title: Canadian Woman Convicted for Her Role in a Large-Scale International Fentanyl Trafficking Operation, Investigated Under “Operation Denial”

component: USAO - North Dakota

body_text: FARGO –United States Attorney Mac Schneider, District of North Dakota, announced that Marie Um , 42, from Montreal, Québec Canada, was found guilty for the charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances and controlled substance analogues resulting in serious bodily injury and death; conspiracy to import controlled substances and controlled substance analogues resulting in serious bodily injury and death; and international money laundering conspiracy. On April 11, 2023, the trial of Marie Um commenced, in Fargo, North Dakota. Marie Um was part of an organization that was receiving fentanyl and fentanyl analogues from China and distributing them to the United States and Canada. After 2 weeks of trial and 3 ½ days of deliberation, the jury found Marie Um guilty of conspiracy to distribute and import controlled substances into the United States and money laundering conspiracy. The jury found that 9 overdoses (4 deaths and 5 serious bodily injuries) were reasonably foreseeable to her. A sentence date has not yet been scheduled. This case is part of “Operation Denial,” an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation into the international trafficking of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues and was significantly aided by the national and international coordination led by the multi-agency Special Operations Division (S.O.D.) near Washington, DC, as part of “Operation Deadly Merchant.” The investigation started in North Dakota, on January 3, 2015, with the overdose death in Grand Forks, ND, of Bailey Henke. Operation Denial has led to thirty-one (31) defendants charged in North Dakota and three (3) defendants charged in Oregon. The investigation has resulted in nearly $1 million in cash and property forfeited from members of the organization. In 2021, three Canadian nationals, including Marie Um, were extradited from Canada to the United States. The defendants were detained awaiting trial scheduled in Fargo. On August 31, 2021, the U.S. Department of State offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of People’s Republic of China (PRC) national Jian Zhang, a fugitive in this transnational investigation. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement -Homeland Security Investigations; North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force; Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Portland Oregon Police Bureau – Drugs and Vice Division; Portland HIDTA Interdiction Task Force; Oregon State Police; and Grand Forks Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of the three Canadian nationals. The prosecutor for this case was Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers, District of North Dakota. ######


title: St. Mary’s Man Charged with Illegal Moose Guiding and Wire Fraud

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE – A federal Grand Jury in Anchorage, Alaska returned an indictment on Friday, April 21, 2023, charging Michael Mikhail Beans of Saint Mary's Alaska with two (2) felony counts for violations of the Lacey Act and nineteen (19) felony counts for wire fraud in connection with the sale of the illegal moose hunts. From October of 2021 to the present Beans collected over $59,000 from hunting parties, over thirty hunters in total, for moose hunts to be conducted in Alaska in September of 2022 and September of 2023. According to court documents, Beans, 34, was charged by the grand jury for Lacey Act violations for guiding two hunters for bull moose when not licensed as a Big Game Guide or Transporter by the State of Alaska. The Lacey Act makes it illegal to transport and illegally sold wildlife in interstate commerce. Beans was also charged with wire fraud in connection with booking guided moose hunts, receiving over $59,000 in electronic payments from clients, and then canceling the hunts without providing a refund. If convicted Beans faces up to five (5) year imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. An arraignment date has not been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska and Special Agent In-Charge Jeff Mihan made the announcement. The investigation is being handled by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Alaska Wildlife Troopers Investigations Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ainsley McNerney and Steve Skrocki are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Sex Offender Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography Offense

component: USAO - Arkansas, Western

body_text: TEXARKANA – A Hot Springs man was sentenced today to 300 months in prison without the possibility of parole on one count of Transportation of Child Pornography. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in Texarkana, Arkansas. According to court documents, in early 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual in Hot Springs had posted numerous images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to the social media platform Snapchat. The subsequent investigation determined that all the CSAM posts were made by the same user, who was identified as Brandon Joshua Napier , age 33. At the time, Napier had previously been convicted of Possessing or Viewing Child Pornography and was consequently required to register as a Sex Offender while residing in Garland County. Napier was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in June 2022 and entered a plea of guilty in September 2022. U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Arkansas Department of Community Corrections, and the Hot Springs Police Department participated in the investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Marshall and Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Still prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This case was prosecuted 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 CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Department of Justice Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: HAMMOND- Every April, the Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) to honor victims, promote their rights and recognize victim advocates. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and right of victims of crime. To observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week , the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana is co-sponsoring an Intimate Partner Violence Training on April 25, 2023 in coordination with the South Bend Police Department and the Office of Victims of Crime. The Department of Justice and United States Attorney’s Offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. According to a report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 2021, there were more than 4.6 million violent victimizations and 11.7 million property crimes. During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local, and tribal agencies host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. On the evening of Wednesday, April 26th, a candlelight vigil will be held on the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol from 7:00pm-8:00pm EST. In recognition of this year’s theme: Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change. – the vigil is an opportunity to commit to elevating and engaging survivors to lift their voices, inform policy and practice, thereby effect change. For more information on the candlelight vigil, please visit: https://ovc.ojp.gov/events . United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “My office collaborates with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners to highlight the importance of providing services at the earliest possible stage of victimization and litigation. Early intervention helps prevent further victimization and encourages victim involvement in the criminal justice system, mitigating the cycle of violence and restoring hope for the future.” For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist victims in your community, please visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov . For ongoing updates from OVC and ideas throughout the year on how you can support victims, please subscribe to OVC’s email notifications at https://ovc.ojp.gov/subscribe/news-from-ovc .


title: Columbus Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Charge

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

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Columbus man with an extensive criminal history pleaded guilty to illegally possessing two pistols he tossed into the backyard of a home while fleeing deputies on foot through a residential area of the city. Raymond Richmond, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Clay Land on April 19. Richmond faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing will occur within 90 days. “The message is out that convicted felons caught with guns in Columbus will face federal charges, which carry stiff penalties,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Columbus citizens demand a safer city; any real solution to reducing violent crime will be found with the continued cooperation of all community members working to achieve this goal.” “The message must be resoundingly clear for convicted felons in possession of firearms in Muscogee County: We will not accept this behavior at any level,” said Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman. “They must know that we will pursue them and seek to fully prosecute their crimes. The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office stands committed to staying the course to fight for safer neighborhoods.” “Taking illegal guns off the streets help keep communities safe. We will continue to work with our partners to investigate these types of crimes,” said GBI Director Mike Register. “This case is another reminder that ATF remains on the frontline of preventing violent crimes along with our law enforcement partners,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “We will not allow residents to suffer such criminal behavior, especially that which threatens the safety of innocent civilians and law enforcement officers.” According to court documents, on Dec. 15, 2020, a deputy with the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), was in routine patrol in Columbus and observed a car without a brake light and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle continued at a low rate of speed for several blocks but failed to stop. Near the intersection of 17th Street and Preston Drive—a residential section of the city—the vehicle slowed down and Richmond exited the front passenger seat with a black book bag and took off running. A brief foot chase ensued, during which Richmond tossed his book bag in the backyard of a residence. Richmond was apprehended in the yard and the bookbag was located next to him in the shrubs. Inside, deputies found a .40 caliber Glock pistol with 26 rounds of ammunition, a .380 Kel-Tec pistol with five rounds of ammunition, along with crack, cocaine, pills and marijuana. At the time of this incident, Richmond was wanted on several outstanding warrants. He has several prior felony convictions in Muscogee County, Georgia, Superior Court, including obstruction of a law enforcement officer, interference with government property and theft by taking. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. The case was investigated by the Muscogee Co. Sheriff’s Office, GBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case for the government.


