title: Mexican National Indicted For Distribution Of Fentanyl And Possession Of A Firearm

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Nahum Rodriguez-Jaimes (46, Mexico) with three counts of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. If convicted, Rodriguez-Jaimes faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment per count on the fentanyl distribution charges, and up to 15 years in federal prison for the firearm offense. The indictment also notifies Rodriguez-Jaimes that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm as well as any assets, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. According to the indictment,Rodriguez-Jaimes distributed fentanyl pills on September 28, October 10, and October 19, 2023, in the Middle District of Florida. On November 7, 2023, Rodriguez-Jaimes, who is not in the United States legally, was found to be in possession of a firearm, which is a violation of United States federal law. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Plant City Police Department, and United States Customs and Border Protection. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Rapid City Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl. The sentencing took place on November 29, 2023. John Hansen, age 64, was sentenced to 10 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. Hansen was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl by a federal grand jury in March of 2023. He pleaded guilty on September 13, 2023. Hansen and his daughter, Aubrey, had a source for fentanyl pills in Colorado. On multiple occasions between the summer of 2022 and January of 2023, they traveled to Colorado and brought back thousands of pills, which were then sold to people in Rapid City for use or for further distribution. Overall, Hansen was responsible for bringing between 400 grams and 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl to the Rapid City area. Hansen had several other people assisting him, including his daughter. Each fentanyl pill is approximately 1/10th of a gram of fentanyl and one pill is approximately two dosage units. Aubrey Hansen was previously sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for her role in the conspiracy. This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, which is a local drug task force comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. Hansen was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Former Correctional Officer Sentenced To More Than Five Years In Prison For Sexual Abuse Of Two Female Inmates

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: OAKLAND - Former federal correctional officer John Bellhouse was sentenced today to 63 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $25,500 for his sexually abusive conduct against two female victims who were serving prison sentences at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Dublin. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. Bellhouse, 40, formerly of Pleasanton, Calif., was initially charged with sexual abuse of an inmate on Feb. 17, 2022. A federal grand jury issued a superseding indictment on Sept. 29, 2022, charging Bellhouse with two counts of sexual abuse of a ward and three counts of abusive sexual contact that occurred between December 2019 and December 2020. A jury convicted Bellhouse of all counts. “John Bellhouse exploited his position of trust at the Federal Bureau of Prisons by sexually abusing multiple women in his custody – and today he has been held to account,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “The sentence of imprisonment imposed today is the latest example of the Justice Department’s continuing work to address the egregious misconduct that took place at FCI Dublin and prioritize the eradication of sexual assault from our prison system.” “This defendant’s conduct was a disturbing deviation from the expectations and requirements of all federal correctional officers,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “Bellhouse violated his oath and abused the power given to him, all to victimize the people he was supposed to protect. This sentence makes clear that the sexual abuse of inmates by guards will not be tolerated.” “While today’s sentencing cannot undo the horrific abuse that Bellhouse’s victims endured, it sends a clear message that BOP employees who abuse inmates in their custody and care will be brought to justice. Our investigation of sexual abuse at FCI Dublin remains ongoing, and we will continue to aggressively pursue justice for victims of sexual abuse at the hands of BOP employees,” said Department of Justice Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz. “The horrendous sexual abuse committed by convicted offender John Bellhouse is cruel and despicable,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “As a federal corrections officer, Bellhouse sexually abused inmates under his care and attempted to cover-up his crimes. These violations are inexcusable breaches of the trust and authority granted to government officials. This sentencing is a reminder that the FBI and our partners will relentlessly pursue those who physically harm others and hold them accountable.” “John Bellhouse has been held accountable for his abhorrent actions, preying upon vulnerable individuals in his custody,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp of the San Francisco Division. “Our investigation continues. We will find justice for victims of these heinous crimes.” Bellhouse was employed as a correctional officer at the FCI Dublin, California, an all-female low security federal correctional institution. Trial evidence showed that beginning December 2019 through October 2020 Bellhouse sexually abused and committed abusive sexual contact against a victim incarcerated and serving a prison sentence at FCI Dublin under Bellhouse’s custodial, supervisory, and disciplinary authority. Bellhouse engaged in oral sex with the victim in the prison Safety Warehouse and Safety Office and touched the victim’s vagina and breasts in the prison Safety Office, according to the trial evidence. Evidence presented at trial also demonstrated Bellhouse committed abusive sexual contact against a second victim between October and December of 2020. Trial evidence showed that the acts occurred in the Safety Office at the FCI Dublin Camp. The trial evidence further showed that Bellhouse sexually abused another inmate in 2020 and 2021 when he reached through a window in her cell and grabbed her breast, and on another occasion put his finger in her vagina without her consent while she was in her cell after showering. In a memorandum filed in connection with Bellhouse’s sentencing, the government provided additional information regarding Bellhouse’s criminal conduct while he was a correctional officer. In the memorandum, the government argued that in addition to the three women who testified at trial about Bellhouse’s sexual abuse of them, Bellhouse also abused other women. Further, the government’s memorandum describes how Bellhouse used his ability to access everyday items such as Starbucks coffee, yarn, jewelry, and cleaning supplies, to get his victims both to acquiesce in the abuse and to keep them quiet about his conduct. For example, according to the memorandum, Bellhouse would provide items to coax compliance with his demands. Because these items were considered contraband at FCI Dublin, mere possession of them exposed inmates to potential punishments such as solitary confinement and loss of good time credits. Bellhouse was convicted of two counts of sexual abuse of a ward, and three counts of abusive sexual conduct. Judge Gonzalez Rogers ordered Bellhouse to surrender on or before Feb. 2, 2024, to begin serving his sentence. In addition, Judge Gonzalez Rogers scheduled a hearing for Feb. 1, 2024, to determine issues regarding restitution. The Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly Priedeman and Andrew Paulson prosecuted the case with the assistance of Madeline Wachs, Sara Slattery, Leeya Kekona, and Kay Konopaske.


title: Osceola County Woman Admits To Unlicensed Dealing In Firearms And Falsification Of Gun Purchase Records

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Viviana Rodriguez (41, Kissimmee) has pleaded guilty to one count of dealing in firearms without a license, seven counts of making a materially false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL), and seven counts of causing an FFL to maintain false information in its official records. Rodriguez faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison for dealing in firearms without a license, 10 years for each count of making a materially false statement to an FFL, and 5 years for each count of causing an FFL to maintain false information in its official records. Her co-defendant, Kingsley Wilson, pleaded guilty to 25 related counts in November 2023 and is awaiting sentencing. According to the plea agreement and evidence presented in court, between January 2022 and July 2023, Wilson purchased 92 firearms from FFLs within the Middle District of Florida. Rodriguez, Wilson’s girlfriend, purchased an additional 47 firearms during the same period. While purchasing these firearms, Rodriguez falsely certified on ATF Form 4473s (Firearm Transaction Records) that she was the “actual transferee/buyer” of the firearms. Rodriguez was actually purchasing these firearms for others in exchange for monetary payments. Wilson’s cellphone revealed numerous conversations between Wilson and others, including Rodriguez, about the illegal purchases and transfer of these firearms. Fourteen of the firearms purchased by Wilson and Rodriguez have been recovered by law enforcement at crime scenes (including homicides) in the Bahamas and Canada. This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Former Federal Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty To Fourteen Counts Of Wire Fraud

