title: St. Clair Shores Doctor Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for  Causing Patient’s Drug Overdose Death

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT - A St. Clair Shores doctor was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after being convicted at trial of a patient’s overdose death that resulted from his unlawful prescribing. He was also convicted on twenty-one charges related to the unlawful distribution of Schedule II, III and IV prescription drug-controlled substances, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. Joining Ison in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Dr. Bernard Shelton, 67, was sentenced before United States District Judge Denise Page Hood in Detroit. He has not been allowed to prescribe controlled substances since 2017. The evidence presented at trial established that Shelton ran a pill mill. He prescribed over 5.5 million doses of controlled substances between April 2013 and December 2016. Shelton prescribed over 2.7 million doses of Schedule II controlled substances such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, usually prescribing the types and strengths of drugs most valuable on the street market. When an undercover patient made an initial visit to Shelton complaining of back stiffness, Shelton did not examine the patient’s back, but instead asked, “What can I give you today” before prescribing the requested narcotics. The jury found that Shelton issued twenty-one prescriptions to seven different patients outside the usual course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose so he could charge for office visits and tests. Shelton received over $1.4 million from Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan during the same time period. Shelton began prescribing opioid pain relievers in 2010 to a patient whose pain was previously treated by prescription strength Motrin. Shelton prescribed increasingly stronger controlled substances over the next six years, and the patient became addicted to the drugs. In January 2016, he prescribed an increased dosage of oxycodone to the 54-year-old patient without medical justification. The patient suffered an overdose two days later and survived. A second oxycodone overdose four days later was fatal. Shelton also contributed to the overdose deaths of two other patients. U.S. Attorney Ison stated, “This defendant violated his oath to do no harm to his patients. He prescribed drugs without any medical justification in order to line his own pockets. His actions caused the death of at least one person and contributed to the deaths of two others. This sentence won’t bring back those patients who he harmed, but should serve as a warning to others of our resolve to aggressively prosecute physicians who choose to act as drug dealers and cause the death of patients. “ DEA Special Agent in Charge Greene stated, “This kind of reckless diversion of prescription medication has resulted in unimaginable suffering; the erosion of communities; and has paved a path to the emergence of fake prescription pills. We will continue to work tirelessly to identify those responsible for fueling opioid abuse and hold them accountable for their actions.” The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the St. Clair Shores Police Department and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The trial was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Wayne F. Pratt and Lisandra Fernandez-Silber.


title: Detroit Woman Convicted of Stealing Social Security Disability Benefits for More Than a Decade

body_text: DETROIT - A Detroit woman was convicted by a federal jury yesterday for stealing more than $90,000 from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and its programs, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today. Ison was joined in the announcement by Chancellor Melvin, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General, Chicago Field Division. Ernestine Hogue, a/k/a Ernestine Calhoun, 73, was convicted following a two-day jury trial in Ann Arbor, before United States District Judge Judith E. Levy. This is her fourth federal felony conviction for fraud. Between 2003 and 2015, Hogue—despite working under her true identity—fraudulently collected disability insurance benefits under the name of Ernestine Calhoun, using a second social security number that she had previously obtained under false pretenses. Over the years, Hogue also made multiple false statements to SSA, repeatedly concealing her employment from the government. In total, Hogue’s scheme allowed her to fraudulently obtain $91,461.60 in government money to which she was not entitled. “This defendant worked (and lied about working) while receiving Social Security disability benefits—benefits meant for people who are unable to work,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. “Our office stands ready to aggressively prosecute those who steal from taxpayers and programs designed to help those in need. “ “I thank the jury for their work in this case; their verdict holds the defendant accountable for the crimes she committed by receiving Social Security disability benefits fraudulently. Her longstanding deception speaks to the depth of her intent to defraud the Social Security Administration (SSA) for as long as she could,” said SSA OIG Acting Special Agent in Charge Melvin. “Our office will continue to help safeguard these benefits for those entitled to receive them.” This case was investigated by special agents of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne M. Lambert and Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Particka.


title: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement on Arrests of Alleged Leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel Ismael Zambada Garcia (El Mayo) and Joaquin Guzman Lopez

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the arrests of alleged leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, Ismael Zambada Garcia (El Mayo) and Joaquin Guzman Lopez: “The Justice Department has taken into custody two additional alleged leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world. Ismael Zambada Garcia, or “El Mayo,” cofounder of the Cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of its other cofounder, were arrested today in El Paso, Texas. Both men are facing multiple charges in the United States for leading the Cartel’s criminal operations, including its deadly fentanyl manufacturing and trafficking networks. El Mayo and Guzman Lopez join a growing list of Sinaloa Cartel leaders and associates who the Justice Department is holding accountable in the United States. That includes the Cartel’s other cofounder, Joaquin Guzman Loera, or “El Chapo”; another of El Chapo’s sons and an alleged Cartel leader, Ovidio Guzman Lopez; and the Cartel’s alleged lead sicario, Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, or “El Nini.” Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, and the Justice Department will not rest until every single cartel leader, member, and associate responsible for poisoning our communities is held accountable.”


title: Merrillville Man Sentenced to 92 Months in Prison

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

body_text: HAMMOND- Eric Crosslin, 37 years old, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Crosslin was sentenced to 92 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, Crosslin sold cocaine on six separate occasions in September and October 2020. A search of Crosslin’s properties in Merrillville and Gary resulted in the recovery of firearms, cash, and cocaine. Crosslin’s criminal history revealed he has prior felony convictions for voluntary manslaughter, intimidation while drawing/using a deadly weapon, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force and the Gary Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula. 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: Oswego County Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Receiving, Distributing and Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Austin Tennant, age 29, of Phoenix, New York, was sentenced today to 180 months (15 years) in federal prison for distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography. Tennant was previously convicted following a four-day trial in February 2024. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The evidence at trial established that, between September of 2022 and January of 2023, Tennant obtained from the Internet, and directly from child victims, hundreds of videos and thousands of images of child pornography. The evidence further established that Tennant later redistributed that same child pornography to others, including to other children in an effort to induce them to provide him with sexually explicit images and videos of themselves. In addition to imposing a 15-year term of imprisonment, Chief United States District Judge Benda K. Sannes also sentenced Tennant to serve a 15-year term of supervised upon his release from prison at which time Tennant will also be required to register as a sex offender. The case was investigated by HSI Syracuse with assistance from the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian LaRochelle and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Saratoga County Man Sentenced to 76 Months for Unlawfully Selling “Ghost Guns” and Methamphetamine Distribution

