts also carry a potential fine of $250,000 as well as a $5,000 special assessment under the Justice for Trafficking Act, a maximum of a $35,000 special assessment under the Amy, Vicky and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act and mandatory restitution in an amount of no less than $3,000 per victim. Suspected victims of child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children by calling its toll-free 24-hour hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colton Turner is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood - a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources." An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Two men sentenced for their roles in Jamestown drug ring

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jarrod Adams, 43, Erie, PA, and Michael Murphy, 31, of Jamestown, NY, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara for their roles in a Jamestown area drug ring. Adams, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison. Murphy, who was convicted of narcotics conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 192 months in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between June 2019, and October 2020, defendant Murphy bought, sold, and distributed quantities of methamphetamine for profit, utilizing Facebook to conduct his drug trafficking operation. On July 16, 2019, the United States Marshal’s Service and other law enforcement officers went to a Bishop Street residence in Jamestown to apprehend Murphy, a federal fugitive at the time. Murphy was taken into custody along with co-conspirator Jarrod Adams. A search warrant was executed at the residence, during which investigators seized a quantity of methamphetamine $1,476 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. During the conspiracy, Murphy, who received his supply from co-conspirators Adams and Rocco Beardsley, also supplied large quantities of methamphetamine to other co-conspirators. On November 29, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at Murphy’s Newland Avenue residence and recovered methamphetamine, illicit mushrooms, other drug paraphernalia, two firearms, ammunition and $1,642 in cash. Rocco Beardsley is scheduled to go to trial in March 2024. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The sentencings are the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone. # # # #


title: Rochester man pleads guilty to stealing checks from the mail

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Shydequan C. Wynn, 40, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to financial institution fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated between October 2019, and March 2022, Wynn executed a scheme, with others, to defraud financial institutions. Wynn stole checks included in mail from unattended mailboxes. He then forged or altered the stolen checks, often changing the amounts and making them payable to himself or another co-conspirator. He or a co-conspirator then cashed the fraudulent checks for financial gain. The scheme involved approximately 112 victims and stolen and altered checks totaling approximately $179,447. Of this amount, approximately $74,911.50 involved checks that were successfully altered and negotiated. The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, and the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood. Sentencing is scheduled for March 12, 2024, before Judge Siragusa.


title: Buffalo man sentenced for making, passing counterfeit money

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Eric M. Butson, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to falsely make and pass counterfeit federal reserve notes, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who handled the case, stated that between December 2022, and March 2023, Butson and co-defendant Catalina Hernandez possessed various tools and equipment necessary to make and manufacture counterfeit bills including computers, ink-jet printers, ink, and bleach. Utilizing those tools and equipment, they made and manufactured numerous counterfeit $100 bills. Butson and Hernandez passed, or attempted to pass, the bills approximately 67 times at various businesses, including in the City of Buffalo, the Town of Amherst, the Town of Clarence, and the Village of Orchard Park. The total loss amount, including actual loss and intended loss, is approximately $6,700. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey Burr, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski. # # # #


title: Rochester man pleads guilty to possession of child pornography

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Mark Frey, 35, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that on two separate dates in February 2020, a law enforcement officer connected with Frey on a peer-to-peer network where the law enforcement officer downloaded two images of child pornography from Frey’s electronic device. On March 14, 2022, an individual recovered a cellular phone from a vehicle that Frey had recently used for work purposes. The individual searched the phone and determined that it belonged to Frey and contained images of child pornography. The individual contacted law enforcement, who further searched the phone and located 15 images and 27 videos containing child pornography. On August 15, 2022, Frey was arrested, and a search of his cellular phone recovered approximately 140 images containing child pornography. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. Sentencing is scheduled for March 18, 2024, before Judge Wolford. # # # #


title: Registered sex offender going to prison for more than 19 years for receiving child pornography

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Juan Quinones-Rivera, 41, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 235 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maeve E. Huggins and Caitlin M. Higgins, who handled the case, stated that in late 2020, Quinones-Rivera, a registered sex offender residing in the Western District of New York, began communicating with a 17-year-old female (Victim) on Snapchat. Quinones-Rivera told the Victim he was 19 years old. In late 2020 or early 2021, conversations between Quinones-Rivera and the Victim became sexual, with the two exchanging sexually explicit pictures and videos. Quinones-Rivera directed the Victim on what he wanted her to do in the videos and images. In all, the Victim sent Quinones-Rivera approximately 50 images and videos via Snapchat. In exchange, Quinones-Rivera sent money to the Victim via CashApp, in increments of approximately $20 and $50, for a total of approximately $700. In April 2021, a New York State Parole Officer located a cellular phone on Quinones-Rivera and found that he had been using Snapchat to communicate with the Victim. The phone also contained evidence of CashApp transactions to an account belonging to the Victim. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Daniel F. Martuscello III, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger; and the Greene County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Steven Smith. # # # #


title: Harbor Area Man Arraigned on Federal Indictment Alleging He Knowingly Sold Fentanyl to Two Victims, One of Whom Later Died

