title: White River Man Sentenced for Failure to Register

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a White River, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on June 10, 2024. Nathan First In Trouble, age 45, was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. First In Trouble was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of 2023. He pleaded guilty on March 21, 2024. On December 12, 1995, First In Trouble was convicted in Mellette County, South Dakota of Sexual Contact With a Person Incapable of Consenting. On April 13, 1998, he was also convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in U.S. District Court in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Both convictions required him to register as a sex offender under the provisions of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) and South Dakota law. First In Trouble failed to update his registration between July 29, 2022, and December 12, 2023. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher prosecuted the case. First In Trouble was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Fort Thompson Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child by Force. The sentencing took place on June 10, 2024. Earlwyn Makes Room For Them, age 28, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Makes Room For Them was indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 2023. The defendant pleaded guilty in May of 2024. In 2014, Makes Room For Them repeatedly abused a young girl living in the same home in Fort Thompson, within the Crow Creek Reservation. Makes Room For Them forced the young victim, who was under age 12, to touch his genitalia. Makes Room For Them also forced his hand down the young victim’s pants and touched her groin. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case. Makes Room For Them was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Mobridge Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

body_text: ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Mobridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on June 10, 2024. Brandon James Noisy Hawk, age 42, was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Noisy Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 2024. He pleaded guilty on March 18, 2024. Noisy Hawk is required to register as a sex offender under federal law for sexually abusing a 13-year-old-girl. This is his fourth conviction for failure to register as a sex offender. Following his last release from prison, Noisy Hawk registered a primary residence with the Mobridge Police Department. Noisy Hawk failed to verify his address as required in October of 2023 and moved out of his home in November of 2023. Noisy Hawk only updated his address following his arrest on state charges on December 4, 2023. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case. Noisy Hawk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Wakpala Man Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner

body_text: ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Wakpala, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner. The sentencing took place on June 10, 2024. Phillip Lewis Young Hawk, age 45, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Young Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2023. He pleaded guilty on December 18, 2023. On April 7, 2023, Young Hawk quarreled with his girlfriend on a rural roadside near Wakpala, South Dakota, which lies within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. Young Hawk knocked his girlfriend down, then kicked her twice with shod feet as she lay helpless on the ground, whimpering and pleading. The assault ended when Young Hawk’s brother forcibly restrained him. Young Hawk’s girlfriend briefly lost consciousness from the assault and incurred significant bruising to her face. Young Hawk has several prior convictions for domestic violence. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case. Young Hawk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: District of South Dakota Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - Alison J. Ramsdell, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, will join national, state, local, and tribal leaders in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, 2024. Since 2006, WEAAD has been commemorated to promote awareness and increases understanding of the many forms of elder abuse as well as the resources available to those at risk. Highlighting the partnership between law enforcement and the public, U.S. Attorney Ramsdell emphasized the importance of awareness and education. “A recent study found that one in ten older Americans are victims of some form of elder abuse each year,” noted U.S. Attorney Ramsdell. “In observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the District of South Dakota reaffirms its commitment to working with federal, tribal, state, and local community partners to bring an end to elder abuse in all forms. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota will continue to use all available tools to prevent and combat elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.” Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological. The Justice Department maintains a variety of programs and initiatives to combat elder abuse. The Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force marshals federal and state agencies working collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign-based schemes that target older Americans. In addition to aggressively investigating the individuals, organizations, and networks responsible for these crimes, this initiative provides the public with information to guard against both traditional scams, like tech support fraud, as well as trending schemes, such as romance scams. Using one scam to perpetrate or conceal another, some fraudsters rely on money mules to move the proceeds of their illegal activity. Preying on the good will or financial vulnerability of their targets, scammers recruit people, many times older victims, to participate in schemes to move money in ways that avoid notice. The Money Mule Initiative identifies and addresses money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes, and helps people to recognize and avoid participation in perpetuating fraud. To help older individuals and their families identify and avoid fraudulent activity, the Justice Department provides Senior Scam Alerts with information about the tactics used in specific schemes. Common scams include the following: Romance Scams , scammers use dating sites, social networking sites, and chat rooms to meet potential victims. They create fake profiles to build online relationships and eventually convince people to send money in the name of love. Some even make wedding plans before disappearing with the money. An online love interest who asks for money is almost certainly a scam artist. Social Security Administration Impostor Scams . Scammers impersonate government administrators and falsely report suspicious activity to request that the victims provide their Social Security number for confirmation. Tech Support Scams . Fraudsters contact victims, sometimes through internet pop-up messages, to warn about non-existent computer problems, ask that the victim give them remote access to their computer, and identify a non-existent problem, then demand large sums of money for unnecessary services. Lottery Scams . Telemarketers falsely notify victims that they have won a sweepstakes and tell them they must first pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes. IRS Scams . Callers claim to be employees of the IRS and tell victims they owe money to the IRS, which must be paid promptly through a wire transfer or stored value card such as a gift card. Victims who refuse to cooperate are threatened with arrest, deportation, or suspension of a business or driver’s license. To learn more about the Department’s elder justice efforts, please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page . To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 or visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov.


title: Eastern District U.S. Attorney's Office Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – Christopher J. Wilson, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, joined national, state, local, and Tribal leaders today in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) . Since 2006, WEAAD has been commemorated to promote awareness and increases understanding of the many forms of elder abuse as well as the resources available to those at risk. Highlighting the partnership between law enforcement and the public, U.S. Attorney Wilson emphasized the importance of awareness and education. “Fraud, financial exploitation, and elder abuse are each uniquely devastating to a senior’s well-being and independence,” said U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to combatting the many forms of elder abuse, and to educating and equipping seniors, together with their family and friends, on how to recognize and avoid common schemes and patterns of abuse.” Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological. The Justice Department maintains a variety of programs and initiatives to combat elder abuse. The Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force marshals federal and state agencies working collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign-based schemes that target older Americans. In addition to aggressively investigating the individuals, organizations, and networks responsible for these crimes, this initiative provides the public with information to guard against both traditional scams, like tech support fraud, as well as trending schemes, such as romance scams. Using one scam to perpetrate or conceal another, some fraudsters rely on money mules to move the proceeds of their illegal activity. Preying on the good will or financial vulnerability of their targets, scammers recruit people, many times older victims, to participate in schemes to move money in ways that avoid notice. The Money Mule Initiative identifies and addresses money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes, and helps people to recognize and avoid participation in perpetuating fraud. To help older individuals and their families identify and avoid fraudulent activity, the Justice Department provides Senior Scam Alerts with information about the tactics used in specific schemes. For example: • In Social Security Administration Impostor schemes , scammers impersonate government administrators and falsely reporting suspicious activity to request that the victims provide their Social Security number for confirmation. • In Tech Support scams , fraudsters contact victims, sometimes through internet pop-up messages, to warn about non-existent computer problems, ask that the victim give them remote access to their computer, and identify a non-existent problem, then demand large sums of money for unnecessary services. • In Lottery scams , telemarketers falsely notify victims that they have won a sweepstakes and tell them they must first pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes. To learn more about the department’s elder justice efforts please visit the Elder Justice Initiative (EJI) page . The Eastern District of Oklahoma continues to work with federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute elder abuse crimes. To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 , and visit the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Elder Fraud Complaint Page at IC3.gov .