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Christopher Montano, age 40, of Edinburg, New York, was sentenced today to 76 months in prison for unlawfully conspiring to deal, possess, transfer and make unregistered firearms, and for distributing methamphetamine. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). As part of his prior guilty plea, Montano admitted that between August and October 2019, he, along with Michael Castelluccio, conspired to build and sell firearms from component parts ordered online. These firearms are commonly known as “ghost guns” because they do not have serial numbers, which makes them difficult for law enforcement to trace. Montano admitted to conspiring to possess and transfer short-barreled rifles, which are rifles with barrels less than 16 inches long, and admitted to doing so without having filed an application with nor received approval from the Secretary of the Department of the Treasury, or paying the tax required by federal law. He also admitted to selling more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release, which will start after Montano is released from prison. Judge Suddaby previously sentenced Castelluccio to 30 months in prison . This case was investigated by the ATF and HSI, with assistance from the Schenectady County and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping prosecuted this case.


title: Schenectady Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Firearm and Drug Offenses

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kori E. Overton, age 50, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to 72 months in prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, possessing cocaine with intent to distribute it, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement. As part of his plea on November 20, 2023, Overton admitted that on September 15, 2020, he possessed a bag containing cocaine and a loaded Bryco Arms Model 59 9-millimeter handgun when he was pulled over by the New York State Police in Albany, for a violation of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. The cocaine and firearm were found in a hidden after-market compartment built into his vehicle’s front passenger seat. Overton was prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition because of a 1991 felony conviction for robbery. Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release, which will start when Overton is released from prison. The DEA and New York State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer prosecuted the case.


title: Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt, Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Lawrence Boone, age 28, of Syracuse pled guilty today to multiple counts of receipt, distribution, and possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office, and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James. On several occasions from August through November 2023, Boone received images and videos of child pornography from other users on a smartphone messaging application. In exchange, Boone sent those users images and videos of child pornography that he possessed. Law enforcement arrested Boone on November 21, 2023, and seized multiple electronic devices used by Boone. Digital forensic analysis revealed that Boone possessed numerous images and videos of child pornography on each of the devices. Sentencing is scheduled for November 25, 2024, before United States Chief District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. Boone faces a mandatory minimum term of 5 years in prison on the receipt and distribution charges, a maximum term of 20 years in prison for each of the indicted charges, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between 5 years and up to life. Boone will also be required to register as a sex offender. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The case is being investigated by HSI, the NYSP Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the NYSP Troop D Computer Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecuted the case as a part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Madison Woman Sentenced to 4 ½ Years for Fentanyl Trafficking

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that a Madison woman has been sentenced to federal prison in connection with fentanyl trafficking. Alexis K. Davis, 28, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 4 ½ years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. The prison term will be followed by four years of supervised release. Davis pled guilty to this charge on April 4, 2024. On January 26, 2023, law enforcement intercepted two suspicious packages being shipped to the Madison area from Arizona. After obtaining a search warrant, officers opened the packages and inside each, found a stuffed animal containing approximately 2.2 kilograms of counterfeit prescription pills. In total, more than 40,000 pills were seized. Testing found that the pills contained fentanyl. Officers arranged for a controlled delivery of one package and Davis and co-defendant Jontell C. Shepherd were arrested after arriving at the delivery location to pick up the package. The government’s investigation revealed that co-defendant Brianna M. Reno arranged for co-defendant Keyshawna D. Draper to ship the fentanyl pills to Madison from Arizona. Davis provided Reno with $10,000 to purchase some of the pills. On January 25, 2023, Draper travelled from Atlanta to Phoenix where she packaged the pills and mailed them to Reno and Davis in Madison. At sentencing, Judge Peterson reflected on the serious harm that fentanyl causes the community. He also found it concerning that Davis chose to make money by exploiting the addictions of others. Davis is the final defendant charged in this trafficking scheme to be sentenced. On July 10, 2024, Reno was sentenced to seven years in federal prison. On July 23, 2024, Draper was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and Shepherd was sentenced to over three and a half years in prison. The charges against Reno, Shepherd, Davis, and Draper were the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. The investigation was conducted and funded by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a multi-agency task force that coordinates long-term narcotics trafficking investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Levins prosecuted this case.


title: Grand Jury Returns Indictments

body_text: MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Citizen of Moldova Charged with Access Device Fraud Charges Related to Credit Card Skimming Devices Placed Around Wisconsin Ivan Bordian, 32, a citizen of Moldova, is charged with possessing device making equipment and attempting to possess counterfeit access devices. The indictment alleges that on May 27, 2024, Bordian knowingly and with intent to defraud, possessed and had control and custody of device-making equipment, specifically credit card skimming devices. The indictment alleges that Bordian had those devices placed at five locations in Wisconsin, namely Blooming Grove, Madison, West Salem, La Crosse, and Janesville. The indictment further alleges that on June 3, 2024, Bordian attempted to possess fifteen or more counterfeit and unauthorized access devices. If convicted, Bordian faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison on each of the possession of device making equipment charges, and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the unauthorized access device charge. The charges against Bordian are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Dane County Sheriff’s Office, and the La Crosse, Onalaska, West Salem, Madison, Janesville, and Darien, Illinois, Police Departments. Wausau Man Charged with Distributing Methamphetamine Bee Her, 45, Wausau, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that Her distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on October 13, 2023, and October 23, 2023. If convicted, Her faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison on each distribution charge. The charges against Her are the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of investigators from the FBI, Marathon County Sheriff's Office, Wausau Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, Everest Metro Police Department, and Wisconsin's National Guard Counterdrug Program. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the case. Madison Man and Woman Charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine and Cocaine Emanuel Gonzalez, 28, and Yelitzia Ortiz Chaparro, 25, both of Madison, Wisconsin, are charged with distributing cocaine and methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that Gonzalez distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on March 17, 2023, and June 13, 2024, and further that he distributed cocaine on May 15, 2023. The indictment alleges that Ortiz Chaparro distributed cocaine on November 2, 2022, and together with Gonzalez, distributed methamphetamine on March 17, 2023. If convicted, Gonzalez faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison on each of the distribution counts involving methamphetamine, and a maximum of 20 years in prison on the distribution count involving cocaine. If convicted, Ortiz Chaparro faces maximum penalties of 20 years in prison on each distribution count. The charges against Gonzalez and Ortiz Chaparro are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The investigation was conducted and funded by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a multi-agency task force that coordinates long-term narcotics trafficking investigations. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.


title: Tampa Serial Robber Sentenced To 45 Years In Federal Prison

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Johnny Flores (45, Tampa) to 45 years in federal prison for 3 counts of Hobbs Act robbery. A federal jury found Flores guilty on May 30, 2024. According to evidence presented at trial, between February 13 and February 25, 2022, Flores entered three Tampa businesses wearing a hooded sweatshirt and facial covering. He brandished and threatened the victims with a weapon and removed cash from the registers. He verbally and physically assaulted the victims during the course of the robberies. Flores was initially identified through video surveillance recordings that showed him leaving two of the robberies in a vehicle that was traced back to another individual. That individual, however, died prior to the trial. A second individual had dropped Flores off near the robbery. Although he testified that he did not know that Flores had committed a robbery, the individual testified that he had driven Flores to a location near the robbery. Additional video surveillance recordings showed Flores at a clinic prior to the robberies with similar clothing. He was subsequently identified by law enforcement. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place; setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Schuylkill County Man Sentenced To 117 Months’ Imprisonment For Drug Trafficking And Firearm Offenses

