title: Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty To Possessing Firearms On Two Occasions

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Loveking Kitching (22, Deland) has pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Kitching faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison on each count. His sentencing hearing is set for December 11, 2024. According to court records, on May 13, 2023, Kitching was involved in a shooting while riding as a passenger in car near a gas station in Deland. Within minutes of the shooting, gas station security camera footage captured Kitching exiting the car and walking into the gas station’s convenience store while holding a loaded 9mm pistol. Law enforcement officers responded to the scene and recovered the pistol and other evidence, which indicated that Kitching had exchanged gunfire with someone outside the car. During the shooting, Kitching was shot in the mouth and hand. Shell casings found inside the vehicle where Kitching had been seated indicated that he had also fired the 9mm pistol from inside vehicle. On December 12, 2023, law enforcement officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle Kitching was driving. Kitching failed to stop and instead led police on a car chase into an industrial park that ended when Kitching reached a dead end. On the ground along the path of the chase, officers located Kitching’s cellphone and a loaded .40 caliber pistol. Kitching’s DNA and fingerprints were found on the pistol. Kitching had previously been convicted in 2022 of multiple felonies and therefore is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Deland Police Department, and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro. 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: Kissimmee Woman Indicted For Distributing, Receiving, And Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Jessica Corin Mangano (34, St. Cloud) with two counts of distributing, two counts of receiving, and one count of possessing child sexual assault material (CSAM). If convicted, Mangano faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years up, to 20 years, in federal prison for each distribution and receipt offense and up to 20 years in federal prison for the possession offense. According to the indictment, on July 2, 2024, Mangano distributed multiple videos that contained CSAM. On July 14 and August 2, 2024, Mangano received videos that contained CSAM. Finally, on August 15, 2024, Mangano possessed CSAM material that involved a young child and a child who had not attained 12 years of age. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ 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 child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Fremont Home Construction Contractor Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Bank Fraud and Money Laundering

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on August 28, 2024, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Ross O. Schlomann (age: 45) to five years in federal prison after Schlomann was convicted of bank fraud and money laundering. Schlomann was also ordered to pay $2.1 million in restitution. According to court records, Schlomann is a former home construction contractor for Refurbs Properties, LLC, which was based in Fremont, Wisconsin. As a contractor, he worked with aspiring homeowners to design homes, hire subcontractors, and manage builds in northeastern Wisconsin and elsewhere. The investigation revealed that Schlomann defrauded more than a dozen victims whose homes he had promised to build. The victims paid Schlomann substantial sums of money, yet they saw little or no work done despite Schlomann’s representations. Schlomann accepted the victims’ money, made false statements to have the money disbursed by the appliable bank, and then used the money for other purposes, including covering shortages on previous projects. In total, the victims lost $2.1 million. ”To keep his scheme going, Mr. Schlomann made repeated false statements and ultimately caused over $2 million in losses to individuals looking to build homes,” said U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “I commend the hard work of all involved in seeking justice for the victims in this case.” “Ross Schlomann not only betrayed the trust of his clients, but he also undermined the very foundation of the construction industry,” said Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “His actions represent a grave violation of ethical standards and have left lasting scars on those he victimized. IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to work diligently to ensure that those who exploit and defraud others are held accountable.” In sentencing Schlomann, Judge Griesbach stated that this was a “sophisticated Ponzi scheme” and an “egregious betrayal of trust.” Judge Griesbach stressed that Schlomann victimized young families who were seeking to design and build their dream homes. This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation and the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Alex Duros prosecuted the case. ### For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Violent Minneapolis Felon Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Firearms Violations Following a String of Shootings

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis man has been sentenced to 235 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for illegal possession of ammunition after engaging in multiple shootings, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on September 23, 2021, law enforcement received a report of a shooting near 16th Avenue and Lake Street East in Minneapolis. When officers arrived, they identified a victim who was shot in the leg by Saladean Walker Salean, 52. Officers recovered several discharged cartridge casings that came from the gun Salean used to shoot the victim. Between September 4, 2021, and September 29, 2021, Salean engaged in six other assaults and shootings, one resulting in death. Because Salean has multiple prior felony convictions, including assault and illegal possession of firearms, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. On February 2, 2024, Salean pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition as an armed career criminal. He was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Nancy E. Brasel. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Minneapolis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Hollenhorst prosecuted the case.


title: Justice Department to Monitor Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in Massachusetts

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in two cities in Massachusetts for the Sept. 3 primary election. The department will monitor in the Cities of Methuen (in Essex County) and Lowell (in Middlesex County). The Justice Department enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities across the country. In addition, the division also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order. The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Act and Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting . Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section . Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.


title: El Departamento de Justicia monitoreará el cumplimiento de las leyes federales de derechos electorales en Massachusetts

body_text: El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que monitoreará el cumplimiento con las leyes federales electorales en dos ciudades de Massachusetts en las elecciones primarias del 3 de septiembre. El Departamento monitoreará en las ciudades de Methuen (en Essex County) y Lowell (en Middlesex County). El Departamento de Justicia hace cumplir las leyes federales de derechos electorales que protegen el derecho de acceso a las urnas de todos los ciudadanos. El Departamento envía personal del departamento periódicamente a monitorear elecciones en comunidades a través de todo el país. Además, la División envía observadores federales de la Oficina de Administración de Personal de EE. UU. según autorizado por una orden judicial federal. La Sección de Votación de la División de Derechos Civiles, junto con las Oficinas de los Fiscales Federales, vela por el cumplimiento de las leyes federales civiles que protegen el derecho al voto, incluyendo la Ley del Derecho al Voto, la Ley Nacional de Inscripción de Votantes, la Ley Ayudemos a Estados Unidos a Votar, y la Ley de Votación para los Uniformados y los Ciudadanos en el Extranjero. Información adicional sobre la votación y las elecciones está disponible en el sitio web del Departamento de Justicia en www.justice.gov/crt/voting/ . Aprenda más sobre la Ley del Derecho al Voto y otras leyes federales electorales en www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section . Denuncias relacionadas a posibles vulneraciones de las leyes federales de derechos electorales pueden presentarse mediate el formulario en línea de la División de Derechos Civiles en https://civilrights.justice.gov/ o por teléfono al (800) 253-3931.


title: Two Men Convicted of Firearms Offenses Following Shooting at the Palm Beach Gardens Mall

