title: Maryland Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Charge For Distribution Of Fentanyl Resulting In The Death Of A Minor Victim

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – A Silver Spring, Maryland man pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Deborah L. Boardman to distribution of fentanyl resulting in the death of a Bethesda, Maryland minor victim in January 2022. The guilty plea was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Washington Division; Chief Marc R. Yamada of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Chief Victor Brito of the Rockville City Police Department. According to court documents, Mikiyas Kefyalew, 26, knowingly and intentionally distributed to Victim 1 a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and 4-Anilino-N-phenethlpipeerdine (“despropionyl fentanyl”), each a Schedule II controlled substance, with death resulting from Victim 1’s use of such substance. At the time of Victim 1’s death, Victim 1 was 16 years old. On the evening of January 16, 2022, Victim 1 had contacted Kefyalew by Snapchat message in order to obtain “Percs.” Although originally referring to Percocets (a combination medicine containing oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen), “Percs” is a common slang term used to reference pills which are circular, blue in color and imprinted with “M 30”—mimicking the markings on legitimate pills that one would receive from a manufacturer containing oxycodone hydrochloride. Victim 1 provided the address of the residence where he was spending the evening, and Kefyalew drove to that address. Victim 1 left the residence, met with Kefyalew at Kefyalew’s vehicle, and purchased two “Percs” from Kefyalew. Victim 1 later was driven home and interacted with family members before going to bed. The next morning, Victim 1 was found deceased. With the assistance of Victim 1’s family members, law enforcement officers also located a small blue pill stamped with “M 30” near where Victim 1 was found. The pill appeared to be a 30 mg oxycodone hydrochloride pill but was tested by a forensic chemist at the Montgomery County Police Department Forensic Laboratory and produced positive results for both fentanyl and despropionyl fentanyl. According to autopsy results, Victim 1’s cause of death was fentanyl and despropionyl fentanyl intoxication. Victim 1 was otherwise healthy. On August 21, 2021, Kefyalew had been issued a criminal citation for possession of marijuana over 10 grams. In that case, a round blue pill stamped with “M 30” was located in the baggie of marijuana that was located in the rear passenger area of the vehicle where Kefyalew was seated. That pill was tested by a forensic chemist at the Montgomery County Police Department Forensic Laboratory and, like the similar blue pill in this case, produced positive results for both fentanyl and despropionyl fentanyl. Messages retrieved from Kefyalew’s cell phones confirmed the dangers of overdoses posed by “Percs” and Kefyalew’s knowledge that these pills contained fentanyl. Based upon these pills’ purporting to be oxycodone hydrochloride pills, Kefyalew knowingly misrepresented or knowingly marketed the fentanyl pills as oxycodone hydrochloride, or “Percs.” The pills distributed and possessed by Kefyalew purported to be oxycodone hydrochloride in that they were small light blue pills stamped with “M” and “30” to match legitimate oxycodone hydrocholoride 30 milligram pills when, in fact, they contained fentanyl and despropionyl fentanyl instead of oxycodone hydrochloride. Kefyalew knew that Victim 1 was a vulnerable victim based on Victim 1’s appearance, school attendance and age, i.e. , that he was less than 18 years old. Kefyalew is scheduled to be sentenced on January 28, 2025 at 10 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U. S. Attorney Barron commended the DEA, the Montgomery County Police Department, and the Rockville Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked the Metropolitan Police Department, the Prince George’s County Police Department, and the Montgomery County State's Attorney’s Office for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Joel Crespo, who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: ONE DETROIT PARTNERSHIP RELEASES RESULTS OF ENHANCED SUMMER ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS DETROIT – Today, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison, along with Detroit Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison, Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney Kym Worthy and Detroit Police Chief James E. White reported on the ongoing violence reduction work being done by the One Detroit Violence Reduction Partnership and announced the results of that work as of Labor Day. One Detroit is a coalition of community and law enforcement partners working together to develop and execute the best strategies to reduce violent crime. Joining in the announcement were the One Detroit Executive Team, which includes Alvin Stokes, President, Citywide Citizens Police Community Relations, Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division, Bishop Edgar Vann, II, Second Ebenezer Church, Special Agent in Charge James Deir, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kenyatta Stephens, CEO Black Family Development, Special Agent in Charge Orville Greene, Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Division, Beverly Smith, Assistant Deputy Director, Operations Office, Michigan Department of Corrections, Bishop Daryl Harris, from Ceasefire Detroit, and Dr. Chris Melde from Michigan State University. Results The One Detroit Violence Reduction Partnership continues to work year-round to lower the amount of violence in the city. This work is organized into three pillars: prevention, enforcement, and reentry. As a result of the work done throughout the city, in 2023, Detroit finished the year with the lowest number of homicides since 1957. This year, as of Labor Day, the city of Detroit has had 20% fewer homicides than last year at this time. The reduction in non-fatal shootings is even more dramatic—an almost 25% drop in non-fatal shootings. In terms of lives impacted, this means that there have been 182 fewer victims of violence in Detroit than there were at this time a year ago. Summer Initiative The One Detroit partners again worked together to address violence during the summer months, focusing particularly on the 8 th and 9 th precincts and the city’s parks. The initiative began on Memorial Day and ended on Labor Day. One part of the effort was an enforcement strategy designed to prosecute the most violent individuals in federal court when that was possible. This effort resulted in 23 cases being accepted for prosecution in federal court. All of those cases involved the illegal possession of firearms. During the investigations of these offenses, 26 guns were seized. ATF has now analyzed those guns and determined that 14 of them were crime guns linked through ballistics to 42 other crimes including non-fatal shootings and a homicide. The One Detroit partnership also engaged in preventing crime in the targeted areas through Peacenics, a collective gathering of the community and law enforcement where we shared in food, fellowship, and fun in the name of peace. The events featured 70 vendors offering a variety of resources, including job training, literacy programs, mental health and medical screenings, utility assistance, educational and vocational opportunities, tutorial, and career development. The Peacenics allowed residents to have fun, engage with law enforcement, and obtain resources to improve the quality of their lives. Thousands of Detroit residents attended the two Peacenics held in O’Hair Park and at Heilmann Recreation Center. Finally, the One Detroit partnership also focused on reentry as a way of preventing recidivism by empowering returning citizens to become stable, contributing members of the Detroit community. So far, more than 170 returning citizens participated in community roundtables intended to provide motivation and insight about taking advantage of second chances after a criminal conviction. At the events, family members of probationers were also invited to participate in breakout sessions to discuss barriers to stability. One Detroit partners also assisted with employment needs and helped connect attendees with resources. United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison stated, “Make no mistake, violent crime is down. It is down dramatically. This is great news and shows that we are moving in the right direction. But please don’t mistake this for a celebration. The amount of violence in this city is still unacceptable. And we will not stop this work until we can make every neighborhood in Detroit safe from violence.” Deputy Mayor Bettison stated, “The One Detroit Partnership continues to be effective at bringing all stakeholders to the table. U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison has led this effort at bringing federal, state, local, community, and religious organizations to address violent crime on the east and west side of Detroit. After three years of this partnership, we continue to see violent crime decrease year after year. Violent crime in the City of Detroit is at historic lows, and the numbers haven’t been this low since the 1960’s.” “I want to thank U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison and our One Detroit partners for their work to make Detroit safer this summer,” said Chief James E. White. “We continue to see results from addressing violence with multiple layers of strategy and community partnership, and look forward to future work together to improve on our success.” “There will always be people who will criticize efforts to reduce crime in Detroit,” said Prosecutor Kym Worthy. “We must be undeterred as we continue to drive down gun crime and other violent crimes. We will continue to work as partners with our local, state and federal agencies to protect our communities. We must also ensure that community prevention programs are continued and supported. This is an equally important part of what we are doing.” The One Detroit Partnership will be holding Community Huddles to report these results to the residents in the 8th and 9th Precincts in the upcoming weeks. The dates of the Community Huddles are: 8th Precinct, September 30th, at 6:30 P.M. 9th Precinct, September 25th, at 6:00 P.M.


