title: Readout of Justice Department Leadership’s Meetings with Law Enforcement and Community Leaders

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: This week, Justice Department leaders met with law enforcement and community leaders at a time of increased threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities across the country. The Department remains vigilant in combating threats against Americans based on their religion, race, color, ethnicity, or national origin. “In this heightened threat environment, the partnerships between the Department of Justice, state and local law enforcement, and the communities we serve matter more than ever,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “That is why, this week, the Department held meetings with law enforcement and community leaders to discuss what they are seeing on the ground and how we can best support them. In these conversations, I reiterated that the Justice Department is committed to protecting our communities from hate-fueled violence. The Department will continue bringing together stakeholders to support our shared goal of preventing, disrupting, and prosecuting illegal acts of hate fueled by antisemitism, Islamophobia, or anti-Arab bias.” Today, Attorney General Garland, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke, Acting Community Relations Service Director Justin Lock, and other Department officials met with Jewish community leaders in Washington, D.C. The leaders expressed their concerns about the significant increase in threats against Jewish community members, organizations, and businesses over the past month. Department officials discussed their continued commitment to protecting Jewish communities and highlighted recent examples of prosecutions against individuals for threatening or attempting to harm Jewish people across the country. Also today, in Brooklyn, New York, Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco joined U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York for a roundtable discussion with local Jewish leaders. Deputy Attorney General Monaco emphasized that the Justice Department’s top priority is keeping the American people safe, and that the Department will use every available tool to work with partners across the country to combat hate. These meetings come as there has been a significant increase in the volume and frequency of threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities across the country. During the meetings, Department leadership stressed that no one in the United States should have to live in fear of violence because of where they or their family comes from or because of how they worship. On Monday, Attorney General Garland and Associate Attorney General Gupta met with community leaders before the Civil Rights Division’s quarterly interagency meeting hosted by Assistant Attorney General Clarke with leaders representing Muslim, Arab, Sikh, South Asian, and Hindu communities. The meeting was co-hosted by Officer Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia of the Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. The Department’s Civil Rights Division first began convening regular meetings with Muslim, Arab, Sikh, South Asian, and Hindu organizations following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The organizations asked the Justice Department and other federal agencies to continue to take actions to protect their communities from unlawful discrimination and violence. Also on Monday, Attorney General Garland, Deputy Attorney General Monaco, and Associate Attorney General Gupta hosted the Law Enforcement Quarterly Meeting, at which representatives from the Justice Department’s law enforcement and grantmaking components together with their state and local law enforcement partners, discussed the increase in threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities. Attorney General Garland emphasized to the group that in moments of crisis, strong partnerships and trust between law enforcement and communities are essential and that successfully preventing, disrupting, and prosecuting illegal acts of hate requires close coordination across government and across the country. The meeting also included discussions regarding violent crime and challenges in recruitment and retention of law enforcement officers. Director Steven M. Dettelbach of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) discussed the work ATF is doing to combat gun violence, as well as new technologies, such as ghost guns and machine gun conversion devices, that exacerbate the threat posed by illegal firearms. The Department continues to implement strategies to combat violent crime. A cornerstone of this effort is providing state and local partners with resources and support to help keep their communities safe. In light of that goal, the Justice Department announced on Thursday that Department investments in community safety have reached over $5.6 billion. Earlier this month, Attorney General Garland directed the FBI and all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country to work with local law enforcement and community leaders to protect vulnerable communities in the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7 terrorist attack in Israel. Last week, the Department hosted a virtual forum to highlight the successful implementation of the United Against Hate (UAH) initiative in all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and discuss efforts to combat unlawful acts of hate. In conjunction with the event, the Civil Rights Division released a document highlighting the reach of the UAH program in its first year and examples of its impact in communities across the country. These include enhancing coordination on responding to threats to religious communities and sparking the creation of new initiatives at local colleges and similar institutions. On Oct. 30, the Department announced that it is awarding over $38 million in grants to support the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes, increase hate crimes reporting, expand victim services, and improve community awareness.


title: Remarks of United States Attorney Todd Gee Announcing a  Pattern or Practice Investigation of the City of Lexington, Mississippi and the Lexington, Mississippi Police Department

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: Thank you, Assistant Attorney General Clarke. Also, I thank you all for being here for this important announcement. All of us in Mississippi and throughout the nation want to feel safe in our homes and in public. But we want that safety to be obtained fairly and legally, not through illegal force or abuse of power. Make no mistake: good police work is done legally and fairly every day in many places in America and in Mississippi. The investigation we announce today will ensure that the residents of Lexington, Mississippi are receiving the same from their police force. The allegations of what has happened in Lexington are serious. I have been to Lexington, and I have met with members of the community. A thorough investigation of the Lexington police department is necessary. The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our colleagues in the Civil Rights Division to follow the facts wherever they lead us. We look forward to hearing more from the people of Lexington as we conduct our investigation. This is the first day of that investigation, and we do not pre-judge the outcome. But if we do find the Lexington police are engaging in a pattern or practice of civil rights violations, I hope we will arrive at remedies that ensure Lexington will have a police force that fights crime, protects the community’s civil rights, and serves as a good example for small law enforcement agencies in rural communities throughout Mississippi and the nation. Let me add that we maintain tools for all residents of the Southern District of Mississippi to report allegations of civil rights violations. To make a report, please call the United States Attorney’s Office’s civil rights hotline at 601.973.2825. You can also find our civil rights complaint form and email address on our website. Finally, I want to thank Assistant Attorney General Clarke for her leadership and the Civil Rights Division for their work on this matter. We look forward to our continued partnership with them. Thank you.


title: Former California Resident Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison on Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering Charges

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Stockton, California has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction for violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Christian Maldonado, age 35. According to information presented to the court, Maldonado packed for shipment at least 280 pounds of methamphetamine that was shipped from the Stockton, California area to the Western District of Pennsylvania. Maldonado also received parcels containing over $1,000,000 in United States currency as payment for the methamphetamine. At the time of Maldonado’s arrest, seventeen firearms, jewelry, a large amount of marijuana, and $212,907 was seized from his residence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Maldonado. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: New Castle Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearm Crimes

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – Sahire Walker was convicted of committing crack cocaine trafficking and firearm crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Walker, age 45, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone. Walker pled guilty to committing the following crimes on June 4, 2020: (1) possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute, and (2) possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing to occur on March 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least 5 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $2,250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is to be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States. The New Castle Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the convictions in this 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 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: Texas Resident Sentenced for Conviction of Money Laundering