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office For The Eastern District Of Tennessee Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

component: USAO - Tennessee, Eastern

body_text: KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Francis M. Hamilton III, U.S. Attorney for the District of Eastern Tennessee, joins national, state, and local leaders in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15th. Since 2006, WEAAD has been commemorated to promote awareness and increase the understanding of the many forms of elder abuse as well as the resources available to those at risk. Highlighting the partnership between law enforcement and the public, U.S. Attorney Hamilton emphasized the importance of awareness and education. “Our office joins our national, federal, state, and local partners in renewing our commitment to raise awareness to protect our elders from abuse, exploitation, neglect, and crime,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee. “Our office will continue to strengthen existing law enforcement and community relationships and foster new ones to combat crime directed at the elderly.” Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trusted relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological. The Justice Department maintains a variety of programs and initiatives to combat elder abuse. The Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force , marshals, federal, and state agencies working collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign-based schemes that target older Americans. In addition to aggressively investigating the individuals, organizations, and networks responsible for these crimes, this initiative provides the public with information to guard against both traditional scams, like tech support fraud, and trending schemes, such as romance scams. Using one scam to perpetrate or conceal another, some fraudsters rely on money mules to move the proceeds of their illegal activity. Preying on the good will or financial vulnerability of their targets, scammers recruit people, many times older victims, to participate in schemes to move money in ways that avoid notice. The Money Mule Initiative identifies and addresses money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes, and helps people to recognize and avoid participation in perpetuating fraud. To help older individuals and their families identify and avoid fraudulent activity, the Justice Department provides Senior Scam Alerts with information about the tactics used in specific schemes. For example, in Social Security Administration Impostor schemes, scammers impersonate government administrators and falsely report suspicious activity to request that the victims provide their Social Security number for confirmation. In Tech Support scams, fraudsters contact victims, sometimes through internet pop-up messages, to warn about non-existent computer problems, ask that the victim give them remote access to their computer, and identify a non-existent problem, then demand large sums of money for unnecessary services. In lottery scams, telemarketers falsely notify victims that they have won a sweepstakes and tell them they must first pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes. To learn more about the department’s elder justice efforts, please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page . The Eastern District of Tennessee continues to work with federal, state, local, and law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute elder abuse crimes. U.S. v. Henry: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtn/pr/nigel-john-ross-henry-sentenced-75-months-prison-conspiracy-commit-wire-and-mail-fraud U.S. v. Miller: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtn/pr/kentucky-woman-sentenced-two-years-forgery-federal-judges-signature U.S. v. Meyers: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtn/pr/lenoir-city-woman-sentenced-five-years-imprisonment-elder-fraud-scheme To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov. ###


title: Idaho U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: BOISE – Josh Hurwit, U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho, joined national, state, local, and Tribal leaders today in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Since 2006, WEAAD has been commemorated to promote awareness and increased understanding of the many forms of elder abuse affecting Americans, as well as the resources available to those at risk. In a new PSA released today , U.S. Attorney Hurwit highlighted the partnership between law enforcement and the public and emphasized the importance of reporting fraud and abuse affecting older Idahoans. “My office and the entire Department of Justice are committed to prosecuting those who abuse the elderly, including by financial exploitation, but we need help from our community,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Check-in on older adults who may be vulnerable and look for unusual financial transactions – unexplained withdrawals, purchases of gold bars or cryptocurrency, or uncharacteristic efforts to wire large amounts of money. We want to draw attention to these types of cases, as they can create devastating loss for our older population.” Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological. The Justice Department maintains a variety of programs and initiatives to combat elder abuse. The Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force marshals federal and state agencies working collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign-based schemes that target older Americans. In addition to aggressively investigating the individuals, organizations, and networks responsible for these crimes, this initiative provides the public with information to guard online fraud like tech support scams and romance scams. Using one fraud to perpetrate or conceal another, some fraudsters rely on money mules to move the proceeds of their illegal activity. Preying on the good will or financial vulnerability of their targets, these criminals recruit people, many times older victims, to participate in schemes to move money in ways that are less likely to be notices. The Money Mule Initiative identifies and addresses money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes, and helps people to recognize and avoid participating in and perpetuating such fraud. To help older individuals and their families identify and avoid fraudulent activity, the Justice Department provides Senior Scam Alerts with information about the tactics used in specific schemes. For example: in Social Security Administration Impostor schemes, scammers impersonate government administrators and falsely reporting suspicious activity to request that the victims provide their Social Security number for confirmation; in tech support scams, fraudsters contact victims, sometimes through internet pop-up messages, to warn about non-existent computer problems, ask that the victim give them remote access to their computer, and identify a non-existent problem, then demand large sums of money for unnecessary services; and in lottery scams, telemarketers falsely notify victims that they have won a sweepstakes and tell them they must first pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes. To learn more about the Department’s elder justice efforts please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page . The District of Idaho continues to work with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute elder abuse crimes. In August, a Boise couple is scheduled to be sentenced for wire fraud and obstruction of justice relating to defrauding an elderly victim, who was a retired school teacher, out of her home. James and Jessica Dougherty both face up to 20 years in federal prison. According to court records, James Dougherty and his wife, Jessica Dougherty, moved into a building on the elderly victim’s 46-acre ranch in Boise purportedly to provide the victim with assistance with her ranch and horses in exchange for free rent. Instead, James Dougherty stole her ranch through ostensibly legitimate estate planning documents and kicked her out of her home. After James and Jessica were arrested in August 2022, and while in pretrial custody, Jessica Dougherty made a call from the Ada County jail and requested that an individual “flash” or “reset” a Dell laptop computer located at the ranch. Within hours, an individual followed Jessica Dougherty’s request and records relevant to the investigation involving the victim were permanently destroyed from the Dell laptop computer. Jessica Dougherty admitted to knowingly causing the destruction of the records with the intent to obstruct the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to investigating and prosecuting cases like this to protect older Idahoans and to seek justice for them if they fall prey to wrongdoing. These efforts depend on community members looking out for their loved ones and neighbors and reporting suspected elder fraud or elder abuse. To report the physical abuse or neglect of elders, and contact local law enforcement or Adult Protective Services ( https://aging.idaho.gov/stay-safe/adult-protection/ ) or 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency. To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov. ###


title: Former Utica Tax Preparer Sentenced for Filing False Tax Returns

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: UTICA, NEW YORK – Dianna Nolan, 48, of Utica, New York, was sentenced today in federal court in Utica to a 3-year term of probation after previously pleading guilty to filing false federal income tax returns. The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Thomas Fattorusso, Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York Field Office. In pleading guilty previously, Nolan admitted that she worked as a professional tax return preparer in Oneida County, New York, between at least 2014 through 2018. On her personal income tax returns for tax years 2017 and 2018, Nolan intentionally did not report all the income she received as a tax return preparer. Nolan also filed income tax returns on behalf of clients that falsely claimed losses from rental properties, thereby reducing the total taxes owed by these clients and causing losses to the IRS. As part of her sentence, Nolan was also ordered to pay restitution to the IRS totaling $101,636.00 for tax years 2014 through 2018. This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Perry and Melissa O. Rothbart.


