title: Georgia Woman Sentenced in South Dakota Drug and Money Laundering Conspiracy

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Decatur, Georgia, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments. The sentencing took place on June 3, 2024. Julia Precious Ballansaw, 21, was sentenced on the count of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance to five years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. She was then sentenced on the count of Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments to five years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, each sentence to run concurrently with one another. She was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Ballansaw was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments by a federal grand jury in October of 2023. She pleaded guilty on March 14, 2024. Ballansaw obtained methamphetamine from a co-conspirator in California and then transported it back to another co-conspirator in South Dakota in order for it to be further distributed. Ballansaw also obtained methamphetamine from another co-conspirator in South Dakota and distributed it to others within South Dakota. Additionally, Ballansaw and others conducted wire transfers at financial institutions of funds that were derived from the sale of controlled substances in South Dakota, in order to send the money to co-conspirators in California. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Sioux Falls Police Department, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case. Ballansaw was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Watertown Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Watertown, South Dakota, man convicted of Production of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on June 3, 2024. Ted Jeffrey Hurkes, age 46, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Upon his release from federal prison, Hurkes must register as a six offender. Hurkes was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2023. He pleaded guilty on December 4, 2023. The conviction stemmed from an incident on October 2, 2022, when Hurkes used his cell phone to take pictures and make video recordings of a partially unclothed minor female while she was asleep. The child was unaware of the images being created by Hurkes. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Watertown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case. Hurkes was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Sisseton Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Sisseton, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on June 3, 2024, in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Lincoln Duane Wanna, age 40, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Wanna was indicted for Abusive Sexual Contact and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. He pleaded guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact on November 20, 2023. The conviction stemmed from Wanna's repeated sexual abuse of a juvenile female from the time she was seven years old until she was 12 years old. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Sisseton Wahpeton Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy R. Jehangiri and Elizabeth A. Ebert prosecuted the case. Wanna was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving his sentence.


title: Rochester man sentenced for making a false statement involving sunken vessel

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Vyacheslav S. Migitskiy, 34, a Ukrainian national living in Rochester, NY, who was convicted of making a materially false statement, was sentenced to time served, and ordered to pay $15,442 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that on August 25, 2022, Migitskiy towed a 25-foot Bayliner boat onto Lake Ontario with the intention of sinking the abandoned vessel. Migitskiy intentionally sunk the vessel without reporting his actions. The following day, on August 26, 2022, the partially submerged boat was discovered by civilian witnesses who reported the sinking to the United States Coast Guard, which resulted in an immediate search and rescue effort by the Coast Guard, the New York State Police, and other law enforcement agencies which included deployment of surface vessels, aircraft, and SCUBA search teams. The United States Coast Guard spent $14,194 during the search and rescue effort, while the New York State Police spent $1,248. On October 4, 2022, Migitskiy was interviewed by a Special Agent with the United States Coast Guard, during which he falsely stated that he had donated the boat to unnamed individuals. Migitskiy further provided a false description of the individuals who took possession of the vessel, false information on how they removed the vessel from his property, and false information on what they did with the vessels’ trailer. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Coast Guard Investigative Service, under the direction of Joshua Packer, Special Agent-in-Charge, Central Region, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei III, and the Gates Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Long, the Rochester Fire Department, under the direction of Chief Stefano Napolitano, the Irondequoit Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Peters, and the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood. # # # #


title: Forty-Seven Defendants Charged in Imperial Valley Takedown of Drug Trafficking Network Linked to Sinaloa Cartel

