title: Indictment Alleges New Haven Gang Members Committed 2 Murders and 10 Attempted Murders

body_text: As a result of an investigation into gang-related drug trafficking and related violence in New Haven, a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging six alleged members and associates of the “Exit 8” street gang in New Haven with conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, including drug trafficking, murder, and attempted murder, as well as related offenses. Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson. The indictment, which was returned on March 22, charges JAEDYN RIVERA , also known as “Jae Honcho,” 22 TYJON PRESTON , also known as “TJ,” 20 SAMUEL DOUGLAS , also known as “Blamm,” 24 QUAYMAR SUGGS , 19 KIVEON HYMAN , also known as “Tiny, ” 25 DONELL ALLICK, JR. , also known as “D-Nice,” 24 The indictment was unsealed after Suggs and Hyman were arrested on March 24. On that date, they appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and were ordered detained. Preston has been detained in state custody since May 22, 2021, and Rivera, Douglas, and Allick have been detained in federal custody on previous charges. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, including murders and attempted murders, the ATF, FBI, DEA and New Haven Police Department, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, have been investigating an ongoing gang war between members and associates of the Exit 8 street gang and rival gangs in the Hill section and other areas of the city. The Exit 8 gang is named after the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven. Recently, younger members of Exit 8 are identifying themselves with the word “Honcho,” which is derived from the street name of an Exit 8 member who was murdered on Quinnipiac Avenue in February 2020. The indictment alleges that members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms, and, since June 2018, have committed at least two murders and 10 attempted murders. Exit 8 members promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence through text messaging and the use of social media applications and websites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube. Among the violent acts committed by the Exit 8 gang, the indictment alleges that: On June 16, 2018, Douglas and Hyman shot and attempted to kill a member and associate of a rival gang, and shot another individual in the vicinity; On January 24, 2019, members and associates of the gang shot and attempted to kill a member and associate of a rival gang; On July 14, 2019, members and associates of the gang shot and attempted to kill a member and associate of a rival gang; On April 27, 2021, Preston and others shot and attempted to kill an individual; On May 3, 2021, Rivera shot and attempted to kill two members and associates of a rival gang; On May 10, 2021, members and associates of the gang shot and attempted to kill a member and associate of a rival gang, and shot another individual in the vicinity; On May 11, 2021, members and associates of the gang shot and attempted to kill rival gang members; On May 19, 2021, Suggs and others shot and killed a member and associate of a rival gang; On May 20, 2021, Rivera and Preston shot and attempted to kill rival gang members, and Rivera and others shot and attempted to kill two other individuals; On June 30, 2021, Preston shot and attempted to kill an individual; On September 16, 2022, Allick and others shot and killed an individual. The indictment charges each defendant with racketeering conspiracy. If convicted of this charge, Suggs and Allick face a maximum term of imprisonment of 60 years, and Rivera, Preston, Douglas and Hyman face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The indictment also charges Rivera and Preston with attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and attempted murder, in violation of the Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (“VCAR”) statute, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; Rivera with VCAR assault with a dangerous weapon and attempted murder, and offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; Rivera with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; and Douglas with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. “This investigation, and these charges, demonstrate the Justice Department’s ongoing commitment to provide substantial investigative resources and to work cooperatively with our local law enforcement partners to reduce gun violence in our cities,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery. “Gun violence will not be tolerated. No child should have to live in a community overrun by gun violence, and no parent or other family member should have to live with the fear and trauma that such violence causes. That trauma is, needless to say, profound. The negative impact of gun violence on our cities is immeasurable. We know that in New Haven, and in other cities in Connecticut, a very small number of young men involved in gang activity are responsible for a large percentage of shootings and other mayhem that occur there. If you are engaging in gun violence in Connecticut, we will find you and bring you to justice.” “This investigation and prosecution represents the hard work and shared ongoing commitment of federal, state and municipal partners in using all resources available to stem violent crime in our cities,” said New Haven State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr. “These arrests reflect the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) commitment to investigating and bringing to justice those who use firearms to terrorize our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James M. Ferguson. “Our neighborhoods are safer today because of the diligent work done by ATF and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners who remain dedicated to reduce gang violence and make our communities safer.” “The individuals indicated and arrested in this case must now face the consequences for their alleged reign of violent and destructive behaviors in our community,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller. “New Haven residents can rest assured that we are working to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods.” “Drug trafficking, along with the violence that all too often accompanies it, is a serious threat to the safety and security of our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Drug dealers and street gangs value their own profits over human life, and are responsible for fueling drug addiction and much of the violent crimes across New England. These crimes hold law abiding citizens of Connecticut hostage to drug-fueled lawlessness. This is unacceptable and will not be allowed to happen. DEA and its local, state and federal partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.” “On behalf of the New Haven Police Department and the New Haven community we value our continued collaboration with the federal law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson. “The events of the last few days show us that partnerships matter and that we can get justice for families when we work together. It is alleged that the group “EXIT 8” and the individuals who have been indicted have been responsible for violence for the past several years. This case will help make our community a safer place to live. I thank the ATF, FBI, DEA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the continued partnership.” This investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens, Rahul Kale and Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis. This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs. PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Queens Investment Advisor Indicted for Multi-Million Dollar Securities Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Today, in federal court in Central Islip, Surage Roshan Perera, the Founder and Executive Director of Janues Capital, Inc. (Janues) in Bellerose, Queens, will be arraigned on a 16-count indictment charging him with securities fraud, investment advisor fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering, in connection with a scheme to induce an investor (Jane Doe) to purchase stock in companies that traded on the NASDAQ and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Perera was arrested this morning and the arraignment will be held before United States Magistrate Judge Steven L. Tiscione. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charges. “As alleged, the victim trusted Perera with millions of dollars of her hard-earned money for what she was assured would be a safe investment,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “In reality, the defendant deceived the victim and used the money to enrich himself. This Office will hold the defendant accountable for his acts of greed and dishonesty.” Mr. Peace thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group for their cooperation and assistance. As alleged in the indictment, between February 2022 and March 2023, Perera contacted Jane Doe via telephone calls, emails and text messages to solicit her to purchase stock in companies that traded on the NASDAQ and NYSE, in exchange for a fee. Perera falsely told Jane Doe that he had relationships with large institutions, and could purchase shares of those publicly-traded companies at discounted prices. The defendant also told Jane Doe that her investment was a low risk venture and he would use her investment capital to purchase shares in those public-traded companies. As a result, Jane Doe gave Perera more than $4.2 million. However, instead of investing Jane Doe’s money in those securities, Perera misappropriated those funds by, among other things: (1) paying redemptions to Jane Doe, (2) paying personal expenses, and (3) funding his day trading. To conceal his fraudulent scheme, Perera sent fraudulent confirmation notices and account statements to Jane Doe. If convicted, Perera faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ incarceration. The charges in the indictment are allegations, and Perera is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Perera faces a maximum term of 20 years in prison. In July 2022, Mr. Peace was selected as the Chairperson of the White Collar Fraud subcommittee for the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC). As the leader of the subcommittee, Mr. Peace will play a key role in making recommendations to the AGAC to facilitate the prevention, investigation and prosecution of various financially motivated, non-violent crimes including mail and wire fraud, bank fraud, health care fraud, tax fraud, securities and commodities fraud, and identity theft. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Caffarone is in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant : SURAGE ROSHAN PERERA Age: 50 Bellerose, Queens E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-129 (GRB)


title: St. Louis Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possessing Gun in Connection with a Kidnapping