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Katrina Denise McCoy (41, Minneola) has pleaded guilty to 14 counts of wire fraud. For each count, McCoy faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. McCoy has also agreed to forfeit $39,570 – representing the proceeds of the offense. McCoy was indicted on July 11, 2023. Her sentencing hearing has not yet been set. According to court records, McCoy is a former correctional officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Between March 27, 2019, and February 23, 2021, McCoy submitted false disability claims with fictitious supporting documentation. McCoy created the supporting documentation on BOP letterhead and affixed the names of her supervisor and a medical professional without their knowledge or permission. As a result of her fraudulent scheme, McCoy caused 14 wire transfers to be deposited into her bank account totaling $39,570. This case was investigated by the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Investigative and Forensic Services - Bureau of Insurance Fraud and the Department of Justice – Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.


title: Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a Firearm After Felony Conviction

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – CARLSEL ALEXANDER , age 27, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 30, 2023 by United States District Judge Susie Morgan, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans. The indictment alleged that ALEXANDER was a convicted felon in possession of a FN Model 509, 9-millimeter semiautomatic handgun. ALEXANDER was sentenced to thirty-three (33) months imprisonment followed by three (3) years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the General Crimes Unit.


title: Swiss Private Bank Banque Pictet Admits to Conspiring with U.S. Taxpayers to Hide Assets and Income in Offshore Accounts

component: Tax Division

body_text: Swiss private bank Banque Pictet et Cie SA admitted today to conspiring with U.S. taxpayers and others to hide more than $5.6 billion in 1,637 secret bank accounts in Switzerland and elsewhere and to conceal the income generated in those accounts from the IRS. As part of today’s resolution, Banque Pictet entered into a deferred prosecution agreement and agreed to pay approximately $122.9 million to the U.S. Treasury. Today’s resolution is one of a series of cases by the Justice Department in connection with its investigations since 2008 into facilitation of offshore U.S. tax evasion by foreign banks. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos for the Southern District of New York. “Today, Banque Pictet et Cie admitted to actively helping U.S. taxpayers use coded accounts, foreign trusts and entities, nominee beneficiaries and other deceits to conceal their income and assets abroad,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg. “For this criminal conduct the bank will be paying nearly $122.9 million in restitution, disgorgement of fees and a financial penalty, and is required to fully cooperate with investigations relating to these secret accounts.” “As it has admitted today, Banque Pictet knowingly conspired to conceal from the IRS the income generated by accounts which held more than $5.6 billion,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. “Thanks to the hard work of the career prosecutors of this Office and our law enforcement partners, Banque Pictet has agreed to pay more than $122.9 million and will continue to cooperate with the Department of Justice. Rooting out financial malfeasance remains a priority for this Office, and we encourage companies and financial institutions to come to us to report wrongdoing before we come to you.” “This case should provide a clear message to others who try to hide their assets and income offshore. Our special agents are experts in following the money, and they are the best at uncovering schemes that try to defraud the U.S. tax system,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Chief Jim Lee. “Offshore tax evasion is a priority for IRS Criminal Investigation, and today’s deferred prosecution agreement with Bank Pictet collects more than $120 million owed to the U.S. government.” According to documents filed today in Manhattan federal court: The Pictet Group was founded in 1805 and is a privately held Swiss financial institution headquartered in Geneva that has historically operated as a general partnership and, since 2014, as a corporate partnership. A limited number of managing partners, generally eight or fewer, collectively known as “The Salon,” own and manage the Pictet Group. As of Dec. 31, 2014, the Pictet Group had approximately 3,800 employees in various locations, primarily in Switzerland, but also in Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Bahamas. The Pictet Group operates two main business divisions: institutional asset management and private banking for individuals. From 2008 to 2014, Pictet Group’s private banking division was operated by the group’s following banking entities: the Swiss bank (Banque Pictet & Cie SA); Pictet & Cie (Europe) SA, headquartered in Luxembourg; Bank Pictet & Cie (Asia) Ltd. in Singapore and the Bahamian bank, Pictet Bank & Trust Ltd. The Pictet Group provided offshore corporation and trust formation and administration services to certain U.S. taxpayers, first through the Estate Planning and Trust Services unit and later through a wholly owned subsidiary called Rhone Trust and Fiduciary Services SA (Rhone). As of Dec. 31, 2014, the Pictet Group’s private banking division managed or held custody of approximately $165 billion in assets under management (AUM). From 2008 to 2014, the Pictet Group served approximately 3,736 private accounts that had U.S. taxpayers as beneficial owners, whose aggregate maximum AUM, including declared assets, was approximately $20 billion. Though Pictet Group adopted early measures to confirm that U.S. clients complied with U.S. law, from 2008 through 2014, the Pictet Group assisted certain U.S. taxpayer-clients with Pictet Group accounts in evading their U.S. tax obligations and otherwise hiding undeclared accounts [1] from the IRS. In total, from 2008 through 2014, the Pictet Group held 1,637 U.S. Penalty Accounts [2] with aggregate maximum AUM of approximately $5.6 billion in January 2008, on behalf of U.S. taxpayer-clients, who collectively evaded approximately $50.6 million in U.S. taxes. The Pictet Group assisted U.S. taxpayer-clients with evading their U.S. taxes by opening and maintaining undeclared accounts for U.S. taxpayer-clients at the Pictet Group, either directly or through external asset managers. The Pictet Group also maintained accounts of certain U.S. taxpayer-clients within the Pictet Group in a manner that allowed the U.S. taxpayer-clients to further conceal their undeclared accounts from the IRS. The Pictet Group and certain of its employees knew or should have known that some of their U.S. taxpayer-clients were evading U.S. taxes. In every instance, managing partners approved the opening of new private client relationships and were informed of the closing of U.S. taxpayer-clients’ accounts, which included some undeclared accounts. As further detailed below, the Pictet Group used a variety of means to assist U.S. taxpayer-clients in concealing their undeclared accounts, including by: forming or administering offshore entities in whose name the Pictet Group opened and maintained accounts, some of which were undeclared, for U.S. taxpayer-clients; opening and maintaining undeclared accounts in the names of offshore entities formed by others for U.S. taxpayer-clients; opening and maintaining Private Placement Life Insurance policy accounts, also called insurance wrappers, held in the name of insurance companies but beneficially owned by U.S. taxpayers and improperly managed or funded through undeclared accounts at the Pictet Group; transferring funds from undeclared U.S. taxpayer-client accounts to accounts nominally held by non-U.S. clients but still controlled by U.S. taxpayer-clients via fictitious donations, thus assisting U.S. taxpayer-clients in continuing to maintain undeclared funds offshore; providing traditional Swiss banking products such as hold-mail account services, where account-related mail is held at the bank rather than sent to the client, and coded or numbered accounts and accepting IRS Forms W-8BEN [3] or Pictet Group’s substitute forms that the group knew or should have known falsely stated or implied under penalty of perjury that offshore entities beneficially owned the assets in the undeclared accounts. The $122.9 million Banque Pictet agreed to pay to the U.S. Treasury pursuant to the deferred prosecution agreement consists of (i) $52,164,201 to the United States, which represents gross fees (not profits) that the bank earned on its undeclared accounts between 2008 and 2014; (ii) $31,844,192 in restitution to the IRS, which represents the unpaid taxes resulting from Banque Pictet’s participation in the conspiracy and (iii) a $38,950,998 penalty. The penalty considers the nature and seriousness of the Pictet Group's conduct, the Bank’s extensive internal investigation, the Bank’s substantial provision of documents to the Justice Department, and the Bank’s facilitation of witness interviews. The Bank further implemented remedial measures to protect against the use of its services for future tax evasion. In addition to the payment, Banque Pictet also agrees under the deferred prosecution agreement to accept responsibility for its conduct by stipulating to the accuracy of an extensive statement of facts. Banque Pictet further agreed to refrain from all future criminal conduct, implement remedial measures and cooperate fully with further investigations into hidden bank accounts. Specifically, the Bank is required to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations and affirmatively disclose any information it may later uncover regarding U.S.-related accounts. The Bank is also required to disclose information consistent with the Justice Department’s Swiss Bank Program relating to accounts closed between Jan. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2022. The agreements provide no protection from criminal or civil prosecution for any individuals. If Banque Pictet continues to comply with its agreement, the United States has agreed to defer prosecution of Banque Pictet for a period of three years, after which time the United States will seek to dismiss the charge against Banque Pictet. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney for Criminal Matters General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York and Chief Jim Lee of the IRS Criminal Investigation made the announcement. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation. Senior Litigation Counsel Nanette Davis of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel G. Nessim and Olga Zverovich for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case. [1] An “undeclared account” was a financial account beneficially owned by an individual subject to U.S. tax obligations and maintained in a foreign country that had not been reported by the individual account owner to the U.S. Government on an income tax return or an FBAR—a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts, FinCEN Form 114 (formerly known as Form TD F 90 22.1). [2] “U.S. Penalty Accounts” are defined as U.S. accounts valued over $50,000 that the parties agree should be subject to a penalty for the offense conduct. [3] The IRS Form W-8BEN is a tax form that identifies the foreign status of non-U.S. persons for U.S. tax withholding purposes.