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Two West Palm Beach residents pled guilty to being felons in possession of firearms following a shooting at the Palm Beach Gardens Mall (The Gardens Mall) on Valentine’s Day. Yesterday, Kamarcio Mitchell, 29, pled guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. On Aug. 1, Devon Jamal Graham, 29, pled guilty to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance containing fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On Feb. 14, both Mitchell and Graham were at The Gardens Mall in possession of a firearm. Mitchell was on the second level of The Gardens Mall near a retail store. Mitchell followed Graham onto the escalator and was manipulating an object under his shirt. Mitchell was then fired upon by Graham and shot. Mitchell fled the mall to the parking lot, leaving a trail of blood. A loaded firearm that had been disassembled was found in the parking lot by police, near the blood trail. Mitchell was later treated for his injury at a local hospital. Upon his later arrest on a federal warrant, authorities discovered Mitchell in possession of a distribution quantity of fentanyl after he unsuccessfully tried to toss the drugs. Two firearms were recovered from the vehicle Graham traveled in to the mall, along with a bag containing 35 capsules with a mixture containing fentanyl and a pill bottle with approximately 16 grams of cocaine. The recovered firearms had previously travelled in interstate commerce. Mitchell’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 21, at 9:30 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon in Fort Pierce. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years to a maximum sentence of life in prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Graham on Oct. 29, at 9:30 a.m., before Judge Cannon. Graham faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years to a maximum sentence of life in prison. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, U.S. Marshal Gadyaces S. Serralta of the U.S. Marshals Service, Chief Dominick Pape of the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department, and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office announced the guilty pleas. The Office of State Attorney Dave Aronberg for the 15 th Judicial Circuit – Palm Beach County provided invaluable assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys John McMillan and Shannon O’Shea Darsch are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 24-cr-80022. ###


title: Man Found Guilty of Hobbs Act Robbery

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal jury convicted Jonathan Torres-Rojas on August 27, 2024, for Conspiracy to Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Interference with Commerce by Robbery. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Torres-Rojas, along with at least one more individual, conspired to unlawfully take and obtain property consisting in U.S. currency from the business El Rejón del Gallo in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, which resulted in the death of José Antonio Medina Meléndez, the owner of El Rejón del Gallo. On June 12, 2015, the defendant and others, met to discuss a plan to rob El Rejón del Gallo. That same day after 10 pm, Torres-Rojas and others arrived the business wearing black long-sleeved clothing, face masks, and carrying firearms. As the owner and wife were closing El Rejón del Gallo, the assailants approached the victims, grabbed one of the victims, and demanded money. Eventually, the victims gave the assailants the money, but the assailants demanded more. As the victims begged for their lives and complied, they told the assailants to take their vehicle when they demanded the keys for the 2001 gray Toyota Sequoia; then two shots were fired killing José Antonio Medina Meléndez. The sentencing hearing was scheduled for December 6, 2024, at 9:00 AM. The co-defendant in this case, Juan A. Negrón-Rodríguez, pleaded guilty on April 9, 2024, for interference with commerce by robbery and carjacking resulting in death. On July 9, 2024, U.S. District Court Judge Camille Vélez-Rivé sentenced Negrón-Rodríguez to 22 years (264 months) in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico; and Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daynelle Álvarez Lora is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Louisville Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison for methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking, and illegal possession of firearms. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Interim Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. “Outstanding investigative work by ATF, LMPD, and KSP,” said, U.S. Attorney Bennett. “The collective focus of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners is on the identification, apprehension, and full prosecution of those who traffic poison on our streets and illegally possess firearms. It will be 15 years before the defendant is released from federal prison and Louisville is a safer place as a result.” “Drug dealers with guns have a terrible impact on our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Morrow. “A fifteen-year federal prison sentence sends a clear message to repeat offenders that the law enforcement community in Kentucky is working together to keep the commonwealth safe. I commend the excellent work of ATF Louisville, LMPD, KSP, and the United States Attorney’s Office.” According to court documents, Charles Jermaine Gore, 40, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by 6 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of fentanyl, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Between July 20, 2021, and February 9, 2022, Gore possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. On October 22, 2021, Gore distributed fentanyl to another person. Between July 20, 2021, and February 9, 2022, Gore possessed several firearms, including a Glock .45 caliber pistol, a Ruger 5.7X28 caliber pistol, a Zastava Arms 7.62x39 caliber pistol, and ammunition. Gore was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On January 12, 2011, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Gore was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense – cocaine (2 counts), trafficking in a controlled substance in the second degree, first offense – drug unspecified, criminal mischief in the first degree, and wanton endangerment in the first degree. On March 7, 2012, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Gore was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree (cocaine), and trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree (MCMA). On March 28, 2019, in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Gore was convicted of trafficking in marijuana, more than eight ounces. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the ATF and LMPD with assistance from the Kentucky State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl 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: Justice Department Secures Agreement with Connecticut Department of Correction to Protect Children in Manson Youth Institution

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it has reached an agreement with the Connecticut Department of Correction addressing conditions for children at Manson Youth Institution, an adult correctional facility housing children charged in the criminal justice system. Under the agreement, Manson will eliminate the use of disciplinary isolation to manage the behavior of children in its custody. Manson will also implement a comprehensive behavior management program that incentivizes positive behavior and provides a skills-based curriculum to help children regulate their own behaviors. The program will include a daily schedule of age-appropriate, structured activities. “We know that isolation can cause real harm to children — increasing risk of depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide — because their brains are still developing and they lack adequate coping mechanisms,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Placing a child in an ‘adult facility’ does not make children any less vulnerable to these risks. Nationally, more than 2,000 children each year are held in jails and prisons designed for adults. Too often, adult facilities fail to provide children with the age-appropriate services and care essential to development of the requisite skills to become healthy and productive adults, including educational and mental health services required by law. We are committed to protecting the constitutional and federal rights of children throughout the criminal and juvenile justice systems.” In addition to phasing out disciplinary isolation for children, the agreement requires Manson to conduct thorough mental health assessments and provide appropriate treatment for children. The agreement also requires Manson to provide adequate special education services for children with disabilities, in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. “We commend the Connecticut Department of Correction for its commitment to eliminate harmful disciplinary isolation practices and adopt age-appropriate treatment and services for children at Manson,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut. “We look forward to our ongoing collaboration as the Connecticut Department of Correction implements these reforms.” The agreement resolves the department’s investigation of Manson under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. In December 2021, the department notified Manson that there is reasonable cause to believe that conditions for children at Manson violate the Eighth and 14th Amendments and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and that these violations are pursuant to a pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of rights protected by the Constitution and federal law. Since then, Connecticut has begun to implement reforms to remedy problems at Manson. The department recently secured a settlement agreement involving the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice’s Broad River Road Complex , the state’s only long-term post-adjudication facility for children, issued a findings report regarding conditions at five post-adjudication facilities for children in Texas , and opened an investigation of conditions at nine juvenile justice facilities in Kentucky . Additional information about the Civil Rights Division’s work protecting children’s rights in the juvenile justice system is available at www.justice.gov/crt/rights-juveniles . For more information about the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section . You can also report civil rights violations to the section by completing the complaint form available at civilrights.justice.gov/ . Individuals with information related to compliance with the settlement agreement are encouraged to report such information by email at Community.MYInstitution@usdoj.gov or by phone at 833-223-1565.


