title: California Man Sentenced to More than 11 Years in Prison on  Drug Trafficking Charges

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Richland, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Ruben Galvan-Trujillo, was sentenced on February 7, 2024, after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 136 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. According to court documents and information disclosed at sentencing, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) developed information that Galvan-Trujillo was a member of a substantial drug trafficking organization with ties to Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, New York, Michigan, and Washington. Galvan Trujillo would coordinate large drug shipments and cultivate new drug shipment lines for the DTO. Galvan-Trujillo had a base of operations in Los Angeles and lived in in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The DEA used a confidential informant to contact Galvan-Trujillo and arrange a drug sale. In February of 2022, Galvan-Trujillo offered to sell 20 pounds of methamphetamine to the informant and arrange for delivery to Pasco, Washington. Per Galvan Trujillo, this was meant to be a test run to establish a drug distribution line to this District wherein his Drug Trafficking Organization would begin to send regular drug shipments in excess of 50 pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine and other product. A few days later, Galvan-Trujillo called the informant and said the couriers were on the way and told the informant to pay the couriers $10,000 for the drugs and $80,000 for the product. Later than evening, the couriers delivered the drugs to the informant at a storage facility in Pasco, Washington. The drugs were hidden in a sophisticated trap car, wrapped in 20 individual packages, each containing approximately one-pound quantities of crystal methamphetamine. “Mr. Galvan-Trujillo was a large-scale drug trafficker who was responsible for pushing massive quantities of illegal narcotics not just into Eastern Washington – but across all the United States,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My office will continue to prioritize protecting our communities by aggressively prosecuting drug traffickers who attempt to profit off this poison.” “Mr. Galvan-Trujillo led a wholesale methamphetamine distribution ring that sought to harm both our community in Eastern Washington as well as cities around the country,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “I am proud that the Drug Enforcement Administration and our partners could stop the flow of dangerous drugs through this defendant and the sentence in this case reflects the serious threat that Mr. Galvan-Trujillo posed to all of us.” This case was investigated DEA Tri-Cities which includes DEA, USCBP, and Kennewick PD. The Metro Drug Task Force assisted. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.


title: Former San Antonio Lawyer Sentenced to 50 Years for Wire Fraud, Money Laundering

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – Former San Antonio Attorney Christopher John Pettit, 56, was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 50 years in prison for fraud and money laundering. For more than two decades, Pettit made numerous misrepresentations that persuaded his clients to deposit money with his firm, Chris Pettit and Associates, PC, which funds the clients believed would be used for services such as living trusts, irrevocable trusts, estate planning services, investments, and real-estate transactions, but which Pettit instead misused for his own enrichment and as part of a Ponzi-type scheme. In one scheme, Pettit opened trustee accounts with client funds and simply moved the money to his own accounts, rather than using the funds for the benefit of the trust. Other fraudulent schemes included falsely promising to invest client money in high percentage bonds and instead wiring the funds to his personal account. He also falsely represented himself as a Qualified Intermediary for a 1031 real-estate exchange, which he used to convince clients to wire millions of dollars from asset sales into accounts he controlled and then misused for his own enrichment. Pettit would use his victimized clients’ funds to pay other client debts as well as to support an extravagant lifestyle. The schemes resulted in an estimated loss to the victims of between $20 million and $65 million. Pettit pleaded guilty Oct. 5, 2023, to three counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. “This case began with one victim filing a complaint before the investigation unraveled a massive and deceptive criminal scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Thanks to the Fair Oaks Ranch Police Department for first recognizing the depth of the fraud in this case, and to the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office for referring the case to the FBI. The punishment handed down by Judge Garcia reflects the seriousness of the offense and is the product of steadfast collaboration by our partners at the local, state and federal levels.” “Christopher Pettit used his position of trust as an attorney to defraud his clients of millions of dollars, in some cases their life savings, all for his own selfish benefit. Today’s sentence reflects the resolve of the FBI to bring to justice anyone who would take advantage of their position to line their own pockets,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron G. Tapp for the FBI San Antonio Division. “We want to thank our partners at Fair Oaks Ranch Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Texas State Securities Board for their continued assistance in keeping our communities safe.” The FBI investigated the case in conjunction with the Texas State Securities Board, Texas Department of Public Safety and Fair Oaks Ranch Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Stephenson prosecuted the case. ###


title: Middlesex County Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Role in COVID-19 Fraud Schemes Totaling Over $2.1 Million

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for his role in fraudulently obtaining over $2.1 million in federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Arlen G. Encarnacion, 38, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court to a two-count information charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. On Aug. 8, 2023, Jacquelyn Pena, 38, and Kent Encarnacion, 30, both of Perth Amboy, also separately pleaded guilty before Judge Castner to informations charging each of them with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering and were each sentenced to probation. “This defendant fraudulently obtained funds earmarked for struggling Americans who needed financial relief during the COVID 19 pandemic. Today’s sentence demonstrates that those who used the pandemic to illegally enrich themselves will be held accountable. My office will continue to bring to justice individuals who have engaged in COVID-related fraud.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “Brazen schemes have callously defrauded COVID-19 relief programs and caused undue financial harm to both hardworking Americans and businesses alike,” Christopher A. Nielsen, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Philadelphia Division, said. “Today’s sentencing illustrates that Postal Inspectors will continue its efforts to identify and hold accountable, those individuals who steal pandemic funds to fulfill their own greed.” “IRS Criminal Investigation and our law enforcement partners are committed to investigating and prosecuting those who engage in acts of COVID-related fraud,” said Tammy Tomlins, Special Agent in Charge of Newark Field Office. “Today, Mr. Encarnacion was held accountable for fraudulently obtaining over $2.1 million in federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). His conscious decision to participate in this illicit scheme has cost him his freedom.” According to the documents filed in these cases and statements made in court: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted in March 2020 and was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of hundreds of billions of dollars in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP. The CARES Act also authorized the Small Business Administration to provide EIDLs of up to $2 million to eligible small businesses that were experiencing substantial financial disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To obtain a PPP or EIDL loan, a qualifying small business was required to apply and provide information on its operations, including the number of employees and expenses. In addition, businesses generally had to provide supporting documentation. Arlen Encarnacion submitted 11 fraudulent PPP loan applications and three fraudulent EIDL applications on behalf of purported businesses. Kent Encarnacion helped submit one of the fraudulent PPP applications, and Pena helped submit three of the other fraudulent PPP applications. Each application contained false representations, including bogus federal tax return documentation and fabricated information about the number of employees and wages paid. Based on these alleged misrepresentations, lenders, Federal Home Loan Bank members, and the Small Business Administration collectively provided the purported businesses with approximately $2.1 million in federal COVID-19 emergency relief funds meant for distressed small businesses. Arlen Encarnacion received the bulk of the fraudulent proceeds, and together with Kent Encarnacion and Pena, they misappropriated all of the funds. In addition to the prison term, Judge Castner sentenced Encarnacion to three years of supervised release and ordered restitution of $2.18 million. U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger credited postal inspectors of U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Postal Inspector in Charge Nielsen, Philadelphia Division; special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tomlins; special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney; special agents of the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Sharon MacDermott; special agents of the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robert Manchak; special agents of the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau New York Regional Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Tucker; special agents of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca in New York; and special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso; with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Perth Amboy Police Department for their assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark C. Orlowski of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Woman Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Her Role in Stealing Firearms From Her Family