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

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry on Friday sentenced a man from St. Louis, Missouri to ten years in prison on gun and methamphetamine charges. Mosley Jumon Williams, now 32, was accused on March 28, 2019 of kidnapping an elderly man at gunpoint to learn the location of William’s ex-wife, who had an order of protection naming Williams. St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers arrested Williams, but could not find the gun until Williams called his girlfriend from jail and told her in to hide the gun in a closet. Williams’ girlfriend allowed officers to search their apartment. They found a .45-caliber, HS Produkt handgun with a flashlight-laser combination, which the elderly man identified as the gun used in the kidnapping, as well as 42 tablets containing methamphetamine and a digital scale. Williams pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in November to a felony count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and a misdemeanor charge of possession of methamphetamine. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary M. Bluestone prosecuted the case.


title: NH Man Sentenced to 14 ½ Years for Violent Home Invasion in York

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A New Hampshire man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for conspiracy, robbery and firearm charges stemming from a violent home invasion in York in August 2019. Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Jason Candelario , 34, of Manchester, New Hampshire to 175 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $180,277.06 in restitution. Candelario pleaded guilty on November 2, 2022. According to court records, during the evening hours of August 2, 2019, Candelario and three other co-conspirators met in Hooksett, New Hampshire and planned a home invasion of a York residence to rob marijuana and marijuana sale proceeds from the home’s resident. The group traveled to the York residence where Candelario and one other co-conspirator, armed with handguns and wearing masks, waited in the woods for the resident to return home. When the resident arrived home, accompanied by two others, a violent physical altercation ensued between the resident and one of the armed co-conspirators and both ended up on the ground. The other armed co-conspirator came around the vehicle to aid in subduing the victim. During the fight, a firearm was discharged, and the bullet struck the victim in the lower abdomen. Candelario and the other armed co-conspirator then fled. The FBI, in conjunction with the York Police Department and the York County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case. # # #


title: Franklin County Man Accused of Child Sex Crime

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A Franklin County, Missouri man has been accused of a federal criminal sex act with a minor. Scott M. Arnold-Micke, 46, was indicted March 22, 2023 on one count of transportation of a minor to engage in a criminal sex act. He appeared in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Friday, after his arrest, and pleaded not guilty. He is scheduled to be back in court Wednesday for a detention hearing. The indictment alleges that from approximately the spring of 20l8 through the fall of 2020, Arnold-Micke transported a child who was as young as 11 with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to life in prison and a $250,000 fine. A motion seeking to have Arnold-Micke held in jail until trial accuses him of continuously sexually assaulting at least six other minors. Arnold-Micke traveled into seven states with minors to engage in sexual intercourse, the motion says. The alleged victim listed in the indictment sought medical treatment after Arnold-Micke knocked teeth out of the minor’s mouth for refusing to engage in sexual intercourse, the motion also says. Any other potential victims are asked to contact the FBI in St. Louis at 314-589-2500 or call the Rolla Police Department at 573-308-1213 and ask for a detective. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case was investigated by the FBI, the Rolla Police Department, and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Collins is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Goldsboro Man Sentenced to More than Seven Years for Trafficking Methamphetamine

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: WILMINGTON, N.C. – Aratika Omhaya Anderson, 43, of Goldsboro was sentenced to 88 months in prison for his leadership role in a drug trafficking organization that was trafficking significant quantities of methamphetamine in the Goldsboro area. According to court documents and information presented in court, in 2019, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Wilmington, North Carolina received information that Anderson was part of a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating in Goldsboro and distributing significant quantities of crystal methamphetamine, cocaine hydrochloride, and cocaine base (crack). The organization also maintained several “trap houses” or “stash houses” in Goldsboro and employed runners, often times drug users, to hand deliver drugs. Based upon the investigation, law enforcement learned that Anderson worked with the leader of the organization and personally managed a number of individuals distributing methamphetamine and crack cocaine from one of the organization’s stash houses. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement gathered historical information regarding this organization from multiple confidential sources, conducted surveillance, and also conducted controlled purchases of narcotics from Anderson, as well as those working for him. Over the course of the conspiracy, Anderson was responsible for assisting in the distribution of at least 283.5 grams of crack cocaine, 198.45 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and 572.48 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a/k/a “Ice.” On October 19, 2021, Anderson pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With Intent to Distribute Fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine and Distribution of Five (5) grams or more of methamphetamine, aiding and abetting. Five total defendants have been charged and convicted in this investigation: Johnathan Aquavius Heath, a/k/a “Booty” (5:21-CR-314-M-1): pled guilty on June 7, 2022, to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With Intent to Distribute Fifty (50) Grams or More of Methamphetamine, Five (5) Kilograms or More of Cocaine, and Two Hundred Eighty (280) Grams or More of Cocaine Base (Crack) and Distribution of Fifty Grams or more of Methamphetamine. Heath’s sentencing is currently pending. Victoria Christine Taylor (5:21-CR-314-M-3): pled guilty on March 8, 2022, to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With Intent to Distribute a quantity of crack cocaine and was later sentenced to 80 months in prison. Richard Ronald Harris, III (5:21-CR-314-M-5): pled guilty on October 6, 2021, to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With Intent to Distribute Fifty (50) Grams or More of Methamphetamine and Distribution of Five Grams or more of Methamphetamine, Aiding and Abetting. Harris was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment. Lelia Inez Harris (5:21-CR-314-M-5): pled guilty on November 16, 2021, to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With Intent to Distribute Five (5) Grams or More of Methamphetamine, Distribution of Five Grams or more of Methamphetamine, Aiding and Abetting. Harris was sentenced to 55 months imprisonment. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Wilmington and the Goldsboro Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, 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. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 5:21-CR-00314-M. ###


title: Owner of Covina Employment Staffing Company Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Not Paying Over Payroll Taxes to IRS

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Diamond Bar man was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison for deliberately failing to pay more than $200,000 for one three-month period’s payroll taxes owed by his San Gabriel Valley employment staffing company. Robinson Rin Yang, 54, a.k.a. “Robert Mora,” a.k.a. “David Lee,” was sentenced by United States District Judge George H. Wu, who also ordered Yang to pay $2,791,783 in restitution. Yang pleaded guilty in December 2022 to one count of willful failure to pay over employment taxes. From March 2016 to March 2020, Yang operated B&S Staffing, a Covina-based staffing service business. From mid-2017 until the end of 2019, B&S accrued large unpaid employment tax liabilities, failed to make timely employment tax deposits, and repeatedly failed to timely file quarterly employment tax returns with the IRS. Notably, B&S did not file – until February 2019 – employment tax returns for the periods ending June 30, 2017 through December 31, 2018. After these tax returns were filed, B&S again fell into non-compliance with its reporting obligations. B&S did not file – until September 2020 – employment tax returns for the quarterly tax periods ending March 31, 2019, through December 31, 2019. Yang was aware of B&S’s tax situation, but willfully failed to pay over to the IRS all the employment taxes due and owing, including income taxes and Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld from employee wages. Instead, Yang repeatedly used his control over B&S to direct payments from the corporate bank account, which he controlled, for his personal benefit. For example, in July 2018, for the quarterly tax period ending on June 30, 2018, Yang willfully failed to account for and pay over approximately $221,108 in B&S payroll taxes. In total, B&S accrued approximately $2,791,783 in unpaid employment taxes during this 2½-year period. Yang has agreed to pay this amount in restitution to the IRS. Also, from 2017 to 2019, to frustrate IRS collection actions against him regarding his personal income taxes – and to conceal the true extent of how much money he made – Yang did not pay himself a salary from B&S. Instead, Yang caused weekly checks to be issued from B&S’s corporate bank account to a business named “Advanced Business Konsulting,” and deposited these checks into an account held in the same name and which he controlled. In addition, Yang used B&S funds for the down payment and monthly mortgage payments on his purchase of a home, but kept the property titled in the name of another person to conceal Yang’s ownership of the property. Yang also directed payments from the corporate bank accounts of B&S to pay for personal expenses, including a portion of his daughter’s college tuition, and funding for Yang’s other business interests, including a failed construction business and a failed restaurant. Despite the fact Yang earned hundreds of thousands of dollars from his operation of B&S during each of the calendar years 2017 through 2019, he failed to timely file federal income tax returns for those years. “Under [Yang’s] management, B&S engaged in a long running pattern of failing to pay federal employment taxes and timely file federal employment tax returns,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “Despite knowing of the company’s expanding tax debts, [Yang] repeatedly used his control over B&S to direct payments from the corporate bank account for his personal benefit and for the payment of other expenses.” IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney James C. Hughes of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.