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that William Quintana, age 51, of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 117 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for drug trafficking and firearm offenses. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Quintana previously pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and to the possession of firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking offense. As part of his guilty plea, Quintana admitted that on September 29, 2022, within Schuylkill County, he knowingly and intentionally possessed a quantity of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, and that in furtherance of that drug trafficking offense, he also possessed firearms, namely a Star 9mm pistol and a .380 caliber Diamondback pistol. The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Pottsville Police Department, the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force, and the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case. This case is also 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: North Port Registered Sex Offender Pleads Guilty To Attempting To Transfer Obscene Materials To A Minor

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Imran Siddiqi (40, North Port) has pleaded guilty to attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor and committing a felony offense involving a minor as a registered sex offender. Siddiqi faces a maximum penalty 10 years’ imprisonment on the first count, to be followed by a minimum mandatory 10-year sentence on the second count. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the court documents, between January 31 and March 6, 2024, Siddiqi engaged in a conversation with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing online as a 13-year-old girl. During the conversation, Siddiqi repeatedly described his desire to have sex with the child, sending multiple explicit photographs of himself along with images of adult pornography to the undercover officer. Siddiqi, a registered sex offender, was convicted in state court of traveling to meet a parent to solicit/entice a child to commit a sex act in 2016. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Monroe County Man Sentenced To 151 Months’ Imprisonment For Narcotics Distribution

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on July 23, 2024, United States District Court Judge Julia K. Munley sentenced Rodney Wilcox, age 56, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, to 151 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years on supervised release for distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, during the spring of 2023, Wilcox sold cocaine and fentanyl during several controlled purchase operations conducted by law enforcement agents. Wilcox was armed with a handgun during some of these controlled purchases. A search warrant was also served on Wilcox’s residence, which resulted in the seizure of additional narcotics and two firearms. In all, 6.5 grams of pure fentanyl were seized from Wilcox, which is 3,250 doses of potentially fatal fentanyl. The matter was a joint investigation by the FBI and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the 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: Philadelphia Man Sentenced To 188 Months’ Imprisonment For Drug Trafficking Offenses

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Terrell Watson, age 35, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for two drug trafficking offenses. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Watson previously pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and posses with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine as well as a quantity of fentanyl within Luzerne County between July of 2021 and April of 2022. Watson further pled guilty distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine in Luzerne County in April of 2022. The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, the Kingston Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the 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: Bradenton Drug Trafficker Sentenced To 30 Years In Federal Prison

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William Jung has sentenced Pierre C. Marc (37, Bradenton) to 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, marijuana, and heroin, and possessing with the intent to distribute marijuana and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Marc was found guilty by a jury after trial on April 9, 2024. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Marc was a major drug distributer in the Middle District of Florida. During the trial, a witness testified that Marc supplied him with an ounce of fentanyl and one to two kilograms of cocaine every week between January and September 2019 for distribution in Pinellas County. In 2021, Marc arrived at a controlled delivery of fentanyl with more than 300 grams of fentanyl and a firearm. Another witness testified that in 2020 and 2021, Marc supplied him with three to five kilograms of fentanyl for distribution in Manatee County. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. 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 . It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale.


title: Missouri Man Sentenced to 405 Months in Federal Prison for Production of Child Pornography Charges

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Missouri man was sentenced today to 405 months in federal prison for production of child pornography. According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, John Daniel Kopp Jr., 65, requested Abigail Margarete Knight produce child pornography with two minor victims and send it to him for a period of several years, between at least July 2020 through May 2023. Knight would produce such images and send them to Kopp via text message. Kopp continued to ask for more images, even paying Knight to produce some of the images. After completing his term of imprisonment, Kopp will be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Kopp was also ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution. In June 2024 , Knight, 36 of Riverside, was sentenced to 600 months in federal prison, following her plea to two counts of production of child pornography. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Washington County Sherriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Jacksonville Man Indicted On Federal Drug Distribution Charges

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Robert Howard, III (22, Jacksonville), also known as “Kenny Kapps,” with two counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of pure or actual methamphetamine. If convicted on all counts, Howard faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Howard that the United States intends to forfeit $2,250 in U.S. currency, which is alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Aakash Singh and Kirwinn Mike. This indictment is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations. The OCDETF mission is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States, using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency task force approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program may be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: Mental health services providers pay over a million to settle false claims liability

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – Two mental health care providers in the South Texas area have agreed to pay $1,083,000 to resolve False Claims Act (FCA) allegations regarding the submission of claims to Medicare, TRICARE and Medicaid that non-physician personnel rendered, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. From 2017 through 2020, Texas Behavioral Health PLLC (TBH) and United Psychiatry Institute LLC (UPI) allegedly engaged in a pattern and practice of falsely billing Medicare Part B. According to the allegations, TBH and UPI would submit claims for mental health services that physicians had not rendered or not directly supervised as Medicare regulations require. Some services occurred on dates when the physicians were traveling outside of the United States and thus unable to provide the services. Others allegedly occurred at times when it was not logistically possible for the physicians to have rendered them or directly supervised the services themselves due to the sheer volume of patients at multiple office locations located in and around the Houston area. Certain non-physician practitioners can provide mental health services but must have their own benefit categories and must bill the government programs directly using their own provider numbers. This did not happen in this case, according to the allegations. As a result of the alleged improper billing, Medicare, TRICARE and Medicaid reimbursed TBH and UPI at the higher physician rate. “For a system to provide affordable mental health services, it’s important for healthcare providers to give accurate information about who is providing the services - not supply misinformation in an attempt to fleece that system,” said Hamdani. “My office will continue to hold healthcare providers accountable when they get reimbursed at a higher rate due to alleged improper or fraudulent billing practices.” “As evidenced by recent settlements and indictments, healthcare fraud and abuse of our federally funded healthcare system is rampant,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office. “Too many providers are taking advantage of the mental health crisis and patient beneficiaries to bilk the system for millions of dollars. Ultimately, we all pay the price for their deceit in the form of higher premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. We encourage anyone who has information about healthcare fraud to please speak up and report it to the FBI.” “Our federal health care system relies on the fundamental principle that providers bill correctly and adhere to the rules. Taxpayers who fund these programs deserve nothing less,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (DHHS-OIG). “We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and prosecutors to ensure that those who submit false claims to Medicare are held accountable and that the Medicare trust fund is restored.” The settlement stems from a qui tam or whistleblower complaint filed under the FCA, which permits a party to file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recover. The qui tam case is United States ex rel. Gonzalez v. Texas Behavioral Health PLLC et al . The whistleblower will receive 17% of the proceeds from the settlement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and FBI conducted the investigation with assistance from DHHS – OIG and Texas Attorney General’s Office – Civil Medicaid Fraud Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Green handled the matter.


