title: Middle District Of Florida Prosecutors Indict 64 Firearms And Violent Crime Defendants During First Three Months Of 2024 As Part Of Project Safe Neighborhoods Strategy

body_text: Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today the results of the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, ending on March 31, 2024, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida indicted 64 defendants. These defendants face federal firearms, narcotics, and violent crime charges. Law enforcement seized approximately 97 firearms associated with these defendants. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also engaged in community outreach efforts aimed at violent crime prevention throughout the year. Members of the United States Attorney’s Office interacted with approximately 150 middle and high school students and community members during the first quarter of 2024. Re-entry events, including the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office DISMAS program, reached over 250 people. “Our office is committed to reducing violent crime throughout the Middle District of Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners and community stakeholders as part of our joint effort to make our communities safer.” PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. This evidence-based program has proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in communities and developing comprehensive solutions that reduce crime. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based re-entry programs to reduce recidivism. Q2 PSN case highlights: United States v. Mar’tavouis Martel Brown (Ft. Myers) On January 26, 2024, Mar’tavious Martel Brown (25, Lehigh Acres) was sentenced to five years in federal prison. According to court records, Brown sold a pistol and cocaine to an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Fort Myers. United States v. Jose Melean Reyes (Jacksonville) In January 2024, Jose Melean Reyes (29, Jacksonville) pleaded guilty to smuggling firearms from the United States and conspiracy to use a facility of interstate commerce in the commission of a murder-for-hire. According to his plea agreement, on May 15, 2021, Reyes attempted to smuggle 3 firearms and 57 rounds of ammunition from Jacksonville to Venezuela. Reyes concealed the firearms and ammunition in a futon that he attempted to mail using a freight forwarding service. Following Reyes’s arrest on unrelated state charges on August 11, 2023, federal agents searched Reyes’s cellphone and found conversations between Reyes and another individual discussing trafficking firearms to Venezuela. From Reyes’s phone, agents also learned Reyes and others were involved in a murder-for-hire plot based on a $60,000 debt. Reyes attempted to hire a hitman for $15,000, but federal agents prevented any murder from occurring by arresting Reyes on a criminal complaint. Reyes faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for each offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set. United States v. Wendell Goney (Ocala) On July 11, 2021, deputies from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to a burglary at a 10-acre business property in Mount Dora. Deputies used a law enforcement drone to assist with the outdoor search, only to have the drone destroyed by gunfire from a neighboring property. When deputies responded to that location, they confronted Goney, who admitted that he had just shot down the drone with a .22 caliber rifle. He claimed the drone had been “harassing” him. Goney then admitted to the deputies that he could not lawfully possess a firearm because he was a convicted felon. A record check confirmed Goney’s 29 prior state felony convictions, which included aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, illegal drug possession, burglary, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On February 22, 2024, Goney was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $22,000 in restitution for the destroyed law enforcement drone. United States v. Timothy Jones (Orlando) On February 14, 2024, Timothy Jones, (60, Orlando) was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for two bank robberies he committed in Orlando and Kissimmee. The first robbery occurred on June 2, 2022, one day after Jones was released from Putnam County Correctional Facility after having served an eight-year term of incarceration for bank robbery. During the first robbery in Orlando, Jones threatened to shoot everyone in the bank if they did not give him $150,000 and told the employee that there would be a “bloodbath” if he did not get what he wanted. After employees provided cash, Jones took the keys to an employee’s car and escaped. A week later, Jones robbed a bank in Kissimmee. Jones again threatened the tellers with a gun and stole cash before stealing an employee’s car and escaping. Later that afternoon, Jones was apprehended near the employee’s car with nearly all the money from the second robbery. Jones had previously been convicted of robbery charges in 1995, 2006, and 2013 and had spent most of the past 18 years incarcerated for robbery charges. United States v. James Smith (Tampa) On March 22, 2024, James Eugene Smith (44, Wimauma) was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to court documents, in the early morning hours of January 14, 2023, Smith was driving in Brandon, Florida and believed that a driver in a black sedan was brake checking him, while a separate driver prevented Smith from passing. Smith eventually passed both cars before brake checking the black sedan in return. The driver of the black sedan drove around Smith, and Smith and the driver of the black sedan then exchanged gunfire. Smith, in an alleged attempt to see the tag of the black sedan, made a U-turn. After making the U-turn, Smith spotted a gray sedan that he thought was the black sedan and opened fire. Smith followed the gray sedan into the gas station, again firing at it. Neither victim was shot. At the time of the incident, Smith had multiple prior felony convictions. As a convicted felon Smith is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys in all five divisions throughout the Middle District of Florida. For additional information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit our website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/project-safe-neighborhoods-0 . Charged Cases Defendant(s) Charges Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment Firearms Seized Fort Myers Division James Michael O’Brien Theft of a firearm from a firearms dealer and possession of a stolen firearm. Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison. 1 This PSN case from the Fort Myers Division is being handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan. Jacksonville Division Bryan Lyndell Chapman Manufacturing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes; passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison for each offense. 1 Peter Lawrence Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm. Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison. 0 Allen Tereal Grimes Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 0 Brian Givens Possession of a machine gun. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Derrick Walden Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 James Clinton Gilmore, Jr. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, aiding and abetting the distribution of cocaine. Maximum penalty: 155 years in federal prison 5 Ja’Quez Jerome Butler Distribution of cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison (cocaine), minimum mandatory 5 years up to life in federal prison (firearm in furtherance of violent crime), 10 years in federal prison (firearm as convicted felon). 4 Jhatarrion Jakwan Sampson Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 2 Justin William Lightsey Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison; 5 years, up to life, in federal prison; up to 15 years in federal prison. 1 Kameron Lee Ingram Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Matthew Junior Rice Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Nathaniel Thomas Hatcher, III Conspiracy to straw-purchase; making a false statement during purchase of a firearm. Maximum penalty: 25 years in federal prison; 10 years in federal prison. 2 Nicholas Davonte High Conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distributing and aiding and abetting the distribution of cocaine; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison; 10 years in federal prison. 1 Ralph Eric Lanham Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Sedrick Williams, Jr. Possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine base; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison; 15 years in federal prison. 1 Trillian Taheim Mitchell Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison. 1 William Earl Union, Jr. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 2 These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Kevin Frein, Brenna Falzetta, John Cannizzaro, Michael Coolican, Laura Taylor, Elisibeth Adams, Aakash Singh, and Kirwinn Mike. Ocala Division Roydrick Dixon Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Penalty: Minimum mandatory 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. 1 Michael Andrew Zallen Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 2 Robert Edward Smith Possession of an unregistered NFA weapon. Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison. 3 Luis Ernesto Sanchez Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Hanna Norwalk, Robert E. Bodnar, Jr., William S. Hamilton, Belkis Crockett, and Sarah Swartzberg. Tampa Division Laela Marme Possession of stolen firearms. Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison. 0 Daniel Gonzalez Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Brandale Swails Hobbs Acts robbery and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Penalty: minimum mandatory 7 years, up to 25 years, in federal prison. 3 Lewis James Scott Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 20 years (narcotics charge) in federal prison, minimum mandatory 5 years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence, 15 years in federal prison. 1 Markis Maxwell Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: life in federal prison. 1 Efrain Bermudez Possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute; carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: life in federal prison (drug charges), 15 years in federal prison (firearm charge). 1 Sharquay Knighton Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Jarquis Bowens Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison for each drug charge and 5 years in federal prison for the firearm charge. 1 Noe Alegria Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 30 years in federal prison. 13 Gary Hanford Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Christopher Bock Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 0 Corey Myrick Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Donta Bryant Possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison. 2 Dackerett Brooks Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Michael Grady Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 4 Daniel Gonzalez Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Deanthony Flowers Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Alex Jones Jhakheem Smith Conspiracy to interfere with commerce by threats or violence; interference with commerce by threats or violence; and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison (violence charge), up to life in federal prison (firearm charge). 0 Lewis James Scott Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison (narcotics charge), up to life in federal prison (firearm charge). 1 Johnie Shields Possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Daquan Carey Possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 3 James Hilligardt Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Keith Rhoden Interference with commerce by robbery and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison(robbery offense), life in federal prison (firearm offense). 1 Jaquavious Green Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Rasheio Black Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Darell Padilla Interference with commerce by threats or violence and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison (violence offense), life in federal prison (firearm offense). 1 Tim Crawford Interstate domestic violence, discharge of a firearm during and in the commission of a crime of violence, and interstate stalking. Penalty : minimum mandatory 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. 1 Tyler Jacobs Conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identify theft, witness tampering, destruction of evidence, and possession of ammunition. Penalty : minimum mandatory 2 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison . 0 These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Jeff Chang, Samantha Newman, Diego Novaes, Michael C. Sinacore, Michael R. Kenneth, and Candace Rich. Orlando Division Malcolm Bellamy Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Luis Rosado Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Lawrence Lamar Singleton II Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Byron Louder Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Penalty: minimum mandatory 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. 