title: Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 120 Months Imprisonment Following Exchange of Gunfire with SWAT and Seizure of Narcotics

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: Salt Lake City, Utah – A Utah man was sentenced today to 10 years’ imprisonment for possessing and intending to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, where a SWAT officer and the defendant were shot and injured in the District of Utah. According to court documents, Sean Dejesus Darragh, 54, of Sandy, Utah, admitted that on September 8, 2021, while possessing more than 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, he carried a Canik, Model TP9 Elite Combat, 9mm pistol, with ammunition. He further admitted, that during the execution of a search warrant by officers with the Sandy City Police Department SWAT, he fired shots as they entered his home. The exchange of gunfire between Darragh and officers led to the injury of a SWAT officer and Darragh. “The impact of this drug trafficking crime could have been far worse,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “The U.S. Attorney’s office will remain vigilant in working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute drug traffickers who pose a threat in our community.” "The combination of illegal firearms and illicit drugs in the hands of a prohibited felon poses a grave threat to not only our communities, but also our law enforcement partners every day,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. “We are grateful for the US Attorney’s Office prosecutorial success which will now hold this violent felon accountable for his reckless and dangerous actions.” The case was investigated jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Sandy City Police Department and the Salt Lake City Police Department, who had the primary role in the investigation per Salt Lake County officer-involved shooting protocols. Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Stewart M. Young and Stephen L. Nelson of the District of Utah prosecuted the case. This case was 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: Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Terry Dwayne Jones, 33, of Macomb, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 15, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Jones on Interstate 77 near Ripley. Officers searched the vehicle and found one bottle of pills in the glove compartment and a second bottle of pills in the trunk. The West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory confirmed that the 984 blue pills found inside the two bottles contained a total of approximately 106 grams of fentanyl. Jones admitted that he possessed the pills, knew they contained a controlled substance, and planned to distribute them. Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on August 10, 2023, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, four years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-137. ###


title: Justice Department Releases Nearly $300 MILLION in Grant Solicitations for Hiring Law Enforcement Officers and Improving School Safety

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) has announced the release of approximately $300 million in grant solicitations for programs that advance community policing, keep school students safe, and add law enforcement officers to our nation’s streets. “These grant solicitations represent the Justice Department’s commitment to keeping our children safe in their schools and assisting law enforcement agencies across the country with the ongoing recruitment and retention crisis,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “Supporting community violence intervention programs, and the law enforcement agencies that partner with them, is not only a priority of the Department, but is critical to the safety and success of future generations.” “We know from experience that it takes law enforcement and communities working together to reduce crime and increase public safety,” said COPS Office Director Hugh T. Clements, Jr. “But they can’t do that without our help. This announcement represents another opportunity from the Department of Justice for agencies to apply for grants to advance their community policing efforts, hire more officers, and keep schools safe for our children.” "We recognize that community-oriented policing is essential to promoting trust, safety, and justice for all. The Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services is a vital partner in our efforts to create safer communities,” said United States Attorney Cole Finegan. “We stand committed to working with law enforcement agencies and community organizations to ensure that tragedies like the recent shooting at East High School in Denver are prevented, and that all Americans can live and learn in safety and security." The announced solicitations include $224.5 million available for the COPS Hiring Program (CHP) , a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing by providing direct funding for the hiring of career law enforcement officers. For this year’s program, the COPS Office will prioritize applications for jurisdictions that support Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs, for jurisdictions that seek to hire officers that would engage directly with CVI teams and other community stakeholders to ensure those groups are involved in strategic operations and planning, and for jurisdictions seeking to implement hiring practices to help agencies mirror the racial diversity of the communities that they serve. All local, state, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies that have primary law enforcement authority are eligible to apply. Funding also includes $73 million for the School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) , which includes $20 million that was made available through the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. This program provides funding to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the grantees’ jurisdictions through evidence-based school safety programs. Awards will be provided directly to eligible state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. Recipients of SVPP funding must use funding for the benefit of K-12, primary, and secondary schools, and students. When undertaking comprehensive school safety and security approaches, applicants should prioritize implementing school safety measures that help to promote a positive school climate that does not detract from the mission of the school to educate students or negatively impact the health and wellbeing of students. Please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/grants for additional information about both the COPS Hiring Program and the School Violence Prevention Program. The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served. The COPS Office has been appropriated more than $20 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 136,000 officers.


title: Fresno Woman Sentenced to More than Six Years in Prison for $300,000 COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud Crime Spree

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Cecilia Aquino, 32, of Fresno, was sentenced today to six years and three months in prison for submitting over $300,000 in fraudulent unemployment insurance claims and Small Business Administration (SBA) loan applications during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court records, from June through November 2020, Aquino went on a crime spree where she submitted fraudulent unemployment insurance claims and loan applications in seven states using stolen identities. The claims and applications contained various misrepresentations, including that the named individuals worked as strippers and owned interior design businesses, and that they lost money because of the pandemic. Aquino used the proceeds of her fraud for gambling, rent, shopping, and other personal expenditures. This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the SBA Office of Inspector General, the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and the Clovis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton prosecuted the case. This effort is part of a California COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force operation, one of three interagency COVID-19 fraud strike force teams established by the U.S. Department of Justice. The California Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources in the Eastern and Central Districts of California and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces use prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.