title: Broome County Felon Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Ammunition

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Joseph Horan, 40, of Binghamton, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 17-months in federal prison for illegally possessing ammunition as a felon. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), New York Field Division, made the announcement. When he pled guilty in January 2024, Horan admitted that, on November 4, 2022, while on parole, he possessed a magazine loaded with six rounds of .380 caliber ammunition. A 2019 felony conviction in Broome County Court prohibited Horan from legally possessing ammunition under federal law. United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered that Horan serve a 3-year term of supervised release following his release from prison. The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted the case.


title: Clay Man Sentenced on Federal Drug and Gun Convictions

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Eugene Gilbert, age 30, of Clay, New York was sentenced yesterday to serve ten (10) years in federal prison for his convictions for distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division. As part of his previous guilty plea, Gilbert admitted that on November 4, 2021, he led DEA Special Agents and other law enforcement officers on a high-speed vehicular chase on Interstate 81 north as they attempted to execute search warrants on his vehicle, his person, and his residence in Clay, New York. Pursuing agents located Gilbert’s Dodge Ram pickup truck abandoned near the Village of Parish. Gilbert left a bag containing 50 grams of cocaine, 39 grams of cocaine base, and 6 grams of fentanyl, as well as a loaded 9mm pistol in a nearby dumpster, where they were recovered by DEA Special Agents. The defendant was later arrested on December 17, 2021, after a second vehicle pursuit through Syracuse, Dewitt, and on Interstate 81 south after he fled from a United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. As part of his guilty plea, Gilbert further admitted distributing fentanyl on four separate instances between October 14, 2021, and November 2, 2021. Gilbert was also sentenced yesterday to a post-prison term of supervised release of 5 years. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, the Syracuse Police Department, the Metro-Jefferson Drug Task Force, U.S. Border Patrol, the New York State Police, the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick.


title: Fayetteville Man Involved in Drive-By Shooting Sentenced in Federal Court

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A Fayetteville man was sentenced to the statutory maximum of 120 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a felon after his involvement in a drive-by shooting. On March 13, 2024, Daron Owens, 22, pled guilty to the charge. According to court documents and other information presented in court, on November 24, 2021, Daron Owens conducted a drive-by shooting into a vehicle on Bragg Boulevard in Fayetteville. Evidence revealed seven bullet holes in the passenger side of the vehicle, and the victim sustained three gunshot wounds. On December 7, 2021, officers executed an arrest warrant at Owens’ residence. Owens attempted to flee through the back door, however, was quickly apprehended by the officers. Officers executed a search warrant at the residence and recovered two firearms that matched the shell casings recovered from the drive-by shooting from Owens’ bedroom. The officers also recovered and searched Owens’ phone. In a conversation with a subject, the subject sent Owens pictures of the victim’s vehicle and its location on Bragg Boulevard prior to the shooting. Owens responded “done” and a “checkmark emoji” indicating that the shooting was planned and completed by Owens. Additionally, there were pictures on Owens’ phone of him possessing firearms. Owens has previous convictions for larceny, involuntary manslaughter, eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, larceny of a motor vehicle and multiple counts of breaking or entering a motor vehicle. The conviction is a result of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) initiative which is a collaborative effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with the community, to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, and interagency coordination and intelligence-led policing. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Fayetteville Police Department investigated the case and former Assistant United States Attorney Chad Rhoades and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaren E. Kelly prosecuted 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-00229-M.


title: United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

component: USAO - Louisiana, Western

body_text: SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown joined national, state, local, and Tribal leaders today in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Since 2006, WEAAD has been commemorated to promote awareness and increases understanding of the many forms of elder abuse as well as the resources available to those at risk. Highlighting the partnership between law enforcement and the public, U.S. Attorney Brown emphasized the importance of awareness and education. “As people like our grade school teachers, little league softball coaches, childhood dance instructors, and family members get older, they become increasingly more susceptible to the cunning and conniving tactics of schemers who operate worldwide,” said United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “We have a duty as government officials to do all we can to bring awareness to how these schemers operate and prosecute those who unjustly enrich themselves to the detriment of our seniors.” Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological. The Justice Department maintains a variety of programs and initiatives to combat elder abuse. The Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force marshals federal and state agencies working collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign-based schemes that target older Americans. In addition to aggressively investigating the individuals, organizations, and networks responsible for these crimes, this initiative provides the public with information to guard against both traditional scams, like tech support fraud, as well as trending schemes, such as romance scams. Using one scam to perpetrate or conceal another, some fraudsters rely on money mules to move the proceeds of their illegal activity. Preying on the good will or financial vulnerability of their targets, scammers recruit people, many times older victims, to participate in schemes to move money in ways that avoid notice. The Money Mule Initiative identifies and addresses money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes, and helps people to recognize and avoid participation in perpetuating fraud. To help older individuals and their families identify and avoid fraudulent activity, the Justice Department provides Senior Scam Alerts with information about the tactics used in specific schemes. For example, in Social Security Administration Impostor schemes, scammers impersonate government administrators and falsely reporting suspicious activity to request that the victims provide their Social Security number for confirmation. In Tech Support scams, fraudsters contact victims, sometimes through internet pop-up messages, to warn about non-existent computer problems, ask that the victim give them remote access to their computer, and identify a non-existent problem, then demand large sums of money for unnecessary services. In Lottery scams, telemarketers falsely notify victims that they have won a sweepstakes and tell them they must first pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes. To learn more about the department’s elder justice efforts please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page . The Western District of Louisiana continues to work with federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute elder abuse crimes. Most recently, a federal grand jury in this district returned an indictment in April charging 21 defendants in connection with a federal bank fraud case wherein the government alleges these defendants defrauded elderly victim, many who were veterans, by stealing their personal banking information. In a separate case, two defendants were convicted after being hired by a family to offer sitting services to an elderly woman living in a nursing home suffering from a mental disease. These defendants inflated their timesheets purporting to have provided sitting services to the infirmed victim that the victim never received. We are committed to prosecuting these cases, but we need your help. To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov. # # #


title: Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years for Overdose Death

