title: Michigan Man Faces Drug Charge

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Terry Catchings, Jr., aka “Biggs,” 28, of Detroit, Michigan, appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle for arraignment on a federal drug charge. In March 2023, a federal grand jury returned a third superseding indictment charging Catchings, Jr.; Fredrick Campbell II, aka “Momo,” 19, of Detroit, Michigan; and Jason Sicely, aka “Jay,” 35, of Barre, Vermont, with conspiring to distribute heroin and methamphetamine between July 2022 and August 4, 2022. As for Catchings’ co-defendants, Campbell was arrested on August 4, 2022, Sicely was arrested on January 19, 2023, and both have previously appeared in United States District Court on this matter. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Catchings, Campbell, and Sicely are presumed innocent until and unless convicted of a crime. The drug conspiracy charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Any sentence in the case would be determined with reference to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Vermont Drug Task Force, the Montpelier Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Ophardt. Catchings is represented by Kevin Henry, Esq. Campbell is represented by Gregory Mertz, Esq. Sicely is represented by Mark Oettinger, Esq. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn


title: Las Vegas Man Sentenced to 11 Years and 7 Months in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Paducah, KY – A Las Vegas, Nevada man, formerly of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced yesterday to 11 years and 7 months in prison for methamphetamine distribution. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Sheriff Ryan Norman of the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement. According to court documents, Joseph Smith, 32, was sentenced today to 11 years and 7 months, followed by a 6-year term of supervised release, for possessing with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a methamphetamine mixture. There is no parole in the federal system. The case was investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth A. Hancock, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case. ###


title: Repeat Domestic Abuser Sentenced to 51 Months in Federal Prison for Firearm Offense

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington – Senior United States District Judge Rosanna Malouf Peterson sentenced Frederick Terrell, age 43, of Spokane, Washington, to 51 months in federal prison after Terrell pled guilty on December 6, 2022, to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Terrell will also serve three years of supervised release after his release from confinement. According to court documents, on April 8, 2022, Terrell visited a shooting range in Spokane, Washington and recorded multiple videos of himself firing a pistol. Terrell then texted to his intimate partner three videos that showed him shooting the pistol. This former intimate partner became concerned for her safety and disclosed the videos to Terrell’s Washington State Department of Corrections Community Corrections Officer. Terrell was prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple prior felony convictions. Further, Terrell has at least seven prior convictions arising from domestic violence assaults. United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref, who is the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in the Eastern District of Washington, stated, “Unlawful possession of firearms by domestic violence abusers is too often deadly for victims of intimate partner violence, and lethal for law enforcement officers responding to emergency calls.” This case is the first sentencing to result from the Eastern District of Washington’s Safe Homes, Safe Community initiative in Spokane, which was designed to help communities implement promising practices to protect domestic violence survivors by preventing abusers from having unlawful access to firearms in situations that are already dangerous for survivors. US Attorney Waldref further emphasized that, “Our district has seen a pattern in our cases, that individuals involved in violent crime also have a history of domestic violence or have grown up in homes plagued by violence. Safe Homes, Safe Community addresses victim safety, law enforcement safety and community safety. By partnering with Federal, State, Local, and Tribal law enforcement, we can make important strides toward keeping firearms out of the hands of domestic abusers and thereby keep our communities and neighborhoods safe and strong.” “Mr. Terrell knew that he was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his multiple prior felony convictions, but chose to possess a firearm anyway,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “And to further his illegal behavior, his recording of himself firing a pistol and sending it to his former intimate partner just exacerbated his actions. Hopefully this sentence will give him the opportunity to reflect on his actions and change his ways.” The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Spokane Police Department, and the Washington State Department of Corrections. This case was prosecuted by Michael J. Ellis , Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, and Michael L. Vander Giessen , Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. 2:22-cr-00138-RMP


component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: Drug Kingpin Sentenced to More than 24 Years in Prison DETROIT – The leader of a 13-member conspiracy to distribute cocaine, opioid pills, and other drugs was sentenced to 24 years and 4 months in federal prison today, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. Ison was joined in the announcement by James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division. Ray Guerrero, age 50, of Waterford, Michigan, was sentenced by United States District Judge Bernard A. Friedman. Evidence at Guerrero’s October 2022 jury trial showed that he supplied drugs to family members, friends, and others for sale, mostly in Oakland County, from 2009 through April 2017. He owned a house on Virginia Street in Pontiac, and he supplied drugs to relatives at that house for frequent sales, turning the Virginia Street house into a “trap” or drug house. Guerrero also provided drugs for sale at other Oakland County residences and properties. He used minors as well as adults to sell drugs, and the organization he led sold drugs at and near a school in Oakland County. Twelve other defendants in the case had previously pleaded guilty; only Guerrero proceeded to trial. The jury found him guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances (cocaine, pills, including Norcos and Valium, and other drugs) and being a felon in possession of firearms. "Today’s sentence highlights the impact that collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies has on our communities when it comes to combatting drug trafficking,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “Drug dealers who use minors to help them distribute poison in our communities should know that we are committed to stopping them and ensuring that they face serious consequences.” “Everyone deserves to live in a safe environment, free from illicit narcotics and the violence that goes hand in hand with these criminal activities,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office. “This large-scale investigation conducted by the FBI’s Oakland County Violent Crimes and Gangs Task Force is a great example of how law enforcement agencies at every level can work together to positively impact a community flooded with dangerous drugs. Mr. Guerrero’s sentence should serve as deterrent to anyone who thinks they can traffic drugs in Southeast Michigan without consequence.” This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF The FBI’s Oakland County Violent Crime Task Force was the investigating agency. The Task Force includes FBI agents and other law enforcement partners such as Deputies of the Oakland County Sheriff, Madison Heights Police Department, Southfield Police Department, Bloomfield Township Police Department, Michigan State Police, Novi Police, Ferndale Police and officials from the Michigan Department of Corrections. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dave Portelli.


title: Othello Man Sentenced to 168 Months in Federal Prison for Firearm Offenses Related to the Homicide of a Four-Year-Old Child

body_text: Spokane, Washington – Senior United States District Judge William Fremming Nielsen sentenced Felipe Tapia-Perez, age 29, of Othello, Washington, to 168 months in federal prison after Tapia-Perez pled guilty on October 27, 2022, to being an Unlawful Alien in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Judge Nielsen ordered that Tapia-Perez’s federal sentence be served concurrently to an 86-month sentence for manslaughter in the first degree imposed by the Adams County, Washington, Superior Court. After his release from confinement, Tapia-Perez will also serve three years of supervised release. According to court documents, on February 24, 2021, eleven firearms were stolen during a residential burglary in Spokane County, Washington. At least one of the stolen firearms was purchased by Tapia-Perez shortly thereafter. On February 27, 2021, Tapia-Perez was involved in a domestic dispute with his intimate partner in a vehicle parked outside her residence in Othello, Washington. Tapia-Perez was barred from contacting his intimate partner due to a domestic violence protective order. During the argument Tapia-Perez was holding the stolen firearm. As Tapia-Perez’s four-year-old child was waiting outside the front passenger door window, the pistol discharged, and the bullet struck the child in the head. The child was driven to the Othello Community Hospital where the child passed away. Due to his lack of lawful immigration status, Tapia-Perez was prohibited from possessing firearms within the United States. In announcing today’s sentence, Senior Judge Nielsen expressed the seriousness of this tragic case directly to Tapia-Perez: “You should not have had a firearm. The firearm was loaded. You were in an argument with a woman you are prohibited by a no contact order from being with, but you were with her anyway. You were waiving a firearm around, and it resulted in tragedy. The tragedy could not have been worse.” After Tapia-Perez was sentenced, United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref stated, “Through the Eastern District of Washington’s Safe Homes, Safe Community Initiative, we are hoping to stop another incident like this from occurring.” “This is a significant sentence and one that is well deserved by Mr. Tapia-Perez,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “He knew he shouldn’t have had firearms to begin with, let alone a stolen firearm, but the resulting horrific loss of his child for something so senseless makes this even more than tragic.” The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Othello Police Department, the Moses Lake Police Department, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washington State Patrol. This case was prosecuted by Michael J. Ellis , Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. 2:21-cr-00047-WFN