title: Drug ring tied to Aryan prison gang indicted with 24 federal arrests

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Tacoma – Twenty-seven people were indicted by a grand jury for drug trafficking, and many of those in the indictment are tied to the “Aryan Family,” a white supremacist prison gang, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Twenty-four of the defendants have been arrested over the last five days in Washington and Arizona. The alleged leader of the drug trafficking organization, Jesse James Bailey, is also an influential member of the Aryan Family prison gang. Bailey is alleged to have trafficked huge amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs in Washington, Idaho, and to Alaska. Bailey and many other defendants will have detention hearings in Tacoma today. “While the dozen counts in this indictment do not detail every criminal moment in this conspiracy, it does provide one remarkable statistic: 48 firearms seized in this case even before last week’s takedown,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. “On Wednesday we took another 177 guns off the street and additional kilos of fentanyl and meth. The level of danger is high when you have people connected to Aryan prison gangs spreading drugs and using guns in our community.” “This operation was the culmination of a year and a half of great investigative work,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Seattle field office. “We were able to arrest over 20 subjects, some of whom are alleged to have operated this drug organization from prison, and also prevented vast quantities of dangerous drugs from being sold on our streets. I'm so proud of how the FBI, along with our federal, state, and local partners worked together to keep our community safe.” On Wednesday March 22, 2023, the coordinated takedown involving ten swat teams and more than 350 law enforcement officers resulted in the seizure of an additional 177 firearms, more than ten kilos of methamphetamine, 11 kilos of fentanyl pills and more than a kilo of fentanyl powder, three kilos of heroin, and more than $330,000 in cash from eighteen locations in Washington and Arizona. These defendants have been indicted by the grand jury. All are in federal custody unless otherwise noted. Jesse James Bailey, 39, of Steilacoom, Washington, in custody Thomas Carver, 59, of Auburn, Washington in custody Bryson Gill, 30, of Buckeye, Arizona, in custody in Arizona Yehoshua Kilp, 37, incarcerated in Washington State prison Gustavo Castellanos-Tapia, 37, of Burien, Washington, in custody Candice Bailey, 41, of Steilacoom, in custody Ronaldo McComb, 58, of Ridgefield, Washington, in custody Keagen Larsen, 28, currently incarcerated in King County Jail Sean Moinette, 54, of Spanaway, Washington in custody Gregory Beers, 30, of Edgewood, Washington, being sought by law enforcement Michael Warren, 63, of Shelton, Washington, in custody Michael Slocumb, 44, of Concho, Arizona, in custody in Arizona Isaac Cervantes, 24, of Phoenix, in custody in Arizona Sara Thompson, 37, of Bonney Lake, Washington, in custody Shawn Ellis, 31, of Renton, Washington, in custody Eric Smith, 52, incarcerated in Washington State prison Joseph Hempel, 45, of Burien, Washington, in custody Stephanie Yepez, 42, being sought by law enforcement Daniel Hammond, 41, of Puyallup, Washington, in custody Philip Boorkman, 40, of Seattle, in custody C’La Morales, 36, of Pierce County, in custody Ronnie Griffin, 64, of Tacoma, in custody Anna Sarnes, 37, of Quilcene, Washington, in custody Anthony Escoto, 51, of Tukwila, in custody William Tripp, 34, being sought by law enforcement Dana Hanson, 57, of Burbank, Washington, in custody Justin Hanson, 48, of Burbank, Washington in custody Before last week’s takedown, during the year that the ring was under investigation, law enforcement seized 830,000 fentanyl pills, 5.5 pounds of fentanyl powder, 223 pounds of methamphetamine, 3.5 pounds of heroin, 5 pounds of cocaine, $388,000 in cash, and 48 firearms. “The sheer amount of narcotics seized in this investigation is shocking,” said Jacob D. Galvan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle. “The fentanyl seized in this operation contained enough lethal doses to kill everyone who lives in Tacoma and Seattle, with enough lethal doses left over to poison another half a million people. “DOC is honored to be part of this interdisciplinary task force,” said Department of Corrections Secretary Cheryl Strange. “It takes a highly skilled team to investigate, disrupt and dismantle a sophisticated group of criminals like this. Fentanyl use by incarcerated individuals and those under DOC supervision in the community has become a serious problem. Removing a major supplier of this deadly drug is a huge victory for all Washingtonians.” “Combatting large criminal enterprises who have tentacles into our communities, prisons, and borders cannot be accomplished without partnerships at all levels. This joint effort demonstrates our capabilities to investigate and seize firearms, narcotics and large amounts of cash used to destabilize our communities and institutions,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “We’re thankful to the FBI, DEA, ATF, CBP, Tacoma PD, Thurston County Narcotics Task Force and all our partners in this investigation which made the dismantlement of this organization possible.” “This operation is an example of the difference we can make when we collaborate to keep illegal guns and drugs from hitting our streets,” said Chief Avery Moore, Tacoma Police Department. “Guns and drugs have taken the lives of our loved ones, friends, neighbors, and community members. The contraband confiscated in this effort will not be allowed to harm anyone. The Tacoma Police Department, along with our law enforcement partners will not stop in the pursuit to bring those who set out to harm and exploit our communities to justice.” This case 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. This investigation was led by the FBI with critical investigative teamwork from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Washington State Department of Corrections and significant local assistance from the Tacoma Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, and the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force, led by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout this investigation the following agencies assisted the primary investigators: Washington State Patrol, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Lakewood Police Department, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). In addition to the agencies above, on Wednesday March 22, 2023, agents and officers from FBI Phoenix, DEA Phoenix Field Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Puyallup Tribal Police, and the Vancouver, Pasco, Kennewick, Puyallup, Steilacoom, and Burien Police Departments, the Clark, Cowlitz, Jefferson, King, and Benton County Sheriff’s Offices all assisted with arrests and search warrants. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Max Shiner and Zach Dillon. bailey_et_al_indictment.pdf


title: Two nurses sent to prison for illegal kickback scheme

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – Two Houston area residents have been ordered to federal prison today after admitting to paying kickbacks to marketers and a physician, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Joseph Nwankwo, 59, Houston, and Stacey Ajaja, 51, Richmond, pleaded guilty Nov. 2, 2022, and March 11, 2022, respectively, to conspiracy to defraud the United States and paying and receiving illegal health care kickbacks. Today, U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks ordered Nwankwo to serve 36 months in federal prison, while Ajaja received a 14-month-term of imprisonment. Both must also serve three years of supervised release following completion of the prison terms. Nwankwo must pay $1,218,615.13 in restitution to Medicare, while Ajaja was ordered to pay $238,164.69. Nwankwo and Ajaja co-owned Hefty Healthcare Services Inc. At the time of their pleas, they admitted that from 2014 through 2016, both obtained patient referrals by paying marketers and patients. Nwankwo further admitted to bribing a physician to authorize medically unnecessary home health services for Hefty patients. Nwankwo and Ajaja were permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Department of Health and Human Services‐Office of Inspector General, Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the FBI conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Olson is prosecuting the case.


title: Honduran National Pleads Guilty For Illegal Re-Entry

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – MARIO HERNANDEZ-MARIN , “a/k/a “Jose Hernandez-Marin,” a/k/a “David Hernandez-Marin,” a/k/a “Jose G. Hernandez,” a/k/a “Daniel Enrique-Polanco,” a/k/a “David Hernandez-Enrique,” age 50, pled guilty on March 21, 2023 to a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, MARIO HERNANDEZ-MARIN, (“ HERNANDEZ-MARIN ”) admitted to reentering the United States after being previously deported on June 23, 2011. HERNANDEZ-MARIN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. He also faces a sentencing enhancement of up to 20 years because of a prior felony conviction. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Marine Corps Lance Corporal Pleads Guilty To Attempting To Entice A 13-Year-Old Over The Internet

