title: Nacogdoches Man Sentenced for Federal Drug Trafficking, Firearms Violations

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

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – A Nacogdoches man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today. Angel Aguilar, 25, pleaded guilty on July 12, 2022 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Aguilar was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on April 27, 2023. According to information presented in court, Aguilar was a member of a drug trafficking organization distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and other narcotics in the Nacogdoches area. During the investigation, law enforcement agents were able to purchase methamphetamine from Aguilar on multiple occasions. During Aguilar's distribution of methamphetamine, he provided a stolen firearm as collateral towards the future purchase of methamphetamine. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, 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. The defendant faced up to life at sentencing. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Nacogdoches Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter. ###


title: Fruitland Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Derek Lorin Blackhorse pleaded guilty to sexual abuse. Blackhorse, 34, of Fruitland New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. According to the plea agreement and other court documents, on May 28, 2021, Blackhorse engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim, Jane Doe, while she was sleeping in her bed at her home. The assault took place on the Navajo Nation. Under the terms of his agreement, Blackhorse can be sentenced to between 6 and 8 years in prison and must register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/ . # # # 23-94


title: Florence Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Fraudulent Scheme to Defraud Chain of Home Improvement Stores

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: Charleston, South Carolina --- Caleb Hood, 31, was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud for his role in a scheme to defraud a chain of home improvement stores. Evidence presented to the court showed that Hood, while using fake identities, would go into home improvement stores throughout the District of South Carolina and steal merchandise. Once Hood had stolen the merchandise, he would then go to another of the store’s locations and return the merchandise. Hood would claim that he did not have the receipt for the merchandise, so the store would issue him credit in the form of a merchandise card. The funds on the merchandise card issued to Hood were not legitimately his because he never purchased the items he returned. From April 2019, up until the date of Hood’s arrest on March 2, 2022, Hood fraudulently obtained a total of $202,659.00. “Caleb Hood used fake identities to steal over $200,000 from a chain of home improvement stores over a period of several years,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “We appreciate the work of the Secret Service and Charleston Police Department in uncovering his scheme and helping to protect our local businesses from financial crimes.” “The Secret Service and Charleston Police Department are committed to investigating fraudulent activity which is detrimental not just to our local businesses, but to our nation’s economic infrastructure as a whole,” said Ben Stafford, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Charleston Resident Office. “We are thankful for the tireless efforts of our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as they worked to see that justice was served in this case.” United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Hood to 48 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Hood was also ordered to pay the home improvement chain $202,659.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Bower prosecuted the case. # # #


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

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Holyoke man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Springfield to illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Joe Anthony Montaner-Vazquez, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for July 25, 2023. Montaner-Vazquez was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2022. On May 25, 2022, Montaner-Vazquez was found in possession of a Glock 9-millimeter caliber pistol and 20 rounds of ammunition after he attempted to flee from police. Montaner-Vazquez was previously convicted of a felony and is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Holyoke Police Chief David Pratt made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Rhode Island Man Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Fraud Scheme Related to COVID-19 Pandemic

body_text: BOSTON – A Rhode Island man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with a fraudulent scheme to obtain over $450,000 in COVID-19-related unemployment assistance. Dquintz Alexander, 36, of Cranston, R.I., pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Aug. 10, 2023. Alexander was charged and arrested in November 2021. In March 2020, in response to the global coronavirus pandemic, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which among other things, created a temporary federal unemployment insurance program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). The PUA program, which in Massachusetts was administered by the Department of Unemployment Assistance, provided unemployment insurance benefits for individuals who are not eligible for other types of unemployment benefits. Alexander participated in a scheme that obtained over $450,000 in proceeds from fraudulent PUA claims submitted between April and June 2020 in Massachusetts. Alexander and co-conspirator Norman Higgs opened bank accounts to receive payments on the fraudulent PUA claims. Alexander and Higgs also used various methods to conceal their involvement in the scheme, including Virtual Private Network (VPN) services, overseas email accounts and phone numbers from Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. In September 2021, Higgs pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15, 2023. The charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations, made the announcement today. The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.


title: Alleged Member of La Oficina de Envigado Pleads Guilty to Role in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Tied to Medellín Cartel

body_text: BOSTON – A Colombian man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy connected with organized crime in the Republic of Colombia. Mario Zapata Velez, 41, of Medellín, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to make extortionate threats, interstate travel in aid of racketeering, collection of credit by extortionate means and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for July 25, 2023. Zapata was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2020 along with co-conspirators Fabio de Jesus Yepes Sanchez, Miguel Colindres and Juan Pablo Ariasgil. Zapata and, allegedly, Yepes were members of La Oficina de Envigado (La Oficina), a criminal organization based in Medellín, Colombia. La Oficina originated in the 1980s when its members provided enforcement and collection services for the Medellín Cartel, including deceased Medellín Cartel leader Pablo Escobar. Today, La Oficina is allegedly involved in international narcotics trafficking, drug debt collection, money laundering, extortion and murder for hire. Zapata and, allegedly, Yepes conspired to use threats to extort approximately $750,000 in drug debt from two cocaine traffickers based in Massachusetts. Zapata and, allegedly, Yepes also conspired with Colindres and Ariasgil to obtain five kilograms of cocaine from the Massachusetts traffickers, sell those kilograms, and then repatriate the drug proceeds to Colombia, in partial satisfaction of the outstanding drug debt. On April 24, 2023, Colindres was sentenced to 51 months in prison and three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to his role in the cocaine conspiracy. In May 2022, Ariasgil was sentenced to four years in prison and four years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to his role in the cocaine conspiracy. Yepes has not pleaded guilty and is pending trial. The charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department; Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and the Government of Colombia. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren A. Graber and Jared C. Dolan of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Worcester Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to False Tax Returns Scheme

body_text: BOSTON – A tax preparer has pleaded guilty in federal court in Worcester to preparing false tax returns in the names of taxpayers. Kwasi Kwarteng, 51, of Worcester, pleaded guilty on April 26, 2023 to 13 counts of aiding and assisting in the filing of false federal tax returns. U.S. District Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Aug. 3, 2023. From at least 2014 through 2018, Kwarteng operated under the name KK Tax Service –despite not being registered with the IRS as required by law – to file more than 1,195 tax returns in the names of clients, charging approximately $150 per return. Kwarteng added false information to hundreds of the returns to claim deductions for fictitious medical expenses, personal property taxes, gifts to charity, Individual Retirement Account (IRA) contributions, and unreimbursed employee business expenses. The false returns resulted in some clients paying lower taxes than they owed and, in most cases, resulted in clients receiving tax refunds for which they were not entitled. Kwarteng caused more than half a million dollars in losses to the IRS. The charges of aiding and assisting in the filing of false federal tax returns each provide for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release a, fine of $250,000 and restitution to the IRS. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A. Wild of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Terre Haute Inmate Sentenced to an Additional 32 Months in Federal Prison for Assaulting a Federal Correctional Officer