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – June 5, 2024 EL CENTRO – Fourteen indictments were unsealed in federal court today charging 47 alleged members of an Imperial Valley-based, Sinaloa Cartel-linked fentanyl-and-methamphetamine distribution network with drug trafficking, firearms and money laundering offenses. In a coordinated takedown this morning, more than 400 federal, state, and local law enforcement officials arrested 36 defendants and executed 25 search warrants in Imperial County, San Diego, Fresno, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Salem, Oregon. As of this afternoon, the search continues for 11 fugitives. Including seizures today and throughout the long-term investigation, authorities have confiscated more than four kilograms of fentanyl, which amounts to about two million potentially fatal doses; more than 324 kilograms (over 714 pounds) of methamphetamine; significant quantities of cocaine and heroin; and 52 firearms, including handguns and rifles. The investigation also resulted in the arrest of Alexander Grindley for alleged methamphetamine trafficking while employed as a U.S. Border Patrol agent, and multiple spin-off investigations in this district and others. Crimes charged in the indictments include drug trafficking, money laundering and gun-related offenses. Court documents indicated the defendants were operating throughout the Imperial Valley—in Brawley, El Centro, Westmoreland, Imperial, Calexico, Niland, Holtville, Calipatria—and in Mexicali, Mexico. “With this takedown, the Justice Department has dealt yet another blow to the Sinaloa Cartel and its associates,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “I am grateful to the more than 400 law enforcement officers whose work in this operation resulted in dozens of arrests, charges against 47 defendants, and the seizure of firearms, meth, cocaine, heroin, and two million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. We will continue to be relentless in our fight to protect American communities from the cartels.” “This investigation tore apart a drug trafficking network responsible for supplying dealers in communities across the region,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “But there is still much work to be done. If you’re a parent, and today’s price of fentanyl terrifies you, talk to your kids about the dangers of drug use. If you’re an addict, and your dealer was arrested today, seek treatment. And if you’re a dealer but your supplier was arrested today, look out – we are coming for you next.” “The Department of Homeland Security and our federal, state and local partners are unrelenting in our work to keep deadly fentanyl off our streets and bring those who traffic in it to justice,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “The indictments unsealed today are the direct result of our multipronged and coordinated law enforcement approach – one that utilizes all of our government’s resources and capabilities. Together, we are preventing fentanyl and other deadly drugs from being produced, distributed, or consumed, and saving countless lives.” “Today’s coordinated operation, involving, over 400 federal, state, and local law enforcement officials, marks a decisive blow against an Imperial Valley-based, Sinaloa Cartel-linked distribution network and significantly disrupts the flow of dangerous drugs into our communities,” said Katrina W. Berger, Executive Associate Director for Homeland Security Investigations. “This operation is a testament to the power of law enforcement collaboration and our unwavering commitment to bringing these criminals to justice.” “Today, the El Centro Border Patrol Sector teamed with allied law enforcement agencies to support both Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office of San Diego in this operation,” said El Centro Sector Chief Gregory Bovino. “Our successful collaboration should be a reminder to criminal organizations in the Imperial Valley and elsewhere that justice will be served.” “This operation shows what can be accomplished when there is collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies,” said Imperial County District Attorney George Marquez. “The Imperial County District Attorney’s office will continue to work together with our partners to bring to justice those that harm or are a danger to our community.” According to the indictments and search warrants, the defendants belonged to various trafficking organizations that were part of an extensive network supplying all of Imperial County and beyond with dangerous drugs. According to court records, on June 30, 2021, agents seized two pounds of methamphetamine and a cache of ghost guns and ammunition, including: 15 lower receivers, three upper receivers, multiple barrels and stocks, 18 magazines, 40 Luger 9mm rounds and approximately 400 rounds of .223 Red Army ammunition, which are made in Russia. None of the firearms or firearm parts had any identifying serial numbers or markings. They were all ghost guns. Wiretap intercepts showed that defendant Cory Gershen supplied other members of the organization with ghost guns in exchange for methamphetamine. The investigation also revealed the assault rifles (depicted below) were destined for the organization’s source of supply in Mexico. Multiple AR-style firearms, parts, pistols, magazines, unfinished firearm parts used to create ghost guns, and a cache of Russian made ammunition. On June 30, 2021, agents seized additional ghost guns, ammunition and methamphetamine from another member of the same drug trafficking organization. Specifically, agents seized two AR-style ghost guns and a Colt .380 semiautomatic handgun and additional Russian rifle ammunition from defendant Guadalupe Molina-Flores, one of the alleged members of the trafficking organization. According to a search warrant, after seizing the firearms, agents searched Molina-Flores’ residence and found 309.4 grams (0.68 pounds) of methamphetamine. Two more AR-style rifles, a pistol, magazines, and Russian made ammunition. Notably, these were exchanged for drugs. Fentanyl continues to be a prolific killer. Imperial County experienced 24 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2022, the most recent full year of data available from the California Department of Public Health. The annual mortality rate for 2022 was 13.57 deaths per 100,000 residents —an increase of 41 percent over 2021. The investigation revealed that the price per fentanyl pill has plummeted. For example, in June 2021, targets of the investigation were obtaining fentanyl pills in Imperial Valley at approximately $1.65 to $1.75 per pill. By December 2021, the prices being discussed had dropped to approximately $1.25 per pill. By May 2024, the same pills were being sold at only 45 cents per pill—less than one-third of the price three years earlier. The precipitous drop in price reflects the increased supply and availability of fentanyl being smuggled into the United States and the close ties between targets of this investigation and their Sinaloa Cartel supplier of fentanyl pills. 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. *An indictment, complaint or information in a search warrant is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr0455-CAB Maria Isabel Ferrat 34 Brawley, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)) Maximum Penalties: Twenty years in prison and a $1 million fine. DEFENDANTS Case Number 24cr0456-CAB *Guadalupe Molina-Flores, AKA “Lupe” 43 Westmoreland, CA Stephanie Joann Hernandez, AKA “JoJo” 42 El Centro, CA *Emmanuel Becerra, AKA “E-Man” 36 Westmorland, CA Jeremy Clayton Harris, Sr. 44 El Centro, CA Jack Daniel Myers 41 Westmorland, CA Cory Gershen 36 Jacumba, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Fentanyl and Heroin (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846) Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)) Felon in Possession of Ammunition (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) Using, Carrying or Possession of Firearm in Commission of a Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. 924(c)(1)(A)(i)) Maximum Penalties: For conspiracy charge and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. For felon in possession of ammunition charge: Ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. For using, carrying or possession of firearm in commission of a drug trafficking crime: Five years in prison mandatory consecutive to the related drug trafficking offense and $250,000 fine. DEFENDANTS Case Number 24cr0504-CAB Eduardo Mendoza, AKA “Casper” 31 Niland, CA Francisco Javier Mendoza, AKA “Pancho” 33 Niland, CA Carlos Cezar Mendoza 36 Yuma, AZ Christopher John Coffman 59 Brawley, CA Daniel Estevan Mendoza 30 Brawley, CA Tyran Malik Sullivan 40 Brawley, CA Katelyn Singh 32 Holtville, CA Cynthia Diaz 35 Imperial, CA Robert Leroy Humble 49 Brawley, CA Terry Kyle Christiansen 52 Imperial, CA Melvin Betha 25 Niland, CA *Dylan Gutierrez 24 Calexico, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846) Maximum Penalties: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr0849-CAB *Maricela Selk 47 Brawley, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846) Maximum Penalties: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr0854-CAB Christopher Landon Bustin 40 Chula Vista, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846) Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) Maximum Penalties: For possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. For felon in possession charge: Ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr0855-CAB Ernie David Davila 43 Holtville, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)) Maximum Penalties: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr0856-CAB *Karla Franco 42 Los Angeles, CA Frederick Joseph McKenna, AKA “Downer” 32 Pico Rivera, CA Gabino Mora 31 Pico Rivera, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846) Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)) Maximum Penalties: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr0857-CAB Alexander Bennet Grindley 53 Brawley, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)) Maximum Penalties: Twenty years in prison and a $1 million fine. DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr0858-CAB Robert Thomas Isaac, AKA “RT” 48 Brawley, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin and Fentanyl (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846) Maximum Penalties: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr0909-TWR *Bryan Ayala Alvarez, AKA “Pingo” 41 Brawley, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846) Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)) Maximum Penalties: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr0910-CAB *Alfred Aldapa Juarez, Jr. 32 Brawley, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)) Maximum Penalties: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr0911-CAB *Pedro Alberto Rioseco, AKA “Pete” 42 Calexico, CA Jesus Antonio Escoto-Troncozo, AKA “Chocho” 45 El Centro, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846) Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)) Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) Using, Carrying or Possession of Firearm in Commission of a Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. 924(c)(1)(A)(i)) Maximum Penalties: For conspiracy charge and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. For felon in possession of ammunition charge: Ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. For using, carrying or possession of firearm in commission of a drug trafficking crime: Five years in prison mandatory consecutive to the related drug trafficking offense and $250,000 fine. DEFENDANTS Case Number 24cr00093-RSH Sergio Reyes-Green 32 Brawley, CA James Wade Hanks 53 Brawley, CA Jesus Fernardo Romero, AKA “Chuy” 28 (In Custody) Yomayra Patricia Penuelas 37 El Cajon, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Import Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 952, 960, 963) Importation of Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 952, 960) Aiding and Abetting (18 U.S.C. § 2) Conspiracy to Launder Money (21 U.S.C. § 1956(h), 1956(a)(2)(A) and (a)(2)(B)) Maximum Penalties: For methamphetamine charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. For the money laundering charges: Twenty years in prison and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of criminal derived property, whichever is greater. DEFENDANTS Case Number 24cr00094-RSH Mario Alberto Urena, AKA “Vaca” 34 Brawley, CA Pablo Enrique Trejo, AKA “Bolas” 45 Calexico, CA *Carlos Felipe Ruedas-Celaya 45 Calexico, CA Estevan Ramirez Gonzalez 26 Phoenix, AZ *Francisco Javier Ramirez-Garcia, AKA “Pitufo” 56 Calexico, CA *Javier Jacquez 48 Calexico, CA Araceli Rangel-Torres 28 Mexicali, Mexico Miguel Angel Flores 31 Fresno, CA Carlos Valencia Mendoza 29 Mexicali, Mexico SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846) Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846) Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846) Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)) Aiding and Abetting (18 U.S.C. § 2) Conspiracy to Launder Money (21 U.S.C. § 1956(h), 1956(a)(2)(A) and (a)(2)(B)) Maximum Penalties: For conspiracy charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. For the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charges (except Count 3): Life in prison with a mandatary minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. For the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charge in Count 3: Forty years in prison with a mandatory minimum of five years and a $5 million fine. For the money laundering charges: Twenty years in prison and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of criminal derived property, whichever is greater. *Fugitives AGENCIES Homeland Security Investigations Drug Enforcement Administration Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Department of Justice Office of Enforcement Operations United States Border Patrol U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Air and Marine Operations ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives United States Postal Inspection Service DHS Office of Inspector General California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation California Highway Patrol Brawley Police Department El Centro Police Department Calexico Police Department Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Imperial County District Attorney’s Office Imperial County Probation Department Imperial Police Department Westmorland Police Department Calipatria Police Department Imperial Valley - Law Enforcement Coordination Center Imperial County Child Protective Service San Diego County Sheriff’s Office United States Marshals Service


title: Jury Convicts Brooklyn Man of Illegally Transporting Aliens

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Ydenis Adames-Ramos, age 36, a native of the Dominican Republic living in Brooklyn, New York, was convicted today following a three-day jury trial of illegally transporting aliens. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Robert N. Garcia, Chief Patrol Agent of the United States Border Patrol Swanton Sector made the announcement. The evidence at trial established that, on March 11, 2023, the defendant drove from his home in Brooklyn to Chateaugay, New York, to pick up three individuals who were illegally present in the United States. He then transported those illegal aliens in the Chateaugay, New York area, shortly before being stopped by United States Border Patrol. The defendant intended to drive the aliens to Queens, New York, and then receive a payment of $2,000. Sentencing is scheduled for October 3, 2024, in Albany, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. The charge for which the defendant was convicted carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a term of 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 Border Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica N. Carbone and Adrian S. LaRochelle are prosecuting the case.