title: Gary Man Sentenced to 92 Months in Prison

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

body_text: HAMMOND- Michael A. Davis, 34 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Davis was sentenced to 92 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, in February 2022, law enforcement responded to a 911 call and upon arrival, located Davis. A firearm with an obliterated serial number was also recovered which Davis possessed. Davis’ criminal history revealed he has prior felony convictions for armed robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and was prohibited from possessing the firearm. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Gary Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin F. Wolff and Patrick D. Grindlay. 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: Louisville Man Sentenced to 17 1/2 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Distribution and Firearm Offenses

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Louisville, Kentucky man was sentenced this week to 17 ½ years in prison for charges related to drug distribution and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division made the announcement. According to court documents, Clarence Carpenter, 41, was sentenced this week to 17 ½ years in prison, followed by a five years of supervised release, for three counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of manufacturing and possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of marijuana, and possession of a fireman by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the DEA with assistance from the Bardstown Police Department and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa Ford prosecuted the case. ###


title: Former Colstrip police officer sentenced eight years in prison for receiving child pornography

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: BILLINGS — A former Colstrip Police Department officer who admitted to directing a minor girl to send him sexually explicit pictures and videos of herself was sentenced today to eight years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Hossein Cristiano Luigi Borhan, 49, of Billings, pleaded guilty in February to an information charging him with receipt of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $4,237 restitution. “By using his position as a law enforcement officer, Borhan violated the public’s trust and used a minor girl for his own sexual gratification. Our office has no greater responsibility than to protect our children from sexual exploitation and we will do whatever it takes to hold accountable those who seek to harm them. Today, we did just that,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. The government alleged in court documents that between August 2021 and April 2022, while serving as a Colstrip police officer, Borhan was engaged in an online messaging relationship with a minor girl, identified as Jane Doe. Borhan used his position as a police officer to gain the trust and friendship of the girl and carried on a secret relationship with her for almost a year under the guise of being her mentor, counselor and therapist. The conversation became sexual in nature, and Jane Doe complied with Borhan’s instructions to send him pictures and videos of herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In an interview with law enforcement, Borhan admitted to sending Jane Doe approximately 20 sexual pictures and videos of himself and estimated receiving hundreds of sexual images and videos from her. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office and Colstrip Police Department. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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.justice.gov/psc. XXX


title: Metro Atlanta man sentenced for money laundering conspiracy involving COVID fraud proceeds

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA - Oluwagbemiga Otufale has been sentenced for money laundering conspiracy involving fraudulent proceeds of multiple fraud schemes. “Otufale attempted to take advantage of our country during a time of unprecedented crisis for the most vulnerable in our society,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Our office is committed to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute individuals involved in COVID-19 relief fraud and those who launder the proceeds of that criminal activity.” “So many individuals needed federal emergency assistance to stay afloat during the pandemic, and Otufale laundered millions of dollars of that assistance money, allowing fraudsters to enjoy their ill-gotten gains and lining his own pockets,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “His greed affects every American taxpayer, and the FBI will continue to hold accountable those who abused tax payer dollars and diverted them from citizens who desperately needed them.” “Oluwagbemiga Otufale used fraudulent passports and other identity documents to open numerous bank accounts in the names of various shell companies. Otufale used the accounts to launder more than $2.6 million in illicit funds. Most of the laundered funds were the proceeds of fraudulent unemployment claims that were filed in multiple states, including Illinois, Massachusetts, and Washington. These fraudulent claims were filed using the personal identifiable information of unwitting individuals. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to safeguard the unemployment insurance system from those who seek to exploit the system,” said Mathew Broadhurst, Special Agent-in-Charge, Southeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act created a temporary federal program that provided up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits for those unemployed as a result of the pandemic and included a provision to provide temporary benefits to individuals who had exhausted their entitlement to regular benefits or were otherwise not eligible. That temporary federal program was administered by state employment agencies. Otufale laundered money procured from fraudulent unemployment claims submitted to numerous state employment agencies, including those in the states of Washington, Illinois, and Massachusetts. These claims were filed using stolen personally identifiable information of more than 50 individuals. Otufale also laundered proceeds from a business email compromise scheme targeting two Georgia businesses. Otufale created multiple aliases and sham business entities to open financial accounts in which he deposited the fraudulent proceeds and withdrew cash. In total, Otufale laundered approximately $2.6 million in fraud proceeds through at least six bank accounts. Oluwagbemiga Otufale, also known as “Joseph Perrone,” “Kelvin Benjamin,” and “Abraham Young,” 45, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May to seven years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $498,450. Otufale was convicted of the charge of money laundering conspiracy on December 7, 2022, after he pleaded guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah E. Klapman and Tracia King prosecuted the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Jefferson County Man with Multiple Prior Felony Convictions Indicted on Federal Gun Charge

body_text: Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky returned an indictment on February 7, 2023, charging a local man with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. According to the indictment, Anthony Stewart, 22, was charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On October 28, 2022, Stewart possessed a Smith and Wesson handgun after he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On February 1, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Stewart was convicted of robbery in the second degree, burglary in the second degree, and receiving stolen property over $500 but less than $10,000. On April 16, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Stewart was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of receiving stolen property over $500, and receiving a stolen firearm. On April 14, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Stewart was convicted of escape in the second degree, tampering with a prisoner monitoring device, and theft by failure to make required disposition of property over $500 but less than $10,000. The defendant made an initial court appearance last week before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Stewart faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by the ATF and Louisville Metro Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josh Porter. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: 40 Members of a Violent Gang Charged With Drug Trafficking and Firearms Violations in San Juan, Puerto Rico