1 Benjamin Garmon, Jr. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Penalty: minimum mandatory 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. 1 Jonathan Nicola Possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Penalty: minimum mandatory 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. 1 Jonen Castillo Smuggling firearms from the United States to Canada. Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison. 5 Reginald Dugger Attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 30 years in federal prison(the drug offense),15 years in federal prison (firearm offense). 2 Dominick Yvon Louissaint Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Darryl James London Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 David Lewis Andrew Bryan Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon (2 counts). Maximum penalty: 30 years in federal prison. 2 Sebastian Gabriel Lugo Lugo Possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Penalty: minimum mandatory 5 years, up to life, in federal prison. 1 Edward Vincenzo Camacho Theft of a firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensee. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 2 These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Noah P. Dorman, Michael Sartoian, Stephanie A. McNeff, Dana Hill, Megan Testerman, Diane Hu, Rachel Lyons, Kara Wick, and Richard Varadan. Adjudicated Cases Defendant(s) Charges Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment Firearms Seized Fort Myers Division Nicholas Munson Troemner Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon . Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Jonnetric Devonte Ivey Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Javier Joel Perez Possession of controlled substance with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison (narcotics offense), minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence (firearm offense), 15 years in federal prison (second firearm offense). 1 Willie James Hunter, Jr. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 2 Ruben Justus Edwards Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 2 Ernest Jeshad Foster Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Coroy Dontavia Flournoy Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan and Simon Eth. Jacksonville Division Antonio Jose Melean Reyes Smuggling firearms from the United States and conspiracy to use a facility of interstate commerce in the commission of a murder-for-hire. Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison. 3 Gabriel Daniel Pinnace Smuggling firearms from the United States and making materially false statements during the purchase of a firearm . Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison for each offense. 3 Antonio Saquan Tate Hobbs act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison; mandatory minimum of 7 years, up to life, in federal prison 0 Brendon Bobby Brown Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Dondre Shauntrell Rosier Distributing cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison; 10 years in federal prison 1 Andre Lee Long Distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Penalty: minimum mandatory 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. 1 Michael Thomas Sawyer Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm. Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison. 0 Paul Allen Anderson, Jr. Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Penalty: minimum mandatory 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. 5 Randolph Wayne Swindle Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm. Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison. 0 Roberto Roman Ramirez Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm. Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison. 0 Desmond Lee Maxwell Conspiring to straw purchase firearms. Maximum penalty: 25 years in federal prison. 2 Edgar Diaz Aquino Possession of a firearm by an alien. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Aakash Singh, Kirwinn Mike, John Cannizzaro, and Frank Talbot. Ocala Division Tyran Terrell Harris Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Michael Latrelle Simpson Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison. 1 Clinton Kaham Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Hannah Nowalk, and Robert E. Bodnar, Jr. Tampa Division Evan Ingram Distribution and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Penalty: minimum mandatory 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. 0 Darius Hudson Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery (3 separate robberies) and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Penalty: minimum mandatory 27 years, up to life, in federal prison. 0 Benjamin Cedric Graddy Possession with the intent to distribute dimethylpentylone and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Penalty: minimum mandatory 5 years, up to life, in federal prison. 0 Dovontate James Wright Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 0 Marcos Lutrell Walden Distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Penalty: minimum mandatory 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. 0 Elias Xavier Rosario Torres Veronica Estefania Rodriguez Pinuela Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Penalty: mandatory minimum 35 years, up to life, in federal prison. Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Penalty: mandatory minimum 35 years, up to life, in federal prison. 0 Gerard Eric Beasley Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 0 Stewart Walter Bachmann Possession of a machine gun and possession of a firearm not identified by a serial number. Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison per charge. 0 These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Samantha Newman, Diego Novaes, David W.A. Chee, Michael Kenneth, James C. Preston, Samantha Beckman, and Shauna S. Hale. Orlando Division Robert Lee Pringle Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison. 2 Angel Ruben Hernandez, Jr. Failing to record required information about firearms purchases (3 counts). Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison per count. 9 Antavious Anton Gray, Jr. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Jhroy Elijah Sackey Possession with the intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Penalty: minimum mandatory 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. 1 Kristian Moises Ramos Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Alfred Lamar Shavers Possession of firearm by convicted felon (Armed Career Criminal). Penalty: minimum mandatory 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. 9 Christian Ponce Rodney Hernandez Possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Penalty: minimum mandatory 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. 3 Verun Maharajh Export of firearms and ammunition, shipment of firearms without a license, and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. Maximum penalty: 35 years in federal prison. 4 Chrissie Fier Williams Export of firearms and ammunition (3 counts). Maximum penalty: 30 years in federal prison. 18 Victor Morales-Acosta Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 1 These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Megan Testerman, Dana E. Hill, Noah Dorman, Stephanie A. McNeff, David Pardo, Michael Sartoian, Matthew Del Mastro, and Rachel Lyons. Sentenced Cases Defendant(s) Charges Sentence Imposed Firearms Seized Fort Myers Division Chester Lewis Risco, III Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Sentence imposed: 3 years, 10 months in federal prison. 1 Mar’tavoius Martel Brown Possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Sentence imposed: 5 years in federal prison. 1 Keith Dewayne Drayton, Jr. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Sentence imposed: 4 years in federal prison. 1 These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan and Simon R. Eth. Jacksonville Division Andrew Tyler Harp Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Sentence imposed: 10 years in federal prison. 1 Kristofferson Farmer Possession with intent to distribute Alpha-PVP, a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Sentence imposed: 6 years, 8 months in federal prison. 3 Mario Lenard Elbert Possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Sentence imposed: 7 years in federal prison. 2 Keith Allen Dixon Distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Sentence imposed: 10 years in federal prison. 3 Geoffrey Scott Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Sentence imposed: 15 years in federal prison. 10 Lucas Shirley II Transferring unregistered short-barreled rifles. Sentence imposed: 5 years, 5 months in federal prison. 29 Charles David Mobley Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer in connection with the acquisition of a firearm. Sentence imposed: 2 years in federal prison. 9 Edgar Guintivano Possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Sentence imposed: 15 years in federal prison. 2 Jesse Rance Moore Interference with commerce by threats or violence robberies and burglaries involving controlled substances, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Sentence imposed: 21 years in federal prison. 1 Paul Bryan McCorkle Receiving and possessing an explosive by a convicted felon. Sentence imposed: 2 years, 3 months in federal prison. 1 Pernell Dewayne Bodiford, Jr. False Statements to a firearms dealer during firearm purchase. Sentence imposed: Time served. 0 Samuel Arthur Thompson Possession and receipt of child sex abuse material; intrusion of protected computer causing damage; production of child sex abuse material; failure to register as a sex offender; possession of firearm by a convicted felon. Sentence imposed: 220 years in federal prison. 1 Tony Kenneth Paul, Jr. Possession of a machine gun and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Sentence imposed: 5 years in federal prison. 3 Rakesh Verma Making false statement to federal firearms dealer. Sentence imposed: 1 year, 3 months in federal prison. 0 These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs Michael Coolican, John Cannizzaro, David Mesrobian, Laura Taylor, Kirwinn Mike, and Frank Talbot. Ocala Division Raymond Devon Haynes Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Sentence imposed: 1 year, 1 day in federal prison. 1 Kingsley Samuel Richard Wilson Viviana Rodriguez Making a false statement to a firearms dealer, dealing in firearms without a license, making a false statement in required information kept by a firearms dealer. Sentence imposed (Wilson): 3 years, 10 months in federal prison. Sentence imposed (Rodriguez): 2 years, 6 months in federal prison. 140 Wendall Doyle Goney Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Sentence imposed: 4 years in federal prison. 1 Jared Boyle Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Sentence imposed: 10 years in federal prison. 1 These PSN cases from the Ocala Division were handled by AUSAs Belkis Crockett, Sarah Swartzberg, Robert Bodnar, Jr., and Tyrie Boyer. Orlando Division Jason Santos Possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Sentence imposed: 8 years, 4 months in federal prison. 11 Jeremy Middleton Possession of a stolen firearms. Sentence imposed: 3 years, 10 months in federal prison. 13 Carlos Aquino Possession of 400 grams or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and possession of firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Sentence imposed: 15 years in federal prison. 1 Antione Oshea Ladson Drug trafficking and possessing a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Sentence imposed: 10 years, 6 months in federal prison. 1 Geoffrey Gaston Five armed robberies. Sentence imposed: 7 years in federal prison. 0 Timothy Jones Bank robbery. Sentence imposed: 25 years in federal prison. 0 Yadier Torres-Rivera Distribution of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. Sentence imposed: 15 years, 8 months in federal prison. 1 Desha Cooper Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Sentence imposed: 3 years, 10 months in federal prison. 2 E’Chavion Semaj Flewellen Distribution of fentanyl. Sentence imposed: 16 years, 8 months in federal prison. 3 O’Neil Clifton Gordon Possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. Sentence imposed: 3 years in federal prison. 1 These PSN cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs Stephanie A. McNeff, Diana Hu, David Pardo, Dana E. Hill, Noah Dorman, Megan Testerman, Richard Varadan, Rachel Lyons, and Kara Wick. Tampa Division Yvens Philone Possession of firearms by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Sentence imposed: 10 years in federal prison. 0 Erik Barner Distribution and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Sentence imposed: 17 years, 6 months in federal prison. 0 Sean Peter Brewer Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Sentence imposed: 7 years in federal prison. 0 Scott Carpenter, Jr. Interfering with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Sentence imposed: 28 years in federal prison. 3 James Eugene Smith Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Sentence imposed: 8 years in federal prison. 1 These PSN cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs David P. Sullivan, Samantha Newman, David E. A. Chee, David P. Sullivan, Michael M. Gordon, and Michael Kenneth.