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that David Wayne Hogle, Jr. (29, Cherry Point, North Carolina) has pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a 13-year-old child to produce sexually explicit photos of herself and send them to him over the internet. Hogle faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison and a lifetime term of supervised release. Hogle was arrested at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point in North Carolina and was transported to Jacksonville for prosecution. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. According to court documents, on July 13, 2022, an FBI agent in Jacksonville began an undercover investigation to identify individuals using the internet to engage in sexual activity with children. This FBI agent (UC) posted a message in a chat room on a particular social media application (“app”) posing as the “mother” of a 13-year-old child. App user “Kaligula,” who was later identified as Hogle, responded, “Interested in domination, degrading, breeding, inc’est, and very young girls.” When asked about his age preference for children, Hogle responded, “No lower age limit.” The UC explained that her daughter was 13 years old, and Hogle replied, “Typically [I] like younger …” The UC confirmed that she and the “child” were located in Florida, and Hogle replied that he lived in North Carolina. After exchanging phone numbers, Hogle texted the UC, “So when do I get to see … your daughter?” He stated that he had previously had sex with a 13-year-old and a 2-year-old. Hogle sent the UC a hyperlink to a cloud storage account that contained 28 photos of infants and toddlers being sexually abused. On July 15, 2022, Hogle texted the UC, who was portraying the “child,” stating “I understand your only 13, so there is going to be a lot of things you still need to learn. I [am] happy to teach you about them.” Hogle then requested the “child” take a “naughty pic” or a video of her genitalia for him and directed her as to how to do so using her smart phone. The next day, Hogle texted the UC, asked again for an explicit photo of the “child,” and provided step-by-step instructions as to how to take a picture of the “child’s” genitalia. To demonstrate what kind of picture that he wanted the “child” to take, Hogle sent the “child” a photo of his own genitalia. The FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) confirmed that Hogle was a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps stationed at MCAS Cherry Point in North Carolina. Further investigation revealed that Hogle was accessing the internet during his online conversations with the UC while onboard MCAS Cherry Point. On July 29, 2022, Hogle was arrested by the FBI onboard MCAS Cherry Point. During an interview with law enforcement, Hogle admitted that he had sent the UC a hyperlink containing child sexual abuse materials to show to the 13-year-old “child,” that he directed the “child” to take a picture of her “privates,” and that he was sexually interested in children aged “double digits, ten, twelve and plus.” A search of Hogle’s computer revealed that it contained 162 images and 45 videos depicting infants, toddlers, and young children being sexually abused. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville, Florida and Greenville, North Carolina, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Maine Recidivist Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Maine recidivist sex offender pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to failing to register as a sex offender when he moved from Haverhill, Mass. to Fryeburg, Maine. Frank Boyd, 54, pleaded guilty to one count of failure to register as a sex offender, in violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for July 18, 2023. Boyd was previously charged by complaint in August 2022 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2022. He has remained in state custody on unrelated charges since his arrest in July 2022. Boyd was a Level 3 Sex Offender who had been convicted of sex offenses against children in 2001 and 2009. Accordingly, he was required to register as a sex offender and update his registration any time he moved or changed employment. In 2020, Boyd registered and listed a Haverhill, Mass., address as his residence. On or around March 23, 2021, it was determined that Boyd no longer lived at the Haverhill residence and was later found to have moved to Fryeburg, Maine. He did not register as a sex offender in Maine nor update his sex offender registration in Massachusetts at any point prior to his arrest on state charges on July 27, 2022. Boyd has two prior state court convictions in 2009 and 2015 for failure to register as a sex offender. The charge of failure to register as a sex offender provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian Kyes, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; and Kevin Neal, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Maine made the announcement today. The Haverhill and Fryeburg (Maine) Police Departments provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Boston Man Charged with Armed Robbery of Postal Worker

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man has been charged with the Jan. 4, 2023 armed robbery of a United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier in Massachusetts. Anthony Diaz, 20, was charged by an Information with forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating and interfering with a United States Postal Employee, while they were engaged in the performance of their official duties, and did so by use of a deadly weapon, a firearm. In addition, Diaz was also charged with assaulting a person having lawful charge, custody and control of United States mail, money and other property of the United States, with the intent to rob, steal and purloin that mail, money and other property of the United States, and in doing so put the life of that victim in jeopardy by the use of a firearm. Diaz was arrested on Feb. 17, 2023 and was detained following a hearing in U.S. District Court in Worcester on Feb. 27, 2023. According to the charging documents, USPS has seen a rise in the use of Arrow Keys to facilitate the theft of U.S. Mail. An Arrow Key is a specific key designed to open designated blue USPS collection boxes in a specific area. These Arrow Keys are the property of USPS and it is a federal offense for an unauthorized person to possess one. Since July 2022, there have been at least 12 assaults on USPS letter carriers while in the performance of their official duties in Boston and surrounding cities and towns. It is alleged that, on Jan. 4, 2023, in Peabody, Mass., Diaz approached a USPS letter carrier and stated, “Give me the keys,” while pointing a semi-automatic pistol at the victim. After the victim handed Diaz the USPS vehicle key, Diaz allegedly responded, “Give me the rest of the key,” and “Hurry up or I’ll shoot you.” The victim removed his keychain, which was attached to his belt, containing his USPS Arrow Key and asked if he could have his vehicle key back. Allegedly, Diaz did not respond, as he turned, placing the firearm in his right jacket pocket, and walked directly to the dark grey sedan parked in the area of 3A Veterans Memorial Drive. It is further alleged that Diaz stopped at the rear of the vehicle with the trunk open, before getting into the driver’s seat and departing. The charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees, provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of robbery of any person having lawful charge, control, or custody of any mail matter or of any money or other property of the United States provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Ketty Larco Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is 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: Postal Worker Charged with Embezzling Thousands in U.S. Postal Service Funds

body_text: BOSTON – A supervisor for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has been charged in federal court in Boston with allegedly stealing thousands of dollars in government funds through a false travel reimbursement scheme. Anthony Fernandes, 37, of Douglas, Mass. was charged with one count of theft of government money. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. According to the charging documents, Fernandes was a supervisor for the USPS in Buzzards Bay. It is alleged that Fernandes fraudulently used his USPS supervisor’s travel authorization account to approve approximately $52,987 in bogus travel reimbursement requests for the period of April through November 2022. The charge of theft of government money provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to a $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Chao, Chief of Rollins’ Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit, is 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: Steuben County Man Charged With Possession Of Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that James Miller, 63, of Corning, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that in May 2021, the New York State Police received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that Miller’s email account uploaded suspected images of child pornography. On May 26, 2021, the New York State Police executed a search warrant at Miller’s Fox Ridge Road residence, and seized several digital devices. A forensic review of a seized cell phone recovered 84 images of child pornography. Another review of a computer that was seized recovered 22 images of child pornography. Miller made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson and was released on conditions. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian Ratajczak. Additional assistance was provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Jamestown Felon Arrested On Gun And Meth Charges

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Steven Glover, 39, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of five grams or more of methamphetamine. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case stated that according to the complaint, on the morning of December 14, 2022, a Jamestown Police officer observed Glover in a vehicle. The officer knew that Glover was suspended from driving. The officer stopped the vehicle and made contact with Glover, who immediately advised that he had a pipe on his person. Glover then handed over a glass pipe that contained what appeared to be methamphetamine residue inside. Glover was detained and a search of the vehicle recovered a digital scale with white crystal residue and a pistol. Glover was charged in New York State Court and released on bail. On February 22, 2023, a Jamestown Police officer observed Glover in the passenger seat of another vehicle and was aware of his outstanding charges. The officer stopped the vehicle and observed drug paraphernalia a plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine. Glover was again taken into custody. In 2019, Glover was convicted of a felony in Chautauqua County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. 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 complaint is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty And Is Sentenced For Hacking Into Online Accounts Of Wegmans Customers