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles Harbor region man was arraigned today on criminal charges alleging he is a drug dealer who knowingly and intentionally distributed fentanyl to two victims – one of whom died, and the other was seriously injured by the powerful synthetic opioid. Antjuan Stephone Doss, 33, a.k.a. “Giovani Dinero,” whose last known residence was Harbor City, charged by a federal grand jury in a six-count indictment returned on November 15 and unsealed today. Doss was arrested on Tuesday and a federal magistrate judge today ordered him jailed without bond. At his arraignment this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles, Doss pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and a January 2, 2024 trial date was scheduled in this case. Doss is charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and serious bodily injury, one count of distribution of fentanyl, one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to the indictment, on August 13, 2022, Doss knowingly and intentionally distributed fentanyl. Two victims – identified in court documents as “M.N.” and “G.N.” – later ingested the fentanyl, the use of which resulted in serious bodily injury to M.N. and the death of G.N. On the same day, Doss also knowingly and intentionally distributed 45 pills containing this powerful drug, according to the indictment. The indictment further alleges that, from August 9 to August 22, 2022, a co-conspirator, using couriers, supplied Doss with fentanyl powder, pills containing fentanyl, and cocaine. Doss, acting at the co-conspirator’s direction, then packaged and distributed to his own customers the fentanyl and cocaine that the co-conspirator provided him, according to the indictment. Doss allegedly then remitted drug proceeds to the co-conspirator. On August 22, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Doss’s residence, including the bedroom that he shared with a woman and their infant child. During the search, law enforcement found in Doss’s bedroom fentanyl in various locations, including on the floor, that were easily accessible by the child, according to court documents. Doss also allegedly possessed with intent to distribute approximately 1 kilogram of fentanyl and illegally possessed a firearm, namely a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. He also allegedly illegally possessed seven rounds of ammunition. Doss is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because of his prior conviction of his January 2016 conviction of two felonies – identity theft and using an access device without consent – in Los Angeles Superior Court. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. If convicted of all charges, Doss would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Brittney M. Harris, of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section and J’me K. Forrest of the General Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Calabasas Man Arraigned on Indictment Alleging He Ran Same-Day Drug Delivery Service by Car that Resulted in Fatal Fentanyl Overdose

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Calabasas man who allegedly ran a drug trafficking operation that provided by car same-day delivery of cocaine and fentanyl-laced oxycodone, including to one victim who died last year from a fentanyl overdose, was arraigned today on narcotics charges in federal court. Erick Oved Estrada, 35, a.k.a. “Franco Sanchez” and “Eric Freddy Hook,” who allegedly ran the narcotics delivery driver business out of his home, was arrested Tuesday along with three other defendants, including his wife – all of whom were arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Also arrested Tuesday were: Arian Alani, 34, of Burbank, who, along with Estrada, allegedly distributed the fentanyl that led to the victim’s fatal overdose in June 2022; Gilberto Marquez, 34, of Woodland Hills, an alleged lieutenant in the drug trafficking operation; and Zoila Michelle Estrada, 36, of Calabasas, Erick Estrada’s wife. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges against them and a January 16, 2024 trial date was scheduled. A federal magistrate judge ordered all four defendants detained. Law enforcement continues to search for defendants Tomas Marquez-Ruiz, 37, a.k.a. “El Cafecito,” of Chatsworth, another alleged lieutenant in the drug trafficking operation, and Caseya Chanel Brown, 39, a.k.a. “Mom,” of Woodland Hills, an alleged delivery driver in the drug trafficking operation. According to the 18-count indictment returned November 15 and unsealed today, from May 2019 to June 2022, Erick Estrada obtained narcotics, including cocaine and purported oxycodone pills that actually contained fentanyl. Erick Estrada, Marquez-Ruiz, and Marquez then allegedly provided these drugs to a network of drug delivery drivers, including Brown and other co-conspirators, for further distribution to customers or other drug distributors. Brown and others directly provided the drugs to customers or distributors and collected payment. On June 8, 2022, Erick Estrada allegedly sold 25 oxycodone pills to Alani and a delivery driver then provided to Alani the purported oxycodone pills, which in fact contained fentanyl. The following day, Alani allegedly sold some of the fentanyl-laced pills to the victim, identified in the indictment as “C.N.,” who ingested them and died of a drug overdose. On June 10, 2022, Alani confronted Erick Estrada via text message and wrote, “my boy just died yesterday” – a reference to C.N. – and that Estrada “[s]houldn’t be selling [expletive] with fentanyl.” Erick and Zoila Estrada laundered the drug proceeds through his sham businesses’ bank accounts, where they used the money for various personal expenses, including luxury vehicles such as a Lamborghini and a Land Rover, the indictment alleges. Erick Estrada, Marquez-Ruiz, Marquez, and Brown are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death and one count of distribution of cocaine. Erick Estrada also is charged with two additional counts of distribution of cocaine, one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, and 11 counts of money laundering. Alani is charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Zoila Estrada is charged with one count of money laundering. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted of all charges, Erick Estrada, Marquez-Ruiz, Marquez, Brown, and Alani would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. If convicted, Zoila Estrada would face up to 10 years in federal prison. The Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating this matter. The DEA Overdose Justice Task Force, the Simi Valley Police Department, the Burbank Police Department, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department provided assistance. Assistant United States Attorney MiRi Song of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section is prosecuting this case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Pittsburgh Resident Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm With an Obliterated Serial Number

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Possession of a Firearm with an obliterated serial number, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Raymond Young, age 20, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on January 12, 2022, Allegheny County detectives were working in the Homestead area on a violent crime suppression detail when they retrieved a loaded Glock 23 semi-automatic handgun with a round in the chamber from Young’s pants. The serial numbers on the slide and frame of the weapon had been removed, and the weapon had been reported stolen. It is a violation of federal law to knowingly possess a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for April 18, 2024. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Allegheny County Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Young.