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: TERRE HAUTE- Dustin T. Swanda, 36, of Minnesota, was sentenced to 32 additional months in federal prison after pleading guilty to assaulting a federal officer. According to court documents, in 2009, the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota sentenced Swanda to 151 months in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy. On December 31, 2020, Swanda was housed at the Terre Haute Federal Correctional Institution. That day, correctional officers conducted routine security sweeps, including physical checks of the bars and windows in each cell. As part of the check, inmates are asked to leave the cell for a short period of time while the officers searched it. When an officer approached Swanda’s cell, he asked Swanda to step out. Swanda refused to comply. The officer observed Swanda “moving like a zombie,” making unintelligible noises, and staring at the wall. The officer believed Swanda was intoxicated in some manner and called for backup. When instructed to leave his cell again, Swanda became volatile and continued to resist verbal commands. After multiple orders to voluntarily leave the cell were given, officers attempted to physically guide Swanda out of his cell. At this time, Swanda physically resisted the officers by kicking his legs and punching an officer in the face. One officer was taken to a local hospital for a broken finger. The Bureau of Prisons investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon ordered that the sentence be served consecutively to the sentence Swanda is already serving, and also ordered that Swanda pay a $500 fine. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney James M. Warden, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: Statement From U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson On National Child Abuse Prevention Month

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada today issued the following statement from United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson: “During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we remain committed to protecting young people who are abused or exploited. Through our Project Safe Childhood initiative we work with our law enforcement partners to investigate crimes against children, provide services to victims, and bring perpetrators to justice. Together, we can help children thrive and support families before they reach a crisis. “For information on how to recognize and report child abuse or neglect, as well as on how to support families and safe communities, visit www.childwelfare.gov/preventionmonth .” ###


title: Fairhope Woman Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Embezzlement and Aggravated Identity Theft

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Fairhope woman was sentenced to 61 months in prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with her embezzlement of more than $286,000 from a real estate business where she worked. According to court documents, Kelley Ann Kann, 57, was employed for several years as an office administrator and bookkeeper at a locally owned business in Mobile. Kann’s role, a position of financial trust, granted her access to the company’s financial information and payment mechanisms, allowing her to conduct financial transactions for the company and its affiliated businesses. In July 2018, Kann fraudulently obtained Capital One credit cards using the name, date of birth, and social security number of the spouse of the company’s owner. On recorded phone calls that Kann made to Capital One’s customer service line, Kann falsely represented herself as the spouse and provided the spouse’s personal identifiable information. Between July 2018 and May 2021, Kann used the Capital One credit cards to make hundreds of unauthorized purchases of goods and services for her own personal benefit and without the company’s authorization. Kann’s fraudulent purchases included, among other things, clothing, electronics, food, furniture, streaming services, utilities payments, and vacations for herself and a personal associate. Kann then paid the credit card bills via dozens of unauthorized transfers from the bank accounts of the company and its affiliated businesses, causing a total loss of $286,307.73. In May 2021, when the company’s owner confronted Kann about the theft, Kann wrote a handwritten statement admitting to stealing what she then claimed was only $20,000 and vowing to repay the money. Kann provided the owner with doctored bank statements that did not accurately reflect account balances and transactions. Kann later stopped reporting for work and did not repay any money. At Kann’s sentencing hearing, the United States presented evidence that Kann had previously embezzled more than $50,000 from various employers in San Antonio, Texas. Additionally, the United States presented evidence that in December 2022 and January 2023, after pleading guilty and while on court-ordered conditions of pretrial release, Kann stole more money from an automotive repair shop where she worked in Pensacola, Florida. In addition to the 61-month prison term, United States District Judge Kristi K. DuBose ordered Kann to serve a three-year term of supervised release upon her release from prison, during which time she will receive mental health evaluation and treatment and will be subject to credit restrictions. The court did not impose a fine, but Judge DuBose ordered Kann to pay $286,307.73 in victim restitution and $200 in special assessments. The court also entered a money judgment against Kann for the full amount of victim restitution that she owes. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello said, “Greedy, selfish criminals like Ms. Kann can’t hide when they abuse the trust of their innocent victims. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will bring to justice crooks who take advantage of their employers to enrich themselves.” “By virtue of her position, and access to sensitive information, Ms. Kann violated the very trust that had been bestowed upon her by her employer,” said Patrick Davis, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, Birmingham Field Office. “The Secret Service will always seek prosecution of those who exploit their position of trust for their own enrichment.” The United States Secret Service and the Mobile Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.


title: Medical Practice and its Owners to pay $1 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Two doctors and their medical practice have agreed to pay $1 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by allegedly performing and billing for medically unnecessary procedures on Medicare and Medicaid patients, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced today. According to the contentions of the United States contained in the settlement agreement: From Jan. 1, 2013, to Aug. 31, 2022, Drs. Fadi El-Atat and Sarah Abdul-Sater and their medical practice, FA CV Consultants P.C., violated the False Claims Act by knowingly seeking reimbursement for medically unnecessary balance tests, pulmonary function tests, allergy tests, autonomic nervous tests, and cardiology ultrasound tests that were performed on Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The allegations were originally made in a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act brought by Jennifer Jean. The act permits private parties to sue for false claims on behalf of the United States and to share in any recovery. Jean will receive approximately $180,000 from the proceeds of the settlement. The government’s pursuit of this lawsuit illustrates its efforts to combat healthcare fraud. One of the strongest tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800‑HHS‑TIPS (800-447-8477). U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz, with the investigation leading to the settlement. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kruti D. Dharia of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit. The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no admission of liability. The case is captioned United States and the State of New Jersey ex rel. Jean v. FA CV, et al. Civ. No. 19-10555 (D.N.J.). facv.settlement.pdf


title: Passaic County Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison for Conspiracy and Two Armed Bank Robberies