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A woman who conspired to steal firearms and other valuables from a family member’s home was sentenced February 20, 2024, to more than 7 years in federal prison. Tresa Fiedler, 24, from LeMars, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 28, 2023, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to possess stolen firearms and one count of possession of stolen firearms. Evidence in the case revealed that on October 1, 2021, Fiedler participated in a home burglary where she and coconspirator, Ian Bigler stole 10 guns. The burglary was planned in advance, and Fielder used diversions to insure the home was empty when the burglary was committed. Afterward, Fielder and Bigler took several steps to conceal the conspiracy. On October 5, 2021, Fiedler, in an attempt to leave town, purchased a 2008 Dodge Charger for $5,500 in cash. On October 11, 2021, Bigler, fled from police in a 2008 white Dodge Ram pickup truck that contained evidence of the burglary (including a pistol which had been stolen during the burglary). On October 15, 2021, Bigler equipped himself with a bulletproof vest and two firearms (including a pistol, which had been stolen during the burglary) and a shortened shotgun, and hid himself from law enforcement at a home in North Sioux City, and held another person against his/her will. Fielder was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 87 months’ imprisonment adjusted for time served. She must also serve a 1-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Ian Bigler was sentenced July 20, 2023, in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 180 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is 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. Fielder is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated by LeMars, Iowa Police Department, Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, and ATF, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-4022. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: North Tonawanda man going to prison for 10 years on drug and gun charges

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Daniel Rodriguez, 40, of North Tonawanda, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, who handled the case, stated that leading up to September 11, 2020, Rodriguez and co-defendant Adrienne Czosnyka resided together on Center Avenue in North Tonawanda. Rodriguez was a suspect in an investigation being conducted by the Town of Tonawanda Police Department. On September 11, 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at the Center Avenue residence and on a vehicle belonging to defendant Czosnyka. They recovered over 500 grams of cocaine, four digital scales, 10 cellular telephones, and over $4,700 in currency. Investigators also recovered a 12-gauge shotgun, and three rounds of ammunition. Rodriguez was previously convicted of felonies in 2001 and 2007, and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Adrienne Czosnyka pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession of cocaine and faces up to a year in prison when sentenced. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, III, New York Field Division; the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger; the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Keith T. Glass; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski. # # # #


title: Final Defendant Sentenced to Prison for Violent Uber and Lyft Carjacking Conspiracy, Assaulting a Federal Officer

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Minneapolis man has been sentenced to 87 months in prison for his role in a series of violent carjackings and armed robberies targeting Uber and Lyft drivers and for assaulting a federal officer, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, between September and October 2021, William Charles Saffold, 21, and his co-defendants Shevirio Kavirion Childs-Young, 20, Javeyon Demario Tate, 23, and Eric Harrell Knight, 20, engaged in a series of violent carjackings and armed robberies, targeting Uber and Lyft drivers. As part of the scheme, the defendants conspired with each other to lure drivers to preplanned locations under the guise of picking up or dropping off passengers. When the drivers arrived, the defendants carjacked the drivers at gunpoint. To intimidate and force compliance, they brandished firearms, beat, and pistol-whipped the drivers. They also demanded keys, wallets, and cell phones and forced the drivers at gunpoint to unlock their phones and provide passcodes. The defendants then used the passcodes to further victimize the drivers by accessing and stealing money from the drivers’ Cash App accounts or other applications. According to court documents, on May 11, 2022, while attempting to execute an arrest warrant, an FBI agent approached Saffold, who immediately drew a pistol and pointed it at the agent before fleeing on foot. On October 21, 2022, Saffold pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to use, carry, and brandish firearms during and in relation to crimes of violence and one count of assaulting a federal officer. Saffold was sentenced yesterday by Judge Katherine M. Menendez to 87 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger thanked the Minneapolis Police Department and the FBI for their skilled investigative work on the case, and Uber and Lyft for their assistance throughout the investigation. This case was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez.


title: Philadelphia Man Admits Receiving Child Pornography and Transferring Obscene Images to Minor

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – A Philadelphia man today admitted causing a minor victim to create and send him sexually explicit images and videos and sending the victim obscene images of himself, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Francisco Andres-Medina, 33, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in Camden federal court to two counts of an indictment charging him with receipt of child pornography and transfer of obscene material to a minor. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: In March and April 2020, Medina communicated over the internet with a 15-year-old victim located in Camden County, New Jersey. After learning that his victim was 15 years old, Medina sent her obscene photographs of his exposed penis. Medina also caused the victim to produce videos and images of the victim engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Medina then caused the victim to send him the sexually explicit images and videos. Medina also directed the victim to send him a video of the victim having sex with another individual. The count of receiving child pornography is punishable by a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison. The count of transferring obscene material to a minor is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison. Each count carries a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for June 26, 2024. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, and the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes and Special Victims Units, under the direction of Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Bender and Josephine Park of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden. andresmedina.indictment.pdf


title: Missouri Man Who Fled to Asia During Child Pornography Investigation Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Wednesday sentenced a man who fled to Asia after his arrest during a child pornography investigation to seven years in prison. Dominic J. Pavia, now 42, pleaded guilty in November to one count of possession of child pornography. He admitted as part of his plea that on Dec. 10, 2010, an investigation by the Saint Louis County Police Department's Special Investigations Unit identified a computer being used to store child sexual abuse material. During an April 26, 2011, court-approved search, detectives seized computer equipment and Pavia, a law school student, was arrested. A scan revealed child pornography on the computer. Pavia, who was living in University City at the time, left the country, knowing that criminal charges were a possibility, according to his plea agreement. On March 4, 2014, detectives performed a full forensic analysis of the computer, finding 4,641 images and 1,719 videos containing child pornography. Pavia was indicted on Nov. 19, 2014. After leaving the U.S., Pavia traveled to China, Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines. He was unable to renew his visa in China in the summer of 2022 and his passport was set to expire in September 2023, according to court records. He returned to the United States in January 2023. The St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Collins prosecuted the case. 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 the Department of Justice Criminal Division's 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Oklahoma Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Government’s Online Auctions, Purchasing Vehicles and Jewelry for $1

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – An Oklahoma man has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after hacking a government auction website and purchasing vehicles and jewelry for $1, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, between February 25 and March 6, 2019, Evan James Coker, 41, participated in a scheme to defraud General Service Administration’s (“GSA”) auctions. The GSA conducts online auctions through which it sells excess equipment, including surplus, seized, and forfeited assets, as well as equipment that is no longer needed by government agencies. The auctions are conducted online through servers located in Eagan, Minnesota. As part of his scheme, Coker bid in multiple auctions for vehicles and jewelry on the GSA Auctions website. When Coker won a particular auction, he was directed to the pay.gov website to remit payment in the amount of his winning bid. Instead of remitting payment in the amount of his winning bid, Coker breached the pay.gov website and falsified the true auction price to $1. In total, Coker bid on and won 19 auction items and fraudulently paid just $1 for each item. As a result of his scheme, Coker obtained three vehicles, including a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid, for which he bid $8,327; a Ford F550 pickup truck, for which he bid $9,000; and a Chevrolet C4500 Box Truck, for which he bid $22,700. Coker pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge Michael J. Davis to one count of wire fraud. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew S. Ebert and Matthew D. Forbes are prosecuting the case.