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On June 8, 2023, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 40 violent gang members from the municipality of San Juan with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession and distribution of controlled substances, and firearms violations, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. This investigation was led by the FBI San Juan Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of Special Agents and Task Force Officers from the FBI San Juan, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), the San Juan Municipal Police, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), the Puerto Rico Treasury Department (Hacienda), the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of the Inspector General (HUD-OIG), the Carolina Municipal Police Department, and the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections (PRDOC). The FBI wants to thank the DEA San Juan Office, the PRPB San Juan Strike Force and the PRPB San Juan Homicide Division for their assistance in this investigation and the Guaynabo Municipal Police, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Marshals Service for their collaboration during the arrests. “Violent gangs wreak havoc on our communities, engaging in bloody street wars and selling dangerous drugs that devastate communities and families,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “As today’s announcement demonstrates, the United States Justice Department continues to deploy its resources and expertise in close coordination with our law enforcement partners to target violent criminals and hold gang members accountable for their crimes.” “Violent gangs are a real threat to public safety and this particular gang was among the most violent Puerto Rico has ever seen. The leaders of this organization acted with a complete disregard for authority and human life and caused much harm to the communities in which they operated,” said Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office, Joseph González. “Our commitment to the people of Puerto Rico has been and will continue to be bringing these violent criminals to justice so they can have peace in their communities. As always, the contributions of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, as well as those of our federal and local law enforcement partners, were instrumental in disrupting this dangerous criminal enterprise and we remain thankful for their support to the FBI mission.” The indictment alleges that from 2015 to June 8, 2023, the drug trafficking organization distributed heroin, cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”), cocaine, marihuana, Fentanyl, Oxycodone (Percocet), and Alprazolam (Xanax) within 1,000 feet of the Manuel A. Pérez, the Alejandrino, and the Los Laureles Public Housing Projects (PHPs), and other areas nearby, as well as the San Isidro ward in the Municipality of Canóvanas, all for significant financial gain and profit. The investigation revealed that during the conspiracy the defendants and their co-conspirators would tattoo their arms with gang symbols as evidence of their allegiance to the organization. For example: members of the organization would get a “1500” tattoo to indicate their allegiance to “Los Mil Quinientos.” A selected group of leaders and enforcers, highly trusted by the leadership of the organization, were also permitted to get tattoos with the phrase “STARS INC”, to identify their heightened status to other members of the organization. As part of the conspiracy, the defendants used abandoned apartments in the Public Housing Projects to prepare the drugs for distribution at the drug points and procured access to many vehicles to transport money, narcotics, and firearms. For that purpose, the co‑conspirators would steal cars or buy stolen cars from others to use in furtherance of the drug trafficking activities. Some of the defendants sold drugs in the presence of minors. The defendants acted in different roles to further the goals of the drug trafficking conspiracy, to wit: leaders/suppliers, enforcers, runners, sellers, lookouts, and facilitators. The members of the gang used force, violence, and intimidation to maintain control of the areas in which they operated. The defendants charged in the indictment are: [1] Orlando Carmona Serrano, a.k.a. “Barber/Bar/Capi/Orlan” [2] Miguel Ángel Santiago Laiz, a.k.a. “Miguelito/Enano” [3] Victor Rafael Molina Santos, a.k.a. “Father/Cano/Alka/El Cano/Arka” [4] Félix Benjamín Sánchez Valles, a.k.a. “Goldi/Gordi/Goldy/Tuco/El Manco” [5] Lloyd David Guzmán Ortiz, a.k.a. “Pumo” [6] Carmelo Estarella Carmona, a.k.a. “Melo” [7] Marlon Laguna Santos, a.k.a. “Fuji” [8] Joseph Manuel Molina Santos, a.k.a. “Bloke/Bloque” [9] Gregory Lee Matías Gutiérrez, a.k.a. “Pinki/Pinky” [10] Israel García Ojeda, a.k.a. “Dientes” [11] Jamisael Jiménez Pérez, a.k.a. “Misa” [12] Gilberto Jiménez Estrada, a.k.a. “Pichu” [13] Michael X. Miranda Santiago, a.k.a. “Boqui/Boki” [14] Jonathan Franqui Robles, a.k.a. “El Malcri/Gatito” [15] Luis Ángel Crespo Rivera, a.k.a. “Luisin/Chiwi/Chegui” [16] Luis Yerier Jorge Pabón, a.k.a. “Lento” [17] Luis Jaffet Díaz Santana, a.k.a. “Piki” [18] John Anthony Cruz Ramírez, a.k.a. “Cerebro” [19] Francisco Javier Carrillo Hernaiz, a.k.a. “Polvo/Polvorón/Pelotero/Tito” [20] Stephenn Dwight Nazario Santiago, a.k.a. “Curry” [21] Ricardo José Rivera Ortiz, a.k.a. “Chiringa/Chiri” [22] Juan Ramón Martínez Casanova, a.k.a. “Mota” [23] Jesús Manuel Crespo Rivera, a.k.a. “Maco” [24] Nelson Omar Díaz Zambrana, a.k.a. “Sopa” [25] Luis Rafael Colón Feliciano, a.k.a. “Bichotito” [26] Miguel Ángel Forteza Ramos, a.k.a. “Migue” [27] Gregori Gil Colón Colón, a.k.a. “Yoyo” [28] Jose M. Cotto Velázquez, a.k.a. “Cándido/Negro” [29] Malik Jordan Walrond León, a.k.a. “King” [30] Ángel Manuel Peña Méndez, a.k.a. “Peña El Armero” [31] Julio Cesar Sarit Valle, a.k.a. “Bebito” [32] Juan Manuel González Ayala, a.k.a. “Goza/Gozando” [33] Guillermo Jesús Valdez Mari, a.k.a. “Chicha” [34] Kevin Anthony Ortiz Reyes, a.k.a. “Teta/Terembloko/Terrembloko” [35] Nelson Martínez Montañez, a.k.a. “El Viejo/Karen” [36] Steven Cancel Carmona, a.k.a. “Doble” [37] Jean Carlos Rosario Brito, a.k.a. “Yomo” [38] Johnuel Rosario Cotto, a.k.a. “Picua/Karen” [39] Héctor Manuel Sánchez Rivera, a.k.a. “El Ñeco/Bemba/Boca” [40] Jefferson Díaz Mota, a.k.a. “Barbie/Barbie Mota” Twenty-nine (29) defendants are facing one charge of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Counts seven, eight and nine charge three different murders that occurred during the conspiracy. Count seven charges defendants [1] Orlando Carmona Serrano, [5] Lloyd David Guzmán Ortiz, [7] Marlon Laguna Santos, and [9] Gregory Lee Matías Gutiérrez for the murder of W.L.A. on January 9, 2015, by shooting him with a firearm willfully, deliberately, maliciously, and with premeditation. Count eight charges [3] Victor Rafael Molina Santos and [7] Marlon Laguna Santos for the murder of W.X.M.G. through the use of a firearm on April 22, 2015. Count nine charges [1] Orlando Carmona Serrano, [3] Victor Rafael Molina Santos, [7] Marlon Laguna Santos, [8] Joseph Manuel Molina Santos, and [9] Gregory Lee Matías Gutiérrez for the murder of M.J.P.R. on September 7, 2015. Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort, Deputy Chief of the Gang Section, AUSA Teresa Zapata-Valladares, AUSAs Damaré Theriot and Pedro Casablanca, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlos Romo Aledo from the Puerto Rico Department of Justice are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted on the drug charges, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. If convicted of both the drug and firearms charges, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 15 years, and up to life in prison. All defendants are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $38,000,000 and a property in Campo Rico Urbanization in Sabana Llana ward in San Juan, PR, which was currently being operated as “La Casa Roja” AirBnB. 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 is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Wolcott Man Admits Unlawful Manufacture and Dealing of AR-15-Style Assault Rifles

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Colonel Stavros Mellekas of the Connecticut State Police today announced that GREGORY LEARY, 35, of Wolcott, pleaded guilty yesterday before Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to manufacturing and dealing AR-15-style firearms without a license. According to court documents and statements made in court, between January and March 2022, Leary received Polymer80 firearms kits from another individual and assembled them in the basement of his Wolcott residence. On three occasions during that period, Leary provided to that individual eight AR-15-style assault rifles with collapsible stocks and 30-round magazines; a “P80” 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a fully loaded, 10-round magazine; 190 rounds of .223 ammunition; one “Magtec” box containing 50 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition; and one “Independence” box containing 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The assault rifles and 9mm handgun contained no serial numbers. In pleading guilty, Leary admitted that he manufactured and dealt a total of more than 25 firearms to the same individual knowing that the individual was selling the firearms to others. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for September 25, at which time Leary faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. Leary is released on a $20,000 bond pending sentencing. This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Connecticut State Police Statewide Firearms Trafficking Task Force (SFTTF) and Statewide Urban Violence Cooperative Crime Control Task Force (SUVCCCTF/Gangs Unit), assisted by the Statewide Narcotics Task Force (SNTF) Southwest and North Central Offices, and the Bridgeport, Shelton, Orange, Waterbury, and Hartford Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens and Rahul Kale through 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. In May 2021, the Justice 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. Earlier today, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco convened a meeting with the Criminal Division, FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and all 93 U.S. Attorneys to discuss ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime and combat the gun violence that fuels it. To learn more about these efforts, visit https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/fact-sheet-update-justice-department-s-ongoing-efforts-tackle-gun-violence .