title: President of Florida-Based Investment Firm Pleads Guilty to Role in Unregistered Broker Scheme

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – The president of a now-defunct investment firm targeting retail investors pleaded guilty yesterday to assisting an unregistered broker who sold securities in exchange for an undisclosed commission of approximately 40 percent. Clinton Greyling, 49, of Tamarac, Fla., pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting an unregistered broker. Greyling was charged in an Information filed July 30, 2024. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Dec. 11, 2024. Greyling was the president of Trends Investments, Inc., a now-shuttered Florida-based company that sold securities of fledgling public companies that were engaged in mergers. Between February 2017 and June 2019, Trends sold shares of multiple companies to retail investors throughout the United States. Greyling touted the companies as promising because they were supposedly about to enter new and exciting business lines, including in therapeutic cannabinoids and blockchain technology. To sell the securities, Trends engaged a former registered broker, who solicited prospective customers to buy shares by falsely holding himself out as a broker and wealth manager and by telling customers that the securities were promising investments. At Greyling’s direction, Trends paid the individual—who was no longer registered as a broker with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, as required—an undisclosed commission of approximately 40 percent, totaling over $800,000 on over $1.9 million in sales. Greyling further assisted the individual by providing positive information about the companies, including information about when the companies’ securities would purportedly begin active trading on the over-the-counter market. Trends, however, ultimately did not timely deliver shares to customers and the promised investment returns did not materialize. The shares sold to investors were ultimately worthless as a practical matter, as the customers were generally unable to deposit or trade them in a timely manner. The charge of aiding and abetting an unregistered broker provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney James R. Drabick of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Trenton Police Sergeant Honored for Community Service

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: Trenton Police Department Sgt. Jeb Walker (center) receives the Enoch B. Morelock Award from Law Enforcement Coordinator Les Kerr (at left) and LECC Executive Committee members Sheriff Randy Strong, Sheriff Bill Puett, and Chief Mike Stolte. KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Teresa Moore, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that Sergeant Jeb Walker of the Trenton, Mo., Police Department has received the 2024 Enoch B. Morelock Award. “Sgt. Walker is an invaluable asset not only to his department, but to his community,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “His long tenure in law enforcement, the breadth of his extensive community involvement, and his exemplary military service truly exemplify the ideals honored by the Enoch B. Morelock Award.” The Enoch B. Morelock Award is an annual recognition of outstanding moral character, service to law enforcement and service to the community. Walker was honored on Aug. 22, 2024, during the 22nd Annual LECC Training Seminar in Springfield, Mo. The prestigious law enforcement award, presented annually by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee, is named in honor of Sullivan County Sheriff Enoch B. Morelock, who was the first recorded line of duty death in the Western District of Missouri on Dec. 19, 1847. Walker has served the Trenton Police Department for 26 years. He continues to serve in patrol and oversees all traffic-related incidents. He is also the designated firearms instructor, OC Instructor and field training officer. Walker is also actively involved in a number of volunteer activities in his community. Walker serves on his school district’s Bright Futures Committee, which hosts back to school activities, a food drive, Lunch Buddy Program and teacher appreciation day among other events. He’s the lead ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce, assisting and leading numerous events throughout the year. He serves as vice president of the local Kiwanis Club and is an integral part of the Christmas Wish Program, securing donations from the Marines Toys for Tots drive for young people who might not otherwise receive Christmas gifts. This officer also participates in the Main Street and downtown promotions committee, where he has co-chaired the Community Clean-up week and Tin Can Day program. Walker is also a trained volunteer firefighter and president of the underwater rescue team that serves the area. In addition to his law enforcement and volunteer community service, Walker served in the United States Marine Corp Reserves for 21 years as a Gunnery Sergeant and in 2016 transitioned to the Missouri Army National Guard, where he serves as a Staff Sergeant. While in the Marines, he deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom and to South America. He earned the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal and graduated as an instructor of water survival. As a member of the Missouri Army National Guard, he deployed to Kuwait for Operation Enduring Freedom and has earned two Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal and the Master Resiliency Instructor Award. He has served as Past Commander and is currently the Judge Advocate for his local VFW Post, and is currently on the board of directors for the Grundy County Veterans Association. Enoch B. Morelock Award Sullivan County Sheriff Enoch B. Morelock was the first recorded line of duty death in the Western District of Missouri on Dec. 19, 1847. He was appointed the first sheriff of Sullivan County, Mo., in 1845. He was in office a little over two years, but he was known to be an honorable, hardworking man intent on protecting the residents of his community. Sheriff Morelock was shot and killed during a court-ordered sale of the accused’s property. The accused killer, Patrick McIntry, was charged with first degree murder but was later acquitted. Within a year Mr. McIntry was found shot to death on the banks of a local river. The annual Enoch B. Morelock Award recognizes individuals with outstanding moral character, service to law enforcement and to the community outside of law enforcement. Recipients may include officers from local police departments, sheriffs’ offices, state agencies, or federal agencies as well as investigators from prosecutors’ offices.


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Two Louisville Men for Illegally Possessing Firearms

