title: Wichita man pleads guilty to COVID-19 relief fraud

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to using fraudulent means to obtain COVID-19 disaster relief money. According to court documents, Jack Crowder, 34, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property. Crowder admits submitting an application and supporting documents containing false and misleading information to secure COVID-19 disaster relief payments totaling approximately $23,000. The United States Department of Labor, through the State of Kansas Department of Labor, dispersed the funds to Crowder in September 2022. Crowder is scheduled to be sentenced on April 3, 2024, and faces a mandatory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. IRS-Criminal Investigation, Kansas Department of Labor, and the Wichita Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deb Barnett and Ola Odeyemi are prosecuting the case. ###


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Seeks To Identify Potential Victims Of Internet Fraud Scheme With Links To Nigeria

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: The scheme operated for years in West Michigan and throughout the United States GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that the office is seeking to identify victims of a nationwide internet fraud scheme that operated for several years and defrauded victims of more than $2 million dollars. A grand jury recently returned an indictment charging four individuals with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud related to the fraud scheme. Those individuals are: Fatai Okunola, 37, of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Oluwaseyi Adeola, 33, and Ijeoma Adeola, 35, of Dallas, Texas; and Cory McDougal, 32, of Romeoville, Illinois. Oluwaseyi Adeola and Okunola also face charges related to their naturalization or attempt to naturalize as United States’ citizens. According to allegations in the indictment, the defendants conspired with individuals primarily in Nigeria to defraud individuals in the United States, many that were elderly or particularly vulnerable, through a variety of fraud schemes using interstate wire transmissions or the mail system. The conspirators in Nigeria created false online personas to develop relationships with their victims over the internet, through social media, by text messages or by telephone. These relationships centered around romantic interests, offers to buy or sell goods or services, apartment rentals, or offers to make loans or provide grant funding, among other schemes. The conspirators sent pictures or provided other information to the victims to make their schemes appear genuine. When the conspirators used telephone calls, they utilized voice-over-internet-protocol numbers to make it appear as if the calls were originating within the United States near the victims. After developing the relationships, the conspirators asked for money for a variety of reasons related to the scheme. Once the victim agreed, the conspirators directed the victims to send the money to the defendants, who opened numerous bank accounts in the Western District of Michigan and other places to receive the victims’ money. On some occasions, the defendants received the victims’ money in post office boxes maintained under alias names or through payments made payable to “shell” businesses that the defendants created to receive fraud proceeds. The victims sent the money to the defendants through the mail, bank-to-bank transfers, or through peer-to-peer money transfer services like Zelle or PayPal. After the defendants received the money in their accounts, they transferred the money to each other, to the conspirators overseas, and to their own accounts in Nigeria. According to the indictment, defendants received more than $2 million dollars in their accounts from the scheme between 2017 and 2022. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the investigative agencies are working to identify other individuals, nationwide, who may have been victimized by the same fraud conspiracy. The defendants utilized the following Post Office Boxes, emails, business names, and false personas to carry out the scheme: Post Office Boxes P.O. Box 19216, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49019 P.O. Box 2115, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49003 Businesses Shyon’s Auto Fatjas Import & Export Lola Adeola Jeweleries Choices Auto CJ’s Shoe Rejuvination Email Addresses Fatairemix1@gmail.com Omololaphlex@yahoo.com pshyon@yahoo.com corymc1991@gmail.com False Personas of Alleged Fraudsters Robert Johnson John Stevenson Gaurav Dewan Akarsh Sahil Koti Constance Malia Timothy Jacob Amanda Lynn Contreas Tushar Khade Brandon Johnson Gaurav Gupta Gaurav Santosh James Mason Luciano Rossi If you believe you are a victim in this case, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/victim-and-witness-assistance-program/vw-large-cases/okunola or contact Breane Warner, Victim Assistance Specialist, at (616) 808-2064. Federal law enforcement provides a number of tips on how to protect yourself from similar internet or email scams, including: Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, e-mails, and mailings. Never give or send any sensitive information (including your date of birth, account numbers, or passwords), credit or debit card numbers, or money to unverified people or businesses. Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a false sense of urgency to lure people to immediate action. If you recognize a scam attempt, immediately end all communication with the perpetrator. This case is being investigated by the Grand Rapids offices of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Stella is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. ###