title: Former Soldier Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Posting Video of Himself Threatening to Kill Personnel at Fort Irwin Army Base

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: RIVERSIDE, California – A Northern California man and former soldier was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison for posting online videos of himself threatening to kill multiple military personnel at the Fort Irwin army base in San Bernardino County. Christian Ernest Beyer, 42, of Petaluma, was sentenced by United States District Judge Suzanne S. Sykes. Beyer pleaded guilty on June 28 to one count of sending threats by interstate communication. “Mr. Beyer’s desire to carry out violence against members of our military and their families led to a federal prison sentence,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Our military servicemembers deserve better and we will continue to prosecute those who seek to harm public servants.” “Today's sentence is a stern reminder that anyone who harms innocent military members and their families will serve jail time,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force will continue to investigate all threats against those who bravely serve their country.” According to court documents, in October 2023, Beyer published a video on his personal YouTube page. The video is approximately three minutes in length and contains multiple threats directed at four victims and their families. The victims were specific military personnel at Fort Irwin. Beyer is an army veteran formerly stationed at Fort Irwin who was court martialed in 2021 for assault. He has been in federal custody since November 2023. The FBI investigated this matter as part of its Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Coe-Odess of the General Crimes Section prosecuted this case.


title: Justice Department Announces Civil Rights Investigation of Rankin County, Mississippi, and Rankin County Sheriff’s Department