body_text: Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on July 17, 2024, charging two Louisville men with illegal possession of firearms. One of the men was also charged with receipt and possession of an unregistered firearm. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Interim Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. According to the indictment, Hassan Mohamed , 20, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm that had an overall length of less than twenty-six inches, and with a barrel of less than sixteen inches in length. Between March 27, 2024, and April 23, 2024, Mohamed possessed a Smith & Wesson, model M&P15-22P, .22 LR AR variant style pistol, an Aero Precision, model M4E1, 5.56 caliber rifle, a Smith & Wesson, model SD9, 9-millimeter pistol, and ammunition. Mohamed was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On April 23, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mohamed was convicted of complicity to robbery in the first degree (two counts), robbery in the first degree (3 counts), complicity to assault in the first degree, and tampering with physical evidence. On January 4, 2022, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mohamed was convicted of robbery in the first degree, rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, and criminal attempt rape in the first degree. According to the indictment, Jrome Fitch , 22, was charged with receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment. Between April 11, 2024, and March 22, 2024, Fitch possessed a Smith & Wesson, model M&P15-22P, .22 LR AR variant style pistol, a Smith & Wesson, model SD9, 9-millimeter pistol, and ammunition. Fitch was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was under felony indictment for the following offenses. On March 25, 2022, in Clark Circuit Court, Clark County, Indiana, Fitch was arraigned on an indictment for criminal recklessness, resisting law enforcement, auto theft, and theft of a firearm (four counts). The defendants made their initial court appearance yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The Court ordered the defendants detained pending trial. If convicted, Hassan faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. However, if he is found to be an Armed Career Criminal, then he faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. Fitch faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by the ATF and the Louisville Metro Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Lantz is prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Prohibited Firearm Possessor Initiative (PFP), a collaborative partnership between all levels of law enforcement and prosecutors to reduce violent crime and firearm offenses. On January 23, 2024, Louisville Metro initiated a gun crime reduction initiative focused on investigating and prosecuting illegal firearm possession. The PFP partners include the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Chicago-Area Man Sentenced for Role in Nationwide Fraud Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – A Chicago-area man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Springfield, Mass. for his role in a nationwide wire fraud conspiracy that victimized businesses and individuals across the United States. Demario Sorrells, 38, of Rockford, Ill., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to three years of probation, $106,000 in restitution, and $106,000 in forfeiture. In February 2024, Sorrells pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to c in December 2020 ommit wire fraud. Sorrells was initially indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2020 along with five co-defendants, including rap promoter Antonio Strong and rap artists Herbert Wright and Joseph Williams. Beginning in at least March 2017 through November 2018, Sorrells, Wright, Williams, and, allegedly, their co-defendants conspired to defraud numerous businesses and individuals throughout the United States by using unauthorized and stolen payment card account information of real individuals – including the actual cardholders' names, addresses, security codes and account expiration dates. Generally, because the payment card information was authentic, the defrauded businesses and individuals successfully processed the fraudulent transactions and provided the goods and services to Wright and his alleged co-conspirators. The actual cardholders discovered these transactions on their accounts and disputed the charges with their card companies who then charged back the transactions to the businesses and individuals, which consequently suffered losses in the amounts of the unauthorized transactions. On certain occasions, Strong obtained valuable goods and services for the benefit of Sorrells, including private jet flights, luxury accommodations and elite automobile rentals. On other occasions, Strong contacted Sorrells to obtain illicit account information and Sorrells provided Strong with illicit account information that he obtained from the dark web. On other occasions, Strong sometimes paid Sorrells in exchange for the illicit account information. Sorrells knew the illicit account information was stolen data. In total, Sorrells was responsible for $106,000 in victim losses. In May 2024 , Strong pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud, and he is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 19, 2024. In July 2023 , Wright pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to a federal official, and in January 2024 he was sentenced to three years’ probation and was ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $139,968. In March 2024, Williams pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and in August 2024 he was sentenced to three years’ probation and was ordered to pay restitution of $155,392 and forfeiture of $102,116. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorneys Andrew Tyler and Kyle Crawford of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Conspiracy to Kidnap Ends with Three South Louisiana Men Each Spending 18 to 25 Years in Federal Prison

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

body_text: LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown, along with FBI Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil, and Lafayette Parish Sheriff Mark Garber have joined together to announce that three defendants who were involved in a conspiracy to kidnap have been convicted and sentenced in the Western District of Louisiana. United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced each of the defendants as follows: Joseph Lawrence Harrison , 27, of St. Martinville, Louisiana, was sentenced to 216 months (18 years) in prison. Cody Lajohn Williams , 31, of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, was sentenced to 300 months (25 years) in prison. Drapper Lavar Anthony, Jr. , 27, of Youngsville, Louisiana, was sentenced to 240 months (20 years) in prison. On February 16, 2023, law enforcement agents and investigators learned that this group of co-conspirators lured an individual from Los Angeles, California, to Lafayette, Louisiana, under the guise of executing a multi-state narcotics transaction. After the victim arrived in Lafayette, he was kidnapped at gun point. He received serval injuries including lacerations to his face after being struck with a firearm. The victim was held for several hours in an Airbnb turned safe house by co-conspirators. Several ransom demands were made that included a request for up to $300,000, 100 pounds of marijuana, and several high-end pieces of jewelry. After constant collaboration between investigators and using multiple investigative techniques, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives were able to intercept Harrison and Williams and safely secure the victim. Harrison pleaded guilty on March 15, 2024, and admitted to knowingly participating in the criminal venture when he aided other members of this conspiracy in demanding the ransom in exchange for the release of the victim. He participated in sending interstate communications by providing a cell phone that was used to capture proof of life photographs and videos of the victim. Williams pleaded guilty on May 3, 2024, to conspiracy to commit kidnapping and sending interstate communications with intent to extort and admitted to his involvement in the conspiracy. Anthony pleaded guilty on May 3, 2024, to conspiracy to commit kidnapping and sending interstate communications with intent to extort and admitted to his involvement in the conspiracy. “The apprehension of these three defendants could not have happened without the cooperation of each of these state and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as those in California, and is a testament to what is possible when we all work together,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “The kind of bad acts that these three men committed are without reproach and will not be tolerated in the Western District of Louisiana. I am proud of the men and women within our office that worked to make this prosecution successful and am grateful for the partnership we have built with our federal and local law enforcement partners. We will continue to work together to combat violent crime in the Western District of Louisiana.” “Every day, the FBI works with its law enforcement partners to combat drugs and violent crime in this country,” said Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil of FBI New Orleans. “Every citizen, including those caught up in the middle of illicit activity, deserves protection from the harm that can occur when one ventures into that illegal trade. The FBI thanks all of its partners in this case for making sure some of this business was disrupted.” “These individuals are part of fueling the violent crime problem across the country by purchasing and assembling an unserialized firearm that was used in the commission of a heinous crime,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “The sentence imposed today sends a message that we will continue to focus efforts on prohibited individuals who unlawfully possess these firearms, remove another violent criminal from our streets, and keep our neighborhoods safe as the top priority for ATF.” The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafayette Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Broussard Police Department and Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office (Corrections Unit). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys LaDonte A. Murphy and Daniel J. Vermaelen. # # #