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey, man was sentenced to 276 months in prison for his role as the gunman in two armed bank robberies, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Jose Soto, 53, of Passaic, New Jersey, was previously convicted of two bank robberies, conspiracy to commit bank robbery, and brandishing a firearm during those robberies following a six-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini, who imposed the sentence on April 27, 2023, in Newark federal court. According to documents in this case and the evidence at trial: On Feb. 6, 2020, Soto and his conspirator, while wearing face coverings and holding umbrellas, entered the PNC Bank in Passaic. Soto pointed a silver and black handgun at customers and employees and began ordering everyone down on the floor. His conspirator entered the bank and jumped over the teller counter, demanding that the teller turn over all cash in the drawers. Soto and his conspirator took approximately $35,000 from the PNC Bank. On Feb. 27, 2020, Soto and the same conspirator entered the Valley Bank in Little Falls, New Jersey. Soto again pointed a silver and black gun at customers and employees and his conspirator jumped over the teller counter and began rifling through various drawers. Soto and his conspirator, at gunpoint, forced the bank employees to open the vault, and began retrieving cash from the bank vault. They then forced all employees and customers into the bank vault and fled through the rear door of the Valley Bank. Soto and his conspirator took approximately $45,000 from the Valley Bank. In addition to the prison term, Judge Martini sentenced Soto to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the FBI Newark Violent Incident Crimes Task Force, Garrett Mountain Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the Passaic Police Department, under the direction of Chief Luis A. Guzman; the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik; the Little Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert A. Thomas III; and the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Interim Officer in Charge, Maj. Frederick P. Fife, with the investigation leading to the sentencing. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emma Spiro and Mark J. Pesce of the Criminal Division in Newark.


title: Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Authorities Announce the Formation of a Peoria Area Task Force to Fight Gun Crimes

body_text: PEORIA, Ill. – United States Attorney Gregory K. Harris and representatives from six law enforcement agencies today highlighted the formation of the Peoria Area Federal Firearms (PAFF) Task Force, a collaborative effort between federal, state, and local law enforcement designed to combat and prevent violent firearm crimes. The PAFF is comprised of an assigned federal prosecutor and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as sworn federal task force officers from the Peoria Police Department, the Illinois State Police, the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department, and the Parole Division of the Illinois Department of Corrections. The PAFF has been operational since fall 2022, and its efforts have led to arrests and charges in numerous federal gun cases. Those cases include indictments for possession of a firearm as a felon and additional indictments for unlawful possession of a machine gun. Multiple PAFF indictments arose from cases involving the discharge of fully-automatic machine guns within residential areas of Peoria. Further, an investigation conducted by the PAFF led to federal charges for possession of machinegun conversion devices printed locally on a 3D printer. Members of the public are reminded that indictments are merely accusations; the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Several other PAFF-referred cases are pending sentencing, including United States v. Johnson , No. 23-CR-10007, in which the defendant pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a machinegun, and United States v. Allison , No. 23-CR-10002, and United States v. Bailey , No. 22-10030, in which the defendants each pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a felon. The PAFF uses various investigative techniques to target individuals who are actively involved in, or associated with, firearm-related violence in Peoria and surrounding counties. Individuals identified as being involved in firearm-related violence, including “straw purchasers” who buy guns on behalf of someone else, are referred to the United States Attorney’s Office for potential prosecution. The PAFF also directs its resources to investigate felons who unlawfully possess firearms, drug traffickers who possess and use firearms, and individuals that possess aftermarket devices that convert semi-automatic firearms into machineguns, commonly referred to as “switches”. The PAFF pools each of its respective agency resources and pursue strategies to disrupt perpetrators of gun violence. Additionally, the PAFF will utilize the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) station located at the Peoria Police Department to assist in firearms investigations. NIBIN, which is managed nationally by ATF, is the only interstate automated ballistic imaging network in operation in the United States. The NIBIN Program automates ballistics evaluations by comparing shell casing evidence collected from shooting scenes, enabling law enforcement to link shooting incidents within their jurisdiction, in neighboring jurisdictions, and to others across the country. “Reducing gun violence in our communities requires cooperation, commitment, and determination,” said United States Attorney Gregory K. Harris. “Collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement partners is one of the most effective ways to combat violent gun crime.” “Partnerships among law enforcement are vital to holding accountable the trigger pullers responsible for the violence in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon, of the ATF’s Chicago Field Division. “The men and women of ATF are committed to working closely with our local, state, and federal partners, which is a force multiplier in investigating gun crime.” “Last year the Peoria Police Department was able to reduce gun violence by 28%, but that is not enough,” said Peoria Police Chief, Eric Echevarria. “The Peoria Area Federal Firearms Task Force is another example of how our Department is using every resource and partnership available to reduce gun violence. With the creation of this taskforce, we now have a team operating out of the Peoria Police Department streamlining the process of identifying, investigating, charging, and prosecuting violent offenders federally. I remind everyone that we will not tolerate any violent crimes in our community. For those wanting to continue to victimize our community, we will continue to focus on you and bringing an end to the violence.” “Families in Peoria and the surrounding communities are at risk each day as violent criminals commit violations of firearms laws,” said Special Agent in Charge David G. Nanz, of the FBI’s Springfield Field Office. “The FBI is committed to working side-by-side with our law enforcement partners toward our shared goal of battling violent crime and making our communities safer.” “The Illinois State Police is a committed member of the Peoria Area Task Force and is focused on getting illegal guns off the streets and out of the hands of criminals,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The collaborative effort between ISP, local and federal law enforcement agencies, and the justice system is helping make our communities safer.” The PAFF is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Corpus man admits to trafficking meth

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 23-year-old man residing in Corpus Christi has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 210 grams of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. On Sept. 4, 2022, Jacob Soliz was a passenger in a sedan driving in Corpus Christi around 11:30 p.m. Authorities conducted a traffic stop after observing the vehicle was traveling without any headlights activated. Law enforcement then observed the smell of burnt marijuana and ultimately conducted an inspection of the vehicle. At that time, they discovered multiple baggies of meth totaling 210 grams, baggies of marijuana totaling approximately 150 grams and a loaded AR-15 rifle. They also discovered approximately $2,500 located in Soliz’s pocket. Soliz admitted the meth and rifle belonged to him. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will impose sentencing Aug. 9. At that time, Soliz faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine. Soliz was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing. Corpus Christi Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Foster is prosecuting the case.