title: Metairie Man Sentenced for Using Communication Device to Facilitate Felony Drug Trafficking

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – BRANDON MARTINEZ, a/k/a “RABBIT , ” a resident of Metairie, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to forty-eight (48) months incarceration after previously pleading guilty to use of a communication facility to facilitate felony drug trafficking, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 843(b). Judge Fallon ordered that MARTINEZ be placed on supervised release for three (3) years following release from prison. MARTINEZ was also ordered to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. According to court records, prior to March 2, 2021, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,, Firearms and Explosives ("ATF") learned that a motorcycle in New Orleans, might be harboring drug sellers. ATF used confidential informant ("CI") to investigate whether drug sales were indeed occurring. On March 2, 2021, the CI traveled to the shop and met with MARTINEZ . The CI told MARTINEZ that he wanted to buy methamphetamine. MARTINEZ then used a cellphone to set up a meeting between the CI and a co-defendant in this case, who sold methamphetamine. All of the co-defendants involved in this case previously plead guilty to selling and attempting to sell over 50 grams of methamphetamine, in addition to gun charges. 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 track 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. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit .


title: Houston Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – On November 29, 2023, United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced JORGE ISAAC GONZALEZ-MEDINA , age 32, of Houston, to the mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, for violating the Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. GONZALEZ-MEDINA was also ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. According to court records, GONZALEZ-MEDINA admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). GONZALEZ-MEDINA further admitted to being stopped in a vehicle with three kilograms of fentanyl concealed in the rear axle. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Former Private Prisoner Transport Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Offense and Admits to Sexually Assaulting Multiple Female Pretrial Detainees

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A former private prisoner transport officer, Marquet Johnson, 44, pleaded guilty today to violating the civil rights of multiple female pretrial detainees by sexually assaulting them during prisoner transports. “Sexual assaults carried out by law enforcement officials at any stage of the criminal justice process, including in the transport of detainees held in custody, have no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This egregious conduct violates federal civil rights law, and the Justice Department will continue to resolutely seek justice for the survivors of these heinous crimes.” “Every person has a basic right to dignity and respect,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez for the District of New Mexico. “And nobody, no matter the crime of which they are being accused, deserves to be raped. When jailers fail their duty to those in their charge, they will join them in custody.” “Law enforcement officers and other officials receive certain powers from the government so they can defend the rights of the people and prevent wrongdoing,” said Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “When individuals working in an official capacity violate the trust of their communities by abusing that power, they undermine the hard work of all officials. The despicable actions perpetuated by Johnson, against those he was entrusted to protect, have no place in society. When you break the trust, you’re given as a member of law enforcement and ultimately break the law, there are consequences. Today’s plea is a resounding reminder that the FBI is committed to restoring trust in law enforcement by holding those who abuse their privileges and abandon their responsibilities accountable. I commend the hard work of our agents, our law enforcement partners with the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office and the U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico with helping to bring justice to the victims in this case and holding Johnson to account for his crimes.” According to the plea agreement, at the time of the offense, Johnson worked as a prisoner transport officer for Inmate Services Corporation (ISC). As a prisoner transport officer, Johnson performed the government function of picking up individuals who were arrested on out-of-state warrants and transporting those individuals back to the jurisdictions that issued the warrants. On Nov. 4, 2019, Johnson and his transport partner picked up the victim, a female pretrial detainee, from a jail in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to transport her to Delta County, Colorado. That same day, while still in New Mexico, Johnson’s transport partner stopped the transport van at a gas station. As soon as Johnson’s transport partner walked away from the van, Johnson ordered the victim to move to the bench row in the back of the transport van, climbed into the back of the van, removed the victim’s ankle restraints and loosened her handcuffs. The victim told Johnson that she was unsure what was going on but said that she did not want “to do this.” In response, Johnson pulled out a dangerous weapon, and, resting the weapon on his lap, told the victim that he wanted her to cooperate with him, “otherwise, it was going to get ugly.” Johnson then ordered the victim to partially remove her clothing and lay down on her back. The victim did so but again told Johnson she did not want to do this. In response, Johnson held the weapon against the victim’s cheek while raping her. Johnson admitted that the victim did not consent to any of the sexual conduct, and his conduct included the use of a dangerous weapon and aggravated sexual abuse. Johnson further admitted that this was not the first female pretrial detainee he sexually assaulted during an ISC prisoner transport. Johnson admitted that in July 2019, he transported another female pretrial detainee from Spencer, Indiana to San Marcos, Texas. While en route to Texas, during a stop at ISC headquarters in West Memphis, Arkansas, Johnson forced the detainee to perform oral sex on him. Johnson admitted that this victim also did not consent to any of the sexual conduct and that his misconduct included aggravated sexual abuse. Finally, Johnson admitted that in August 2019, he transported yet another female pretrial detainee from Baker County, Oregon to Warrensburg, Missouri. While in Missouri, Johnson stopped the transport van at a hotel, where he raped her. A short time later Johnson brought the female detainee back outside to the transport van and, after resuming the transport, forced the female detainee to perform oral sex on him. Johnson admitted that this victim also did not consent to any of the sexual conduct and that his misconduct included aggravated sexual abuse and kidnapping. A sentencing hearing will be set on a later date. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, to be followed by up to five years of supervised release. In addition, Johnson must pay restitution and, upon release, adhere to state and federal sex offender registration requirements. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sherriff’s Office. Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Brawley for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern District of Arkansas and Western District of Missouri.