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it has opened a civil pattern or practice investigation into Rankin County, Mississippi, and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD). Rankin is the state’s fourth most populous county, with a population of approximately 160,000. It is located about 30 minutes east of the state capital, Jackson, Mississippi. The investigation will seek to determine whether RCSD engages in patterns or practices that violate the Constitution and federal law. The investigation will evaluate all types of force used by RCSD officers, including deadly force. It will also assess whether RCSD engages in unlawful stops, searches, and arrests in violation of the Fourth Amendment and whether RCSD conducts discriminatory policing in violation of the 14th Amendment, Title VI, and Safe Streets Act. “The public is now well aware of the heinous attack inflicted on two Black men by Rankin County deputies who called themselves the ‘Goon Squad,’” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Those officers have since been convicted and sentenced, but we are launching this civil pattern or practice investigation to examine serious allegations that the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department systematically violates people’s constitutional rights through excessive use of force; unlawful stops, searches, and arrests; and discriminatory policing. These include allegations that Rankin County deputies have overused tasers, entered homes unlawfully, used racial slurs, and deployed dangerous, cruel tactics to assault people in their custody. We are committed to working with local officials, deputies, and the community to conduct a comprehensive investigation.” “The violent, unlawful and racially charged actions of the so-called Goon Squad left lasting and damaging effects on the community,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Since the Goon Squad’s sickening acts came to light, we have received reports of other instances where Rankin deputies overused tasers, entered homes unlawfully, bandied about shocking racial slurs, and deployed dangerous, cruel tactics to assault people in their custody. Based on an extensive review of publicly available information as well as complaints provided to us, we have grounds to open a pattern or practice investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department now. The Justice Department will conduct a comprehensive and fair investigation into allegations of racially discriminatory policing of Black communities, the use of excessive force, and violations of the Fourth Amendment.” “The information we have learned to date about the conduct of some members of the Rankin County Sheriff’s office calls back to some of the worst periods of Mississippi’s history,” said U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi. “We do not have to accept the old hatreds and abuse of the past. And we do not have to accept the false claim that safety comes at the price of illegal force and abuse of power. We will conduct an impartial and thorough review of the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, and if we find violations, we will take necessary action to address them.” This civil investigation is separate and independent from the federal criminal civil rights prosecutions of RCSD deputies related to the violent assaults of two Black men, Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker, at the hands of five white deputies. The investigation will include a comprehensive review of RCSD policies, training, and supervision. The investigation will also examine RCSD’s systems of accountability. The Justice Department will reach out to community groups and members of the public to learn about their experiences with RCSD. The Justice Department will also speak with RCSD deputies and leadership to hear their perspectives. Before this announcement, the Justice Department notified Rankin County officials, who have pledged to cooperate with the investigation. The investigation is being conducted pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which prohibits state and local governments from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct by law enforcement officers that deprives individuals of rights protected by the Constitution or federal law. The Act allows the Justice Department to remedy such misconduct through civil litigation. The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi will jointly conduct this investigation. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Justice Department via email at community.rankin@usdoj.gov or by toll free phone at (888) 392-8557. Individuals can also report civil rights violations regarding this or other matters using the Civil Rights Division’s new reporting portal, available at civilrights.justice.gov/ . Individuals can also report civil rights violations to the U.S. Attorney’s Office at USAMSS.civilrights@usdoj.gov or (601) 973-2825. Today’s announcement marks the 12th pattern or practice investigation into law enforcement misconduct opened by the Justice Department during this administration. The Justice Department recently completed an investigation of the Phoenix Police Department . Information specific to the Civil Rights Division’s police reform work can be found here .


title: Medical Device Distributor to Pay $1,019,000 to Resolve False Claims Act Liability Arising from Billing of “P-Stim” Devices

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that a medical device distributor, Azon Medical, LLC (“Azon”), has agreed to pay $1,019,307.86 to resolve liability under the False Claims Act for allegedly causing improper billing of “P-Stim” devices, in this case branded as “AnSiStim.” From approximately September 1, 2016, through October 26, 2016, Azon marketed and sold AnSiStim devices as reimbursable by Medicare under a code used for implantable neurostimulator devices, which are surgically implanted into the central nervous system or targeted peripheral nerves through procedures that are typically performed by a surgeon in an operating room. Azon’s customers applied AnSiStim devices using only an adhesive and a limited amount of needles, without any surgery or anesthesia, and without the assistance of a surgeon or an operating room. AnSiStim is an electro-acupuncture device that, pursuant to manufacturer’s instructions, is affixed behind a patient’s ear using an adhesive. Needles are inserted into the patient’s ear and affixed using another adhesive. Once activated, the AnSiStim device then provides intermittent stimulation by electrical pulses. It is a single-use, battery-powered device designed to be worn for several days until its battery runs out, at which time the device is thrown away. Medicare does not reimburse for acupuncture or acupuncture devices like AnSiStim or other brand names of this device, including Stivax, NeuroStim, E-Pulse, and NSS-2 Bridge. “Medicare paid Azon’s customers hundreds of thousands of dollars for improperly billed acupuncture devices,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Azon, through coverage advisories from Medical Contractors and communications from medical providers, was on notice that it was promoting and selling AnSiStim devices using false reimbursement advice. We will continue working with our partners to hold accountable distributors or marketers who carry out false billing schemes like this one.” “Marketers and distributors need to provide accurate and truthful information regarding their devices’ eligibility for Medicare reimbursement,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon for the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”). “HHS-OIG and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work together to ensure the integrity of the Medicare program by persistently following up on allegations of improper billings.” This case was investigated by HHS-OIG. It was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mansi G. Shah and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew E.K. Howatt. The settled civil claims are allegations only. There has been no determination of civil liability.


title: Multi-Convicted Felon Sentenced to Prison

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: St. George, Utah – Markeith Candler, 42, of Sterling, Colorado, was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment for drug crimes and possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Ann Marie McIff Allen, comes after Candler pleaded guilty on June 10, 2024, to felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Candler was sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to court documents and statements made at Candler’s sentencing hearing, on January 12, 2024, a Utah Highway Patrol trooper conducted a traffic stop for speeding. Inside the vehicle, Candler was the rear passenger. During a check of the vehicle, a K9 provided a positive indication to narcotics. During a search of the vehicle, troopers found a Glock 22, later identified as Candler’s. The firearm possessed a switch, that allowed for the gun to be used as an automatic weapon and was loaded with a magazine and a round in the chamber. Additional magazines, including large capacity magazines, were found next to the firearm. Troopers also found 743 grams of a white powdery substance that later tested positive for cocaine and found one pound of marijuana. For more than 20 years, Candler has been committing violent and weapons-related offenses and serving sentences for those crimes. For example, while on probation for a prior robbery, Candler committed an armed robbery at a credit union where an employee was held at gun point. He served 120 months’ imprisonment, and five years’ supervised release for that armed bank robbery. State Bureau of Investigation U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement. The case was investigated jointly by the Department of Public Safety Utah Highway Patrol and the State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Burton of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn .


title: Seven Charged With Possessing Contraband in Seagoville Prison

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: In an effort to combat contraband in federal prisons, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged seven men with possessing of various prohibited items while behind bars. “The Northern District of Texas will not tolerate contraband inside federal prisons, period,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “Inmates who handle drugs, phones, or child sexual abuse material risk having significant time tacked onto their sentences. The safety of prison guards, other inmates, and even those outside prison walls depends on our enforcement of these rules.” "I am very pleased to work with our law enforcement partners and provide evidence that contributed to these indictments," said Dr. Scarlet Grant, Warden of the Seagoville Federal Correctional Institution. “When cell phones and narcotics are introduced into a prison, it causes significant safety and security concerns to the employees and adults in custody. Deterring contraband remains a top priority of the Federal Bureau of Prisons and these indictments send a clear message that smuggling contraband into a prison is a federal offense and it will not be tolerated." “Contraband largely serves to facilitate criminal acts in prison and poses real and potential danger to Federal Correctional Institute Seagoville personnel, other prisoners and to the community at large,” said FBI Dallas Acting Special Agent in Charge James Godley. “We will continue to work with our federal partners to investigate contraband encounters.” Those charged in five separate indictments include: Isaac Martinez, charged with possessing contraband in prison (methamphetamine) Nicholas Evans, charged with possessing contraband in prison (buprenorphine) and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance Hugo Castaneda, charged with two counts of possession of a prohibited object (methamphetamine) and one count of possession with intent to contribute a controlled substance Abdullah El Hage, charged with possession of a prohibited object (methamphetamine) Matthew Rodriguez, charged with possession of a prohibited object (methamphetamine) and possessing contraband in prison (phone) Deaunte Lakeith Johunkin, charged with possession of contraband (K2) in prison and attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance Richard King, charged with possession of child pornography (printed, black and white, sexually explicit photos of prepubescent girls) All seven recently charged defendants are inmates at Federal Correctional Institute Seagoville, a low-security Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facility southeast of Dallas with a population of just under 1,800 male offenders. According to BOP’s policy, prison contraband includes items that could reasonably be expected to cause physical injury or adversely affect the security, safety, or good order of the institution. An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, the inmates may have additional prison time tacked onto their sentences. Earlier this year, two men were charged with attempting to smuggle cell phones and marijuana into the yard of a federal prison in Fort Worth via a mesh bag affixed to a drone. Prison staff found the mesh bag hanging from a parachute cord on the side of a building after being notified of a drone in their airspace. Joseph Mora and Reza Ayari both pleaded guilty to attempt to provide contraband to a prisoner and were sentenced to 58 and 50 months, respectively, in federal prison. In Mora’s case, the Court ordered his 58-month sentence to be served consecutive to any sentence imposed in his other federal case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office conducted the investigations with the cooperation of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis Suarez is prosecuting the Seagoville inmates’ contraband cases and Assistant U.S. Attorney Levi Thomas prosecuted the Fort Worth drone case.


title: Former Farm Foreman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Extorting H-2A Agricultural Workers and Tax Fraud

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: BOISE – Ernesto Garza, 62, of Alamo, Texas, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for extorting H-2A agricultural workers and filing a false tax return, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also sentenced Garza to three years supervised release and ordered Garza to pay $621,724 in restitution to his many victims. According to court records, Garza worked as a supervisor and foreman of farm workers at F.D.C., an agricultural services company that operates farms throughout Idaho, including in Glenns Ferry. F.D.C. employs H-2A agricultural workers each year from approximately March to November. While Garza served as supervisor and foreman for the farm, he prepared and submitted payroll timesheets for the H-2A workers, but regularly falsified those timesheets by adding extra hours and then asked the vulnerable workers to return cash to him for the extra hours. Between at least 2014 and 2019, Garza also charged certain H-2A agricultural workers an unauthorized flat fee to work at F.D.C. under the H-2A program, with the fee ranging from approximately $750 to $2,500. Garza charged the fees without F.D.C.’s knowledge or approval, and the H-2A agricultural workers paid the fees to Garza each year because they feared that they would be fired or not allowed to return to F.D.C. under the H-2A program in future years if they did not pay. Garza was not permitted to request or collect such fees under H-2A agricultural worker rules and regulations. Between 2013 and 2019, Garza also deposited approximately $493,153 in unreported income into his personal bank accounts, in part, from the extortion described above as well as a separate scheme to defraud the farm. Garza did not disclose the additional income on his tax return for the years 2013 through 2019, which resulted in the filing of false tax returns. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services, the H-2A program allows U.S. employers who meet certain requirements to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary agricultural jobs that cannot otherwise be filled because there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to do the work. “Protecting the integrity of the H2-A visa program and ensuring the lawful treatment of workers is important for our agricultural industry, which is a bedrock of Idaho’s economy and way of life,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “I am grateful for the work of the Idaho State Police, along with the IRS, to hold this defendant accountable. This case should send a clear message that we will not tolerate the exploitation of agricultural workers in Idaho.” “For several years, Ernesto Garza exploited and extorted H-2A agricultural workers by charging them unlawful fees for personal financial gain. Today's sentencing sends a clear message that those who seek to abuse the H-2A program will be held accountable. We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division to aggressively pursue fraud involving foreign labor certification programs,” said Quentin Heiden, Special Agent-in-Charge, Western Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “Protecting vulnerable people and communities will always be one of IRS-CI’s top priorities, and we will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute these crimes,” said Tom Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office. “Ernesto Garza’s sentence is an example of what people who abuse their authority and willfully fail to report all their income can expect as a consequence of their crime.’ U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the work of the Idaho State Police and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Mazorol and Robert Firpo prosecuted the case. ###


title: San Juan resident convicted of possessing grenades and firearm

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 26-year-old man has entered a guilty plea for possessing destructive devices and utilizing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. On Aug. 1, Jamez Aaron Sandoval bought two grenade-style destructive devices which led to his arrest. Authorities conducted a search of his residence and discovered cocaine, marijuana, drug dealing paraphernalia as well as a firearm. Further investigation revealed Sandoval used the firearm for protection during the commission of drug trafficking activities. Chief U.S District Judge Randy Crane accepted the plea and set sentencing for Dec. 3. At that time, Sandoval faces up to 10 years in federal prison to be immediately followed by a minimum of five additional years and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Sandoval has been and will remain in custody pending his sentencing. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Texas Department of Public Safety and Alamo Police Department conducted the joint investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan is prosecuting the case as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods ( PSN ) Program. In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old, evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.