title: Macon Man Sentenced to Prison for Robbing a Truist Bank Branch

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MACON, Ga. – The Macon resident who robbed a Truist Bank Branch on Riverside Drive in Macon in 2023 while on federal supervised release was sentenced to federal prison today. Gabriel Bell, 29, of Macon, was sentenced to serve a total of 111 months imprisonment (87 months in prison for bank robbery and 24 months in prison for violating his supervised release in Case No. 5:23-CR-39) to be followed by five years of supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on June 5. In addition, Bell was ordered to pay $3,000 restitution to Truist Bank. Bell was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of bank robbery on March 12. There is no parole in the federal system. “Two tips from concerned citizens helped law enforcement quickly track down Gabriel Bell, who was on federal supervised release at the time for illegally possessing a gun,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Law enforcement at every level is committed to keeping our communities safe from violence and seeking justice for victims.” “Bell’s prior prison time was apparently not enough for him because he returned to his robbing ways while he was still on supervised release for the last crime he committed,” said Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Macon Office. “Thanks to the assistance of our partners with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, he now will have more time in prison to think about what he’ll do when he is released from prison this time.” “Our citizens can be grateful that dedicated investigative work from Bibb deputies and FBI agents have resulted in a repeat offender receiving prison time as a result of choosing crime as a career,” said Bibb County Sheriff David J. Davis. According to court documents and evidence submitted at trial, Bell walked into the Truist Bank at 2998 Riverside Drive in Macon on Feb. 16, 2023, at approximately 3:17 p.m., wearing a blue surgical mask. There were no customers in the business at the time. Bell handed a demand note to a teller that stated: “PUT ALL BIG BILLS IN ENVELOPE (ROBBERY) Do anything stupid, and I’ll shoot you!” The teller put her hands up and told Bell she did not have money and passed the note to another teller. This second teller gave Bell cash, after which he fled. Tellers at the bank said Bell lifted his shirt and they saw something that was described as dark, silver, with a handle and that could have been a gun. In surveillance video, Bell is seen grabbing at his hip where tellers reported they saw the object. No weapon was recovered. The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office released photographs taken from surveillance video to the public and received two tips identifying the suspect as Bell. The FBI processed the demand note for latent fingerprints and developed two latent prints that were determined to belong to Bell. The FBI also obtained location information from Bell’s cell phone and Google account which confirmed he was in the area near the bank at the time of the robbery. Bell was taken into custody on Feb. 20, 2023. Bell was previously convicted of armed robbery of the Huddle House in Jeffersonville, Georgia, in 2015. He was also found guilty in the Eastern District of North Carolina of one count of convicted felon in illegal possession of a firearm in 2021 and was on federal supervised release for that offense at the time of the Truist Bank robbery. The case was investigated by FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard prosecuted the case for the Government.


title: Former Lincoln Man Sentenced to Over 7 Years for Receipt of Child Pornography

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that David J. Ellis, 42, formerly of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 5, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln for one count of receipt of child pornography. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Ellis to 87 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Ellis’ release from prison, he will begin a 7-year term of supervised release. Additionally, Ellis is ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution and $3,000 to a federal fund established to assist victims of child exploitation crimes. This case began as part of an undercover operation involving peer-to-peer file sharing. From September 8, 2022, until October 3, 2022, an undercover FBI agent observed an IP address associated with Ellis engaged in the request for and download of multiple child pornography files. On December 14, 2022, a search warrant was executed on Ellis’ apartment in Lincoln. Numerous electronic devices were seized. A review of Ellis’ devices revealed more than 10,276 image files and 11 video files which depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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 better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Lincoln Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Drugs

component: Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that George Lesley Weaver, Jr., 38, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 5, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 kilograms or more of marijuana, resulting in serious bodily injury. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Weaver to 300 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Weaver’s release from prison, he will begin an 8-year term of supervised release. Beginning in June of 2021, Weaver’s co-defendant, Anna Idigima, a Nebraska State Patrol, (NSP) stored evidence room employee, began stealing drugs held in completed NSP cases which were awaiting destruction orders. She provided the drugs to her boyfriend, Weaver, who sold them in Lincoln. The Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force, (LLCNTF), conducted an audit of the NSP evidence storage areas where Idigima had access during this timeframe. The following approximate totals of drugs were found to be missing: Marijuana - 154 pounds Cocaine - 19 pounds Fentanyl - 6 pounds Heroin - 10 pounds Methamphetamine - 3 pounds THC - 32 pounds THC vape cartridges - 1,720 Also, numerous assorted pills. In August of 2021, investigators searched Weaver’s Snap Chat account and found drug-related conversations and a photo of several large bags of marijuana on a bed. One of the bags had a piece of red evidence label tape on it which was consistent with evidence tape used by NSP. In a search of an apartment rented by Weaver on S. 21 st Street in Lincoln, investigators found residue containing cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana. On August 4, 2021, a married couple both overdosed at their home in Nebraska City. One of them required CPR and both were given Narcan. They were both transported to and hospitalized in Omaha. During a search of their residence, two bags of white powder containing cocaine and fentanyl, weighing just under an ounce, were found. A physician who is board certified in emergency medicine and medical toxicology reviewed first responder and hospital records for the couple and determined their use of cocaine laced with fentanyl carried a substantial risk of death had they not been given Narcan. After they recovered, the couple told investigators they bought what they thought was an ounce of cocaine from a man in Lincoln. On of the victims, working with NSP, had a recorded phone conversation with the source, who apologized for selling them bad cocaine and admitted the cocaine had fentanyl in it. The source was contacted by law enforcement, admitted selling the cocaine to the Nebraska City couple and said he bought it from Weaver over the course of two purchases in late July 2021, and early August 2021. On August 18, 2021, a third victim was found unconscious and unresponsive near his residence in Lincoln. He was given CPR and Narcan and was hospitalized. A total of approximately four grams of cocaine and fentanyl were found in the victim’s car and wallet. As with the Nebraska City couple, a physician specializing in emergency medicine and toxicology reviewed first responder reports and medical records and determined the victim would have been at a substantial risk of death had he not received Narcan. The Lincoln victim later told investigators he bought what he thought was cocaine earlier on the day of his overdose from another person and had used some in his car just prior to his overdose. The Lincoln victim’s source was arrested with approximately one ounce of cocaine and fentanyl on August 20, 2021, and agreed to talk to law enforcement. The source said it was some of the “bad stuff” causing overdoses and he got it from Weaver one to two weeks prior. The source said he started buying cocaine from Weaver in about June of 2021in quantities ranging from grams to 1/8 ounce at a time. On one occasion, the source saw approximately ½ pound of cocaine in the back of Weaver’s Lincoln restaurant, Granny Weavs. This ½ pound was separated into one-ounce bags, one of which Weaver sold to Roberts. On another occasion, the source saw a bag containing an estimated pound of marijuana hidden behind a vent in the back room of Granny Weavs. Another cooperating witness told investigators they bought cocaine from Weaver beginning in June of 2021. One purchase of approximately a pound of cocaine occurred at Granny Weavs. The witness said Weaver also rented an apartment in Lincoln, where he sold cocaine and other drugs and collected money owed from customers. After Weaver was arrested in September of 2021, he was incarcerated with another cooperating witness in the fall of 2022. Weaver talked about his girlfriend who worked for NSP and stole drugs from evidence lockers, including cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, methamphetamine, and pills. Weaver talked about obtaining a couple of pounds or kilos of each of these drugs, estimated they were worth over a million dollars on the street, and talked about making good money selling these drugs. Weaver told the witness he mixed a little fentanyl with cocaine and methamphetamine because the fentanyl was addictive and would make customers come back. Weaver’s co-defendant, Idigima, was sentenced for the same offense on July 19, 2023. She was sentenced to 262 months’ imprisonment. This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force (Lincoln Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and UNL Police Department), the Nebraska State Patrol, the Nebraska City Police Department, and the Saline County Sheriff’s Office.