title: Armed Felon who Fled Police Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Tuesday sentenced a felon who fled from police while armed to 10 years in prison. Antonio Lenarr Williams, 33, of Ferguson, Missouri, pleaded guilty in April to two felony counts of conspiring to possess a weapon by a felon. He admitted that on May 5, 2021, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers spotted a vehicle in which Williams was driving heading south on Kingshighway Boulevard. Williams was being sought by police in connection with an investigation. After police deployed spike strips, Williams continued driving on deflated tires in midday traffic. He drove erratically, crossing into oncoming traffic and through red lights while trying to escape from officers. After going through the intersection of Kingshighway and Lindell boulevards, Williams jumped out of the vehicle and ran with a loaded semi-automatic pistol in his hand. He threw the gun in a dumpster shortly before his arrest by police, his plea agreement says. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Hayes prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the 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: Las Vegas Man Arrested and Indicted For Threatening To Murder Federal Officials And State Employees

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A federal grand jury returned a 22-count indictment charging a Las Vegas man with threatening to assault and murder federal officials, including federal judges, and state employees in Washington, D.C., New York, New Jersey, and Montana. According to court documents, between November 30, 2023, and July 7, 2024, Spencer Christjencody Gear, 32, made threatening phone calls and sent a threatening email to assault and murder eight federal officials with intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with the officials while engaged in the performance of official duties, and with intent to retaliate against the officials on account of the performance of official duties. Gear also threatened three state employees. Gear was arrested and made his initial court appearance this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Brenda Weksler. He is charged with 10-counts of threatening a federal official and 12-counts of transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure. A jury trial has been scheduled for September 24, 2024 before United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey. If convicted, Gear faces a maximum penalty of 10 years for each count of threatening a federal official and 5 years for each count of transmitting a threat to injure. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office, Marshal Gary Schofield for the U.S. Marshals Service, and Chief J. Thomas Manger, Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, United States Capitol Police, New York State Courts Department of Public Safety, New York County District Attorney’s Office – Investigations Bureau, and the Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jacob Operskalski is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force  Investigation Leads to Conviction of Broussard Man for Possession of Cocaine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: LAFAYETTE, La. – Morris James , 52, of Broussard, Louisiana , has been sentenced on drug related charges, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. James was sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 42 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. This charge was the result of a traffic stop conducted by the Lafayette Police Department of the vehicle being driven by James at approximately 2:20 a.m. on June 22, 2021. James was the sole occupant of the vehicle and during the traffic stop gave officers consent to search his vehicle. During the search, officers recovered approximately 1.6 kilograms of suspected cocaine from a duffel bag located in the trunk of the vehicle. The suspected narcotics were sent to the DEA Southeast Laboratory for testing and the results confirmed that the substance was cocaine with a net weight of 1503.5 grams. James pleaded guilty to the charge of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine on September 12, 2023. The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog. The investigation and conviction of Morris is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. # # #


title: Romanian Citizens Illegally Residing in United States Sentenced to Federal Prison on Fraud Charges

component: USAO - Louisiana, Western

body_text: LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Dorin Munteanu Racu, Alias Adrian Ciobanu , 41, a Romanian citizen who was unlawfully in the Western District of Louisiana , has been sentenced in connection with a scheme to defraud. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Racu to the maximum sentence of 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Racu and his co-defendant, Gheorghe Olar, Alias Alin Mielu, Alias Mihai Papurica , 59, also a Romanian citizen living unlawfully in the United States, were indicted in 2014 and charged with wire fraud, structuring, and possession with intent to use five or more documents or authentication features. Olar pleaded guilty to possession with intent to use five or more documents or authentication features and was sentenced on January 12, 2017, to spend an additional 10 months in prison, for a total sentence of 24 months. Racu fled from authorities after his initial appearance in court on August 19, 2014, and remained a fugitive for over eight years. He ultimately made it back to Romania, but Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information on his location, and extradition was sought by the United States. Once extradition was approved, Romanian authorities arrested him pursuant to their treaty with the United States, and he was brought back to Lafayette, Louisiana where he remained incarcerated without bond pending trial and until he pled guilty. An investigation by law enforcement agents revealed that Racu and Olar were acquaintances and had worked together in the past doing construction work in the Lafayette area. Both men were working to make extra money and sending cash to Romania and other international locations using false identification cards. The amounts Racu and Olar wired were sent in denominations under $3,000 to avoid reporting requirements, almost always in amounts of $2,900, and done numerous times at various locations to avoid suspicion. On March 13, 2014, Racu recruited Olar to make extra money as they had done before, and Olar agreed. That evening, Racu and Olar continued their pattern of illegal activity of using false identification cards to send money to foreign countries in structured amounts. After several transactions were completed and while the two defendants were traveling to the next location, Racu was stopped by law enforcement officers in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, for a traffic violation. Consent to search Racu’s vehicle was obtained and over $20,000 in cash was located, along with 11 false identification documents, including identification cards and driver’s licenses, depicting Racu and Olar’s photographs but with different names, addresses, and other information. Seven false identification documents, South Carolina identification cards, were located with Olar’s photograph. In addition, MoneyGram documents and a ledger were seized which indicated five previous illegal transactions had been recently wired by Racu and Olar in the amount of $2,900 each. Forensic evidence seized, along with other evidence from state and federal investigations, revealed that Racu and Olar participated in an illegal conspiracy whereby a group of Romanian and other foreign individuals defrauded hundreds of victims out of over $700,000. These foreign co-conspirators used computers to advertise cars, motorcycles, boats, and other items for sale on Craig’s List and when a victim agreed to purchase the item, the co-conspirators required the victim purchasing the item to wire the purchase price into a Google wallet account. The victim never received the purchased item as promised. The illegal proceeds from this scheme were withdrawn in cash at locations in the United States, and a portion of the proceeds went to Racu and Olar with instructions to wire the funds back to co-conspirators in Romania and other countries. On March 13, 2014, the day of their arrest, Racu and Olar had sent, or were about to send, $35,152 in illegal proceeds back to co-conspirators in Romania and other countries, using false documents at different MoneyGram locations within the Western District of Louisiana. The case was investigated by Department of Homeland Security Investigations, with fugitive assistance provided by the United States Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Myers P. Namie. # # #


title: Indiana Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sending Violent Antisemitic Threats to Anti-Defamation League Offices Across the Country