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Maurice Sheftall, 24, of Brooklyn, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to fraud and related activity in connection with computers. Judge Siragusa then sentenced Sheftall to serve three years’ probation and pay restitution totaling $41,441. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that in January 2021, Sheftall obtained the customer credentials, including logins and passwords, of more than 50 individuals who had accounts on www.wegmans.com . He then logged into the accounts and changed passwords and e-mail contact information, locking each customer out of his or her account. Sheftall than used the customers saved credit card information, without their knowledge, to order groceries and have those groceries delivered to himself and his associates. Between January 22, 2021, and July 25, 2021, Sheftall intentionally defrauded Wegmans and approximately 50 customers by placing approximately 25 fraudulent orders, totaling approximately $9,297.05. Actual losses totaled $41,441, to include reimbursement to customers, the purchase of credit monitoring for affected customers, and the purchase of dark web monitoring to determine where and how Sheftall obtained the customer account information he used to access the accounts. The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. # # # #


title: Los Angeles Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Heroin in Stockton

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Daniel Quiroz, 41, of Los Angeles, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute heroin, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Quiroz, acting at the direction of a Mexican source of heroin, delivered over 500 grams of heroin to a confidential source in Anaheim, in exchange for $3,070. Subsequently, Quiroz delivered over a kilogram of heroin to co-defendant Roberto Palacios-Garcia, 37, of Guerrero, Mexico, residing in California. Palacios-Garcia then sold the drug to a confidential source in Stockton for $6,080. The total amount of heroin involved was 1.5 kilograms or about 3.3 pounds. This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case. Palacios-Garcia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and, on Jan. 19, 2021, was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison. Quiroz is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on July 10, 2023. Quiroz faces a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years, a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. 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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: Owner of Chicago Area Construction Company Charged With Bribing Cook County Official

body_text: CHICAGO — The owner of a Chicago area construction company has been charged with one count of conspiracy to bribe a public official, and two counts of using a facility in interstate commerce (a cell phone) in order to facilitate the acts of bribery. As noted within the information, from approximately 2016 to June 2019, ALEX NITCHOFF, 56, of Lemont, is alleged to have conspired with other individuals both known and unknown to bribe Lavdim Memisovski, an employee of the Cook County Assessor’s Office who performed the function of Commercial Group Leader. As a commercial group leader, Memisovski assessed property values for Cook County commercial properties and reviewed property tax appeals for commercial properties. Nitchoff, along with other individuals, provided Memisovski with home improvement materials, home improvement services, contracts for electrical work, jewelry, meals, sporting events tickets, and other items of value, intending to influence Memisovski in connection with his work as a Commercial Group Leader. Memisovski, in return, ensured that appeals of property assessments related to Nitchoff and his business associates were routed to himself so that he could extend deadlines for the filing of appeals and reduce assessed property values. The information is announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois and Robert W. Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vikas Didwania and Thomas P. Peabody. The public is reminded that an information contains only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The charge of bribery carries a possible sentence of up to five years in federal prison, and each charge of using a facility of interstate commerce carries a possible sentence of up to five years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.


title: Final Two Defendants Plead Guilty for Roles in Scheme that Fraudulently Obtained Over $2 Million in COVID-19 Jobless Benefits

body_text: RIVERSIDE, California – The last two defendants in an Inland Empire-based scheme in which eight people fraudulently obtained $2.1 million in pandemic-related unemployment insurance (UI) benefits by claiming, among other things, that they were salon and barbershop workers rendered jobless by the COVID-19 pandemic pleaded guilty today to conspiracy and mail fraud charges. All eight defendants charged by a federal grand jury in June 2022 now have admitted to participating in a scheme to submit fraudulent applications in the names of relatives, prisoners, and identity theft victims. Keith Burns, 39, of Houston, Texas, and Regjinay Tate, 29, of Corona, each pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud in relation to benefits connected to a presidentially declared emergency and one count of mail fraud in relation to benefits connected to a presidentially declared emergency. The other six defendants in this case pleaded guilty over the past several weeks to the same conspiracy count and the same or similar mail fraud charges. According to court documents, from March 2020 through July 2021, lead defendant Robert Campbell Jr., 29, of Corona, orchestrated the scheme to use the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic to steal UI benefits. Campbell and his co-conspirators used the personally identifiable information (PII) of others – including names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers – to file fraudulent UI applications with the California Employment Development Department (EDD), which administers the state’s unemployment insurance program. The fraudulent UI claims were federally funded through programs authorized by Congress in response to the pandemic, including the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Lost Wage Assistance programs. Many of the fraudulent claims were made on behalf of ineligible out-of-state claimants and on behalf of people ineligible for benefits because they were imprisoned, including one claimant in Texas. The fraudulent applications falsely stated the claimants had prior annual incomes of $42,000 and they were self-employed individuals whose jobs were adversely impacted when salons and barbershop closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fraudulent applications listed mailing addresses with locations chosen and controlled by Campbell and his accomplices. Once the fraudulent applications were approved, debit cards were mailed to those addresses. One defendant – Dillon Roberts, 31, of Eagle Point, Oregon – recruited Texas residents ineligible for California EDD benefits, including co-defendant Burns, to provide their PII to generate fraudulent EDD claims and payments in their names. In total, Campbell and others caused 174 fraudulent applications to be filed with EDD, resulting in 125 fraudulent claims to be paid and resulting in total losses of approximately $2,113,966. Campbell, who pleaded guilty on March 6, is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5 by United States District Judge Jesus G. Bernal. The other seven defendants are scheduled to be sentenced in the coming months, including sentencing hearings scheduled for June 26 for Burns and Tate. As a result of their guilty pleas, each of the eight defendants faces statutory maximum sentences of 30 years in federal prison for the conspiracy count and 30 years in federal prison for the mail fraud charges. The United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General and the California Employment Development Department – Investigation Division are investigating this matter. Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Special Services Unit, and the United States Secret Service provided substantial assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Adam P. Schleifer of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case. Anyone with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: New Haven Man Who Committed 5 Gunpoint Robberies of the Same New Haven Store Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JERMAINE CANNON, 19, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to robbery and firearm offenses related to his commission of five gunpoint robberies of the same New Haven business during a six-week period in 2021. According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 30, October 27, November 6, November 10 and November 11, 2021, Cannon, brandishing a handgun, robbed the Howard Mini Mart & Deli, located on Howard Avenue in New Haven. During all five robberies, Cannon pointed the gun and threatened to shoot store employees. Cannon was arrested after the fifth robbery on November 11, 2021. A search of a residence where Cannon was apprehended revealed a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, a distinctive hoodie he wore during the robbery on November 10, and a pair of latex gloves. Cannon pleaded guilty to five counts of interference with commerce by robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term imprisonment of 20 years on each count, and one count of carrying, using and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least seven years. Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for June 19. Cannon has been detained since his arrest. This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel J. Gentile and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: San Jose Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Interstate Marijuana Distribution Conspiracy