title: “Drug Kingpin” gets 28 years for trafficking drugs from Mexico to Alaska

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The leader of an extensive transnational drug trafficking organization was sentenced to 28 years in prison on Wednesday for running a conspiracy that trafficked vast amounts of dangerous drugs to Alaska. According to court documents, Miguel Baez Guevara, a.k.a. “Javi,” 41, a U.S. citizen who was living in Mexico, was the leader of a transnational criminal drug trafficking organization. In October 2014 Guevara was indicted by the State of Arizona for drug trafficking, money laundering and weapons offenses. Guevara fled to Mexico where he headed an enterprise that trafficked large quantities of heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine into the U.S., specifically targeting Alaska, from Mexico. Guevara claimed membership in, and association with, the Sinaloa Cartel. Guevara’s organization recruited drug couriers who lived in Alaska by using fake personas on social media and encrypted messaging applications. The couriers were promised money or drugs in exchange for traveling to Mexico to collect narcotics for transport back to Alaska. Couriers would travel in small groups led by a team leader and would typically smuggle around 250 grams of drugs on each trip. Guevara gave them instructions on how to smuggle the drugs back to Alaska, where they were met by a member of Guevara’s organization who paid them and collected the drugs for local distribution. Guevara used violence, threats of violence, and his affiliation with the Sinaloa Cartel to intimidate and maintain total control of his organization. He required drug couriers to submit photos of their driver’s license and maintained records of each worker in his organization. He threatened to have houses burned down in Alaska and on one occasion had a U.S. citizen from Alaska shot in the knee over a drug dispute when they traveled to Mexico. He later bragged he was responsible for the shooting, showed photos and ultimately warned others what could happen if they stole drugs or money from him. Guevara conducted all these operations from Mexico. The defendant was expelled from Mexico to the U.S. in September 2021 after a federal grand jury in Alaska charged him on a 17 count indictment and he was subsequently arrested by Mexican authorities. Between 2016 and 2022, at least 30 other couriers and dealers working for the defendant were federally prosecuted for participating in Guevara’s drug trafficking organization. In total, law enforcement seized 7.1 kilograms of meth, nearly 10 kilograms of heroin and 900 grams of cocaine destined for Alaska linked to Guevara’s enterprise. His enterprise grossed millions of dollars in drug sales during the course of the conspiracy. Those proceeds were smuggled to Mexico. The defendant pleaded guilty to one count of continuing criminal enterprise and one count of drug conspiracy on Jan. 17, 2024, in front of U.S. District Court Chief Magistrate Judge Matthew M. Scoble. The Continuing Criminal Enterprise statute 21 U.S.C. § 848 is often referred to as the “Kingpin Statute.” The statute is designed to reach the top brass in drug trafficking organizations, and not the lieutenants and foot soldiers. The statute was enacted to target large-scale profit-making enterprises engaged in the illegal importation, manufacture and distribution of controlled substances. Three other defendants in this case have already been sentenced: Joel Rascone, 30, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute heroin and was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. Serena Joseph, 41, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and money laundering and was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment. Washahiotha Zaragoza, 46, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment. Four additional co-defendants are believed to be at large in Mexico. “I want to thank the FBI, DEA, the Coast Guard Investigative Service and all other supporting law enforcement agencies who helped bring justice in this case,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Keeping our communities safe from violent drug traffickers is a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. To those looking to greedily profit by trafficking dangerous drugs to Alaska—our office, alongside our law enforcement partners, will use the full force of our resources to investigate and prosecute you to the furthest extent of the law.” “Mr. Guevara is responsible for trafficking substantial amounts of dangerous drugs into Alaska from Mexico, while preying and profiting on the addictions of others,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to identify, disrupt, and dismantle transnational criminal organizations that threaten the safety and security of our communities in Alaska.” “DEA is committed to protecting Alaskans from violent drug traffickers who prey on our communities,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Mr. Guevara ran a drug trafficking organization that used violence to spread the misery of drugs throughout Alaska for his own enrichment. I am proud of DEA’s role, alongside our partners in the FBI, the Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in stopping him.” “The Coast Guard Investigative Service is committed to safeguarding the lives of those who live and work in maritime communities. We thank our law enforcement partners for their steadfast efforts in removing this threat to the lives of our Alaskan neighbors,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Shultz of the Coast Guard Investigative Service Northwest Field Office. The FBI Anchorage Field Office, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and the Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Office led the investigation, with support from the Anchorage Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations offices in Anchorage, Alaska, and Sells and Nogales, Arizona, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Alaska State Troopers, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Police and Alaska National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ainsley McNerney, Chris Schroeder and William Taylor are prosecuting the case, with assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison O’Leary. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, and law enforcement agencies in the state of Arizona provided additional support on the case. This investigation and prosecution are part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”), which 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. UPDATE: This release has been updated to include Homeland Security Investigations offices in the list of investigating agencies.


title: Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearm

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEXIS A. VALLEJO, also known as “Boobie” and “Boobie Porter,” 33, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation of a fatal shooting outside of a Stratford nightclub in the early morning hours of December 17, 2021, identified Vallejo’s car and two other vehicles at the scene of the shooting. On December 29, 2021, Bridgeport Police located Vallejo’s car on Goddard Avenue in Bridgeport. Vallejo, who was standing by the car, ran as officers approached and threw a 9mm semiautomatic handgun into a nearby yard. Vallejo was apprehended and the firearm, which was fully loaded with a round in the chamber, was recovered. A search of Vallejo’s car revealed five firearm magazines, including high-capacity magazines, and three different types of ammunition. Vallejo’s criminal history includes felony convictions in state court for firearm possession, robbery, larceny, and failure to appear offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. Vallejo has been detained since his federal arrest on June 30, 2022. On February 23, 2024, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck and Ross Weingarten through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn .


title: Ocala Man Charged with Seaman’s Manslaughter and Paycheck Protection Program Fraud

body_text: MIAMI – Dustin Sean McCabe, 49, of Ocala, Fla., had his initial appearance yesterday on an indictment charging him with one count of seaman’s manslaughter, one count of making false statements, and three counts of wire fraud. As alleged in the indictment, McCabe purchased a 48-foot vessel named the Southern Comfort in March 2020 and falsely claimed to the U.S. Coast Guard that he had purchased it for recreational purposes when, in truth and in fact, he purchased it to conduct paid scuba charters. In furtherance of those charters, McCabe refitted the Southern Comfort in ways that included removing the vessel’s main deck engine controls. He then operated the vessel as a passenger vessel by conducting paid scuba divers on March 28 and March 29, 2020, without authorization. The indictment further alleges that on March 29, 2020, McCabe’s negligent operation of the Southern Comfort caused someone’s death, which led to his formal suspension from being able to provide paid services with the vessel. The indictment further alleges that after McCabe lost the ability to operate his vessel for pay, he then used the business he operated under, Florida Scuba Charters, Inc., to engage in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud by applying for two loans that he fraudulently obtained and/or had forgiven. McCabe was arrested by the Coast Guard’s Investigative Service (CGIS) Special Agents. If convicted of seaman’s manslaughter, McCabe faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. If convicted of making false statements and wire fraud, McCabe faces a maximum penalty of five years and 20 years, respectively. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. Margelot of the CGIS Southeast Field Office made the announcement. CGIS Southeast Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Lake Worth and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Office of Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller and Coast Guard Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner Stiehl are prosecuting this case. An indictment contains mere allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 24-CR-80103. ###