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Andrezj Boryga (An-dre-g Bor-egg-ah), 67, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to willfully transmitting in interstate commerce threats to injure other people and for choosing his victims because of their religion. According to court documents, between July 9 and Dec. 14, 2022, Boryga left voicemails at Anti-Defamation League offices located in New York, Texas, Colorado, and Nevada. Boryga used antisemitic slurs on eight voicemails as he threatened to assault or kill Jewish people. “Hate-fueled threats of violence seek to fracture our society and isolate communities from one another,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This defendant made heinous, repeated violent threats targeting Jewish people and organizations. His actions were not just heinous, they were unlawful. This case represents the latest effort by the Justice Department to combat the disturbing increase in threats against Jews and Jewish institutions across the United States that we have seen in the wake of October 7th. We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute threats and acts of violence motivated by antisemitism and by hatred of any kind.” “The defendant’s vile and graphic threats demonstrated his hate-filled mindset, and the death threats levied caused genuine fear for the people who received them,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This type of antisemitic, hate-fueled conduct offends our most basic values and has no place in our society. This sentence should send a clear message to perpetrators and would-be perpetrators of hate crimes that we will not hesitate to prosecute those who threaten violence against the Jewish community.” “Everyone in our country should be able to sit in safety regardless of how they worship, free from bigoted threats meant to make them afraid,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana. “This criminal’s horrific threats sought to put fear into Jewish communities. Violent antisemitism and bigotry must be given no sanction in this country. Our office will continue to work closely with our partners at the Civil Rights Division and the FBI to hold criminals accountable for hate-based threats and violence.” The FBI Indianapolis Field Office investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter A. Blackett for the Southern District of Indiana and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case. If you have concerns regarding Civil Rights violations in the Southern District of Indiana, you can now report them to our office via email USAINS-CivilRights@usdoj.gov or using our online form. ###


title: Columbia County man sentenced to federal prison for bilking customers for purchase of cryptocurrency computers

body_text: AUGUSTA, GA: A Columbia County man has been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty in a scheme to sell expensive computer equipment to more than 40 customers who never received their orders. Steven Drawdy , 40, of Grovetown, Ga., was sentenced to 32 months in prison after pleading guilty to Wire Fraud, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Drawdy to pay restitution totaling more than $1.1 million and to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. “Steven Drawdy ripped off dozens of people by preying on their desire to make money in the complex world of cryptocurrency,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “Our law enforcement partners did exceptional work in identifying and shutting down this scheme.” As described in court documents and testimony, from about August 2021 through April 2022, Drawdy participated in an online cryptocurrency discussion forum, and received more than $1.1 million from at least 42 victims who believed they were paying Drawdy to provide them with cryptocurrency “mining” computers. Instead of delivering the computers, however, Drawdy would pocket the payments and eventually cease communicating with the customers. In some cases, he would offer a partial refund but would require the customer to pay a “processing fee” to receive the refund – and then would provide neither the refund nor the computer while discontinuing all communications with the customer. “While using the latest in technology as his hook to attack victims, Drawdy’s actions were nothing more than old-fashioned fraud,” said FBI Atlanta Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Ozden. “The FBI will continue to go after criminals doing any type of fraud and seek to hold them accountable.” The case was investigated by the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer A. Stanley.


title: Former Army Officer and JAG Attorney Pleads Guilty to  Destruction of U.S. Army Property and Lying to Federal Investigators

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A former Army officer and attorney assigned to the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School (JAG School) in Charlottesville pled guilty today to multiple federal charges related to his destruction of U.S. Army property and subsequent false statements to federal investigators. Manfredo Martin-Michael Madrigal, III, 38, a former resident of Charlottesville, Va., pled guilty today to one count of destruction of U.S. Army materials and three counts of making a false statement. According to court documents, in February 2022, Madrigal was assigned to a staff position at the JAG School in the Training Developments Directorate, whose mission was to design and develop training products for the JAG Corps and the Army. Madrigal possessed an active security clearance and previously served overseas on sensitive operations. In early 2022, Madrigal was under investigation by the U.S. Army and the JAG School for failing to report a previous arrest for driving under the influence (DUI). While his Army investigation was pending, Madrigal deleted, without authorization, online JAG training materials and filmed himself doing so while graphically describing his ill-will towards the Army. The FBI’s investigation also revealed that Madrigal made a phone call to the Russian embassy in Washington, DC the same night that he deleted the training materials and then texted a witness that Russia wanted to know what he knew. On February 22, 2022, Madrigal was discharged from the JAG School and claimed in his exit paperwork that he had no unreported contact with a foreign national. In April and May 2022, Madrigal was interviewed by the FBI about his actions. In these interviews, Madrigal made multiple false statements regarding his actions, including denying any involvement in the deletion of materials and that he only learned of the deletion from a coworker, as well as falsely denying his contact with a foreign national at the Embassy. United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, and the United States Army investigated the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Joyce and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katie Burroughs Medearis, Vito A. Iaia, and Sean M. Welsh and are prosecuting the case for the United States.


title: Boston Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking a Minor

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced on July 22nd in federal court in Boston for trafficking a minor for sex and persuading and coercing multiple women to travel across state lines to engage in prostitution. Jimall Dawn Brown, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 135 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In April 2024, Brown pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor; one count of transporting an individual in interstate commerce with the intent that they engage in prostitution; and two counts of persuading and coercing an individual to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution. “Sex trafficking, especially of minors, is a huge public safety issue that is happening far too often in our society. Mr. Brown coerced young girls with false promises to get them to travel to Massachusetts so he could sell their bodies and pocket the money,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “No one, especially no child, should have to fear this type of horrific conduct, and our office and our state and federal partners will not rest while human trafficking remains such a pernicious and destructive problem in our society.” “Jimall Brown exploited, trafficked and abused three young women, including a child, for his own financial gain. It was imperative FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force swiftly take him “off the street,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Unequivocally, our communities are safer with Brown behind bars, locked away where he can’t victimize anyone else. In 2022, Brown trafficked a 17-year-old, identified as Victim 1, to engage in commercial sex acts. He first met the victim, who was living outside Massachusetts, on social media and convinced her to fly to Boston, with promises of a “better lifestyle.” Brown posted advertisements of Victim 1 online and arranged “dates” for Victim 1 to have sex in exchange for money. Brown set the pricing for the commercial sex acts she engaged in, for which he collected all of the money. Brown transported Victim 1 to Georgia and later to Nevada, again arranging for her to engage in commercial sex in those locations and keeping all the money. In March 2019, Brown persuaded and coerced another woman, identified as Victim 2, to travel from Connecticut to Massachusetts to engage in prostitution. He met her in Connecticut and told her that she had potential and that he could provide a better, luxurious life for her if she would come to Boston, where he lived. Victim 2 came to Massachusetts and Brown posted online advertisements containing photos of Victim 2 on commercial sex websites. Victim 2 engaged in commercial sex and was required to give all the money she made to Brown. In May 2016, Brown persuaded and coerced a different woman, identified as Victim 3, to travel from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts to engage in prostitution. He contacted Victim 3 on social media, told her that she was beautiful, that he had a modeling agency and that he wanted to work with her. Brown said he would pay for her plane ticket to fly to Boston and provide everything for her once she arrived. Victim 3 traveled by plane from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts. After she arrived, Brown took photos of her, purportedly for modeling, but instead he posted them on websites advertising commercial sex. Brown then coerced and forced Victim 3 to engage in commercial sex in Massachusetts and required her to give him all the money. If you or someone you know may be impacted by commercial sex trafficking please contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov . Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; FBI SAC Cohen; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office; the Massachusetts State Police; and the Arlington and Randolph Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torey B. Cummings of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Tennessee Woman Sentenced To 41 Months In Prison For Violating The Freedom Of Access To Clinic Entrances Act