title: Gang Member Who Posed on Snapchat with Firearms Sentenced to Over Two Years in Prison

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition while under house arrest for four state firearm charges. Dumari Shakur Scarlett-Dixon, 22, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2023, Scarlett-Dixon pleaded guilty to being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm and ammunition. In 2021, as part of an investigation into violent crime in Boston, a Snapchat account was intercepted through a court order. Among the communications intercepted was a group “chat” comprised of members of rival gangs who regularly displayed images and videos of themselves in possession of firearms. Scarlett-Dixon, a member of Heath Street, a violent Boston gang, participated in the group chat. At the time he was intercepted, Scarlett-Dixon was on pre-trial release for four separate unlawful possession of a firearm cases in state court. As a condition of his release for those offenses, Scarlett-Dixon had been placed on home confinement with GPS monitoring at his grandmother’s residence in Weymouth. Scarlett-Dixon displayed images of himself on Snapchat in possession of firearms at his grandmother’s residence: During a September 2021 search of Scarlett-Dixon’s grandmother’s residence, a Bersa 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, 59 rounds of 9 millimeter and .380 caliber ammunition, and blunts of marijuana were seized from Scarlett-Dixon’s bedroom. As a condition of his supervised release, Scarlett-Dixon was ordered to stay away from Heath Street gang members and the Bromley Heath housing development. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Division; and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement. Special assistance in the investigation was provided by the Boston, Quincy and Lynn Police Departments and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case. The operation was conducted is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf .


title: Oxford Man Sentenced to 20 Months for Armed Confrontation with Police

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: An Oxford man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Brandon Dearborn , 31, to 20 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on January 31, 2024. According to court records, in August 2022, a 911 caller reported a man, later identified as Dearborn, was observed brandishing a firearm outside an apartment building in the town of Mexico. Officers confronted Dearborn and instructed him to drop the weapon, a Ruger .22 pistol. Dearborn instead urged the officers to shoot him and raised the pistol towards them, prompting the officers to fire, striking Dearborn multiple times. At the time of his arrest, Dearborn was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony drug conviction in the Oxford County Superior Court. The FBI and Maine State Police investigated the case. Project Safe Neighborhoods : This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psn . ###


title: Former Employee of Beaver County Health Care Facility Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison Following Conviction on Federal Hate Crime Charges Related to Assaults Against Disabled Residents

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court today for conspiring to commit and carrying out hate crimes against numerous severely disabled victims, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan sentenced Tyler Smith, 34, of New Brighton, Pennsylvania, to 120 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Smith previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act. “Today’s sentencing holds Tyler Smith accountable for the abhorrent and degrading assaults he and Zachary Dinell carried out against more than a dozen victims—simply because they were disabled,” U.S. Attorney Olshan said. “Hate crimes target and terrorize not just individuals but whole communities. Our hope is that today’s result brings some measure of closure to the victims’ families who have shouldered the crushing burden of Smith’s and Dinell’s conduct for so many years. This office and our partners at the FBI will continue to work every day to give voice to the voiceless and protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.” “I hope today’s decision brings some comfort to the families impacted by this egregious crime,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “Today’s sentencing shows there is no room for hatred, and crimes against our most vulnerable citizens will be met with the force of justice. The FBI and our partners stand committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of every individual.” According to admissions made during Smith’s plea hearing, he and co-defendant Zachary Dinell were employees of an in-patient health care facility located in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. Residents of the facility suffered from a range of severe physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities, and required assistance with all activities of daily life, including bathing, using the bathroom, oral hygiene, feeding, and dressing. As members of the facility’s Direct Care Staff, Smith admitted that he and Dinell were responsible for providing this daily assistance to residents. From approximately June 2016 to September 2017, Smith admitted that he and Dinell engaged in a conspiracy to commit hate crimes against a total of 13 residents of the facility because of the residents’ actual or perceived disabilities. Many of the victims required the use of a wheelchair. Smith and Dinell carried out assaults in a variety of ways, including by punching and kicking residents, rubbing Purell hand sanitizer in their eyes, spraying mouthwash in their eyes and mouths, and, in one instance, removing a resident’s compression stocking in a manner intended to inflict pain. Several of these assaults were recorded on Dinell’s cell phone. In one instance, Smith admitted jumping on top of a 13-year-old minor while the child was lying prone on his bed with the lights off, and while Dinell filmed the incident on his cellular phone. Smith further acknowledged that immediately after recording the video, Dinell texted the video to him. As part of the conspiracy, Smith also admitted that he and Dinell exchanged graphic text messages in which they expressed their animus toward the disabled residents, shared photographs and videos of residents, described their assaults, and encouraged each other’s continued abuse of residents. Smith further admitted that he and Dinell were able to avoid detection by, among other things, exploiting their one-on-one access to residents of the facility and the fact that the victims were non-verbal and could not report the defendant’s alleged abuse. Due to their physical disabilities, the residents also were not able to defend themselves against the assaults. Zachary Dinell previously pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ supervised release. United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan and Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn J. Bloch and Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the charges against Smith and Dinell.


title: Dark Web Vendor Sentenced for Distributing Narcotics and Ordered to Forfeit $150M

component: Criminal Division

body_text: An Indian national was sentenced today to five years in prison for selling controlled substances on dark web marketplaces and ordered to forfeit approximately $150 million. According to court documents and in statements made in court, Banmeet Singh, 40, of Haldwani, India, created vendor marketing sites on dark web marketplaces, such as Silk Road, Alpha Bay, Hansa, and others, to sell controlled substances, including fentanyl, LSD, ecstasy, Xanax, ketamine, and tramadol. Customers paid with cryptocurrency for drugs ordered from Singh using the vendor sites. Singh then personally shipped or arranged the shipment of the drugs from Europe to the United States through U.S. mail or other shipping services. From at least mid-2012 through July 2017, Singh controlled at least eight distribution cells within the United States, including cells located in Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Maryland, New York, North Dakota, and Washington, among other locations. Individuals in these distribution cells received drug shipments and then re-packaged and re-shipped the drugs to locations in all 50 states, Canada, England, Ireland, Jamaica, Scotland, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Over the course of the conspiracy, the Singh drug organization moved hundreds of kilograms of controlled substances throughout the United States and established a multimillion-dollar drug enterprise that laundered millions of dollars of drug proceeds into cryptocurrency accounts, which ultimately became worth approximately $150 million. Singh was arrested in April 2019 in London at the request of the United States and subsequently extradited to the United States in March 2023. He pleaded guilty on Jan. 26 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio; Administrator Anne Milgram of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Acting Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Cincinnati Field Office; Acting Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) made the announcement. The DEA, IRS-CI, HSI, USPIS, and the Upper Arlington and Columbus, Ohio, Police Departments investigated the case. The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, Crown Prosecution Service, and Central Authority provided significant assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Singh from the United Kingdom. Trial Attorney Emily Cohen of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Hunter for the Southern District of Ohio prosecuted the case.


title: Somerset County Man Convicted of Defrauding New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury Fund of Millions of Dollars and Committing Tax Evasion