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Treveris Montel Coward, a/k/a “Bad News,” a 31-year-old resident of Raleigh, has been sentenced to 180 months in prison for aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl in the Raleigh area. On April 11, 2017, Coward, assisted in the distribution of fentanyl to a 22-year-old young woman who overdosed and died. Coward pled guilty on October 4, 2022. “Drug dealers are increasingly selling drugs laced with deadly fentanyl to make them stronger, more addictive, and more profitable. Now thousands of North Carolinians, including kids, are dying from overdoses,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “This defendant was the worst kind of coward, rendering aid to an overdose victim only to sell her one final deadly dose. Narcotics dealers take note of this 15-year sentence – if your drugs kill, you will pay a heavy price.” According to the court documents and other information presented in court, on April 11, 2017, the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) responded to a 911 call for a suspected overdose death. The investigation that followed confirmed that a 22-year-old young woman lost her life due to a fentanyl overdose. Ultimately, law enforcement learned that Coward assisted in the distribution of the fentanyl that led to the woman’s death. On April 10, 2017, the victim had previously received suspected fentanyl from Coward’s girlfriend, Amanda McLeod, and suffered an overdose. Coward and his co-defendant were called to the scene of the overdose. Coward rendered aid and the victim survived. However, despite the victim’s recent overdose, Coward and McLeod provided the victim with additional fentanyl the following day, sourced by Coward’s co-defendant, Reginald Webb, which caused her to overdose and die. On February 3, 2021, McLeod (5:20-cr-533-D-1) pled guilty to distributing a quantity of fentanyl and aiding and abetting and is awaiting sentencing. On January 5, 2024, Webb (5:21-cr-00148-D-1) pled guilty to distributing fentanyl and heroin and was sentenced to 198 months in prison. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Judge James C. Dever III. The Raleigh Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted 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 number 5:21-cr-00148-D-2.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha joins national, state, local, and Tribal leaders in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Since 2006, WEAAD has been commemorated to promote awareness and increases understanding of the many forms of elder abuse and elder fraud, as well as the resources available to those at risk. Highlighting the partnership between law enforcement and the public, U.S. Attorney Cunha emphasized the importance of awareness and education. “Elder fraud and abuse take a devastating toll on families, friends, and neighbors,” remarked U.S. Attorney Cunha. “Whether they deprive seniors of hard-earned financial security or physical safety, this office remains committed not just to prosecuting those who prey on the elderly, but to helping friends and family protect their loved ones from the impact of these crimes. I urge Rhode Islanders to educate themselves and learn to recognize the signs of elder fraud and abuse, report them to law enforcement, and help stand up for those they care about.” Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological. Elder fraud is the financial exploitation of senior citizens, often through scams or frauds targeting their assets. The Justice Department maintains a variety of programs and initiatives to combat elder fraud and abuse. The Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force marshals federal and state agencies working collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign-based schemes that target older Americans. In addition to aggressively investigating the individuals, organizations, and networks responsible for these crimes, this initiative provides the public with information to guard against both traditional scams, like tech support fraud, as well as trending schemes, such as romance scams. Using one scam to perpetrate or conceal another, some fraudsters rely on money mules to move the proceeds of their illegal activity. Preying on the good will or financial vulnerability of their targets, scammers recruit people, many times older victims, to participate in schemes to move money in ways that avoid notice. The Money Mule Initiative identifies and addresses money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes, and helps people to recognize and avoid participation in perpetuating fraud. To help older individuals and their families identify and avoid fraudulent activity, the Justice Department provides Senior Scam Alerts with information about the tactics used in specific schemes. For example, in Social Security Administration Impostor schemes, scammers impersonate government administrators and falsely reporting suspicious activity to request that the victims provide their Social Security number for confirmation. In Tech Support scams, fraudsters contact victims, sometimes through internet pop-up messages, to warn about non-existent computer problems, ask that the victim give them remote access to their computer, and identify a non-existent problem, then demand large sums of money for unnecessary services. In Lottery scams, telemarketers falsely notify victims that they have won a sweepstakes and tell them they must first pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes. To view and/or download a video message from U.S. Attorney Cunha and to learn more about the District of Rhode Island’s and the Department of Justice’s Elder Abuse Awareness efforts visit the District's website at Elder Justice Initiative page . ###


title: Columbia Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Federal Prison for A Series of Armed Robberies

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. —Iric Bolden, 31, of Columbia, was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, robbery, and attempted robbery. Evidence presented to the court showed that over the course of nine days in the fall of 2019, Bolden robbed three Midlands convenience stores while armed with a handgun and attempted to rob another. On Sept. 29, 2019, Bolden entered the 76 gas station located at 2538 Two Notch Rd. He pretended to ask the clerk a question and then walked behind the counter and pointed a gun at the clerk. Bolden demanded the clerk to open the cash register before taking money out of the register, cigarettes from the shelf, and the clerk’s cell phone, which was sitting on the counter. During the robbery, a customer tried to leave but Bolden detained the customer at gun point as well. After taking the items, Bolden ran from the store. On Sept. 30, 2019, Bolden entered the Marathon Corner Stop located at 1901 Faraway Dr. Bolden entered the store with his gun drawn and a mask over his face. However, Bolden was frightened by one of the clerks, his mask dropped from his face, and he ran from store. On Oct. 3, 2019, Bolden entered the Mini Mart Located at 900 S. Kilbourne Rd. He walked around as if he was browsing for items and then ran behind the counter and pointed a firearm at the clerk. He forced the clerk to lay on the ground and took the clerk’s cell phone, money from two cash registers, and cigarettes before leaving the store. On Oct. 6, 2019, Bolden entered Percival Grocery located at 301 Percival Rd. He entered the store and immediately began pulling a firearm from his waistband. He went behind the counter and demanded the clerk to open the cash register. Bolden took money out of the register, cigarettes from the shelf, a cell phone and money from the clerk and ran away from the location. Law enforcement recovered surveillance footage for all of the incidents which clearly depict Bolden’s actions. Bolden was arrested by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and confessed to the robberies. Prior to these incidents Bolden had multiple convictions for shoplifting and was on probation for strong arm robbery. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Iric Bolden to 288 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Federal Jury Finds Nevada Man Guilty Of Conspiring To Distribute And Possessing With The Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Noel Alfredo Garcia (34, Las Vegas, Nevada) guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Garcia faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Garcia was indicted on March 12, 2024. According to evidence presented at trial, Garcia conspired with his co-defendant, Jesus Villapudua, to transport nearly 30 pounds of methamphetamine from Victorville, California, to Lakeland, Florida for distribution. Villapudua coordinated the shipment and enlisted Garcia to transport the methamphetamine. Phone records showed Garcia in constant communication with Villapudua leading up to, and for the duration of the transportation. Ultimately, on January 29, 2024, the Florida Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on Garcia and the methamphetamine was in the trunk of his vehicle. Prior to this delivery, Garcia made multiple other trips across the United States to transport narcotics and the proceeds of narcotics sales. Villapudua previously pleaded guilty to the same offenses on May 23, 2024. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Florida Highway Patrol, with assistance from the Bradenton Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jeff Chang and Samantha Newman.


title: Tacoma Company Pleads Guilty and Sentenced for False Declarations on Timber Imports