title: North Henderson, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - Illinois, Central

body_text: ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A North Henderson man, Alan Dean Secrist, 48, of the 500 block of 300th Street, North Henderson, Illinois, was sentenced on February 14, 2024, to 30 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for Failure to Register as a sex offender. At the sentencing hearing, Chief United States District Judge Sara L. Darrow determined that Secrist was a Tier III offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) and was required to register for life as a sex offender due to his 2011 conviction in Knox County, Illinois, for aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Secrist failed to register his residence and in March of 2023, he was located arrested on the charge. Secrist has remained in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest. Secrist pleaded guilty in October 2023, to Failure to Register. The statutory penalty for failure to register as a sex offender is up to 10 years of imprisonment, to be followed by 5 years to life of supervised release. The investigation was conducted by the Galesburg Police Department, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, the Fountain Police Department in Fountain, Colorado, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Lee Aguilar represented the federal government in the prosecution.


title: Florida Man Indicted for Health Care Fraud, Wire Fraud, Illegal Kickbacks in $97 Million Scheme

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Florida man was charged in an indictment unsealed today for his role in durable medical equipment (DME) kickback scheme that caused $97 million in losses to Medicare, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna announced today. Raheel Naviwala, 35, of Coral Springs, Florida, is charged in a 10-count indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, three counts of health care fraud, two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, and three counts of illegal kickbacks. According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court: Naviwala and his conspirators owned and operated multiple call centers through which they obtained doctors’ orders for durable medical equipment – orthotic braces – for Medicare beneficiaries, without regard to medical necessity. Naviwala and his conspirators obtained the DME orders through the use of marketing call centers and telemedicine companies. Naviwala and his conspirators provided these DME orders in exchange for bribes from certain companies of $125 to $450 per brace. Naviwala and his conspirators caused losses to Medicare in excess of $97 million and received kickbacks in excess of $46 million. Conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. Each count of health care fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. Each count of wire fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. Conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison. Each count of illegal kickbacks is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. Each count is also punishable by a fine. Attorney for the United States Khanna credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark and Acting Special Agent in Charge is Maged Behnam in Miami, Florida; the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz; the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Solecki; and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri with the investigation leading to the charge. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Specht and Ray Mateo of the Opioid Abuse Prevention & Enforcement Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. naviwala.indictment.pdf


title: Pulaski County Man Sentenced to 28 Years for Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Somerset, Ky., man, Johnathan Fitzgerald Cannada, 41, was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Karen K. Caldwell, to 28 years in prison, for production of child pornography. According to his plea agreement, Cannada admitted to having a sexual relationship with a minor, where he persuaded the minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct, to produce visual depictions of the conduct. On at least two occasions, Cannada filmed himself engaging in sexual activity with the minor. Separately, the minor would also capture sexually explicit depictions of herself, on a device Cannada provided her, and would then send them to him, via Facebook Messenger, at his request. During the investigation, Cannada also attempted to obstruct justice in several ways, by remotely wiping the victim’s device while it was in police custody, encouraging the victim to delete evidence through Facebook Messenger, and threatening physical violence toward a family member of the victim. Under federal law, Cannada must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Russell Coleman, Kentucky Attorney General’s Office; and Chief William Hunt, Somerset Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by FBI, ,Somerset Police Department, and the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office. David Dalton, Commonwealth Attorney for the 28 th Judicial Circuit, also provided significant assistance to the investigation and prosecution of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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 Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . — END —


title: South Texan imprisoned for stolen identity and plot to smuggle firearms to Mexico

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 32-year-old Brownsville man has been sentenced for aggravated identity theft and straw purchasing in connection to a firearm purchasing scheme out of Texas into Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Leonardo Barroso pleaded guilty June 9, 2022. U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Barroso to serve 87 months for the straw purchase conviction and a mandatory 24 months for the identity theft to be served consecutively for a total of 111 months in federal prison. The sentence will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Barroso worked as a door-to-door electricity salesman who used his customers’ personal information to purchase firearms in San Antonio and Corpus Christi. Barroso purchased over 20 firearms to be smuggled into Mexico and intentionally delivered to cartel members. On Feb. 7, 2022, Barroso purchased a firearm from a dealer in Corpus Christi using a Social Security number and identification that belonged to a known victim of identity theft. He then used the stolen identification to purchase a firearm for a third party to smuggle into Mexico. Barroso additionally provided false and misleading statements to the firearms dealer upon completing required paperwork for the purchase. Barroso also admitted to law enforcement he was transporting other firearms out of the United States. He served as a facilitator by recruiting Mexican nationals to purchase numerous firearms from dealers in Texas to be smuggled into Mexico. Barroso will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Marck and Lance Watt prosecuted the case.


title: Former Tax Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Preparing False Tax Returns for Clients

component: USAO - North Dakota

body_text: FARGO – A former tax return preparer who provided services to clients in North Dakota pleaded guilty today to five counts of preparing false tax returns for clients. According to court documents and statements made in court, Joseph Korha, currently of Minneapolis, Minnesota, worked as a tax return preparer for a business located in Phoenix, Arizona. In 2019, Korha prepared and submitted more than 100 fraudulent returns for clients, many of whom resided in the Fargo area. Korha claimed false tax credits and fictitious business profits and losses on these returns, which inflated his clients’ tax refunds. In total, Korha caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $294,000. Korha is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday, June 3, 2024, at 10 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of filing a false tax return. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, 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 and U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider for the District of North Dakota made the announcement. “This guilty plea is a victory for honest taxpayers,” Schneider said. “Nobody likes taxes, but when a preparer willfully commits fraud, that’s a crime that hurts the millions of Americans who work with trusted professionals to follow the law. I want to thank our partners at IRS Criminal Investigation for ensuring justice was done in this case.” “A guilty plea is a good first step in achieving justice for taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock, IRS Criminal Investigation’s St. Louis Field Office. “CI is happy to work alongside our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office to track down fraudulent tax preparers and hold them accountable for taking advantage of unsuspecting taxpayers.” IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Dominick Giovanniello of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan A. Healy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Missouri Man Admits Selling Fentanyl to Drug Overdose Victim

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: CAPE GIRARDEAU – A man from Jackson, Missouri on Wednesday admitted selling fentanyl to someone who later suffered a fatal overdose. Dylan C. McMikle, 22, of Jackson, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one felony count of distribution of fentanyl. He admitted selling fentanyl to a 25-year-old Sikeston man early on the morning of Dec. 16, 2022. The victim snorted several lines of powdered fentanyl that McMikle provided and McMikle sold the victim an additional capsule containing fentanyl as he was leaving at approximately 6 a.m., McMikle’s plea agreement says The victim, who had been struggling with a serious addiction, died of a drug overdose that evening. After the victim’s death, investigators found messages between the victim and McMikle about obtaining fentanyl. McMikle consented to a search of his home and officers found a small baggie of fentanyl powder and several fentanyl pills. McMikle is scheduled to be sentenced May 21. The distribution of fentanyl charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force and the Sikeston Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Koester is prosecuting the case.