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Sachse, TX, has been sentenced in federal court to 4 months of imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release on his conviction of money laundering, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Tien Nguyen, 34, of Sachse, TX. According to information presented to the court, individuals involved in the scheme convinced elderly or otherwise vulnerable persons, through deceit, to send their funds to accounts set up at various banks and brokerage houses. The accounts were created in the names of other victims whose personal identification information had been stolen (PII accounts). Nguyen, as part of the money laundering aspect of the scheme, accessed the PII accounts, used a portion of the money to make payments on his credit cards and mortgage, and then sent the bulk of the funds to the leader of the money laundering portion of the scheme, Thien Phuc Tran. The Court ordered Nguyen to pay restitution to the victims who lost money in the sum of $259,122.16. Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen R. Kaufman and Robert S. Cessar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Nguyen.


title: Dubois Resident Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison on Drug Trafficking Conviction

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Dubois, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction for violating federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Chad Gasbarre, age 37. According to information presented to the court, Gasbarre was a methamphetamine distributor who obtained over a pound of methamphetamine from Ryan Schoening, which Gasbarre then redistributed. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gasbarre. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Former California Resident Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison on Drug Charges

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Stockton, California, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months of imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release on his conviction for violating federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Abel Perez, age 36. According to information presented to the court, Perez was a courier who transported methamphetamine to post offices in the Stockton, California area that were shipped to individuals in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Perez. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Skysville Woman Sentenced to Prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Sykesville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 70 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on her conviction for violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Christina Shaffer, age 55. According to information presented to the court, Shaffer was a methamphetamine distributor who obtained over a pound of methamphetamine from Derek Hillebrand, which Shaffer then redistributed. Additionally, Shaffer’s residence was searched on July 20, 2021, and approximately 280 grams of methamphetamine was seized. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Shaffer. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Kersey Man Sentenced to Prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Kersey, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 28 months of imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release on his conviction for violating federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Melvin Shelander, age 33. According to information presented to the court, Shelander was a methamphetamine distributor who obtained over a pound of methamphetamine from Derek Hillebrand, which Shelander then redistributed. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Shelander. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Former California Resident Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Role in Distribution of Methamphetamine

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Stockton, California has been sentenced in federal court to 108 months of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release on his conviction for violating federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Armando Razo Jr., age 34. According to information presented to the court, Razo supplied approximately one hundred pounds of methamphetamine to Christian Maldonado in Stockton, California, which Maldonado then packaged for shipment to the Western District of Pennsylvania. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Razo. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Hyde Resident Sentenced to Prison on Distribution of Methamphetamine Charges

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Hyde, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 23 months of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release on his conviction for violating federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Jeffrey Peters, age 68. According to information presented to the court, Peters was a methamphetamine distributor who obtained over two pounds of methamphetamine from Derek Hillebrand, which Peters then redistributed. Additionally, 46 grams of methamphetamine was seized from Peters’ vehicle during a traffic stop on April 6, 2021. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Peters. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Bethel Park Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Transporting Venezuelan Woman into the United States

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Transporting an Illegal Alien within the United States, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Blake Thomas Babin, 59, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Babin, a Lieutenant with the Bethel Park Police Department, from on or about October 20, 2022, through on or about December 30, 2022, provided funding to an 18-year-old Venezuelan female living in Colombia for her transportation from Colombia to the border between Mexico and the United States so that she could cross illegally into the United States. After two unsuccessful attempts, the female was able to get through the border somewhere near El Paso, Texas, where Babin was waiting to transport her to Phoenix and then to Pittsburgh. Babin met the female in Colombia where she was working as a prostitute. Text exchanges between the two, obtained during the investigation of the case, revealed, in part, that Babin helped smuggle the female into the United States and then transported her knowing that she illegally entered the country because he “loved her”, wanted her to help him “keep his house”, and because she enjoyed sex. Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for March 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Babin remain on bond. Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Babin.


title: Thirteen-time ‘Career Criminal’ Sentenced to 17 Years for Gun Crime

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

body_text: A thirteen-time felon found guilty of a gun crime was sentenced Wednesday, November 8th to 17 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Curtis Wayne Rodgers, 41, was indicted in August 2022 and pleaded guilty in June 2023 to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was sentenced last Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Ada Brown. Due to his multiple prior felony convictions, Mr. Rodgers was sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act, which raises the maximum penalty for offenders with three previous convictions for a violent felony or serious drug offense. According to plea documents, Mr. Rodgers was arrested in June 2022, after officers with the Irving Police Department identified him as a suspect in a possible burglary and aggravated assault in a neighborhood in Irving, Texas. Witnesses told law enforcement that the suspect kicked in the door to a home and asked neighbors where the homeowner was. Mr. Rodgers then pointed a firearm at the neighbor and instructed him to go inside his home and not to call anyone. Footage from the neighbor’s surveillance system showed Mr. Rodgers driving a black Ford F-150 away from the incident. Officers obtained a search warrant for Mr. Rodgers residence and vehicles and located the firearm used in the incident. A query of Mr. Rodger’s criminal history revealed thirteen prior felony convictions, including over three violent crimes and/or serious drug offenses – all offenses that made it a federal crime for him to possess a firearm or ammunition. The Irving Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Niedermair prosecuted the case


title: Hastings Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Armando Ibarra, 50, of Hastings, Nebraska, was sentenced November 6, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Ibarra to 156 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Ibarra’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. Between August of 2019 and May of 2021, Ibarra reached an agreement with others to distribute meth in Hastings, Nebraska. Ibarra sold meth to confidential informants and police found meth at his residence and in his car during several traffic stops. This case was investigated by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the Hastings Police Department, and the Trident Drug Task Force, which is made up of officers from the Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff, Hastings Police Department, Adams County Sheriff, Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Nehawka Man Sentenced for Bank Fraud