body_text: U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jarrod Adams, 43, Erie, PA, and Michael Murphy, 31, of Jamestown, NY, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara for their roles in a Jamestown area drug ring. Adams, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison. Murphy, who was convicted of narcotics conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 192 months in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between June 2019, and October 2020, defendant Murphy bought, sold, and distributed quantities of methamphetamine for profit, utilizing Facebook to conduct his drug trafficking operation. On July 16, 2019, the United States Marshal’s Service and other law enforcement officers went to a Bishop Street residence in Jamestown to apprehend Murphy, a federal fugitive at the time. Murphy was taken into custody along with co-conspirator Jarrod Adams. A search warrant was executed at the residence, during which investigators seized a quantity of methamphetamine $1,476 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. During the conspiracy, Murphy, who received his supply from co-conspirators Adams and Rocco Beardsley, also supplied large quantities of methamphetamine to other co-conspirators. On November 29, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at Murphy’s Newland Avenue residence and recovered methamphetamine, illicit mushrooms, other drug paraphernalia, two firearms, ammunition and $1,642 in cash. Rocco Beardsley is scheduled to go to trial in March 2024. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The sentencings are the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone. # # # #


title: Cyber Scam Organization Disrupted Through Seizure of Nearly $9M in Crypto

component: Criminal Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today the seizure of nearly $9 million worth of Tether, a cryptocurrency pegged to the U.S. dollar. These seized funds were traced to cryptocurrency addresses allegedly associated with an organization that exploited over 70 victims through romance scams and cryptocurrency confidence scams, which are widely known as “pig butchering.” “Through this significant seizure, we disrupted the financial infrastructure of an organized network of scammers who stole millions from victims across the United States. These scammers prey on ordinary investors by creating websites that tell victims their investments are working to make them money. The truth is that these international criminal actors are simply stealing cryptocurrency and leaving victims with nothing,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The department hopes this recovery of assets will bring some closure and a sense of justice to the over 70 victims affected by this series of scams. This seizure should also serve as a reminder to cybercriminals that, although the current landscape of the cryptocurrency ecosystem may seem like an ideal way to launder ill-gotten gains, law enforcement will continue to develop the expertise needed to follow the money and seize it back for victims.” According to court documents, criminal actors worked together to target victims and convince them to make cryptocurrency deposits by fraudulently representing that the victims were making investments with trusted firms and cryptocurrency exchanges. In reality, the purported firms and cryptocurrency exchanges were non-existent trading platforms. Agents and analysts from the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) were able to trace those victim deposits and observed that the funds were quickly laundered through dozens of cryptocurrency addresses and exchanged for several different cryptocurrencies, a money laundering technique often referred to as “chain hopping.” These techniques are used to “layer” the proceeds of criminal activity into new cryptocurrency ecosystems, all to obfuscate the nature, source, control, and ownership of those proceeds. The seized funds were linked to numerous victim reports made via the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Consumer Sentinel Network. “This seizure is the culmination of the exceptional hard work and collaborative partnership between the Justice Department and the United States Secret Service,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “Silicon Valley remains one of the world’s preeminent locations for cryptocurrency firms. As such, we remain dedicated to using all tools at our disposal to bring justice to the victims of frauds and scams. Even when money and criminals are abroad, we will work with our partners to seize cyber criminals’ illegal proceeds.” “This seizure exemplifies the Secret Service’s mission to protect the financial infrastructure of the United States. We remain determined and vigilant to combat cyber-enabled financial fraud,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Bradstreet of the USSS San Franscisco Field Office. “It is a priority for the Secret Service to protect the financial security that citizens work so hard to obtain. We want to thank the Justice Department for their partnership, dedication, and outstanding work on this case.” The USSS San Francisco Field Office investigated this case. Trial Attorney Georgiana MacDonald of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Kaltsas and Galen Phillips for the Northern District of California are handling the case, as well as the seizure and forfeiture actions. The department would like to acknowledge Tether for its assistance in effectuating the transfer of these assets. If you are a victim of a cryptocurrency scam, or other scam involving the use of the Internet, please file a report with the IC3 at ic3.gov and with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov .


title: Twenty-Time Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty To Federal Firearm Offense

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Craig Antwon ONeal (54, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a convicted felon. ONeal faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years, up to life, if federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set. According to the superseding indictment, on July 20, 2020, ONeal was in possession of a firearm. As a multi-convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing either firearms or ammunition under federal law. ONeal has 20 prior state felony convictions, including strong-arm robbery, resisting arrest with violence, sale of cocaine, and burglary of a conveyance. His extensive prior record also qualifies him for a sentencing enhancement as an Armed Career Criminal. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Crockett. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Bloomington Man Sentenced to Thirty Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Child Under His Care

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Joshua Ray Vestal, 40, of Bloomington has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. According to court documents, on September 5, 2022, Joshua Vestal forced a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct with him, and Vestal filmed the conduct with his cell phone. At the time the video was recorded, the child victim was between 12- and 16-years-old and was under Vestal’s care, custody, or control. Four days later, a witness discovered the video and multiple nude images of the child on Vestal’s phone. The witness identified Vestal and the child in the video. The witness sent the images and video to her personal phone to preserve the evidence, and then confronted Vestal about what they found. When the witness confronted Vestal, he took their cell phone and submerged it in a toilet. Vestal then performed a factory reset on his own cell phone and took out the SIM card in an attempt to erase the digital evidence. However, when the witness obtained a new phone, they found the video of Vestal sexually abusing the child synced to their electronic account. The following day, Bloomington Police Department officers arrested Vestal for sexual exploitation of a child. “Everyone deserves a childhood free from sexual abuse, and it is up to us as adults to do all we can to protect children. This defendant not only sexually abused a vulnerable child entrusted in his care, he then attempted to conceal his heinous acts by destroying the evidence,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana “The serious sentence imposed in this case will ensure that children are protected from this predator for several decades to come. I commend the Bloomington Police Department, FBI, Indiana State Police, and state and federal prosecutors for stopping the abuse of this child, and preventing the abuse of others who may have fallen within his grasp in the future.” “Indiana State Police investigators work diligently every day, all across Indiana, and in close collaboration with its law enforcement partners, to help bring to justice those who seek to perpetuate the victimization of children”, said Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter. The FBI investigated this case with valuable assistance provided by the Bloomington Police Department, Indiana State Police, and the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman. Judge Brookman also ordered that Vestal be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for life following his release from federal prison and pay $10,000 in restitution to the child victim. Vestal is also required to register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or attends school for the rest of his life. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kyle M. Sawa, who prosecuted this 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. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. ###