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Violations of Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JASHA BANKS , a/k/a “Chocolate,” age 39, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on November 30, 2023 by U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan to 120 months incarceration after previously pleading guilty to a three-count indictment. Judge Morgan ordered that BANKS be placed on supervised release for three (3) years and pay a mandatory $300 special assessment fee. Count 1 charged BANKS with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(a)(8). Count 2 charged BANKS with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). Count 3 charged BANKS with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i). According to court records, on August 2, 2022, a New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officer attempted to make a lawful stop of a white Chrysler 300 driven by BANKS . However, BANKS fled from the officer before being apprehended. After obtaining a search warrant for BANKS’s vehicle, NOPD officers searched the car and located $31,478 in cash, 12 individually wrapped baggies containing a blue rock-like substance (46.7 grams) identified as fentanyl, a black Glock Model 23, .40 caliber handgun containing 14 live rounds, and various other items. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Former U.S. Ambassador and National Security Council Official Charged with Secretly Acting as an Agent of the Cuban Government

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Federal prosecutors have charged Victor Manuel Rocha, 73, of Miami, Florida, a former U.S. Department of State employee who served on the National Security Council from 1994 to 1995 and ultimately as U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia from 2000 to 2002, with committing multiple federal crimes by secretly acting for decades as an agent of the government of the Republic of Cuba. “This action exposes one of the highest-reaching and longest-lasting infiltrations of the United States government by a foreign agent,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We allege that for over 40 years, Victor Manuel Rocha served as an agent of the Cuban government and sought out and obtained positions within the United States government that would provide him with access to non-public information and the ability to affect U.S. foreign policy. Those who have the privilege of serving in the government of the United States are given an enormous amount of trust by the public we serve. To betray that trust by falsely pledging loyalty to the United States while serving a foreign power is a crime that will be met with the full force of the Justice Department.” “The Southern District and our law enforcement partners stand ready to protect the United States from individuals who act unlawfully as agents of foreign governments,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “Individuals who violate federal law by engaging in clandestine activity for hostile foreign states, and by providing false information about those activities to the U.S. government, endanger American democracy. That is especially so for past or present employees of the United States who took an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution, and for U.S. citizens who benefit from the freedoms and opportunities of this country. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners in South Florida, and elsewhere, will continue to vigorously enforce all federal laws.” “Like all federal officials, U.S. diplomats swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Acting as an agent for Cuba – a hostile foreign power – is a blatant violation of that oath and betrays the trust of the American people,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI will continue to rigorously defend against foreign governments targeting America, and we will find and hold accountable anyone who violates their oath to the United States, no matter how long it takes.” “For decades, Rocha allegedly worked as a covert agent for Cuba and abused his position of trust in the U.S. government to advance the interests of a foreign power,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “However long it might take, we will deliver justice to those who betray their solemn oaths to the American people.” According to the complaint, beginning no later than approximately 1981, and continuing to the present, Rocha, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Colombia, secretly supported the Republic of Cuba and its clandestine intelligence-gathering mission against the United States by serving as a covert agent of Cuba’s General Directorate of Intelligence. To further that role, according to the complaint, Rocha obtained employment in the U.S. Department of State between 1981 and 2002, in positions that provided him access to nonpublic information, including classified information, and the ability to affect U.S. foreign policy. After his State Department employment ended, Rocha engaged in other acts intended to support Cuba’s intelligence services. From in or around 2006 until in or around 2012, Rocha was an advisor to the Commander of the U.S. Southern Command, a joint command of the United States military whose area of responsibility includes Cuba. The complaint alleges that Rocha kept his status as a Cuban agent secret in order to protect himself and others and to allow himself the opportunity to engage in additional clandestine activity. Rocha provided false and misleading information to the United States to maintain his secret mission; traveled outside the United States to meet with Cuban intelligence operatives; and made false and misleading statements to obtain travel documents. According to the complaint, Rocha began his State Department career in 1981, rising through the ranks to serve in a variety of roles, including (1) from in or around February 1989 until in or around November 1991, as the First Secretary at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, Mexico; (2) from in or around November 1991 until in or around July 1994, as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; (3) from in or around July 1994 until in or around July 1995, as a Department of State employee, as the Director of Inter-American Affairs on the U.S. National Security Council, with special responsibility for, among other things, Cuba; (4) from in or around July 1995 until in or around July 1997, as Deputy Principal Officer at the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, Cuba; (5) from in or around July 1997 until in or around November 1999, as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina; and (6) from in or around November 1999 until in or around August 2002, as Ambassador to Bolivia at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia. The complaint alleges that, in a series of meetings during 2022 and 2023, with an undercover agent from the FBI posing as a covert Cuban General Directorate of Intelligence representative, Rocha made repeated statements admitting his “decades” of work for Cuba, spanning “40 years.” When the undercover told Rocha he was “a covert representative here in Miami” whose mission was “to contact you, introduce myself as your new contact, and establish a new communication plan,” Rocha answered “Yes,” and proceeded to engage in a lengthy conversation during which he described and celebrated his activity as a Cuban intelligence agent. Throughout the meetings, Rocha behaved as a Cuban agent, consistently referring to the United States as “the enemy,” and using the term “we” to describe himself and Cuba. Rocha additionally praised Fidel Castro as the “Comandante,” and referred to his contacts in Cuban intelligence as his “Compañeros” (comrades) and to the Cuban intelligence services as the “Dirección.” Rocha described his work as a Cuban agent as “a grand slam.” Rocha is charged with conspiring to act as an agent of a foreign government without prior notification to the Attorney General; acting as an agent of a foreign government without prior notification to the Attorney General; and with using a passport obtained by false statement. He is expected to make an initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Miami today, Dec. 4. The FBI Miami Field Office is investigating the case, with valuable contributions by the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan D. Stratton and John C. Shipley of the Southern District of Florida, along with Trial Attorneys Heather M. Schmidt and Christine A. Bonomo of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 23-mj-04368. 23-MJ-4368-TORRES ###


title: Federal Court Shuts Down South Florida Tax Preparers

body_text: A federal court in the Southern District of Florida on Dec. 1 permanently enjoined a Miami tax return preparer and his businesses from preparing federal income tax returns, training others how to prepare tax returns or operating any tax return preparation business in the future. The court also ordered Javier Campos and the tax preparation businesses he operates to pay $500,000 in ill-gotten gains to the United States. Campos consented to the permanent injunction and disgorgement order. Five employees of the tax preparer’s businesses consented to an injunction from preparing tax returns for two years. The civil complaint alleges that Campos owns or controls JBC Tax Services LLC, WK Tax Services Inc., Cutler Bay Tax Services Inc., N.L.T.S. Inc. (doing business as Naranja Lakes Tax Services Inc.) and Tax Services Group Corp. According to the complaint, Campos and the other defendants prepared returns for customers that claimed various false or fabricated deductions and credits, including fabricated residential energy credits, fictitious deductions and credits for education expenses, false COVID-19 sick and family leave credits and bogus deductions for personal property rentals, attorney’s fees for unlawful discrimination claims and reforestation amortization and expenses. The complaint also alleges that Campos acted as a “ghost” preparer, meaning that he did not sign the returns he prepared as required by law, and trained outside clients and tax preparers how to fraudulently inflate customers’ tax refunds through Tax Services Group. Today’s permanent injunction against Campos and his businesses – to which Campos, JBC Tax Services, WK Tax Services, Cutler Bay Tax Services, Naranja Lakes Tax Services and Tax Services Group consented – forever bars them from any involvement in the preparation of federal tax returns. They must immediately close and cease all operations at any office location, including the Miami offices located at 19485-B S. Dixie Highway and 13630 SW 120th St., Suite 228, and the Homestead office located at 27393 S. Dixie Highway. The injunction against the five employee defendants – David DePablo, Krystallee Gonzalez, Alvaro Jauregui, Katya Rojas and Patricia Vanegas – bars them from any involvement in the preparation of federal tax returns for two years. The injunction also requires that they successfully complete the IRS’s Annual Filing Season Program training course and provide proof of completion before they may prepare returns for others. Deputy Assistant Attorney General David A. Hubbert of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement. Attorneys from the Justice Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case. Return preparer fraud is one of the IRS’s Dirty Dozen Tax Scams and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant against unscrupulous tax preparers. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. The IRS also offers 10 tips to avoid tax season fraud and ways to safeguard their personal information. In the past decade, the Justice Department’s Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website . An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page . If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details. ecf_no._37_campos.pdf ecf_no._38_campos.pdf