title: Henryetta Resident Sentenced For Federal Drug Crime

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Jagger Levi Gordon, age 29, of Henryetta, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 110 months imprisonment for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The charge arose from an investigation by the Henryetta Police Department, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On February 16, 2022, Gordon pleaded guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. At the plea hearing, Gordon admitted that he had possessed 20 grams of pure methamphetamine, multiple firearms, and ammunition—all of which were discovered by law enforcement responding to an emergency call to his residence in Henryetta, Oklahoma, on March 8, 2021. At the plea hearing, Gordon also admitted to possessing the methamphetamine for distribution purposes. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Gordon will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.


title: Ada Resident Sentenced For Murder In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Anthony Brian Walker, age 41, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced to life imprisonment for First-Degree Murder in Indian Country. The charge arose from an investigation by the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On July 20, 2022, a federal jury found Walker guilty at trial of First-Degree Murder in Indian Country. At trial, the government presented evidence that on November 29, 2021, while the victim sat in a vehicle at a convenience store drive-through, Walker approached the vehicle and stabbed him in the heart. The crime occurred in Pontotoc County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the trial and sentencing hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Walker will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney T. Cameron McEwen and Special Assistant United States Attorney Erin McKenzie represented the United States.


title: Paducah Man Sentenced to Over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution

body_text: Paducah, KY – A Paducah man was sentenced today to 11 years and 8 months in prison for methamphetamine distribution. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Sheriff Ryan Norman of the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement. According to court documents, Billy J. Burns, 31, was sentenced today to 11 years and 8 months, followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for possessing with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a methamphetamine mixture. There is no parole in the federal system. The case was investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case. ###


title: Muskogee County Resident Sentenced For Sexual Abuse Of A Child

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Bradley Wayne Morris, age 36, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 420 months, per count, for two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country and two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country. The sentences will run concurrently. The charges arose from investigations by the Muskogee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On May 5, 2022, a federal jury found Morris guilty on all four counts of a Superseding Indictment at trial. During the trial, the United States presented evidence that between January 2018 and February 2020, Morris sexually abused a child under the age of twelve. The crimes occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee. Morris will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Morgan Muzljakovich represented the United States at the sentencing hearing.


title: Bridgeport Felon Caught with Loaded Gun Receives 54 Months in Prison for Fourth Federal Conviction

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAHSHIM CARTER, 34, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by three years for supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2013, Carter was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 18 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for distributing heroin in and around the Trumbull Gardens housing complex in Bridgeport. He was released from prison in September 2013. In February 2014, Carter was arrested by Bridgeport Police after he was found in possession of a loaded .380 caliber handgun and heroin that he intended to distribute. He pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and, on January 30, 2015, was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 62 months of imprisonment for the offense, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release. In November 2016, while Carter was incarcerated in a federal prison in New Hampshire, he was found in possession of a homemade weapon (“shank”) and a quantity of Suboxone, a controlled substance. He was charged in the District of New Hampshire, pleaded guilty and, on January 22, 2018, was sentenced to an additional 18 months of imprisonment. He was released from prison in March 2020. On April 20, 2022, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police Department sought to arrest Carter for violating his supervised release. Carter was located and arrested in an apartment in the Green Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport. At the time of his arrest he possessed a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and quantities of heroin and crack cocaine. Carter has been detained since his arrest. On November 17, 2022, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. Earlier today, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco convened a meeting with the Criminal Division, FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and all 93 U.S. Attorneys to discuss ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime and combat the gun violence that fuels it. To learn more about these efforts, visit https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/fact-sheet-update-justice-department-s-ongoing-efforts-tackle-gun-violence .


title: Paducah Man Sentenced to Over Twelve Years in Federal Prison for Possessing and Distributing Child Pornography

body_text: Paducah, KY – A Paducah man was sentenced today to 12 years and 7 months in prison for federal child pornography offenses. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement. According to court documents, Zacharias Schlipf, 34, was sentenced to today 12 years and 7 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession and distribution of child pornography. A search warrant executed on Schlipf’s electronic devices revealed approximately 700 videos containing child pornography. There is no parole in the federal system. The case was investigated by the FBI Paducah Satellite Office and the Kentucky State Police Cyber Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” ###


title: Reedsburg Attorney Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $1.64 Million from Client's Trust Accounts

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kristin Lein, 60, Reedsburg, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty today in District Court in Madison to wire fraud, money laundering, and filing a false tax return. Lien is a licensed attorney in Wisconsin. At the plea hearing, Lein pleaded guilty to an information that charged her with stealing $1,643,818 from a client’s trust accounts. According to the information, in June 2019, Lein began transferring money from several accounts belonging to the client’s trust to her own personal bank account. During a telephone call on February 2, 2022, Lein and the beneficiary of the trust discussed financial matters. During the telephone call, Lein told the beneficiary that the trust balance was over $1,800,000. However, Lein knew that the actual amount of money held in the trust was significantly less due to her embezzlement of funds. Lein continued to embezzle money from the trust accounts until the funds were depleted in September 2022. As part of the plea agreement, Lein admitted that she used the embezzled funds to pay personal expenses, including improvements to her residence in Reedsburg and to purchase a pickup truck. Lein also admitted that she failed to report the income she obtained from the embezzlement on her 2019 personal tax return. The maximum penalty for the wire fraud charge is 20 years in prison. The maximum penalty for the money laundering charge is 10 years in prison. The maximum penalty for filing a false tax return is three years in prison. U.S. District Judge William M. Conley scheduled the sentencing hearing for September 7, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. The charges against Lein were a result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the prosecution.


title: Former Bosnian Prison Camp Supervisor Indicted in Scheme to Conceal His Acts of Wartime Persecution