title: Former North Dakota Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Preparing False Returns for Clients

component: Tax Division

body_text: A former North Dakota man pleaded guilty today to five counts of preparing false tax returns for clients. According to court documents and statements made in court, Joseph Korha, currently of Minneapolis, worked as a tax return preparer for a business located in Phoenix, Arizona. In 2019, Korha prepared and submitted more than 100 fraudulent returns for clients, many of whom resided in the Fargo area. Korha claimed false tax credits and fictitious business profits and losses on these returns, which inflated his clients’ tax refunds. In total, Korha caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $294,000. Korha is scheduled to be sentenced on June 3. He faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of filing a false tax return. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution 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 and U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider for the District of North Dakota made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Dominick Giovanniello of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Healy for the District of North Dakota are prosecuting the case.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to  Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –CHRIS ROBERTSON, JR. , age 25, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on February 15, 2024 before Chief U.S. District Judge Nanette Jolivette Brown to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant at ROBERTSON’s residence in November of 2023. FBI agents found a box of 9-millimeter ammunition hidden beneath ROBERTSON ’s mattress and a Glock Model 19, 9-millimeter handgun, hidden beneath a rug outside his bedroom. ROBERTSON has previous convictions for possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number and attempted illegal carrying of weapons, while in possession of a controlled substance. ROBERTSON, JR. faces up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. 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. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Burlington Armed Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 60 Months

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Terrence Anderson, 56, of Burlington, Vermont was sentenced today to a 5-year term of imprisonment, following his guilty plea to possessing with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also ordered Anderson to serve a 4-year term of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. According to court records, on January 9, 2022, Burlington Police officers responded to a 911 call during which the caller reported her boyfriend had threatened her with a gun. Responding officers encountered the caller and defendant Anderson at Anderson’s residence. Officers located a Ruger EC9S handgun inside the apartment, which the caller stated Anderson had pointed at her while threatening to shoot her. While arresting Anderson for aggravated domestic assault in the first degree, Burlington Police officers located approximately 18 grams of fentanyl packaged in 57 baggies in Anderson’s pocket. Burlington Police thereafter obtained a warrant to search Anderson’s apartment. During the search, officers located inside a safe an additional 140 grams of fentanyl, over $17,300 of cash, and assorted opiate pills. Elsewhere in the apartment, officers located a digital scale, two loaded .45 caliber handgun magazines, a money counter, and jewelry. Subsequent investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration resulted in the seizure of approximately $194,000 of cash from two safe deposit boxes rented in Anderson’s name at local banks. Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration also seized two additional handguns and approximately $16,000 in cash from storage units rented by Anderson. In total, law enforcement seized over $243,000 of cash, high-end jewelry, approximately 158 grams of fentanyl, three firearms, and dozens of rounds of ammunition. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest stated, “I commend the Burlington Police Department for their excellent work responding to the domestic violence perpetrated by Terrence Anderson. The Drug Enforcement Administration also did great work investigating and seizing Anderson’s guns, drugs, and proceeds of drug trafficking. The combination of domestic violence, drug trafficking, and illegal firearm possession in this case is appalling. This office, along with our law enforcement partners will continue our dogged efforts to disrupt these kinds of illegal behavior throughout Vermont.” The prosecutors were Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary B. Stendig and Jonathan A. Ophardt. Anderson was represented by Assistant Federal Defender Mary Nerino, Esq. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Kanawha County Man Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Sean Patrick Boyd Jr., 26, of Dunbar, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation for receipt of stolen money. Boyd was also ordered to pay $23,817.79 in restitution, and owes $17,227.79 of that amount after turning over $6,590 in seized assets. Boyd admitted to a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of $20,832 in COVID-19 relief loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 18, 2021, Boyd applied for a PPP loan on behalf of his purported business, “Sean Boyd.” Boyd falsely stated in his application that “Sean Boyd” was in operation on February 15, 2020, which was a requirement to qualify for a PPP loan. Boyd admitted that “Sean Boyd” was fictitious and was not a registered business entity in West Virginia at the time he applied for the loan. Businesses applying for PPP loans were also required to provide documentation showing their prior gross income from either 2019 or 2020. Boyd admitted that he submitted a false IRS Form 1040, Schedule C, stating that “Sean Boyd” had earned $99,996 in gross income during 2019. Boyd submitted the loan application electronically from West Virginia and it was uploaded to servers in Nebraska for processing. Boyd’s loan application was approved and $20,832 was electronically transferred to his personal bank account in West Virginia. Boyd admitted that before he received the fraudulent loan, his bank account balance was $12.47. On May 24, 2021, Boyd withdrew $10,000 of the fraudulent loan proceeds from his bank’s branch in Nitro. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Secret Service, the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU). Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case. The CARES Act, enacted in March 2020, offered emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This assistance included forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-123. ###


title: Convicted Drug Trafficking Murderer Sentenced to 50 Years

body_text: WASHINGTON – Jann Jousten Aponte-Rivera, 27, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, was sentenced today to 50 years in prison for the drug-related murder of Shantay Myisha Butler, 42, of Frederick, MD, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Criminal and Cyber Division, and Acting Inspector in Charge Ajay Lall, of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Chief Judge James E. Boasberg. Aponte-Rivera was convicted after a jury trial on November 8, 2023 of all three counts charged, including: conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; continuing criminal enterprise – causing the intentional death of Shantay Butler; and causing the death of Shantay Butler through the use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug-trafficking offense. Aponte-Rivera was part of a large-scale drug trafficking organization based in San Juan that was sending kilogram quantities of cocaine to the mainland United States, including the Washington D.C. region, via the U.S. Postal Service. Law enforcement identified more than 50 parcels of cocaine shipped by the organization from Puerto Rico to the area with a wholesale street value of at least $2 million. Once the drugs arrived in the metropolitan area, a local drug trafficking organization distributed the cocaine to mainland dealers. The drug trafficking organization’s members, including Aponte-Rivera, traveled from San Juan to the Washington, D.C. area to collect drug proceeds, and then surreptitiously traveled on commercial airliners with the proceeds. Aponte-Rivera was indicted with co-defendants Rey Rivera Ruiz, Nomar Medina Diaz, and Michael Gabriel Rivera Hernandez. According to the facts introduced at trial, the leader of the Washington, D.C.-area drug trafficking organization owed several thousand dollars to the Puerto Rico drug trafficking organization and had been ordered to pay for several kilograms of cocaine which did not arrive in the Washington, D.C.-area. On October 14, 2020, Aponte-Rivera lured the leader of the Washington, D.C. area drug trafficking organization and Shantay Butler to a desolate part of Toa Baja in Puerto Rico. When the leader of the Washington, D.C.-area drug trafficking organization arrived with Ms. Butler in a car, Aponte-Rivera ambushed them, but pulling out a firearm and firing on the vehicle. The leader of the Washington, D.C.-area drug trafficking organization was shot five times, remained in a coma for several weeks, but survived. His girlfriend, Ms. Butler, died of her wounds. The FBI arrested Aponte-Rivera on April 15, 2021, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Rivera Ruiz pleaded guilty on May 26, 2022, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and is set to be sentenced before Chief Judge Boasberg on February 22, 2024. In total, 10 individuals have been convicted for their roles in this drug trafficking conspiracy. This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Montgomery Co. Police Department (MCPD), and the Frederick City Police Department (FCPD). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Scarpelli and David T. Henek, of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel Fletcher and Dineen Baker assisted in the investigation and charging of this case.