title: Jury Convicts Man of Sex Trafficking and Obstruction of a Sex Trafficking Prosecution

body_text: A federal jury in the District of Maine on Friday convicted Ricardo Middleton, aka Red, 32, of Boston, of sex trafficking and obstruction of a sex trafficking prosecution, after a four-day trial. Middleton was found guilty of sex trafficking a young woman through force, fraud and coercion, and, while detained pending trial, of instructing a co-defendant not to incriminate him. The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Middleton targeted a heroin-addicted 25-year-old woman living in South Portland, Maine. He compelled her to engage in commercial sex, using drugs, lies, intimidation, physical violence and rape as means to control her. Testimony provided details of the three days in November 2015, in which Middleton, along with co-defendants Sherry Jones of Dorchester, Massachusetts, and Mathew Thatcher of Scarborough, Maine, transported the victim to several locations in Maine and Massachusetts. Along the way, Middleton berated the victim, slapping her, punching her and throwing pennies at her when she said she was hungry and asked to buy food. The victim testified to painful details, including how the defendant raped her, and told her that he was “going to make a lot of money off” her. “This defendant preyed on this vulnerable victim, and used cruel and brutal violence to coerce her into commercial sex acts for his own financial gain,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We thank this survivor for coming forward and courageously reporting her harrowing experience. The Justice Department will vigorously prosecute human trafficking crimes to hold offenders accountable, to seek justice for survivors and to affirm their rights and dignity.” “The prosecution of human trafficking in Maine is a top priority for my office, and this verdict ensures that Middleton will be held accountable for this unconscionable crime,” said U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee for the District of Maine. “Human trafficking takes advantage of our most vulnerable citizens and seeks to rob them of their basic human rights. Middleton perpetrated significant violence upon this victim, including sexual assault, all to coerce and exploit her into committing commercial sexual acts for Middleton’s own profit and gain.” “Middleton and his collaborators treated their victims like property, exploiting their addiction and using horrific violence to ensure compliance. He further attempted to silence those who were prepared to testify against him, but after today’s guilty verdict Middleton is facing a significant sentence in federal prison, far away from those he’s victimized,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England Field Office. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the survivor who made her voice heard, reliving what were surely some of the most terrifying moments of her life. HSI will never cease in its mission to investigate human traffickers and help survivors find the support they deserve to begin a new life with dignity.” Prior to the defendant’s trial, Jones pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, and Thatcher pleaded guilty to interstate travel in aid of racketeering. Neither testified at trial. All three defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on a future date. Middleton faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The HSI New England Field Office, Office of the Portland Resident Agent in Charge investigated the case, with assistance from the Biddeford Police Department, Portland Police Department, South Portland Police Department, Topsham Police Department and Saco Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Joyce for the District of Maine and Trial Attorney Meghan Tokash and Deputy Director William Nolan of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking .


title: Santa Barbara County Man Sentenced to 6 Months in Prison for Obstructing Federal Probe into Plane Crash He Posted on YouTube

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A YouTuber pilot was sentenced today to six months in federal prison for obstructing a federal investigation by deliberately destroying the wreckage of an airplane that he intentionally crashed in Santa Barbara County to gain online views. Trevor Daniel Jacob, 30, of Lompoc, was sentenced by United States District Judge John F. Walter. Jacob pleaded guilty on June 30 to one count of destruction and concealment with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation. Jacob is an experienced pilot, skydiver and former Olympic athlete who had secured a sponsorship from a company that sold various products, including a wallet. Pursuant to the sponsorship deal, Jacob agreed to promote the company’s wallet in a YouTube video that he would post. On November 24, 2021, Jacob took off in his airplane from Lompoc City Airport on a solo flight purportedly destined for Mammoth Lakes. Jacob did not intend to reach his destination, but instead planned to eject from his aircraft during the flight and video himself parachuting to the ground and his airplane as it descended and crashed. Prior to taking off, Jacob mounted several video cameras on different parts of the airplane and equipped himself with a parachute, video camera and selfie stick. Approximately 35 minutes after taking off, while flying above the Los Padres National Forest near Santa Maria, Jacob ejected from the airplane and videoed himself parachuting to the ground. Using the video camera mounted on the selfie stick and the video cameras he mounted on the airplane, Jacob was able to record the airplane as it descended and crashed into a dry brush area in Los Padres National Forest. After parachuting to the ground, Jacob hiked to the location of the wreck and recovered the data containing the video recording of his flight and the crash of the airplane. On November 26, 2021, Jacob informed the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) about the plane crash. The NTSB, which launched an investigation into the crash on or about that same day, told Jacob that he was responsible for preserving the wreckage so the agency could examine it. Jacob agreed to determine the crash location and provide both the coordinates of the downed plane and videos of the crash to NTSB investigators. Three days later, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched its own investigation into the plane crash. In the weeks following the plane crash, Jacob lied to investigators that he did not know the wreckage’s location. In fact, on December 10, 2021, Jacob and a friend flew by helicopter to the wreckage site. There, Jacob used straps to secure the wreckage, which the helicopter lifted and carried to Rancho Sisquoc in Santa Barbara County, where it was loaded onto a trailer attached to Jacob’s pickup truck. Jacob drove the wreckage to Lompoc City Airport and unloaded it in a hangar. He then cut up and destroyed the airplane wreckage and, over the course of a few days, deposited the detached parts of the wrecked airplane into trash bins at the airport and elsewhere, which was done with the intent to obstruct federal authorities from investigating the November 24 plane crash. On December 23, 2021, Jacob uploaded a YouTube video titled, “I Crashed My Airplane,” that contained a promotion of the wallet and depicted him parachuting from the plane and the aircraft’s subsequent crash. Jacob intended to make money through the video. Jacob lied to federal investigators when he submitted an aircraft accident incident report that falsely indicated that the aircraft experienced a full loss of power approximately 35 minutes after takeoff. Jacob also lied to an FAA aviation safety inspector when he said the airplane’s engine had quit and, because he could not identify any safe landing options, he had parachuted out of the plane. “It appears that [Jacob] exercised exceptionally poor judgment in committing this offense,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “[Jacob] most likely committed this offense to generate social media and news coverage for himself and to obtain financial gain. Nevertheless, this type of ‘daredevil’ conduct cannot be tolerated.” The United States Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General investigated this matter. The NTSB and FAA provided substantial assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Dominique Caamano and Dennis Mitchell of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section prosecuted this case.


title: Vacaville Parolee Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of Firearms

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Eric Terrell Christian, 32, of Vacaville, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, on July 21, 2022, Christian failed to yield during a traffic stop and sped away from the officer. Moments later, a witness called 911 and reported seeing a firearm in a parking lot that Christian had just driven through. On Aug. 11, 2022, Christian fled again when officers attempted to stop him for a related parole violation. He fled on foot from his car but was quickly apprehended. In his vehicle, officers located a Glock handgun with a round in the chamber and another 17 rounds in an inserted high-capacity magazine. Christian was also found to be in possession of a Palmetto Arms AR-style pistol with a round in the chamber and 36 additional rounds in an inserted, high-capacity magazine. Christian is not allowed to possess firearms because he has previously been convicted of three felony offenses, including two convictions for assault with a deadly weapon. Christian was on parole from his second assault conviction when he committed the current offense. This case was the product of an investigation by the Vacaville Police Department, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation – Division of Adult Parole Operations, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Former Private Prisoner Transport Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Offense for Sexually Assaulting Female Pretrial Detainee