title: Project Safe Neighborhoods News for August 2024

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence. At the core of PSN is setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place. U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announces the following actions in federal PSN cases. Sophondara Hun , 28, of Stockton, was sentenced on Aug. 8, 2024, to three years and four months in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition. According to court documents, law enforcement officers responded to a report of a prowler at an apartment complex. The caller advised there was a man inside her apartment and that he possibly entered through a window. When officers arrived, they saw an open window and observed Hun sleeping on a bed in the apartment. Officers arrested Hun and upon searching Hun, noticed a .22 caliber bullet on the ground in front of Hun’s leg. Two .22 caliber bullets were found in Hun’s pocket and an additional .22 caliber bullet on the ground. Hun is prohibited from possessing ammunition because he has multiple state felony convictions, including assault on a person with a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon with force–possible great bodily injury, vandalism, and evading law enforcement in a vehicle. This case was the product of an investigation by the Stockton Police Department and ATF, with assistance from the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Haddy Abouzeid prosecuted the case. Ramon Garcia Jr. , 32, of Vacaville, was sentenced on Aug. 22, 2024, to seven years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, when law enforcement officers responded to a report of a domestic violence incident involving Garcia, he fled and eventually jumped over a barbed wire fence before being taken into custody. In Garcia’s vehicle, officers found a Glock 17, 9 mm handgun and an unloaded high-capacity, 31‑round Glock magazine hidden in the floorboard under the interior plastic molding on the passenger side. Garcia was on Post Release Community Supervision for a prior felony offense and is prohibited from possessing firearms because he has multiple state felony convictions, which include two prior domestic violence convictions. This case was the product of an investigation by the Vacaville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Solano County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Haddy Abouzeid prosecuted the case. Dexter Weeks , 35, of Galt, was sentenced on Aug. 27, 2024, to seven years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, law enforcement conducted a parole search of Weeks’ residence, a known felon on parole. They found a loaded Glock 20, 10 mm semi-automatic pistol on the floor next to the bed in the master bedroom where officers located Weeks. The gun had previously been reported stolen. Weeks is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he has multiple state felony convictions. This case is the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Haddy Abouzeid prosecuted the case. These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Informational: Federal Court arraignments

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared recently before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt: Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Aug. 29 was: Thomas Larson Medicine Horse, III, 19, of Pryor, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse, strangulation and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a dating partner. If convicted of the most serious crime, Medicine Horse faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Medicine Horse was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-118. Appearing on Aug. 20 was: Ashley Firebear Garner, 41, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Garner faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Garner was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations, the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Billings Police Department and Bozeman Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-68. Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Aug. 30 was: Joseph Christopher Steele, 24, of Kalispell, on charges of possession of a stolen firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Steele faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Steele was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Whitefish Police Department and Kalispell Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-43. Appearing on Aug. 28 was: Edward Arthur Nurse, 34, of Missoula, on charges of theft from credit union. If convicted of the most serious crime, Nurse faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release. Nurse was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-42. Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Aug. 27 was: Scott Austin McTaggart, 37, of Helena, on charges of false statement during a firearms transaction. If convicted of the most serious crime, McTaggart faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. McTaggart was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Highway Patrol and Helena Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-15. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl . XXX


title: Meth trafficking sends Billings man to prison for 10 years

body_text: BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in the community after law enforcement found meth and more than $4,000 in his residence was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. The defendant, Loren Dean Raver, 59, pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute meth. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The government alleged in court documents that in February, the Billings Police Department Street Crimes Unit was attempting to locate Raver on an outstanding arrest warrant. Officers were aware that Raver was on state probation and began surveilling his residence. On Feb. 26, a detective made a traffic stop of a vehicle after seeing a woman and Raver leave the residence and drive away in the car. Officers arrested Raver on his outstanding warrant. Officers, along with state probation officers, searched Raver’s residence and located a large quantity of meth inside a box of Mountain Dew that was on a coffee table. Officers also found $4,396 in currency, plastic baggies and digital scales. The meth was determined to be approximately 283 grams, which is a little more than a half pound, of pure meth. At the time, Raver was on state probation for several previous felony convictions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the investigation. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . XXX


title: U.S. Attorney Secures Sentence for Man Who Assaulted Tribal Officer

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Newcomb man was sentenced to three years of supervised probation for assaulting a Navajo Nation Police Department officer following a community meeting during which he threatened tribal officials and later engaged in a confrontation with law enforcement. The Navajo Nation Police Department officer is considered a “federal officer” by virtue of her holding a special law-enforcement cross-commission certification. According to court documents, on the morning on June 4, 2023, the Newcomb Community Chapter held a fiscal-planning meeting. About 12 people attended, including tribal officials and community members. During the meeting, Kenneth Lee Begay , 60, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, spoke publicly, expressing frustration over homesite leases and grazing rights. As he spoke, Begay grew increasingly agitated, berating officials and making threats, prompting an official to call the police, at which time Begay left. According to officials, this was the first meeting Begay had attended. Still image from the Zoom recording of Begay , right. Still image from the Zoom recording, first depicting Begay yelling at officials. Officers from the Navajo Police Department arrived at Begay ’s residence shortly thereafter to investigate Begay ’s threats. Begay accused the officers of trespassing and ordered them off his property. The officers complied and spoke to Begay from beyond his fence line. Begay admitted attending the meeting and threatening officials, so the officers attempted to arrest him. Begay resisted, leading to a confrontation during which officers used pepper spray. One officer suffered a shoulder separation, multiple abrasions, and was on medical leave for a month. The other officer sustained a shoulder sprain and was on leave for five days. Both received treatment at Northern Navajo Medical Center and have since returned to duty. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case. # # #


title: Fifteen Year Sentence Handed Down for Northeast Shooting

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Scotland Alston, 33, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today before the Honorable Michael O’Keefe of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to 15 years in prison for a February 2024 shooting, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced Alston to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. When announcing Alston’s sentence, Judge O’Keefe cited the random viciousness of Alston’s actions and the devastating injuries sustained by the female victim. Alston pleaded guilty to aggravated assault while armed on June 10, 2024. According to the government’s evidence, with which Alston agreed, on February 28, 2024, Alston and the female victim got into a heated argument in the 2000 block of Benning Road NE, during which Alston shoved the victim and she shoved him back. During the argument, Alston took a gun from his waistband and held it at his side. A bystander tried to separate Alston and the victim, but the two continued to argue. Eventually, the victim sat down on a ledge. Alston got onto a bicycle to leave the area but then returned to where the victim sat. Alston drew his weapon again and fired numerous times at the victim. The victim tried to flee but she collapsed after being hit seven times. She spent months in the hospital recovering from her injuries. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Yarbro, who prosecuted the case.


title: Will County, Ill. Man Charged With Trafficking Cocaine and Attempting to Traffic Fentanyl in Chicago Area