title: Ohio Man Charged for Attempting to Burn Down a Church that Planned to Host Drag Show Events

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: WASHINGTON – A federal indictment was returned charging an Ohio man with a violation of the Church Arson Prevention Act for using Molotov cocktails against the Community Church of Chesterland, in Chesterland, Ohio, in an attempt to burn the church to the ground. He was also indicted on one count of using fire to commit a federal felony, one count of malicious use of explosive materials and one count of possessing a destructive device. According to court documents, Aimenn D. Penny, 20, of Alliance, attempted to burn the church to the ground after learning the church was holding multiple drag show events the following weekend. Penny was initially arrested and charged with federal offenses on March 31. If convicted, Penny faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison for the violation of the Church Arson Prevention Act. Penny also faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison for the malicious use of explosive materials charge and up to 10 years in prison for the possession of a destructive device charge. In addition, if convicted of using fire to commit a federal felony, Penny faces a 10-year mandatory prison sentence that will run consecutively with any other prison term imposed. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler for the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen of the FBI Cleveland Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Cleveland Field Office is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Deckert and Matthew W. Shepherd for the Northern District of Ohio and Trial Attorneys Jacob Warren and Justin Sher of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case with assistance from Trial Attorney Eric Peffley of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: The U.S. Attorney's Office Observes National Crime Victims'  Rights Week

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina joins the Justice Department, law enforcement agencies, service providers, allied professionals and communities nationwide to commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) from April 23-29, 2023. The Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has selected this year’s theme, “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change,” to emphasize the importance of engaging with victims of crime; learning from their lived experiences; amplifying their voices; and fostering an environment where they are heard, believed, and supported. To commemorate NCVRW, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will host a Distinguished Victim Services Award ceremony on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, to recognize outstanding individuals for their significant support and service to crime victims and their contributions to the cause of justice. The award recipients were selected for their professionalism, compassion, and superior service to crime victims, their efforts to restore victims’ security and trust, their extraordinary efforts to advocate on behalf of crime victims, and their exceptional commitment to the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will also host a Victim Services Meetup on Thursday, April 27, 2023, for victim advocates. This meeting will focus on promoting networking and resource building among service providers working with federal and state prosecutors and law enforcement agencies within the 32 counties in Western North Carolina that the U.S. Attorney’s Office serves, to expand and strengthen the provision of services to victims of crime. “Crime victims and crime survivors deserve our compassion, our attention, and our dedication,” said U.S. Attorney Dena J. King. “My Office stands with crime victims, survivors, and their families, and we reaffirm our collective mission to protect their rights, offer assistance, and provide access to resources centered on their individual needs at every step of the criminal justice process and beyond.” Throughout the nation and in the Western District of North Carolina, victim advocacy organizations, community groups, and state, local, and Tribal agencies host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events during NCVRW, to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. The Office for Victims of Crime leads communities in their annual observances of NCVRW. On Wednesday, April 26, 2023, a candlelight vigil will be held on the National Mall from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. eastern time, to pay tribute to victims of crime and the many dedicated professionals and volunteers who advocate on their behalf. Attendees will also observe a moment of silence to honor all crime victims. Use this link to register for the event. For more information about how to support all victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at ovc.ojp.gov . Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Assistance Program can be found here .


title: Baton Rouge Man Charged in Federal Court with Numerous Counts of Drug and Gun Charges

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that a federal grand jury has returned a seven-count indictment charging Hakeem Allen, age 27, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with distribution and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, clonazepam, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that on five separate occasions from September 15, 2022 until October 4, 2022, Allen distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, clonazepam, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. On at least two of these occasions, Allen possessed a firearm in furtherance of these crimes. If convicted of these charges, Allen faces a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison. This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eli J. Abad. NOTE: An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.


title: Beaufort Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Leonardo Rubio, 23, of Beaufort, South Carolina, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography. Evidence presented to the Court showed that beginning in at least 2016 and continuing through June 11, 2021, Leonardo Rubio sought, received, produced, and distributed images, videos, and files containing child pornography using multiple cell phones, data storage devices, the Kik social media messaging application, and Dropbox online cloud storage. Rubio’s crimes were discovered after Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) special agents received a NCMEC CyberTip from Dropbox, which indicated Rubio had uploaded at least 10 images containing child pornography to their cloud service. The special agents then obtained a search warrant for Rubio’s residence located on the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort. During a forensic examination of devices seized from Rubio, analysts located a total of 26,114 images and 1,505 videos containing child pornography involving prepubescent male and female victims ranging in age from 3 months to 14 years old. During interviews, Rubio informed agents he also had distributed between 150 to 200 images of child pornography to other individuals using the Kik messaging application. Rubio also admitted to sexually assaulting an 8- or 9-year-old relative, as well as photographing himself engaged in sexual contact with his wife’s 7-year-old relative, when he was approximately 16 years old. United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks sentenced Rubio to 168 months in prison, to be followed by a life term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Judge Hendricks further ordered that the defendant pay $69,000 to the 23 victims seeking restitution in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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 sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allessandra Stewart is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Charleston Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Through Social Media App

body_text: CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Samer Refaat Selwanes, 48, of Charleston, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a minor. Selwanes pleaded guilty in September 2022 to sexual exploitation of a minor. According to court documents and hearings, an adult female reported to a victim assistance organization that when she was thirteen she began communicating with another user on Facebook Messenger, and she was coerced by that user to create sexually explicit images of herself. Law enforcement agents were informed and subsequently identified the offender as Selwanes. Agents thereafter searched Selwanes’s residence and digital devices, and they also conducted a review of the victim’s cell phone. The electronic forensic evidence showed that from June 2013 to August 2016, Selwanes, who falsely purported to be a minor himself, communicated with the victim, who was a minor at that time, on Facebook Messenger and coerced her to create and transmit to him images of herself engaged in sexually explicit conduct. United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks sentenced Selwanes to 120 months in prison, to be followed by a life term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean H. Secor prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education. ###