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Marquet Johnson, a former private prisoner transport officer, pleaded guilty to violating a female pretrial detainee’s civil rights by sexually assaulting her during a prisoner transport. Johnson, 44, of West Memphis, Arkansas, additionally admitted to previously violating multiple other female pretrial detainees’ civil rights by sexually assaulting them during prisoner transports. According to the plea agreement, at the time of the offense, Johnson worked as a prisoner transport officer for Inmate Services Corporation (ISC). As a prisoner transport officer, Johnson performed the government function of picking up individuals who were arrested on out-of-state warrants and transporting those individuals back to the jurisdictions that issued the warrants. On Nov. 4, 2019, Johnson and his transport partner picked up the victim, a female pretrial detainee, from a jail in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to transport her to Delta County, Colorado. That same day, while still in New Mexico, Johnson’s transport partner stopped the transport van at a gas station. As soon as Johnson’s transport partner walked away from the van, Johnson ordered the victim to move to the bench row in the back of the transport van, climbed into the back of the van, removed the victim’s ankle restraints and loosened her handcuffs. The victim told Johnson that she was unsure what was going on but said that she did not want “to do this.” In response, Johnson pulled out a dangerous weapon, and, resting the weapon on his lap, told the victim that he wanted her to cooperate with him, “otherwise, it was going to get ugly.” Johnson then ordered the victim to partially remove her clothing and lay down on her back. The victim did so but again told Johnson she did not want to do this. In response, Johnson held the weapon against the victim’s cheek while raping her. Johnson admitted that the victim did not consent to any of the sexual conduct, and his conduct included the use of a dangerous weapon and aggravated sexual abuse. Johnson further admitted that this was not the first female pretrial detainee who he sexually assaulted during an ISC prisoner transport. Johnson admitted that in July 2019, he transported another female pretrial detainee from Spencer, Indiana to San Marcos, Texas. While en route to Texas, during a stop at ISC headquarters in West Memphis, Arkansas, Johnson forced the detainee to perform oral sex on him. Johnson admitted that this victim also did not consent to any of the sexual conduct and that his misconduct included aggravated sexual abuse. Finally, Johnson admitted that in August 2019, he transported yet another female pretrial detainee from Baker County, Oregon to Warrensburg, Missouri. While in Missouri, Johnson stopped the transport van at a hotel, where he proceeded to push her to rape her. A short time later Johnson brought the female detainee back outside to the transport van and, after resuming the transport, forced the female detainee to perform oral sex on him. Johnson admitted that this victim also did not consent to any of the sexual conduct and that his misconduct included aggravated sexual abuse and kidnapping. “Sexual assaults carried out by law enforcement officials at any stage of the criminal justice process, including in the transport of detainees held in custody, have no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This egregious conduct violates federal law, and the Justice Department will continue to resolutely seek justice for the survivors of these heinous crimes. “Every person has a basic right to dignity and respect,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “And nobody, no matter the crime of which they are being accused, deserves to be raped. When jailers fail their duty to those in their charge, they will join them in custody.” “Law enforcement officers and other officials receive certain powers from the government so they can defend the rights of the people and prevent wrongdoing.” said SAC Raul Bujanda. “When individuals working in an official capacity violate the trust of their communities by abusing that power, they undermine the hard work of all officials. The despicable actions perpetuated by Johnson, against those he was entrusted to protect, have no place in society. When you break the trust you’re given as a member of law enforcement and ultimately break the law, there are consequences. Today’s conviction of Johnson is a resounding reminder that the FBI is committed to restoring trust in law enforcement by holding those who abuse their privileges and abandon their responsibilities accountable. I commend the hard work of our Agents, our law enforcement partners with the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, and the New Mexico US Attorney’s Office with helping to bring justice to the victims in this case and holding Johnson to account for his crimes.” Pursuant to the plea agreement, Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, to be followed by up to five years of supervised release. In addition, Johnson must pay restitution to the victim and register as a sex offender. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sherriff’s Office. Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Brawley for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern District of Arkansas and Western District of Missouri. View Indictment View Plea Agreement ### 23-277


title: Three Individuals Indicted and Arrested for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Cocaine and for Selling Machineguns

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On November 27, 2023, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an 18-count indictment charging three individuals with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, distribution of fentanyl and cocaine, possession of machineguns in furtherance of drug trafficking activities, and other firearms-related offenses. According to court documents, Miguel A. Figueroa-Rodríguez, a/k/a “Tote,” José A. Torres-Narvaez, a/k/a “El Menor,” and Taishia L. Figueroa-Cruz, beginning on a date unknown, but no later than August 22, 2023, conspired with each other and with others to knowingly distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking offenses, as well as engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license. Defendant Torres-Narvaez is also charged with being a felon in possession of firearms. “Disrupting drug trafficking networks is vitally important to our ongoing effort to combat the fentanyl crisis in America and save lives,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Our office will prosecute those who traffic in fentanyl and machineguns to the fullest extent of the law.” “The opioid crisis is taking the lives of Americans every single day and our mission here in Puerto Rico is to protect our people from this national tragedy,” said Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office. “The subjects in this case made it their business to deal kilos of pure fentanyl, so we had to act quickly. Rest assured our work here is only just beginning.” During the conspiracy the charged individuals engaged in the following series of transactions: On August 25, 2023, they sold to the FBI approximately half a kilogram of fentanyl and a fully automatic firearm. (Below: photograph of fully automatic firearm and approximately half a kilogram of fentanyl seized in August 2023). On September 22 and September 26, 2023, they sold to the FBI approximately one kilogram of cocaine and a fully automatic firearm. (Below: photograph of message offering to sell rifle; photographs of approximately 1 kilogram of cocaine, and a fully automatic firearm seized in September 2023). On October 16, 2023, they sold to the FBI approximately one eighth of a kilogram of a substance that tested positive to fentanyl, a Glock firearm, and an AR-Type Privately Made Firearm (“PMF”). (Below: photographs of seized Glock firearm, an AR-Type Privately Made Firearm (“PMF”), and approximately 1/8 th of a kilogram of a substance that tested positive to fentanyl). All three individuals were arrested on December 4, 2023. At the time of their arrest, they were in possession of approximately half of a kilogram of a substance that is presumed to be cocaine. The defendants are scheduled for their initial court appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marshal D. Morgan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. If convicted for the conspiracy drug trafficking charges the defendants are facing a mandatory minimum of 10 years of imprisonment with a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison. The firearms offenses in furtherance of the drug trafficking crimes carry a consecutive penalty of thirty years (machineguns) or five years (firearms) up to life imprisonment. The felon-in-possession of firearms carry a maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and the engaging in the business of dealing in firearms carry a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Marshal Service are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Transnational Organized Crime Section Max J. Pérez-Bouret; Deputy Chief of the Transnational Organized Crime Section, AUSA María L. Montañez-Concepción; and AUSA Antonio J. López-Rivera are prosecuting the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-coordinated, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Jacksonville Business Owner Sentenced To Federal Prison For COVID Relief Fraud