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: CHICAGO — A Will County, Ill. man has been indicted on federal drug trafficking charges for allegedly distributing cocaine and attempting to distribute fentanyl in the Chicago area. WILLIAM R. BUSSE III distributed cocaine and methamphetamine in Chicago in 2021, according to an indictment returned Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Busse also attempted to distribute cocaine and fentanyl in the Chicago suburbs that same year, the indictment states. The indictment charges Busse, 41, of Homer Glen, Ill., with distribution and attempted distribution of controlled substances. Each of the six counts in the indictment is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Sheila G. Lyons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Ruth M. Mendonça, Inspector-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth E. Palmer. The investigation was conducted with the support of the Chicago High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force ( HIDTA ). The task force is comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies who work together to identify, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking operations. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Busse indictment


title: Siskiyou County Woman Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Shasta Lea Schnittker, 42, of Montague, was sentenced Aug. 26 by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to eight years and one month in prison for possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, on Feb. 22, 2022, Schnittker possessed 1,142 images and 110 videos of child sexual abuse material, or child pornography, on her computer. The child sexual abuse material included depictions of minors and toddlers involved in sexually explicit conduct and of sadistic and masochistic abuse. Law enforcement also found a video depicting Schnittker, which she had recorded, wherein she held up a flash drive and said, “This is where I keep all my CP.” In the self-recorded video, Schnittker then used the flash drive to play a video of child pornography. This case was the product of an investigation by the FBI, with assistance from the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, and the Siskiyou County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily G. Sauvageau and Denise Yasinow prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Indicts Laguna Man in Domestic Violence Case

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Laguna man was indicted by federal prosecutors for allegedly beating and strangling his intimate partner. The indictment alleges that on August 18, 2024, Kenzie Alonzo , 25, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, assaulted Jane Doe, his intimate partner, by beating and strangling her. As a result of the assault, Jane Doe was hospitalized with severe bruising and bite marks on her body as well as a concussion. Alonzo will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Alonzo faces up to 10 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Zia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case. View the Indictment An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # #


title: Armed Carjacking Lands Moore Man in Federal Prison for More Than a Decade

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Earlier this week, BRIAN GENE TWO-BABIES , 39, of Moore, was sentenced to serve 121 months in federal prison for brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On April 16, 2024, Two-Babies was charged by Superseding Information with brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and carjacking. According to public record, on December 15, 2023, Two-Babies approached a vehicle in Oklahoma City armed with a pistol. Two-Babies attempted to open a locked car door, threatened the driver multiple times, and then discharged the firearm into the air. The victim handed over their phone, keys, and wallet to Two-Babies, who pointed his firearm at the victim and threatened to take their life. Two-Babies drove away in the victim’s car and was arrested by Oklahoma City Police officers while still in the victim’s car the next morning. On April 22, 2024, Two-Babies pleaded guilty to the Superseding Information, and admitted to taking the car by force while armed, with the intent to cause “serious bodily harm”. At the sentencing hearing on August 28, 2024 , U.S. district Judge Bernard M. Jones sentenced Two-Babies to serve 121 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the serious and senseless nature of the offense, specifically how Two-Babies placed the victim in fear of their life and discharged a firearm during the crime. This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan J. West prosecuted the case. This case is also part of “Operation Shots Fired.” Operation Shots Fired targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, such as drive-by shootings or when shots are fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok . Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Nigerian National Extradited From Ghana To Face Charges For An Alleged $7.5 Million Business Email Compromise Scheme Involving Two Charitable Organizations

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – Olusegun Samson Adejorin, a Nigerian national, was extradited from Ghana and arrived in the United States on August 30, 2024 to face federal charges for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and unauthorized access to a protected computer related to a $7.5 million scheme to defraud two charitable organizations. Adejorin had his initial appearance on August 30, 2024, and is currently detained pending trial. The extradition was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, and Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Baltimore Field Office. According to the eight-count indictment, between June and August 2020, Adejorin perpetrated a scheme to defraud Victim 1, a charitable organization located in Maryland providing investment services to other organizations, and Victim 2, a charitable organization located in New York, by gaining access to employee email accounts and impersonating employees to induce financial transactions. The indictment alleges that Adejorin posed as an employee of Victim 2 to request withdrawals of Victim 2’s funds from Victim 1. Withdrawals over $10,000 required approval from at least one of several individuals authorized by Victim 1. According to the indictment, Adejorin fraudulently obtained the credentials of employees at Victim 1 and Victim 2 and posed as those employees to send emails from their accounts, including emails making fraudulent requests for the withdrawal of investment funds. As part of the scheme, Adejorin also allegedly purchased a credential harvesting tool designed to steal email login credentials, registered spoofed domain names, and concealed the fraudulent emails from a legitimate employee by causing the fraudulent emails to be moved to an inconspicuous location within Employee 1’s mailbox. As further detailed in the indictment, Adejorin caused more than $7.5 million of Victim 2’s funds to be sent, pursuant to fraudulent withdrawal requests, from Victim 1 to bank accounts that were not Victim 2’s bank accounts. If convicted, Adejorin faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each of five counts of wire fraud; a maximum of five years in federal prison for unauthorized access to a protected computer; and a mandatory sentence of two years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for each of the two counts of aggravated identity theft. The maximum penalty for two of the wire fraud counts could be increased by seven years for knowingly falsely registering and using a domain name. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceeding. U.S. Attorney Barron commended the FBI, Baltimore Field Office, for its work in the investigation and thanked the FBI Legal Attaché in Accra, Ghana, the Office of Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, the Republic of Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office, the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Police Services - INTERPOL, and National Intelligence Bureau for their valuable assistance in this case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the International Cooperation Unit of the Office of the Attorney-General of Ghana to secure the extradition of Adejorin to the United States. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Coreen Mao, who is prosecuting the federal case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Lawton Man Sentenced to Serve 30 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Pornography

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, CHARLES RAYMOND FRENCH , JR. , 38, of Lawton, was sentenced to serve 360 months in federal prison, the statutory maximum, for production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On October 3, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment against French, charging him with production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. According to an affidavit filed in support of the previously filed criminal complaint, on September 6, 2023, an FBI Online Covert Employee (OCE) connected with French on a social media messaging app. During the conversation, French expressed an interest in material that depicts the sexual abuse of children, and shared several photographs and videos of child pornography with the OCE, including two photographs French claimed to have taken himself which involved three-year-old and ten-year-old victims. Authorities linked the account to French, and he was arrested at his Lawton home on September 7, 2023. On December 1, 2023, French pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment, and admitted to producing child pornography. At the sentencing hearing yesterday, U.S District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced French to serve 360 months in federal prison, the statutory maximum, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the “depravity” of the crime, specifically that the defendant preyed on the most vulnerable victims in our society: children. The Court further emphasized that the sentence needed to reflect the extreme nature and seriousness of the defendant’s conduct—given the threat to the safety of the community posed by the defendant—and to send a message to the public that these crimes will be punished severely. This case is the result of an investigation by the Lawton Division of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Joynes prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Laredoan receives max for possessing pornographic images of children, including his own minor relative