title: South Carolina Inmate Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Military Sextortion Scheme

body_text: CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Dexter Lawrence, 37, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering for his role in a scheme to extort and defraud military members that was operated out of the South Carolina Department of Correction (SCDC). Evidence presented to the Court showed that while serving a 22-year sentence in SCDC for Armed Robbery and Carjacking, Lawrence smuggled smartphones into SCDC and used the internet to join internet dating websites. Once on the internet dating websites, Lawrence would target young men who were in the military while posing as a young woman. Lawrence would solicit nude photographs and once the photographs were received, Lawrence, and others, then posed as the father of the young woman, claiming that the young woman was underage, and that the military member was in possession of child pornography. Lawrence and others then threatened to have the military members arrested or dishonorably discharged unless they paid money. From March 2016 until May 2017, due to this extortion, service members transferred funds to Lawrence, through his co-conspirators, totaling $60,004.09, which investigators traced to at least 25 victims. United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks sentenced Lawrence to 70 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. This sentence will be served after Lawrence completes his 22-year state prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system. “Contraband cell phones enable inmates to continue their criminal activity behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “In this case, the defendant used them to prey on victims who have bravely served our nation. Our office is committing to working with SCDC and our law enforcement partners to address the threats posed by smartphones in our prisons.” “This sentence confirms DCIS’ pledge to hold criminals who target our service members accountable for their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard, Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “We are steadfast in our commitment to protecting our Warfighters and will work aggressively with our investigative partners to accomplish this mission.” "Mr. Lawrence was leader in a criminal network that specifically preyed on military service members through schemes that degrade military readiness and ultimately threaten our national security," said Special Agent in Charge Erin Carmichael of the NCIS Carolinas Field Office. "NCIS thanks the U.S. Attorney's Office and our law enforcement partners for their substantial efforts to keep our service members and their families safe from criminal predators." "Aggressively investigating organized crime impacting our military servicemembers is a top priority for the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division," said Special Agent-in-Charge Justin Link of the Army Criminal Investigation Division's Cyber Field Office. "Mr. Lawrence's sentence should serve as a deterrent for those seeking to take advantage of our nation's fighting forces. Army CID will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to protect our servicemembers." “Cellphones are the most dangerous weapons in prisons today because they allow inmates to prey on innocent victims and continue committing crimes,” said Bryan Stirling, Director of the S.C. Department of Corrections. “I urge Congress to support a hearing on the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act, which would allow states to use technology to jam cellphone signals in state prisons.” This case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine Orville and Amy Bower prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Honduran Man  Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Illegal Possession Ammunition

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge on Tuesday sentenced a Honduran man illegally residing in Birmingham for illegal possession of ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger. U.S. District Court Judge Annmarie C. Axon sentenced Robert Ivan Salgado, 26, to 24 months in prison. Salgado pleaded guilty to one count of being an illegal alien in possession of ammunition in January 2023. According to the plea agreement, on September 19, 2022, Salgado and the victim, his children’s mother, were arguing and he pulled a gun and shot her in the face. Salgado then transported the victim to Princeton Baptist Medical Center. Upon arrival, Birmingham Police officers were called to a report of a person who had been shot. After questioning Salgado, the officer requested that dispatch send evidence technicians to the apartment where the shooting occurred. A search warrant was executed on the residence and officers recovered three boxes of .389 caliber ammunition from the dryer in the living room. Salgado was prohibited from possessing ammunition because he is an illegal alien. “The reckless actions of this defendant wounded one and put the lives of innocent children in danger,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “My office will not tolerate prohibited persons possessing firearms and ammunition, especially when it leads to domestic violence. I commend the work of our law enforcement partners in bringing this defendant to justice.” HSI investigated the case along with assistance from the Birmingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristy Peoples and Darius Greene prosecuted the case.


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced on Federal Carjacking  and Weapons Charges

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that defendant KEON ESTEEN , age 18, was sentenced on April 13, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Barry W. Ashe to a total term of 130 months. As to Count 1 the court sentenced ESTEEN to 46 months of imprisonment. As to Count 2, the court sentenced ESTEEN to 84 months, to run consecutively to the term imposed in Count 1. Additionally, upon release from imprisonment, Judge Ashe ordered that ESTEEN be on supervised release for 5 years consisting of 3 years for Counts 1 and 5 years for Count 2, all to run concurrently. Finally, ESTEEN was ordered to pay a mandatory $200 special assessment fee for Counts 1 and 2 of the two-count indictment. Count One charged ESTEEN with a carjacking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1). Count Two charged ESTEEN with brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, that is, a carjacking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii). ESTEEN previously pled guilty to carjacking a victim on April 3, 2021 in New Orleans by threatening the use of force. ESTEEN perpetrated the carjacking with another who brandished a firearm during the carjacking. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit. * * *


title: Plymouth Meeting, Pa Company to Pay $5.3 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Related to False Billing For Respiratory Devices

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – AdaptHealth LLC, formerly known as QMES, LLC, a provider of durable medical equipment based in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, will pay $5.3 million to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations for submitting allegedly false claims to federal healthcare programs for respiratory devices that patients did not need or use, in violation of federal healthcare program requirements. The settlement was announced today by United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero. The settlement resolves allegations that between 2013 and 2017, AdaptHealth (known during the period as QMES and Tri-County Medical Equipment and Supply LLC), itself and through certain of its related entities, knowingly and willfully billed federal payors for non-invasive ventilators (“NIVs”) when a patient was instead prescribed and used a BiPAP machine—for which federal payors reimburse suppliers thousands of dollars less per year. The settlement also resolves allegations that AdaptHealth continued billing federal payors for ventilators after patients no longer needed or were using them, and double-billed federal payors for some ventilator rentals in violation of program requirements. “The integrity of our health care system depends on the government being able to rely on durable medical equipment providers to seek reimbursement for only those devices a doctor has prescribed for their patient and that the patient actually needs and uses,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Providers like AdaptHealth have an obligation to ensure that the equipment and devices they rent to patients are medically necessary and properly billed. When companies disregard that obligation to maximize their profits, this Office will hold them accountable.” “When submitting false claims to federal healthcare programs, providers exploit the trust that they will bill in accordance with the law and instead use the reimbursement process to steal taxpayer dollars,” stated Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, will work to investigate and cease wrongful activity to protect federal healthcare resources.” “The integrity of the Federal health care programs depends on the honest and accurate submission of claims,” said Conrad J. Quarles, Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations, Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General. “We applaud the efforts of our law enforcement partners and colleagues at the Department of Justice on today’s settlement.” The settlement resolves a lawsuit originally brought by Michael J. Kelly, a former QMES employee, under the whistleblower, or qui tam , provisions of the False Claims Act. The Act permits private citizens with knowledge of fraud against the government to bring a lawsuit on behalf of the United States and to share in any recovery. Kelly will receive approximately $950,000 of the settlement. The government’s pursuit of these matters illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren DeBruicker and Veronica J. Finkelstein and Auditor Dawn Wiggins. This settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Counsel to the Inspector General and Office of Investigations; and the Office of Personnel Management, Office of the Inspector General. The lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Kelly v. QMES LLC, d/b/a Tricounty Medical Equipment and Supply, LLC , No. 17-cv-0199 (E.D. Pa.). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.