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard today sentenced Kenneth Steven Landers (57, Jacksonville) to one year and one day in federal prison for wire fraud and engaging in an illegal monetary transaction. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $910,000, the proceeds of his wire fraud scheme, and also ordered him to pay full restitution to his victims. Landers had pleaded guilty on February 14, 2023. According to court documents, during 2020 and 2021, Landers applied for federally backed Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans 10 times, requesting a total of $1.41 million. He submitted the applications on behalf of four different corporate entities that he controlled, specifically, the American Fallen Veterans Service Project Inc., Tire Empire LLC, Maypops LLC, and Florida United Inc. In support of each application, Landers electronically submitted false information and documents, including fictitious or altered Internal Revenue Service tax forms. Notwithstanding Landers’s use of fraudulent documents, seven of his ten PPP loan applications were approved and funded in the total amount of $910,000, which was deposited into financial accounts that he controlled. Rather than use the loan proceeds exclusively to pay employees or for other allowable expenses under the PPP, Landers used the funds for his personal benefit. For example, he paid off the mortgages on his home and a business property, purchased an 18kt gold Rolex watch, and bought a vintage Jaguar XKE Roadster. He also wrote checks to himself, transferred funds electronically to personal accounts, paid down personal debt, and made approximately $113,000 in cash withdrawals of funds traceable to PPP loan proceeds. “The ripple effects of the COVID pandemic are still being felt throughout society today. Kenneth Steven Landers saw this global crisis as an opportunity to line his own pockets. IRS-CI is committed to pursuing these bad actors and ensuring that those who falsely manipulate the system are prosecuted to the fullest extent,” said IRS-CI Acting Special Agent In Charge Tara K. Reed. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates that criminals will pay a heavy price when they steal funds intended to provide much needed relief to many Americans who were in financial despair.” This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican. The asset forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Mai Tran, Julie A. Simonsen, and Jennifer Harrington. This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the CARES Act relief programs. The CARES Act is a federal law enacted in March 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the two programs that were developed through CARES Act is the PPP. It provides funding to businesses through PPP loans for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. PPP allows the interest and principal on loans to be forgiven if the business spends proceeds on certain expense items within a designated time and uses a certain percentage of the loan on payroll expenses. The Department of Justice remains vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting wrongdoing related to the crisis.


title: Doctor Charged in $14M Medicare and TRICARE Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Thomas Andrew Webster, M.D., age 50, of Sylvania, Ohio, has been charged by Filing of Information on one count of Conspiracy to Violate the Anti-Kickback Statue in connection with a fraudulent medical supply scheme that targeted elderly Medicare and TRICARE beneficiaries throughout Washington and in other states. The Medicare program provides health insurance coverage for elderly and disabled Americans. The United States Department of Defense’s TRICARE program provides health benefits to United States Armed Forces military personnel, military retirees, and their dependents. Medicare and TRICARE provide health insurance coverage for eligible health care services, including, under certain eligibility conditions, for Durable Medical Equipment (DME). For DME to qualify for reimbursement, DME was required to be ordered by a physician who is treating the beneficiary for a specific illness or injury. The DME was also required to contribute to the physician’s treatment of the illness or injury or to the improvement of the patient’s physical condition. During the relevant time period, Dr. Webster lived in Olympia, Washington, and was a licensed physician in Washington. The Information charges that between May 2021 and September 2023, a company identified as “Company A” engaged in a telemarketing scheme to obtain beneficiary identifying and medical information by using telemarketers to contact Medicare and TRICARE beneficiaries in the Eastern District of Washington and elsewhere. According to the Information, Company A then used the information to create a fake medical record that reflected a doctor visit that never took place, and medical orders for DME. The Information charges that Dr. Webster then signed the fraudulent medical documentation and physician orders, and that the fraudulent orders were then sold to DME companies that used the orders to bill Medicare and TRICARE falsely and fraudulently. The Information further alleges that between May of 2021 and September of 2023, Medicare and TRICARE paid more than $13.7 million for DME fraudulently ordered and referred by Dr. Webster. These beneficiaries, which included many residents of the Eastern District of Washington, included individuals who had no desire or medical need for the DME, individuals who had elected for hospice care and who therefore were not eligible to be treated for most types of illness or injury under Medicare, and individuals who lacked the limb for which Defendant placed the DME order because it had been previously amputated. The Information also alleges that, as part of the scheme, Dr. Webster received $839,565 from Medicare and TRICARE for fraudulent telemedicine visits that never took place. “Telemarketing schemes that target and exploit the elderly are especially pernicious because they prey on those who are often most in need of a doctor’s independent judgment that is not tainted or biased by the doctor’s own personal financial interest,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. This is one reason that the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Justice, and our law enforcement partners, have made combatting elder fraud and abuse a top priority.” The conspiracy offense carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in federal prison. The case is being investigated by HHS OIG and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Tyler H.L. Tornabene are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States. An indictment or information is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Connecticut Man Arrested on Illegal Ammunition Possession Charge in Connection with Rutland, Vermont Shooting

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Bayohan Mangual, 38, of New Britain, Connecticut was arrested on Friday, November 17 in Connecticut pursuant to an arrest warrant issued in the District of Vermont. On October 18, 2023, a federal grand jury sitting in Rutland, Vermont returned an indictment charging Mangual with being a felon in possession of ammunition. Mangual made his initial appearance on November 17 in U.S. District Court in Hartford, Connecticut. U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish ordered Mangual to be detained and transferred to the District of Vermont for further proceedings. His arraignment in the District of Vermont occurred this afternoon before Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford, at which Mangual pleaded not guilty. He remains in custody pending further proceedings. According to court records, Mangual is charged with possession of ammunition on September 2, 2023. That day, Rutland City Police Department officers responded to an apartment on Cherry Street in Rutland City and found a deceased man and an injured man, both of whom appeared to have been shot. Mangual is charged with possessing the ammunition used in the shooting based on shell casings found at the scene. At the time he possessed the ammunition, Mangual had prior felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing ammunition under federal law. If convicted of the current charge, Mangual faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charge in the indictment is merely an accusation, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Rutland City Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. He also thanked the Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Crime Scene Search Team; the New Britain, Connecticut Police Department; the Hartford, Connecticut Police Department; and the Connecticut State Police for their vital assistance. The prosecutors are Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Cate and Jonathan Ophardt. Mangual is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn .


title: Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Shooting Taxi Driver During Robbery

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – Two New Jersey men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in shooting a taxi driver during a late-night robbery, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Walter Williams-Lang, 22, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison and Naeem Jackson, 24, of East Orange, New Jersey, was sentenced on Nov. 29, 2023, to 103 months in prison. Both defendants previously pleaded guilty to informations charging them with one count each of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to use and possess a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Jackson also pleaded guilty to one count each of Hobbs Act robbery and carjacking. Both defendants were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert Kugler in Camden federal court. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: The defendants both admitted that on May 14, 2022, they brandished a loaded firearm to demand a taxi driver’s fares, and then proceeded to shoot the driver. Jackson also admitted that on May 5, 2022, he brandished a loaded firearm, demanded a taxi driver’s fares, cellphone, and wallet, and then stole the the driver’s vehicle. In addition to the prison terms, Judge Kugler sentenced each of the defendants to three months of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the members of the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Director Earl J. Graves and Police Chief Giacommo Sacca; and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller, Newark Field Division, with the investigation leading to the sentencings. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry O’Connell of the OCDETF Unit in Newark.