title: Fentanyl Trafficker Who Fled Scene of 16-Year-Old’s Overdose Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: A drug trafficker who dealt fentanyl to a 16-year-old who overdosed was sentenced 20 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Julian Apodaca, 28, and several co-conspirators were indicted in August 2023. Mr. Apodaca pleaded guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk. “Shockingly, this defendant gave a deadly drug to a 16-year-old child and watched as the child overdosed; then, instead of rendering aid, he fled the scene to avoid criminal liability,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “My office is proud to have brought this man to justice to pay for these heinous actions, and we are also proud that we are holding accountable several others in the defendant’s drug network who contributed to this child receiving fentanyl. But we cannot end this epidemic alone. Please talk with your kids about avoiding fentanyl. They should not take any pill that wasn’t bought in a pharmacy. Remember: One pill can kill.” “Justice has been served with the recognition by the court of the callous actions and total disregard of human life by defendant Apodaca,” said DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge, Eduardo A. Chávez, who oversees all DEA operations in Amarillo. “DEA Amarillo and our law enforcement partners in the panhandle will relentlessly pursue individuals like defendant Apodaca and hold them accountable for the poison they peddle on our streets.” According to plea papers, Mr. Apodaca admitted he dealt fentanyl to several individuals in the Amarillo area. In his vehicle, officers found 113 blue M-30 pills containing fentanyl and a 9mm pistol. At his sentencing hearing, prosecutors introduced evidence that Mr. Apodaca dealt fentanyl to a 16-year-old who overdosed in the defendant’s car. When he realized the teen had suffered an overdose, Mr. Apodaca, fearful that he would be arrested on outstanding warrants if he called authorities, fled the scene and contacted associates asking them to call 911. First responders eventually revived the victim with Narcan. Eight of Mr. Apodaca’s co-conspirators – including his sources of supply, Gary Eugene Carlisle, Robert Tucker Witt, and Rebecca Ann Schmitkons – pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one co-conspirator, Rachel Lynn Waddell, was convicted at trial of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Mr. Witt was sentenced in May to 20 years in federal prison; eight of the defendants are awaiting sentencing; one defendant is set for trial in August 2024. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division – Amarillo Resident Office and the Amarillo Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Marie Bell prosecuted the case.


title: PAUL GIRARD AND ASSOCIATES SENTENCED TO TEN LIFE SENTENCE IN FEDERAL COURT

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Paul Girard, 36, of St. Croix and three members of his violent criminal enterprise were sentenced to ten separate terms of life in prison for their roles in a racketeer influenced and corrupt organization (RICO). “A reign of unspeakable terror was unleashed in this Territory by Girard and his enterprise. Murders, robberies, assaults, gun violence, kidnappings, all ordered by Girard while he was incarcerated. Many lives have been affected by this senseless violence, but the life sentences issued by the court send a strong message that our system of justice works, and anyone who commits these heinous crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law”, U.S. Attorney Smith said. According to court documents and evidence produced at trial, Girard, also known as “Bogus”, was the leader of the gang. In that role, Girard ordered shootings against rival gang members, as well as individuals he believed had stolen from or otherwise disrespected the gang. Girard planned several armed robberies that his crew executed, including those at several jewelry stores located in St. Thomas. Most of the criminal activity was orchestrated by Girard from prison, where he was serving sentences for multiple prior criminal convictions. Tyler Eugene, also known as “Lucc”, 26, of St. Croix, committed acts of violence on behalf of the gang and at Girard’s direction, including murdering Juan Encarnacion, III, a rival gang member, outside a convenience store. Kareem Harry, also known as “Crumbull”, 36, of St. Croix, participated in the murder of Eddie Harriette, Jr. who was believed to have stolen money from the Girard gang, and separately set up the shooting death of Jermaine Williams, a member of a rival gang led by Ivan James, outside of Williams’ child’s daycare center. Six additional defendants, all of St. Croix except for Wayne Bellille, of St. Thomas, have pleaded guilty to various racketeering charges and have been sentenced. Below is each defendant’s sentence for the following convictions: Defendant In-Custody Sentence Conviction Paul Girard Life, plus 47 years RICO Conspiracy; VICAR murder; VICAR kidnapping; VICAR Attempted Murder; Use of Firearm to Cause Death During a Crime of Violence; Hobbs Act Robbery Tyler Eugene Life, plus 30 years RICO Conspiracy; VICAR Murder; VICAR Attempted Murder; Use of Firearm to Cause Death During a Crime of Violence Kareem Harry Life, plus 20 years RICO Conspiracy, VICAR Murder; VICAR Kidnapping; Use of Firearm to Cause Death During a Crime of Violence Shaquielle Correa 17 years, six months RICO Conspiracy James Cruz 12 years RICO Conspiracy Shermyra Gumbs Eight years, four months RICO Conspiracy Wahilli James Six years RICO Conspiracy Wayne Bellille Four years, nine months RICO Conspiracy Etherneal Simon Two years, 10 months RICO Conspiracy and Money Laundering Shaquan Prentice 25 years RICO Conspiracy The FBI San Juan Field Office’s St. Thomas and St. Croix Resident Agencies and Virgin Islands Police Department investigated the case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation and was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Christopher Taylor and Marie Zisa of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Human Rights and Special Prosecution Sections, and Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Edwards, formerly of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.


title: FEDERAL JURY CONVICTS PUERTO RICO MAN OF SMUGGLING COCAINE THROUGH CYRIL E. KING AIRPORT

body_text: St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Carlos Gascot Concepcion, 46, of Puerto Rico, was found guilty following a two-day jury trial of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Chief District Judge Robert A. Molloy scheduled Gascot Concepcion’s sentencing for October 4, 2024, where he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00. According to court documents, on October 4, 2023, Gascot Concepcion arrived at the Cyril E. King airport in St. Thomas attempting to board a flight to Puerto Rico. After clearing Customs, Gascot Concepcion was stopped by Customs and Border Protection officers for an inspection of his suitcase. During the inspection, officers discovered a brick-shaped package containing one kilogram of cocaine. This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations and Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle Payne and Kimberly Riley.