title: Postal Service Employee Arrested For Mail Theft

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A United States Postal Service employee appeared in federal court today on mail theft and related charges, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Demarkis Deon Houston, 30, of Charlotte, was arrested on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Houston is charged with mail destruction, theft of mail by a Postal Service employee, and possession of a stolen firearm. Jeff Krafels, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General (USPS-OIG) for the Mid-Atlantic Area Field Office (MAAFO), which oversees Charlotte, and Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to allegations in the indictment, on August 31, 2022, Houston unlawfully opened and destroyed mail entrusted to him. The indictment also alleges that on September 19, 2022, Houston removed from mail entrusted in his care a 9mm firearm, which was intended to be delivered by a carrier of the Postal Service. The indictment further alleges that on October 10, 2022, Houston possessed a stolen firearm. Houston was released on bond following his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan C. Rodriguez. The charge of destruction of mail and theft of mail by a postal employee each carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The possession of a stolen firearm offense carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The charges against Houston are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law. In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked USPS-OIG and ATF for their investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Regina H. Pack of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Violating the Federal Gun Control Act

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On April 18, 2023, United States District Judge Wendy Vitter sentenced ELIJAH POWELL , age 27, a resident of New Orleans, following his guilty plea to illegally possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court records, POWELL admitted to being observed on the city’s Real Time Crime Cameras with what appeared to be a pistol in his pocket. When New Orleans Police Officers arrived to investigate, POWELL ran. He was apprehended after a brief chase but no longer had the pistol. Officers traced his route of flight and found the pistol in the side yard of a house along POWELL’s path of flight. POWELL admitted he had previously been convicted of aggravated assault with a firearm in St. Charles Parish. Judge Vitter sentenced POWELL to 27 months in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Judge Vitter also ordered POWELL to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Sioux City Felon With Violent History Sent to Federal Prison For Illegal Possession of a Gun

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man illegally armed with a loaded gun, was sentenced on April 13, 2023, to more than 5 years in federal prison. Devine Shawn Felder, aka “Ketchup”, 41, originally from Louisiana, received the prison term after a December 19, 2022, guilty plea to 1 Count of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Evidence in the case showed on or about July 22, 2022, as Sioux City Police Officers attempted to contact Felder regarding an active felony warrant, he fled on foot. Felder was stopped a short distance away in possession of a loaded handgun with a round in the chamber. Felder has previously been convicted of burglary on an inhabited dwelling, battery, felon in possession of a firearm, domestic abuse battery, assault causing bodily injury, criminal mischief, and aggravated assault. As a result, Felder is incapable of legally possessing a gun. Felder was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 70 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Felder is being held in the custody of the United States Marshal’s until he can be transported to a federal prison. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-CR-04070. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Denison Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison

body_text: A man found unconscious, behind the wheel another person’s vehicle on a private landowner’s property while in possession of a shotgun and a handgun, was sentenced April 13, 2023, to 7 years in federal prison. Nickolas Schwenn, age 42, from Denison, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 10, 2023, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and drug user. Evidence in the case showed Schwenn was found on December 12, 2021, by a landowner on private farm ground, unconscious behind the wheel of a vehicle. When law enforcement arrived, they found Schwenn asleep in the driver’s seat of a Pontiac Bonneville which had license plates registered to a different vehicle. Law enforcement also observed a shotgun on the rear floorboard of the vehicle and a handgun in the door pocket of the driver’s side door. The deputy, who recognized Schwenn and knew him to be a felon, woke Schwenn and directed him to exit the vehicle, at which time Schwenn began to argue with the officer. Schwenn then put his vehicle in drive and rammed a cow gate in front of his vehicle. He then put his vehicle in reverse and rammed his vehicle into the front of the landowner’s vehicle. Officers, threatening Schwenn with a taser, got him out of his vehicle and placed him under arrest. Schwenn also advised that he had drugs in his pocket; however, no drugs were found on his person. Schwenn was not capable of legally possessing a gun as a result of a conviction for burglary. Schwenn has additional convictions for eluding law enforcement. Schwenn was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 84 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Schwenn is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated by Crawford County, Iowa Sheriff’s department and Monona County, Iowa Sheriff’s department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-04023. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Sacramento Man Charged with Methamphetamine Distribution Crimes and Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment Thursday against Efrain Valentin, 54, of Sacramento, charging him with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, on March 1, 2022, Efrain Valentin supplied approximately 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine to another individual for the purpose of selling it to a purported customer. The customer was in fact a confidential informant working for law enforcement. On March 1, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at Valentin’s residence and arrested him. On the premises, investigators found approximately 1 pound of methamphetamine and a derringer-style handgun. Valentin is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in Nevada, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Conolly is prosecuting the case. If convicted on the methamphetamine counts, Valentin faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of 10 years, up to a maximum life in prison, and a $10 million fine. If convicted on the firearm count, Valentin faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This 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: Guatemalan National Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Illegally Reentering the U.S.

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JULIO BAYRON-ARRIOLA, 49, a citizen of Guatemala last residing in Stamford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 27 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported. According to court documents and statements made in court, on six occasions between 2009 and 2020, Bayron-Arriola was encountered in the U.S. and subsequently removed to Guatemala. During that time, he was charged federally and convicted in the District of Arizona three times: In 2010, he was convicted of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and in 2012 and 2017, he was convicted of illegal reentry. On December 25, 2021, Bayron-Arriola was arrested by Stamford Police. He was subsequently convicted of a state threatening offense. On November 14, 2022, he pleaded guilty in federal court to illegal reentry. Bayron-Arriola has been detained since his arrest. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with the assistance of the Stamford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.


title: Man Who Tossed Gun and Drugs While Fleeing From Police to Serve Time in Federal Prison

body_text: A man who possessed a firearm as a felon was sentenced yesterday to 78 months in federal prison. Gabriel DeTrace Taylor, age 30, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 10, 2022, guilty plea to one count of possessing a firearm as a felon. Taylor had previously been convicted of Robbery in the First Degree. Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that Taylor fled from police and threw a loaded firearm from the window of the vehicle, as well as a backpack with cocaine and marijuana. Evidence also showed that on a prior occasion in March 2021, Taylor had done the same thing, fleeing from police and throwing a firearm from the vehicle. Taylor was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Taylor was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Taylor is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is 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. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-CR-62. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Felon Convicted of Possessing Ammunition Used in Murder in Queens