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – A Somerset County, New Jersey, man was convicted of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, five acts of healthcare fraud, and four counts of tax evasion, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. C.R. Kraus, 58, of Manville, New Jersey was convicted of all 10 counts of an indictment following a trial before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court. In January 2023, Kraus’s conspirators, Harry Pizutelli and Maritza Flores, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and tax evasion relating to defrauding the New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury Fund (TBI Fund) of millions of dollars for their own personal benefit. “This defendant was convicted of multiple crimes for his role in a conspiracy that resulted in the theft of millions of dollars earmarked for victims of traumatic brain injuries. Stealing resources intended to help New Jersey residents who are already coping with serious challenges is especially egregious. My office, and our law enforcement partners, are always working to root out this kind of criminal activity and ensure the guilty face appropriate punishment.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “People battling to regain their lives after surviving a traumatic brain injury, and then digging out from the astronomical costs of healthcare related to the injury are the victims in this case,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “Those people should have been the recipients of money from a fund created specifically to help them, not Kraus and his co-conspirators. I want to commend the outstanding work of the investigators and prosecutors in this investigation who successfully fight each day to seek justice against criminals who believe their crimes may not harm or impact anyone. It does, and they will be held accountable.” According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial: The TBI Fund is a publicly funded program run by the New Jersey Division of Disability Services, a component of the New Jersey Department of Human Services. The TBI Fund’s purpose is to provide New Jersey residents who have suffered a traumatic brain injury with services and support in order to maximize their quality of life when funding from insurance, personal resources, or other programs is unavailable to meet their needs. Services funded by the TBI Fund include physical, occupational, and speech therapy; service coordination; assistive technology; cognitive therapy; neuropsychological services; pharmaceuticals; wheelchair ramp installation and other home modifications; and general home management and maintenance. After a prospective patient applies for services, TBI Fund personnel review the application and, if approved, the patient is authorized to secure designated services from a third-party vendor. Once a patient receives services approved by the TBI Fund, the vendor or service provider submits an invoice to the TBI Fund for payment. When an invoice is received, TBI Fund personnel review the invoice to ensure that the patient had been approved to receive the services. If the invoice is approved, an internal payment voucher is generated, authorized by TBI Fund personnel, and then submitted to the New Jersey Department of the Treasury for payment, which issues a check directly to the vendor. Pizutelli was the manager of the TBI Fund and was responsible for its day-to-day operation. He supervised, managed, and oversaw the process by which third-party vendors were paid for services rendered to eligible TBI Fund beneficiaries. From 2009 through June 2019, Pizutelli, Kraus, and Flores conspired to defraud the TBI Fund by misappropriating more than $4 million in fraudulent vendor payments for purported services that were never actually provided. Pizutelli orchestrated the distribution of fraudulent vendor payments to Flores and Kraus by generating and processing false invoices and internal payment vouchers. Pizutelli generated these invoices and vouchers to give the appearance that Flores and Kraus had provided approved services to eligible patients when, in fact, they had not provided any services. Pizutelli then approved and transmitted the internal payment vouchers so that his conspirators received vendor payments. Pizutelli orchestrated these fraudulent payments to maintain and further romantic and/or sexual relationships with Flores, including more than $940,000 in fraudulent distributions to Flores and more than $3.245 million in fraudulent distributions to Kraus. To obscure their fraudulent conduct, Flores and Kraus also evaded the payment of substantial amount of income taxes by making material misstatements and omissions on their federal income tax returns and significantly underreporting the income they had derived from the fraudulent scheme. The healthcare fraud conspiracy charge and substantive healthcare fraud charges to which Kraus was convicted each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The tax evasion charges to which Kraus was convicted each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 8, 2024. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Red Bank Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, and special agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, with the investigation leading to the guilty verdict. He also thanked the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, Division of Law, and the New Jersey Department of Human Services, for their assistance. The government is represented by Eric A. Boden, Attorney-in-Charge in Trenton, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Suggs of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Trenton Branch Office.


title: Former Police Officer Arrested For Online Enticement Of A Minor

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Josue Garriga III (34, Jacksonville) with online enticement of a minor child to engage in criminal sexual activity. Garriga is a former police officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. According to the criminal complaint, Garriga met the child victim at church around September 2023 and began pursuing a relationship with her via text messaging and WhatsApp. Messages recovered from the victim’s phone revealed Garriga sent communications expressing his sexual interest in the child. Garriga went to the victim’s house late at night on several occasions and visited her at a coffee shop on March 6, 2024. During the March 6 encounter, while in his vehicle outside the coffee shop, Garriga grabbed the child’s hand, put her hand down his pants, and requested the child perform oral sex on him. When the child refused, Garriga asked the child to kiss his genitalia and would not let the child leave until the child did so. A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. If convicted, Garriga faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. This case was investigated by the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, to include Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Cofer Taylor and Kelly S. Milliron. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Massachusetts Man Who Attempted to Traffick Fentanyl to Maine by Taxi Sentenced to 44 Months in Prison

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A man from Lawrence, Massachusetts was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Jose Alfredo Mercedes Botello , 22, to 44 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Botello pleaded guilty on November 27, 2023. According to court records, in March 2022, FBI agents and local law enforcement in Lebanon conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle bearing Massachusetts livery plates. During the stop, the vehicle’s passenger was observed reaching to the floor where agents later recovered a cellophane-wrapped package under the front passenger seat. The contents of the package were confirmed to be fentanyl. The hired driver of the vehicle stated that he had picked up Botello in Lawrence, Mass. and had been instructed to drive him to Maine. An FBI investigation revealed that Botello planned to distribute the fentanyl to an individual in Maine. ###


title: Federal Jury Convicts Charvez Brooks After Trial for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – After a four-day trial, a federal jury has found Charvez Brooks, age 35, of Gwynn Oak, Maryland, guilty of illegal possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, in violation of federal law. The conviction was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) Baltimore Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimi of the ATF - Washington Field Division; Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department (“BPD”), and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates. According to the evidence presented at trial, in the days following the August 2019 shooting of an off-duty Baltimore police sergeant, Charvez Brooks was seen by a BPD Northeast District patrol officer driving a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle suspected of involvement in the shooting. Although Brooks was not involved in the shooting, he immediately fled when he saw the police, leading them on a 10-minute high-speed chase through northeast Baltimore. According to testimony at trial, during the flight, Brooks threw a loaded firearm out the window of his car into a parking lot on Belair Road. Two people, who were standing at a nearby bus stop, saw the firearm get thrown from the car and promptly flagged down police, who recovered the gun. As detailed in trial testimony, during a subsequent interview with the Baltimore Police, Brooks acknowledged that he threw the gun out of the window of his car. At the time of the incident, Brooks had previous felony convictions in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard County Circuit Courts for burglary, assault, theft, and drug possession. Brooks faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander has not yet scheduled sentencing. In August 2020, Brooks was convicted after a five-day federal trial for conspiracy to commit a commercial robbery in connection with the robbery of a gas station owner in January 2018. Brooks’ co-defendants were charged with the robbery in May 2018, but Brooks was not identified as the third participant until sometime later. Brooks was subsequently sentenced to 124 months in federal prison for that crime. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF, BPD and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anatoly Smolkin and Ari Evans, who are prosecuting the federal case. He also recognized the assistance of the Paralegal Specialist Kristy L. Penny. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Hedge Fund Manager Sentenced for Operating Multimillion-Dollar Ponzi Scheme

body_text: A Florida man was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for using his hedge fund management company as part of a years-long, multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme. According to court documents, Michael Wayne Williams, 48, of Miami, was the founder and operator and investment manager of Highguard Capital and its affiliated entities, Guardian Opportunity Fund and Guardian Opportunity Management. Williams convinced his victims to invest over $3.6 million in Guardian Opportunity Management and used their money for undisclosed and unauthorized purposes, including to settle civil lawsuits accusing him of fraud and to repay investors from discontinued funds that he previously managed. Williams pleaded guilty in October 2023 to wire fraud. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorney David A. Peters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Trial Attorney Elise Kent Bernanke of the Environment and Natural Resources Division prosecuted the case. If you believe you are a victim in this case, please contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness Unit toll-free at (888) 549-3945 or by email at victimassistance.fraud@usdoj.gov .