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 33-year-old man has been ordered to prison for receipt and possession of child pornography, some of which depicted sexual abuse of babies and toddlers, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. David de los Santos pleaded guilty March 3, 2022. U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana has now sentenced de los Santos to a total of 240 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court also heard that some of the images de los Santos possessed were of a two-year-old minor relative. In imposing the imprisonment, the court enhanced the sentence to the maximum possible term, noting the graphic images of the relative. The court also noted the severity of de los Santos’ crimes. He was further ordered to pay $84,304 in restitution to known victims and will serve five years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. “A parent’s worst nightmare is to discover someone you trusted with your family, such as a relative, was actually preying on your child’s innocence,” said Hamdani. “De los Santos made that nightmare a terrifying reality, but thankfully he is now off the streets and out of our community, allowing for the possibility that his victims can start to heal.” The investigation began when authorities discovered an IP address associated with de los Santos had uploaded child pornography online. On July 1, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his home. At that time, they found and seized several electronic devices which contained child pornography and took de los Santos into custody. He was ultimately found to be in possession of 1,038 images and 393 videos of child pornography, which included abuse of babies and toddlers. The investigation also determined de los Santos was in possession of pornographic images of a minor relative sometimes in his care. De los Santos will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department as part of the Child Exploitation Task Force which also includes FBI, Texas Department of Public Safety, U.S. Marshals Service and United Independent School District Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Makens prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.


title: Former San Gabriel Valley Teacher Charged with Receiving and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A former elementary school teacher in the San Gabriel Valley is scheduled for arraignment today on a federal grand jury indictment charging him with receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material. Steven Pilar, 47, of Las Vegas, is charged in a four-count federal indictment with two counts of receiving child pornography and two counts of possessing child pornography. A federal grand jury returned the indictment on July 19, 2024. Pilar was arrested on August 2 in Las Vegas, where he made his initial appearance. A federal magistrate judge in Nevada ordered Pilar jailed without bond. Pilar’s arraignment is scheduled for this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. According to the indictment, on February 8, 2020, and April 10, 2020, Pilar knowingly received and downloaded over 400 videos and images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) via BitTorrent for viewership. Pilar was employed as an elementary school teacher in La Puente at the time. He no longer works at the school. Pilar was arrested on state charges, which were later dropped so a federal case could be pursued. “This defendant, whose former job put him in a position of trust with children, is accused of participating in an underground market that trades on the sexual exploitation of kids,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Protecting children from sexual predators is critical and my office will be unrelenting in our efforts to punish those who commit these crimes.” An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court. If convicted, Pilar would face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 80 years in federal prison. The FBI and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua J. Lee of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Charitable Foundation Treasurer Sentenced to 7+ Years for Fraud

body_text: A self-professed stock “trader” who also served as the treasurer of a church’s charitable foundation was sentenced Friday to more than seven years in federal prison for fraud, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Thomas Calhoun Bain, 75, of Dallas, pleaded guilty to a felony information charging two counts of wire fraud in March. He was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Jane Boyle, who ordered him to pay $1,725,551 in restitution to various victims. Mr. Bain, who served as the treasurer of a Dallas church’s charitable foundation from 2016 to 2022, was responsible for transmitting monetary donations to organizations that supported gospel-based initiatives. According to plea papers, Mr. Bain recommended the foundation issue 15 large donations to an entity Mr. Bain claimed furthered the church’s mission. In turn, he told the entity that the foundation simply wanted to funnel the funds through the entity and on to other charities, in order to keep its donations anonymous. He directed the entity to transmit all funds to him, purportedly so that he could distribute the money to the charities. Instead, Bain pocketed the funds, totaling approximately $1.4 million, and used it to support his lifestyle, including rent on a home in Highland Park, a membership to a country club, domestic and international travel, and a vacation rental in Aspen. During the same time period, Mr. Bain also defrauded investors through his company, BainTrade. Though he had no professional licenses, certification, training, or specific educational background, he represented to investors that he was a “Trader” and falsely guaranteed an annual return of at least 8 percent on their investments with BainTrade, with a 50-50 split between himself and investors for any yearly return above 8 percent. In fact, Mr. Bain engaged in a Ponzi-type scheme, using new investor funds to make distribution payments to prior investors. He put remaining investor funds toward his high-end rental home, country club membership, and travel, bolstering his appearance as a wealthy and successful “trader.” To further legitimize the scheme, Mr. Bain generated fake contracts that he required investors to sign, and fraudulent account statements showing fake annual earnings and profits generated. He also falsely told investors that he was investing his own money. Between 2010 and 2022, Mr. Bain fraudulently obtained more than $871,000 from BainTrade investors. Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenna Rudoff prosecuted the case.


title: Ooltewah Man Sentenced To 32 Years Imprisonment For Exploitation Of A Minor, Receipt Of Child Pornography, And Possession Of Child Pornography

body_text: CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Today, Dewayne Douglas Price, Jr., 42, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, was sentenced to 384 months by the Honorable Travis R. McDonough, Chief United States District Court Judge, in the United States District Court at Chattanooga, to a term of imprisonment of 32 years. Following his incarceration, Price will be on a term of supervised release for life, and he will be required to register with state sex offender registries and comply with special sex offender conditions. Pursuant to the filed plea agreement, Price pled guilty to four counts, two counts of Exploitation of a Minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a), receipt of Child Pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(2), and Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(b), on February 23, 2024. According to filed court documents, Price solicited women throughout the United States to molest their children and then send him images of the abuse. Price confessed to law enforcement, and some of the women throughout the U.S. have also been charged by federal or state authorities. “As the court records show, Price’s conduct was depraved and outrageous,” said United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III. “Our office is committed to pursuing, uncovering, and prosecuting to the full extent of the law the criminals who sexually victimize children.” “Children are among the most vulnerable members of our community, and we must protect them in any way we can. This case is a great example of the work that can be done when state, federal, and local law enforcement agencies collaborate across state lines. We will continue to work diligently with our partners to identify and investigate those who engage in this predatory behavior to ensure the safety of our children,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Law enforcement agencies participating in the joint investigation which led to the conviction of Price included the FBI and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James Brooks prosecuted the case in coordination with Special Assistant United States Attorney Charles D. Minor, who is assigned to the United States Department of Justice to combat child sex offenses in partnership with the Hamilton County District Attorney General’s Office. This case was investigated as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), 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, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . For more information about internet safety education, click on the link for “Publications & Resources.” ###