title: U.S. Attorney Charges Head Of Hair Testing Company In $5.9 Million Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Daniel B. Brubaker, the Inspector in Charge of the New York Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging KYLE TSUI with wire fraud and mail fraud in connection with a scheme that resulted in sales of approximately $5.9 million worth of fabricated allergy and sensitivity tests to customers. TSUI was extradited from Spain to the U. S. based on the Indictment and will be presented today before U. S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Kyle Tsui defrauded customers of millions of dollars by claiming he would perform allergy and sensitivity testing on customers’ hair samples. However, Tsui performed no such testing and provided fabricated test results. Tsui now stands charged with defrauding thousands of innocent victims whose health was put at risk with false results.” USPIS Inspector in Charge Daniel B. Brubaker said: “It’s unconscionable to think anyone would put the health of their clients at risk for money, but allegedly in this case, greed won out over the lives of innocent, trusting victims. Mr. Tsui’s alleged fabricated test results and lies were relied upon by many to make health-altering decisions, which we now know were worthless. Postal Inspectors remind consumers to thoroughly read the fine print of any offer providing medical breakthroughs to avoid falling victim to a scam, especially one that could cause physical harm.” According to the allegations contained in the Indictment: [1] From September 2018 through April 2019, TSUI orchestrated a scheme to defraud customers of his company, the “Allergy Testing Company,” by purporting to sell food and environmental sensitivity testing services that TSUI knew were not, in fact, being performed. In total, customers paid approximately $5.9 million through an online marketplace for tests that TSUI claimed would be done on their hair samples. TSUI’s company promoted its “[h]ighly-rated, top selling sensitivity and intolerance test” that “determines how your body responds to 800 different food and environmental items” with just “a small hair sample.” But rather than test the hair samples as customers were promised, TSUI directed that the hair samples be discarded in the trash without any laboratory analysis. Customers then received fabricated test results purporting to identify certain foods and environmental factors that were “safe” for them and others that the customers were supposedly “sensitive” to and should avoid. * * * KYLE TSUI, 41, of Ontario, Canada is charged with wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and mail fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the USPIS. Mr. Williams also thanked the Hyde Park Police Department, the New York State Troopers, the Toronto Police Service, the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and the Government of Spain for their assistance in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Qais Ghafary and Benjamin Levander are in charge of the prosecution, which was previously handled by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Loss. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitutes only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.


title: Convicted Felon Found Unconscious in Vehicle Flees Police Resulting in Crash and Federal Prison Time

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

body_text: LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Jorel Hughes , 40, of Opelousas, Louisiana , has been sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm. United States District Judge David C. Joseph sentenced Hughes to 126 months (10 years, 6 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Hughes pleaded guilty on August 18, 2023, to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On July 12, 2022, officers with the Lafayette Police Department encountered Hughes while he was seated in the driver’s seat of a vehicle and parked adjacent to a fuel pump at a RaceTrac gas station in Lafayette. At the time, Hughes appeared to be in a drug-induced unconscious state and officers and other first responders rendered aid to him, including administering two doses of Narcan. While providing aid to Hughes and before he regained consciousness, officers located two firearms near Hughes in the vehicle. Officers later learned that Hughes had previously been convicted of a felony offense and one of the firearms had been reported stolen. When Hughes regained consciousness, he did not comply with officers and instead resisted their efforts to detain him, attempted to disarm one of the officers, and crashed into other vehicles as he drove the vehicle out of the gas station parking lot. Hughes fled the scene at a high rate of speed, eventually crashing into a drainage ditch and then attempted to flee the crash on foot. Hughes was apprehended by officers and arrested. Hughes admitted to being a convicted felon and possessing the firearms, knowing that he was prohibited from doing so. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Lafayette Police Department and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Danny Siefker. 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn . # # #


title: Former major of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office convicted of abusive sexual contact with a minor

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On Nov. 17, a federal jury convicted the former major of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, of abusive sexual contact with a minor under 12 years old. The conviction comes after a five-day jury trial before U.S. Senior District Judge Donald L. Graham in Miami. In May 2023, Justin Dale Sigmon, 47, while on a cruise that departed from the Port of Miami, repeatedly put his hands up the skirt of a nine-year-old, rubbing her inner thighs and private area, despite her repeatedly pushing his hands away on multiple occasions. Two good Samaritans, who were seated next to Sigmon in the cruise ship dining room, noticed his behavior, recorded it, and reported it to cruise ship security. The cruise ship’s surveillance cameras also captured Sigmon’s actions. When cruise security officials confronted him about his conduct, Sigmon identified himself as a law enforcement officer. Sentencing is set for Jan. 12, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. in Miami. Sigmon faces up to life in prison. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Filed Office, announced the guilty verdict. FBI Miami investigated the case with assistance from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Carnival Cruise Line security. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Kahn Obenauf and Lacee Elizabeth Monk prosecuted it. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate better, 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.projectsafechildhood.gov . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 23-cr-20294. ###