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Nolan Balfour, 34, of Nehawka, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 8, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for bank fraud. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Balfour to 30 days’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Balfour’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. As part of his sentence, Balfour was ordered to pay $500,205.93 in restitution to First Nebraska Bank. On March 4, 2013, Balfour and his wife signed a Promissory Note with First Nebraska Bank for the amount of $1,160,000. The note was a 5-year commitment and was renewable annually. On March 11, 2016, this note was modified. The purpose of this note was to finance Balfour’s farming operations in the Nehawka, Nebraska area. In 2014, Balfour began having shortfalls and was having trouble with his loan. On January 10, 2017, Balfour submitted a financial statement to First Nebraska Bank for Fiscal Year 2016. In this financial statement, Balfour overstated his assets, specifically, the amount of corn and soybean that had been harvested and the heads of livestock that he had on hand. Balfour signed this balance sheet stating that it was true and correct when he knew that the information contained in this financial statement was not true and correct. Balfour knew that this financial statement was going to be relied upon by First Nebraska Bank in deciding whether or not to renew his loan. In 2018, Balfour filed for bankruptcy and, during the bankruptcy proceedings, admitted that this financial statement was false and that he knew it would be relied upon by First Nebraska Bank. First Nebraska Bank suffered an economic loss as a result of Balfour’s misrepresentations. First Nebraska Bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced to 140 Months’ Imprisonment for Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Donald R. Hamilton, 37, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 8, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for receipt and distribution of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Hamilton to 140 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Hamilton will begin a 5-year term of supervised and will be required to register as a sex offender. On several dates beginning in March 2021 and ending on August 29, 2021, an investigator with the Nebraska State Patrol was conducting an online investigation on a peer-to-peer file sharing network. The investigator identified a specific residential internet protocol (IP) address associated with unique file identifiers from known images of child pornography. The investigator was able to make a direct connection to the suspect’s IP address and was able to download files containing child pornography using investigative software. Further investigation revealed Hamilton was the suspect. On September 28, 2021, the Nebraska State Patrol executed a search warrant at Hamilton’s residence on Read Street in Omaha. During the forensic examination of Hamilton’s residence, the Nebraska State Patrol located evidence of the specific peer-to-peer client software on Hamilton’s device. The files downloaded between March 27, 2021, and August 29, 2021, totaled 670 images and 25 videos. These 695 files included depictions of child pornography containing prepubescent children, adults having sex with children, and children being bound with ligatures. Hamilton had been on pretrial release pending sentencing, but it was revoked on October 27, 2023, when the Court learned that Hamilton had attended a birthday party in the company of children in violation of his conditions of pretrial release. Hamilton failed to report the contact. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.


title: Two Former Federal Correctional Officers in Eastern Kentucky Sentenced for Assaulting Federal Inmates and Conspiring with a Supervisor to Cover It Up

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LONDON, Ky . Two former Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) corrections officers, Samuel J. Patrick, 41, and Clinton L. Pauley, 42, were sentenced today to 36 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release and 40 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release, respectively, for their roles in the assaults of inmates held at U.S. Penitentiary Big Sandy. Patrick and Pauley previously pleaded guilty and testified against a third co-defendant at trial earlier this year. “As today’s convictions demonstrate, the Department of Justice will hold accountable BOP employees who abuse their position of authority and those in their custody,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “We will not let up in our ongoing efforts to root out abuse and misconduct at the Bureau of Prisons, so that it can fulfill its mission to safely and humanely care for the adults in its custody while also preparing them to reenter society.” “Physical abuse and corruption by law enforcement officers is unacceptable no matter where it occurs, but these offenses stand out because they were committed by veteran federal officers in a Bureau of Prisons facility,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Defendant Patrick’s racially-charged and violent assault on one inmate was not only unlawful but morally reprehensible. The Justice Department takes constitutional abuses by federal officers extremely seriously, and we will continue to prosecute officers who violate federal civil rights laws.” “Patrick and Pauley engaged in egregious acts of violence towards inmates in their custody and care, and then tried to cover up their crimes,” said Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz of the Justice Department. “Today’s sentencing shows that assault of inmates will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will be held accountable.” “These defendants were charged with the custody and care of others; instead, they committed themselves to abusing those in their care, breaching the public trust, disserving the interests of true law enforcement and violating the civil rights of others,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Holding law enforcement officials accountable for civil rights violations is an important first step to restoring the public trust in dedicated law enforcement and to protecting the civil rights of everyone.” “Federal corrections officers are entrusted to protect the individuals placed in their custody. The two defendants in this case blatantly broke that trust by violently assaulting multiple inmates,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “The FBI will continue its vigorous pursuit of investigating and holding accountable any law enforcement official who chooses to violate the civil rights of those they take an oath to protect.” According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, Patrick and Pauley unlawfully used force to punish two inmates housed at Big Sandy. On March 30, 2021, the officers assaulted an inmate by spraying him in the face with pepper spray and kicking him in the head and upper body. Witnesses, including those who assaulted the inmates, testified that the inmate was not a threat and was compliant, and was assaulted for walking too slowly to his cell, rather than for any legitimate penological purpose. On April 29, 2021, the officers assaulted a second inmate by elbowing him in the head and punching him in the body. The victim of that assault had requested protection from other inmates. When the victim, who is white, revealed that he used to affiliate with Black gangs, Patrick referred to him as a “race traitor,” after which Patrick and Pauley both repeatedly struck him in the head and body. In addition to the preceding incidents, Pauley further admitted that he assaulted a third federal inmate during an unrelated encounter on March 26, 2021. On both March 30 and April 29, 2021, Patrick and Pauley’s co-defendant, Lieutenant Kevin C. Pearce, 39, was present and saw his lower-ranking officers using force out of anger. Afterwards, Pearce helped them try to cover up what happened by writing false reports, backing up their cover stories and pressuring subordinate officers to join the cover-ups. Pearce was found guilty at trial of writing false reports that covered up the assaults. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 5. The Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General and the FBI Louisville Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Dembo for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case. BOP is committed to rooting out misconduct within its ranks and working with law enforcement partners to prosecute violations of federal law. The numerous BOP employees working diligently to ensure justice for the victims of misconduct are critical to the Department’s reform efforts. – END –


title: Readout of Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) Task Force Deputies Meeting

component: National Security Division (NSD)

body_text: Yesterday, Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco and Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo convened the Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) Task Force Deputies to coordinate lines of effort to ensure that Russia bears the legal consequences of its internationally wrongful acts. Today’s task force meeting convened experts across the U.S. government and international community to explore all possible avenues to aid Ukraine – consistent with respective legal systems and international law – and to ensure Ukraine is compensated for the loss, injury and damage resulting from Russia’s full-scale aggression. As Russia continues to commit flagrant violations of international law, REPO members remain united that, consistent with their respective legal systems, Russia’s sovereign assets in REPO jurisdictions will remain immobilized until Russia pays for the damage it has caused to Ukraine. Given the urgent needs of Ukraine and the paramount importance of holding Russia accountable for its illegal invasion of Ukraine, principals of the REPO Task Force plan to convene again later this year.


title: Honduran National Sentenced for Assaulting Customs and Border Protection Officers