title: Roma man tries to escape drug house through attic vent – lands in federal prison

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 35-year-old local man has been ordered to prison for trafficking $33 million in marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Adan Ontiveros Jr. pleaded guilty April 24 to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute nearly 2,500 kilograms of marijuana. U.S. District Chief Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Ontiveros to serve 180 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by 10 years of supervised release. On July 16, 2020, law enforcement was conducting surveillance at a suspected drug house in Roma. There, they saw a man - Ontiveros - attempting to discretely exit the residence. He was trying to escape via an attic vent. However, authorities quickly took him into custody. They obtained a search warrant and ultimately discovered several hundred bundles of marijuana. The total weight was 2,477 kilograms with an approximate value of more than $33 million. He admitted he was aware there was marijuana inside the stash house. He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Phelps and Roberto Lopez Jr. are prosecuting the case.


title: McAllen man sentenced for receiving images of child pornography

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 27-year-old local man has been sentenced for receiving images and video files containing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Gabriel Alejandro Morales pleaded guilty March 22, 2023. Chief U.S. District Judge Crane has now ordered Morales to serve 120 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information that Morales not only received child pornography but also engaged in the distribution of child pornography. In handing down the prison term, the court noted that engaging in the consumption of child pornography increases the demand, often leading to the production of new child pornography. Morales was further ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to a known victim and will serve five years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Morales will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. In January 2022, law enforcement learned of a group chat on a third-party messaging application that was identified as sharing child pornography. Morales had engaged in the receipt and distribution of approximately nine videos of child pornography on that site. Morales admitted to the use of the third-party messaging application on his cellular phone to engage in the receipt and distribution of child pornography. He further acknowledged possessing additional child pornography on other electronic devices. The images included sadistic/masochistic content and the depiction of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts. Authorities ultimately found a total of 77 video files of child sex abuse materials, an additional 52 video files and 11 images attributable to Morales. Morales will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan and Alexa D. Parcell prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.


title: Philadelphia Woman Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Defraud Medicaid

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Oksana Kredens, 60, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge to 20 months in prison for her participation in a conspiracy to commit health care fraud. In addition to her term of incarceration, Kredens was ordered to serve a three-year period of supervised release, forfeit the sum of $81,000, and pay $66,869 in restitution, a $10,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. In October 2023, the defendant pleaded guilty to conspiring with various companies allegedly supplying home-based personal assistance services to certain Medicaid recipients in Philadelphia and other counties in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Although Medicaid managed care organizations were billed for personal assistance services, in reality, for some recipients those services were not rendered. Instead, the defendant worked out arrangements with the recipients to pay them cash instead of providing care. Kredens then recruited people to be employed on paper by the companies allegedly providing the care. The company billed and was paid for services as though the services had been rendered by the fake employees; the recipients received cash instead of the services; and the fake employee recruits, who frequently had cash income sources, were able to earn W-2 income. The defendant collected cash from each recruited worker in the amount of his or her payroll check or deposit, paid the recipients from the collected cash and kept the difference for herself. “Looting money from Medicaid strains the system and cheats all the taxpayers who fund it,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “This sentence holds Oksana Kredens accountable for her criminal acts. Health care fraud costs this country billions of dollars each year. That’s why my office and are our partners are committed to fighting fraud, one case at a time.” The case was investigated by the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Abrams.


title: FBI Controlled Buys Lead to Guilty Plea from Connecticut Man

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Connecticut man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to two instances of distributing a mixture or substance containing cocaine base. According to court records, in July 2023, a confidential informant reported to the FBI that a man they knew had agreed to sell the informant crack cocaine. In August 2023, the informant conducted two controlled buys of suspected cocaine base from Devonne Scott , 31, with the exchanges monitored and videotaped by the FBI and law enforcement partners. Laboratory tests confirmed the purchased substances contained cocaine base. Scott faces a maximum sentence of 20 years followed by three years to life of supervised release. He also faces a fine of up to $1 million. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI investigated the case, together with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lewiston Police Department . ###


component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern


title: Justice Department Seeks to Bar Texas Tax Return Preparer

component: Tax Division

body_text: The Justice Department filed a civil complaint today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas to enjoin John T. Ajuma, aka John Trobisch, from preparing federal tax returns for others. The complaint alleges Ajuma prepared nearly 11,000 federal income tax returns from 2018 through 2024 through two sole proprietorships named “Destiny Tax Service” and “Momentum Tax Express,” which Ajuma operated from the same location in Hurst, Texas. According to the complaint, in a substantial number of these tax returns, Ajuma significantly overstated customers’ tax refunds by fabricating or inflating unreimbursed employee expense deductions, falsifying child tax credits by reporting bogus child and dependent care expenses and falsely claiming energy, education and other credits to which customers were not entitled. By repeatedly understating customers’ tax liabilities, the complaint alleges that Ajuma may have caused the United States harm of almost $20 million in lost tax revenue from 2018 through 2022. Deputy Assistant Attorney General David A. Hubbert of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement. Taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant against unscrupulous tax preparers. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. The IRS also offers guidance on the credentials and qualifications that taxpayers should seek from their return preparer. In the past decade, the Justice Department’s Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website . An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page . If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details. John Ajuma Complaint for PI.pdf


title: Ten-Time Convicted Felon Indicted For Possessing Ammunition As A Convicted Felon