title: Middle District Of Florida Task Force Continues To Combat COVID-19 Fraud

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the results achieved by the Middle District of Florida’s efforts to combat fraud related to COVID-19. Those efforts have included complementary actions by the United States Attorney’s Office’s (USAO-MDFL) Criminal, Asset Recovery, Appellate, and Civil Divisions, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. “The Middle District of Florida United States Attorney’s Office continues to pursue, investigate, prosecute, and recover money from those who were engaged in major or sophisticated fraud schemes designed to steal benefits intended for Americans coping with the myriad impacts of the pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg. On the criminal enforcement front, the USAO-MDFL and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies combined resources in March 2020 to form the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraud related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception, the Task Force has prosecuted 77 defendants for fraud schemes designed to exploit federal programs including the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”), Unemployment Insurance (“UI”), the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”), the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”), as well as government Healthcare programs such as Medicare (“HCF”). Collectively, these defendants sought to defraud the United States of over $85 million. Fifty-six of those defendants have already been found guilty, while prosecution remains pending against 21 defendants. ( See chart for criminal case details .) In fiscal year 2023, the Task Force indicted 26 COVID-19 fraud related cases in which defendants sought to obtain more than $15 million from the various federal programs. For example, in October 2023, U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber sentenced Denis Casseus to two years in federal prison for bank fraud and an illegal monetary transaction. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $298,875, the proceeds of the bank fraud. According to court documents, Casseus submitted two fraudulent PPP applications, in which he falsely represented that the PPP funds would be used only for business-related purposes, as specified in the loan applications. Instead, Casseus used a portion of the fraudulent-obtained money for the purchase a residence in Cape Coral. In a separate matter, United States District Judge Kathryn Mizelle sentenced Vitalii Chychasov to eight years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit access device fraud and trafficking in unauthorized access devices. Chychasov was an administrator of a series of websites that sold Social Security numbers. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, traffic to and purchases on the website increased dramatically due to individuals purchasing Social Security numbers and other personal information in order to commit COVID-19 fraud, primarily unemployment insurance fraud. Further, the USAO-MDFL’s Asset Recovery Division and federal seizing agencies have completed the forfeiture of more than $20 million of EIDL, UI, and PPP funds that were fraudulently obtained, depriving the fraudsters of their ill-gotten gains and recovering the proceeds for the victims. More than $18 million in additional pandemic fraud proceeds have been seized and are pending civil or criminal forfeiture. The U.S. Attorney General has established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Through the PPP, the federal government authorized over $600 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. The EIDL program provides economic relief to small businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The MSLP provided support to small and medium-sized businesses and their employees across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. UI programs provided unemployment benefits to eligible workers who became unemployed through no fault of their own. The criminal cases charged by the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force have been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, the Department of Labor—Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Service, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Small Business Administration, the Small Business Administration—Office of Inspector General, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, Federal Reserve Board—Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Winter Park Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys throughout the Middle District of Florida. The Department of Justice needs the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . Complaints filed will be reviewed at the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation. United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida COVID Fraud Criminal Cases Charged Cases Defendant(s) (Age) Charge(s) Max. Imprisonment Type of Fraud* Intended Loss Amount Tampa Division Alexander Alli Wire fraud conspiracy Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years EIDL $80k Ellyn Pinkney Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years EIDL $40k Kieanna Garrett Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years EIDL $40k Nicole Bramble-King Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years PPP $40k a=""> Mehdi Tazi Conspiracy Maximum Prison Term: 5 years Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Aggravated identity theft Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive UI $1.5M Modupe Ogundele Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years PPP $20k Devontaie Deravil Aggravated identity theft Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive Access device fraud Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years UI $480k Jordan Ross Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Illegal monetary transactions Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years EIDL/PPP $1.3M Demarius Wilson Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years PPP $18k Tommy Louisville Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years PPP $33k Dawn Ogundele Theft of government funds Maximum Prison Term: 10 years False statement to obtain federal employees’ compensation Maximum Prison Term: 5 years Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years PPP $20k These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Tiffany Fields, Greg Pizzo, Candace Rich, Jennifer Peresie, and Michael Kenneth Orlando Division Evan Edwards Joshua Edwards Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Maximum Prison Term: 30 years Bank fraud Maximum Prison Term: 30 years Visa fraud Maximum Prison Term: 10 years False statements Maximum Prison Term: 30 years PPP $8M Emmet Bowens Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Illegal monetary transactions Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years PPP $740k Latresia Wilson False statements Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years HCF $2.6M These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Kara Wick, Amanda Daniels, and DOJ Trial Attorney Keith Clouser Jacksonville Division James Wigg Wire Fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 years PPP $476k This COVID Fraud case from the Jacksonville Division is being handled by AUSA Tysen Duva Fort Myers Division Venera Price Mail fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years ERAP $82k Timothy Jolloff Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Money laundering Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Illegal monetary transactions Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years PPP/EIDL $2.1M Lisa Jolloff Money laundering Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Illegal monetary transactions Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years PPP/EIDL Diop McKenzie Bank fraud Maximum Prison Term: 30 years Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Aggravated identity theft Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive EIDL/PPP $237k These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Yolande Viacava and Trent Reichling Ocala Division Henry Wade Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years EIDL $500k This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division is being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk Adjudicated Cases Tampa Division Joseph Abdo Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Illegal monetary transactions Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years PPP $500k Keaujay Hornsby Racketeering conspiracy Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Aggravated identity theft Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive Access device fraud Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years UI $3M Kareem Spann Racketeering conspiracy Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Aggravated identity theft Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive Access device fraud Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years UI $3M Marqus Willard Johnson Bank fraud Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years Money laundering Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years PPP $500k Charles Cunningham Bank fraud Maximum Prison Term: 30 years PPP $800k These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Diego Novaes, Tiffany Fields, Jennifer Peresie, and Greg Pizzo, and DOJ Trial Attorney John Scanlon Orlando Division Joseph Faubert Bank fraud Maximum Prison Term: 30 years PPP $778k This COVID Fraud case from the Orlando Division is being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt Jacksonville Division Christopher Daragjati Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Theft of government funds Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years Aggravated identity theft Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive PPP $150k This COVID Fraud case from the Jacksonville Division is being handled by AUSAs Kevin Frein and Michael Coolican Ocala Division Passion Jackson Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years PPP $20K This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division is being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk Fort Myers Division Evan Graves Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years EIDL $1.3M This COVID Fraud case from the Fort Myers Division is being handled by AUSAs Yolande Viacava and Simon Eth Sentenced Cases Tampa Division Alexander Leszczynski Wire fraud, bank fraud, illegal monetary transactions Sentence Imposed: 17 and ½ years in federal prison PPP $1.1M Louis Thornton, III Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 42 months in federal prison EIDL/PPP $815k Kary Stevenson Corey Quinn Conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft Sentence Imposed: 5 years, 10 months in federal prison (Stevenson) Sentence Imposed:7 years in federal prison (Quinn) UI $1M Bridgitte Keim Bank fraud Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison PPP $588k Wayne Ganaway Conspiracy to commit wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 4 years in federal prison EIDL $300k Eriaius Bentley Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud Sentence Imposed: One year in federal prison UI $3M Rolanda Wingfield Access device fraud, aggravated identity theft Sentenced Imposed: 3 years in federal prison UI $135k Tywon Spann Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud Sentence Imposed: 6 years and 9 months in federal prison UI $3M Randy Jones Wire fraud, aggravated identity theft Sentence Imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison EIDL/UI $250k Julio Lugo Conspiracy to commit money laundering Sentence Imposed: 7 years and 6 months in federal prison EIDL/PPP $4.4M Keith Nicoletta Conspiracy to commit money laundering Sentence Imposed: 24 months in federal prison PPP $1.9M Rosenide Venant Conspiracy to commit money laundering Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison EIDL/PPP $413k Melinda Hernandez Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft Sentence imposed: Three years and six months in federal prison UI $1.5M Bri’antina Mills Wire fraud and theft of government funds Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison EIDL $10K Jorge Gutierrez Echeverria Wire fraud Sentence imposed: Two years and six months in federal prison EIDL $150k Omar Esquivel Bello Wire fraud Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison EIDL $242k Steve Moodie Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft Sentence imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison UI $1.5M Richard Simpkins Conspiracy to commit money laundering Sentence imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison PPP $1.9M Devaris McClain Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, access device fraud Sentence imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison UI $85K Jalissa McDuffy Wire fraud Sentence imposed: 3 years supervised release with 6 months home detention PPP $41k These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Tiffany Fields, Diego Novaes, Jennifer Peresie, and SAUSA Chris Poor Orlando Division Daniel Johnson Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, unlawful transfer of firearm Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 6 months in federal prison UI $2.3M Jacquavius Smith Possession of short-barreled rifle; felon in possession of firearm; and aggravated identity theft Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 1 month in federal prison PPP $10k Johnson Eustache Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison EIDL/PPP $2.2M Joseph Harrison Conspiracy to commit wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 12 months in federal prison UI $2.1M Tomas Ziupsnys Conspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; aggravated identity theft Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison PPP $2M Holly Urban Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Sentence Imposed: 30 months in federal prison PPP $1.5M Joel Greenberg Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses while on pretrial release Sentence Imposed: 11 years in federal prison EIDL $430k Don Cisternino Wire fraud, illegal monetary transactions, and aggravated identity theft Sentence Imposed: 8 years and 6 months in federal prison PPP $7.2M Keith Ingersoll Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft Sentence imposed: 9 years, 1 month in federal prison. EIDL $66k Jaheim Davis Access device fraud and aggravated identity theft Sentence imposed: 3 years, 6 months in federal prison. UI $219k Teresa McIntyre Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation EIDL $730k Brian Blake Possession of device-making equipment, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft Sentence Imposed: 9 years and 8 months in federal prison PPP/UI $832k These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs John Gardella, Amanda Daniels, Chauncey Bratt, Emily Chang, Shannon Laurie, and Jennifer Harrington, and U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg Jacksonville Division Jacob Byrd Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation PPP $10k Deconna Burke Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation PPP $20k Desmond Williams Wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud Sentenced Imposed: 5 years’ probation PPP $40k Kenneth Landers Wire fraud and illegal monetary transaction Sentence Imposed: 1 year in federal prison followed by 1 year of supervised release PPP $1.4M These COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs Kevin Frein and Michael Coolican Fort Myers Division Casey Crowther Bank fraud, false statement to a financial institution, illegal monetary transaction Sentence Imposed: 3 years, 1 month in federal prison PPP $2.7M Anthony Bruey Amber Bruey Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, illegal monetary transactions Sentence Imposed : Anthony Bruey : 4 years, 3 months in federal prison Amber Bruey : 4 years in federal prison PPP/EIDL $881k Edrica Leann Watson False statement to a lending institution Sentence Imposed: 15 months in federal prison PPP $392k Daniel Joseph Tisone Wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person Sentence Imposed: 7 years in federal prison PPP/EIDL/MSLP $10.7M Liliana Gonzalez Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 5 years of probation with 18 months of home confinement PPP $169k Al Clint LaRoche Bank fraud Sentence Imposed: Two years in federal prison PPP $1M Denis Casseus Bank fraud and illegal monetary transaction Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release PPP $298k Ismaelle Manuel Bank fraud Sentence Imposed: Credit for time served followed by 5 years supervised release PPP $280k These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Trent Reichling, Michael Leeman, Jesus Casas, and Yolande Viacava Ocala Division Lavelle Harris Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: Two years and three months in federal prison PPP $1.2M This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division was handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk Types of Fraud* Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Unemployment Insurance (UI) Main Street Lending Program (MSLP) Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Health Care Fraud (HCF)


title: Jacksonville Convicted Felon Sentenced To 10 Years On Narcotics And Firearms Charges