title: Washington drug “Kingpin” sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for meth, fentanyl trafficking on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Washington man known by sources as the “Kingpin” for the quantity of drugs he distributed throughout the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced on Monday to 10 years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conviction on trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. Anthony Penalosa Infante, 36, of Spokane, Washington, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The government alleged in court documents that Infante worked as a large-scale meth and fentanyl distributor from Washington who distributed drugs throughout the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. Between October 2022 and February 2023, Infante was collectively in possession of more than 10 pounds of meth, nearly 4,000 fentanyl pills and approximately 37 grams of cocaine. Infante was identified by sources as the “Kingpin,” and he carried firearms while dealing drugs. During a traffic stop in December 2022, officers recovered 100 fentanyl pills, two pistols, cocaine and methamphetamine from the vehicle in which Infante was a passenger. Infante later said the drugs were his and intended only for personal use. In a second traffic stop of Infante on the reservation 10 days later, officers located a half pound of meth, approximately 100 fentanyl pills, cocaine and a loaded 9mm magazine. Additionally, in January, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of 100 fentanyl pills from Infante. In a third traffic stop of Infante on the reservation, officers located meth and 76 fentanyl pills. In February, the FBI executed a search warrant of the residence where Infante had been staying and recovered 10.27 pounds of meth, 3,568 fentanyl pills and $1,973 in cash. Ten pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 35,240 doses. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ethan R. Plaut, Amanda L. Myers and Stephanie D. Robles prosecuted the case. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Rocky Boy’s Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. XXX


title: Member of Violent Gang Pleads Guilty to Racketeering, Drug and Firearm Offenses

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston-area man pleaded guilty yesterday to his role in a violent Boston street gang as well as gun and drug trafficking charges. Kenny Romero, a/k/a “KG,” 29, of Boston, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise (more commonly referred to as RICO or racketeering conspiracy), three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Feb. 29, 2024. According to court documents, Cameron Street is a violent gang based largely in Dorchester whose members use violence and threats of violence to preserve, protect and expand its territory, promote a climate of fear and enhance its reputation. Members allegedly post videos or use social media applications to promote Cameron Street, celebrate murders and other violent crimes committed by the gang and denigrate rivals – in particular the NOB gang – an abbreviation for the Norton/Olney/Barry Streets in Dorchester. Cameron Street members allegedly possess, carry and use firearms to murder and assault gang rivals as well as protect narcotics and drug proceeds. Cameron Street members also allegedly distribute controlled substances and firearms, commit armed robberies and engage in human trafficking in part to generate income for the Cameron Street enterprise. During a two-year investigation, Romero was recorded selling eight firearms, as well as ammunition, cocaine base and cocaine to a cooperating witness, who Romero believed was a member of Cameron Street. The drug and gun sales Romero made were discussed and negotiated over cell phones and Snapchat. Additionally, Romero’s phone was found to contain messages showing he had received funds from human trafficking activities. The charge of RICO conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for up to 20 years in prison, supervised release of at least three years and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and/or ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; Suffolk, Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Canton, Quincy, Randolph, Somerville, Brockton, Malden, Stoughton, Rehoboth and Pawtucket (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case. This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The remaining defendants named in the indictment are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Lawrence Woman Pleads Guilty in Conspiracy to Use Stolen Identities to Fraudulently Purchase Vehicles

body_text: BOSTON – A Lawrence woman pleaded guilty yesterday to her role in a scheme to use the stolen identities of United States citizens from Puerto Rico to fraudulently purchase vehicles. Wanda Sanchez, 39, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and false representation of a Social Security number. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for March 12, 2024. The defendant and multiple co-defendants were charged by criminal complaint in September 2020 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2020. All six defendants charged in the indictment have now pleaded guilty. According to charging documents, in January 2019, Sanchez visited a Massachusetts car dealership to purchase a late-model vehicle and applied for 100% financing. In support of the application, Sanchez provided stolen biographical information of a real United States citizen, a fraudulent Puerto Rico driver’s license and a Social Security card in that identity as proof of identification. The charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lowell, Lawrence, Methuen, Haverhill, Woburn and Dartmouth Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Adam W. Deitch of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity and benefit fraud schemes.


title: Edmund Thornton Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Edmund Thornton, 66, who until recently lived in East Calais, Vermont was sentenced yesterday in United States District Court in Burlington following his guilty plea to a charge that he failed to register as a sex offender after moving to Vermont. Senior U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III sentenced Thornton to time served, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Before being released on conditions this past May, Thornton had been incarcerated for more than six months following his arrest in late October 2022. According to court records, on October 27, 2022, a federal grand jury in Vermont returned a one count indictment alleging that Thornton violated the Sex Offender Registration And Notification Act (SORNA). Thornton was arrested in Pennsylvania on the charge on October 31 and was then transferred to the custody of U.S. Marshals in Vermont. Records indicate that in 1999, Thornton pleaded guilty in Pennsylvania to charges that included attempted deviate sexual intercourse with a ten-year-old girl. Thornton served several years in prison. Under Pennsylvania law, Thornton was required to register in that state as a convicted sex offender upon his release from custody. The federal Sex Offender Registration And Notification Act also required Thornton to promptly register with authorities in any state to which he moved. According to the indictment, Thornton moved to Vermont in about June 2020 but failed to register with authorities here, as required by SORNA. Thornton is represented by Assistant Federal Defender Barclay Johnson. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples. This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Child Exploitation Obscenity Section, Criminal Division (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 .