title: Clay County Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Federal Prison For Using The Internet To Distribute Videos Of Young Children Being Sexually Abused

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Carl Stephen Smith, Jr. (34, Green Cove Springs) to 10 years in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse materials using the internet. Smith was also ordered to serve a 20-year term of supervised release, register as a sex offender, and pay $12,000 in restitution to victims. Smith was arrested on January 31, 2023, at his residence in Green Cove Springs and has been detained since that time. According to court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTipline report in July 2022 from a popular online social media application (app) that three child sexual abuse videos had been uploaded on the app by a user named “daddysir142.” The Internet Protocol (IP) address used to upload these materials was traced to an internet service provider in Green Cove Springs, Florida. On January 31, 2023, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), together with other law enforcement personnel, executed a federal search warrant at Smith’s residence. During an interview with law enforcement, Smith admitted that he communicated with purported minors on social media, that he used two different social media apps to search for child sexual abuse materials, and that he masturbated while viewing such materials. During the search, HSI agents seized a cellular phone belonging to Smith. A forensic review of this device revealed that it contained at least 22 videos and 37 photos depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The cellular phone contained online conversations between Smith and other users in which Smith distributed materials depicting the sexual abuse of young children. On December 30, 2022, Smith messaged another user, “Well, id love to send you cp at least.” On January 6, 2023, Smith distributed a video to this same user that depicted a prepubescent child wearing an animal costume while being sexually abused by an adult male. “This sentencing reflects the severity of this predator’s reprehensible actions and the harm inflicted upon innocent victims by possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “United in purpose, the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force law enforcement partners stand in the gap to intercept and erase this vile content from existence.” This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown. 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 another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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 child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Columbia Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Unlawful Possession of 60 Firearms and Distribution of Methamphetamine

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. —Christopher Miles Huntington, 33, of Lugoff, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms and distribution of methamphetamine. Evidence presented to the court showed that on multiple occasions in March through May 2023, Huntington sold 37 firearms, including stolen weapons, short-barreled rifles, and firearms with high-capacity magazines to undercover agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Huntington also sold more than 2,400 grams of methamphetamine to undercover agents during these transactions. On June 29, 2023, Huntington was arrested with 23 additional firearms. Huntington is a felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. Huntington has prior convictions for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, burglary, grand theft of motor vehicle, and safecracking. United States District Court Judge Sherri Lydon sentenced Huntington to 168 months in prison to be followed by a term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), West Columbia Police Department, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office is handling the prosecution of additional defendants facing state charges related to this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein prosecuted the case. ###


title: U.S. Attorney Avery Announces New First Assistant U.S. Attorney, other Criminal Division Appointments

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: United States Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery today announced new supervisory appointments within the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the office’s Criminal Division, which were necessitated by the departure of First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfred U. Pavlis last month. Marc H. Silverman has been named First Assistant U.S. Attorney, the second-ranking position within the office. Since 2022, Mr. Silverman has served as Chief of the Criminal Division. Mr. Silverman joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2010 and, from 2014 to 2022, served as Deputy Chief of the Office’s Appellate Division. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Silverman was an Arthur Liman Public Interest Fellow at Advocates for Children of New York, Inc.; an associate at Morvillo Abramowitz Grand Iason & Anello PC; and a law clerk for Judge Kimba M. Wood of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and Judge Dennis Jacobs of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Mr. Silverman is a 2003 graduate of Yale University and a 2006 graduate of Yale Law School. “For years, Marc Silverman has served as a trusted advisor on complex legal and administrative issues facing the office, and he has been a highly valued member of our senior management team,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “Marc shares a commitment to ensuring that we continue to uphold the highest professional and ethical standards in this district and he takes great care to ensure that our policies and practices comport with the rule of law, fairness, and the ends of justice.” Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis has been named Chief of the Criminal Division, which is responsible for enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut. Ms. Kaoutzanis joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2017 and, since 2022, has served as Chief of the Violent Crimes and Narcotics Unit (VCN), leading the implementation of the office’s four-city VCN strategy that focuses on reducing the number of homicides and other violent crime in our major cities. She also has been a leader in the office’s community engagement efforts related to violent crime reduction, most notably, the creation several years ago of the multi-disciplinary anti-violence Fed-Up program for younger students. John T. Pierpont, Jr., has been named Chief of the VCN unit, which includes Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) prosecutions, the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), and violent crime, gangs and narcotics investigations. AUSA Pierpont joined the office in 2016, and previously served as Deputy Chief of the VCN unit and as PSN Coordinator. Geoffrey M. Stone continues in his role as Deputy Chief of the VCN unit and as OCDETF Coordinator, which targets major drug trafficking operations responsible for the distribution of large quantities of narcotics by major drug trafficking organizations. Lauren C. Clark, who has been an AUSA since 2017, is a new Deputy Chief of the VCN Unit and PSN Coordinator, overseeing firearms prosecutions that seek to deter the illegal possession of guns and reduce gun and gang violence. “I am fortunate to lead an office of extremely talented individuals who are committed to the cause of justice, and I thank all who have agreed to serve in these important roles,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “I am confident that our office will continue to make Connecticut a safer place to live, and have a tremendous impact in our communities.” The Criminal Division comprises three program-based units: Violent Crimes and Narcotics, Financial Fraud and Public Corruption, and Major Crimes and National Security. More information about the office’s Criminal Division is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/criminal-division . The District is composed of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport. Please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct for more information about the office.


title: Convicted Felon Charged with Illegal Firearms Possession

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

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury indicted a convicted felon for illegally possessing firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson. A four-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Kelvontae Rashad Wallace, 25, of Talladega, with possession of a machinegun, possession of an unregistered firearm, and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to the indictment, in January 2024, Wallace illegally possessed a Century Arms 7.62x39mm pistol. Also, in December 2023, Wallace illegally possessed a Glock .45 caliber pistol with an installed “Glock switch” – a device designed to illegally convert a semiautomatic Glock pistol into a fully automatic machine gun. Wallace is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions. Wallace was convicted in the Circuit Court of Talladega County, in July 2022, of the offense of Discharging a Gun into an Occupied Building and Assault, Second Degree. ATF investigated the case, along with the USMS Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, Pell City Police Department, Talladega Police Department, Anniston Police Department, and 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy M. Peoples is prosecuting the case. An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Foreign National Accused of Drug Crimes, Including Attempting to Distribute 10,000 Fentanyl Pills in Utah

body_text: Salt Lake City, Utah – A foreign national living in Utah appeared in court Monday after he was indicted May 29, 2024, by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City for multiple federal drug crimes involving methamphetamine and 10,000 fentanyl pills. According to court documents, Francisco Javier Quintero-Obeso, 21, of Magna, Utah, became part of a criminal investigation in December 2023 by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force for allegedly intending to distribute large quantities of narcotics into Utah. During the investigation, agents seized approximately 3,758.58 grams (package weight) of a field-tested positive methamphetamine mixture; approximately 1,072.81 grams (package weight) of a field-tested positive fentanyl mixture – which is estimated to be 10,000 pills; and $9,420 at Quintero-Obeso’s residence. As a result, he was arrested. Quintero-Obeso is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. A three day jury trial is scheduled for August 5, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 3.1 at the United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Bryant L. Watson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Vanderwagon Man Charged with Federal Firearms Offenses

component: Criminal Investigative Division (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Vangerwagon man was charged by indictment with multiple federal firearms offenses and attempted murder. Perris Jeremiah Arthur , 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. According to the indictment, on May 1, 2023, Arthur assaulted John Doe with a rifle with the intent to commit murder. If convicted of the current charges, Arthur faces up to 20 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case. View the Indictment An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # #


title: Maryland Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Second Degree Murder While Armed