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: Tip the Scale LLC, of Tacoma, Washington, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today for making false declarations regarding the species and harvest location of timber used in wooden cabinets and vanities. Tip the Scale, doing business as L & D Kitchen and Bath, is an importer and seller of various home goods including wooden kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. According to court documents, between January and May of 2020, Tip the Scale imported five shipping containers of wooden cabinets and vanities, all of which were falsely declared. The products, which were harvested and produced in China, were declared as a false species of wood harvested in Malaysia. By doing so, Tip the Scale evaded oversight of Chinese-harvested timber and more than $850,000 in import duties. The Lacey Act requires that importers of wood products file a declaration which describes the scientific genus and species as well as the harvest country of imports that contain timber. These declarations help stem the flow of protected, illegally logged or misdeclared timber species into the United States. Tip the Scale pleaded guilty to a single felony count of importing goods by means of false statements. The company was sentenced to pay $360,000 in fines and serve three years of probation. During probation, Tip the Scale is required to implement a mandatory environmental compliance plan audited by a third party. Prior to the sentencing, the company paid more than $850,000 in outstanding duties. The cabinets and vanities were seized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and donated to a local branch of Habitat for Humanity. “The United States was the first nation to criminalize transnational trafficking of plants and plant products, which includes home goods made with wood,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Enforcing the Lacey Act is our best tool in combatting timber trafficking.” “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that companies will be held accountable for violating environmental laws and deceiving customs authorities,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in the Pacific Northwest. “By falsifying import documentation, L&D Kitchen and Bath sought to gain an unfair advantage over competitors and evaded important environmental protections. We are committed to working with our partners to detect and deter such deceptive practices, ensuring that all companies adhere to the law.” “Illegal timber trafficking threatens not only critical forest ecosystems that countless species rely on, but also undermines the legitimate timber trade in U.S. and international markets,” said Assistant Director Edward Grace of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Office of Law Enforcement. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to stopping transnational criminal enterprises and maintaining the integrity of the legal timber trade.” “Customs and Border Protection is proud to work with all of our law enforcement partners to deliver appropriate consequences to those who violate the laws of our country,” said Director of Field Operations Brian Humphrey of Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Seattle Field Office. HSI Seattle and the USFW Office of Law Enforcement investigated the case. The USFWS National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory conducted forensic testing. CBP also assisted with the case. Senior Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case. LDKB - Compliance Plan as filed.pdf


title: U.S. Citizen With Diplomatic Status Facing Federal Charges For Alleged Sexual Abuse Of Two Minors In Burkina Faso

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Fode Sitafa Mara, age 39, with five counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor, one count of Coercion and Enticement and one count of Obstruction of Justice. The charges allege the sexual abuse of two minor victims, alleged to have occurred within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The indictment was returned on June 6, 2024, and the initial appearance was held on June 10, 2024, in Greenbelt before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Sullivan. The indictment was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland and Deputy Assistant Director William Ferrari of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (“DSS”). The seven-count indictment alleges that Mara, who holds a diplomatic status and was employed at the U.S. Embassy-Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, befriended a family that included two minor children. Over the course of that relationship, it is alleged that Mara groomed, coerced and sexually abused the two minor victims, who were 13 and 15 years old at the time of the abuse. These allegations of sexual abuse and rape are believed to have occurred at Mara’s embassy assigned residence, over the course of approximately one year. If convicted, Mara faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 30 years’ incarceration and a maximum of life in federal prison for the charges of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor. A federal district court judge will determine any applicable sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page. U.S. Attorney Barron commended the Diplomatic Security Service’s Office of Special Investigations, as well as the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranganath Manthripragada and Trial Attorney Adam Braskich of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: U.S. Attorney Announces Two Additional Civil Settlements as Part of National Effort to Combat Electronic Stimulation Fraudulent Billing Scheme and Recover Millions, and Enforcement Action of One of the Settlements

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced two civil settlements, nearing a total of $2 million, which are the latest actions in the national investigation into the improper billing involving the RST Sanexas neoGEN-Series device (“Sanexas”). The settlements announced today involve chiropractic clinics that principally used Sanexas treatment for patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy. Sanexas is an electric stimulation device marketed by RST Sanexas, Inc. (“RST”) to treat various forms of pain and other medical conditions. It consists of a large central unit and electrical leads that are temporarily affixed to the area being treated. Patients typically received treatment on an outpatient basis and received two treatments per week for twelve weeks, for a total of approximately 24 treatments. Treatment times generally lasted approximately 30 to 40 minutes. In conjunction with Sanexas treatment, the clinics injected patients with a vitamin blend. The settlements are pursuant to DOJ’s inability to pay policy: Joseph M. Childs, DC, Charles H. Durr, DC, and Active Integrated Medical Centers, PC (collectively, “Active Integrated”) agreed to pay $1,900,000 to resolve liability under the False Claims Act for the alleged improper billing of “Sanexas” and “TM Flow” devices, as well as epidermal nerve fiber density (“ENFD”) testing. Taylor Vanden Wynboom, DC and Nova Integrated Health, PC (collectively, “Nova”) agreed to pay $52,000 to resolve liability under the False Claims Act for the alleged improper billing of the Sanexas device and ENFD testing. Childs and Durr are chiropractors and co-owners of Active Integrated, with office locations in Downingtown and Hershey, Pennsylvania. From approximately February 5, 2020, through April 14, 2022, Active Integrated submitted over 67,000 claims for payment to Medicare involving application of the Sanexas device, often billed with accompanying vitamin injections under various procedure codes (97012, 97014, 97016, 97032, 97112, 97150, 99202, 99203, 99204, 99211,99212, 99213, and G0283) and injection codes (96372, J1955, J3411, J3415, J3420, and J3490). Because Active Integrated refused to make its required settlement payments, yesterday the United States filed a complaint in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to enforce the settlement agreement. Wynboom is a chiropractor and owner of Nova, with an office location in Ankeny, Iowa. From approximately March 20, 2019, through November 5, 2020, Nova submitted approximately 33,000 claims for payment to Medicare involving application of the Sanexas device, often billed with accompanying vitamin injections under various procedure codes (97016, 97032, 97112, 97150, 99203, 99212, 99213, 99214, and G0283) and injection codes (96372, J1955, J3411, J3415, J3420, and J3490). The United States Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Southern District of Iowa worked closely to file a complaint and ultimately finalize a settlement in the matter of Wynboom, who had declared Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The United States contends that Medicare did not permit reimbursement of Sanexas or vitamin injections used in conjunction with Sanexas in the way in which Active Integrated and Nova administered them. In particular, National Coverage Determination 160.7.1 states: “Electrical nerve stimulation treatments furnished by a physician in his/her office, by a physical therapist or outpatient clinic are excluded from coverage by § 1862(a)(1) of the Act.” Similarly, Local Coverage Determination (“LCD”) 35222 reinforces that “[t]he use of electrostimulation alone for the treatment of multiple neuropathies or peripheral neuropathies caused by underlying systemic diseases is not medically reasonable and necessary.” Other LCDs contain the same or similar statements, such as L35456, L35457, L37642, L35222, and L36850. The United States Food and Drug Administration cleared Sanexas as substantially equivalent to a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (“TENS”) on or around January 24, 2003. Sanexas treatment was not FDA-cleared for use in combination with vitamin injections, the vitamin blend was not FDA-approved, and the vitamin blend was produced in bulk, rather than prescribed for individual patients. The United States contends that vitamin injections used in conjunction with Sanexas treatment as Active Integrated and Nova administered them do not fall under the limited coverage available for prescription drugs under Medicare Part B. The LCDs noted above reinforce that vitamin injections that act as nerve blocks are not medically reasonable and necessary. In addition, the United States contends that the various billing codes that Active Integrated and/or Nova used are improper for the way in which it administered Sanexas treatment and vitamin injections. For example, CPT Code 97012 requires application of mechanical traction and patient supervision, 97016 applies to lymphedema treatment and requires patient supervision, and 97032 and 97112 require one-on-one patient contact. Active Integrated and Nova also submitted Medicare claims for testing used in conjunction with electric stimulation treatment – ENFD testing and/or TM Flow testing. ENFD testing involves performing a punch biopsy on patients to purportedly evaluate nerve damage that could be treated with the Sanexas device. ENFD testing was also conducted after Sanexas treatment purportedly to evaluate whether there has been an improvement to nerve health. The Sanexas device, however, is not FDA-cleared for healing or regrowing nerves. In addition, it was not medically reasonable or necessary to conduct additional testing related to electrical stimulation treatment, which was not covered by Medicare in the way in which Active Integrated and Nova administered it. Patients experienced pain while undergoing the punch biopsy used for ENFD testing. In addition, Active Integrated offered “TM Flow” testing to screen new patients for various diseases, which, if identified, could purportedly support the need for electric stimulation treatment using the Sanexas device. The TM Flow device conducts various autonomic nervous system (“ANS”) and vascular function assessments. The applicable LCD includes ten limitations that render ANS testing not medically reasonable and necessary and not covered, including “patient screenings without signs or symptoms of autonomic dysfunction,” testing where “results are not used in clinical decision-making and patient management,” and testing without the competence in the Autonomic Disorders medical subspecialty. See L35395. LCDs L23236, L33609, and L35124 contain similar limitations. Contrary to these limitations, however, Active Integrated used ANS testing to screen patients during an initial visit, offered treatment with the Sanexas device regardless of the results of TM flow testing, and lacked the necessary training to perform and interpret ANS testing. During the time period in question, Active Integrated submitted to Medicare approximately 1,500 claims for TM Flow testing under codes 93922, 95921, 95923, and 95943, as well as nearly 70 claims for ENFD testing under codes 11104 and 11105. Active Integrated also submitted approximately 2,500 claims for Sanexas treatment and TM Flow testing to TRICARE, a federal health care insurance system for members of the military services and their families. Meanwhile, Nova submitted approximately 16 claims for ENFD testing and approximately 1,200 claims for Sanexas treatment to TRICARE. “Before billing Medicare, providers must conduct their own due diligence, including reviewing applicable coverage determinations; they cannot blindly rely on the advice of device manufacturers, distributors, or billing companies,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “We will continue working closely with our partners at CMS’s Center for Program Integrity, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, and sister U.S. Attorney’s Offices around the country to hold accountable any other providers who inappropriately billed for these devices and caused false claims to be submitted.” “Every dollar saved is critical to the sustainability of the Medicare program and the needs of the people who depend on it,” said Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “We thank our partners at the Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General for working closely with us to identify, investigate, and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in our federal health care programs.” “Accurately billing for services provided to Medicare beneficiaries is required of all health care providers,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. “HHS-OIG, CMS’s Center for Program Integrity, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to evaluate and pursue inaccurate billings of Sanexas and similar devices.” The settled civil claims are allegations only. There has been no determination of civil liability. This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. The investigations and settlements were handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric S. Wolfish, Civil Division Chief Gregory B. David, and Auditors Dawn Wiggins and Andrew Schobert. The Nova settlement was also handled by Civil Division Chief Rachel Scherle of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.