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Tan Minh Vo, 50, of San Jose, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana that was shipped from Fresno for distribution in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, in November 2018, Vo and his co-defendants Patrick Maldonado, 46, of Madera; Elias Zambrano, Jr., 43, of Fresno; Tien Van Phan, 58, of Milpitas; Halen Frazier, 36, of Kingsville, Missouri; and David Agustus McGowan, of Kansas City, Missouri, coordinated the shipment of nearly 500 pounds of marijuana to Frazier in Kansas City. The first shipment was seized from Frazier during a traffic stop after Phan, Vo’s courier, delivered 92 pounds of marijuana to him in two suitcases at a hotel in Kansas City. Later, agents intercepted calls between Vo, Maldonado, Zambrano, and Frazier in which they discussed the shipment of another load of marijuana to Frazier in Kansas City. That load was intercepted by Arizona troopers after stopping McGowan for nonfunctioning tail lights on his truck. During a search of the trailer, troopers found 384 pounds of marijuana and $1,629 in cash in a hidden compartment. Following these seizures, agents executed search warrants at Vo’s residence and place of business in San Jose, as well as Maldonado’s residence in Madera and Zambrano’s residence in Fresno. At Vo’s residence, agents found $24,700 and another $20,000 in cash on Vo’s person, which represented proceeds derived from drug trafficking. At his place of business, FIND-BUY-ITEMS, agents found 70 pounds of marijuana and indoor marijuana cultivation equipment. At Maldonado’s residence, agents found 4 kilograms of cocaine, 20 pounds of packaged marijuana, a firearm, and over $45,000 in cash. At Zambrano’s residence, agents found two loaded firearms, more marijuana, and an electronic money counter. This case is the product of an investigation by the Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force consisting of agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sheriff’s Offices of Tulare, Kings, and Fresno Counties, the Fresno Police Department, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the Kansas City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case. Maldonado, Zambrano, and Frazier previously entered guilty pleas to the drug conspiracy. Maldonado was sentenced to seven years in prison. Both Zambrano and Frazier were sentenced to two years and three months in prison. The charges against McGowan are pending. As to him, the charges are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: East Helena woman sentenced to three months in prison for mail theft scheme

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: GREAT FALLS — An East Helena woman who admitted to her role in a mail theft scheme to defraud others by using unauthorized financial information was sentenced on March 23 to three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. Jessica Rose Menth, 33, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to access device fraud. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. In court documents, the government alleged that between December 2020 and January 2021, Menth became involved in a scheme to steal mail to obtain documents, checks, ATM and credit cards, prepaid debit cards with COVID relief funds and other items of value, and then pass the checks and access the money from the various stolen cards. In a search of Menth’s hotel room in January 2021, law enforcement discovered a stack of stolen mail, several documents and more than 30 debit cards, most of which still had activation stickers on them. There was no evidence that Menth had the chance to use or attempt to use any of the devices to make unauthorized purchases. Officers also searched Menth’s car and found several small baggies and a small amount of methamphetamine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office. XXX


title: Elk Grove and Las Vegas Residents Sentenced for Conspiring to Violate the U.S. Trade Embargo on Iran

body_text: ACRAMENTO, Calif. — Dariush Niknia, 60, of Elk Grove, was sentenced today to two years and 10 months in prison, and Richard Lant, 77, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to 24 months of home detention and fined $7,500 for a conspiracy to export to an embargoed country, Iran, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, between May and October 2015, Niknia, Lant and others conspired to unlawfully sell and supply 500 Russian-made tank helmets to Niknia’s contact in Tehran, Iran. The helmets were to be configured for a Russian-produced T-72S battle tank and were required to have a five-pin plug, a feature that is necessary to enable a tank communication device. In May 2015, Niknia contacted Lant, who operated R&L Ltd., a company that sold Russian items, and requested to purchase 500 T-72S tank helmets and to have the helmets shipped to Tehran. Niknia initially paid R&L to purchase sample tank helmets and to have the helmets sent from Russia to Iran. Prior to the shipment of the first sample helmet, both Lant and Niknia were told that the United States’ sanctions prohibited the shipment of items to Iran, but both nevertheless proceeded with the transaction. Niknia’s customer rejected the first sample helmet because it did not have a rectangular five-pin plug, but approved the second sample tank helmet that was sent to Tehran. In an email communication with Niknia, Niknia’s Iranian contact discussed the fact that the helmets would be inspected by the ultimate buyer, the Government of Iran. Niknia then requested additional helmets be sent to Tehran, 50 at a time, and paid Lant money for the purchase and shipment of the first 50 helmets. However, the deal ultimately stalled because Lant’s associate could not obtain and ship the tank helmets in the quantities and timeframe Niknia required. The Russian supplier said the difficulties stemmed from the fact that it was illegal to sell large quantities of tank helmets and to send modern military items to countries such as Iran that might use them in “terroristic or any war ways.” In May 2015, Niknia had attempted to purchase battle tank helmets from another individual who sold Russian military memorabilia online. This individual did not sell Niknia any helmets and instead reported him to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The embargo on Iran, which is enforced through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, prohibits the export, sale, and supply of goods to Iran by United States persons with very limited exceptions. It also prohibits, with very limited exceptions, United States persons from engaging in any transaction or dealing related to the sale or supply of goods to Iran. This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shelley D. Weger prosecuted the case with assistance from Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division.


title: Bakersfield Man Sentenced to Prison for Laser Strikes on Sheriff Helicopter at Street Race Gathering

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Andrew Nathan Hernandez, 20, of Bakersfield, was sentenced today to four months in prison for knowingly aiming the beam of a laser pointer at a Kern County Sheriff’s helicopter, Air One, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, on Dec. 26, 2020, Hernandez aimed the beam of a green laser at the Sheriff’s helicopter, striking it multiple times. Hernandez was attending a street race in the area of Hughes and White Lane in Bakersfield at the time. Once he was identified, Hernandez led law enforcement ground units on a nine-minute, 11-mile high-speed chase before he was eventually apprehended. The laser strikes caused the pilot to experience significant visual interference as a result of temporary flash blindness and after images. According to the Federal Aviation Administration website , in 2020, the FAA received 6,852 reports of laser strikes, which was up from the year before. The FAA advises that, when aimed at an aircraft, lasers can cause visual interference and incapacitate pilots. Such incidents can occur anywhere, but have been reported most frequently in the Western Pacific and Southern regions of the United States. This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar prosecuted the case.