title: St. Louis County Man Sentenced for Trying to Bribe Postal Workers

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark on Wednesday sentenced a man who tried to buy keys to mail collection boxes from postal workers to 20 months in prison. Dwaundre K. Valley, 21, of Bridgeton, pleaded guilty in October to bribery of a public official. He admitted offering three different postal carriers a bribe in March and April of 2022 for the “arrow” keys that allow access to certain mail collection boxes. Valley offered one letter carrier $5,000 for the key, his plea agreement says. In a sentencing memo, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow wrote that the bribery attempts come at a time when mail theft has been on the rise, as criminals steal mail to obtain checks and use those checks to commit fraud. Crimes like Valley’s undermine the public’s sense of security and confidence in a vital government service, Clow wrote. These cases were investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. A U.S. Marshals Service task force that includes the St. Louis County Police Department assisted in apprehending Valley. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow prosecuted the case.


title: Kaplan, La. Man Sentenced to Three Years Probation for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracy

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – GRANT C. MENARD , age 37 and a resident of Kaplan, La., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jane Triche-Milazzo to three years of probation after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. As according to court documents, MENARD conspired with RYAN MULLEN, DUANE DUFRENE, DILLON ARCENEAUX, LANCE VALLO, and ZEB SARTIN to use a number of shell Louisiana companies with no assets, to defraud a merchant cash advance company based in Georgia. MULLEN and DUFRENE helped establish ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD, and SARTIN as the owners of existing companies. MULLEN and DUFRENE then created fake vendor accounts for the companies, and MULLEN, with the aid of another person, created falsified bank records for the companies. MULLEN then used an alias, claiming to be a broker for the companies he helped create. Through the aid of another broker, MULLEN supplied the victim merchant cash advance company with the fake vendor accounts and false bank records in order to obtain funding. The victim merchant cash advance company then approved the advances and began to electronically wire ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD , and SARTIN millions of dollars in advances. ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD , and SARTIN laundered a portion of the funds by paying MULLEN and DUFRENE percentages of the funds. ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD, and SARTIN then closed their non-existent companies before fully repaying the merchant cash advance company, resulting in overall losses to the victim of approximately $6.4 million. MENARD, himself, was responsible for approximately $649,990 in losses to the victim. In addition to the sentence, MENARD was sentenced to pay $649,990 in victim restitution, 40 hours of community service and a mandatory special assessment fee of $200. U.S. Attorney Evans commended the special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS-Criminal Investigation for their handling of the matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit and Andre Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit.


title: Firearms and Drug Charges Filed Against District Man Who Allegedly Committed Crimes While on Pre-Trial Release for Shooting a 14-Year-Old

body_text: WASHINGTON – A superseding indictment charges Darnell Lamont Savoy, 24, of Washington D.C., with charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, possession of a large-capacity feeding device, and second-degree cruelty to children. The charges contained in a federal indictment, docketed on February 15, 2024, are in addition to a case charged in Superior Court in connection with the 2018 shooting of a 14-year-old child, and a subsequent 2022 stabbing that Savoy allegedly committed while under indictment – and on pretrial release – for the shooting, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). An arraignment for Savoy is scheduled for April 26, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Timothy J. Kelly. In 2021, Savoy was released from custody, over the government’s written and oral objections, and put on home confinement while awaiting trial on assault with intent to kill while armed and related offenses stemming from the 2018 shooting. According to court documents, on October 11, 2022, Savoy allegedly stabbed a person during an argument and fled the scene. Investigators tracked Savoy to the 3900 block of Southern Avenue, SE. On the morning of October 21, 2022, MPD officers and FBI agents executed a search warrant at an apartment unit on the block, where Savoy was staying with a woman and a 3-year-old child. During the search, law enforcement found a plastic bag containing 4.55 grams of an off-white powder, a digital scale with white powder residue, a red cut straw with white powder residue, and a two-pack of naloxone. The powder and the residues tested positive for fentanyl. In a blue camo jacket, investigators discovered 27 zip baggies with an off-white powder weighing a total of 7.3 grams, 29 blue bills stamped M30, 16 red zip baggies containing an off-white powder weighing nearly 5 grams, and $473 in U.S. currency. The powders tested positive for fentanyl. The jacket also contained Savoy’s driver’s license, Visa credit card, and Costco membership card. In a hall closet, on top of a dryer, officers discovered a loaded, unregistered, semi-automatic Glock 30, with 23 rounds in a 30 round capacity magazine. DNA testing linked Savoy to the firearm. DNA from the woman living in the apartment could not be linked to the firearm. The fentanyl recovered during the search warrant was located in a common area of the apartment that the three-year-old had access to, which could have led to the overdose of the child. The charges of assault with intent to kill while armed with a firearm and other counts stem from the 2018 shooting of a 14-year-old. The victim had been sitting in a car with his father, when Savoy drove up with two other men who began shooting, believing the vehicle contained individuals involved in the murder of a member of Savoy’s crew. Trial in that case is scheduled to begin in April of 2024. The case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Long and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Stempel. Valuable assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney William G. Hart and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah J. Rasalam. The charges are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Cars Stolen  from Norfolk Southern Railyard  and Federal Gun and Drug Offenses

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MISTER MACKEY, JR. , age 22, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on February 20, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to two counts of possessing goods stolen from an interstate shipment, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 659; possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. MACKEY is the tenth and final defendant to plead guilty in this case. According to court documents, on March 29, 2023,a 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Crew Cab 4X4 and a 2023 Lincoln Aviator were stolen from the Norfolk Southern Automotive Distribution Facility. Between March 29 and April 3, 2023, MACKEY was observed on surveillance video occupying both stolen vehicles. On August 19, 2023, MACKEY was the sole passenger in a vehicle stopped for a traffic violation. A vehicle search revealed backpacks containing marijuana, digital scales, and a Glock Model 17 handgun with a loaded 30-round magazine partially inserted in the gun, and an additional loaded drum magazine in the glove box. MACKEY possessed the marijuana for distribution, and also possessed the Glock Model 17 and ammunition. Previously, MACKEY had been convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and bank fraud. Each count of possessing a stolen car carries a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. As to his conviction for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, MACKEY faces up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and a minimum of two years of supervised release. As to his conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, MACKEY faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. As to each count of conviction, MACKEY also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Seymour Man Admits Involvement in Danbury Post Office Bribery and Kickback Scheme