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Keith Allen Dixon (46, Jacksonville) to 10 years in federal prison for distribution of 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Dixon had pleaded guilty on October 4, 2023. According to court documents, on January 6, 2023, Dixon sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant outside a hotel off Lane Avenue in Jacksonville. Dixon also sold two 20-gauge shotguns during the transaction. Dixon is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. At the time, Dixon was on probation following a conviction in Duval County for the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Dixon was accountable for at least 146 grams of pure methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro. 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: Madeira Beach Woman Arrested For Access Device Fraud

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Heidi Richards (50, Madeira Beach) with one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, one count of trafficking in illicit labels, two counts of trafficking in unauthorized access devices, and one count of possession of 15 or more access devices. If convicted, Richards faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison for the conspiracy offense and for trafficking in illicit labels. She faces up to 10 years in federal prison for each access device offense. The indictment also notifies Richards that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture for proceeds obtained from the offense. According to the indictment, beginning at least as early as August 2017, Richards conspired with an unindicted coconspirator to obtain and traffic in illicit labels designed to be affixed to Microsoft software products. Richards sent wire transfers and payments totaling at least $5.14 million during that time to a company owned by the unindicted coconspirator to pay for and acquire software products. Richards also trafficked in Microsoft product activation keys that she or her company were not authorized to sell and obtained proceeds totaling $1,000 or more as a result in calendar years 2020 and 2022. Richards similarly possessed 15 or more unauthorized Microsoft product activation keys on March 8, 2023. 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 Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Risha Asokan and Trial Attorney Jared S. Hosid of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. Download Indictment


title: Lake County Man Sentenced To 21 Months In Prison For Possessing A Firearm As A Convicted Felon

body_text: Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Brian David Casey (35, Clermont) to 21 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Casey had pleaded guilty on August 24, 2023. According to the court records, Casey was previously convicted of three felonies, including burglary (2008) and two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer (2011). As a convicted felon, Casey is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law. On March 20, 2023, Casey pointed a loaded shotgun at his neighbor, telling her that he was going to kill her. When Casey’s wife pushed the firearm’s barrel away, Casey fired the shotgun into the ground. Casey later admitted that he intended to discharge the firearm, calling it a “warning shot.” When federal agents subsequently arrested Casey for this offense, Casey was found to be in possession of another firearm—a loaded revolver. This case was investigated by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk. 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: Texas Man Sentenced for Trafficking Cocaine in Central Virginia for Mexican Drug Trafficking Organization

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Brownsville, Texas man was sentenced yesterday to 150 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to possess and distribute nearly 40 kilograms of cocaine. According to court documents, in and around April 2023, Carlos Alfonso Gonzalez, 31, agreed with a Mexico-based source of supply to transport a load of cocaine from Houston, Texas, to Richmond, Virginia. On or about April 29, 2023, Gonzalez picked up a load of cocaine in Houston and traveled in a commercial semi-tractor trailer truck to Virginia in order to distribute the cocaine to two traffickers connected to a Mexican drug trafficking organization (his co-conspirators). On May 1, 2023, Gonzalez arrived at a truck stop in Disputanta, Virginia to meet with two co-conspirators. At this meeting location, Gonzalez distributed to his co-conspirators three duffel bags containing 39.9 kilograms of cocaine. After the co-conspirators departed the area with the cocaine, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on the co-conspirators’ vehicle and recovered 39.9 kilograms of cocaine. Following the cocaine seizure, law enforcement stopped Gonzalez and placed him under arrest. At the time of the offense, Gonzalez was on federal supervised release for a prior federal drug trafficking crime in the Southern District of Texas. Gonzalez was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment for charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. Gonzalez was sentenced to an additional term of 30 months in prison for violating his federal supervised release stemming from his prior conviction. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jason Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; and Colonel Jeffrey S. Katz, Chesterfield County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erik S. Siebert and Shea Gibbons and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Hubbard prosecuted 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 . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-70.


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement with Patriot Bank to Resolve Lending Discrimination Claims

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that Patriot Bank (Patriot) has agreed to pay $1.9 million to resolve allegations that the bank engaged in a pattern or practice of lending discrimination by redlining majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Memphis, Tennessee. Redlining is an illegal practice in which lenders avoid providing credit services to individuals living in, or seeking to live in, communities of color because of the race, color or national origin of the residents in those communities. “This settlement embodies Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitment to promoting economic justice and ensuring that Black Americans and all communities of color are able to achieve the American dream, and equally access credit to purchase a home,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is dedicated to stamping out discriminatory lending practices across this country and we are vigorously committed to holding lenders accountable, no matter their size. This settlement will provide many Memphis families with access to credit that will improve the quality of their lives while opening up opportunities to build intergenerational wealth.” “For too long, practices like redlining and discriminatory lending have been used to undermine the promises of our economic system,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee. “Our office is committed to enforcing fair lending laws and ensuring that banks and lenders are providing communities of color equal access to credit and lending opportunities. This agreement with Patriot Bank signifies an important step toward preserving economic justice and for communities of color in Memphis as they buy homes, start businesses and take part in the American Dream.” The department’s complaint alleges, from 2015 through at least 2020, Patriot avoided providing mortgage services to majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Memphis and discouraged people seeking credit in those communities from obtaining home loans. Patriot’s home mortgage lending was focused disproportionately on white areas around the City of Memphis. Over the same six-year period, other banks received nearly 3.5 times as many loan applications compared to Patriot in majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Memphis. Even when Patriot generated loan applications from majority-Black and Hispanic areas, the applicants themselves were disproportionately white. Under the proposed consent order, which is subject to court approval, Patriot will invest $1.9 million to increase credit opportunities for communities of color in Memphis. Specifically, Patriot will: Invest at least $1.3 million in a loan subsidy fund to increase access to home mortgage, home improvement and home refinance for residents of majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods; Spend $375,000 for advertising, outreach, consumer financial education and credit counseling focused on majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods; Spend $225,000 on community partnerships to provide services that increase residential mortgage credit access for residents of those neighborhoods; Ensure at least two mortgage loan officers are dedicated to serving majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in the Bank’s service area; Employ a Director of Community Lending who will oversee the continued development of lending in communities of color; and Continuously assess the communities’ credit needs throughout the term of the consent order. The department opened its investigation into Patriot’s lending practices after receiving a referral from the bank’s regulator, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Patriot cooperated with the department’s investigation and worked with the department to resolve the redlining allegations. In October 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Assistant Attorney General Clarke launched the Justice Department’s Combating Redlining Initiative , a coordinated enforcement effort to address this persistent form of discrimination against communities of color. Since 2021, the department has announced 11 redlining cases and secured over $109 million in relief for communities of color that have been the victims of lending discrimination across the country. Additional information about the department’s fair lending enforcement can be found at www.justice.gov/crt/fair-lending-program-0 . Individuals may report lending discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s housing discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291, or submitting a report online . us_v._patriot_bank_-_complaint_w_exhibits.pdf consent_order_-_patriot_final.pdf