title: Gang Member Admits Racketeering and Firearms Charges

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A member of a New Jersey street gang admitted his role in a racketeering conspiracy and possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Rahjon Cox, aka “Tsu Surf,” 32, of Newark, pleaded guilty by videoconference on April 27, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to two counts of a superseding indictment charging him with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From 2015 through Sept. 22, 2022, Cox was a member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, a criminal enterprise responsible for acts of violence and the distribution of controlled substances in New Jersey and elsewhere. Cox held a leadership role within the enterprise. On March 18, 2017, Cox shot a firearm at a gang rival. On July 24, 2019, in Essex County, New Jersey, Cox, a convicted felon, knowingly possessed two loaded firearms. The racketeering conspiracy count is punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; the charge of being a felon in possession of a weapon is punishable by a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Both counts are also punishable by a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 12, 2023. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Daniel J. Kafafian; special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins; and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. He also thanked investigators of the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Juan Mattos; the Irvington Police Department, under the direction of Police Division Director Tracy Bowers; the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II; the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé; the Bloomfield Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Samuel A. DeMaio; the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura; the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief Phyllis L. Bindi; the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Earl J. Graves; the Edison Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Tom Bryan; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William A. Daniel; the Spotswood Police Department, under the direction of Chief Philip Corbisiero; and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Fugitive and Missing Person Task Force, which includes members of the FBI, for their assistance. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori of the Special Prosecutions Unit. cox.sindictment.pdf


title: Rutland Man Sentenced to Federal Prison

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Reinaldo Davis, 48, of Rutland, Vermont, was sentenced today to serve 18 months in prison after Davis pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine base. United States District Judge Christina Reiss ordered that after Davis’ release from custody, Davis must serve a 3-year term of supervised release. According to court records, Homeland Security Investigations and the Rutland City Police Department began investigating Reinaldo Davis in late 2020. On three occasions, Davis sold cocaine base to a confidential informant assisting law enforcement. In one specific instance, on May 26, 2022, inside of a house in Rutland, Davis sold approximately one ounce of cocaine base to the confidential informant. The investigation also demonstrated that Davis possessed weapons and used violence to further his drug trafficking. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Rutland City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan A. Ophardt and Zachary B. Stendig handled the prosecution. Devin McLaughlin, Esq. represented Davis.


title: Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, and Sale of Firearms

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that ANDREW FRANCOEUR, 36, of Manchester, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to offenses related to his illegal possession, manufacture, and sale of firearms. According to court documents and statements made in court, as part of an ongoing investigation into the proliferation of privately made firearms (“PMFs” or “ghost guns”) in Connecticut, ATF investigators determined that Francoeur was buying firearm parts from a Missouri company, having the parts shipped to him, and manufacturing guns inside a shipping container on a property in Suffield. Francoeur sold some of the firearms he manufactured. In August 2022, while Francoeur was incarcerated in state custody for drug and firearm offenses, investigators retrieved two storage bins used by Francoeur that contained firearm parts, a .22 caliber rifle, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, 25 high-capacity magazines, M-80 explosives, firearm gear, and other items. Francoeur’s criminal history includes felony convictions for firearm, drug, burglary, and failure to appear offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. Francoeur pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, and one count of manufacturing and dealing in firearms without a license, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 6, 2023. This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: St. Louis County Woman Accused of Sex Trafficking

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A woman from St. Louis County, Missouri has been accused of prostituting a minor online. Carrie Little, 43, of Olivette, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 19 and now faces three felonies: sex trafficking of a minor, coercion and enticement and a violation of the Mann Act. She appeared in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Thursday and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The enticement count in the indictment accuses Little of using interstate commerce (a computer, tablet and smartphone) from at least July 2018 through July 2020 to persuade and coerce the minor to engage in prostitution. The Mann Act charge accuses her of using the internet to promote, manage and facilitate prostitution from March 2019 through June 2022. The sex trafficking charge accuses her of recruiting, enticing and/or advertising the minor to participate in a commercial sex act from at least July 2018 through July 2020. The sex trafficking and coercion charges each carry a potential penalty of 10 years to life in prison. The Mann Act charge carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. On Thursday, Little waived a detention hearing, meaning she will be held in jail until trial. Little also faces charges in St. Louis County Circuit Court. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case was investigated by the St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Collins 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: U.S. Attorney Thompson to Announce Verdicts in Child Sex Trafficking Case

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson will hold a press conference at 3 p.m. today, Friday, April 28, 2023, to announce and discuss the verdicts in the trial of Larry Allen Clay Jr., 57, a former employee of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department and Chief of Police for the Gauley Bridge Police Department. WHO: United States Attorney Will Thompson WHEN: Friday, April 28, 2023, at 3 p.m. WHERE: Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse, Charleston 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. ###


title: Former Enforcer of New Bedford Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced to More Than Twelve Years in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – A former member and Enforcer of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced yesterday on racketeering charges. Orlando Santiago-Torres, a/k/a “King Landy,” 27, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 151 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On June 28, 2022, Santiago-Torres pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy, and conspiracy to manufacture and distribute controlled substances. “The amount of teamwork required to indict and prosecute 62 individuals under racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges is hard to fathom. I commend my predecessor U.S. Attorney Lelling for spearheading this effort and I am proud to finish the job he started. Keeping the people of Massachusetts safe is my highest priority and the rampant violence and drug dealing spearheaded by criminal enterprises is a clear and present danger to our communities. Mr. Santiago Torres was the enforcer of this particular criminal enterprise. He actively led and promoted violence in order to instill fear among his adversaries and further the illicit influence of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Mr. Santiago Torres not only engaged in multiple racketeering incidents, including shootings and gang beatings, he then proudly boasted about his actions online while threatening future violence. This has become commonplace and we are watching. Today’s sentence marks a critical step toward ensuring peace throughout our Commonwealth.” “Guns and drugs take far too many lives in our communities, and Orlando Santiago Torres was contributing to the devastating impact of both. As a leader of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings, Santiago-Torres engaged in at least three shootings, two brutal gang beatings, and dealt drugs, destroying any sense of safety on this city’s streets,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Turf war gang violence is a serious threat to our communities, and the FBI is leveraging our law enforcement partnerships to thwart that threat. The lengthy prison sentence Mr. Santiago Torres received today sends a strong message that we will not tolerate criminal enterprises using violence to further their insidious needs.” The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. The gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf. As Enforcer, Santiago-Torres was an officer in the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings and was responsible for organizing violence against rival gang members and instilling discipline among Latin Kings members in the commission of violence. Santiago-Torres also organized security for the Latin Kings’ apartment buildings, or “trap houses,” from which the gang members distributed cocaine and cocaine base. Santiago-Torres participated in a series of violent acts and shootings that were committed in New Bedford in furtherance of the Latin Kings enterprise. In February 2019, Santiago-Torres assaulted a rival gang member and was captured on video chasing the rival gang member down, pushing him to the ground and kicking him. In May 2019, Santiago-Torres participated in the assault and shooting of a rival gang member and was captured on video surveillance with other Latin King members, one of whom engaged in a fight with the rival member and fired a handgun at him. In July 2019, Santiago-Torres fired multiple rounds of ammunition on a New Bedford street at rival gang members as they fled a fight with the Latin Kings. Later, in September 2019, Santiago-Torres participated in a shooting with other Latin Kings members in which a victim was struck with gunfire and casings from the scene were linked to a firearm recovered from Santiago-Torres’ apartment. Lastly, in November 2019, Santiago-Torres and other Latin Kings members assaulted a rival gang member, in which Santiago-Torres dragged the victim out of a vehicle to beat and kick him on the street. In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. In total, 60 defendants in the case have pleaded guilty. Of the 62 charged defendants in the indictment, two remain in warrant status. All of the remaining 60 defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing. Santiago-Torres is the 58th defendant to be sentenced. U.S. Attorney Rollins; FBI SAC Bonavolonta; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira made the announcement. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol Head, Chief of Rollins’ Asset Forfeiture Unit, prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The two remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law


title: California Man Arrested for Trafficking 91 Kilograms of Cocaine Worth $1.8 Million