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Swampscott man was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston today for his alleged fraudulent claims of persecution to become a United States refugee and, later, a United States citizen. Kemal Mrndzic, 51, was charged with using a fraudulently obtained U.S. passport; possessing and using a fraudulently obtained naturalization certificate and fraudulently obtained Social Security card; making a false statement to federal law enforcement officers; and engaging in a scheme to conceal his involvement in persecution during the Bosnian War. Mrndzic was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on May 17, 2023. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. According to the charging documents, Mrndzic served as a supervisor of the guards at a notorious prison camp in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the sectarian war which fractured the country in the 1990s. The United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) found that guards at the Celebici prison camp had committed numerous murders, rapes, and had engaged in torture and other forms of persecution of Serb prisoners held at the camp. Three of Mrndzic’s fellow guards were convicted by the ICTY after a trial in the Hague at which survivors testified to the harrowing prison camp conditions. According to the documents filed in this matter, numerous survivors have since identified Mrndzic as being involved in the beatings and other abuses committed there. According to the charging documents, after the war ended, investigators from the ICTY interviewed Mrndzic in Sarajevo and allegedly accused him of being involved in the abuses at Celebici. Mrndzic subsequently concocted a scheme to flee the country by crossing the border into Croatia and allegedly applying as a refugee to the United States using a fabricated story. It is alleged that in his refugee application and interview, he falsely claimed that he fled his home after he was captured, interrogated and abused by Serb forces, and could not return home for fear of future persecution. He was admitted to the U.S. as a refugee in 1999, and ultimately became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2009. “This prosecution demonstrates that the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners will spare no effort in detecting and prosecuting those who engage in wartime persecution and then cross our borders to conceal their history. Emigrating to the United States is a privilege and if you conceal your criminal conduct to deceive your way into this country, you will ultimately be detected,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy “Mrndzic is alleged to have lied about his past as a supervisor of camp guards at a Bosnian prison camp known to be the site of violence and persecution, concealing these facts to flee to the United States and begin a new life,” said Michael Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “Our special agents spend years investigating cases of alleged human rights violators and war criminals, interviewing survivors and working alongside historians, in an effort to uncover the true history of perpetrators and hold them accountable for their actions.” Celebici Camp survivors and family members who have information about the operation of the Camp, or have questions regarding this matter, should call the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 888-221-6023 or send an email to: usama.victimassistance@usdoj.gov. Please indicate if you would prefer to be contacted in English or Serbo-Croatian. Bivši logoraši koji su bili u logoru u Čelebićima ili članovi njihovih porodica koji imaju informacije o logoru ili pitanje o ovom predmetu, mogu nazvati Jedinice za pomoć žrtаva kod kancelarije federalnog tužioca tel. 888-221-6023 ili putem e-mailom: usama.victimassistance@usdoj.gov. Molim obavjestite nas ako želite da mi vas kontaktiramo na engleskom ili na srpskom-hrvatskom-bosanskom jeziku. Бивши логораши који су били у логору Челебићима или чланови њихових породица који имају информације о логору или питање о овом предмету, могу назвати Јединице за помоћ жртава код канцеларије федералног тужиоца тел. 888-221-6023 или путем е-маилом: usama.victimassistance@usdoj.gov. Молим обавјестите нас ако желите да ми вас контактирамо на енгелеском или на српском-хрватском босанском језику. The charges of using a fraudulently obtained passport and fraudulently obtained naturalization certificate each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The three remaining charges each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The ICTY judgment which provides a detailed recitation of crimes committed at Celebici can be found here. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; HSI Acting SAC Krol; Sharon B. MacDermott, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; and Jonathan Davidson, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. This matter was investigated with the assistance of the United States Interagency Human Rights Violators & War Crimes Center. The Swampscott Police Department also provided important assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. McNeil and Jason A. Casey of Levy’s National Security Unit are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former Long Beach First Responder Sentenced to More Than 29 Years in Prison for Drug and Gun Crimes, Including Selling Fentanyl that Resulted in Coworker’s Fatal Overdose

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A former first responder who worked at a Long Beach hospital was sentenced today to 352 months in federal prison for selling fentanyl to two of his co-workers who thought they were buying cocaine, one of whom later died of an overdose after ingesting the powerful opioid. Cruz Noel Quintero, 43, of Long Beach, was sentenced by United States District Judge Christina A. Snyder, who scheduled a September 6 restitution hearing in this case. At the conclusion of a six-day trial in September 2022, a jury found Quintero guilty of one count of distributing fentanyl resulting in death, one count of possessing machine guns, two counts of possessing unregistered firearms, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. According to evidence presented at trial, beginning no later than February 2018, Quintero – who was employed as an emergency medical technician at a Long Beach hospital – shipped cocaine, methamphetamine, and other drugs across the country, and he distributed them locally out of a Long Beach residence. In May 2019, in the parking lot outside the hospital’s emergency room, Quintero sold a white powder he claimed was cocaine for $100 to a hospital coworker who was planning to go on a weekend trip to Las Vegas with her partner, a former nurse at the Long Beach hospital and volunteer firefighter. The following morning, the couple sampled the white powder – not knowing that it in fact was fentanyl – and both of them passed out. One of the victims – identified in court documents as “S.F.” – later was pronounced dead. Two toxicologists testified that the only drug they found in S.F.’s blood was fentanyl, and two doctors – a medical examiner and a medical toxicologist – testified that the victim died because of fentanyl toxicity. After learning that Quintero sold the fatal dose, law enforcement searched two residences in Long Beach and discovered Quintero’s illicit drug-trafficking operation. Across both residences, they found 13 firearms that included two machine guns, two short-barreled assault rifles, and nine other guns, some of which were loaded. One of the residences, which Quintero used as his base of operations, was littered with drug-trafficking paraphernalia, including over ten pounds of cutting agents used to dilute the quality of the drugs he sold and a hydraulic press used to manufacture kilogram bricks of cocaine. According to trial testimony, Quintero also shipped kilogram-quantities of cocaine and pound-quantities of methamphetamine to drug traffickers in Minnesota, which prompted frequent complaints about the poor quality of his product. Quintero has been in custody since his arrest shortly after the fatal overdose in May 2019. “Quintero operated a reckless and callous drug trafficking business that repeatedly endangered people’s lives and ultimately killed [the victim],” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “For at least a year, [Quintero] shipped kilos of cocaine and pounds of methamphetamine out of state, and sold poor-quality, adulterated drugs to unsuspecting buyers, all while guarding his drug-distribution outpost in Long Beach with machine guns and short-barreled rifles.” Judge Snyder sentenced Quintero to 292 months in prison for the fentanyl death count, 120 months in prison for the firearms counts, 240 months in federal prison for the maintaining a drug premises count – all of which are to run concurrent to each other. Finally, she sentenced Quintero to 60 months in prison for possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, a term which will run consecutive to the other counts. Homeland Security Investigations; the Drug Enforcement Administration in Los Angeles and Minneapolis; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Long Beach Police Department investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Suria M. Bahadue of the Criminal Appeals Section and David C. Lachman of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section prosecuted this case.


title: Pendleton Man Charged with Possessing Child Pornography, Additional Victims Sought

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—On June 13, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging a Pendleton, Oregon man with possessing child pornography. Cameron Jacob Sheoships, 55, has been charged with one count of possession of child pornography. According to the indictment, on or about May 24, 2023, Sheoships is alleged to have knowingly and unlawfully possessed material containing child pornography, including depictions of a child under 12 years old. On May 25, 2023, Sheoships made his initial appearance in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Armistead. He was released on conditions pending future court proceedings. If convicted, Sheoships faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. This case was investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Cassady A. Adams, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1. Anyone who has information about possible crimes committed by Sheoships, or the physical or online exploitation of any children, are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov . 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: South Portland Man Charged for Threatening Federal Officer

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: United States Attorney Darcie N. McElwee today announced that Nathaniel Curtisbrown , 28, of South Portland was charged by criminal complaint with intimidating or retaliating against a federal official by threat. According to the criminal complaint, earlier this month, Curtisbrown sent multiple threatening emails to an FBI agent with the intent to retaliate against the agent for the performance of his official duties. A charge in a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ###


title: Schenectady Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ocyris Morgan, age 35, of Schenectady, New York, was arraigned today on a 13-count indictment charging that he distributed and possessed with intent to distribute several controlled substances. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. The indictment charges Morgan with distributing cocaine and methamphetamine over the course of 12 sales since August 2022. On the day of his arrest, he possessed and intended to distribute additional quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as fentanyl. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Upon conviction, the charges filed against Morgan carry a term of imprisonment of at least 5 years and up to 40 years, a fine of up to $1 million, and a term of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life. 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. United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart arraigned Morgan today and ordered him detained pending a trial scheduled before Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. The FBI’s Capital District Safe Streets Task Force—which includes FBI Special Agents as well as members of other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies—is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting the case.