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Today in federal court in Brooklyn, Kevin Edwards was convicted of being a felon in possession of ammunition in connection with the February 8, 2020 fatal shooting of a man in Corona, Queens. The verdict followed a five-day trial before United States District Judge Edward R. Korman. When sentenced, Edwards faces up to 10 years in prison. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the verdict. “Today, the jury has served justice on the defendant for his violent crime and disregard for the law, which tragically cost a young man his life,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “I commend the prosecutors and the investigators for their dedication to reducing gun violence in our district and holding repeat offenders accountable for their actions.” Mr. Peace thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) for their outstanding investigative work on the case. As proven at trial, on February 8, 2020, shortly after 12 p.m., the defendant drove to Northern Blvd. and 101 st Street in Queens, New York near a bodega where the victim Dontae Hambrick was standing with other men. As captured on a nearby surveillance camera, after double parking his vehicle, the defendant walked over to the group of men, shook hands with three of the men before pulling out a handgun, and fired at least six rounds of .40 caliber ammunition at Hambrick, hitting him in the torso and legs. Edwards got back into the SUV and fled. Hambrick was transported to Elmhurst Hospital Center where he was pronounced dead. NYPD officers canvassed the area and recovered video from a security camera near the crime scene and six .40 caliber shell casings. At the time of the shooting, Edwards had three prior felony drug convictions. 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 its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorneys’ 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 Adam Amir and Lauren Bowman are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Bridget Donovan. The Defendant : KEVIN EDWARDS (also known as “Cuzzo”) Age: 42 Queens, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-165 (ERK)


title: Metairie Man Sentenced to 87  Months in Federal Prison for  Receiving Files Depicting the  Sexual Victimization of Children

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL GERALD MARCHESE , age 45, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, was sentenced on April 18, 2023 by United States District Judge Wendy Vitter to 87 months in prison after previously being indicted for receiving images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including children as young as approximately one (1) year old, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 2252(a)(2). Additionally, Judge Vitter ordered MARCHESE to serve a 10-year period of supervised release after his term of imprisonment, comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Judge Vitter also scheduled a restitution hearing for June 14, 2023. According to court documents, in about July 2021, law enforcement authorities received information that an unidentified individual, subsequently determined to be MARCHESE , was using an internet-based peer-to-peer network that allows users to anonymously share files, chat on message boards, and access websites within the network, to view, download, and store computer files depicting the sexual victimization of children. FBI agents executed a search warrant on MARCHESE’S residence on December 9, 2021, and seized several electronic items, including four (4) portable external hard drives. A review of the items revealed that MARCHESE used the internet and peer-to-peer platforms to download depictions of children being sexually exploited numerous times throughout 2020 and 2021. The review further confirmed that MARCHESE downloaded at least approximately 4,201 images and 339 videos depicting the sexual victimization of children, including prepubescent minors as young as less than one (1) year old, and that some of the images and videos portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys= Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Grand Jury - April 2023

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 9 unsealed Indictments charging 9 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. * Anthony Jermaine Branch , age 41, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about October 28, 2022. The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, not less than five years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. * Steville D. Burns , age 32, of Omaha, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams of fentanyl on or about March 23, 2023. The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, not less than five years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. * Jose Cerritos-Valdez , age 47, is charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien after a felony conviction beginning on or about February 23, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. * Benjamin Fuller , age 37, is charged with distribution of methamphetamine (actual) to a minor on or about October 18, 2021 and continuing to on or about October 22, 2021. The penalty if convicted is not less than 1 year and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $2,000,000 fine, a six-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. * Patrick Hoshor , age 26, of Omaha, is charged with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death on or about March 31, 2023. The penalty if convicted is not less than 20 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. * Amikhet En Maati a/k/a Warren Coker , age 51, is charged in a five-count Indictment. Count I charges Maati with production of child pornography beginning on or about October 8, 2020 and continuing to on or about October 28, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 35 years’ and not more than life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than a five-year and up to life term of supervised release, and $55,100 in special assessments. Count II charges Maati with committing Count I while on the sex offender registry beginning on or about October 8, 2020 and continuing to on or about October 28, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than a five-year and up to life term of supervised release, and $55,100 in special assessments. Count III charges Maati with production of child pornography on or about October 28, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 35 years’ and not more than life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than a five-year and up to life term of supervised release, and $55,100 in special assessments. Count IV charges Maati with committing Count III while on the sex offender registry beginning on or about October 28, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than a five-year and up to life term of supervised release, and $55,100 in special assessments. Count V charges Maati with possession of child pornography on or about September 9, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than a five-year and up to life term of supervised release, and $22,100 in special assessments. * Chol Magwit , age 20, of Omaha, is charged with interference with airport security screening personnel beginning on or about April 7, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. * Tobin R. Schaneman , age 45, is charged as a prohibited person (felon) in possession of a firearm on or about March 25, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. * Dante Stabler , age 22, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Stabler with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm on the Omaha Nation Indian Reservation on or about February 22, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Stabler with using, carrying, or possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence on or about February 22, 2023. The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.


title: Mexican Man Charged With  Illegal Re-Entry of a Removed Alien Previously Convicted of a Felony

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – JOSE CHENO-FIMBRES , age 55, was charged on April 19, 2023 in a one-count bill of information with reentry of a previously removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to the bill of information, JOSE CHENO-FIMBRES reentered the United States after being previously deported on January 27, 2018. He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon M. Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution. * * *


title: Omaha Man Sentenced for Receipt of Child Pornography

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Matthew Carlson, 40, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for receipt of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Carlson to 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Carlson will be on supervised release for life. In November 2021, federal agents began investigating after receiving a Cybertip from Dropbox stating that a user had uploaded child pornography. Agents contacted Carlson who admitted to receiving a link, accessing the Dropbox account, and viewing child pornography. Carlson had two prior convictions for possession of child pornography. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.


title: Four Men Charged in Conspiracy to Steal and Illegally Traffic Over Two Hundred Firearms from an Indianapolis Shipping Company