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Bryan Jermaine Davis (37, Jacksonville) with possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted, Davis faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, on July 5, 2024, Davis, knowing that he had been previously convicted of felony offenses – including robbery, selling heroin, possession of cocaine, dealing in stolen property, and false verification of ownership on pawnbroker transaction form – was in possession of assorted rounds of ammunition. As a convicted felon, Davis is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta. 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: Stowe Man Charged with Drug and Firearms Violations Related to Two Homicides

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on September 12, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Theodore Bland, 29, of Stowe, Vermont, with conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, possession of cocaine base and fentanyl with intent to distribute, using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and discharging that firearm during the commission of the offense. Bland is currently scheduled to be sentenced on October 21, 2024, following his March 22, 2024, guilty plea to knowingly possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of controlled substances related to a March 17, 2023 event. The United States has filed a motion asking the Court to order Bland to remain in custody based on these new charges following the completion of any sentence imposed on October 21, 2024. Bland’s arraignment on the new charges will occur on a date to be determined by the United States District Court for the District of Vermont, at which the Court is anticipated to rule on the government’s detention motion. According to court records, on October 12, 2023, Bland used, carried, and discharged a firearm, in relation to his drug trafficking activities. Also, according to court records, Bland’s October 12 firearm discharges caused the deaths of Jahim Solomon and Eric White. Bland used social media messaging to communicate with his co-conspirators regarding, among other topics, the procurement of controlled substances for distribution, the pricing of controlled substances for sale to drug customers, and the distribution of controlled substances to drug customers. Bland also used social media messaging to communicate with his co-conspirators following the homicides of Solomon and White on October 12, 2023, including communications about his attempts to conceal the homicides. Court documents also state that Bland induced others to help him move the bodies of Solomon and White to two wooded areas in Eden, Vermont, where the bodies were discovered by law enforcement on October 24 and 25, 2023. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Bland is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Bland faces a term of imprisonment of up to life, with a mandatory minimum of ten years, if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Morristown Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department. The prosecutors are Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Turner and Paul Van de Graaf. Bland is represented by David Sleigh, Esq. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Cass County Felon Sentenced to Prison for Straw Purchasing

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A convicted felon has been sentenced to 20 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in an illegal firearm straw purchasing conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on May 26, 2023, Donald Duane Armstrong, Jr., 36, and a co-conspirator entered a Federal Firearms Licensee in Walker, Minnesota, where the co-conspirator purchased a Glock model 23 G5, 40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, intending to transfer the firearm to Armstrong, who is a convicted felon. In purchasing the firearm, Armstrong’s co-conspirator lied when filling out the ATF Form 4473, which certifies that he was the actual buyer/transferee of the firearm, when in fact the firearm was intended for Armstrong. On June 14, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Armstrong’s residence. At the residence law enforcement seized 14 firearms, including the firearm purchased on May 26, 2023. Because Armstrong has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. Armstrong pleaded guilty on April 16, 2024, to one count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. He was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Nancy E. Brasel. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, with assistance from the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan B. Gilead prosecuted the case.


title: Repeat Offender Sentenced to 45 Months for Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Brandon Grazioso, 24, Evansville, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 47 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography. This term of imprisonment will be followed by 20 years of supervised release. Grazioso pleaded guilty to this offense on July 11, 2024. In December 2021, law enforcement received information that Grazioso was posting explicit images onto Kik. Using that information, officers obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s home where they seized a phone that contained numerous images of child pornography. The defendant was previously arrested for and charged with possessing child pornography in Wisconsin state court in 2018 but entered into a deferred prosecution agreement. He was still under the terms of that agreement when he committed this federal offense. Separate from the federal sentence, Grazioso also received a prison sentence from the state for his violations of that agreement. At sentencing, Judge Conley expressed concern that Grazioso had not demonstrated much of an ability to stay away from child pornography but remained hopeful that the defendant could address his treatment needs. The charge against Grazioso was the result of an investigation conducted by Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, the Rock County Sheriff’s Department, and the Evansville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case. This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 .


title: St. Paul Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Possession of a Machine Gun; Crashed Stolen Vehicle Through a Restaurant During Police Chase

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – A St. Paul man has been sentenced to 39 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for the illegal possession of a machine gun, following a drive-by shooting incident that ended with the defendant crashing the stolen vehicle he was driving through an unoccupied downtown Saint Paul bar and restaurant, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on the afternoon of February 15, 2023, officers with the St. Paul Police Department responded to a shots-fired 911 call in the area of Luella Street North and Wilson Avenue, a densely populated residential neighborhood. Witnesses reported hearing automatic gunfire coming from a black Jeep that was apparently chasing another Jeep. Within a few blocks of the area, officers located a black Jeep with a rear window that appeared to have been shot up. When officers turned around in their squad car to follow the Jeep, it led officers on a high-speed chase until it eventually hit another vehicle and crashed through the entirety of a restaurant in downtown St. Paul, which was unoccupied at the time. Officers saw Moeshea Isiah Hart, 19, and two others, exit the Jeep and detained them. The key fob for the Jeep, along with Hart’s house keys, were in Hart’s pants pocket. On the floor of the restaurant, near the Jeep’s driver’s side door, officers recovered a loaded Glock model 45 9mm pistol with an inserted high-capacity magazine and an attached switch, a conversion device that turns a semiautomatic handgun into a fully automatic machine gun. Approximately 11 9mm discharged cartridge casings were located in and around the driver’s area of the Jeep, including one outside the Jeep on the floor of the restaurant. Forensic ballistics analysis determined that one randomly selected discharged cartridge casing had been fired by the recovered 9mm machinegun. Police later determined that the Jeep had been reported stolen from St. Paul in December 2022. Hart pleaded guilty on March 27, 2024, to one count of possession of a machine gun. He was sentenced today in U.S. District Court before Judge Jerry W. Blackwell. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Paul Police Department, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar prosecuted the case.