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that BEVELYN BEATTY WILLIAMS was sentenced to 41 months in prison for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (the “FACE Act”) in June 2020 in connection with her interference, including by threats and force, with individuals seeking to obtain and provide lawful reproductive health services at a reproductive health center in Manhattan. On February 22, 2024, WILLIAMS was convicted after a nine-day jury trial of one count of violating the FACE Act before U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon, who imposed today’s sentence. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Bevelyn Beatty Williams repeatedly intimidated and interfered with individuals seeking and providing critical reproductive health services. She did so by physically blocking access to clinics, threatening staff, and by force. This Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring that patients exercising their legal right to obtain reproductive health services, and healthcare facilities and their staff providing those services, can do so without unlawful interference or fear of threats or violence.” According to evidence admitted at trial and other public filings and statements made in Court: On June 19, 2020, and June 20, 2020, WILLIAMS threatened and used force against patients and staff members at a reproductive health center located in lower Manhattan (the “Health Center”) and blocked patients and staff members from accessing the Health Center. In one instance, and as captured on video, WILLIAMS pressed her body against the door of the Health Center’s patient entrance and refused to move, preventing a Health Center volunteer from entering the Health Center. As a Health Center staff member (“Victim-1”) attempted to open the door for the volunteer, WILLIAMS purposefully leaned against the door, crushing Victim-1’s hand. Victim-1 yelled, “She’s crushing my hand,” but WILLIAMS remained against the door, trapping Victim-1’s hand and injuring it. At various times on June 19 and 20, 2020, WILLIAMS stood directly in front of the Health Center entrances. WILLIAMS initially blocked the main entrance used by patients, causing the Health Center to have to divert patients to enter through the staff entrance. WILLIAMS responded by moving to block the staff entrance and directing others to do the same. WILLIAMS livestreamed some of her conduct on June 19 and 20, 2020, on a social media account. On the livestream on June 19, 2020, WILLIAMS stood within inches of the Health Center’s chief administrative officer and threatened to “terrorize this place” and warned that “we’re gonna terrorize you so good, your business is gonna be over mama.” Similarly, WILLIAMS stood within inches of a Health Center security officer and threatened “war.” WILLIAMS also stated that she would act by “any means necessary.” In addition to WILLIAMS’s conduct in Manhattan, on multiple other occasions from at least 2019 to 2022, WILLIAMS and others intimidated and interfered with individuals seeking to obtain or provide reproductive health services at other health clinics across the country, including in Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, and Brooklyn, New York. For example, in January 2022, WILLIAMS travelled to a health center in Fort Myers, Florida, where she directed other individuals to block health center entrances. As a result of the blockade, medical staff was delayed in treating at least a dozen patients, three of whom were scheduled for time-sensitive procedures that could have resulted in bleeding, infection, or significant pain without timely treatment. In addition, in July 2022, WILLIAMS invaded a health center in Atlanta, Georgia, where she screamed through the door at patients attempting to enter the facility until they were forced to leave. Among other things, WILLIAMS shouted that she’d go to jail before letting patients enter the facility for an abortion and that she was “not afraid to get arrested.” * * * In addition to the prison term, WILLIAMS, 33, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, was sentenced to two years of supervised release. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily A. Johnson, Mitzi Steiner, and Jamie Bagliebter, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Isabel Loftus, are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Former Family Crisis and Counseling Center Manager Sentenced for Bank Fraud and Tax Evasion

component: Office of the Inspector General

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Deanna Rachel Long, 59, to serve twelve months and one day in prison for Bank Fraud and Tax Evasion. Judge Hill further ordered Long to three years of supervised release and to pay $278,257.54 in restitution to FCCC and $96,622 to the IRS. In 2012, the Family Crisis and Counseling Center (FCCC) in Bartlesville hired Long as a manager. She was entrusted to handle many aspects of FCCC’s accounting and finance functions, including record-keeping for the financial books, paying bills, and preparing checks for business expenses. Within two years of being hired, Long began embezzling money to fund personal expenses and fuel her gambling addiction. Court documents show that Long embezzled more than $278k from FCCC. Additionally, Long failed to report the illegal income and failed to file tax returns for tax years 2014 through 2022 with the IRS. After leaving FCCC, Long further filed false tax forms with her new employer claiming numerous exemptions to which she was not entitled to avoid any personal income taxes being deducted from her paychecks. State court records show Long has been arrested numerous times for passing bogus checks, pled guilty to bogus check charges, and pled guilty twice for embezzling from two prior employers. Long was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. IRS Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David D. Whipple prosecuted the case.


title: Two Defendants Convicted at Trial of Possessing With Intent to Distribute 36 Kilograms of Fentanyl and Maintaining Two Drug Houses in Philadelphia

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Gabriel Rivera-Otero, a/k/a “Carlos Vasquez,” a/k/a “Gustavo,” 39, of Philadelphia, PA, and Angel Reyes-Valdez, a/k/a “Abel Anton Alberto Nunez,” 48, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, were convicted at trial of possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and maintaining a drug-involved premises. Reyes-Valdez was also convicted of illegal reentry after deportation. As proven at trial, on October 28, 2020, Rivera-Otero and Reyes-Valdez met in a parking lot in Philadelphia to transfer six kilograms of fentanyl between them. Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested both men, after recovering the fentanyl from a diaper box on the front passenger seat of Rivera-Otero’s vehicle. The same day, DEA agents searched two separate Philadelphia residences where Rivera-Otero and Reyes-Valdez stored and packaged large quantities of controlled substances. At the residence used by Rivera-Otero, agents seized approximately 700 grams of fentanyl, drug packaging material, and drug manufacturing equipment. At the residence used by Reyes-Valdez, agents seized approximately 30 kilograms of fentanyl, including numerous brick-shaped packages of the drug and over 110,000 fentanyl pills, as well as drug packaging material, drug manufacturing equipment, a loaded firearm, and over $90,000 in U.S. currency. Both defendants have prior felony drug convictions in the United States and Reyes-Valdez had been previously deported from the U.S. to the Dominican Republic three times between 2007 and 2014. “Imagine the human damage that 36 kilograms — about 80 pounds! — of fentanyl could have done on the streets of Philly and beyond,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “We and our law enforcement partners will continue to battle the dealers and traffickers endangering our communities just so they can profit from the tragedy of the opioid epidemic.” “Together Rivera-Otero and Reyes-Valdez possessed over 36 kilograms of fentanyl, which is a staggering amount of a potentially lethal drug that has had catastrophic effects on our region and across the nation at large,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. “That Reyes-Valdez was deported from the United States on three prior occasions and returned to the Philadelphia area where he was found in possession of the kilograms of fentanyl noted above, over 110,000 fake pills containing fentanyl, and a loaded firearm shows the threat he posed to our community. Both he and Rivera-Otero will face severe federal prison sentences.” “Today's most recent federal convictions underscore the critical importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies to combat the epidemic of drug trafficking in our communities,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel. “Let this serve as a strong message to those who seek to profit by poisoning our community members: we will pursue you relentlessly and hold you accountable. The Philadelphia Police Department remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting our neighborhoods and ensuring that justice is served.” “The criminal collaboration between Gabriel Rivera-Otero and Angel Reyes-Valdez, a noncitizen, is precisely the type of enterprise that the officers of ERO work tirelessly to disrupt in order to safeguard the American public,” said Cammilla Wamsley, Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia Field Office Director. “The interagency cooperation on this investigation has been extraordinary and we look forward to future cooperation with our fellow law enforcement agencies.” Rivera-Otero faces a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Reyes-Valdez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Philadelphia Police Department, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin Ashenfelter and Timothy Lanni.