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ROCKFORD — A California man was arrested on a charge of possession with intent to distribute 91 kilograms of cocaine. RONALD COLEMAN, 43, was stopped on Interstate 88 near Morrison, Ill. by Illinois State Police while driving a semi-truck. During the inspection and investigation, the trooper utilized a narcotics-detection K9, “Roman”, to perform an exterior sniff of the semi-truck. K9 Roman alerted to the presence of a controlled substance, leading to the search of the semi-trailer, where two suitcases were found containing approximately 91 kilograms of cocaine. The investigation revealed that the driver was knowingly transporting the cocaine from California to the Chicago area for further distribution. Coleman faces a maximum potential penalty of up to life imprisonment and a fine of $10,000,000. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The charge was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Sheila G. Lyons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Illinois State Police and the Blackhawk Area Task Force provided critical assistance in the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ladd.


title: Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Sex Trafficking

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Joseph Harris, also known as “Luis Santana,” and “Joey Moscato,” was sentenced by United States District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall to 21 years in prison for sex trafficking multiple victims by force, fraud, and coercion. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence. Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation to the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the investigation. From July 2017 until his arrest in May 2018, Harris used violence and threats of violence, along with abusive and coercive tactics, to compel multiple victims to engage in commercial sex acts for his financial benefit. The defendant’s crimes were uncovered when NYPD officers responded to several 911 calls about girls being held at his apartment in Brooklyn. Inside the apartment, the officers found two of the defendant’s adult victims along with a 16-year-old minor female, and recovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun, a birth certificate for a 17-year-old female, hotel receipts, hand-written instructions written by Harris for posting advertisements for commercial sex, and other items. The investigation revealed that Harris used force and threats to compel his victims to work in prostitution and give him the money that they were paid. He also punished women who withheld money from him and, in at least on one dispute over money, dragged a victim through a pool of bleach he had poured on the floor. On another occasion, he menaced a victim at gunpoint and posted a photograph of it on his Instagram account. Harris had sexual intercourse with his victims, including underage girls as young as 14, and provided them with drugs including ecstasy, cocaine, marijuana, and pills. The defendant used Backpage.com and social media websites to facilitate his business. The federal prosecution of the defendant was led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the FBI and NYPD’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with substantial assistance from the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Elbert and Erin Reid are in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant : JOSEPH HARRIS Age: 41 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-616 (LDH)


title: Chicago Man Indicted for Firearms Trafficking and Selling Machine Gun Conversion Devices

body_text: CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for firearms trafficking and possession and sale of machine gun conversion devices, also known as a “switches,” which convert firearms into a fully automatic machinegun. Per the indictment and a previously filed criminal complaint, from January 24 and continuing until on or about March 30, 2023, ROGELIO CASTANEDA, 29, of Chicago, willfully engaged in the business of dealing firearms when he was not licensed to do so, and possessed and sold “switch” devices. Specifically between February 7 and March 20, 2023, Castaneda is alleged to have sold four firearms and nine machine gun conversion devices to undercover ATF agents on four separate occasions. The indictment is announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Christopher Amon, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and Eric Carter, Acting Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary McDonnell. Disrupting illegal firearms trafficking is the focus of the Department of Justice’s cross-jurisdictional strike force. As part of the Chicago firearms trafficking strike force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office collaborates with the ATF and other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in the Northern District of Illinois and across the country to help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms and identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes. Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is also a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, Acting U.S. Attorney Pasqual and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The trafficking charge is punishable by up to five years in federal prison, while the possession of a machinegun carries up to 10 years. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.


title: Indianapolis Dermatologist Convicted for Filing False Tax Returns, Concealing Over $1.2 Million in Unreported Income

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- David Gerstein, 63, of Hamilton County, Indiana, has been convicted after pleading guilty to submitting a false income tax return. According to court documents, between 2017 and 2020 willfully underreported his taxable income by at least $1,200,000, as a result evaded $360,669 in income taxes that he owed. Since 1997, Gerstein has been the sole owner of a dermatology practice in Indianapolis, Indiana, and reported his business income to the Internal Revenue Service on his personal tax return. During his tax evasion scheme, Gerstein used several different methods to conceal his true income. Gerstein lied to his accountant and told them that all income from his medical practice flowed into a single business bank account, and only provided them with records from that account. In fact, Gerstein had other hidden accounts that he used to deposit business income, including checks from patients, payments from insurance providers, and payments via Venmo. He further concealed the existence of his hidden bank accounts by routinely breaking up cash deposits of more than $10,000 and making multiple cash deposits on the same day. This illegal practice, known as “structuring transactions,” was intended to avoid the banks reporting these large cash deposits to the IRS. Gerstein continued to attempt to conceal the existence of some of his bank accounts even when interviewed by IRS- Criminal Investigation Agents. “Every year, millions of Americans pay all the taxes they owe while criminals like this defendant lie and scheme to avoid paying their fair share,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Wealthy tax cheats drive up taxes for law-abiding people and deprive us of the government services to which we are entitled. Willfully falsifying tax returns is not a victimless crime, and the sentence imposed today demonstrates that those who break the law will be held accountable. I applaud the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation for their efforts to uncover these schemes and we will continue to work together to enforce our laws on behalf of the American people.” “We hope that this conviction reinforces public confidence in our nation’s tax system,” said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “The tax laws apply equally to everyone regardless of their income level. IRS-CI will continue to seek prosecution of high-income taxpayers that evade our tax laws. We would like to express our gratitude to the United States Attorney’s Office for their support in the prosecution of this case.” IRS- Criminal Investigation investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that Gerstein be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years, the first 6 months of which must be served at a residential re-entry center. Gerstein must also pay a fine of $95,000. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney James Warden, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: Valdosta Resident Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: MACON, Ga. – A Valdosta, Georgia, resident was sentenced to federal prison this week for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of extremely young minors after an initial investigation into the defendant taking suspicious photos of a young woman at her workplace. James Spencer Cochran, 50, of Valdosta, was sentenced to serve 78 months in prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release and $4,500 in restitution to a victim by U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson on April 26, after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child sexual abuse material on Sept. 20, 2022. In addition, Cochran will have to register as a sex offender for life upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole. “A teenager reported that her privacy had been violated by a customer at her workplace; her call resulted in a child predator being held accountable for possessing child sexual abuse material of young children,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I want to thank this concerned citizen for speaking up, and I am grateful that the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI swiftly launched an investigation which held this predator accountable.” “This sentencing of Mr. Cochran removes from our community an individual who has demonstrated his willingness to exploit vulnerable children through child sexual abuse material,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI and our partners work every day to protect our children and will continue to use every law enforcement resource available to identify those who take advantage of our most innocent victims.” “This is the second case this week involving child predators in our community that resulted in federal sentences without parole,” said Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk. “I am thankful for the strong partnership we have at the federal level to keep predators off the streets and away from our children.” According to court documents, in May 2018, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office deputies investigated a complaint from a young woman who stated that one of her customers, Cochran, was suspiciously taking photos of her with his cellular phone at the restaurant where she worked. Cochran was interviewed and consented to a search of his phone, where agents found photos of the woman, as well as multiple photos of fully clothed, prepubescent females and girls under the age of 12-years-old. Cochran admitted there were “some minors” and “a little nudity” on his personal computer at his home, and he consented to a search of his devices. A search warrant was executed, and Cochran’s electronic devices were seized. With the assistance of FBI’s Computer Analysis Response Team and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, agents identified 16 videos and 87 images containing child sexual abuse material, mostly of minors under the age of 12-years-old. Cochran told law enforcement that he would download, view and then delete the images before downloading more because he knew it was illegal. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The case was investigated by FBI and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Couch prosecuted the case for the Government.