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – A Honduran national was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 18 months in prison for assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers, causing bodily injury. According to court documents, Jesus Alexander Bardales Ramirez, 26, was seen running into the United States from Mexico, chased by Mexican authorities, toward Customs and Border Protection officers (CBPOs) at the Eagle Pass port of entry. When CBPOs attempted to restrain Ramirez, the migrant pulled away, causing him and the officers to fall to the ground. Following several minutes of engagement, CBPOs were able to subdue and handcuff Ramirez. Ramirez continued to resist and kick at the officers throughout attempts to place him in a CBP vehicle, striking several CBPOs in their arms, bodies and faces. After CBPOs managed to secure him in the vehicle, Ramirez began to strike his own head against the vehicle window, and when an officer tried to secure Ramirez’s head in an attempt to prevent Ramirez from injuring himself, Ramirez bit the officer on the arm. “This case is a reminder of the dangers and hostility our law enforcement officers at the border can face on any given day,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “I’m grateful for the commitment of these CBP officers and all of our partners who bear the same risks. Know that we will not tolerate acts of violence on our federal officers, and offenders will be held accountable.” CBP investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Bird prosecuted the case. ###


title: Former Florida Attorney Sentenced To 14 Years In Federal Prison For Racketeering Relating To Operation Of His Tallahassee Law Firm And Investment Companies

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Phillip Timothy Howard, 62, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to fourteen years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to racketeering (RICO). The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “The defendant should have been protecting the interest of his injured clients, rather than swindling their investments,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Today’s sentence both punishes the defendant’s criminal conduct and should serve as a significant deterrent to others who would selfishly steal to unlawfully enrich themselves. With our law enforcement partners, we remain committed to investigating and prosecuting those who engage in such fraudulent conduct.” Court documents reflect between December 2015, and January 2018, Howard, a Florida attorney, along with associates and employees of his Tallahassee law firm (Howard & Associates, P.A.) engaged in a criminal Enterprise to defraud his clients of funds from an NFL class-action lawsuit. In addition to his law firm, Howard used several Tallahassee investment companies (Cambridge Capital Group, LLC; Cambridge Capital Wealth Advisors, LLC; Cambridge Capital Advisors, LLC; Cambridge Capital Funding, Inc., Cambridge Capital Group Equity Option Opportunities, L.P.; and Cambridge Capital Partners, L.P.) under his control to steal from clients. Howard, and others conducted and participated in the affairs of the Enterprise, through a pattern of racketeering activity, namely, wire fraud and money laundering. As part of his representation, Howard fraudulently enticed his clients to invest their retirement funds with his investment companies while failing to disclose the structure of the Enterprise, the conflicts of interest, the criminal background of persons associated with or employed by the Enterprise, and the true nature of the investment companies’ funds. Despite reassuring investors that their money was secure, Howard never informed them that almost none of the investment funds yielded a return and failed to disclose that the investment funds had been commingled with funds used to operate his law firm and to issue payroll for its staff, pay Howard’s personal mortgages, and otherwise personally enrich Howard. “Phillip Howard weaponized the trust of others,” said Sherri E. Onks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “As an attorney, he should have been helping his ailing clients invest in a better future, but instead he stole from their pocketbooks for his own personal gain. And when that wasn’t enough, he exploited the trust of third-party lenders, destabilizing businesses that were reliant on his honesty and integrity. The FBI and our partners will never stop working to protect innocent people and companies from fraud like this.” In addition, the former NFL player investors were provided fraudulent quarterly and year-end investment statements which indicated that investor funds were allocated into two separate investment funds, including a fund designed specifically to invest in equities. In reality, there were no separated, dedicated investment funds, and the bank accounts for the Enterprise had little or no money. Howard and others fraudulently obtained over $4 million through such conduct. “IRS-CI agents put a full blitz on Phillip Howard; today’s sentencing is another example of IRS-CI’s ability to quickly tackle those who lie and mislead victims for their own personal enrichment,” said Tara K. Reed IRS-CI Acting Special Agent in Charge. “As an attorney, Howard should have been protecting the interest of his clients rather than intentionally sacking their investments.” Additionally, Howard sought third-party lenders that would be willing to lend money to Howard’s former NFL clients in advance of their potential NFL concussion settlements as part of the NFL class-action lawsuit, and to Howard as litigation funding for the NFL class-action lawsuit. To obtain such funds for himself and his clients, Howard provided false and fraudulent information, including numerous material misrepresentations and omissions, to the lenders. Howard and others fraudulently obtained and attempted to obtain approximately $8 million from third-party lenders through such conduct. Howard also solicited investment in a real estate project located in Jacksonville, Florida, and in doing so, promised the investor certain investment returns within a specified period. After the investor transferred money to the investment company, Howard and an employee falsely told the investor that additional money was needed to close the real estate deal. In reliance on this false promise, the investor transferred additional proceeds, only to be told several months that the real estate investment funds were secure and would be returned to her. Howard fraudulently obtained and attempted to obtain over $520,000 from this investor through this conduct. Howard’s prison sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release, and he will also be required to pay restitution in the amount of $12.64 million. This conviction was the result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigations, with assistance from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin M. Keen and David P. Byron. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: U.S. Attorneys Thompson and Ihlenfeld Join with FBI and American Jewish Committee Leaders for Antisemitism Training

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorneys Will Thompson and William Ihlenfeld joined with leaders from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Pittsburgh Division and the American Jewish Committee (AJC) yesterday for training in response to rising antisemitism. Charleston and Wheeling synagogues co-hosted the joint training session, presented by AJC and part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s United Against Hate (UAH) Community Outreach Program. Thompson, Ihlenfeld and other speakers noted that planning for this training had begun well before the Hamas terror attacks and resulting conflict. “This event was essential well before October 7, and is certainly essential now,” Thompson said. “Whether it is anti-Jewish hate, or anti-Muslim hate, or any other form of hate, we must and we will stand against all of it.” “Hate-fueled crimes were a problem prior to October 7, and have only gotten worse since that day,” Ihlenfeld said. “This training provided a great opportunity to share information about the nature of the threat and the resources that the Justice Department brings to bear.” The training aimed to enhance the understanding of the problem, identify effective responses to hate incidents, and empower people to speak out. “This training was filled with invaluable information for the community,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “With antisemitism and hate crimes on the rise, these are serious crimes that not only affect one person, but an entire population and community. The public plays an important role in these cases. They are our eyes and ears in the communities we serve. We are constantly working to address these threats locally while focusing on building a relationship of trust and maintaining open dialogue so the community knows they can come to us with something suspicious or threatening.” The training featured a message of perseverance and strength from Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the target of the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history. Myers spoke of the 2018 terrorist attack and its continuing impact as well as the overwhelming response from an already supportive community. “What an incredible message that was, and continues to be to the rest of the world, that when people care deeply about each other, so much is possible,” Myers said. “I am someone still with hope that despite the horrors I witnessed that day, that we are able to find ways to be together, that we can rebuild community.” The training included an overview of the trial and conviction of the Tree of Life assailant. It also included the subsequent guilty plea in the Northern District of West Virginia from a self-proclaimed white supremacist who targeted jurors and witnesses, including first responders, through threatening social media posts, website comments, and emails during the trial. AJC leaders provided examples of antisemitism and how they can invoke ancient and medieval stereotypes, dehumanizing language and other falsehoods. They also cited recent polling of U.S. adults that found that the overwhelming majority, 91 percent, identified antisemitism as a problem for everyone that affects society as a whole. “Antisemitism is not a Jewish problem. Period,” said AJC Washington Regional Director Alan Ronkin. “It is a societal problem. And when people recognize that, we can be a lot more effective in standing up to anti-Jewish hate.” A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. ###