title: Former Virginia Ambulance Service Owner Found Guilty of Tax Evasion, Filing False Returns and Obstructing the IRS

component: Tax Division

body_text: A federal jury convicted a Virginia man today of evading the payment of employment taxes, filing false tax returns and obstructing the IRS. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from January 2008 through December 2009, James C. Jones Jr., of Christiansburg, owned and operated Lifeline Ambulance Service Inc. and was responsible for paying to the IRS approximately $200,000 in federal income and Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld from Lifeline’s employees’ wages. However, he did not pay those withholdings to the IRS. As a result, in December 2009, the IRS assessed the unpaid employment taxes against Jones personally. To obstruct IRS efforts to collect those taxes, Jones misrepresented that he did not have sufficient funds and assets to pay when, in fact, Jones owned multiple apartments and bank accounts in the Caribbean and a classic “muscle car” collection. Jones continued to obstruct IRS collection efforts by filing false tax returns for 2013 through 2018 that did not report the rental income from his Caribbean properties and claimed false deductions. Jones also falsely represented to the Justice Department that he did not have records responsive to a subpoena ordering him to produce foreign bank records, when in fact, he possessed these records as the director and owner of multiple foreign holding companies. Jones faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for tax evasion, three years in prison for each false return count and three years in prison for obstructing the IRS. He also faces a period of supervised release and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh for the Western District of Virginia and Special Agent-in-Charge Kareem Carter of the IRS-Criminal Investigation (CI) Washington D.C. Field Office made the announcement. IRS-CI is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Francesca Bartolomey, Todd Ellinwood and Brian Flanagan of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlene Day for the Western District of Virginia are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly McGann for the Western District of Virginia.


title: Superseding Indictment Charges Four With Conspiracy To Sell Firearms Without A License And To Transport Firearms From North Carolina To New York

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal superseding indictment was unsealed in court today, charging four men with conspiracy to sell firearms without a license and to transport to New York firearms unlawfully obtained in North Carolina, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Three of the defendants also face additional firearms offenses. Alicia Jones, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. The superseding indictment charges Keyuon Divine Cannie, 24, Trashawn Tavaris Edward Coleman, 23, Daquan Collins, 29, and Lamar Moore, 25, all of Charlotte, with conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, and to illegally sell, transfer, trade and transport firearms out-of-state. Coleman is also charged with two counts of straw purchasing a firearm and two counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. Moore is also charged with one count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm and one count of transferring a firearm to a prohibited person. Cannie is charged with two additional counts of possession of a firearm by a felon. According to allegations contained in the charging document, between July 1 and July 23, 2022, the defendants conspired with each other to purchase firearms in North Carolina, for the purpose of transporting and selling the firearms for profit to individuals in New York. According to allegations in the indictment, on July 8, and on July 12, 2022, Coleman engaged in the straw purchasing of a firearm, by falsely purchasing two firearms on behalf of Cannie, knowing that Cannie intended to illegally sell the firearms. The indictment further alleges that, when he purchased the firearms from a federal firearms licensee, Coleman made false statements on the federal form required to obtain a firearm, falsely attesting that he was the actual buyer/transferee of the firearms, knowing that he was not. The indictment also alleges that on February 8, 2022, Moore purchased a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer. In purchasing the firearm, the indictment alleges that Moore made a false statement on the required federal form, falsely attesting that Moore was the transferee/buyer of the firearm, when in fact Moore knew he was not. The indictment also alleges that, on the same day, Moore transferred the firearm to another person, knowing the that the person had been previously convicted of a crime and was therefore not permitted to own or possess a firearm. The indictment alleges that between February 8 and March 10, 2022, and on July 12, 2022, Cannie illegally possessed one or more firearms, knowing he had previously been convicted of at least one crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding a year. The charges are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The charge of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Each straw purchasing of a firearm charge carries a statutory penalty of 25 years in prison, and the maximum penalty for the charge of possession of a firearm by a felon is 15 years in prison. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the ATF and CMPD for their investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Regina Pack of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case. This case is prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms. For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473 . This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Two Men Charged In Theft Of Firearms From Dunham’s Sports Store In Benton Harbor

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that two Benton Harbor men were charged with several crimes related to the theft of firearms from Dunham’s Sports in Benton Harbor. “It is no secret that we are experiencing an epidemic of gun violence across the nation, across the State of Michigan, and right here in Benton Harbor,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “Fueling this epidemic is a massive influx of illegal guns into our communities. What happened at Dunham Sport’s on the evening of November 16th is a striking example of what is driving this crisis and we fully intend to satisfy our burden and prove this case.” The charging documents allege that late on November 16, 2023, Darnell Bishop and Dontrell Nance approached the Dunham’s store manager outside his home and held him at gunpoint. Bishop and Nance then handcuffed and blindfolded the manager and took him to another location; there, they forced him to provide security access information for the Dunham’s store. Bishop took the manager’s keys, entered the Dunham’s store, and left with more than 120 handguns packed into two large coolers. Police later recovered all but one gun. If convicted, both men face up to life in prison. Investigators searched residences and vehicles associated with Bishop and Nance on November 17, 2023, and found firearms stolen from Dunham’s as well as an additional pistol. Both men were taken into custody that same day. “Dontrelle Nance and Darnell Bishop are getting coal in their stockings this year rather than the 120 plus firearms they tried to steal during an armed robbery attempt of the Dunham’s Sporting Goods store in Benton Harbor,” said ATF Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Deir . Robberies and burglaries of gun dealers represent one of the biggest threats to our community’s public safety. As such, ATF partnered with our state and local law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate this incident and thus, prevented over 120 firearms from making it into the hands of violent criminals on the streets and keeping our communities safer.” “The use of stolen guns in violent crimes is a common occurrence in our communities, causing immense harm to families,” said Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI in Michigan. “Arresting and charging individuals allegedly involved in such crimes can save countless Michiganders from being victimized by these weapons. I want to thank the FBI's Benton Harbor Safe Streets Task Force for quickly resolving this case. The FBI and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners are committed to working together to ensure the safety of Michigan's residents.” “The Michigan State Police is proud to be a part of law enforcement in Southwest Michigan, and work alongside all of these dedicated, hard-working professionals,” said MSP Inspector Ryan Schoonveld . “Officers from local, state, and federal agencies came together last Thursday, working through the night, to bring a very dangerous situation to a safe and successful conclusion.” This case was investigated by the Benton Charter Township Police Department, Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police, ATF, and FBI. The charges in a complaint are merely accusations, and both defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. A copy of the criminal complaint, with further details and photos, is attached to this release. Complaint ###