title: Alamogordo Man Sentenced for Federal Firearms Offense

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A member of the notorious Bandidos Motorcycle Club was sentenced to 21 months in prison for unlawful possession of firearms by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system. According to publicly available court records, on August 31, 2023, the FBI and local law enforcement partners executed dozens of search warrants around New Mexico targeting the Bandidos Motorcycle Club. During the search of Jonathan Bivins , 42, home, agents discovered thirteen firearms in a safe located in his bedroom. As a previously convicted felon, Bivins knew that he was prohibited from owning firearms or ammunition. After completing his term of imprisonment, Bivins will be required to serve 3 years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and New Mexico State Police led the investigation as part of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph M. Spindle and David B. Hirsch are prosecuting the case. # # #


title: Fruitland Woman Charged with Assaulting Another Woman with a Knife

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Fruitland was charged by indictment with two counts of assault. Richelle R. Upshaw , 24, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. According to the indictment, on February 21, 2023, Upshaw assaulted Jane Doe with a dangerous weapon, a knife, and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury to Doe’s head and face. If convicted of the current charges, Upshaw faces up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case. View the Indictment An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # #


title: Valrico Man Sentenced For Role In Aiding In The Preparation Of False Tax Return

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Abdul Q. Aziz to 15 months in federal prison for aiding in the preparation and filing of numerous false and fraudulent income tax returns. Aziz entered a guilty plea on April 4, 2022. According to court documents, Aziz aided in the preparation of false income tax returns on behalf of friends and family members. He offered to help these taxpayers obtain large and unwarranted refunds by filing tax returns which falsely claimed income obtained and withholding credits based upon the payment of interest on mortgages which the taxpayers had previously obtained. The multiple tax returns which Aziz helped to prepare and file with the IRS led to claims on behalf of taxpayers for unlawful and unauthorized refunds in excess of $1.5 million. The actual loss to the IRS as to those returns exceeded $226,000. “This sentencing shows how seriously we are committed to investigating and stopping the filing of fraudulent returns,” said Lani Rosado-Espinal, acting Special Agent in Charge of CI Tampa Field Office. “Schemes meant to defraud the government will be uncovered. We hope that anyone thinking of participating in this kind of nefarious activity will pause and hopefully realize that their freedom is more valuable than the potential for ill-gotten gains.” This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. It is part of a lengthy investigation by the IRS in Tampa and Orlando centered upon this mortgage income/withholding scheme. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.


title: Sioux City Woman Pleads Guilty to Meth Conspiracy

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Dominique Burow, 37, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty June 12, 2024, in federal court, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. At the plea hearing, evidence showed that from January 2022 through February 2023, Burow and others distributed at least 5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Sioux City area. Evidence showed that twice in 2022, Burow distributed or aided another in the distribution of methamphetamine to individuals cooperating with law enforcement. Burow also admitted to obtaining at least nine pounds of meth from a number of sources to distribute in Sioux City. Burow also wired money – drug proceeds, to sources in Mexico and California. Burow was also caught with methamphetamine while on pre-trial release for her original charges. Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Burow remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Burow faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-4038. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking of Heroin and Fentanyl

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in federal court on June 13, 2024, to a violation of federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Ryan Mendoza, 31, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab to one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on February 25, 2021, members of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police recovered over 6,400 stamp bags containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl from a hotel room in Pittsburgh. The room had been rented by Mendoza the previous night. Mendoza was ultimately taken into custody and admitted to possession of the recovered drugs. Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for October 29, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Ball is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mendoza.