title: El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con Patriot Bank para resolver quejas de discriminación crediticia

body_text: El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que Patriot Bank (Patriot) ha acordado pagar $1.9 millones para resolver las alegaciones de que incurrió en un patrón o una práctica de discriminación crediticia al practicar la exclusión financiera en barrios de mayoría negra e hispana en Memphis, Tennessee. La exclusión financiera es una práctica ilícita en la que los prestamistas evitan la provisión de servicios crediticios a individuos que viven o desean vivir en comunidades de color por motivos de la raza, el color de piel o el origen nacional de los residentes de esas comunidades. “Este acuerdo encarna el compromiso del Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. de promover la justicia económica y garantizar que los estadounidenses negros y todas las comunidades de color puedan lograr el sueño americano y disponer de la igualdad de acceso al crédito para comprar una casa”, afirmó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. “El Departamento de Justicia se dedica a erradicar las prácticas crediticias discriminatorias en todo este país y nos comprometemos con firmeza a hacer responsables a los prestamistas, independientemente de su tamaño. Este acuerdo proporcionará a muchas familias de Memphis acceso al crédito que mejorará la calidad de sus vidas a la vez que creará oportunidades para construir riqueza intergeneracional”. “Durante demasiado tiempo, se han utilizado prácticas como la exclusión financiera y préstamos discriminatorios para socavar las promesas de nuestro sistema económico», dijo Kevin G. Ritz, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee. “Nuestra oficina se compromete a hacer cumplir las leyes de préstamos justos y a garantizar que los bancos y prestamistas proporcionen a las comunidades de color la igualdad de acceso al crédito y oportunidades crediticias. Este acuerdo con Patriot Bank representa un paso importante hacia la preservación de la justicia económica y para las comunidades de color en Memphis a medida que compran casas, establecen negocios y participan en el sueño americano”. La queja del Departamento alega que, desde el 2015 hasta al menos el 2020, Patriot evitó la provisión de servicios hipotecarios a barrios de mayoría negra e hispana en Memphis y desalentó a las personas que buscaban un préstamo en esas comunidades de obtener préstamos hipotecarios. Los préstamos hipotecarios residenciales de Patriot se centraron desproporcionadamente en áreas blancas por la zona metropolitana de Memphis. Durante el mismo período de seis años, otros bancos recibieron casi 3.5 veces más solicitudes de préstamos en comparación con Patriot en barrios de mayoría negra e hispana en Memphis. La queja también alega que, incluso cuando Patriot generó solicitudes de préstamos de áreas de mayoría negra e hispana, los propios solicitantes eran desproporcionadamente blancos. En virtud de la orden de consentimiento propuesta, que queda sujeta a la aprobación del tribunal, Patriot invertirá $1.9 millones para aumentar las oportunidades crediticias para las comunidades de color en Memphis. En concreto, Patriot: Invertirá al menos $1.3 millones en un fondo de subsidios para préstamos para aumentar el acceso a préstamos hipotecarios, mejoras en la vivienda y refinanciamiento residencial para residentes de barrios de mayoría negra e hispana; Gastará $375,000 en publicidad, proyección comunitaria, educación financiera al consumidor y asesoramiento de crédito centrado en barrios de mayoría negra e hispana; Gastará $225,000 en asociaciones comunitarias para proporcionar servicios que aumenten el acceso al crédito hipotecario residencial para residentes de esos barrios; Asegurará que al menos dos agentes de crédito hipotecario estén dedicados a servir a barrios de mayoría negra e hispana en el área de servicio del Banco; Empleará a un Director de Préstamos Comunitarios que supervisará el desarrollo continuo de préstamos en comunidades de color y Evaluará continuamente las necesidades crediticias de las comunidades mientras sigan en vigor la orden de consentimiento. El Departamento inició su investigación sobre las prácticas de préstamo de Patriot después de recibir una recomendación del regulador del banco, la Junta de Gobernadores del Sistema de la Reserva Federal. Patriot cooperó con la investigación del Departamento y trabajó con el Departamento para resolver las alegaciones de exclusión financiera. En octubre del 2021, el Fiscal General Merrick B. Garland y la Fiscal General Auxiliar Kristen Clarke lanzaron la Iniciativa contra la Exclusión Financiera del Departamento de Justicia, un esfuerzo coordinado de aplicación de la ley para abordar esta forma persistente de discriminación contra las comunidades de color. Desde el año 2021, el Departamento ha anunciado once casos de exclusión financiera y ha obtenido $109 millones por concepto de compensación para comunidades de color que han sido víctimas de discriminación crediticia por todo el país. Puede encontrar información adicional sobre la aplicación de las leyes de préstamos justos del Departamento en www.justice.gov/crt/fair-lending-program-0 . Para informarnos de incidentes de discriminación en el ámbito crediticio, llame a la línea informativa del Departamento de Justicia para discriminación en la vivienda al 1-833-591-0291 o entregue un informe en línea . us_v._patriot_bank_-_complaint_w_exhibits.pdf consent_order_-_patriot_final.pdf


title: U.S. Attorneys Thompson and Ihlenfeld to Co-Host Joint Human Trafficking Training

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson of the Southern District of West Virginia and United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld of the Northern District of West Virginia will jointly host a human trafficking training event on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at locations in Charleston and Wheeling as well as virtually. The joint training event, Human Trafficking: Facts, Fiction, and Federal Law , will also feature participation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Pittsburgh Division, the West Virginia Fusion Center, the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services (FRIS), the West Virginia Child Advocacy Network and Angie Conn, a human trafficking survivor, victim advocate and founder of SheWhoDares Consulting LLC. WHO: United States Attorneys Will Thompson and William Ihlenfeld WHAT: Human Trafficking: Facts, Fiction, and Federal Law WHEN: Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. WHERE: Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1114 Virginia Street East, Charleston St. Michael Catholic Church Angelus Center, 1225 National Road, Wheeling A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. ###


title: Unforgiven Gang Member Sentenced To 15 Years In Federal Prison For Drug Conspiracy, Illegal Firearm Possession

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Henry L. Adams has sentenced Geoffrey Scott Carter (44, Jacksonville) to 15 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Carter to forfeit 10 firearms and assorted ammunition. Carter had pleaded guilty on March 28, 2023. According to court documents, on August 5, 2022, in St. Johns County, a police officer observed an SUV commit a traffic offense and the officer executed a traffic stop. The only occupants of the SUV were its driver and Carter. A police canine alerted when walked around the SUV, indicating the recent presence of illegal drugs in the vehicle. When an officer searched the SUV, he found two loaded pistols (one of which had been previously reported stolen), approximately 36 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 21 grams of cocaine, 3 grams of MDMA (also known as ecstasy), 3 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, syringes, and baggies. The driver denied knowing that there were illegal drugs in the vehicle but confirmed that Carter was a drug dealer. When searched, Carter had brass knuckles in his pocket and was wearing an empty firearm holster. When an officer located the holster, Carter stated that it was for holding his cigarettes. Carter was arrested for various state offenses, but soon was released on bond. Following Carter’s release, a confidential source, acting at the direction of law enforcement, purchased controlled substances from Carter four times at Carter’s home in Jacksonville. During these transactions, Carter sold the confidential source approximately 645 grams of methamphetamine, 3 grams of fentanyl, and a Colt revolver. Having previously been convicted of 11 felony offenses, Carter is prohibited by law from possessing firearms, including the Colt revolver. On November 2, 2022, law enforcement agents and officers executed a federal search warrant at Carter’s home. During the search, they located seven loaded handguns, two body armor vests, ammunition, a scale, baggies containing methamphetamine and marijuana, a Nazi flag, and a vest with markings associated with the “Unforgiven,” a white-supremacist prison gang. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Augustine Beach Police Department, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican. 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: York County Man Sentenced To 60 Months In Prison For Possession Of A Firearm In Furtherance Of Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Hakim Jamison, age 37, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on January 16, 2023, to 60 months in prison by United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Jamison previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Jamison purchased a .45 caliber Glock semi-automatic pistol and a box of Winchester .45 caliber ammunition from Stoneybrook Shooting Supply for two codefendants, who were using those firearms in furtherance of their own drug trafficking activities. Codefendants Shiloh Idris Johnson and Kadie Jean Swartz are scheduled for trial on April 1, 2024. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Haugsby prosecuted the case. This case was prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted, and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms. # # #