title: Man Sentenced for Advertising and Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material on Dark Web

component: Criminal Division

body_text: An Oklahoma man was sentenced yesterday to 21 years and 10 months in prison for advertising and distributing child sexual abuse material. According to court documents, Austen Peppers, 36, of Lawton, sold and offered to sell images of minors being sexually abused. Peppers conducted the transactions on the dark web with cryptocurrency, and used platforms and applications that he believed were secure and protected him from law enforcement scrutiny. Peppers also engaged in sexually explicit communications with persons believed to be minors and encouraged those apparent minors to create sexually explicit images of themselves. Peppers amassed thousands of images and videos of children being sexually abused. Peppers was also ordered to pay a special assessment of $11,200 and restitution totaling $57,000 to his victims. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California, and Special Agent in Charge Tatum King of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco made the announcement. HSI Fresno, Chicago, and Oklahoma, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigated the case, with assistance from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Tactical Team. Trial Attorney James E. Burke IV of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gappa for the Eastern District of California prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorneys Will Thompson and William Ihlenfeld joined with leaders from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Pittsburgh Division and the American Jewish Committee (AJC) for training yesterday in response to rising antisemitism. Charleston and Wheeling synagogues co-hosted the joint training session, presented by AJC and part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s United Against Hate (UAH) Community Outreach Program. Thompson, Ihlenfeld and other speakers noted that planning for this training had begun well before the Hamas terror attacks and resulting conflict. “This event was essential well before October 7, and is certainly essential now,” Thompson said. “Whether it is anti-Jewish hate, or anti-Muslim hate, or any other form of hate, we must and we will stand against all of it.” “Hate-fueled crimes were a problem prior to October 7, and have only gotten worse since that day,” Ihlenfeld said. “This event provided a great opportunity to share information about the nature of the threat and the resources that the Justice Department brings to bear.” The training aimed to enhance the understanding of the problem, identify effective responses to hate incidents, and empower people to speak out. “This training was filled with invaluable information for the community,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “With antisemitism and hate crimes on the rise, these are serious crimes that not only affect one person, but an entire population and community. The public plays an important role in these cases. They are our eyes and ears in the communities we serve. We are constantly working to address these threats locally while focusing on building a relationship of trust and maintaining open dialogue so the community knows they can come to us with something suspicious or threatening.” The training featured a message of perseverance and strength from Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the target of the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history. Myers spoke of the 2018 terrorist attack and its continuing impact as well as the overwhelming response from an already supportive community. “What an incredible message that was and continues to be to the rest of the world, that when people care deeply about each other, so much is possible,” Myers said. “I am someone still with hope that despite the horrors I witnessed that day, that we are able to find ways to be together, that we can rebuild community.” The training included an overview of the trial and conviction of the Tree of Life assailant. It also included the subsequent guilty plea in the Northern District of West Virginia from a self-proclaimed white supremacist who targeted jurors and witnesses, including first responders, through threatening social media posts, website comments, and emails during the trial. AJC leaders provided examples of antisemitism and how they can invoke ancient and medieval stereotypes, dehumanizing language and other falsehoods. They also cited recent polling of U.S. adults that found that the overwhelming majority, 91 percent, identified antisemitism as a problem for everyone that affects society as a whole. “Antisemitism is not a Jewish problem. Period,” said AJC Washington Regional Director Alan Ronkin. “It is a societal problem. And when people recognize that, we can be a lot more effective in standing up to anti-Jewish hate.”


title: Justice Department Finds Minnesota City’s “Crime-Free” Housing Program Discriminates Against Tenants with Mental Health Disabilities

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that the city of Anoka, Minnesota, violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act by denying tenants with mental health disabilities an equal opportunity to receive emergency assistance. Following a comprehensive investigation, the department found that through the city’s “crime-free” housing program, the city discouraged and prevented tenants with mental health disabilities and those associated with them from using its emergency response service. The department found that people with mental health disabilities and their families or service providers refrained from calling for help to avoid risking their current housing or future housing prospects. “Using a so-called ‘crime-free’ housing ordinance to invoke fear and prevent people with mental health disabilities from exercising their right to access housing and seek emergency assistance is discriminatory and runs afoul of our nation's civil rights laws,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “This scheme is cloaked as a public safety measure but in reality it callously targets people with disabilities and their loved ones by penalizing them simply for reaching out for emergency assistance in times of need. The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that every person, including those with disabilities, can access emergency services and enjoy access to fair housing without fear of retaliation.” Under the city’s rental licensing and so-called “crime free” housing ordinance, the city can penalize landlords for “nuisance calls” to their properties. Nuisance calls include disorderly conduct and what the city describes as repeated “unfounded” calls to the police. The city can issue fines and revoke the landlord’s license if the landlord does not pursue eviction after nuisance calls to their property. When tenants with mental health disabilities and those associated with them (like their families or landlords) requested or received emergency assistance, they risked eviction, fines or loss of a rental license. For years, the city also sent weekly reports to licensed landlords detailing all calls for emergency service from all rental properties. Along with a general description, each report included the name and address of those involved and often revealed personal and sensitive information about the person’s mental health disabilities, such as their diagnoses, medications and names of psychiatric or medical providers. Some even shared intimate details about suicide attempts. The city used these reports to notify landlords of potential nuisance calls and encourage landlords to evict tenants. The department provided its findings and minimum remedial measures necessary in a letter to the city. Specifically, the department asks the city to change its policies and procedures, designate an ADA coordinator, and train staff. The Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota investigated the case. People with information about these findings are encouraged to contact the department via email at Anoka@usdoj.gov or by calling a toll-free number at 888-473-3940. For more information on the ADA, please visit ADA.gov or call the toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TTY 833-610-1264). View the letter of findings here.