title: U.S. Attorney Recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Day

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – In observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea has joined with the Justice Department to condemn elder abuse, and vowed to continue to investigate and prosecute bad actors who seek to exploit and harm older adults. Each year, June 15th is recognized as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the abuse, neglect, and fraud schemes committed against older Americans. “Unfortunately, seniors are a frequent target for criminals,” U.S. Attorney O’Shea said. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to prosecute those who prey on senior citizens in the Western District of Wisconsin.” Each year, millions of seniors fall victim to some type of financial fraud or confidence scheme. Seniors are often targeted because they tend to be trusting and polite. They also usually have financial savings, own a home, and have good credit—all of which make them attractive to scammers. Additionally, seniors may be less inclined to report fraud because they don’t know how, or they may be too ashamed of having been scammed. They might also be concerned that their relatives will lose confidence in their abilities to manage their own financial affairs. And when an elderly victim does report a crime, they may be unable to supply detailed information to investigators. U.S. Attorney O’Shea urged seniors to be aware of common scams, so they can protect themselves. U.S. Attorney O’Shea also urged younger family members to discuss the increasing prevalence of these schemes with parents and grandparents. Some of the most common scams targeting older Americans include: • Romance scam: Criminals pose as interested romantic partners on social media or dating websites to obtain money from the victim. Romance scammers profess love quickly; claim to need money for a new business, taxes, hospital bills, or travel; and say they plan to visit but never do because of various emergencies. • Tech support scam: Criminals pose as technology support representatives and offer to fix non-existent computer issues, such as computer viruses or hacked accounts. • Grandparent scam: Criminals pose as a relative, usually a child or grandchild, claiming to be in immediate financial need. • Governmental impersonation scam: Criminals pose as government employees and threaten to arrest or prosecute victims unless they agree to pay. These tips could prevent you or someone you know from becoming a victim: • Resist the pressure to act quickly. Criminals create a sense of urgency to instill fear and the need for immediate action. Slow down. Talk to a trusted family member or friend to see if it raises concerns with them. • Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers. • Never give money to a new love interest you have only met online. • Do not open emails or click on attachments or links you do not recognize or were not expecting. • Be suspicious of anyone who contacts you and asks you to pay government fees or taxes by wire transfer, prepaid gift cards, cash, or cryptocurrency. • Research online and social media advertisements before purchase to determine if a product or company is legitimate. • If you suspect you might be talking to a scammer, stop communication. • If a person tells you to lie to your financial institution about the purpose of the funds you are withdrawing or sending, you should notify your financial institution and the police. • Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you. Reporting the fraud: If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud, contact your local police, local FBI field office, or submit a tip online. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or call: National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311) 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Eastern Time Monday – Friday Victims should also report the fraud to their financial institutions as soon as possible. For additional recourses on fraud scams, please visit: Romance scams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-romance-scams Tech support cams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams Grandparent scams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2021/04/dont-open-your-door-grandparent-scams Impersonation scams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-government-impersonation-scam For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.


title: Virginia Man Charged with Child Exploitation, Stalking, Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ROANOKE, Va. –A federal grand jury in Roanoke returned an indictment yesterday charging a Moneta, Va. man with sexual exploitation of a child, stalking, and possession of child pornography in relation to his leadership role of a group of individuals who extort and “swat” individuals online. The grand jury charged Evan Strauss, 26, a.k.a. “Reaper” and “Kobe Deonsons,” with one count of stalking, one count of coercion and enticement, two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, and one count of possession of child pornography. According to court documents, on November 1, 2023, Strauss and “Minor A,” a 17-year-old girl from Wyoming, met online and began to engage in regular communication. Over the course of several months, Strauss used various interactive computer services, electronic communications services, and other systems to harass and intimidate Minor A and to place her under surveillance. In one instance, after the victim refused to provide nude photos or videos of herself, Strauss became controlling and would scream at her. Later, he discovered the victim’s home address and threatened to “swat” her if she did not send him nude pictures or cut herself. Strauss then threatened to show up and kill her, her family, and her cat. As proof of his sincerity, Strauss boasted that he had killed animals before. Concerned for her family, the victim gave into Strauss’s demands. Among other things, the victim, at Strauss’s direction, carved Strauss’s online username, Reaper, into her upper thigh. On January 24, 2024, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation interviewed Strauss while conducting a search of his residence. Among the evidence seized as part of the search was an iPhone containing multiple videos and images of young girls who are naked and/or cutting themselves. These include pictures of Minor A with “Reaper” carved into her thigh and with other cuts on her legs, as well as a surreptitious recording that Strauss took of Minor A masturbating with a hairbrush. When Strauss admitted that one of his online usernames was “Reaper,” he also proclaimed to be an active member of a group of approximately 200 individuals known as the “Community,” and that he operated a sub-group within the Community known as “Purgatory.” According to Strauss, the Community participates in a variety of criminal activities online, including placing swatting calls, hacking, blackmailing individuals for money, and extorting women and girls to obtain explicit photos or videos of themselves and to commit acts of self-harm. United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, made the announcement today. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Scheff is 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: Registered Sex Offender Indicted for Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man, who is a Level 3 sex offender, was indicted yesterday in federal court in Boston for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Bryan Horgan, 58, was charged with possession of child pornography. Horgan was initially charged by complaint and arrested on April 26, 2024. He has remained in custody since that time. According to the charging documents, Horgan was identified as the owner of a Microsoft account uploading child pornography. During a search of Horgan’s residence, it is alleged that one of his electronic devices contained several video files of child pornography depicting children as young as infants. It is further alleged that another device contained filenames with words and phrases indicative of child pornography. Horgan was previously convicted in Suffolk Superior Court of rape of a child, assault to rape a child, indecent assault and battery on a child, disseminating obscene material to a minor, and possession of child pornography. Due to Horgan’s prior convictions, the charge of possession of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Soto of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Owners of “Empire Market” Charged in Chicago With Operating $430 Million Dark Web Marketplace

body_text: CHICAGO — Two men have been charged in federal court in Chicago with operating “Empire Market,” a dark web marketplace that enabled users to anonymously buy and sell more than $430 million in illegal goods and services around the world. THOMAS PAVEY, also known as “Dopenugget,” 38, of Ormond Beach, Fla., and RAHEIM HAMILTON, also known as “Sydney” and “Zero Angel,” 28, of Suffolk, Va., owned and operated Empire Market from 2018 to 2020, during which time they facilitated approximately four million transactions between vendors and buyers valued at more than $430 million, according to a superseding indictment returned Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The indictment charges Pavey and Hamilton with conspiring with each other and others to engage in drug trafficking, computer fraud, access device fraud, counterfeiting, and money laundering. The charges in the superseding indictment are punishable by a maximum sentence of life in federal prison. Pavey and Hamilton are in U.S. law enforcement custody. Arraignments in federal court in Chicago have not yet been scheduled. The superseding indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, Ruth Mendonça, Inspector-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York office of Homeland Security Investigations. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Wells and Ann Marie Ursini. According to the charges, Pavey and Hamilton previously worked together to advertise and sell counterfeit U.S. currency on AlphaBay, a dark web marketplace for illicit goods that was shut down in 2017 . They began operating Empire Market on Feb. 1, 2018, the indictment states. Thousands of vendors and buyers accessed Empire Market through a specialized anonymizing software and the site’s address, which ended in “.onion.” Vendors on Empire Market offered to sell various illicit goods and services, including controlled substances such as heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and LSD, as well as counterfeit currency and stolen credit card information, the indictment states. Buyers could browse the available goods and services by category, including “Fraud,” “Drugs & Chemicals,” “Counterfeit Items,” and “Software & Malware,” among others, the indictment states. After transactions were completed using cryptocurrency, buyers could review and rate their purchases on multiple criteria, including “stealth,” the indictment states. During the investigation, federal law enforcement seized cryptocurrency valued at $75 million at the time of the seizures, as well as cash and precious metals. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Pavey et al superseding indictment