title: Baton Rouge Man Sentenced  to 26 Months Imprisonment  for Health Care Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – DONALD PETER AUZINE was sentenced on June 13, 2023 to 26 months of imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release after pleading guilty in federal court relating to his role in a health care fraud conspiracy. AUZINE , age 51, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on September 23, 2021 before U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan to Count One of an indictment that charged him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1347 and 1349. According to the indictment, in or around March 2014, and continuing through in or around October 2016, AUZINE , conspired to knowingly and willfully executing a scheme and artifice to defraud TRICARE, a federal health care benefit program affecting commerce, and other health care benefit programs. AUZINE was the marketing manager of Prime Pharmacy Solutions (“Prime”), which was located in Slidell, Louisiana. Prime Pharmacy was mainly a closed-door pharmacy whose business focus was the production of compounded medication. Such medication, when created properly, involved drugs that were combined, mixed, or altered by licensed pharmacists or other practitioners to meet the specialized needs of individual patients. Prime’s contracts with various entities, including Pharmacy Benefit Managers (“PBMs”), obligated Prime to collect copayments from beneficiaries in order to be reimbursed by various health care benefit programs, including TRICARE. Additionally, Prime’s owner worked with AUZINE to market the compounded medications produced by Prime. AUZINE also found marketers outside of the state to find beneficiaries willing to receive medically unnecessary compounds and doctors willing to prescribe compounds without medical necessity. AUZINE also pressured pharmacists to fill prescriptions for beneficiaries where no doctor-patient relationship existed and helped create prescription pads containing the highest value prescription. Through his fraud, AUZINE received a percentage of Prime’s profits and the reimbursements paid by TRICARE, as well as reimbursements from other health care benefit programs. “This sentence sends a strong message to those who knowingly defraud the Defense Health Agency for their own selfish enrichment, “stated Special Agent in Charge Darrin Jones, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Southeast Field Office. "The VA Office of Inspector General is dedicated to ensuring the integrity of VA's healthcare services. Those who would commit fraud to exploit veteran care and steal taxpayer dollars will be held accountable," said Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General's South-Central Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this case." The U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service – Office of Inspector General, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. This case was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service – Office of Inspector General, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn McHugh of the Financial Crimes Unit.


title: Syracuse Man Sentenced to 84 Months for Distributing Methamphetamine and Cocaine

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Mohamed Mahmoud, age 44, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to serve 84 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine, powder cocaine, and crack cocaine, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division. As part of his previous guilty plea, Mahmoud admitted selling about 29 grams of pure methamphetamine, 12 grams of crack cocaine, and 11 grams of powder cocaine on April 14, 2021. He also was found at sentencing to have sold the same drugs on multiple prior occasions in the preceding months. This was Mahmoud’s second federal drug conviction; in October 2012, he was sentenced in federal court to a 63-month term of imprisonment following his conviction for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine. United States District Judge David N. Hurd further sentenced Mahmoud to a four-year term of supervised release to begin after imprisonment, imposed a $2,500 fine, and imposed a $2,400 judgment representing Mahmoud’s proceeds from a prior drug sale. The case was investigated by the DEA-Syracuse Resident Office, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, the Syracuse Police Department, and the New York State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.


title: Binghamton Man and Woman Plead Guilty to Heroin Trafficking Conspiracy

body_text: BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Worth Brown, age 35, and Christina Martinez, age 31, both of Binghamton, pled guilty yesterday to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. In pleading guilty, Brown and Martinez admitted to being members of a heroin trafficking conspiracy in which large amounts of heroin were transported from the New York City area for distribution in and around the Broome County area. Brown further admitted that he possessed over 200 grams of heroin and over $78,000 in drug proceeds during the conspiracy. Brown and Martinez are both scheduled for sentencing on October 11, 2023, before United States District Judge David N. Hurd. Brown faces up to life with a mandatory minimum of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least five years. Martinez faces up to twenty years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a post-incarceration term of supervised release of at least three 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. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Broome County Special Investigation Unit Task Force, which is comprised of members of the Binghamton Police, Endicott Police, Johnson City Police and Broome County Sheriff’s Office. Additional assistance was provided by Detectives from the Binghamton Police Department, members of the New York State Police, and Special Agents from the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen Grabowski, Rick Belliss, and Jonathan Reiner are prosecuting the case.


title: Montana Man Sentenced for Federal Hate and Firearms Crimes for Shooting Intended to Kill and Rid Town of LGBTQI+ Residents

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A Montana man was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris to 18 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for shooting into a residence and attempting to shoot others with the intent of ridding a town of LGBTQI+ residents. John Russell Howald, of Basin, was convicted by a federal jury on Feb. 17 of a hate crime involving an attempt to kill and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence for firing an AK-style rifle at the residence of a woman who was known within the town as lesbian and was home at the time, and then walking further into town intending to target others he perceived to be lesbian, queer, and gay. The trial lasted four days. “This defendant is being held accountable for his horrific attempted mass shooting against the LGBTQI+ community in a Montana town,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Howald set out to rid the town of all LGBTQI+ members by killing them. He shot into the home of a lesbian resident, nearly killing her, with the hope of inspiring similar attacks around the country. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously defend the rights of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, to be free from hate-fueled violence. This Pride Month, we affirm our commitment to using the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act to hold perpetrators of hate-fueled violence targeting the LGBTQI+ community accountable.” “Howald fired multiple shots into someone’s home based solely on her sexual orientation and only the heroic and brave actions of residents and law enforcement, as well as some good fortune, prevented a targeted mass shooting,” said U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich for the District of Montana. “It is the kind of conduct that has no place in Montana, which is why our office vigorously prosecuted Howald and why the justice system is holding him accountable for his actions. Our office has an unshakable commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect the civil rights of all Montanans, including our LGBTQI+ friends and family members.” “Motivated by hatred of the LGBTQI+ community and armed with multiple firearms and high-capacity magazines, this defendant sought to intimidate - even terrorize – an entire community by shooting into the victim’s home trying to kill her for no reason other than her sexual orientation, this defendant did something distinctly un-American by depriving her of her sense of safety, freedom and privacy all at once,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “This 18-year sentence reflects the appalling nature of Howald’s actions. I want to commend the ATF Helena Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their extraordinary work ensuring justice, not only for the victim, but for the entire LGBTQI+ community.” “The unfortunate reality is bigotry and hate exist in our communities. Still, as a diverse nation, we will not tolerate violence motivated by such bias,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. “The harm and trauma experienced by the victim, her family, and the entire community may be irreparable, but rest assured, the FBI is committed to protecting the civil rights of all.” According to court documents, on March 22, 2020, Howald went on a self-described mission to rid the town of Basin of its lesbian, queer and gay community. Howald was armed with two assault rifles, a hunting rifle, two pistols and multiple high-capacity magazines that were taped together to speed reloading. Howald walked to the first victim’s residence and fired multiple rounds from an AK-style rifle into her property and home, all because of his belief regarding her sexual orientation. Hoping he had killed her, Howald set off toward other houses occupied by people who identify as lesbian, queer or gay. Local residents, who knew Howald and happened to be leaving church, stalled him long enough for a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputy to respond and inadvertently recorded Howald yelling and firing more rounds with the same rifle, expressing his hatred toward the community’s gay and lesbian residents and his determination to “clean” them from his town. When the deputy arrived, Howald pointed the AK-style rifle at the officer, nearly starting a shootout in downtown Basin, and then fled into the hills, firing at least one round as he went. Law enforcement arrested Howald the next day and found him armed with a loaded pistol and a knife. In Howald’s car, officers found an AR-style rifle and a revolver. During a search of Howald’s camper, officers found an AK-style rifle, a hunting rifle, and ammunition. Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Laslovich, Special Agent in Charge Gibson and ATF Director Dettelbach made the announcement. The FBI, ATF and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut for the District of Montana and Trial Attorney Eric N. Peffley of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.