title: Philadelphia Man Who Orchestrated the Straw Purchase and Resale of Over 60 Guns Is Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Mister Tyrell Taylor, 29, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Gerald J. Pappert to 120 months’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $2,800 special assessment, for directing people to straw purchase guns and then reselling those weapons on the streets of Philadelphia. Taylor and his co-conspirators illegally purchased well over 60 firearms in less than six months from gun stores in the Philadelphia area. More than 20 of those firearms were recovered after being used in crimes, including at least nine guns that were used in shootings. Some of the guns were converted to fully automatic firing, some had large-capacity magazines, and some had obliterated serial numbers. On June 20, 2023, Taylor was charged in a 28-count indictment with conspiracy and aiding and abetting false statements to a federal firearms licensee. On November 2, 2023, the defendant pleaded guilty to all charges against him. “Philadelphia is already awash in illegal guns and Taylor flooded the streets with over 60 more,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “We know that many of these weapons were sold to convicted felons who weren’t allowed to have them, and a number were used in violent crimes. The straw-purchasing and trafficking of firearms like this directly contributes to our city’s gun violence crisis and its ever-growing list of victims. I hope that Taylor’s lengthy sentence sends a message that these are very serious crimes, and their perpetrators will be held fully accountable.” “As this case vividly demonstrates, trafficking firearms puts guns in the hands of dangerous criminals,” said Eric J. DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “Too often we find that the guns used in shootings and recovered in crime scenes were illegally obtained through straw purchases. Buying a gun for someone who isn’t allowed to have one puts your neighbors, friends, and families at risk. It is also a federal offense that can land you in prison for years.” This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Alexander B. Bowerman and Assistant United States Attorney Justin Oshana.


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

component: USAO - Wyoming

body_text: Firearms Offenses Charles Michael Carsten , age 35, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Apr. 16. According to court documents, Cheyenne Police Department officers were dispatched to a call of a man using drugs in a parking lot. When an officer approached the vehicle, Carsten reached for the center console several times. As the officer told Carsten to keep his hands visible, the officer noticed a firearm in the center console. Another firearm, loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition was next to the driver’s seat. The officer was able to secure Carsten in his patrol car without incident. Carsten had numerous small blue fentanyl pills in his possession and is a previously convicted felon. The defendant pleaded guilty on Jan. 8. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Coppom. Anthony Oliva, 27, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to 76 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Apr. 15. According to court documents, on Jul. 6, 2023, Wind River Police Department officers received a report of a possible drunk driver. Officers conducted a traffic stop on Oliva and noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Oliva was uncooperative and eventually arrested. A subsequent search of the vehicle recovered two 9mm semi-automatic pistol and several magazines. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge on Jan. 23. The crime was investigated by the Wind River Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist. Nathan Gossens, 31, of Billings, Montana, was sentenced to time served plus three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Apr. 8. According to court documents, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement responded to a report of someone who had been camping in a day-use only area in Wyoming. The officer made contact with Gossens who was wearing a pistol on his hip. Gossens was cooperative and secured the pistol without incident, but he had a prior felony conviction and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Gossens pleaded guilty to the charge on Jan. 24. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Coppom.


title: Stanislaus County Man Indicted for Sexual Exploitation Offenses Against a Minor

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment Thursday against Christian Ceja, 27, of Turlock, charging him with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, between Aug. 27, 2023, and Jan. 3, 2024, Ceja transported a minor victim from the Eastern District of California to Idaho with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. In addition, Ceja received images of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. This case is the product of an investigation by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea J. Kenny is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Ceja faces a mandatory statutory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison for the most serious charged count, and a $250,000 fine per count, plus up to a lifetime of supervised release. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC .


title: Silicon Valley Start-Up Founder Sentenced To 18 Months In Prison For Wire Fraud And Securities Fraud

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – Manish Lachwani, a tech entrepreneur who founded a Silicon Valley-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that he duped potential investors into supporting, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison, following his conviction on wire and securities fraud charges, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. The sentence was handed down by the Hon. Charles R. Breyer, Senior United States District Judge. Lachwani, 47, of Los Altos, California, pleaded guilty on April 23, 2023, to two counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and one count of securities fraud, in violation of 15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) and 78ff and 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5. He had been charged in a superseding indictment in August 2022 with wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering. According to his plea agreement, Lachwani founded HeadSpin, Inc. in 2015 and served as its Chief Executive Officer until May 2020. Among other things, HeadSpin provided clients with software tools and access to remote devices to test mobile applications. Between April 2017 and April 2020, HeadSpin raised more than $100 million from investors. But Lachwani admitted that, to obtain that financing, he provided potential investors with information about the company’s business, customers, revenue, and finances that he knew was inaccurate. For example, Lachwani admitted he sent potential investors financial information that he knew overstated HeadSpin’s revenue and annual recurring revenue (ARR), which is a measure of a company’s subscription revenue rate at a particular point in time, annualized to show revenue the company would expect to make, at that rate, over the course of a full year. Specifically, he admitted he knew the revenue and ARR figures he provided to investors were overstated because they included amounts from potential customers that had not agreed to pay subscription fees to HeadSpin, amounts that were more than real customers had agreed to pay, and amounts from customers that had stopped using and paying for HeadSpin’s services. Lachwani also admitted that he knowingly sent HeadSpin’s accountant false information about customer contracts that was incorporated into HeadSpin’s financial statements, as well as invoices that he knew had been altered to show amounts that had not actually been invoiced to clients. “This defendant admitted he lied about his company’s revenue and customers to attract funding from investors, including many in Silicon Valley,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. “Today’s sentencing should send a message to other entrepreneurs who may be tempted to cross the line into fraud and to ‘fake it until they make it.’ This Office is committed to protecting investors—including those whose capital powers the engines of innovation in Silicon Valley—from start-ups that misrepresent their finances and try to cut corners.” “This case sends a clear message to start-up founders that inflating company revenue and lying to investors is not only unethical but illegal,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. “The FBI and our partners will continue to pursue those who attempt to defraud and disrupt the fair capital market system.” In addition to sentencing Lachwani to prison, Judge Breyer ordered the defendant to serve three years of supervised release to begin after his prison term is completed. Judge Breyer also ordered Lachwani to pay a $1 million fine and scheduled a hearing for July 31, 2024, to address the issue of restitution. The case is being prosecuted by the Corporate and Securities Fraud Section of the United States Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lloyd Farnham and Noah Stern are prosecuting the case with assistance from Aarian Beiti. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI thank the San Francisco Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). An SEC civil enforcement action is currently pending against Lachwani in the Northern District of California.