title: Dauphin County Man Sentenced For Straw Purchasing Firearms

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Riley Simmons, age 32, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on January 16, 2023, to time-served (13 months in prison) by United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for making materially false statements in connection with acquisition of firearms. Judge Conner also ordered Simmons to serve a two-year term of supervised release, including six months on home detention, and to pay a $700 fine. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Simmons previously pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm. Between September 2018 and February 2019, Simmons purchased five firearms from Federal Firearms Licensees in Dauphin and Cumberland Counties, knowing that they were for friends who were prohibited from possessing them due to prior felony convictions. Three of the firearms were later recovered in possession of felons with whom Simmons lived or associated. One of the firearms was used in a Harrisburg shooting in February 2019 and one bore the print of an individual wanted for attempted murder in Williamsport. Two of the firearms remain missing today. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Haugsby prosecuted the case. This case was prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted, and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms. # # #


title: Hartford Man Sentenced to 54 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANGEL DELGADO, 59, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation into gang-related drug trafficking and firearm possession by members of Los Solidos. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Luis Feliciano, also known as “Louminaty,” distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack to customers and other distributors in the Hartford area, including Delgado, and also to individuals in New York and Maine. On March 31, 2022, after intercepted calls indicated that Feliciano had recently supplied Delgado with drugs, and an investigator successfully ordered 20 sleeves of fentanyl from Delgado over the phone, Delgado was arrested at a hotel in Hartford where he was living. A search of Delgado’s person revealed approximately 250 sleeves of fentanyl and 13 capsules of cocaine, and a search of the hotel room revealed another 1,700 sleeves of fentanyl. Some of the sleeves contained a mixture of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and xylazine. Delgado’s criminal history spans approximately 35 years and includes 26 convictions for drug, assault, failure to appear, violation of a protective order, and other offenses. Delgado has been detained since his arrest. On June 8, 2022, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Delgado, Feliciano, and 14 others with various narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses. On February 22, 2023, Delgado pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Feliciano has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The Task Force includes members of the FBI, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff. through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: St. Louis Man Admits Three Carjackings, Including One That Was Fatal

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis, Missouri pleaded guilty Wednesday and admitted committing three carjackings in St. Louis in 2021, including one that resulted in the death of a 72-year-old man. Carmain Milton, 50, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two counts of carjacking and one count of carjacking resulting in death. Milton admitted stealing a woman’s 1998 Toyota Camry on Sept. 21, 2021, in the 4500 block of Pershing Place. Milton had what appeared to be a gun and demanded that the victim start her car and give him her purse. Early in the morning of Sept. 28, 2021, in a parking lot at the intersection of Chouteau Avenue and South Sarah Street, Milton approached two victims with what appeared to be a black semi-automatic handgun and said, “I will shoot you, don’t be a hero, give me your jewelry.” Milton stole debit/credit cards, rings, an iPhone and the keys to an Audi A6 belonging to one of the victims. He then stole the Audi. Later that day, in the 300 block of North Boyle Avenue, Milton carjacked a man’s 2004 Honda Element and then ran the victim over with his own car. The victim died. Milton was arrested a few hours later with a pellet gun in his bag and a wallet belonging to one of the victims from the second carjacking. Portions of the carjackings were captured by surveillance cameras. Milton is scheduled to be sentenced April 16. The carjacking charges are each punishable by up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The carjacking resulting in death charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison or the death sentence. Both sides in the case have agreed to recommend a sentence between 18 and 27 years in prison. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassandra Wiemken is prosecuting the case.


title: One Correctional Officer and Two Sergeants Charged with Civil Rights Violation and Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice in Connection with Assault of Pretrial Detainee

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County correctional officer and two sergeants were arrested today for allegedly violating a pretrial detainee’s civil rights and conspiracy to obstruct justice, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Sergeants Jose Gonzalez, 45, and Donald Vinales, 38, and Officer Lorenzo Bowden, 39, are charged by complaint with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. Bowden is also charged with one count of making false statements. Gonzalez, Vinales and Bowden are scheduled to have their initial appearances this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court. According to the criminal complaint: On Jan. 22, 2021, a pretrial detainee at the Passaic County Jail splashed a mixture containing urine onto a correctional officer. The following day Gonzalez, Vinales and Bowden transported the detainee through an area of the jail that does not have a video surveillance camera, which correctional officers and inmates at the jail have referred to as a “blind spot.” While in that “blind spot,” Gonzalez and Vinales assaulted the detainee, while he was handcuffed. They knocked him to the ground and struck him multiple times. Bowden did not intervene to stop the assault. One day after the assault, the detainee was taken to a local hospital, which documented injuries from the assault. The defendants all were required to submit documentation regarding their use of force. None of them submitted any such reports. In April 2022, after receiving federal grand jury subpoenas in connection with this investigation, Gonzalez, Vinales and Bowden, among others, met to discuss the federal investigation. During that meeting, the group agreed not to cooperate with the federal investigation and also agreed to say that nothing had happened to the detainee (referring to the assault). During an interview with federal investigators in October 2022, Bowden falsely stated that the detainee had not been assaulted and that there had not been any meeting or communication among those who participated in or witnessed the assault. The count of deprivation of rights under color of law is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison. The count of count of conspiracy to obstruct justice is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison. The count of making false statements is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office Division of Internal Affairs, under the direction of Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik, with the investigation leading to the charges. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin of the Criminal Division and the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Civil Rights Task Force in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. gonzalezetal.complaint.pdf


title: St. Petersburg Man Sentenced To More Than 17 Years For Possession Of Controlled Substances With Intent To Distribute And Possession Of A Firearm By A Convicted Felon

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday has sentenced Erik Barner (45, St. Petersburg) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for distribution and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Barner had pleaded guilty on October 20, 2023. According to court documents, on February 22, March 1, and March 10, 2023, Barner sold cocaine to a confidential informant working with the St. Petersburg Police Department. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for a residence out of which Barner was operating, and a vehicle. Officers recovered four firearms and various ammunition that had been dispersed throughout the home. In the vehicle, officers found 176 grams of cocaine. Three of the firearms recovered from the home were later determined to have been reported stolen. Two of the firearms had Barner’s DNA on them. Barner has previous felony convictions for possession of cocaine, throwing a deadly missile at or into an occupied vehicle, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, and two trafficking in cocaine convictions. As a convicted felon he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James Muench. 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: New Mexico man suspected of stealing items from Montana Historical Society arraigned on charges