title: Jeanerette Man Sentenced in Bank Fraud Scheme

body_text: LAFAYETTE, La. – Cameron Michael Marks , 26, of Jeanerette, Louisiana, has been sentenced for committing bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Marks to 54 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release. On July 12, 2022, officers with the Jeanerette Police Department in Iberia Parish, Louisiana, stopped the vehicle driven by Marks for a traffic violation. Marks stopped his vehicle in his mother’s driveway. He was unable to provide a driver’s license or proof of insurance to law enforcement officers. Subsequently, a vehicle search was conducted of Marks’ vehicle and officers located 13 counterfeit/forged Western Union money orders. Marks’ mother gave officers consent to search the residence and inside officers located numerous fraudulent checks written on third party businesses and individuals, along with account opening documents and checkbooks bearing the names of these third parties but bearing Marks’ physical address. The United States Secret Service began an investigation into this fraudulent activity. Marks admitted to law enforcement agents that he had obtained account information for the third party business fraudulently and ordered checks with that account information. He further admitted that he used other third party individuals’ identities to open bank accounts in order to deposit the fraudulent checks into accounts without using his own identity. Marks admitted that he issued fraudulent checks written on a third party business account in the amount of $240,275.71. The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and Jeanerette Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig R. Bordelon. # # #


title: Manlius Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possessing Child Pornography

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – William Gladney, age 41, of Manlius, New York, was sentenced today to 120 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 35 years of supervised release, for possessing child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office, and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement. As part of his previous guilty plea, Gladney admitted that he possessed thousands of videos and images of child pornography on several of his personal devices. Gladney has a previous conviction for possession of child pornography in Texas. In addition to the imprisonment and supervised release terms, Gladney was ordered to pay a total of $44,000 in restitution to child victims depicted in the files he possessed, and will be required to continue to register as a sex offender upon his release from imprisonment. HSI, the NYSP Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the NYSP Troop D Computer Crime Unit, and the Auburn Police Department investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Thomson prosecuted Gladney as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud Violations

body_text: BOSTON – A Florida man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with a scheme to defraud insurance providers for physical therapy services that were not provided to patients. Jeffrey MacEachron, 60, pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with one count of health care fraud; aiding and abetting. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Oct. 17, 2024. MacEachron owned and managed PT4U, Inc., a business that operated physical therapy clinics in Bedford and Lexington, Mass. According to the charging documents, from 2013 through 2021, MacEachron caused insurance companies and TRICARE to reimburse PT4U for physical therapy services that were not actually performed. Specifically, MacEachron edited claim forms to add units of service beyond those actually performed and then submitted them to insurance companies and TRICARE for payment. The charge of health care fraud; aiding and abetting provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Chris Averill, Special Agent in Charge of the Air Force, Office of Special Investigations; Brian J. Solecki, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Anthony DiPaolo, Chief of Investigations of the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James D. Herbert and Christopher Looney are prosecuting the case.


title: Former Colorado Springs Area Man Convicted of Sex Assault on a Minor

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Mitchel Crow, 32, was found guilty on three counts of sexual abuse of a minor. According to facts established at trial, between May of 2020 and mid-December of 2020, Crow engaged in a sexual acts with a minor within a residence located on Fort Carson, an Army post near Colorado Springs. “Sexual assault involving a minor victim is one of the more despicable crimes in our society,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “Protecting the most vulnerable in our state, including our children, remains one of our top priorities.” “These cases are devastating for the victim and difficult for the supportive friends and family as well as the investigators,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “A violent crime like this against a juvenile is heart-breaking, and the FBI will continue to support survivors and bring perpetrators to justice. “ United States Senior District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore presided over the trial. The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Tom Minser and Al Buchman handled the prosecution. Sentencing will be held at a later date. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.


title: John Bragg Sentenced To Six Years For Wire Fraud

component: USAO - Tennessee, Eastern

body_text: CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On July 24, 2024, John Bragg, II, 47, formerly of West Virginia, was sentenced to 72 months by the Honorable Curtis L. Collier, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Following his release from imprisonment, Bragg will be on supervised release for three years. As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Bragg agreed to plead guilty to one count of an indictment charging him with wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1343. As a component of his sentence, Bragg was ordered to pay a money judgment of $79,500 and over $300,000 in restitution to his victims. According to court documents, Bragg owned a business involved in the restoration and sale of classic and rare Volkswagen vehicles. The business – known as “JB Bugs Trick Truck N Rod” – maintained operations in various locations, including Tennessee and Indiana. Bragg held himself and his business out to be specialists in Volkswagen restoration, including by participating in online communities of Volkswagen enthusiasts and appearing at functions such as automobile conventions. Using that presence, he became acquainted with his victims and defrauded them. As identified in his plea agreement, one instance of such fraud included “selling” a vintage 23-window Volkswagen Microbus to various investors, despite the fact that another person owned the vehicle and Bragg was never entitled to offer it for sale. U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement. The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation led by the United States Secret Service in conjunction with state and local law enforcement partners in Indiana and Tennessee. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Wilson represented the United States. ###


title: Woman pleads guilty to “straw purchase” of firearms

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

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus woman admitted in U.S. District Court here today that she illegally bought two handguns for an individual who was not allowed to have firearms, a process known as straw purchasing. Connie Bartley, 41, of Columbus pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm. Court documents say Bartley attended a gun show in Columbus in February 2021 with an acquaintance who had a felony conviction on his criminal record. He picked out two firearms. She filled out the ATF forms indicating that the firearms were for her and bought them. She then gave the guns to him, and he paid her for them. Investigators recovered the firearms three months later when they searched the man’s apartment as part of a federal investigation. “Don’t lie for the other guy or you’ll find yourself facing harsh consequences,” said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “Keeping firearms out of the hands of people who are not allowed to possess them is vital to reducing violence in our communities.” Making false statements during the purchase of a firearm is punishable by up to ten years in prison. The court will determine an appropriate sentence under federal sentencing guidelines. Mr. Parker was joined by Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) in announcing the plea entered before U.S. Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth A. Geraghty and Jennifer M. Rausch are representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Ohio Man Sentenced for Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act Violation, Communicating Interstate Threats and Conspiracy