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: Indianapolis- Bruce A. Williams II, 31, Zackary Dean Doss, 26, and Kevin Todd Jones, Jr. 21, have been charged in a federal indictment with Conspiracy to Receive, Possess, Store, or Sell Stolen Firearms. Williams and Doss have also been charged with Possession of Firearms by a Felon, and Jones has been charged with Possession or Sale of a Stolen Firearm. A fourth man, Ryan Hurt, 28, also of Indianapolis, has been charged in a related criminal complaint with Possession of Stolen Firearms. As of today, Williams, Doss, and Hurt have been arrested. On April 20, 2023, each of them made their initial appearance in federal court. Williams and Doss have been detained by the U.S. Marshal Service as they await a detention hearing at a later date. Hurt has been released on GPS monitoring. Kevin Jones, Jr. is still at large. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Kevin Jones, Jr., please contact Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS (8477). According to court documents and information presented in open court, beginning on or before March 2, 2022, Williams, Doss, Jones, and others conspired together to steal over 200 firearms from the Indianapolis terminal of an interstate shipping company. Williams and other participants in the conspiracy were employees of the shipping company. These insiders identified shipments of firearms at the terminal, stole firearms from the shipments, and arranged to sell the stolen firearms. Members of the conspiracy also kept some of the stolen firearms for their own personal use. Doss and Jones purchased stolen firearms from other members of the conspiracy. Doss and Jones sold some of the stolen firearms to other individuals. Doss and Jones are prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law because they are previously convicted felons. On April 19, 2023, as part of this investigation, law enforcement officers with the ATF and IMPD executed a search warrant at Hurts’ residence and seized two stolen firearms. Hurts was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of stolen firearms. To date, law enforcement officers have recovered approximately 33 stolen firearms as a part of this ongoing investigation. If you have any information regarding the theft, sale, or location of any of the stolen firearms, please contact Crime Stoppers. If you believe you are in possession of or have purchased one or more of the stolen firearms and were not aware they were stolen, please reach out to Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS (8477). If convicted of the conspiracy charge, each of the defendants face up to 5 years in federal prison. Each of the defendants also faces up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm or possession of stolen firearms. A federal district court judge will determine any actual sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Randal Taylor, Chief of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division made the announcement. “Thefts of firearms from interstate shipping are a significant source of the guns that drive the bloodshed in our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “This investigation and prosecution demonstrate that our office is determined to work with ATF and IMPD to get illegal guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals and to hold gun traffickers accountable. We urge the public to join us in this effort, and to contact the ATF and IMPD with any information relevant to this ongoing investigation.” U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Pamela S. Domash and Brad P. Shepard, who are prosecuting this case. This case was brought as part of the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF). ICGTF is a partnership of law enforcement officers and analysts from several central Indiana law enforcement agencies in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby counties. In cooperation with state, local, and federal partners, ICGTF collaborates to address violent crime through a comprehensive strategy including innovative approaches to locating suspects and evidence related to violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms. An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Omaha Woman Sentenced to 150 Months for Methamphetamine

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Tracy Inman, 43, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Inman to 150 months in prison for one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual). After serving her sentence, Inman will be placed on supervised release for 5 years. There is no parole in the federal system. On or about September 12, 2020, in Omaha, officers with the Omaha Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a minivan driven by Inman due to the vehicle having no plates and no visible in-transits. While officers were conducting a data check and drafting a citation, canine officers arrived and deployed a state-certified drug-detection canine around Inman’s vehicle. The canine indicated to the odor of narcotics emanating from the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, officers found small baggies containing methamphetamine residue, a tin containing 3.1 grams of methamphetamine mixture, and paraphernalia. Officers searched Inman and found 49.684 grams of methamphetamine. In a backpack on the back seat of the vehicle, officers found an additional 72.172 grams of methamphetamine and a digital scale. At the time of the traffic stop, Inman knew the methamphetamine was in the vehicle and she intended to distribute some or all of the methamphetamine to another person. Subsequent Nebraska Public Service Laboratory lab tests confirmed the suspected methamphetamine found in Inman’s vehicle was methamphetamine and had a weight of 121.856 grams. The lab tests determined the recovered methamphetamine had a purity of 95%, for a minimum amount of actual methamphetamine of 109.67 grams This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 23-29, 2023

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C – In commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), the U.S. Attorney’s Offices of the Eastern and Middle Districts of North Carolina along with the Interagency Council of North Carolina (IAC) will be hosting a ceremony to bring the victim assistance community together to raise public awareness about victims’ rights, protections, and services. The public may attend the ceremony virtually on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. The IAC works to assemble advocates that have the common goal of improving individual and systematic services to all victims of crime and their loved ones. The Council holds regular meetings and co-hosts the annual ceremony during NCVRW. The keynote speaker for the ceremony will be Monica Daye, a survivor whose story inspired the founding of her nonprofit, Stand Up Speak Out North Carolina. Governor Roy Cooper will also be making remarks at the ceremony. “Our office coordinated with local victims’ support advocates to provide services to more than 6,100 victims last year,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “We work to ensure that victims are supported and that their voices are heard at every step in the process. I encourage all those involved in the criminal justice system to come together, reflect, and learn from the stories of individuals impacted by all types of victimization to make positive change in our communities.” “Each year, we come together for National Crime Victims’ Week to honor the memories of those who have been lost to violent crimes and to show support for the survivors and surviving family members. It is also an opportunity to show our appreciation to those in law enforcement who pursue justice for the victims,” said U.S. Attorney Sandra Hairston. “The work we do for victims is a top priority for our district. During this week, and throughout the year, we will continue to provide the victims and their families with information about the resources available to them through the federal government.” "During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we recognize victims and survivors, acknowledge their pain and recommit ourselves to fight for them and for justice,” North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said. "We’re working together to support and improve law enforcement and tackle the roots of violence in our communities through our new Office of Violence Prevention that can help make people safer for generations to come.” The 2023 theme for NCVRW is Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change. , which calls upon communities to magnify the voices of survivors and pledge to create an atmosphere where survivors know they will be heard, believed, and supported. The theme underscores the importance of helping crime survivors find their justice by: elevating survivors’ voices, engaging with survivors to better inform policy and practice, and effecting change for the better. The partners involved in the planning of the 2023 NCVRW ceremony work collaboratively to ensure that victims of crime rights are enforced, victims have access to services, and to ensure equity for all during each step of the criminal justice response process. Anyone interested in attending the ceremony virtually can register at https://usao.webex.com/usao/j.php?MTID=md9b2465452980cb0de7f89c20cd6b689 . For additional information about this year’s NCVRW and how to assist victims in your own community, please visit the United States Attorney’s Office website . For more ideas on how to support victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.ojp.gov .


title: Colombian Men Sentenced To 22 Years In Federal Prison For Conspiring To Traffic Over $100 Million Worth Of Cocaine