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A New Mexico man suspected of stealing items of significant historical value from the Montana Historical Society, including letters by the wife of renowned Western artist Charlie “C.M.” Russell, and then selling them on eBay appeared on Jan. 16 for arraignment on charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. Brian Anthony D’Ambrosio, 49, Sante Fe, New Mexico, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with theft of major artwork, interstate transportation of stolen property and wire fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, D’Ambrosio faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. D’Ambrosio, who appeared by video, was released pending further proceedings. The indictment alleges that from about April 2022 to September 2023, D’Ambrosio stole objects of cultural heritage that were more than 100 years old and worth more than $5,000 from the Montana Historical Society, a museum located in Helena. D’Ambrosio, while claiming to conduct research at the Montana Historical Society, stole items of significant historic value, including letters written by Nancy Russell, the wife of Western artist Charlie “C.M.” Russell. As alleged in the indictment, D’Ambrosio then sold and attempted to sell the items on eBay for a profit. D’Ambrosio fraudulently induced buyers to purchase the items by omitting that he had stolen them from the Montana Historical Society, making it appear as if he had authority to sell and transfer the items to others when he did not. An indictment is only an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan G. Weldon and Jennifer S. Clark are prosecuting the case. The FBI and Helena Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-20. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl XXX


title: Hickory, N.C. Business Owner Pleads Guilty To Tax And Credit Card Fraud

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – James Christopher Robinson, 51, of Granite Falls, N.C., appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler today and pleaded guilty to federal charges for tax and credit card fraud, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, Jason Byrnes, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Charlotte Field Office, and Donald "Trey" Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division (IRC-CI), Charlotte Field Office, join U.S. Attorney King in making today's announcement. According to filed plea documents and today’s court hearing, Robinson was the owner of multiple cabinet manufacturing and retail businesses in the Hickory area, including Cabinet Solutions USA Inc., Best Cabinet Doors, LLC, Cabinet Doors Fast, LLC, and Cox Manufacturing, LLC (collectively, Cabinet Companies). As Robinson admitted in court today, between March 2020 and April 2023, Robinson accessed the credit cards of Cabinet Companies’ customers and without authorization made 294 fraudulent credit card charges totaling approximately $1 million. Robinson also created at least four counterfeit checks totaling more than $93,000, using information from actual checks written to his Cabinet Companies by customers. Plea documents also show that for tax years 2017 to 2022, Robinson caused two of his companies to fail to comply with their employment tax obligations by failing to timely account for and pay over more than $3.1 million in employment taxes. Court documents indicate that Robinson used the stolen funds to make large cash withdrawals from his business accounts and make hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash deposits at casinos. Robinson pleaded guilty to access device fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, and failure to truthfully account for and pay over trust fund taxes which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Robinson is released on bond. A sentencing date has not been set. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the FBI, the Secret Service, and IRC-CI for their investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny G. Sugar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.


title: Nevada CPA Sentenced To Three Years In Prison In False Tax Return Scheme

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Nevada man was sentenced Tuesday to three years in prison for willfully aiding and assisting the filing of false tax returns, in connection with a scheme to sell purported investment opportunities to clients that he falsely claimed would entitle them to IRS tax deductions. According to court documents and statements made in court, Lance K. Bradford, of Henderson, was a certified public accountant and founder and manager of LL Bradford & Company (LLB). LLB performed accounting-related work, including tax preparation, audit and consulting services. Bradford also operated a real estate business that developed office buildings and other real property. In connection with Bradford’s real estate development activities, he operated and controlled a real estate investment partnership entity. In 2011, Bradford began offering LLB’s high-net-worth clients an “investment opportunity” through which the clients would make a payment to his partnership entity and, in exchange, receive a large tax deduction of approximately five to seven times the amount of money the client “invested.” Bradford advised that the clients’ payments would entitle them to claim the large tax deduction based on losses derived from the partnership entity, even though he knew the tax laws did not permit the sale of such deductions in exchange for an investment of money, and the partnership did not incur the losses or depreciation in the amounts represented by Bradford. Bradford also did not report the purported investments as losses on the clients’ tax returns as promised. Instead, he caused the clients’ returns to report large false deductions for cost of goods sold, professional and consulting fees or nonpassive losses. In total, Bradford’s scheme caused a tax loss to the IRS of at least $8 million. As one example from his investment scheme, in 2014, Bradford asked a client to make a $417,780 “investment” to his partnership entity in exchange for purported depreciation-based losses to be placed on his client’s 2013 corporate tax return (Form 1120S). But instead of reporting depreciation related to the investment, Bradford caused LLB to prepare and file a Form 1120S that falsely inflated the company’s cost of goods sold by $2,110,000, causing a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $860,627. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Gloria M. Navarro ordered Bradford to serve one year of supervised release and pay $6,734,338 in restitution to the United States. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI. Trial Attorney Patrick Burns of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case. ###


title: AmeriHealth Clinics Consent to a $2 Million Judgment to Resolve Healthcare Fraud Allegations

body_text: BOISE – AmeriHealth and its owners, Ryan and Alban Hatch, consented to a $2 million judgment against them in U.S. District Court after admitting to violations of the False Claims Act, announced U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit today. The fraud scheme involved using vulnerable or inexperienced medical staff to submit or cause to be submitted false claims to federal health care programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare. Through the agreement to pay $2 million, the defendants also resolved, without admitting, additional allegations that they violated the Controlled Substances Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute, and fraudulently obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. According to a Complaint filed by the United States in December 2023, AmeriHealth hired vulnerable, compromised, and inexperienced medical staff who were then pressured into providing unnecessary and worthless care, which resulted in false claims being submitted to federal health care programs. For example, owners Ryan and Alban Hatch ordered a hungover and impaired practitioner to provide medical care to unsuspecting patients. The Complaint also alleged that they pressured practitioners to prescribe controlled substances, entered into an unlawful kickback scheme with a third-party laboratory, and falsely certified information in order to obtain forgiveness of a PPP loan worth more than $750,000. “Fighting health care fraud is about ensuring safety for patients and families as well as protecting taxpayer funds,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “That’s why health care fraud enforcement has been, and will continue to be, a priority for my office. We will not tolerate individuals and companies sacrificing public safety through fraudulent schemes or illegal practices.” “Providers who cheat federal health care programs and put financial gain before the needs of patients must be rooted out at every turn,” said Steven J. Ryan, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to address this kind of abuse, and will not stop protecting American patients, communities, and taxpayers from such conduct.” “This settlement demonstrates that OIG will bring individuals to justice that knowingly provided false information to gain access to the Paycheck Protection Program and subsequent loan forgiveness,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Weston King. “I want to thank the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners for their collaboration, support, and pursuit of justice for taxpayers.” This matter was investigated jointly by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, the Small Business Administration, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Additional assistance was provided by the Idaho Board of Pharmacy, the Idaho State Department of Health and Welfare, and the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. For additional case information and publicly available court documents, see United States v. Hatch, et. al., 23-CV-00566-DKG (U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho). ###


title: Methamphetamine Trafficker Is Sentenced To 11+ Years In Prison

body_text: ASHEVILLE, N.C. – James Leon Massey, 52, of Whittier, N.C., was sentenced to 139 months in prison today followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which oversees the Charlotte District Office, Sheriff Doug Farmer of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Chief Chris Hatton of the Sylva Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to filed court documents and court proceedings, on April 1, 2022, at approximately 10:01 p.m., law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a car driven by Massey for a motor vehicle violation. After stopping the vehicle, law enforcement determined that Massey was driving with a suspended license. Court documents show that over the course of the traffic stop law enforcement conducted a search of Massey’s vehicle. During the search, law enforcement located in the back area of the vehicle’s floorboard a plastic container that contained approximately a kilogram of methamphetamine. On March 27, 2023, Massey pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Massey remains in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. U.S. Attorney King thanked the DEA, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sylva Police Department for their investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville handled the prosecution.