title: Gang Member Convicted of Multiple Armed Carjackings

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Dieuverson Caille was convicted today by a federal jury in Brooklyn on all counts of an indictment charging him with committing multiple armed carjackings. Between August 28, 2020 and June 20, 2021, Caille, together with his co-conspirators, robbed victims at gunpoint, kidnapped one of them, and stole their cars and personal items. The verdict followed a one-week trial before United States Circuit Judge Denny Chin sitting by designation. When sentenced, Caille faces a mandatory minimum of 21 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and John B. DeVito, Special Agent-in-Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the verdict. “The defendant has been convicted of repeatedly using firearms to force innocent victims to give up their cars, confronting them with a terrifying choice of being seriously injured or killed,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “The verdict today reflects this Office’s ongoing commitment to vigorously prosecute defendants who commit violent, gun-related crimes in our district.” ATF Special Agent-in-Charge DeVito stated: “Today’s conviction serves as notice that the use of firearms to terrorize innocent victims will be met with swift and exacting justice. ATF and NYPD will expend all necessary resources to ensure that offenders such as the defendant are rewarded for their criminal activity with lengthy prison sentences. I am thankful for the hard work and commitment of the men and women of ATF NY’s Strategic Pattern Armed Robbery Technical Apprehension group, NYPD’s Brooklyn Robbery Squad & the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. ATF will continue to work with our Federal, State, and local partners to keep our communities safe.” “Amid a nationwide increase in vehicle thefts that includes a spike in New York City, today’s guilty verdict sends a clear message that such crime – particularly the brazen variety carried out at gunpoint – will never be tolerated in our neighborhoods,” stated NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “The NYPD, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively investigate, arrest, and prosecute anyone responsible for violence in our communities. I commend and thank the skilled investigators of the NYPD and the ATF, as well as everyone from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District who were involved in this important case.” As proven at trial, on August 28, 2020, Caille, a member of both the Eight Tray Crip and Haitian Locc gangs, approached a victim driving an Infiniti in Flatbush and carjacked him at gunpoint. Caille and several accomplices drove the victim to a nearby drive-through ATM where the defendant attempted to force the victim to withdraw money. The victim escaped by jumping out of the car’s window. Also as part of the conspiracy, on September 3, 2020, Caille and several accomplices carjacked a Chevrolet Malibu at gunpoint in Flatbush and attacked an occupant of the car by pistol whipping him. On November 15, 2020, Caille, acting alone, carjacked at gunpoint the driver of a BMW who was working as a rideshare driver in Flatbush. The following day, after NYPD officers observed the stolen BMW, the defendant crashed the vehicle and struck a pedestrian. Finally, on June 20, 2021, the defendant, together with at least one other accomplice, carjacked at gunpoint the driver of a Porsche in East New York. Caille was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking, three substantive carjacking offenses, and three instances of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of those carjackings. 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. Assistant United States Attorneys Sara K. Winik, Ellen H. Sise, and Antoinette N. Rangel are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Magdalena St. Surin. The Defendant : DIEUVERSON CAILLE Age: 22 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-547 (DC)


title: Five Family Members Sentenced to Prison and Ordered to Forfeit a Combined $51.9 Million Dollars in Proceeds from Their Fraudulent Sale of Counterfeit Trademarked Cellular Phones and Accessories

body_text: BOISE – On March 21, 22, and 23, 2023, five family members were sentenced to prison for their conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit trademarked goods, in connection with their online sale of counterfeit cellphones and accessories, announced U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. On August 1, 2022, a jury found Pavel Babichenko, Piotr Babichenko, Timofey Babichenko, David Bibikov, and Mikhail Iyerusalimets, guilty after a three-month trial. Pavel Babichenko, Piotr Babichenko, Timofey Babichenko, David Bibikov, and Mikhail Iyerusalimets operated a multi-million dollar scheme wherein they sold counterfeit cellphones and cellphone accessories on Amazon.com and eBay.com that the defendants misrepresented as new and genuine Apple and Samsung products. The counterfeit cellphones and cellphone accessories were obtained in bulk from manufacturers in Hong Kong, repackaged in the Treasure Valley, and then individually resold to consumers online as genuine and new. “My Office is committed to protecting Idaho consumers, businesses, and the public from fraud of all types,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. “The convictions, sentences, and financial recovery in this case reflects our ability to work with our law enforcement partners to take down large-scale and long-term fraud enterprises that cross borders.” “These sentencings are a result of HSI’s dedication to protect the U.S. economy and intellectual property by investigating schemes that threaten the global economy,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “I commend the agents at HSI and our law enforcement partners at FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS-CI, U.S. Marshals Service, the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Boise Police Department, and the Meridian Police Department for the years of work that led to this outcome.” “These sentencings are the result of law enforcement’s unrelenting work to dismantle transnational criminal organizations,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the Salt Lake City FBI. “With strong partnerships in Idaho and around the world, the FBI stands firm in combatting those who attempt to defraud U.S. citizens and U.S. companies for their financial gain.” Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill sentenced Pavel Babichenko to 72 months in federal prison, a $21,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Judge Winmill further entered a $33,708,700.30 forfeiture money judgment against Pavel Babichenko. Piotr Babichenko was sentenced to serve 48 months in federal prison, a $10,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. A $3,316,882.40 forfeiture money judgment was entered against him. Timofey Babichenko was sentenced to serve 48 months in federal prison, a $10,500 fine, and three years of supervised release. A $9,230,196.82 forfeiture money judgment was entered against him. David Bibikov was sentenced to serve one month in federal prison, nine months of home detention, and three years of supervised release. A $4,710,207.11 forfeiture money judgment was entered against him. Mikhail Iyerusalimets was sentenced to serve two months in federal prison, nine months of home detention, and three years of supervised release. A $953,411.95 forfeiture money judgment was entered against him. A future hearing will determine restitution and repayment of public defender attorney fees. U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the joint investigation led by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, along with IRS-Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Marshals Service. These federal agencies were joined in the investigation by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Boise Police Department, and the Meridian Police Department. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. ###


title: Denver Woman Accused of Stealing More Than $3.3 Million from Covid Relief Programs

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces DeJane Reaniece Lattany, age 32, of Denver, has been charged by information with wire fraud for receiving more than $3.3 million of fraudulent COVID-19 loans. On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, which provided emergency assistance to small business owners suffering adverse economic effects caused by the Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic. The CARES Act established several new temporary programs and expanded existing programs, including programs created or administered by the SBA. Two sources of funding for small businesses were the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”) program. The CARES Act mandated that only businesses in operation on February 15, 2020, for PPP, or before February 1, 2020, for EIDL, were eligible under the programs. In addition, the CARES Act authorized the SBA to issue advances of up to $10,000 to small businesses, known as Economic Injury Disaster Grants (“EIDG”). The amount of the EIDG was determined by the number of employees the applicant certified having. The EIDGs did not need to be repaid. According to court documents, beginning in June 2020 and continuing through January 2022, the defendant prepared and submitted fraudulent EIDL applications to the Small Business Administration (SBA) on behalf of business entities that she purportedly owned. In these fraudulent EIDL applications, Lattany made false statements regarding the entities’ number of employees, gross revenues, and cost of goods sold; she further falsely certified that the information provided in the EIDL applications was true and accurate and that the funds would be used to pay payroll and other permissible expenses when, in fact, she used the bulk of the proceeds for her personal benefit. The SBA approved and funded five EIDL applications and three EIDGs for a total of $430,000 in EIDLs and $20,000 in EIDGs. From June 2020 through December 2021, Lattany submitted fraudulent PPP applications to participating lenders on behalf of business entities that she purportedly controlled and obtained $2,887,976.94 in PPP loans as a result of the Scheme. These PPP applications contained a number of false and fraudulent certifications and representations regarding Lattany’s ownership of other businesses, as well as the businesses’ average monthly payroll and number of employees. Lattany falsely represented that all PPP funds would be used to pay eligible business expenses, when, in fact, the bulk of the proceeds were used for her personal benefit. She also submitted false and fraudulent documentation in support of the PPP applications to the participating lenders. Lattany also sought loan forgiveness for PPP loans by submitting loan. In total, $3,337,976.94 of PPP, EIDL, and EIDG proceeds were paid out as a result of the scheme. The defendant made her initial appearance before Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews on March 27, 2023. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Denver Division. Prosecution is being handled by Nicole C. Cassidy and Rebecca S. Weber. The charge contained in the information is an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 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 . CASE NUMBER: 23-cr-00074-NYW