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – David Botchway, 20, of Gwynn Oak, MD, was sentenced on May 31, 2024, to 18 years in prison for second degree murder while armed for the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Andre Baker, of Washington, D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt also ordered the defendant to complete five years of supervised release, register as a gun offender, pay a fine to victim’s compensation fund, and receive mental health treatment. According to the government’s evidence, on August 5, 2023, Mr. Baker and two friends were standing near a bus stop in the 1200 block of U Street Northwest, after enjoying a night out in the U Street neighborhood. At around 5:01 a.m., Botchway approached the group and, without warning or any provocation, pointed the gun at Mr. Baker and shot him multiple times in the head and torso. Mr. Baker died a short time later. One of the bullets also grazed one of the victim’s friends. In announcing the sentence U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Nebiyu Feleke of the Homicide section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.


title: Thoreau Woman Charged with Involutory Manslaughter

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Thoreau woman was charged by indictment with involuntary manslaughter. Nora Abeita , 49, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled. According to the indictment, on May 28, 2023, Abeita was driving without due caution when she killed John Doe. If convicted of the current charges, Abeita faces up to eight years in prison. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today. The Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case. View the Indictment An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Brimhall Man Sentenced for Murder and Attempted Cover-Up

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Brimhall man was sentenced to 21 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder of a man whose body he later burned in an attempt to conceal the evidence. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on July 1, 2019, an individual brought Gilbert John, Jr. a stolen car and told him to "get rid of" a person locked in the trunk. John and the individual drove around smoking meth before stopping in a remote area using back roads. When the victim tried to escape from the trunk, John stabbed the victim repeatedly with a machete and slammed the trunk door on him. After driving the car to a residence and leaving it for days, John later towed the car to a remote area and set it on fire with the body inside. The charred remains were identified by medical device serial numbers, as the body was almost entirely burned. After completing his term of imprisonment, John will be required to serve 5 years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark A. Probasco and Alexander F. Flores are prosecuting the case. View the Plea Agreement # # #


title: Dothan Man Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Prison Following  Federal Drug and Firearm Convictions

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a federal judge sentenced 36-year-old Jamere Deshun Dowdy, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, to 188 months in prison. Dowdy’s sentence follows his entering a guilty plea for possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. In addition, the judge ordered that Dowdy serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole. According to his plea agreement and other court records, on August 5, 2021, law enforcement attempted to stop a vehicle after observing a traffic violation. The driver, later identified as Dowdy, refused to stop. A pursuit ensued and ended when Dowdy’s vehicle became inoperable. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and found marijuana and a handgun. Dowdy has multiple felony convictions and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Dothan Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Justin L. Jones prosecuted.


title: Roswell Man Sentenced for Sexually Exploiting Two Minors After Grooming Them on Snapchat

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A child predator who used the messaging app Snapchat to groom and sexually exploit young girls was sentenced to 235 months in prison after pleading guilty to criminal sexual acts against minors. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, between September 2022, and November 18, 2022, Juan Rodriguez , 40, engaged in a sexual act with Jane Doe 1, a 12-year-old minor female on three occasions. Prior to engaging in sexual activity with Jane Doe 1, Rodriguez communicated with Jane Doe 1 on the instant messaging app Snapchat. During the summer of 2021, Rodriguez engaged in a sexual act with Jane Doe 2, an 11-year-old minor female. Prior to engaging in sexual activity with Jane Doe 2, Rodriguez communicated with her on the instant messaging app Snapchat. In his plea agreement, Rodriguez admitted that he knew Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 were minors when he communicated with them. After completing his term of imprisonment, Roriguez will be required to serve 10 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today. This case was investigated by the Roswell Police Department and the FBI’s Albuquerque Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joni Autrey Stahl is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. # # #


title: White Supremacist Sentenced for Federal Hate Crimes for Conspiracy Targeting Black and Jewish People and Desecrating Michigan Synagogue with Neo-Nazi Symbols

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A Michigan man was sentenced today to 26 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring with other members of a white supremacist group, The Base, to victimize Black and Jewish people, and for defacing Temple Jacob, a Jewish synagogue in Hancock, Michigan, using swastikas and symbols associated with The Base. Nathan Weeden, 24, of Houghton, was convicted at trial in January of one count of conspiring to injure, oppress, threaten or intimidate any person in the exercise of their rights and one count of intentionally defacing, damaging or destroying religious property because of the race or ethnic characteristics of individuals associated with that property. Weeden's co-conspirators, Richard Tobin, of New Jersey, and Yousef Barasneh, of Wisconsin, both previously pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges related to the incident. “This sentence sends a strong message that threatening and intimidating people because of their religion, race or ethnic characteristics will not be tolerated in this country,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “White supremacist-fueled violence is a stain on our history and perpetrators of such violence will be held accountable. No one should live in fear because of who they are, what they believe or where they worship. The Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute those who desecrate houses of worship and who conspire to intimidate people seeking to exercise the legal rights guaranteed to all Americans.” “Today’s sentencing sends a strong message that hate will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten for the Western District of Michigan. “No one should be the target of hate because of their race, ethnicity, religion, or any other status. When hateful words become hateful acts, my office will use every tool we have to protect the public and secure justice like we did in this case.” “The impact of the defendant’s crimes extend far beyond destruction of property,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “The FBI will not accept hate-driven threats of violence intended to emotionally and/or physically harm victims and will rigorously investigate anyone conspiring to vandalize houses of worship and intimidate other from safely practicing their religion.” “Accountability matters. Today’s sentence is representative of our community's views on hate crime-inspired violence. People who engage in this behavior will be identified and fully prosecuted by the law,” said Special Agent in Charge James Deir of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Detroit Field Division. “ATF is steadfast in its commitment to protecting everyone across this great state against violent criminals fueled by hatred and intolerance.” The evidence at trial established that, in September 2019, Weeden, Tobin and Barasneh, all members of The Base, used an encrypted messaging platform to discuss vandalizing property associated with Black and Jewish Americans. Weeden and his co-conspirators dubbed their plan, "Operation Kristallnacht” — a term that means "Night of Broken Glass,” and refers to events that took place on Nov. 9 and 10, 1938, when Nazis murdered Jews and burned and destroyed their homes, synagogues, schools and places of business. Weeden carried out this plan on Sept. 21, 2019, when he spray-painted swastikas and symbols associated with The Base on the outside walls of Temple Jacob. The FBI Detroit Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the ATF and Hancock Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler for the Western District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Eric Peffley of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.