title: U.S. Army Soldier Pleads Guilty to Terrorism Charges for Attempting to Help ISIS Conduct Deadly Ambush on U.S. Troops

body_text: An Ohio man today pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and attempting to murder U.S. military service members based on his efforts to help the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) to attack and kill U.S. soldiers in the Middle East. Cole Bridges, aka Cole Gonzales, 22, of Stow, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman. According to court documents, Bridges joined the U.S. Army in approximately September 2019 and was assigned as a cavalry scout in the Third Infantry Division based in Fort Stewart, Georgia. Beginning in at least 2019, Bridges began researching and consuming online propaganda promoting jihadists and their violent ideology. Bridges also expressed his support for ISIS and jihad on social media. In or about October 2020, Bridges began communicating with an FBI online covert employee (the OCE), who was posing as an ISIS supporter in contact with ISIS fighters in the Middle East. During these communications, Bridges expressed his frustration with the U.S. military and his desire to aid ISIS. Bridges then provided training and guidance to purported ISIS fighters who were planning attacks, including advice about potential targets in New York City. Bridges also provided the OCE with portions of a U.S. Army training manual and guidance about military combat tactics, for use by ISIS. In or about December 2020, Bridges began to supply the OCE with instructions for the purported ISIS fighters on how to attack U.S. forces in the Middle East. Among other things, Bridges diagrammed specific military maneuvers intended to help ISIS fighters maximize the lethality of attacks on U.S. troops. Bridges further provided advice about the best way to fortify an ISIS encampment to repel an attack by U.S. Special Forces, including by wiring certain buildings with explosives to kill the U.S. troops. Then, in January 2021, Bridges provided the OCE with a video of himself in his U.S. Army body armor standing in front of a flag often used by ISIS fighters and making a gesture symbolic of support for ISIS. Approximately a week later, Bridges sent a second video in which Bridges, using a voice manipulator, narrated a propaganda speech in support of the anticipated ambush by ISIS on U.S. troops. Attempting to provide material support to ISIS carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and attempting to murder U.S. military service members carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Bridges is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 2. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York and Assistant Director Robert R. Wells of the FBI Counterterrorism Division made the announcement. The FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which primarily consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the New York City Police Department, and over 50 other federal, state and local agencies, is investigating the case. The U.S. Army Counterintelligence, the FBI Washington Field Office, the FBI Atlanta Field Office and its Savannah Resident Agency, the FBI Cleveland Field Office, the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and the U.S. Army Third Infantry Division provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Adelsberg and Matthew Hellman for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.


title: FACT SHEET: Update on Justice Department ’s Ongoing Efforts to Tackle Gun Violence

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: On June 14, 2023, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco convened a meeting with the Criminal Division, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service, and all 93 U.S. Attorneys to discuss ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime and combat the gun violence that fuels it. These efforts include implementing the landmark Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) passed by Congress and signed by the President last June; addressing the proliferation of untraceable and unlawful “ghost guns” that threaten public safety; surging resources to federal, state, local, and Tribal law-enforcement partners on the front lines; and adopting other common-sense reforms that keep guns out of the wrong hands. Focusing U.S. Attorney Resources on Gun Crimes: Today during the meeting, the Attorney General reiterated his February 2022 direction to U.S Attorneys’ Offices to prioritize combating gun violence. Among other actions, the Attorney General directed U.S. Attorneys to increase prosecutorial resources devoted to cracking down on illegal firearm trafficking pipelines, to hold accountable those who possess unlawful “ghost guns,” and to pursue investigations against unlawful gun dealing. Expanding Background Checks: BSCA expanded background checks to include juvenile criminal and mental health records and local law enforcement contacts for prospective purchasers under the age of 21. Since the law’s enactment, the FBI has conducted more than 100,000 enhanced background checks for purchasers under the age of 21. Those checks have kept nearly 1,000 firearms out of the hands of dangerous and prohibited persons – including over 200 attempted transactions that were denied solely because of the changes made by BSCA. The FBI continues to engage in extensive education and outreach efforts to improve the state and local partnerships necessary to the success of these enhanced background checks, including by hosting webinars attended by over 500 law enforcement agencies. Narrowing the Boyfriend Loophole: BSCA also narrowed the so-called “boyfriend loophole” by expanding restrictions on firearm purchases by those convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence to include those convicted of assault in a “dating relationship.” In August 2022, the FBI implemented the new “dating relationship” definition into its background-check system, and in October, the Department trained federal prosecutors and law enforcement agents on the expanded restriction. The Department is also continuously engaging in efforts to educate state and local law enforcement, prosecutors, and court personnel on the need to document “dating relationship” factors in police reports and court records. Fighting Illegal Trafficking in Firearms : BSCA created new criminal offenses for unlawfully trafficking in firearms and for straw-purchasing a firearm on behalf of a prohibited person, and it expanded the definition of “engaging in the business” of dealing in firearms. In the months since BSCA’s enactment, the Department held multiple trainings for federal prosecutors and law enforcement agents on these new provisions. That upfront investment is paying dividends in the courtroom: U.S. Attorneys’ Offices around the country have already charged more than 100 defendants with the new BSCA offenses of firearms-trafficking and straw-purchasing, and prosecutions for engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license have increased 52% over their FY2021 level. Funding Evidence-Based Interventions: BSCA authorized a total of $1.4 billion in funding for new and existing violence-prevention and -intervention programs between 2022 and 2026. The Department has awarded more than $231 million in Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program grants that will fund state crisis intervention programs, such as drug, mental health, and veterans’ treatment programs and extreme risk protection orders that will keep guns out of the hands of those who pose a threat to themselves or others. State programs funded by the grants so far include: Education, training, and public-awareness campaigns on extreme risk protection order (“red flag”) laws; School resource officer training programs related to gun violence and youth mental health; and Drug, mental health, and veterans treatment courts and behavioral health responses such as crisis mobile response teams and stabilization facilities. The Department has also announced the allocation of $40 million in supplemental STOP School Violence grants ; $20 million in supplemental COPS School Violence Prevention Program grants ; and $100 million in supplemental Community Violence Intervention Grants , which will go toward developing and expanding the infrastructure needed to strengthen neighborhood and community safety. Cracking down on ghost guns: Privately made firearms (PMF) – more commonly known as “ghost guns” – are especially attractive to dangerous and prohibited persons because of their untraceable nature. In 2022, the Department recovered 25,785 ghost guns in domestic seizures, as well as 2,453 through international operations. So far in 2023, the Department has recovered more than 10,000 PMFs domestically and 1,000 internationally. These recoveries come on the heels of newly announced Department regulations that modernize firearm definitions to curb the proliferation of ghost guns. Enhancing Firearm and Ballistics Tracing Efforts: The Department continues to expand the availability and effectiveness of federal investigative resources to help state, local, and Tribal partners solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice. Last year, the National Tracing Center operated by the ATF conducted 622,735 traces for firearms associated with crimes, representing a 10% increase over 2021 and a 48% increase over 2017. As of June 2023, the National Tracing Center has conducted 299,319 traces and is forecasting a total of over 675,000 traces by the end of this year. Nearly 10,000 law enforcement agencies have now been granted access to eTrace, the online system that allows participating agencies to submit firearm traces to ATF. And since June 2022, the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) has generated approximately 200,000 leads for law enforcement partners across the country. Holding Gun Dealers Who Violate the Law Accountable: The Department has adopted an enhanced enforcement policy for federally licensed firearms dealers who willfully violate the law – for example, by refusing to run required background checks or selling guns with full awareness that they will end up in the hands of prohibited persons. Earlier this year, the ATF published information on over 90 federal firearms license revocations.