title: California Man Found Guilty for Role in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Jesse Cervantes of Merced, California, was found guilty by a federal jury for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy. According to facts established at trial, the defendant traveled over 1,000 miles to Colorado from California, making numerous intercepted telephone calls to set up a delivery of four kilos of heroin worth approximately $100,000. He was observed handing a backpack with the four kilos of heroin to a runner, and was subsequently caught by law enforcement a short distance away from the handoff. When asked to provide his phone number to State Troopers, he provided the same number that was intercepted by law enforcement. United States District Court Judge William Martinez presided over the three day jury trial in Denver. Sentencing is scheduled for November 22, 2023. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Colorado State Patrol. The trial was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Brown and Jeremy Sibert. This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Case number 20-CR-292


title: Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon Agrees to Pay Nearly $24 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, along with his son, medical practices and billing company, have agreed to pay $23.9 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting or causing the submission of false claims to both Medicare and Medicaid. The settlement announced today resolves allegations that Dr. Joel Aronowitz; Daniel Aronowitz; Joel A. Aronowitz, M.D., a medical corporation; Tower Multi-Specialty Medical Group; Tower Wound Care Center of Santa Monica, Inc.; Tower Outpatient Surgery Center, Inc.; and Tower Medical Billing Solutions (the Settling Parties) falsified the place of service for skin grafts and billed multiple times for single-use skin substitute products. The United States contends that the settling parties manipulated the place of service code on claims for skin grafts to fraudulently maximize reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid. The United States further contends that Dr. Aronowitz failed to properly dispose of unused portions of single-use skin graft materials and, instead, used them in later procedures involving other Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, resulting in thousands of instances of double billing. “Our investigation revealed a long-running practice to illegally maximize profits, ultimately costing public health programs millions of dollars,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “The Medicare and Medicaid programs are taxpayer-funded programs, and we are committed to wiping out abuses that line the pockets of unscrupulous providers.” “When health care providers violate federal health care program requirements, they undermine the integrity of these programs and waste taxpayer dollars,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement demonstrates the Department’s commitment to preventing providers from misappropriating public funds for their own private gain.” In connection with the settlement, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG), negotiated the voluntary exclusion of Dr. Aronowitz and Tower Multi-Specialty Medical Group from Medicare, Medicaid, and all other federal health care programs for a period of 15 years. Daniel Aronowitz will be excluded for three years. “HHS-OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, is committed to holding providers accountable for defrauding federal health care programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Timothy B. DeFrancesca of HHS-OIG. “Those who egregiously exploit Medicare and Medicaid put their personal financial gain before patients’ needs and safety.” Medicaid is funded jointly by the states and the federal government. The state of California paid for a portion of the Medicaid claims at issue and will receive a total of approximately $497,619 from the settlement. The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam , or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act by parties that worked for Dr. Aronowitz and his associated medical practices and businesses: TDP, a billing company; Dr. Jason Morris, a podiatrist; and Harold Bautista, a billing department employee. Under the qui tam provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the government and receive a portion of any recovery. The civil lawsuits, all of which were filed in federal court in Los Angeles, are captioned: United States ex rel. TDP RCM Servs., LLC v. Aronowitz, et al. , United States ex rel. Morris, et al. v. Tower Wound Care Ctr. of Santa Monica, Inc., et al. , and United States ex rel. Bautista et al. v. Tower Outpatient Surgery Center, Inc., et al. . The amount to be recovered by the private parties has not been determined. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles and the United States Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section. HHS OIG assisted in the investigation. The matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Aaron Ezroj of the Civil Fraud Section and Trial Attorney Lyle Gruby of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. The exclusions of the individuals and entity were negotiated by Senior Counsel Patrice Drew for HHS OIG. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Puyallup, Washington man pleads guilty to conspiring to attack power substations

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Tacoma – A 32-year-old Puyallup, Washington man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to Conspiracy to destroy energy facilities, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Matthew Greenwood admits in his plea agreement that he and co-defendant Jeremy Crahan, 40, vandalized four power substations and plotted to fell trees to take out power lines. Both men were arrested before the tree plan was put into action. Greenwood faces up to twenty years in prison when sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo on July 21, 2023. According to the facts in the plea agreement, Greenwood and Crahan hatched the scheme to disrupt power so they could break into ATMs and businesses and steal money. On December 25, 2022, they damaged four substations: Hemlock Substation in Puyallup, Washington, owned by Puget Sound Energy. Here, the two cut through a fence and Greenwood manipulated a switch damaging equipment and cutting power for 8,000 customers. Elk Plain substation in Spanaway, Washington, owned by Tacoma Power. The men cut padlocks on the gate and Greenwood manipulated breakers to damage equipment and cause an outage Graham substation in Graham, Washington, operated by Tacoma Power. The men cut through a perimeter fence and Greenwood manipulated a switch to damage equipment. This outage, combined with the Elk Plain substation outage, caused more than 7,500 customers to lose power. Kapowsin Substation in Graham, Washington, operated by Puget Sound Energy. The men cut through a fence and Greenwood tampered with a switch causing sparks, flame, and a power outage. Following the December 25, 2022, substation vandalism, the men spent time looking for additional ways to cause power outages by felling trees. The goal was to cut power so that they could burglarize businesses and steal from ATMs. Law enforcement arrested them before they could put the tree plan into action. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend the low end of the guidelines range when Greenwood is sentenced. Since his arrest, Greenwood has been in intensive drug treatment while awaiting resolution in this case. Co-defendant Jeremy Crahan remains charged with conspiracy to attack energy facilities. The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Tacoma Police Department, the Washington State Department of Corrections, and the Federal Protective Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.