title: Four District Men Indicted on 76 Federal Counts for Armed Carjacking Conspiracy

body_text: WASHINGTON – A 76-count superseding indictment was unsealed in U.S. District Court today charging four District men with conspiring to commit a total of 33 carjackings in Washington D.C. and Maryland between December 2022, and June 2023. The charges build on a previous superseding indictment that had charged three of the men with 33-counts covering a total of 11 carjackings. The most recent superseding indictment charges Cedae Hardy, 19, and newly added defendant Keyonte Rice, 19, with an attempted carjacking resulting in death where, during a failed January 4, 2023, carjacking, a 39-year-old man was shot and killed in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 2600 block of Kirkwood Place in Hyattsville, Maryland. The suspect vehicle allegedly used in this homicide, which was taken in another armed carjacking on January 3, 2023 also allegedly committed by Hardy and Rice, was set on fire a few hours after the homicide. Additional charges include conspiracy to commit carjacking; carjacking; attempted carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury; brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; conspiracy to commit arson; aiding and abetting; interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle; and possession, sale, or receipt of a stolen vehicle. The indictment was announced today by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the Washington Field Office, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. According to the indictment, between December 2022 and June 2023, Cedae Hardy, 19, Landrell Jordan III, 19, Malik Norman, 20, and Keyonte Rice, 19, and other uncharged co‑conspirators, conspired to carjack victims of their vehicles at gunpoint around the District of Columbia and Maryland and to sell the carjacked vehicles for profit or use them in future carjackings. All four of the defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit carjacking. Hardy, aka “Peso,” is charged, alone and with various members of the conspiracy, in 24 of the carjacking counts. In addition to the January 4, 2023, attempted carjacking resulting in death, alleged to have been committed by Hardy and Rice, Hardy is further charged with attempted carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury for an April 18, 2023, carjacking in Hyattsville, Maryland, in which Hardy allegedly shot a rideshare driver multiple times at close range. LEAD CHARGES AS OF APRIL 19, 2024 Defendant Charges Cedae Hardy Conspiracy to Commit Carjacking (1 count) Carjacking (20 counts) Attempted Carjacking Resulting in Death (1 count) Attempted Carjacking Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury (1 count) Attempted Carjacking (2 counts) Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence (20 counts) 9 Additional Carjackings or Attempted Carjackings Charged as Overt Acts in the Conspiracy Conspiracy to Commit Arson (1 count) Landrell Jordan III Conspiracy to Commit Carjacking (1 count) Carjacking (3 counts) Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence (3 counts) 1 Additional Carjacking Charged as an Overt Act in the Conspiracy Malik Norman Conspiracy to Commit Carjacking (1 count) Carjacking (5 counts) Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence (4 counts) 1 Additional Carjackings Charged as an Overt Act in the Conspiracy Keyonte Rice Conspiracy to Commit Carjacking (1 count) Carjacking (5 counts) Attempted Carjacking Resulting in Death (1 count) Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence (5 counts) 4 Additional Carjackings or Attempted Carjackings Charged as Overt Acts in the Conspiracy Conspiracy to Commit Arson (1 count) All four defendants are in custody. Attempted carjacking resulting in death, as charged in this superseding indictment, carries a statutory maximum of life. Attempted carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury carries a statutory maximum of 25 years in prison. Carjacking carries a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum term of seven years in prison. Interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle and sale or receipt of a stolen vehicle each carry a statutory maximum of ten years in prison. Conspiracy to commit carjacking carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison. The charges also carry potential financial penalties. The maximum statutory sentence for federal offenses is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only. The sentence imposed will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office Violent Crimes Task Force and the Metropolitan Police Department Carjacking Task Force. Valuable assistance was provided by the Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Takoma Park, and Hyattsville, Maryland, Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Mayer-Dempsey and Paul V. Courtney, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Toth, of the Federal Major Crimes Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 23cr296


title: Drug and Ghost Gun Trafficker Sentenced to 87 Months

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – April 19, 2024 SAN DIEGO – Carlos Mendoza of San Diego was sentenced in federal court today to 87 months in prison following his admission that he trafficked in methamphetamine and ghost guns. Mendoza pleaded guilty to selling methamphetamine to undercover federal agents in February of 2023. According to the plea agreement, Mendoza also admitted to illegally selling eight privately-made firearms, which are commonly referred to as “ghost guns.” Ghost guns are assembled from firearm parts and lack markings—or contain non-standard markings—which make them difficult to trace when recovered from a crime scene. Mendoza’s arrest was part of the Privately Made Firearm Crime Reduction Project, which ran from February to May of 2023. The project was initiated to address gun violence and the proliferation of ghost guns in San Diego. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) used data analytics to determine areas where there was an increase in gun violence and where crime guns were being recovered. ATF and SDPD employed an intelligence-led policing effort throughout the 90-day initiative to determine where to place resources to have the greatest impact. The project resulted in the seizure of 165 ghost guns and the prosecution of 33 people, including Mendoza. “Removing dangerous drugs and illegal guns from the street makes all of us safer,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Now we’ve removed a dealer from the equation, too.” “Individuals who are engaged in the business of making firearms for livelihood or profit as opposed to personal use, must obtain a federal firearms license, and must comply with federal laws that require firearms to be serialized,” said ATF Los Angeles Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bombardiere. “ATF will continue to investigate criminal possession of ghost guns and those who traffick them with its local partners to make our communities safer.” This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shital H. Thakkar. DEFENDANT Case Number 23-cr-01436-RBM Carlos Mendoza Age: 31 San Diego, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Distributing Methamphetamine – Title 21, U.S.C., Section 841(a)(1) Maximum penalty: Life in prison and $10 million fine AGENCY Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Auburn Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jason P. Benedict, age 47, of Auburn, New York, pled guilty today in federal court in Syracuse to possessing a 20-gauge shotgun as a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division. As part of his guilty plea today, Benedict admitted that on January 21, 2023, he possessed and then transferred a Hawk Industries 20-gauge shotgun to another person in Syracuse. The shotgun (as well as drugs, cash, and drug paraphernalia) was seized by ATF and DEA during the execution of a search warrant at the other person’s Syracuse residence in June 2023. [1] A search of telephone text messages revealed that Benedict previously possessed and delivered the shotgun to the other person on January 21, 2023. Jason Benedict admitted in court today that he knew he was previously convicted in 2011 in Onondaga County Court of Criminal Sex Act in the Second Degree, a felony for which he was sentenced to serve five years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for August 23, 2024, in Syracuse, at which time Benedict faces a maximum sentence of 15-years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a term of post-incarceration supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick is prosecuting the case. [1] The other person is charged with federal firearms and drug felony offenses. His case is currently pending in federal court, and he is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.


title: Oswego Vehicle Dealership Sentenced for Conspiracy to Violate Clean Air Act