title: Springfield Sex Offender Convicted of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man has been convicted in a federal bench trial of receiving and distributing child pornography. Alvan Allen, 44, was found guilty of one count of receiving and distributing child pornography following a bench trial before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool on Wednesday, Nov. 1. The court issued the findings of fact and adjudication order on Monday, Nov. 6. Springfield police officers executed a search warrant at Allen’s residence on Aug. 13, 2020, and seized his cell phone and laptop computer. A forensic examination discovered 1,512 images and videos of child pornography on Allen’s computer. Allen is required to register as a sex offender due to his prior conviction of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. He also has a prior conviction for failure to register as a sex offender. Under federal statutes, Allen is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 40 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the FBI, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force. Project Safe Childhood 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 individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: St. Petersburg Man Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, And Cocaine With Intent To Distribute

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jason Washington (42, St. Petersburg) has pleaded guilty to one count of possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine with the intent to distribute it. Due to the amount of methamphetamine Washington possessed, he faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, on April 13, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Washington’s residence. Inside the home, they found over 240 grams of methamphetamine, 225 grams of fentanyl, and 102 grams of cocaine. Officers also located more than $77,000 in cash and six firearms inside the home. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. 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: Doctor And Her Granddaughter Indicted For Drug Conspiracy And Unlawful Distribution Of Opioids

body_text: Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Janet Pettyjohn (77, Spring Hill) and Shelly Gallagher (34, Brooksville) with conspiracy to distribute drugs. The indictment also charges Pettyjohn with 21 substantive counts, and Gallagher with 9 substantive counts, of unlawful drug distribution. If convicted, Pettyjohn and Gallagher each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment notifies Pettyjohn that the United States intends to forfeit $34,132 in U.S. currency, which is alleged to be traceable to proceeds of her criminal conduct. According to the indictment, Pettyjohn was an osteopathic physician licensed to practice medicine in the State of Florida with a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number to prescribe controlled substances. In July 2020, Florida’s Board of Osteopathic Medicine (BOM) restricted Pettyjohn from prescribing opioids due to complaints about the manner in which she prescribed controlled substances. After the BOM’s Final Order and the prescribing restriction took effect, Pettyjohn continued to prescribe opioids in violation of the Final Order. The BOM later lifted the prescribing restriction in March 2021. Gallagher is Pettyjohn’s granddaughter and did not hold a medical license. Between March 2021 and February 2023, Gallagher sponsored patients at Pettyjohn’s clinic and ordered controlled substances for herself and others from Pettyjohn. Pettyjohn knowingly and intentionally prescribed the controlled substances for Gallagher and others for no legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice, which Gallagher and others abused and diverted. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration—Tampa District Office, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, and by the Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit at the United States Attorney’s Office, which focuses on opioid-related fraud and abuse by medical and health care professionals who have contributed to the prescription opioid epidemic. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Pizzo.


title: Repeat Bank Robber Sentenced to Twelve and a Half Years in Federal Prison After Robbing Four More Banks in Two-Weeks While on Parole