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Kenneth Cleevely, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that MICHAEL D. LUTZ, 26, of Seymour, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to a conspiracy offense stemming from a bribery and kickback scheme involving the Postmaster of the Danbury Post Office. According to court documents and statements made in court, Ephrem D. Nguyen was employed by the U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) as the Postmaster of the Danbury Post Office in Danbury, with responsibilities that included supervising the maintenance and repair of all equipment, facilities, and vehicles assigned to the post office. Lutz was the general manager for a company, identified in court documents as “Vendor-1,” which provided vehicle maintenance and repair services for the Danbury Post Office. In November 2020, Nguyen required that all Danbury Post Office vehicle maintenance and repair work be performed by Vendor-1, even though Nguyen knew that another vendor already had a contract with the Danbury Post Office for those services. Nguyen demanded that Vendor-1 provide free vehicle maintenance and repairs for himself, one of his children, a USPS employee, and employee of Nguyen’s personal business. In 2022, Nguyen solicited and received from Lutz $90,000 in cash bribes, which Lutz paid from Vendor-1’s proceeds. In exchange for these bribes, Nguyen caused the USPS to overpay the Vendor-1 for vehicle maintenance and repair, which Nguyen characterized as a “raise.” Between approximately January 2022 and February 2023, Nguyen used USPS credit cards to pay Vendor-1 approximately $1.1 million, approximately $260,000 of which was for legitimate maintenance and repair work. The USPS lost approximately $843,271.32 though this scheme. Lutz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services wire, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for May 16. Lutz is released on bond pending sentencing. On October 13, 2023, Nguyen pleaded guilty to one count of honest services wire fraud related to this scheme and also admitted that he embezzled more than $80,000 from the USPS by using his USPS credit cards to rent vehicles for the personal use of himself and others, and that he approved more than $8,000 in fraudulent travel expense reimbursement claims for a co-worker. Nguyen is released on a $100,000 bond and residing in Massachusetts while awaiting sentencing. This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan N. Francis.


title: Grand Jury Returns Three Indictments

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Neenah Man Charged with Distributing Sexually Explicit Images of a Minor Adam J. Westbrook, 34, Neenah, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment charges that Westbrook used Snapchat to distribute two videos of Minor A engaged in sexually explicit conduct on or about January 27, 2024. Westbrook will make his initial appearance on the charge on February 22, 2024, at 11:15 am. If convicted, Westbrook faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The charge against Westbrook is the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the Neenah, Lake Delton, and Kenosha Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Altman and Anita Marie Boor are handling the case. This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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. Dane County Men Charged with Possessing Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Intended for Distribution Corvalis M. Stewart, 36, Madison, Wisconsin, and Larry D. Williamson Jr., 35, Waunakee, Wisconsin, are charged with possessing 400 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution. The indictment alleges that the two men possessed the fentanyl on February 8, 2024. Both men were arrested on February 8, 2024, and remain in custody. Stewart and Williamson are also charged with possessing, with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl and methamphetamine on February 8, 2024. If convicted, Stewart and Williamson, Jr. face a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years and a maximum penalty of life in prison on each charge. The charges against Stewart and Williamson Jr. are the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, and the Middleton Police Department, with the assistance of the Air and Marine Operations Center (AMOC) in Riverside, CA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the case. Eau Claire Men Charged with Distributing Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Hector A. Jimenez-Sosa, 41, and Mario R. Aviles, 26, both of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, are charged with distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine on September 19, 2023, and with distributing fentanyl on October 3, 2023. The indictment alleges that with respect to Jimenez-Sosa, the amount attributable to him on September 19, 2023, was 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Jimenez-Sosa is also charged with distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on October 31, 2023. If convicted, Jimenez-Sosa faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison on the two charges involving distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted on the other charges, both Jimenez-Sosa and Aviles face maximum penalties of 20 years in prison. The charges against Jimenez-Sosa and Aviles were the result of an investigation by the West Central Drug Task Force, Eau Claire Police Department, Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson is handling the case.


title: St. Charles County Man Admits Collecting Child Pornography for Years

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Charles County, Missouri on Wednesday admitted collecting child sexual abuse material for years. Philip Daniel Shurtliff, 34, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two counts of receipt of child pornography and admitted being caught with child sexual abuse material twice. In March of 2021, the St. Charles County Cyber Crimes Task Force received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that someone used Kik Messenger to send child pornography. Detectives traced a Kik account to Shurtliff and performed a court-approved search of his home in April of 2021. Shurtliff told them that he obtained child pornography and sent it to someone to gain access to a Kik group. Investigators found five videos on his cell phone. In 2023, the task force received a second report from NCMEC about child sexual abuse material that led them to Shurtliff’s home again, where they arrested Shurtliff in relation to the 2021 report. Shurliff told detectives that he is a “monster” and has been trading child pornography for approximately 19 years. Detectives found 97 images and 27 videos containing child pornography on his cell phone. Shurtliff is scheduled to be sentenced May 21. The receipt of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of up to 20 years. The St. Charles County Cyber Crimes Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Chapman is prosecuting the case. 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 the Department of Justice Criminal Division's 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Mason City Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison  for Conspiring to Distribute Meth

body_text: A Mason City woman who allowed her daughter and another individual to store methamphetamine in her home was sentenced February 21, 2024, to more nearly 4 years in federal prison. Julie Ann Sankey, age 62, from Mason City, Iowa received the prison term after an August 29, 2023, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Sankey was in possession of a half-ounce of ice methamphetamine that belonged to the co-defendants and was intended for sale. Sankey allowed her co-defendants to store up pounds of methamphetamine for resale on 15 through 20 different occasions between 2020 and 2021. Sankey was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Sankey was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Sankey is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jack Lammers and investigated by the Cerro Gordo Sheriff’s Office, Mason City Police Department, Clear Lake Police Department, Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, and the North Central Iowa Drug Task Force. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-3006. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: New Orleans Man and Woman Indicted for Fraudulent  Vehicle Purchase Scheme

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on Friday, February 16, 2024, KENNETH RICHMOND , age 63, and KENDRA WALKER , age 40, of New Orleans, were charged in a six-count indictment by for conspiring to commit wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. In Count One, RICHMOND and WALKER were charged with conspiring to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. According to the indictment, in 2022, RICHMOND and WALKER conspired to use fake or stolen personal identifying information to make fraudulent vehicle purchases from a local car dealership. The vehicle purchases were bank financed, and the loans went into default. Counts Two through Five of the indictment allege that on several dates between February and November of 2022, RICHMOND and/or WALKER caused credit applications to be submitted through wire communications, in order to defraud a car dealership and bank, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343 and 2. Count Six alleges that RICHMOND and WALKER knowingly transferred, without lawful authority, a means of identification belonging to another actual person, to further their fraudulent scheme, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1028A and 2. If convicted of Counts One through Five, RICHMOND and WALKER face, as to each count, up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. As to Count Six, RICHMOND and WALKER face a prison term of two (2) years consecutive to any other sentence imposed, up to one (1) year of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Kansas man indicted on drug trafficking charges

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with drug trafficking and firearms crimes. According to court documents, Horace R. Wright, 40, of Pittsburg is charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting the case. OTHER INDICTMENTS Raul Delgado-Sanchez, 32, of Wichita was indicted on one with count of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Tenderloin Drug Dealer Sentenced To More Than Six Years In Prison For Conspiracy To Distribute Fentanyl; Possession With Intent To Distribute Fentanyl, Heroin, And Cocaine; And Distribution Of Methamphetamine