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Court Judge Susan C. Bucklew today sentenced two brothers, Robin Castro-Gomez (36, Colombia) and Alvaro Castro-Gomez (41, Colombia), each to 22 years in federal prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute over 3,500 kilograms (7,700 pounds) of cocaine. The approximate value of this cocaine is over $100,000,000. The Castro-Gomez brothers had pleaded guilty on September 12, 2022. According to court documents and information offered in open court, between August of 2017 and March of 2018, Robin and Alvaro Castro-Gomez conspired to traffic over 3,500 kilograms of cocaine through the Eastern Pacific Ocean via three different low-profile vessels. These cocaine-laden vessels left the shores of Tumaco, Colombia, with an ultimate destination of Central America for further importation into the United States. Alvaro Castro-Gomez has a prior federal conviction for trafficking narcotics on the high seas. Regarding the first drug trafficking venture in August of 2017, Robin Castro-Gomez was the leader of this operation, recruiting mariners to partake in the trip, as well as giving orders and providing logistical equipment to his co-conspirators. Alvaro Castro-Gomez was present at the dispatch site and participated in furthering this drug trafficking conspiracy. After the low-profile vessel was launched from the shores of western Colombia, the United States Coast Guard interdicted the vessel approximately 420 nautical miles northwest of the Galapagos Islands. The target vessel had 998 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of cocaine stashed inside. (Photos of the vessel and cocaine bales below): In November of 2017, Robin Castro-Gomez again led and organized another drug trafficking venture in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, giving orders to mariners and handling the logistical operations of the crime. Alvaro Castro-Gomez recruited, hired, and paid one of the mariners for his participation in the drug trafficking voyage. This boat, too, launched from the shores of western Colombia. The United States Coast Guard interdicted the low-profile vessel approximately 326 miles northwest of Isla de Coco, Costa Rica. The target vessel contained 1,453 kilograms (3,203 pounds) of cocaine. (Photo of vessel below) Again, in March of 2018, Robin Castro-Gomez organized and operated another drug trafficking venture in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Alvaro Castro-Gomez was also present at the dispatch site and participated in furthering the drug trafficking conspiracy. Days after the low-profile vessel launched from the western shores of Colombia, the United States Coast Guard interdicted the boat approximately 360 nautical miles south of Guatemala. The low-profile vessel was captured with 1,120 kilograms (2,469 pounds) of cocaine stored inside. (Pictures of the vessel and cocaine below) This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and the Panama Express Strike Force, a standing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force comprised of agents and analysts from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. 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 case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Pardo.


title: California Man Pleads Guilty To Committing Unemployment Insurance Benefits Fraud

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A California resident pleaded guilty today to using multiple California Employment Development Department (EDD) unemployment insurance benefits debit cards in other peoples’ names without their authorization. Breon Dante Mims (32), of Stockton, Calif., pleaded guilty to illegal transaction with access devices. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 25, 2023, before United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro. Mims faces a statutory maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. According to court documents and admissions made in court by Mims, on September 20, 2020, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers stopped Mims walking along Las Vegas Boulevard after he was observed smoking a marijuana blunt in public. During the stop, officers obtained Mims’ consent to search his backpack, and they found $10,080 in cash and 10 EDD debit cards none of which were in Mims’ name. He admitted that he possessed and used these EDD debit cards without authorization; and that he submitted the unemployment claims associated with the EDD debit cards without authorization. At least $261,600 in benefits were approved for the unemployment claims associated with the cards, and Mims withdrew at least $77,000 from various ATMs in Nevada and California using these fraudulently obtained EDD debit cards. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Quentin Heiden of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Western Region made the announcement. The DOL-OIG investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jim Fang is prosecuting the case. In May 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 Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF web complaint form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . ###


title: A Ft. Bragg Officer Pleads Guilty and his Wife, the Executive Officer of the Campbell University ROTC Program, was Convicted in Government Property Theft that Profited More Than $2 Million

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Two Army Officers, who are also husband and wife, have been convicted in a multi-year activity involving the theft of more than $2 million in government property. Last week, Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW3) Christopher Hammond, 38, pled guilty to theft/possession of government property and money laundering. Yesterday, his wife, Major Heather Hammond, 34, was convicted by a federal jury for spending money laundering proceeds and aiding and abetting. CW3 Hammond faces up to 30 years in prison, plus fines and restitution, and Major Hammond faces up to ten years in prison plus fines, when they are sentenced later this year. “We are putting a stop to corruption at Ft. Bragg and those who use their official positions to line their own pockets. Mr. Hammond abused his position with the Army to steal and sell government property. He stole military scopes, weapons parts, tools, welding equipment, night vision goggles and ATVs,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “This gear was meant to support our troops in the fight for freedom, but the Hammonds sold it to retire in style.” "Christopher and Heather Hammond betrayed the public trust by using their positions in the military for their own personal enrichment," stated Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Mid-Atlantic Field Office. "DCIS and our investigative partners will continue to hold those accountable who steal government property for personal use or personal gain and compromise the military's integrity." “This conviction is the latest result of our ongoing efforts to investigate fraud and theft and should serve as a stark reminder that Army CID will vigorously pursue anyone who attempts to enrich themselves at the expense of the U.S. Government,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Larry S. Moreland, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Major Procurement Fraud Field Office. "Our service men and women make sacrifices for our country every day and it undermines their commitment when a fellow soldier steals the property they depend on to stay safe. The FBI and our partners will aggressively investigate these types of crimes to ensure this criminal abuse of power and betrayal does not go unpunished," said Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Charlotte Division of the FBI. According to court documents and other information presented in court, CW3 Hammond used his position to requisition government property intended for his unit at Ft. Bragg. The property was never logged into inventory at the base but was instead sold by Hammond to various individuals. In a two-year period, CW3 Hammond received at least $1.8 million in wire transfers related to the sales, which he deposited into bank accounts controlled by him and his wife. The investigation traced about 200 items sold by CW3 Hammond or held in his home as having been issued to Hammond’s military unit. Major Hammond knowingly allowed use of her bank accounts, even suggesting the use of her accounts so the money would not go into Chief Hammond’s bank account. The fraud was uncovered when a supplier noticed that items procured under a government contract were being sent in for warranty repairs by a private individual. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted CW3 Hammond’s plea and the jury verdict related to Major Hammond. Defense Criminal Investigative Services (DCIS), Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barbara Kocher and Logan Liles are prosecuting the case. 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 No. 5:22-CR-00106-BO.