title: District Man Pleads Guilty to Assault with Intent to Kill While Armed and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime

body_text: WASHINGTON – Terreance Robinson, 25, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty, yesterday, to assault with intent to kill while armed in connection with a retaliatory shooting, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, of the Washington Field Office, and Interim Chief Ashan Benedict, of the Metropolitan Police Department. According to the Government’s evidence, on October 20, 2022, around 6:08 p.m., surveillance captured the defendant in the Clay Terrace neighborhood with his juvenile co-conspirators. While there, the defendant pulled two firearms out of his waistband before providing one to a juvenile co-conspirator. At approximately 6:42 p.m., the defendant and his three juvenile co-conspirators drove a carjacked vehicle (“Suspect Vehicle”) from the Clay Terrace neighborhood to the 500 block of 51 st Street Northeast, Washington, D.C. in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood. The defendant and his co-conspirators targeted a group of people who were gathered by the 500 block of 51 st Street NE. While driving by the group, the defendant and his co-conspirators fired their firearms at the group, prompting everyone in the group to flee. During the shooting, the Suspect Vehicle that defendant and his co-conspirators occupied collided into a parked vehicle on the road by 519 51 st Street NE. The defendant and his co-conspirators swiftly exited the vehicle and fled the scene as the defendant continued to shoot his firearm at the retreating group. At least one individual in the targeted group was shot multiple times and was hospitalized for his injuries. While fleeing the scene, the defendant and his co-conspirators ran through Marvin Gaye Park and back to the Clay Terrace neighborhood in Washington, D.C. The investigation revealed that the shooting was retaliatory in nature. Less than a month later, on November 16, 2022, federal and local law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence. At the commencement of the search, the defendant ran upstairs and tossed out of a window a Glock 17, 9mm firearm. Police arrested the defendant and found, on his person, distribution-quantities of fentanyl and cocaine base that were packaged for sale. Ballistics analysis linked the Glock 17, 9mm firearm recovered from the defendant’s residence on November 16, 2022, to the October 20, 2022 shooting in Lincoln Heights. At the time of defendant’s conduct on October 20 and November 16, the defendant was on supervision in a case for which he had previously plead guilty for unlawful possession of a firearm. On June 13, 2023, the defendant pleaded guilty, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 14, 2023, at which time the defendant faces a sentence of 15 years in prison. In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Jacobs, and Interim Chief Benedict commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force in Washington, D.C., and MPD’s Violent Crime Suppression Division. They also acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sitara Witanachchi and Will Hart, of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses section, who are prosecuting the case.


title: Kalamazoo Man Indicted For Distribution Of Fentanyl Resulting In Death

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that a federal grand jury in Grand Rapids returned a superseding indictment charging a Kalamazoo man with distributing fentanyl resulting in death. The indictment is attached. “Fentanyl has tragically claimed too many lives and become a deadly menace throughout the Western District of Michigan,” said U.S. Attorney Totten . “Kalamazoo in particular has recently witnessed an unprecedented number of fentanyl-related tragedies. My office remains committed to prosecuting dealers whose sales of this dangerous drug ultimately kill members of our community.” In the superseding indictment, the grand jury alleges that on November 23, 2022, Antjuan Pierre Jackson, 38, of Kalamazoo, distributed fentanyl that resulted in the death of a victim. The superseding indictment separately charges that, three weeks later, on December 15, 2022, Jackson possessed 40 grams or more of fentanyl and intended to distribute it. According to DEA, two milligrams of fentanyl can be a deadly dose of the drug. “The Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team will continue to seek the highest charges while investigating individuals, or groups of individuals, selling illicit and sometimes deadly narcotics on our streets,” said Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team Captain Michael Ferguson. “We appreciate our partnership with the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We certainly hope that this indictment will deter future decisions in continuing this criminal activity.” Jackson is charged with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. He will be arraigned on the superseding indictment before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan. If convicted of the charge of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, Jackson faces a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison with a maximum penalty up to life. The presiding judge, U.S. District Judge Jane M. Beckering, will determine Jackson’s ultimate sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET), and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie M. Carowan. 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: Columbus Resident Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft

component: USAO - Georgia, Middle

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Columbus resident pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft resulting from an investigation that originated with citizen complaints about a suspected driver’s license renewal scheme. Amanah Childs, 43, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft before U.S. District Judge Clay Land on June 13. Childs faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for wire fraud and a maximum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. Childs also faces a maximum of three years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine for each count. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 29. There is no parole in the federal system. “The defendant attempted to defraud taxpayers and used unsuspecting citizen’s personal information to commit these crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “This case is a good reminder to all of us to carefully protect our personal identifying information and report suspected fraud to the authorities. Working with our law enforcement partners, our office will hold fraudsters accountable.” “This is a great example of law enforcement partners working together to investigate and identify a fraudster illegally obtaining funds for her own personal gain,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). “Postal Inspectors will not cease in their ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s mail system from criminal misuse.” “IRS-CI special agents and our federal and local law enforcement partners worked together to stop Childs from her attempts to defraud taxpayers and the federal government,” said Lisa Fontanette, acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Child’s guilty plea serves as a warning to individuals contemplating committing fraud that they better find a legal means to make a living, or they will face the same consequences.” “When the Columbus Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit began this investigation, we already had 100 victims throughout the country, including Columbus, Georgia. Two search warrants of Childs’ residence, numerous arrest warrants and several court appearances later, we are getting to see justice achieved. This would not be possible without our amazing partners at the IRS and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service who see the importance of fraud and financial investigations, especially the horrific impact it has on our citizens, society and economy. This also sends a strong message to people who commit these types of crimes that they, too, could face similar punishment,” said Sgt. Jane Edenfield with the Columbus Police Department. According to court documents, the Columbus Police Department began receiving complaints from people in the community and other states in 2021 about an unknown person using a Columbus, Georgia, address to apply for driver’s license renewals and replacements in their names. Law enforcement suspected this was an attempt to fraudulently apply for credit cards. A subsequent investigation revealed that Childs lived at the address and a search warrant was executed at the residence; investigators found driver’s license replacement and renewal paperwork, credit cards and mail in other people’s names. In addition, evidence revealed that Childs was applying for federal loans in other people’s names without their knowledge or authorization. Law enforcement identified 20 instances where Childs fraudulently applied for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). All the applications, except one, were rejected by the program for suspected fraud. Fourteen fraudulent applications were submitted in the names of other people, using their means of identification and personal identifying information in the online application. Childs also submitted six fraudulent applications in her own name claiming nonexistent businesses with spurious gross revenues, costs of goods sold and other false information. The total intended loss was $1,006,600; the actual loss was $10,000. Childs used the name of a victim to get an advance on an EIDL loan for $10,000. The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department, IRS and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case for the Government.