title: St. Louis Man Admits Shooting Two Women, One Fatally, During Carjackings

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis, Missouri man on Monday admitted killing a woman while stealing her car in 2022 and shooting another woman during a carjacking a few weeks later. Loyse Dozier, 21, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to four felonies: carjacking resulting in death, attempted carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Dozier admitted fatally shooting Laruth Jones while he was stealing her Mercedes CLA 250 on July 10, 2022. Jones had parked in the lot of the Raqqa Mart at 352 Chambers Road, in Riverview, in St. Louis County, and was standing near the entrance to the store when she saw Dozier, who was wearing a full-face mask, get into her car. She confronted Dozer with her gun, the two exchanged fire, and Jones was killed. Before leaving in the stolen car, Dozier got out and picked up Jones’ gun, he admitted in his plea. He later set the car on fire in a St. Louis alley. On Aug. 1, 2022, Dozier shot another woman while trying to steal her car from a Walgreens at 1400 North Grand Boulevard in St. Louis. Dozier, who was again masked, walked onto the parking lot and opened the door of the victim’s Kia Optima. He ordered the driver out. She complied and handed her keys to Dozier. He shot her twice before getting into her car. An off-duty Florissant Police Department officer, who was working as a security guard inside the Walgreens, ran outside after the shooting, scaring Dozier away. Dozier left his phone behind in the Kia, however. Nine days later, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers spotted Dozier at a gas station at West Florissant and Adelaide Avenues. He ran, discarding a handgun and a bag before officers caught and arrested him, inside the bag was 5.76 grams of fentanyl. The gun was a .45-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun that he’d stolen from Jones after shooting her. He later used it to shoot the second victim. Dozier is a convicted felon and is barred from possessing a firearm. Dozier had cocaine base in 25 plastic baggies in his pocket when he was arrested, as well as a magazine for the handgun. Dozier is scheduled to be sentenced March 11, 2024. As part of the plea agreement, both sides have agreed to recommend a sentence of 32 years in prison. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Martin is prosecuting the case.


title: Former Shreveport, Louisiana Medical Practitioner Sentenced to 36 Months

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: SHREVEPORT, LA – Larry Clyde Daniels , 65, of Keithville, Louisiana , was sentenced on November 29, 2023, for distribution of controlled substances outside the bounds of professional medical practice to 36 months followed by three years of supervised release and a $20,000.00 fine by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. On December 16, 2020, Larry Clyde Daniels, 65, of Keithville, Louisiana, was charged in an 82-count Indictment for violations of Distribution of Controlled Substances—buprenorphine, a Schedule III controlled substance, Klonopin, a Schedule IV controlled substance, and Adderall, a Schedule I controlled substance—outside the bounds of professional medical practices. Daniels pled guilty to Count 44 and on November 29, 2023, Daniels was sentenced by Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 36 months in federal prison, three years supervised release, and a $20,000.00 fine for distribution of controlled substances outside the bounds of professional medical practice. “It is no secret that many Americans suffer from opioid addiction and the effects can be fatal,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Physicians, by way of their oath, undertake a great responsibility to exhaust all efforts to ensure that those who are prescribed opioids actually need them. This defendant admittedly failed to do so by over prescribing these powerful drugs. We hope this sentence sends a powerful message to physicians who consider engaging in such conduct.” From 2016 through 2017, Daniels was a medical practitioner practicing within the Western District of Louisiana. Daniels received a Drug Addiction Treatment Act waiver in 2007 and was authorized to treat patients with opioid addictions. Daniels worked one night a week from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Warren Medical Multi-Care Clinic. On September 12, 2017, an undercover DEA agent acting as a patient, paid $325.00 in cash for the first visit with Daniels and was requested to come back the following evening to see Daniels. The next day the undercover agent met with Daniels for approximately eight minutes. After this meeting, Daniels prescribed the undercover agent buprenorphine with a starting dose in excess of what is required without documenting a rationale for such starting dosage in the undercover’s patient file. Also, Daniels noted that the undercover relayed a history of recreational drug abuse but failed to discuss with the undercover the negative results of his drug test and failed to perform a physical examination. As a result, Daniels’ actions violated acceptable medical practices and acceptable medical practices within the State of Louisiana. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tennille M. Gilreath and Allison Duncan prosecuted the case.


title: Maine Man Convicted for Role in Methamphetamine Conspiracy

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Maine man has been convicted by a federal jury in Boston in connection with his role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy that operated in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Northern California. Jacob Parlin, 44, of Lebanon, Maine, was convicted on Nov. 30, 2023 of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for March 7, 2024. Parlin was indicted along with nine others in December 2021. Evidence presented at trial established that, beginning in or about March of 2020 through May of 2021, Parlin conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in an amount greater than 50 grams. Parlin is the 10th and final defendant to be convicted in the case. Each of the charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. 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 Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nadine Pellegrini and Amanda Beck of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Two Men Charged in Murder-for-Hire Plot That Resulted in Fatal Shooting in Chicago

body_text: CHICAGO — Two men have been indicted in federal court in an alleged murder-for-hire conspiracy that resulted in a fatal shooting in Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood. ANTHONY MONTGOMERY-WILSON, 24, and PRESTON POWELL, 23, both of Chicago, are charged with conspiracy to use an interstate facility in the commission of a murder for hire, according to an indictment unsealed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The pair is also charged with an individual murder-for-hire count, while Montgomery-Wilson also faces a firearm charge. According to the indictment and a search warrant filed in the case, Montgomery-Wilson and Powell conspired with each other and others to murder Stephon Mack in exchange for money. On the afternoon of Jan. 27, 2022, Mack, 24, was fatally wounded when two gunmen emerged from a vehicle and fired several shots as Mack exited the Youth Peace Center of Roseland in the 400 block of West 111th Street. A security guard from the Center was also wounded in the shooting but survived. Montgomery-Wilson is in law enforcement custody. He pleaded not guilty Wednesday during his arraignment before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Young B. Kim in Chicago. A status hearing for Montgomery-Wilson was scheduled for Jan. 16, 2024. Powell is considered a fugitive and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. The 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 FBI Chicago Field Office, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the Illinois Department of Corrections Northern Region Intelligence Unit. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared C. Jodrey, Jason A. Julien, and Brian F. Williamson. 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. The murder-for-hire charges each carry a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison, while a sentence of death is also possible. The firearm charge against Montgomery-Wilson is punishable by up to ten years. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Montgomery-Wilson et al indictment


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Felon for Federal Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on October 18, 2023, charging a local man with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. According to the indictment, Dashawn Billingslea, 18, was charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. On June 21, 2023, Billingslea possessed a Karri’s Guns, Model KG 15, multi-caliber rifle and a Glock, Model 22, .40 caliber handgun. Billingslea was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense. On June 12, 2023, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Billingslea was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree. The defendant made his initial court appearance last week, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The defendant remains detained pending trial. If convicted, Billingslea faces a minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by the ATF and the LMPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Mexican National Sentenced to 30 Years for Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Mexican national, illegally residing in Lancaster, Ky., Ernesto Mendez-Lopez, 37, was sentenced on Monday, to 30 years in federal prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, for production of child pornography. According to his plea agreement, on February 22, 2023, law enforcement received a call from a minor victim stating that Mendez-Lopez had sexually assaulted her and that she was afraid it was going to happen again. Law enforcement responded to investigate and discovered videos of Mendez-Lopez sexually assaulting the minor, on his phone. Mendez-Lopez admitted to sexually assaulting the minor, and to doing so with the intent of producing visual depictions of the conduct. Under federal law, Mendez-Lopez must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Sheriff Tim Davis, Garrard County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by HSI and Garrard County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . — END —