title: Two People Sentenced For Assaulting Court Security Officer At Federal Courthouse

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – Two individuals have been sentenced for assaulting a court security officer at the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse on October 3, 2022. The defendants approached the officer as he was guarding a private entrance to the Courthouse and instigated an altercation in which both individuals attempted to grab the officer’s firearm before being taken into custody. Stephen Don Rhymes (22) was sentenced to 46 months in prison on November 8, 2023, for his role in the offense. Shi Kozulyn Bass (42) was sentenced to 20 months in prison on October 18, 2023. Rhymes and Bass each pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer or employee. United States District Judge James C. Mahan presided over both sentencing hearings. According to court documents, on October 3, 2022, a court security officer ordered both Rhymes and Bass to leave the entrance area of the courthouse. They refused to obey the orders and continued to approach the officer in a threatening manner. Rhymes punched the officer in the face. When the officer attempted to place Rhymes under arrest, both Rhymes and Bass attempted to grab and remove the firearm from the officer’s holster. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Marshal Gary Schofield for the United States Marshals Service made the announcement. The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case. ###


title: Bank Robber Sentenced To 15 Years In Federal Prison

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced John Charles Anderson (40, Spring Hill) to 12 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for a bank robbery with an assault by using a deadly weapon. Anderson was also ordered to pay $941 in restitution. Judge Mizelle previously sentenced Anderson to 3 years in prison for a violation of his federal supervised release, to be served consecutively to the new robbery sentence. Anderson had pleaded guilty on July 31, 2023. According to court documents, on January 14, 2022, Anderson armed himself, donned a mask, and robbed a bank just over one month after being placed on supervised release following a federal prison sentence for committing five bank robberies. On January 14, 2022, Anderson pointed what looked like a semi-automatic handgun toward the teller and demanded money and got away with $941 from the SunTrust bank located at 12902 Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Anderson was identified, in part, by his distinct hand tattoos, which read “KILL COPS” across his knuckles. Anderson fled the bank, and the state, making his way to Michigan. On January 20, 2022, officers from the River Rouge Police Department encountered Anderson and attempted a traffic stop. Anderson fled, crashing his car into a wall at a gas station before continuing to flee on foot. Officers recovered a loaded firearm, which had been been reported stolen in South Carolina, from the front seat of Anderson’s car. Anderson was taken into custody after hiding in a garage. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Ecorse Police Department, and the River Rouge Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha E. Beckman.


title: Middlesex County Construction Company Admits Causing Death of Employee Who Fell Off Roof During Residential Roof Project

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A construction company based in Old Bridge, New Jersey, admitted violating Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, leading to the death of an employee, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Zona Roofing LLC (Zona Roofing), via its owner Yilbert Segura, pleaded guilty on Nov. 20, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte in Newark federal court to an information charging it with one count of willfully violating OSHA standards by failing to provide fall protection and fall protection training to employees engaged in the replacement of a residential roof, which caused the death of an employee. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On Aug. 6, 2019, Segura and four employees began a roof replacement project on a residential home located in Haledon, New Jersey. Despite working more than 20 feet from the ground, employees for Zona Roofing were not equipped with any personal fall protection equipment, such as safety harnesses, lanyards, tie-off ropes, guard rails, safety nets, or other feasible means of fall protection. None of the employees had received fall protection training to recognize the hazards of falling or the procedures to be followed to minimize those hazards. On Aug. 8, 2019, while working on the roof, one of Zona Roofing’s employees lost his balance and fell approximately 22 feet to the ground, sustaining blunt force injuries to his head that resulted in his death. The employee was not equipped with any fall protection gear, and he had not received any fall protection training. Zona Roofing was previously cited by Maryland OSHA in February 2019 for failing to provide fall protection to its employees. If the court accepts the terms of the plea agreement, Zona Roofing will be sentenced to five years of probation and will pay restitution of $75,000 to the employee’s family members. Zona Roofing must also follow specified conditions, including providing training procedures to all its employees and a requirement to follow enhanced safety provisions for future construction jobs. Sentencing is scheduled for March 25, 2024. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone; Daniel Hennefeld, Counsel for Occupational Safety and Health, Office of the Solicitor of Labor, Region 2, and OSHA Compliance Officers with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett Schuman of the Criminal Division in Newark. zonaroofing.information.pdf