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – Melvin Alexis Diaz Arteaga (Diaz), a resident of Oakland, was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison following his conviction last year on six drug charges relating to his sale of—and intent to sell—fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. The sentence was imposed by the Hon. Charles R. Breyer, Senior United States District Judge. Diaz, 30, a citizen of Honduras, pleaded guilty in October 2023 to charges including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A)(vi); possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin and cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A)(vi), (b)(1)(B)(i)–(ii); and distribution of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(viii), (b)(1)(C). In his plea agreement, Diaz admitted he possessed 6.6 kilograms—that is, nearly 15 pounds—of fentanyl, along with lesser quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and other controlled substances, all of which he intended to sell, when he was arrested outside an apartment in Berkeley, California, on November 16, 2022. He also admitted that he (i) used that Berkeley apartment to manufacture and store significant quantities of drugs for sale in the Tenderloin, among other locations; and (ii) sold, or arranged the sale of, fentanyl and methamphetamine to an undercover officer of the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) on four separate occasions between September 16, 2022, and October 5, 2022. According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, officers found two firearms, cash, and drug manufacturing and processing equipment inside the stash house, in addition to the drugs themselves. In addition, the government’s sentencing memorandum says, officers determined that Diaz traveled from his residence in Oakland to the Tenderloin every night between October 13, 2022, and November 11, 2022. As part of his regular commute, Diaz typically picked up his co-defendant at another location in the East Bay and the two men then stopped by their Berkeley stash house to pick up drugs before heading into San Francisco to sell those drugs on the streets of the Tenderloin. “By his own admission, this defendant had access to a staggering quantity of fentanyl, which he repeatedly sold in the Tenderloin,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. “Today’s sentencing should serve as a warning to those who regularly sell dangerous drugs on our streets: you will not escape justice. I am proud of the work being done by this Office and by our federal and local law enforcement partners to ensure that fentanyl dealers operating throughout this District, and particularly in the Tenderloin, are held to account.” Pursuant to the plea agreement, Diaz agreed to forfeit, among other things, more than $50,000 in cash that officers seized on the night of his arrest, including nearly $42,000 found in Diaz’s bedroom. Diaz acknowledged these funds either were, or were derived from, drug proceeds, or that they were used, or were intended to be used, to commit or facilitate his drug trafficking crimes. Diaz and two co-defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury on January 5, 2023. Diaz was charged in six of the eight counts alleged in the indictment. In addition to sentencing Diaz to prison, Judge Breyer ordered the defendant to serve four years of supervised release to begin after his prison term is completed. Diaz has been in custody since he was arrested on November 16, 2022, and he was remanded into custody following his sentencing today. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas M. Parker is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Jessie Chelsea. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from SFPD.


title: District Teen Pleads Guilty to Carjacking

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Miliki Lee, 19, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty in Superior Court in the District of Columbia to carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). According to court documents, the victim was driving in the 1000 block of Buchanan St NE at approximately 9:30 p.m. on October 27, 2023, when Lee and two other juveniles, who were driving another vehicle, drove in front of her, blocking her path. Lee and his co-conspirators got out and surrounded the victim’s vehicle, and eventually forced her out of her car at gunpoint. Within minutes MPD officers responded to the victim’s call and used the MPD helicopter to track the stolen vehicle into Prince George’s County Maryland. Prince George’s County police followed Lee back into the District, where Lee crashed the vehicle. Prince George’s County police and MPD officers apprehended Lee after he ran from the car. Police also recovered a Glock handgun that was loaded with 29 rounds of ammunition. Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan scheduled a sentencing hearing for May 17, 2024. Lee faces a mandatory minimum term of seven years in prison for carjacking, and a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison for possessing and using the firearm during the carjacking. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, with valuable assistance from the Prince George’s County Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Bartz.


title: Ex-Bureau of Land Management employee admits stealing, forging and cashing government checks

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: MISSOULA—A former Bureau of Land Management employee today admitted to stealing agency checks and forging the signature of another employee to obtain cash for personal expenses, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Adrian Anthony Aragon, 52, of Butte, pleaded guilty to theft of government property and aggravated identity theft. Aragon faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250 000 fine and three years of supervised release on the theft crime and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft crime. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen will sentence Aragon on June 26. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Aragon was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that Aragon worked for the BLM in 2019 and 2020. In early 2022, a BLM employee, identified as Jane Doe, reported four checks totaling $10,700 were written on a government bank account in her name without her knowledge or authorization. Bank records showed that the checks were written to “cash” against a Citibank account and presented for deposit into Wells Fargo accounts solely in Aragon’s name. Aragon used the stolen funds for personal expenses, including cash withdrawals, utility and cell phone bills, restaurants, grocery stores and Amazon purchases. Jane Doe told law enforcement that Aragon had access to her checks during his employment and that Aragon made schedule changes resulting in him being the first or last person in the office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case. The Department of Interior Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Former Booneville Basketball Coach Sentenced for Child Exploitation

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Greenville, MS – A former Booneville High School assistant basketball coach was sentenced to serve ten years in prison on Wednesday following his conviction for online enticement of a minor. According to court documents, Kenny Paul Geno, 28 years old, used a minor to make and produce child sexual abuse materials, and enticed minor students to self-produce “nudes” to send to him. The investigation commenced in October of 2022, when the FBI received a complaint alleging that Geno, an assistant basketball coach at Booneville High school, was sending minors at BHS inappropriate Snapchat communications. Several current and former female students subsequently reported that Geno solicited images of sexually explicit conduct over Snapchat. At least one former student advised that she engaged in sexual contact with Geno that he recorded on his cell phone. During the ongoing investigation, several videos of child sexual abuse material involving minor victims were recovered on Geno’s cell phone hidden within an encrypted application used to store the media. On Wednesday, Chief U.S. District Judge Debra M. Brown ordered Geno to serve 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Geno will also be required to register as a sex offender. “Today’s sentence is an important reminder that no one is above the law and that we will always seek to hold accountable individuals who abuse the trust of the public and children who are entrusted to their care,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We appreciate the work of law enforcement in this case to see that this defendant spends the next ten years where he belongs, in prison.” “Mr. Kenny Paul Geno’s actions violated the innocence and trust of many young children,” said FBI Acting Special Agent In Charge Maher Dimachkie. “The FBI is committed to combating crimes against children and will continue to engage with law enforcement partners and community leaders to protect children. The FBI will hold individuals like Mr. Geno accountable for their actions.” The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker King prosecuted the case.


title: North Carolina Man Sentenced for Role in 59 Kilo Cross-Border Cocaine Delivery

body_text: NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Durham, North Carolina man was sentenced yesterday to 123 months in prison for his role in the attempted delivery of 59 kilograms of cocaine that was transported across the U.S.-Mexico border en route to Providence Forge, Virginia. According to court documents, on July 26, 2023, agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations intercepted a load of cocaine as it crossed the U.S.-Mexico border. Agents then replaced the cocaine with an imitation substance and took the load to a truck stop in Providence Forge to make a controlled delivery to the intended recipient, Jose Daniel Arellano Rodriguez, 36. Arellano Rodriguez arrived at the truck stop with $90,000 in cash to take delivery of the cocaine. He was arrested at the scene and charged with attempted possession with the intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; and Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Jamar K. Walker. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt prosecuted the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-61.