title: U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, joined national, state, local, and Tribal leaders today in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Since 2006, WEAAD has been commemorated to promote awareness and increases understanding of the many forms of elder abuse as well as the resources available to those at risk. Highlighting the partnership between law enforcement and the public, U.S. Attorney Aber emphasized the importance of awareness and education. “We know the devastating effects of elder abuse on individuals and families,” said U.S. Attorney Aber. “The best tools we have to protect ourselves and those we care for are awareness and information. We must understand not just the evolving tactics used to do harm, but also the resources available to those at risk. The Justice Department remains committed both to prosecuting offenders and to providing the programs and assistance people need to defend against and recover from abuse.” Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological. According to a new report from the FBI, scams targeting individuals aged 60 and older caused over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023—an 11% increase over 2022. The Justice Department maintains a variety of programs and initiatives to combat elder abuse. The Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force marshals federal and state agencies working collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign-based schemes that target older Americans. In addition to aggressively investigating the individuals, organizations, and networks responsible for these crimes, this initiative provides the public with information to guard against both traditional scams, like tech support fraud, as well as trending schemes, such as romance scams. Using one scam to perpetrate or conceal another, some fraudsters rely on money mules to move the proceeds of their illegal activity. Preying on the good will or financial vulnerability of their targets, scammers recruit people, many times older victims, to participate in schemes to move money in ways that avoid notice. The Money Mule Initiative identifies and addresses money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes, and helps people to recognize and avoid participation in perpetuating fraud. To help older individuals and their families identify and avoid fraudulent activity, the Justice Department provides Senior Scam Alerts with information about the tactics used in specific schemes. For example, in Social Security Administration Impostor schemes, scammers impersonate government administrators and falsely report suspicious activity to request that the victims provide their Social Security number for confirmation. In Tech Support scams, fraudsters contact victims, sometimes through internet pop-up messages, to warn about non-existent computer problems, ask that the victim give them remote access to their computer, and identify a non-existent problem, then demand large sums of money for unnecessary services. In Lottery scams, telemarketers falsely notify victims that they have won a sweepstakes and tell them they must first pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes. To learn more about the department’s elder justice efforts please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page . The Eastern District of Virginia continues to work with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute elder abuse crimes. For example, Howard Lee Stith pleaded guilty to defrauding elderly homeowners in the Richmond Metro area by appearing at their homes and claiming that their slate roofs needed extensive repairs, but ultimately performed minimal work and charged exorbitant fees. On May 14, 2024, Stith was sentenced to seven years in prison. On May 15, 2024, Sunyu Qian pleaded guilty to conning elderly victims into purchasing gift cards that he used to acquire high-value items. Qian used approximately $1.1 million through unauthorized access. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 8. To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov.


title: Southern District of Florida recognizes  World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Markenzy Lapointe, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, joined national, state, local, and Tribal leaders today in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Since 2006, WEAAD has been commemorated to promote awareness and increase understanding of the many forms of elder abuse as well as the resources available to those at risk. Highlighting the partnership between law enforcement and the public, U.S. Attorney Lapointe emphasized the importance of awareness and education. “Our Office is committed to protecting and supporting the most vulnerable among us, including the elderly,” stated U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “Exploitative practices that target seniors inflict great financial, emotional and at times physical harm. Elder abuse, fraud, and neglect remain urgent problems in our country. If you or your loved ones are victims of elder fraud and/or abuse, contact law enforcement for help. No one should fight this battle alone.” Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological. The Justice Department maintains a variety of programs and initiatives to combat elder abuse. The Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force marshals federal and state agencies working collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign-based schemes that target older Americans. In addition to aggressively investigating the individuals, organizations, and networks responsible for these crimes, this initiative provides the public with information to guard against both traditional scams, like tech support fraud, as well as trending schemes, such as romance scams. Using one scam to perpetrate or conceal another, some fraudsters rely on money mules to move the proceeds of their illegal activity. Preying on the good will or financial vulnerability of their targets, scammers recruit people, many times older victims, to participate in schemes to move money in ways that avoid notice. The Money Mule Initiative identifies and addresses money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes, and helps people to recognize and avoid participation in perpetuating fraud. The U.S. Attorney’s Office recently issued the following announcement regarding money mules.. “Our Office is committed to dismantling criminal networks, to include those designed to inflict financial harm upon older Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “We will continue to work with our federal partners to disrupt money mule networks, educate consumers about scams, and prosecute criminals who defraud the public. Our goal is to keep money out of the hands of domestic and international fraudsters and in the pockets and bank accounts of the South Florida residents and visitors we serve.” To help older individuals and their families identify and avoid fraudulent activity, the Justice Department provides Senior Scam Alerts with information about the tactics used in specific schemes. For example, In Social Security Administration impostor schemes, scammers impersonate government administrators and falsely report suspicious activity to request that the victims provide their Social Security number for confirmation. In tech support scams, fraudsters contact victims, sometimes through internet pop-up messages, to warn about non-existent computer problems, ask the victim to give them remote access to their computer, and identify a non-existent problem, then demand large sums of money for unnecessary services. In lottery scams, telemarketers falsely notify victims that they have won a sweepstake and tell them they must first pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes. To learn more about the Justice Department’s elder justice efforts please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page . U.S. Attorney Lapointe’s elder fraud Public Service Announcement (PSA) can be viewed by visiting this link. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida continues to work with federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners, to include the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), U.S. Secret Service (USSS), and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), to investigate and prosecute elder abuse crimes. Recent South Florida elder abuse cases include the following: Monique C. Clarke, a/k/a “Monique Clark-Mootoo,” a/k/a “Rebecca White,” and a/k/a “Mark Hilton,” and Jon-Michael Hudson were charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit money laundering for their involvement in a Jamaican lottery scheme that targeted over 50 elderly victims throughout the United States and resulted in over $6.6 million in losses. The trial is scheduled for Aug. 12, before U.S. District Judge Melissa Damian in Fort Lauderdale. An indictment contains mere allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Five people, to include a home health aide and her daughter, were sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a South Florida elder fraud scheme. To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov. ###