title: Cyber Scam Organization Disrupted Through Seizure Of Nearly $9M In Crypto

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – The Justice Department announced today the seizure of nearly $9 million worth of Tether, a cryptocurrency pegged to the U.S. dollar. These seized funds were traced to cryptocurrency addresses allegedly associated with an organization that exploited over 70 victims through romance scams and cryptocurrency confidence scams, which are widely known as “pig butchering.” “Through this significant seizure, we disrupted the financial infrastructure of an organized network of scammers who stole millions from victims across the United States. These scammers prey on ordinary investors by creating websites that tell victims their investments are working to make them money. The truth is that these international criminal actors are simply stealing cryptocurrency and leaving victims with nothing,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The department hopes this recovery of assets will bring some closure and a sense of justice to the over 70 victims affected by this series of scams. This seizure should also serve as a reminder to cybercriminals that, although the current landscape of the cryptocurrency ecosystem may seem like an ideal way to launder ill-gotten gains, law enforcement will continue to develop the expertise needed to follow the money and seize it back for victims.” “This seizure is the culmination of the exceptional hard work and collaborative partnership between the Justice Department and the United States Secret Service,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “Silicon Valley remains one of the world’s preeminent locations for cryptocurrency firms. As such, we remain dedicated to using all tools at our disposal to bring justice to the victims of frauds and scams. Even when money and criminals are abroad, we will work with our partners to seize cyber criminals’ illegal proceeds.” “This seizure exemplifies the Secret Service’s mission to protect the financial infrastructure of the United States. We remain determined and vigilant to combat cyber-enabled financial fraud,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Bradstreet of the USSS San Francisco Field Office. “It is a priority for the Secret Service to protect the financial security that citizens work so hard to obtain. We want to thank the Justice Department for their partnership, dedication, and outstanding work on this case.” According to court documents, criminal actors worked together to target victims and convince them to make cryptocurrency deposits by fraudulently representing that the victims were making investments with trusted firms and cryptocurrency exchanges. In reality, the purported firms and cryptocurrency exchanges were non-existent trading platforms. Agents and analysts from the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) were able to trace those victim deposits and observed that the funds were quickly laundered through dozens of cryptocurrency addresses and exchanged for several different cryptocurrencies, a money laundering technique often referred to as “chain hopping.” These techniques are used to “layer” the proceeds of criminal activity into new cryptocurrency ecosystems, all to obfuscate the nature, source, control, and ownership of those proceeds. The seized funds were linked to numerous victim reports made via the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Consumer Sentinel Network. The USSS San Francisco Field Office investigated this case. Trial Attorney Georgiana MacDonald of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Kaltsas and Galen Phillips for the Northern District of California are handling the case, as well as the seizure and forfeiture actions. The department would like to acknowledge Tether for its assistance in effectuating the transfer of these assets. If you are a victim of a cryptocurrency scam, or other scam involving the use of the Internet, please file a report with the IC3 at ic3.gov and with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov .


title: Former New York City Correction Officer Sentenced to 29 Months in Prison for Smuggling Contraband into Rikers Island in Exchange for Nearly $10,000 in Bribe Payments

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, former New York City correction officer Krystle Burrell was sentenced by United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto to 29 months’ imprisonment for accepting nearly $10,000 in bribe payments in exchange for smuggling contraband into Rikers Island. Burrell was employed by the New York City Department of Corrections (DOC) and worked as a correction officer at Rikers Island. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence. “Krystle Burrell put her own interests above the safety of incarcerated individuals and other correction officers at Rikers Island by accepting payments for drugs and smuggling cell phones into the jail she was supposed to protect,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Public corruption is especially harmful when it affects the safety and security of our city’s jails and today’s sentence demonstrates that correction officers face serious consequences for smuggling contraband into Rikers Island.” DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “New York City Correction Officers’ most significant responsibility is to maintain order and safety in our City’s jails. By accepting bribes and smuggling contraband onto Rikers Island, this defendant endangered both the persons in custody, and fellow officers, that she was entrusted to protect. Her prison sentence sends a strong message that officers who misuse their positions of trust will be held accountable. I thank the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for their partnership in our joint efforts to eradicate contraband smuggling in the City jail system.” “Bringing contraband into a correctional facility undermines the security of the institution and threatens the residents and the officers tasked with keeping them safe,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “Above all else, correction officers are public servants – the majority of whom honor their oaths and serve as stellar examples to the community and those under their care. Ms. Burrell, who blatantly abused her position of authority, was the exact opposite.” According to court documents and facts presented at today’s sentencing proceeding, Burrell accepted nearly $10,000 in bribes from co-conspirators on behalf of co-defendant Terrae Hinds in exchange for Burrell smuggling contraband into the Anna M. Kross Center on Rikers Island for Hinds. Burrell also accepted payments on behalf of Hinds for narcotics and other contraband so that Hinds could resell the contraband on Rikers Island. After she pleaded guilty in federal court in September 2022 to bribery charges and while on bail pending sentencing, Burrell conspired with Hinds and others to smuggle contraband into the federal Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn where Hinds had been transferred and was being held on federal charges. In March 2023, Burrell was charged with the additional crime of smuggling contraband into a federal prison. Burrell pleaded guilty to smuggling contraband into a federal detention facility and she was also sentenced today for this additional crime. Hinds previously pleaded guilty to bribing Burrell and is currently awaiting sentencing. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorney Philip Pilmar is in charge of the prosecution. The Defendants : KRYSTLE BURRELL Age: 36 Lawrence, NY E.D.N.Y. Docket Nos. 22-CR-196 (KAM); 23-CR-207 (KAM)