title: District Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Conspiracy that Distributed Hundreds of Thousands of Doses in the District

body_text: WASHINGTON – Columbian Thomas, 26, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty to participating in a wide-spread narcotics trafficking conspiracy that distributed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills purchased in Southern California to destinations throughout the United States, including the District of Columbia. The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the DEA Washington Division, Acting Inspector in Charge Ajay Lall of the US Postal Inspection Service Washington Division, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. Thomas, aka “Cruddy Murda,” pleaded guilty on May 30 to a charge of conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly scheduled sentencing for October 22, 2024. According to the statement of offense in support of the plea agreement, Thomas entered into the conspiracy after he was introduced to a Los Angeles-based drug trafficker, who was a distributor of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills. Thomas would travel to Southern California to purchase the fake oxycodone pills from the L.A. supplier and return to the District with the drugs. Thomas and his co-conspirators employed two primary methods to transport the fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills to the District: they smuggled the pills concealed in luggage or carry-on items on commercial airline flights, or they shipped the pills using commercial mail carriers. On June 2, 2023, the date of his arrest, law enforcement found Thomas in the bedroom of his home and recovered a baggie containing about 100 blue M-30 fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills, along with a loaded Glock 21 Gen4 pistol that had been equipped with a “giggle switch” that converted the handgun in a fully automatic machine gun. The investigation was launched by the DEA after a young woman in Washington, D.C., Diamond Lynch, took one pill and died almost immediately. Twenty-eight defendants have been charged to date as a result of the investigation, and law enforcement have seized more than 450,000 fentanyl pills, 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder, and 30 firearms. By statute, Thomas is eligible for a prison sentence of up to life in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment to be imposed. A federal judge will determine the sentence based on guidelines established by Congress. The investigation was conducted by the DEA Washington Division and the US Postal Inspection Service, in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional support from the DEA Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside Field Offices, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Washington Field Office, and the Charles County, Maryland Sheriff’s Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Central and Southern Districts of California, the Eastern District of Virginia, and the District of Maryland. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey, Solomon S. Eppel, and Iris McCranie of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) Section. Valuable assistance was provided by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy T. Wang. 23cr73


title: Marriott International Agrees To Address Barriers To Making Reservations For Accessible Rooms At Marriott-Branded Hotels

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announced today that it has reached an agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with Marriott International, Inc. (Marriott), to address barriers to making reservations for accessible rooms at Marriott-branded hotels across the United States. Under the terms of the agreement, Marriott will make improvements to a wide range of its reservation processes to make it easier for hotel guests to reserve and stay in the accessible rooms they need to accommodate their disabilities. Marriott will also pay a $50,000 civil penalty. Marriott is based in Bethesda, Maryland, and is one of the world’s largest hotel chains, with direct management of over 600 hotels in the United States as well as over 5,000 hotels in the United States franchised under more than 20 hotel brands (see below for list of brands). Most hotels under Marriott brands are owned and operated by independent franchisees, but Marriott operates a centralized reservation system. “Today’s agreement with Marriott International will significantly improve the experience for individuals with disabilities when they reserve accessible rooms at Marriott-branded hotels,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “We commend Marriott International for addressing obstacles these individuals face in obtaining the accommodations they need. This agreement reflects our commitment to enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires equal treatment for people with disabilities.” ADA Rules for Hotel Guests Who Need Accessible Rooms In 2010, to further implement the ADA as it applies to hotels and other types of temporary lodging, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued the Reservation Rule, intended to ensure that individuals with disabilities making reservations for hotel rooms with accessible features could do so on an equal basis as other individuals reserving hotel rooms. In explaining the need for rules covering hotel reservations, DOJ observed, “Each year the Department receives many complaints concerning failed reservations [for accessible rooms],” and “individuals with disabilities expressed frustration . . . because of shortcomings in [then] current hotel reservations systems.” The rule requires hotels to facilitate accessible room reservations on an equal basis as reservations for other rooms by (1) providing detailed information about accessible features in hotel guest rooms; (2) ensuring that accessible guest rooms are held for use by individuals with disabilities; (3) reserving specific types of accessible guest rooms, and (4) ensuring that those rooms are held for the individuals with disabilities who reserve them. Also in 2010, the DOJ adopted revisions to the ADA Standards for Accessible Design and issued Guidance on those Standards (the 2010 Standards). The 2010 Standards require hotels to offer and maintain minimum numbers of guest rooms with accessible features, and to provide choices of the types of accessible guest rooms that are comparable to the choices provided to other guests. The Reservations Rule, 2010 Standards, and other materials can be found at www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/ . The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Investigation DOJ received a number of complaints from individuals with disabilities relating to the reservation of accessible rooms at Marriott-branded hotels. The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s investigation of Marriott’s reservation practices encompassed a wide range of issues, and included examining how guests make reservations in a variety of contexts, including through Marriott’s website (marriott.com), by telephone through Marriott-operated call centers, through third-party websites such as Expedia.com and Booking.com, and using points earned through Marriott’s customer loyalty program, Bonvoy. Based on its investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office found that guests faced barriers in making reservations for accessible rooms, both online and through the phone, and that Marriott did not always make all of its accessible rooms available to guests to reserve. Specifically, the U.S. Attorney’s Office alleged that Marriott’s reservations practices had the following major deficiencies that violated the ADA: Many Marriott-branded hotels did not have any accessible rooms listed on Marriott’s centralized electronic reservations system. Many Marriott-branded hotels did not have the minimum number of accessible rooms required by the ADA Standards listed on Marriott’s centralized electronic reservations system. Information about accessible rooms was not readily available on Marriott’s website, which made it more difficult for a guest to independently assess whether a hotel could meet guests’ accessibility needs. Before October 2022, guests could not use third-party websites such as Expedia.com or Booking.com to guarantee reservations for accessible rooms at Marriott-branded hotels. Marriott denies the allegations and denies that it violated the ADA. The agreement reached with the U.S. Attorney’s Office is not an admission of liability by Marriott. Changes to Marriott’s Reservations Systems in the Settlement Agreement To resolve the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s investigation, Marriott agreed to make a number of changes to its reservations policies and practices as part of a comprehensive settlement agreement, including taking the following actions: Marriott will require that all Marriott-branded hotels accurately list their accessible-room inventory on Marriott’s centralized electronic reservations system. Marriott will list the inventory of accessible rooms for each Marriott-branded hotel in a single location on the hotel’s website. Marriott will require that accessible-room inventories at Marriott-branded hotels are made available to the major third-party hotel reservations websites. Marriott will make additional accessible rooms available for reservation using Marriott’s Bonvoy rewards-points system. Marriott will train its call-center employees on the procedure for handling requests for accessible-room reservations. Marriott will track complaints from guests about issues relating to reserving accessible rooms. Marriott will require Marriott-branded hotels to report whether they are in compliance with the minimum number of accessible rooms required by the ADA Standards. This agreement with Marriott covers room reservations made at hotels located in the United States under the following hotel brands: AC Hotels by Marriott, Aloft Hotels, Autograph Collection Hotels, Courtyard, Delta Hotels, Edition, Element Hotels, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Four Points, Gaylord Hotels, JW Marriott, Le Méridien, The Luxury Collection, Marriott Hotels, Moxy Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Residence Inn, The Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, SpringHill Suites, St. Regis, TownePlace Suites, Tribute Portfolio, W Hotels, and Westin. Additional information about the civil rights enforcement program for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-co/civil-rights-enforcement . To report a possible civil rights violation to the DOJ outside of Colorado, please visit https://www.civilrights.justice.gov/ . This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeyen Wu. Settlement Agreement


title: Fernandina Beach Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Federal Prison For Attempting To Entice An 11-Year-Old Child To Engage In Sexual Activity