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Jaquan Lavon Smith, 31, of Indianapolis has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to four counts of bank robbery. According to court documents, between October 4 through October 18, 2021, Smith robbed four different federally insured banks, stealing nearly $25,000. On October 4, 2021, Smith entered the Chase Bank branch near North Keystone Avenue. Once inside, Smith approached a teller and passed a robbery note that stated, “This is a robbery, be quick about it.” The teller gathered $4,058 and passed it to Smith. Over the next two weeks, Smith robbed three more banks in a similar manner, using threatening notes that demanded $10,000 and instructed the victims not to use security measures. During his two-week bank robbery spree, Smith stole nearly $25,000: DATE VICTIM MONEY STOLEN October 4, 2021 Chase Bank, Indianapolis, IN $4,058 October 6, 2021 Tri County Bank & Trust, Bainbridge, IN $10,000 October 11, 2021 Chase Bank, Lawrence, IN $3,336 October 18, 2021 BMO Harris, Indianapolis, IN $7,469 FBI Agents arrested Smith shortly after the October 18, 2021, robbery, as he was making his getaway. On Smith’s person, the agents located over $7,000 in cash, and the robbery note used during the robbery of the BMO Harris bank. Smith has a significant history of robbing banks. In June and July 2018, Smith robbed six banks in Indianapolis and one in Hamilton County over twenty-two days. The demand notes Smith used in the six 2018 bank robberies were nearly identical to the ones he used to rob four banks in 2021. Smith was convicted of the five Indianapolis robberies and sentenced to two years in prison. On July 30, 2021, he was released from the Indiana Department of Corrections to parole. Smith began his latest robbery spree just eight weeks later. The charges related to the 2018 Hamilton bank County robbery were still pending when he robbed four banks in October 2021. “Again and again, this career criminal chose to terrorize innocent bank employees in his pursuit of what he believed would be easy cash,” Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “He returned to robbing banks soon after getting out on parole, undeterred by his prior prison sentence. Thanks to the hard work of the FBI, IMPD, Lawrence Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, and our federal prosecutor, the public will be protected for many years as he serves a very serious federal prison sentence.” “The reign of terror of the defendant is over thanks to the outstanding investigative work and collaboration of the FBI and our law enforcement partners,” said Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office. “This sentence clearly demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to ensuring those who threaten bank employees and steal the peace of mind of residents of our community will pay the price.” “This investigation resulting in US Federal Court conviction represents yet another exemplary collaboration between Federal, State, and Local law enforcement agencies, focusing our considerable resources on holding this offender accountable for his criminal actions,” said Lawrence Police Department Deputy Chief Gary Woodruff. “Thanks to the efforts of each agency who participated, and to the US Attorney’s Office for focusing on those who commit dangerous crimes, these efforts result in safer communities.” The FBI, IMPD, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, and Lawrence Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James R. Sweeney. Judge Sweeney also ordered that Smith be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: Three Defendants Extradited from Germany, Morocco and Romania to Face Charges Related to Russian Cyberfraud Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Later Today, Nikolaj Sofinskij will be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr., at a federal courthouse in Brooklyn on an indictment charging him and others with three counts each of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and money laundering conspiracy and one count of aggravated identity theft, in connection with schemes to steal personally identifiable information (PII) on the black market and to buy merchandise in the United States for resale abroad based on the PII. Sofinskij was extradited to the United States yesterday after being arrested in Romania. For similar charges, defendants Ruslan Albertovich Nurullin was extradited to the United States from Morocco and arraigned at a federal courthouse in Brooklyn on September 15, and Aleksandr Popan was extradited to the United States from Germany and arraigned at a federal courthouse in Brooklyn on October 16. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the extraditions and charges. “The defendants are charged with conspiring to defraud victims out of more than $48 million by stealing sensitive personal information, including social security numbers, and using it to buy and then resell electronics and luxury goods,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This case shows that if criminals organize to target U.S. victims in their international crimes, our Office will unite with the international community to catch and bring them to justice.” Mr. Peace thanked the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, INTERPOL, the United States Marshals Service and the authorities of Morocco, Germany, and Romania for their assistance in securing the arrests and extraditions of Nurullin, Popan, and Sofinskij, respectively. “Nurullin, Popan and Sofinskij allegedly engaged in multiple reshipping schemes, utilizing online communications to execute their scams, leading to $48 million in losses for their victims. The announcement today highlights the FBI’s commitment along with our international law enforcement partners to bringing criminals to the United States to be held accountable for their crimes,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith. As alleged in the indictment, from approximately 2013 to 2018, individuals located primarily in Russia and countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Eastern Europe operated reshipping schemes to defraud merchants, banks and individuals in the United States. Nurullin, Popan and Sofinskij resided in Russia during the schemes, and they were arrested in their respective countries pursuant to INTERPOL Red Notices based on arrest warrants issued from the Eastern District of New York. Scheme participants communicated online on websites called “Admin Panels.” Popan set up one of those Admin Panels, called USS-Design. Participants called “Stuffers” used stolen PII from victims—including their social security numbers and credit and debit card numbers—to buy merchandise such as smartphones, computers, luxury clothing and handbags from online retailers. These Stuffers deceived the retailers by having them ship merchandise to addresses in the United States, where the items would later be reshipped to Russia and to CIS and Eastern European countries for resale. Nurullin and Sofinskij served as Stuffers associated with the Admin Panels called Strongbox.cc, Arenaproject.it, and Astra Star Ave. Participants divided profits frequently through a virtual currency exchange based in Russia, and they reinvested proceeds into the ongoing schemes, including by buying prepaid mailing labels to facilitate shipments to Russia and elsewhere. The reshipping schemes caused more than $48 million in losses to victims. The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The defendants face a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment for each of the fraud, fraud conspiracy and money laundering counts. If convicted of the aggravated identity theft counts, the defendants face a mandatory additional sentence of 2 years’ imprisonment. In July 2022, Mr. Peace was selected as the Chairperson of the White Collar Fraud subcommittee for the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC). As the leader of the subcommittee, Mr. Peace plays a key role in making recommendations to the AGAC to facilitate the prevention, investigation and prosecution of various financially motivated, non-violent crimes, including mail and wire fraud and identity theft—such as the crimes that Nurullin, Popan and Sofinskij committed. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas J. Moscow and Victor Zapana are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Emme Moosher, along with Trial Attorney Christopher D. Usher of the Department of Justice’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. The Defendants : RUSLAN ALBERTOVICH NURULLIN (also known as “ray.nolan” and “nolan”) Age: 32 Morocco ALEKSANDR POPAN (also known as “exemption,” “popanus,” “Alexander Popan,” “Alexandr Popan” and “Alexander Popandopulo”) Age: 40 Germany NIKOLAJ SOFINSKIJ (also known as “pagnini,” “Nikola Sofinskiy” and “Mykola Petrovych Sofinskyi”) Age: 42 Romania E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-456 (PKC) 2023.10.16_redactions_for_nurullin_popan_and_sonfinskij_redacted.pdf


title: District Woman Guilty of Aggravated Assault While Armed and Related Charges

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Following a four-day trial, on November 6, 2023, a Superior Court jury found Tiaquana Chandler, 42, of Washington, D.C., guilty of conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). On or about March 28, 2023, the victim was in an apartment on 13 th Place SE, Washington, D.C., when he got into a disagreement with Chandler. Chandler left the apartment, but returned a short time later with her son, Donnell E. Tucker, who was armed with a firearm. Together, they assaulted the victim, causing severe lacerations that required 14 staples and stiches to close. After Tucker allegedly pistol whipped the victim, he shot him in the leg, causing a fracture that required surgery. Tucker’s trial is scheduled for January 2024. The Honorable Sean Staples ordered the defendant be released pending sentencing scheduled for January 12, 2024. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Saman Danai and Nathaniel Brower.


title: Three Columbia Residents Indicted for Bank Fraud, Mail Theft

body_text: JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Three Columbia, Mo., residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a bank fraud conspiracy that used identity documents stolen from the mail to open fraudulent bank accounts. Chandelle Eugene Marteen, 39, Jason Lee Patillo, 49, and Candace Anne Cook, 41, were charged in a 22-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo., on Tuesday, Oct. 24. The indictment was unsealed and made public following the arrests of all three defendants. The federal indictment alleges that Marteen, Patillo and Cook participated in a bank fraud conspiracy from July 2021 to March 2023. Marteen and Cook allegedly stole mail from collection boxes and residences, from which they obtained personal and business checks. They forged signatures and altered the checks. Marteen obtained personal identification documents belonging to others, the indictment says, and used them to cash or deposit stolen and fraudulent checks. He opened bank accounts using stolen identity documents, deposited stolen and fraudulent checks into the accounts, and withdrew money from the accounts. Patillo allegedly opened a bank account at Marteen’s instruction and gave him the debit card and account information, which enabled him to deposit stolen, fraudulent checks and withdraw money from the account using cash withdrawals at ATMs and electronic transfers. In addition to the conspiracy, Marteen is charged with nine counts of bank fraud, two counts of mail theft, two counts of possessing stolen mail, and seven counts of aggravated identity theft. Cook is also charged with one count of possessing stolen mail. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn. It was investigated by the Columbia, Mo., Police Department, the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.


title: Active-Duty Air Force Member Agrees To Pay Treble Damages To Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating To Fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program Loan