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Matthew R. Talamo, age 38, of New Haven, New York, was sentenced today in federal court in Syracuse to 4 years of probation and a $50,000.00 fine, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act related to his operation of Southern Diesel Truck Co. and Southern Diesel and Off-Road LLC (collectively “Southern Diesel”), in Oswego, New York. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Tyler Amon, Special Agent in Charge of the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) in New York, made the announcement. In pleading guilty previously, Talamo admitted that he is the owner and operator of Southern Diesel, which specializes in buying and reselling diesel vehicles and performing after-market modifications to diesel vehicles, particularly pickup trucks. In pleading guilty, Talamo admitted that he conspired and agreed with others to violate the Clean Air Act at Southern Diesel by tampering with emission control monitoring devices and methods on diesel pickup trucks, including both software and hardware modifications. The illegal software modifications involved “tuning” or “deleting” the trucks by tampering with the “on board diagnostic” (OBD) systems and disabling emission controls, which allowed the trucks to emit substantially more pollutants into the atmosphere. Talamo and his employees also made hardware modifications to diesel vehicles, including by removing tailpipes, mufflers, and other exhaust components and replacing them with so-called straight pipes that lacked diesel particulate filters and other systems designed to reduce harmful emissions. Between January 2018 and November 2022, Southern Diesel tampered with the emission control monitoring devices and systems of approximately 244 diesel vehicles, often charging thousands of dollars per vehicle for the modifications. Despite the harm to the environment, diesel vehicle owners sometimes seek such illegal modifications to avoid the costs of maintaining and repairing emission control components and to increase speed and fuel efficiency. Chief U.S. District Judge Brenda K. Sannes, who presided over the case, ordered Talamo to complete 150 hours of community service during his term of probation and ordered him to abide by terms of a compliance program agreed to as part of his plea agreement, including that Southern Diesel is subject to inspection at any time for potential Clean Air Act violations. EPA-CID investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry prosecuted the case.


title: Harrison County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Charges

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Antwann Terrance Horton, age 29, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison and six years of supervised release for the distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a protected location. According to court documents, Horton was selling methamphetamine in Harrison County. One of the sales was done near a public playground in Clarksburg. The case was prosecuted on behalf of the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the Fairmont Police Department investigated. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided. ###


title: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS ON COCAINE TRAFFICKING CONVICTION

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Ruben Reyes, 37, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to 120 months incarceration by Chief Judge Robert A. Molloy, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute While on Board a Vessel Subject to the Jurisdiction of the United States. According to court documents, on November 18, 2020, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations intercepted a vessel traveling from St. Thomas towards Puerto Rico at approximately one mile southwest of Savana Island. The vessel was operating without navigational lights, and individuals on board the vessel were observed throwing black objects overboard into the ocean. Agents placed markers in the locations where the objects were discarded while they continued to pursue the vessel. Reyes, Jorge Romero Amaro, Giovanni Graciani, Hector Rivera Concepcion and Pedro Luis Sayan Villanueva were found on board the vessel and seven duffle bags containing approximately 198 kilograms were recovered from the ocean. This case was investigated by Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel H. Huston and Natasha Baker. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Two Florida Steel Traders Sentenced for Money Laundering and Russia-Ukraine Sanctions Violations

body_text: John Can Unsalan, aka Hurrem Can Unsalan, the president of Orlando, Florida-based steel trading firm Metalhouse LLC, was sentenced to six years in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering to promote violations of U.S. sanctions against Sergey Kurchenko, a pro-Russian Ukrainian oligarch. Unsalan’s former business associate, Sergey Karpushkin, a Belarusian national residing in Miami, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for his role in the scheme. Unsalan pleaded guilty and was ordered to forfeit $160 million in proceeds from the offense. Karpushkin pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and to commit international promotional money laundering and was ordered to forfeit $4.7 million in criminal proceeds. Kurchenko was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in 2015 for his role in misappropriating state assets of Ukraine or of an economically significant entity in Ukraine. Two sanctioned companies – Kompaniya Gaz-Alyans OOO, based in the Russian Federation and controlled by Kurchenko, and ZAO Vneshtorgservis, based in the Russian occupied Georgian region of South Ossetia – were designated by OFAC in 2018 for acting on behalf of and providing material support to the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic in the separatist-controlled regions of eastern Ukraine. As set forth in court filings, Unsalan and Karpushkin engaged in trade with these sanctioned individuals and entities to procure steelmaking equipment and raw material despite knowing that Kurchenko, Gaz-Alyans and Vneshtorgservis were subject to U.S. sanctions that prohibited U.S. persons and entities from doing business with them. No licenses from OFAC were applied for or issued for these payments or transfers. As stated in court documents, between July 2018 and October 2021, Unsalan conspired with others to transfer over $150 million to Kurchenko and companies controlled by Kurchenko. Unsalan, acting through his company, Metalhouse, engaged in trade with sanctioned individuals and entities and received tens of thousands of tons of metal products from the companies. Between July 2017 and August 2020, Karpushkin conspired with Unsalan and other business associates, acting through Metalhouse, to enter into contracts and purchase orders for pig iron, steel billets, and wire rods from these sanctioned companies and agreed to share profits from these unlawful transactions. The co-conspirators intentionally concealed from U.S. banks and government officials the ultimate source and origin of the goods that they sought to acquire, knowing that they did not have the necessary authorization or license from OFAC to transact with Kurchenko and companies owned and controlled by Kurchenko. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement. The FBI Tampa and Washington Field Offices investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt for the Middle District of Florida, Trial Attorney Emma Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Trial Attorneys Sean O’Dowd and Sean Fern of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section prosecuted the case. The investigation was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Indiana Man for Child Exploitation Offenses

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Bowling Green, KY – A federal grand jury in Bowling Green returned a three-count indictment on March 15, 2024, charging an Indiana man with sexually exploiting a child. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, and Sheriff Todd DeArmond of the Christian County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement. According to the indictment, Jason Webster, 29, of Lafayette, Indiana, was charged with online enticement of a minor, attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, and receipt of child sexual abuse material. This conduct occurred between June 2023 through September 2023 in Todd County, Kentucky. The defendant made an initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky this week. The Court ordered the defendant detained pending trial. If convicted, Webster faces a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by the HSI Bowling Green Field Office and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana, the HSI Hammond, Indiana, Field Office, the HSI Indianapolis, Indiana, Field Office, and the Tippecanoe County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. xxx


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

body_text: Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Paducah, Kentucky, returned an indictment on February 13, 2024, charging a Hopkinsville man with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement. According to the indictment, Tyrone Poindexter, 42, possessed a Taurus .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol. Poindexter was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On July 11, 2000, in Christian Circuit Court, Poindexter was convicted of complicity to first-degree manslaughter, complicity to first-degree robbery, and tampering with physical evidence. On June 11, 2013, in Christian Circuit Court, Poindexter was convicted of theft by unlawful taking – automobile, first degree criminal mischief, convicted felon in possession of a handgun, and first degree fleeing or evading police. On October 18, 2017, in Christian Circuit Court, Poindexter was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Poindexter made his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Kentucky on April 15, 2024. The Court ordered the defendant detained pending trial. If convicted, Poindexter faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Post of Duty and the Hopkinsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting this case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###