title: Swinerton Builders Reaches Agreement to Address Clean Water Act Violations and Offset Environmental Harm at Solar Farm Construction Sites in Alabama, Idaho and Illinois

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: The Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that Swinerton Builders has agreed to pay a $2.3 million penalty – divided between the United States, Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and State of Illinois – to resolve allegations that it violated the Clean Water Act and related state laws during the construction of solar farms in Alabama, Idaho and Illinois. The company has also agreed to undertake mitigation actions to help restore the Portneuf River in Idaho and to purchase stream credits to improve the watershed surrounding the Alabama site. The states of Alabama and Illinois joined the United States in the settlement. “This settlement holds Swinerton accountable for its widespread Clean Water Act violations and ensures that nearby communities in Alabama and Idaho will benefit from projects to restore waterways and enhance recreation,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We’re grateful for the work and cooperation of our state partners in helping reach this agreement.” “Illegal stormwater discharges from construction projects can contaminate municipal drinking water systems and harm aquatic life, which is why EPA, the Justice Department, and our state partners worked together to hold Swinerton Builders accountable for the company’s violations of the Clean Water Act,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Solar farms are vital to slowing the effects of climate change, but companies building solar farms must comply with environmental protection requirements just as companies must do for any other construction project.” “My office was pleased to work with the Justice Department to resolve the alleged water pollution violations,” said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “Clean water is a critical resource and I will continue the work to protect Illinois water sources.” “We are pleased with today’s announced settlement, which holds the builder to task for serious stormwater violations that harmed the watershed and its ecosystem,” said ADEM Director Lance LeFleur. “The settlement not only requires Swinerton to pay civil penalties to both the state and federal government, it also obligates the company to mitigate the environmental damage it caused by taking steps to protect water quality and preserve habitats through the purchase of stream credits. Those credits are an investment that will provide long-term benefits to the watershed.” Background Swinerton is a California-based construction company that operates nationwide. Until 2021, its Swinerton Renewable Energy division was the country’s leading constructor of utility-scale solar farms. Solar farm construction involves clearing and grading large sections of land, which can lead to significant erosion and major runoff of sediment into waterways if stormwater controls at the site are inadequate. Increased sediment in waterways can injure, suffocate or kill aquatic life, damage aquatic ecosystems and cause significant harm to drinking water treatment systems. To avoid these harms to the environment and public health, parties responsible for construction of solar farms must obtain construction stormwater permits under the Clean Water Act and comply with the terms of those permits. A complaint filed with the settlement alleges that during its construction of solar farms near American Falls, Idaho, Lafayette, Alabama, and Perry and White Counties, Illinois, Swinerton failed to use proper stormwater controls, did not conduct regular site inspections by qualified personnel and did not accurately report and address stormwater issues. At the Alabama and Idaho sites, Swinerton’s actions led to unauthorized discharges of large volumes of sediment-laden stormwater into nearby waterways. The United States previously settled cases against the owners of the four solar farm sites. Settlement Details To resolve the alleged Clean Water Act violations at these sites, Swinerton will pay a civil penalty of $1,614,600 to the United States, $540,500 to ADEM and $144,900 to the State of Illinois. In addition, Swinerton will fund substantial mitigation projects to redress the excess sediment discharges at the Idaho and Alabama sites. In Idaho, Swinerton will provide $600,000 in funding towards a restoration project on the Portneuf River in nearby Pocatello. The project will capture sediment, reconnect riparian and wetland habitat, and provide a host of other environmental and recreational benefits. In Alabama, Swinerton will purchase 14,020 stream credits in the surrounding watershed, which will help preserve the watershed to promote healthier water quality and aquatic habitats. The Justice Department’s Environmental Enforcement Section lodged the consent decree with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. It is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. The consent decree can be viewed on the Justice Department’s website: www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees .


title: Federal Jury Convicts Repeat Offender

component: USAO - Delaware

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that a federal jury convicted a Cecil County, Maryland man on charges of possession of cocaine and methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a person prohibited. U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews accepted the verdict. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, George Griffin, 38, was arrested on September 9, 2022, after a long-term Maryland State Police investigation during which Griffin sold drugs to an informant. On the day of his arrest, officers found about 125 grams of cocaine hidden in his engine compartment, and over a pound and a half of pure methamphetamine and four guns hidden in Griffin’s friend’s Delaware apartment. Alongside the methamphetamine and guns, police found documents belonging to the defendant, and DNA comparison further tied Griffin to the guns. U.S. Attorney Weiss said, “Mr. Griffin had three prior drug felony convictions. Fortunately, his willful disregard for the law came to an end with this guilty verdict. While Mr. Griffin went to great lengths to distance himself from his drugs and guns, law enforcement doggedly investigated him until they found and seized those drugs and guns and brought the defendant to justice. I commend the law enforcement agencies for their teamwork and determination in investigating this case.” “Homeland Security Investigations’ Wilmington office, along with our partner agencies, stopped at nothing during the investigative and prosecutorial phases of this case, culminating in the significant conviction of this dangerous criminal, said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia William S. Walker. “Violence and addiction inextricably linked to drug trafficking organizations degrade our communities and endanger the health and safety of the American public. As a result of the teamwork between investigators and prosecutors in this case, Mr. Griffin will now be held accountable for his crimes.” Griffin faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on May 15, 2024. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case was investigated by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Maryland State Police, Delaware State Police, Newport Police, and New Castle County Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer K. Welsh and Benjamin L. Wallace are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-00033-RGA.


title: Defendants Sentenced to Prison in Separate Project Safe Neighborhoods Cases

body_text: MACON, Ga. – Three defendants with lengthy criminal histories who were found guilty by federal juries of illegally possessing firearms resulting from Project Safe Neighborhoods investigations in South Georgia were sentenced to prison today. Demetris Gervone Bellamy, 32, of Ray City, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 260 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release after he was convicted Aug. 17, 2023, of one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Joshua Granger, 35, of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he was convicted Aug. 16, 2023, of one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Shi-Young Lamar Sharper, 39, of Valdosta, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he was convicted July 26, 2023, of one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson presided over today’s sentencings which occurred at the U.S. Courthouse in Macon. “These cases involved armed defendants with criminal histories who repeatedly violated the law, brought to federal attention as a result of the Valdosta Division’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office is focused on reducing crime in our communities; holding repeat and violent offenders accountable is one part of a combined community and law enforcement effort to address violent crime through Project Safe Neighborhoods.” “These sentences are a direct result of what good multi-jurisdictional partnerships and communication can accomplish,” said Rich Bilson, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Valdosta office. “We are grateful for all the hard work by our partners that allowed these repeat offenders to be removed from the streets before they could commit any worse crimes.” “The federal, state and local collaboration through Project Safe Neighborhoods helps us get violent, repeat criminals off the streets. We are thankful for this continuing partnership,” said Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk. For more information about the Bellamy case, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/jury-convicts-ray-city-man-armed-meth-trafficking ; for information about the Granger case, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/florida-man-convicted-illegally-possessing-gun-valdosta-psn-case ; and for information about the Sharper case, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/jury-convicts-felon-illegally-possessing-gun . These cases were prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by bringing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. 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 Bellamy and Granger cases were investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Couch and Criminal Chief Leah McEwen prosecuted the cases for the Government. The Sharper case was investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monica Daniels and Sonja Profit prosecuted the case for the Government.