title: Morganza Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court for Production and Attempted Production of Child Pornography

body_text: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Norman Antoine LeBlanc, age 34, of Morganza, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles to production and attempted production of child pornography. As a result of his conviction, LeBlanc faces a significant term of imprisonment, a fine, and a period of supervised release, which includes sex offender registration requirements. According to the indictment, on or about November 17, 2021, LeBlanc produced and attempted to produce videos and images that depict a minor child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Leblanc recorded a video of the minor in the bathroom and intentionally made still shots from the video that focused and zoomed in on the minor’s genitals. In creating these images, LeBlanc intended to produce child pornography and to depict a minor child engaged in lascivious exhibition of their genitals and pubic area. LeBlanc knowingly used the Mobile App and a smartphone to transmit the visual depictions of the minor via the internet to an undercover agent in North Carolina. This matter was being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward H. Warner. 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 CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: MORGANZA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO PRODUCTION AND ATTEMPTED PRODUCTION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

body_text: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Norman Antoine LeBlanc, age 34, of Morganza, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles to production and attempted production of child pornography. As a result of his conviction, LeBlanc faces a significant term of imprisonment, a fine, and a period of supervised release, which includes sex offender registration requirements. LeBlanc produced videos and images of a minor child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Specifically, LeBlanc secretly recorded videos of a minor in the bathroom and made sexually explicit still shots from the video. LeBlanc then used a mobile application and a smartphone to send images and videos of the minor to an undercover agent in North Carolina. LeBlanc also used the mobile application to distribute approximately 97 videos and 9 images of child pornography. This matter was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward H. Warner. 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 CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Federal Jury Convicts Two Men For Conspiring To Transfer Unregistered Machinegun Conversion Devices Disguised As “Pen Holders”

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury today found Kristopher Justinboyer Ervin (43, Orange Park) and Matthew Raymond Hoover (39, Wisconsin) guilty of conspiring to transfer unregistered machinegun conversion devices that they referred to as “Auto Key Cards.” Additionally, Ervin was convicted of seven counts of transferring unregistered machinegun conversion devices, three counts of possessing unregistered machinegun conversion devices, and one count of structuring cash transactions to avoid currency transaction reporting requirements. Hoover was also convicted of four counts of transferring unregistered machinegun conversion devices. Ervin faces a maximum penalty of 110 years in federal prison and Hoover faces a maximum penalty of 45 years in federal prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 31, 2023. Ervin was first charged on March 2, 2021, and Hoover on January 26, 2022. Both Ervin and Hoover have been remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, in January 2021, Ervin’s bank contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to report that employees believed that Ervin was trafficking in machinegun conversion devices. Subsequent investigation revealed that Ervin was running an online business selling machinegun conversion devices, known as lightning links, etched into metal cards, which he referred to as Auto Key Cards. Ervin described the Auto Key Card as a “pen holder,” a “novelty,” and a “political sculpture.” A lightning link can be dropped into an otherwise legal AR-15 type firearm and convert it into a fully automatic machinegun. In February 2021, federal agents from ATF and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) surveilled Ervin and observed him dropping off dozens of packages at an Orange Park, Florida post office, each of which was determined to contain unregistered machinegun conversion devices. The ATF examined the Auto Key Cards and a firearms enforcement officer was able to remove the pieces of a lightning link from an Auto Key Card using a common Dremel rotary tool in about 40 minutes. When the firearms enforcement officer placed the two pieces of the lightning link into an AR-15 type firearm, it converted the semi-automatic firearm to be fully automatic. Hoover operated a YouTube channel called CRS Firearms on which he advertised Auto Key Cards. In his videos, Hoover stated that “laws only work if we follow them” and encouraged his viewers to use “discreet ordering” by mail to purchase Auto Key Cards. Hoover stated that his viewers could cut a lightning link out of the Auto Key Card, “drop it in your receiver, scratch your full auto itch, throw it away when you’re done” and “no one’s the wiser.” Hoover’s videos advertising the Auto Key Card led to a substantial increase in Ervin’s sales. Ervin sold more than 2,000 Auto Key Cards in only a few months. Multiple purchasers of the Auto Key Card testified at trial that they had learned about it from Hoover’s videos and purchased the Auto Key Card intending to use it to convert their AR-15 type weapons into machineguns. Ervin compensated Hoover for his advertisements by sending cash through the mail and, on one occasion, a Louis Vuitton purse. In March 2021, federal agents executed a search warrant at Ervin’s home and recovered Auto Key Cards containing etchings for more than 1,500 lightning links. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Cofer Taylor and David B. Mesrobian. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Clive Man Charged for Defrauding Elderly Individuals and Insurance Companies

body_text: DES MOINES, IA – A federal grand jury in Des Moines returned an indictment on April 19, 2023, charging a Clive man with seventeen counts of mail and wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and two counts of money laundering over $10,000. As alleged in the indictment, Zachary James Flaherty, 46, used his position as an insurance agent and annuity salesperson to defraud elderly individuals out of their retirement savings and other monies. To do that, Flaherty misrepresented information to and concealed information from his clients, including information relating to: the returns and bonuses his clients would receive by investing with him; the clients’ ability to make penalty-free withdrawals from their investments; and the losses clients could incur. After the clients agreed to invest money with Flaherty, he continued to misrepresent and conceal information, including information regarding: the returns clients were earning; the amount of money clients had invested with him; and the costs associated with withdrawing funds or cancelling their investments. In addition, Flaherty encouraged victims to write checks to Flaherty personally and his businesses, including Midwest Senior Solutions Retirement Group, Inc. and Infinity Construction Group, LLC. At the same time, Flaherty misrepresented and concealed information about what he would do with the funds he received from the victims. Instead of depositing or investing the funds on the victims’ behalf, Flaherty deposited the funds into accounts he controlled, and he then used the funds for his own purposes and benefits, including to buy a boat and pay his mortgage and vehicle loans. The indictment alleges that Flaherty’s conduct affected twelve specific victims in Iowa and Nebraska. On behalf of those victims, Flaherty obtained at least thirty-five annuities. Those twelve victims lost over $900,000 in charges, taxes, and fees in relation to their annuities. Those victims also wrote checks to Flaherty personally and his businesses which totaled over $1 million. Further, the indictment alleges that Flaherty defrauded insurance companies out of commission payments. To do so, Flaherty caused annuity paperwork to be submitted to insurance companies which included misrepresentations and concealed information. Among other things, Flaherty submitted paperwork containing forged policyholder signatures. As a result of the annuity policies issued for the twelve victims in Iowa and Nebraska, insurance companies awarded commissions of over $650,000. Finally, the indictment alleges that Flaherty conspired with another individual to commit mail and wire fraud. Flaherty and a co-conspirator agreed to execute and attempt to execute a scheme to defraud elderly individuals, primarily individuals in the Kansas City area. If convicted, Flaherty faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison on each count. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case, with assistance from the Des Moines Police Department, Clive Police Department, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Essley is prosecuting the case.


title: Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: FORT WAYNE –Spencer Roberson, 43 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, April 20, 2023, after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Roberson was sentenced to 78 months in prison to be followed by 4 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, on October 2, 2021, Roberson possessed heroin, cocaine, and more than 40 grams of fentanyl or more than 10 grams of a fentanyl analogue, all of which were intended for distribution. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Indiana State Police and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.