title: Fatal Traffic Crash On Menominee Indian Reservation Leads to 12-Year Prison Sentence

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on April 27, 2023, U.S. District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Erin D. Schweitzer, a/k/a Erin D. Martin (age: 42), to a total sentence of 12 years’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release after Schweitzer pled guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter and two counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1112, 113(a)(6), & 1153(a). According to court records, on April 18, 2019, officers, firefighters, and EMS were dispatched to a two-vehicle, head-on crash on CTH VV near St. Michael’s Cemetery on the Menominee Indian Reservation. When officials arrived at the scene, they found two SUVs—a Dodge Durango and a Kia Sorrento—with severe front-end damage and four total occupants. Erin Schweitzer/Martin, an enrolled member of the Menominee Tribe, was the sole occupant of the Durango. The Sorrento had three occupants, all enrolled members of the Menominee Tribe from the same family: 66-year-old W.M.B. in the driver’s seat, and W.M.B.’s two grandchildren, 27-year-old K.R.L. in the front-right passenger’s seat, and 16-year-old S.A.B. in the back seat. K.R.L. was flown to ThedaCare Hospital in Neenah, where, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, he died of the blunt-force injuries sustained in the crash. Rear-seat passenger S.A.B. was taken by ambulance to ThedaCare, where she underwent surgery for a broken femur. S.A.B. continues to suffer from the lingering impact of her injuries. W.M.B., who was also taken by ambulance to ThedaCare, suffered head, torso, and limb injuries that required multiple surgeries and months-long efforts toward rehabilitation. The investigation determined that Schweitzer—who had three prior drunk-driving convictions at the time of the crash—drove the Durango across the centerline and crashed head-on into the Sorrento. Schweitzer lied to officers at the scene, claiming that she had picked up an unknown male to drive the Durango because she was too drunk to drive. She later admitted that she was the driver and sole occupant. Schweitzer’s blood-test results revealed a .238 blood alcohol concentration, nearly four times the legal limit of .08 BAC; and 3.2 nanograms of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinols, the active ingredient in marijuana, well above the legal limit of 1 nanogram of Delta-9-THC. In sentencing Schweitzer, Judge Griesbach highlighted that the crash had a devastating and rippling impact on the victims and their families; that Schweitzer’s reckless choice to drive with such high concentrations of alcohol and drugs meant that she was effectively an unguided missile and an accident waiting to happen; and that in addition to Schweitzer’s conduct in this case, her prior history of drunk driving made her a clear threat to the public. The judge also emphasized the need for just punishment, to promote respect for the law, and to deter others from driving drunk and/or while high on drugs. This case was investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police Department, the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department, the Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking Offense

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PEDRO DIAZ, 45, of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force of a drug trafficking network led by Landdy Rodriguez, also known as “Oso,” of Waterbury. In August 2021, investigators intercepted phone calls during which Rodriguez arranged for Ramon Oquendo, also known as “Mimo,” of Waterbury, to supply fentanyl to other drug distributors, including Diaz. After Diaz engaged in a drug transaction with Rodriguez and Oquendo in Waterbury in August 2021, a Pennsylvania State Trooper stopped Diaz’s car in Pennsylvania and seized 48 grams of fentanyl. Diaz was arrested on November 14, 2021. On January 6, 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Rodriguez and Oquendo are awaiting sentencing. This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police and the Waterbury Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Milford, Norwalk, Stamford and Stratford Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth L. Gresham, John T. Pierpont, Jr., and Brendan J. Keefe through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Moline Man Sentenced to Twenty Years in Prison for Heroin Distribution and Related Gun Crimes

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

body_text: PEORIA, Ill. – A Moline, Illinois, man, Cordero Harris, 34, was sentenced on April 26, 2023, to 240 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm as a felon. At the sentencing hearing in front of Chief United States District Judge Sara L. Darrow, the government proffered evidence that in January 2021 Harris sold heroin in both Iowa and Illinois. A search of his residence found multiple firearms near heroin. Harris’s fingerprints were on the weapons found at his residence. He was previously convicted of multiple offenses in state court. Harris has been in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since his arrest in January 2021. Harris faced statutory penalties for possession with intent to distribute heroin of at least five years and up to 20 years’ imprisonment; five years consecutive and up to life imprisonment for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and up to ten years’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm as a felon. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Moline, Illinois Police Department; Bettendorf, Iowa Police Department; and the Illinois State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution. The case against Harris is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: East Peoria Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: Department of Justice

body_text: PEORIA, Ill. – An East Peoria, Illinois, man, George L. Guynn, 61, of the 800 block of Meadow Avenue, was sentenced on April 27, 2023, to 10 years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute at least 5 grams of methamphetamine. At the sentencing hearing in front of United States District Judge James E. Shadid, the government presented evidence that Guynn sold methamphetamine on two occasions in June and July of 2022. For the first sale, he provided 55.6 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine. For the second sale, he provided 28.1 grams of methamphetamine that was 96% pure. Federal Bureau of Investigation agents then obtained a search warrant for Guynn’s apartment. When agents searched the apartment in August 2022, they found under Guynn’s bed 46.577 grams of methamphetamine that was 89% pure. They also found paraphernalia related to drug trafficking, including digital scales and plastic baggies. A complaint was issued in August 2022, and Guynn was arrested on a federal warrant. He was later indicted. He pleaded guilty in November 2022. He has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest. The statutory penalties for possession with intent to distribute at least 5 grams of methamphetamine (actual) are 5 to 40 years’ imprisonment, followed by a four-year to life term of supervised release. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, and Western Illinois Transnational Organized Crime Task Force investigated the case, with assistance from the Monmouth Police Department, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Galesburg Police Department, and U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Hollingshead-Cook represented the United States in the prosecution.