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced William Rand Paige, Jr. (50, Fernandina Beach) to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a 11-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Paige was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. Paige was arrested on December 18, 2023, and has been detained since that time. Paige entered a guilty plea on February 13, 2024. According to court documents, on November 29, 2023, an undercover FBI agent in Jacksonville was conducting an online undercover operation to identify individuals who were seeking to meet and engage in sexual activity with children. Posing as a person with access to an 11-year-old child, the undercover agent was online in a social messaging app when he was contacted by an individual using the app user name “ah..904,” subsequently identified as Paige. After learning the age of the “child,” Paige asked the agent if he and the “child” would “like her to be touched all over.” In a series of online conversations on this app and emails from November 29 through December 11, 2023, Paige discussed in graphic detail his desire to meet the “child” and engage in sexual activity with “her.” When his account on the app was banned by the administrator, Paige later established a different account on the same app and used it to continue communicating with the agent. On December 4 and again on December 11, 2023, Paige sent the undercover agent three videos depicting young children being sexually abused. On December 18, 2023, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Paige’s residence and arrested Paige. During an interview, Paige admitted that he had been on the app talking with “a guy” about meeting and “touching” an 11-year-old child. A review of Paige’s cellphone revealed it contained at least one photo and one video depicting the sexual abuse of a child, as well as the same email account used by Paige to communicate with the undercover agent about meeting the “child” for sex. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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 child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Member of White Supremacist Group Sentenced for Federal Hate Crimes for Conspiracy Targeting Black and Jewish People and Defacing Michigan Synagogue with Neo-Nazi Symbols

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Nathan Weeden, 23, of Houghton, Michigan was sentenced to 26 months for conspiring with other members of a white supremacist group, The Base, to victimize Black and Jewish people, and for defacing Temple Jacob, a Jewish synagogue in Hancock, Michigan, using swastikas and symbols associated with The Base. “Today’s sentencing sends a strong message that hate will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “No one should be the target of hate because of their race, ethnicity, religion, or any other status. When hateful words become hateful acts, my office will use every tool we have to protect the public and secure justice like we did in this case.” “This sentence sends a strong message that threatening and intimidating people because of their religion, race or ethnic characteristics will not be tolerated in this country,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division . “White supremacist-fueled violence is a stain on our history and perpetrators of such violence will be held accountable. No one should live in fear because of who they are, what they believe or where they worship. The Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute those who desecrate houses of worship and who conspire to intimidate people seeking to exercise the legal rights guaranteed to all Americans.” In January, Weeden was convicted at trial of one count of conspiring to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person in the exercise of their rights and one count of intentionally defacing, damaging or destroying religious property because of the race or ethnic characteristics of individuals associated with that property. Weeden's co-conspirators Richard Tobin (see here and here ) and Yousef Barasneh (see here and here ) were previously convicted of federal crimes in this incident. In September 2019, Weeden, Tobin, and Barasneh – all members of The Base, a multi-state, white supremacist organization – used an encrypted messaging platform to discuss vandalizing property associated with African Americans and Jewish Americans. Weeden and his co-conspirators dubbed their plan, “Operation Kristallnacht,” which in German means “Night of Broken Glass.” This term referenced events that took place on November 9-10, 1938, in which Nazis murdered Jews and burned and destroyed their homes, synagogues, schools, and places of business. Weeden carried out this plan on September 21, 2019, when he spray-painted swastikas and symbols associated with The Base on the outside walls of Temple Jacob. In its Sentencing Memorandum, attached to this press release, the government urged the Court to sentence Weeden to at least 36 months incarceration, considering the nature and extent of his hate crimes, his persistent dedication to violent neo-Nazi ideology, his prior illegal conversion of a rifle to a fully automatic weapon, his lack of remorse, the danger he poses to the community, and the need for deterrence. “Intimidation, vandalism, and other hateful threatening acts will not be tolerated by any group of people in this state or nation, and today's sentence reflects that belief,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “ The FBI is always committed to combatting hate crimes and seeking justice for all. If you are a victim of or witness to a hate crime, call 1-800-225-5324 or submit a tip to tips.fbi.gov .” “Accountability matters. Today’s sentence is representative of our community's views on hate crime-inspired violence. People who engage in this behavior will be identified and fully prosecuted by the law,” said Special Agent in Charge James Deir of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Detroit Field Office . “ATF is steadfast in its commitment to protecting everyone across this great state against violent criminals fueled by hatred and intolerance.” This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler and Trial Attorney Eric Peffley of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section. The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Hancock Police Department. ###


title: Pinellas County Man Charged With Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Calvin Roy Dutton (60, St. Petersburg) with possession of child sexual abuse material. Dutton was arrested on May 31, 2024. According to the criminal complaint, Dutton mailed a hard drive to a company in Illinois for repairs. The hard drive contained more than 1,000 images of child sexual abuse material. When an employee began his work to recover data from the hard drive, he discovered the child sexual abuse material and contacted law enforcement. On May 31, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Dutton’s home. Dutton admitted that he owned the hard drive and that he had copied files from his laptop to it. 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. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts. 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.justice.gov/psc.


title: Tampa Man Sentenced To More Than 24 Years For Possession And Distribution Of Methamphetamine

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday has sentenced Christian Perez-Seda (38, Tampa) to 24 years and 4 months in federal prison for distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Perez-Seda pleaded guilty in March 2024. According to court documents, on July 24, 2021, Perez Seda distributed 987 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover officer in exchange for $7,000. Perez-Seda then also “fronted” approximately 1 kilogram of methamphetamine to an individual working as a confidential informant. Later that day, Perez Seda was driving to sell more methamphetamine to the undercover officer when he was stopped by law enforcement. Law enforcement searched his vehicle and found approximately 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, $3,686 in cash, and a Phoenix Arms .22 pistol. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samantha Newman and Charlie Connally. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Stamford Man Admits Robbing 3 Banks in 2020

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that FRANCESCO PENSIERO, also known as Frank Pensiero, 51, of Stamford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to bank robbery. According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 13, 2020, Pensiero and an associate robbed the Chase Bank located at 2855 Main Street in Stratford. During the robbery, Pensiero’s associate displayed a handgun on the teller counter and presented the teller with a note that read “this is a robbery give me all your money.” The teller provided Pensiero’s associate with approximately $1,000 and Pensiero and his associate exited the bank. Later on October 13, 2020, Pensiero robbed the People’s United Bank located at 1160 Kings Highway Cutoff in Fairfield. During the robbery, he pulled out a handgun and presented the teller a note that stated “This is a robbery.” The teller provided Pensiero with $5,458 and Pensiero exited the bank. On October 28, 2020, Pensiero and his associate robbed the People’s United Bank located at 95 Main Street in New Canaan. Pensiero displayed a handgun, provided the teller with a note demanding money, verbally threatened to kill the teller and other employees, and ordered the bank employees to lie on the floor. Pensiero and his associate stole $9,130 during the robbery, and fled from the bank in a red Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS. The following day, the car was set on fire on Green Avenue in New Canaan. Pensiero was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 27, 2023. At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Pensiero faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is released on a $100,000 bond. Pensiero’s criminal history includes convictions for bank robbery and other offenses. Pensiero’s associate was charged with, and convicted of, related state offenses stemming from these robberies. This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stratford, Fairfield, and New Canaan Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel E. Cummings and Amanda S. Oakes.


title: Clearwater Man Charged With Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Brett Michael Reichold (34, Clearwater) with production of child sexual abuse material. Reichold was arrested on May 28, 2024, and has been ordered detained pending trial. According to court documents, Reichold coerced several minors to send sexually explicit photos of themselves via a mobile application in exchange for money. Reichold also went to one minor victim’s home four to five times and asked the victim to engage in sexual conduct. 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. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts. 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.justice.gov/psc.