body_text: An Ohio man was sentenced today for threatening to destroy a reproductive health services facility in Columbus, Ohio, and for conspiring to commit money laundering. Mohamed Waes, 33, was sentenced to 66 months in prison, three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $273,982.08 in restitution. “This defendant threatened to burn down a reproductive health clinic in order to intimidate its employees from providing care to patients,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Using threats of violence to obstruct access to reproductive health care is simply unlawful. The Justice Department will continue to protect both patients seeking reproductive health services and providers offering those services, wherever and whenever these criminal violations occur.” “Threats of violence against healthcare providers and deception against our financial system are acts that must be punished in our courts of justice,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker for the Southern District of Ohio. “We will continue our unified vigilance against such actions and remain prepared to hold accountable those who commit them.” “IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) enforces the nation's tax laws, but also takes particular interest in cases where someone, for their own personal benefit, has taken what belonged to others. With both law enforcement and financial investigation expertise, our agents are uniquely qualified to assist state and federal law agencies with these types of cases by following the money,” said Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of IRS-CI’s Cincinnati Field Office. “Today’s sentencing is a reminder that there are real and damaging consequences for not only stealing money from small businesses, the lifeblood of the American economy, but also trying to hide the proceeds of the crime.” Waes pleaded guilty on Feb. 9 to a misdemeanor charge under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits a person from intentionally interfering with or intimidating any person because that person is providing reproductive health services, and to a felony charge of communicating interstate threats. According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 5, 2022, Waes intentionally interfered with and intimidated employees of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio by threatening over the phone to burn down their building because they were providing reproductive health services. Waes also previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to court documents, Waes attempted to launder a total of $1,972,792.84 in business email compromise fraud schemes proceeds, of which he successfully laundered $273,982.08. As part of this conspiracy, scammers created fake email domains which mimicked legitimate email domains and then sent emails to various companies impersonating vendors and asking that payments be made on actual invoices to bank accounts controlled by Waes and others. The FBI Cincinnati Field Office and IRS-CI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Rausch and Peter K. Glenn-Applegate for the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Daniel Grunert of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.


title: U.S. Attorney Secures Sentence for Firearm Incident

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison for a firearms-related offense after a confrontation over a $40 debt. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on August 15, 2022, Ian Channing Lasiloo , 31, an enrolled member of the Zuni Tribe, drove to the residence of his cousin, John Doe. Upon arrival, Lasiloo confronted John Doe with a handgun, demanding payment of a $40 debt. When John Doe denied owing the money, Lasiloo pointed the weapon at his face before aiming at the ground and firing. The bullet struck John Doe in the left heel, causing a superficial wound that required treatment at Zuni Hospital. Lasiloo was apprehended by law enforcement the following day. During questioning, he expressed remorse for his actions, stating that he had intended to frighten John Doe due to the alleged debt. Upon his release from prison, Lasiloo will be subject to 3 years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case. # # #


title: Illegal firearms trafficker sentenced to over 10 years in prison

body_text: GREENSBORO – A Guilford County man was sentenced today for the illegal possession and trafficking of firearms after a months-long investigation into the sale of 20 firearms in Greensboro, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the Middle District of North Carolina. MARCUS DEVON DALTON, age 30, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to illegal possession and trafficking firearms in May 2024. According to court records, in April 2022, a confidential informant (CI) contacted an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regarding an illegal firearms dealer who was supplying both firearms and machinegun conversion devices in Greensboro. The ATF agent coordinated multiple controlled purchases with the CI wherein DALTON illegally sold 20 firearms, including AR-15s, from May 2022 to September 2023. At the time of these events, DALTON was also a previously convicted felon and was therefore barred from possessing firearms. DALTON was sentenced to a 121-month term of imprisonment by the Honorable William L. Osteen, United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. At the conclusion of his active term of imprisonment, DALTON will be subject to supervised release for 3 years. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greensboro Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole DuPré. 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. A copy of this press release will be posted on our website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 1:24CR81-1. ###


title: U.S. Attorney and FBI Charge Farmington Woman for Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington woman faces federal drug trafficking and firearms charges after a high-speed chase led to the seizure of over half a kilogram of methamphetamine, thousands of suspected counterfeit pills, and multiple firearms. Tasheena Hoskie , 42, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge last week. According to court document, the arrest stems from a joint investigation by the FBI and the Region II Task Force that consisted of multiple controlled drug buys from and surveillance operations on Hoskie and her activities. On July 12, 2024, investigators attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Hoskie 's vehicle as it traveled from Arizona to New Mexico. Hoskie initially stopped but then fled at high speed, throwing packages from the vehicle. After her vehicle was disabled, Hoskie was taken into custody. Investigators recovered approximately 548 grams of suspected methamphetamine that had been thrown from the vehicle. A search of Hoskie 's vehicle revealed: Two firearms, including a stolen rifle; Over 4,000 suspected counterfeit oxycodone pills, as well as a cell phone that had both been submerged into water in a cooler; and Additional suspected methamphetamine. Photograph of Methamphetamine found in the roadway. Photograph of the cooler after investigators had removed a phone and were continuing to recover the blue pills. A subsequent search of Hoskie 's residence in Farmington uncovered more suspected methamphetamine, approximately 6,000 unidentified pills, and 10 firearms. Hoskie has a previous felony conviction for drug trafficking from 2011 in Arizona. If convicted of the current charges, Hoskie faces up to lifetime imprisonment. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today. The investigation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, the Region II Narcotics Task Force, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, and the Farmington Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # #


title: U.S. Attorney Announces Prison Sentence for  Domestic Violence Against Pregnant Intimate Partner

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Caddo man was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for brutally assaulting and strangling his pregnant girlfriend. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, between February 11 and 14, 2023, Steven Williams , 30, an enrolled member of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma, repeatedly assaulted Jane Doe, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Indian Tribe. Williams attacked Jane Doe with his fists, a knife, and by choking and kicking her. Jane Doe was five months pregnant at the time of the assaults. As a result of the attacks, Jane Doe suffered severe bruising, a broken hand, defensive knife wounds, and strangulation. Fortunately, the unborn child survived. After enduring days of abuse, Jane Doe eventually managed to escape and receive medical treatment with the help of concerned family members. Upon his release from prison, Williams will be subject to 3 years of supervised release with intensive counselling and treatment for anger management. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case. # # #