title: Former Capital One Analyst Sentenced for Insider Trading

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A foreign national formerly of Henrico was sentenced today to two years in prison after engaging in a $3.1 million insider trading scheme. According to court documents, Nan Huang, 45, conspired with his then-coworker to commit insider trading. From 2008 to 2015, Huang worked as a senior data analyst for a subsidiary of Capital One Financial Corporation. As a senior data analyst, Huang had access to a Capital One database that collected transaction data from Capital One credit card and debit card customers. In violation of his fiduciary duties to Capital One, Huang searched this database thousands of times and compiled on his work computer material, non-public information about publicly traded companies. Because this information was highly correlated with the not-yet-public actual revenue of these companies, Huang was able to predict whether these companies would meet their revenue expectations. Huang then executed hundreds of trades using this non-public information and reaped extraordinary profits. Huang personally made over $1.4 million in profits, while the overall conspiracy made more than $3.1 million. Capital One fired Huang in 2015 after it discovered his activity. Days later, Huang fled the country to China, where he remained until his arrest at San Francisco International Airport on April 23, 2023. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; and Kareem A. Carter, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Washington D.C. Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Hood and Zachary Ray prosecuted the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Burke provided significant assistance on the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-319.


title: Two men sentenced for illegal moose kill in Denali National Park

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Two men were sentenced to four years’ probation for killing a bull moose inside Denali National Park. According to court documents, on Sept. 20, 2021, Andrew McDonald, 42, of Harrisburg, South Dakota, and Christopher Brumwell, 42, of Anchorage, were hunting in Denali National Park when McDonald shot a bull moose inside the park boundary. Three groups of hunters witnessed the illegal kill and separately reported McDonald’s and Brumwell’s conduct to law enforcement. The defendants spent several hours field dressing the moose to move the skull and a small portion of the meat to a concealed location outside the park boundary. The rest of the meat was left at the kill site for two days, until Park Rangers packed out an additional 76 pounds. McDonald denied any knowledge of the moose kill when questioned by law enforcement the next day, while Brumwell was out in the field attempting to move the rest of the meat. Witnesses reported that Brumwell denied any knowledge of the kill when they contacted him in the field. Brumwell returned to his camp without moving any more of the meat. Park rangers directed the men to retrieve the two game bags they moved, along with the remainder of the meat. Two days after the illegal kill, Park Rangers contacted McDonald and Brumwell as they were headed out of the field. The Park Rangers observed the men with the skinned moose skull from the kill site and the two game bags, but the men failed to retrieve the rest of the meat from the kill site as directed. McDonald was hunting on a non-resident license, and Brumwell was hunting on a resident license. The court delivered a sentence of four years’ probation and prohibited both defendants from hunting or seeking hunting licenses anywhere in the world for four years. Brumwell is required to pay a fine of $10,000. McDonald will pay a fine of $2,500 and $7,500 in restitution to Denali National Park. When delivering the sentence, the Court emphasized the seriousness of the crime by stating, “I want anyone who is aware of this case to know that this is not a mistake, this is a big deal. … We take this very seriously.” Moose that aren’t taken through conventional hunting are donated to the Alaska Department of Safety “Roadkill Salvage Program,” which donates the moose meat to participating charities, people and organizations. The average moose yields roughly 500 pounds of meat, but because of the defendants conduct in this case, Rangers were able to salvage and donate only approximately 196 pounds of meat. "Mr. McDonald and Mr. Brumwell’s actions are an affront to law abiding hunters and Alaskan subsistence living,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Hunting must be done legally and in accordance with regulations. My office will continue to work with our wildlife law enforcement partners to ensure that hunting rules and regulations are followed by resident and non-resident hunters.” “We are very proud of the work our rangers, special agents, and law enforcement partners accomplished to ensure the successful outcome of this case," said National Park Service Alaska Regional Director, Sarah Creachbaum. “A special thanks to the local hunters who witnessed the violations and helped out with the case.” The National Park Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ainsley McNerney prosecuted the case. ###


title: Utica Woman Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Fentanyl Conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Melisa Muminovic, age 26, of Utica, New York, was sentenced today to 72 months’ imprisonment for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville, New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven G. James, Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, John B. Devito, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New York Field Division, and Chief Mark Williams, Utica Police Department. As part of her prior guilty plea, Muminovic admitted that between approximately January 2021 and July 2021, she conspired with Jahari Brown, Jr. and others to knowingly and intentionally distribute fentanyl in the Utica area. More specifically, she acknowledged that she agreed to keep bags of fentanyl mixture at her residence and other locations, which she delivered to Brown and others, who in turn sold the fentanyl mixture to customers. Muminovic also admitted that in furtherance of the conspiracy, she accompanied Brown to the New York City area for the purpose of purchasing fentanyl and bringing it back to the Utica area, where it would be packaged for sale. United States District Judge David N. Hurd also sentenced Muminovic to serve a term of supervised release of 4 years, upon her release from prison. Five other defendants were charged in the indictment as co-conspirators with Muminovic. All of them pleaded guilty and were previously sentenced as follows: Jahari Brown, Jr., aka “JB,” aka “Yay,” age 23 , of Utica, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, and distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He was sentenced on April 26, 2023, to serve 216 months (18 years) in federal prison, to be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release and an order of forfeiture totaling $177,874. He also pleaded guilty in Oneida County Court to Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Attempted Assault in the First Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, and Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, and was sentenced to serve a total of 18 years in state prison and 5 years of post-release supervision. The Federal and New York State sentences are to be served concurrently. The cases in Oneida County Court were prosecuted by the Oneida County District Attorney's Office. Kymani K. Minott, aka “Bizz,” aka “K-Bizz,” age 20 , of Utica, was sentenced on July 14, 2022, to 60 months’ imprisonment, 4 years’ supervised release, and an order of forfeiture of $2,500. Minott pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and distribution of, a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. Daequon D. Perkins , age 26, of Utica, was sentenced on November 10, 2022 to 27 months’ imprisonment, 4 years’ supervised release, and an order of forfeiture of $2,500. Perkins pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and distribution of, a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. Mark W. Baker , age 45, of Utica, was sentenced on May 18, 2023, to 110 months’ imprisonment, 4 years’ supervised release, and forfeiture of $1,193, three firearms (a .40-caliber pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun, and a 12-caliber shotgun), and assorted rounds of ammunition. Baker pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possession with the intent to distribute, a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Matthew Brooks , age 37, of Utica, was sentenced on July 25, 2023, to 108 months’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release, and forfeiture of $3,377 and four firearms (a Mossberg .22 caliber rifle, an Armalite M-15 semiautomatic rifle, a Mossberg Maverick 88 12-gauge shotgun, and a Mossberg 500A, 12-gauge shotgun). Brooks pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. New York State Police-Special Investigations Unit (NYSP-SIU) and investigators from the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office investigated this case, with assistance from the City of Utica Police Department, DEA, and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. McCrobie and Richard R. Southwick prosecuted the case.