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Eglin Air Force Base active-duty member, Lazarus Wallace, has agreed to settle allegations that he violated the False Claims Act (“FCA”) by knowingly providing false information in support of a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan. Wallace agreed to pay $63,327.54 in treble damages under the FCA. The settlement was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “Serving our nation as a member of the military is a position of honor, deserving of high esteem,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “The fraudulent acts of this individual are incompatible with such service. We remain committed to hold accountable all who abused this crisis-based loan system.” The United States contends that in March 2021, Wallace prepared and submitted fraudulent documents and a false and fraudulent application to obtain a PPP loan totaling $20,833, in the name of Beaming Detailing LLC. The loan was forgiven and paid by the United States Small Business Administration (“SBA”), plus interest of $277.18, for a total of $21,109.18. The United States contends that Wallace fraudulently obtained the PPP loan based on multiple false and fraudulent statements, to include the date Beaming Detailing LLC was established, the amount of Beaming Detailing LLC’s gross income, and the purpose of the loan. This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary Ann Couch and Marie Moyle from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, with assistance from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Fruitland Man Pleads Guilty to Assault

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Elijah Cudei Etsitty pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Etsitty, 27, of Fruitland, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. According to court records, on June 27, 2021, Etsitty assaulted Jane Doe, which caused serious bodily injury, including head and facial injuries and seizure activity following the assault. At sentencing, Etsitty faces up to ten years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Shiprock Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Bell is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-262


title: Mexican National Is Sentenced To 8+ Years In Prison For Distribution Of Methamphetamine And Possession Of A Firearm By An Illegal Alien

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Yael Aguilar, 30, of Mexico City, Mexico, was sentenced today to 97 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Alicia Jones, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Ron Campurciani of the Mooresville Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to court documents and court proceedings, in August 2022, the ATF and the Mooresville Police Department initiated an investigation into Aguilar for suspected drug distribution. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement conducted at least three controlled purchases of narcotics from Aguilar, including for methamphetamine. During one of the controlled purchases, law enforcement observed that Aguilar was armed. On September 22, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Aguilar’s residence and the two vehicles located in the driveway. During the search, law enforcement recovered narcotics, digital scales, and more than $24,000 in cash. Law enforcement also seized a loaded firearm, assorted ammunition, and a privately made firearm, also known as a “ghost gun,” with a Glock slide, magazine, and ammunition. Aguilar is an illegal alien and he is not permitted to own or possess firearms. Aguilar remains in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. The ATF and the Mooresville Police Department investigated the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) William Wiseman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. Mr. Wiseman is a state prosecutor with the office of the 26 th Prosecutorial District and was assigned by District Attorney Spencer Merriweather to serve as a SAUSA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte. Mr. Wiseman is sworn in both state and federal courts. The SAUSA position is a reflection of the partnership between the District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 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: Spencer Man Pleads Guilty to Yet Another Federal Drug Crime

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty November 1, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City. Todd Williams, 57, from Spencer, Iowa, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Williams had previously been convicted of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine in 2004. Evidence at the plea hearing showed that on March 4, 2023, after receiving information that Williams was selling and possessing methamphetamine, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Williams’ residence in Spencer, Iowa, and seized approximately 2.8 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately $50,000 in cash. During the execution of the warrant, Williams was viewed by law enforcement driving by the residence. Law enforcement attempted to stop Williams, who led them on a high speed chase before being stopped and arrested. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Williams remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Williams faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and ten years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Spencer Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Estherville Police Department, the Iowa Great Lakes Drug Task Force, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Iowa DCI Laboratory. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-4061. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Luring Columbia Teen for Illicit Sex

body_text: JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Bay Springs, Mississippi, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to luring a 16-year-old victim in Columbia, Mo., to meet him at a hotel for illicit sexual activity. Zachary Wes Buckley, 49, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., to one count of enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. By pleading guilty today, Buckley admitted that he traveled to Columbia and rented a room at a local hotel, where he had sex with the child victim. Buckley and the child victim began communicating in an online chat room in January 2023 then moved their conversations to GoogleChat. The chats, which included sexually explicit conversations, photos and videocams, led to plans to meet in person. Buckley traveled to Columbia on Jan. 30, 2023, and met the child victim at a local park. He then drove to a Columbia hotel, where they had sex. Under federal statutes, Buckley is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the FBI, and the Jasper County, Mississippi, Sheriff’s Department. Project Safe Childhood 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 individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Charlotte Woman In Charge Of $1.9 Million Debt Collection Scheme Is Sentenced To Prison

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today that Carissa Eugenia Brown, 35, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 54 months in prison for orchestrating a $1.9 million debt collection scheme. In addition to the prison term imposed, Brown was ordered to serve three years under court supervision after she is released from prison and to pay $1,708,920.60 as restitution. Donald "Trey" Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Review Service, Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), Charlotte Field Office, and Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), which oversees Charlotte, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, from 2015 to July 2020, Brown executed a fraudulent debt collection scheme that defrauded hundreds of victims located in North Carolina and elsewhere in the United States. Court records show that, during the relevant time period, Brown had registered three companies in North Carolina, which she used in furtherance of the scheme: Accredited Recovery Solutions, LLC (a/k/a Accredited Recovery Network); Elite Credit Adjusters, LLC (a/k/a Elite Credit Network); and Martin Recovery Group, LLC (a/k/a Martin Recovery, P.C. and the Law Office of Martin and Associates). According to court records, Brown operated her fraudulent debt collection scheme by contacting individuals who had been sued by various creditors for their outstanding debt and falsely represented that she was authorized to collect the debt on behalf of those creditors. Brown generally offered victims to “settle” the outstanding debt for a reduced amount, but only if the victims accepted the offer and paid the reduced amount in full, or began to make payments immediately to one of Brown’s companies. As court records show, Brown often mailed victims official-looking documents, including a purported settlement agreement. Victims then made a lump-sum payment, or several payments, to Brown and her companies, believing that doing so would resolve their debt and outstanding court case, only to later learn that Brown was not authorized to collect the debt and they still owed the full debt to the actual creditor. To further induce victims to comply with the debt repayment demands, Brown sent correspondence to victims on letterhead that implied the communication was coming from a law firm, and left voicemails for victims falsely representing that she was calling from a law firm. In addition, Brown also employed threatening and harassing pressure tactics to fraudulently induce victims to pay her, including threatening to garnish victims’ wages, to seize victims’ bank accounts, or to file judgments in court if payment on the debt was not received. As a result of the false and fraudulent representations and threatening and harassing tactics used by Brown, court documents show that hundreds of individuals throughout the United States were fraudulently induced to pay Brown and her companies more than $1.9 million. This resulted in victims being placed in the untenable position of either having to pay their debts twice, or face the financial consequences for failing to pay the true creditor. Brown previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering. She is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked IRS-CI and USPIS for handling the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Graham Billings of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.