title: Man Charged in Miami with Diamond Smuggling Arrested by Federal Agents

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Guilherme Cipriani, 41, of Scottsdale, Arizona, has been arrested on federal charges of smuggling diamonds into the United States and providing a false statement to a federal agency. As alleged in a Miami federal grand jury’s indictment, on November 10, 2022, Cipriani tried to smuggle 14 loose cut diamonds and 53 rough uncut diamonds into the U.S. through Miami International Airport (MIA). It is also alleged that Cipriani lied when he told a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent at MIA that he was not transporting commercial merchandise into the country and had spent zero dollars on commercial merchandise while abroad. Agents from Homeland Security Investigations arrested Cipriani in Arizona, where he made his first court appearance to face the Miami federal indictment. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and acting Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Buckley of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami made the announcement. HSI Miami and HSI Brasilia investigated the case. HSI Arizona; CBP; the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (OPDAT) Resident Legal Advisor in Brasilia and Office of International Affairs; and Brazil Federal Police provided significant assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stefan Diaz Espinosa is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney William T. Zloch is handling asset forfeiture. An indictment contains mere allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-cr-20123. ###


title: St. Louis County Man Admits Buying, Re-selling Checks Stolen from the U.S. Mail

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis County, Missouri on Friday admitted buying and then re-selling business and personal checks stolen from U.S. Postal Service collection boxes. Dennis Cooperwood Jr., 19, of Country Club Hills, pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge John A. Ross to one felony count of possession of stolen mail matter. Cooperwood admitted being in possession of about 179 business and personal checks on April 12 that had been taken from collection boxes. That night, St. Louis County Police Department officers on patrol in the Spanish Lake area spotted a vehicle stopped in the middle of the road with multiple people standing at the windows. After the crowd dispersed and the vehicle drove away, officers stopped the vehicle and found Cooperwood in the back seat wearing a shoulder bag containing a gun and the checks. Cooperwood told officers that he bought stolen checks for $5 to $10 each and would scratch off the writing on the checks before re-selling them for $20 to $25. Cooperwood is scheduled to be sentenced July 31. The possession of stolen mail matter charge carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The case was investigated by the St. Louis County Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow is prosecuting the case.


title: Essex County Man Sentenced to 82 Months in Prison for Using Credit Cards Stolen from U.S. Mail to Defraud Banks and Commit Identity Theft

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 82 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $330,391 in restitution for his role in scheming with at least one U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee and others to steal credit cards from the mail and then steal victims’ identities in order to use the stolen cards to make hundreds of thousands of dollars of retail and online purchases. Dashaun Brown, 29, of Newark, was convicted on April 22, 2022, on four counts of the superseding indictment against him: conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, receipt and possession of stolen mail, and aggravated identity theft in connection with bank fraud.


title: Houston man sent to prison for $3M PPP loan fraud scheme

body_text: HOUSTON – A 47-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani along with Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. Scott Jackson Davis pleaded guilty May 26, 2022. Today, U.S. District Judge David Hittner sentenced Davis to a total of 102 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. The court also ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $3,002,655.13. At the hearing, the court heard evidence that at the time of the offense, Davis was on supervised release for another wire fraud conviction and had only been out of prison for just over four months when he began submitting the fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications. As such, Judge Hittner noted Davis presented a danger to the community during the hearing. In 2020, Davis fraudulently received $3.3 million in PPP funds through three fraudulent loan applications submitted to multiple financial institutions. Davis fabricated ownership of three businesses - Skilled Trade Investments LP, Skilled Trade Staffing LLC and Skilled Trade Investments Group - which he claimed staffed numerous employees and had significant payroll. However, the businesses actually had few, if any, employees and little to no payroll if it existed at all. Davis used forged IRS documentation to corroborate the vastly inflated business expenses. Davis also lied on each of the PPP applications, indicating he had never been convicted of a felony. In fact, he is a prior felon who was on supervised release for an unrelated 2017 wire fraud conviction. Davis spent a large portion of the fraudulently acquired PPP loan funds on private jet travel, real estate, jewelry, guns and luxury vehicles. Davis will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The FBI and Small Business Administration - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Wakefield and Trial Attorney Edward Emokpae of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possessing Firearms

body_text: Patrick Charles Schutz, age 38, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced for being a felon in possession of firearms to 28 months in prison with three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on April 24, 2023. According to court documents, on October 19, 2022, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) agents executed a warrant on Schutz’s residence after witnesses had notified the ATF that Schutz had shot multiple firearms at a shooting range. Agents recovered several firearms, a substantial amount of ammunition, and two homemade suppressors. Schutz admitted to being a felon in possession of firearms and agreed to forfeit them as part of his sentence. This crime was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Jonathan C. Coppom prosecuted the case. Case No. 22-CR-00132


title: Federal Jury Convicts Former Fayette County Law Enforcement Officer of Child Sex Trafficking and Obstruction Crimes

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – After four days of trial, a federal jury convicted Larry Allen Clay Jr., 57, of Fayetteville, today of sex trafficking a 17-year-old minor female. Evidence at trial proved that on two separate occasions in June 2020, while Clay was an employee of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department and the Chief of Police for the Gauley Bridge Police Department, Clay paid a total of $100 to co-defendant Kristen Naylor-Legg to have sex with a 17-year-old minor female relative of Naylor-Legg. During each incident, Clay remained in his Gauley Bridge Police uniform for the entire sexual encounter. The first incident occurred at Clay’s Gauley Bridge-issued vehicle on a rural Fayette County road. The second incident took place inside the old Gauley Bridge High School, in a location accessible to a limited number of people including the Gauley Bridge Police Department. Law enforcement authorities were able to retrieve DNA evidence from a washcloth discarded in the room where the second incident took place. In September 2020, Clay sought to persuade Naylor-Legg to lie to law enforcement about the incidents and also asked a law enforcement officer if his criminal conduct could be covered up. The jury found Clay guilty of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor and via coercion, sex trafficking of a minor and via coercion, and two counts of obstruction of justice. Clay is scheduled to be sentenced on July 20, 2023, and faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison. Clay will also be required to register as a sex offender. Naylor-Legg pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking on September 21, 2021. Naylor-Legg faces up to life in prison when she is sentenced on May 11, 2023, and will be required to register as a sex offender. “This defendant was a uniformed police officer, a chief of police, and the young victim had the courage and toughness to come forward and tell the jury about these horrific crimes. She is incredibly brave,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “This prosecution is the result of outstanding investigative teamwork by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the West Virginia State Police and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department. I also commend Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Monica D. Coleman and our trial team for securing guilty verdicts on all four counts in the case.” United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the jury trial. Members of the public are urged to report suspected instances of child sex trafficking through a toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423) or online at www.ice.gov/tips . This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-62. ###