title: New Hampshire Man Indicted on Firearm Charge

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that Ryan Buckley, 35, originally from New Hampshire, was arraigned in the District of Vermont on January 16, 2024 after a federal grand jury sitting in Rutland, Vermont returned a one-count indictment charging Buckley with possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. Buckley had been ordered detained in state court as a result of state charges he is facing and assented to detention in this federal case. According to court records, on June 27, 2023, police came upon Buckley passed out in his pickup truck at the community baseball field in Chester, Vermont. Buckley had a handgun in his lap. Police knocked on his window. Buckley woke up and then picked up the firearm. Buckley placed the firearm on his lap and put his truck into gear. Police convinced Buckley to open his window and disarmed him without further incident. Buckley admitted to the police that he had smoked methamphetamine recently, having a prior felony conviction, and to knowing that he could not possess firearms. Buckley consented to a search of his truck and police found a small bag of suspected methamphetamine which field-tested positive. Because Buckley felt his heart racing, he requested medical transport to the hospital and police issued him a citation, but he failed to appear for his court date. Police subsequently arrested Buckley on July 29, 2023 in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Buckley told police that he had recently stolen a firearm from Cavendish, Vermont and given it to someone else in Mount Holly, Vermont. Buckley said he helped another person move numerous firearms into a storage unit Buckley rented in Killington, Vermont. Buckley said he had met this person while selling them fentanyl during the previous six months. Police obtained and executed a search warrant for that Killington, Vermont storage unit and recovered, among other items, 19 firearms and 3,240 rounds of ammunition. Buckley’s criminal history includes prior felony convictions for grossly negligent operation of a motor vehicle resulting in serious bodily injury, leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury, unlawful trespass of an occupied residence and possession of heroin. If convicted, Buckley could face a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, although any actual sentence will be advised by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the United States Code. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Buckley remains presumed innocent unless and until he is convicted of a crime. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jon Ophardt and Colin Owyang. Buckley is represented by Michael Straub, Esq. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn .


title: Farmington Man Pleads Guilty to Arson

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 Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Ulrick Bruce Canyon pled guilty to arson of a dwelling. Canyon, 40, of Farmington and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. In his plea agreement, Canyon admitted to completely burning down a residence within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation on Aug. 28, 2023. Canyon started the fire by pouring lighter fluid in the bedrooms of the residence, then, after lighting the fire, threw two propane tanks into the fire. Canyon then left the residence with a wheelbarrow full of his clothing, at which time he was intercepted by Navajo Nation Police officers. At sentencing, Canyon faces up to life in prison. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McGinley is prosecuting the case. View the Indictment View the Plea Agreement # # # 24-20


title: San Diego County Veterinary Clinic Pays $125,000 for Mishandling Controlled Substances

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – January 17, 2024 SAN DIEGO – Best Veterinary Care, a veterinary clinic in Valley Center, has paid $125,000 to resolve alleged Controlled Substances Act violations for diversion of controlled substances and failure to properly keep records necessary to account for controlled substances. The settlement arises from a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigation into suspected illegal activity at Best Veterinary Care d/b/a Valley Center Veterinary Clinic. Based on an inventory audit conducted by the DEA and other investigative activity, the Government concluded that Best Veterinary Care committed multiple violations of the Controlled Substances Act from 2020 through 2022. The alleged violations include failing to control the clinic’s inventory of controlled substances, failing to maintain a complete record of controlled substances, and failing to maintain effective controls to guard against theft and diversion of controlled substances. Best Veterinary Care’s failure to control inventory included unaccounted-for pills, including benzodiazepines alprazolam ( e.g. , Xanax) and diazepam and tramadol, an opioid. In addition to paying $125,000 to resolve the government’s claims, Best Veterinary Care entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA requiring Best Veterinary Care to undertake additional measures to handle controlled substances properly and safely. “Veterinarians have a responsibility to keep opioids and other dangerous drugs out of the wrong hands,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Failure to do so is not only reckless but is illegal and contributes to the raging opioid epidemic in this country.” “Veterinarians, like all registrants, must dispense controlled substances in a lawful manner and provide effective controls to prevent the diversion of controlled substances,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe. “DEA will continue to ensure registrants are upholding these policies and procedures.” This settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California and the Drug Enforcement Administration. To report a tip directly to a DEA representative regarding medical personnel writing suspicious opioid prescriptions and pharmacies dispensing large amounts of opioids, call (571) 324-6499, or visit the DEA’s website ( https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/ ) and click on “Report Illicit Pharmaceutical Activities.” This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dylan M. Aste. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Connecticut Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Fraud Offense

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID ETIENNE, 49, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for a tax fraud offense. According to court documents and statements made in court, Etienne operated as a tax return preparer in Norwich through several businesses, including Los Maestros Inc, Los Maestros Group, Tax Experts USA, and Tax Experts USA Inc. For the 2012 through 2021 tax years, Etienne prepared numerous federal tax returns for clients. The returns included false expenses and losses in connection with sole proprietorship businesses when he knew the taxpayers had not operated sole proprietorship businesses, false unreimbursed employee expenses, and, in certain instances, false medical, dental or education-related expenses. Etienne’s criminal conduct involved tax loss, affecting both the IRS and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, of approximately $600,000. On September 5, 2023, Etienne pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false income tax return. Etienne who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on February 28. Restitution will be determined after additional court proceedings. This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.


title: Independence Business Owner Sentenced for Multi-Million Dollar Conspiracy to Sell Stolen Catalytic Converters

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for leading a conspiracy to sell millions of dollars in stolen catalytic converters to companies in Missouri, Texas, and Louisiana. James Spick, 58, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to five years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Spick to forfeit to the government $4.4 million, which represents a conservative estimate that 40 percent of the catalytic converters he bought and sold were stolen. Spick, the owner of J&J Recycling in Independence, pleaded guilty on July 12, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property across state lines. In his salvage business, Spick primarily buys and resells catalytic converters rather than other automotive parts or recyclable items. Catalytic converters convert toxic gases and pollutants from internal combustion engines into less-toxic pollutants. Catalytic converters contain precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium. Stolen catalytic converters have value because of the precious metals, which can be extracted from the converters. For more than four years, Spick made it his primary business to buy and resell stolen catalytic converters. In doing so, he victimized tens of thousands of people whose catalytic converters were stolen from their vehicles. By paying in cash with basically no questions asked, Spick’s entire business model attracted, encouraged, and incentivized thieves and particularly drug addicts. Spick bought catalytic converters at his business from hundreds of individuals whom he paid in cash. Spick resold the catalytic converters, which he knew to have been stolen, to companies in Missouri (including Kansas City and Lee’s Summit), Texas, and Louisiana. The Texas and Louisiana companies processed the catalytic converters to extract the precious metals. In January 2021, detectives interviewed a known catalytic converter thief regarding his dealings with Spick. This thief had been caught stealing converters from new vehicles at a car dealership in Kansas. The thief stated that it was common knowledge on the street that Spick’s business was the place to go to sell “questionable” or stolen catalytic converters. According to court documents, Spick told investigators he sometimes spent $20,000 a day buying catalytic converters and profited about $1,000 a day after expenses. Because he dealt so much in cash, it’s not possible to know the amount of his net profit. Spick was paid partially in cash by the companies buying catalytic converters. From 2018 to 2021, a Texas company paid Spick $732,021 and an additional $2,622,846 in cash. From 2018 to 2021, a Louisiana company, paid Spick $817,271 and an additional $2,979,074 in cash. In total from 2018 to 2021, Spick received more than $11 million from companies buying catalytic converters and other car parts. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Mahoney and Nicholas Heberle. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.