title: Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to sex trafficking and cocaine charges stemming from his involvement in a drug and sex trafficking hub operating out of a tent at Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard (Mass and Cass) in Boston. The defendant preyed on women, particularly in the Boston area and Cape Cod, some of whom he transported from Massachusetts to other states, including New York, for commercial sex. Jonathan Vaughan, a/k/a “Ason,” 37, pleaded guilty to three counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, two counts of transportation of an individual for purposes of prostitution and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Dec. 19, 2024. In March 2022, Vaughan was indicted by a federal grand jury. Pursuant to a plea agreement filed with the court, the parties agreed to a sentence that includes 180 months in prison should the court accept the agreed upon disposition at the time of sentencing. “Jonathan Vaughan preyed on his victims solely because of their vulnerabilities. He used their circumstances against them and for his own personal gain,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Sex trafficking incidents have been increasing, and in many cases, happen in plain sight. We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to weed out individuals like Vaughan and hold them accountable for their actions.” “Vaughan preyed on individuals who struggled with substance use, using their vulnerabilities against them to exert control and force them into violent and dangerous situations. We hope that this guilty plea and the knowledge that Vaughan is facing serious federal prison time brings some peace to those he victimized,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “This case is the result of the close collaboration of our partner agencies, particularly Boston Police, Suffolk District Attorney’s Office and The Barnstable Police Department.” From at least June 2019 through October 2021, Vaughan recruited and trafficked three female victims to engage in commercial sex acts, and in or about October 2021, transported two of the victims for purposes of prostitution to another state. At the time of his arrest on state charges, on Oct. 13, 2021, Vaughan possessed 15 bags of cocaine intended for distribution to drug users. Dating back to at least 2019, Vaughan systematically preyed on women throughout Massachusetts, particularly in Boston and on Cape Cod. From at least late spring or early summer of 2021 until his arrest on state charges, Vaughan maintained a tent at Mass and Cass which he used as a hub for distributing drugs and recruiting and trafficking women. Vaughan permitted his sex trafficking victims to stay in and bring “dates” back to his tent so long as he received the proceeds of the commercial sex acts that the women engaged in at his direction. He recruited victims in and around Mass and Cass and Downtown Crossing as well as on the internet, including over Facebook. Vaughan also brought his victims to hotels in Boston, Chelsea, Saugus, Cape Cod, as well as Queens and Manhattan, N.Y. Vaughan forced at least two of his victims to solicit themselves outdoors, by walking “the track” in areas such as Mass and Cass, Broadway in Chelsea and in and around Times Square in Manhattan, N.Y. Dating back to at least 2019, Vaughan engaged in both physical and sexual violence against his victims to manipulate them and to assert power and control over them. According to court documents, Vaughan called himself “Ason the Pimp,” has a tattoo across his chest that states: “Pimp or Die,” and wrote music in which he glorified his work as a pimp and the objectification of women. Members of the public who believe they may be a victim of this crime should contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov . The charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of transportation of an individual for purposes of prostitution provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million dollars. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and HSI SAC Krol made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Barnstable and Boston Police Departments; and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.


title: Justice Department Secures Relief from Morningstar Storage to Resolve Alleged Violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that Morningstar Storage, which manages and operates a network of self-storage facilities in the southeast area of the United States, has agreed to pay $130,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by failing to obtain court orders before auctioning the contents of at least three storage units owned by active-duty servicemembers. According to the complaint , an Air Force Staff Sergeant stationed at MacDill Air Force Base rented a unit at a storage facility located in Tampa, Florida. On the storage agreement, the Staff Sergeant indicated that she was in active military service, provided contact information for her military unit and authorized rent payments to be made automatically. Shortly thereafter, before being deployed overseas to Jordan, she stored nearly all of her household goods at the Tampa facility, including her military awards and coins, and her children’s toys and keepsakes. While the Staff Sergeant was still deployed to Jordan, Morningstar acquired the Tampa facility, stopped her automatic payments and auctioned all the contents of her unit for $390. “We all know that servicemembers endure many hardships and make great sacrifices as a result of their service to the nation,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Our servicemembers should never have to worry that their property, including their most prized keepsakes and personal treasures, will be sold out from under them while they are on duty. The Justice Department will continue standing up for servicemembers to ensure basic respect for their property, their rights and their dignity.” “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida is deeply committed to protecting the civil rights of our Nation’s servicemembers,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “The brave individuals who selflessly sacrifice to serve our country deserve the respect and peace of mind of knowing that what they leave behind during their service will be treated with the utmost care. Today’s consent decree reminds us that the companies who take on this responsibility do not always exercise the care that our servicemembers are entitled to under the SCRA, but the department remains committed to ensuring companies like Morningstar follow their obligations under the law.” The SCRA provides financial and housing protections and benefits to military members while they are in military service. One of the SCRA’s protections requires anyone holding a lien on the property of a servicemember to obtain a court order prior to auctioning off, selling or otherwise disposing of that property. Under the consent order , which must still be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Morningstar will pay the Air Force Staff Sergeant $80,000 in damages and will pay $5,000 each to two additional servicemembers. Morningstar has also agreed to pay a $40,000 civil penalty to the United States and must also implement new policies to prevent future violations of the SCRA. This lawsuit resulted from a referral to the Justice Department from the U.S. Air Force. The department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the department has obtained over $481 million in monetary relief for over 147,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov . Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil .


title: Federal Hate Crime Charges Brought for Assault on Stranger Wearing a Yarmulke in Foggy Bottom

body_text: WASHINGTON — A federal grand jury today returned an indictment charging Walter James, 38, with one count of causing bodily harm to an individual due to his actual or perceived religion. U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg for the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement. The indictment alleges that on the morning of July 10, 2024, James assaulted a man, who was walking through Foggy Bottom and wearing a yarmulke, without any provocation or warning. James repeatedly punched the individual in his face and head. While he was assaulting the individual and immediately afterward, James yelled antisemitic slurs, such as: (1) “You are murdering innocent men, women, and children in Gaza.” (2) “They’re the cause of all our wars – killing the children of Palestine.” (3) “You control us with money.” (4) “You are not the real Jewish [sic].” And (5) “You guys kill people in Gaza.” As a result of the assault, the individual suffered cuts and abrasions to his face and right elbow and cephalic swelling. James faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted. James was previously charged in D.C. Superior Court with assault with significant injury with a hate crimes enhancement. This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Crabb Jr. For more information and resources about the Justice Department’s work to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes . An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Prosecuting bias-related crimes is critical to keeping our community safe. When one member of a group in the community is the victim of a bias-related crime, all members carry with them a fear that they, too, may be targeted because of who they are. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC) is committed to enforcing both federal and local hate and bias-related crime laws. For more information: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/hatebias-related-crimes .


title: Norfolk drug dealer sentenced for his role in Tidewater drug trafficking organization

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced today to two years and nine months in prison for distribution of cocaine. According to court documents, Deton Dodson, 46, was a street level drug dealer in a larger drug trafficking organization centered in the Tidewater area of Virginia. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Virginia Beach Police Department, and Norfolk Police Department initiated an investigation of the organization in 2020. Multiple sources, including some in California, were supplying the organization with kilogram-level quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin. On Nov. 5, 2021, Dodson met co-defendant Edward Fonville for a hand-to-hand drug transaction. Afterward, law enforcement approached Dodson, who was in possession of a handgun. Dodson admitted that he traded cocaine to Fonville for the firearm. After his arrest, Dodson informed Fonville that law enforcement was investigating him. Fonville remains a fugitive. Thirteen other defendants have been convicted and sentenced in this case. Milton Artis, 41, pleaded guilty on Oct. 3, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On Jan. 23, 2023, Artis was sentenced to one year in prison. Levell Batts Sr., 60, pleaded guilty on Sept. 12, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On Jan. 12, 2023, Batts was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison. Emerson Brodie, 32, pleaded guilty on Jan. 30, 2023, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On May 30, 2023, Brodie was sentenced to six years and three months in prison. Charlie Chapman, 46, pleaded guilty on June 29, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On Oct. 30, 2023, Chapman was sentenced to seven years in prison. James Ford, 40, pleaded guilty on April 12, 2023, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On Aug. 15, 2023, Ford was sentenced to three years and one month in prison. Donald Gray, 48, pleaded guilty on Feb. 6, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. On Oct. 4, 2023, Gray was sentenced to twelve years in prison. James Hill, 41, pleaded guilty on Oct. 3, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On Feb. 13, 2023, Hill was sentenced to five years in prison. Michael Robinson, 41, pleaded guilty on Oct. 6, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On Feb. 7, 2023, Robinson was sentenced to seven years and 11 months in prison. Michael Seay, 40, pleaded guilty on Sept. 15, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On Jan. 23, 2023, Seay was sentenced to seven years in prison. Rondell Spain, 33, pleaded guilty on Jan. 24, 2023, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On May 30, 2023, Spain was sentenced to five years in prison. Mervin Walton, 39, pleaded guilty on Sept. 22, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On Jan. 30, 2023, Walton was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in prison. Lavon Williams, 33, pleaded guilty on Oct. 6, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On Feb. 8, 2023, Williams was sentenced to seven years in prison. Terrell Williams, 37, pleaded guilty on Feb. 6, 2023, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. On June 27, 2023, Williams was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA’s Washington Division; Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Washington, D.C.; Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police; and Mark Talbot, Chief of Norfolk Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Hurt prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:22-cr-18.


title: Mexican National Sentenced to Five Years’ Imprisonment for Trafficking Cocaine and Possessing Firearms

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on September 16, 2024, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Jose Resendiz-Gomez (age: 41) to a total of five years’ imprisonment after Resendiz-Gomez pled guilty to Possessing Cocaine With Intent to Distribute and Possessing Firearms as a Previously Convicted Felon and Illegal Alien, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1), and Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) & 922(g)(5)(A). According to court records, in July 2023, agents with the Manitowoc County Drug Task Force arranged to make controlled buys of cocaine from Resendiz-Gomez, a previously convicted felon and Mexican national with no lawful status in the United Sates. In August 2023, officers arrested Resendiz-Gomez after a traffic stop where he was returning from Illinois, having purchased another 600 grams of cocaine to distribute in Manitowoc. A subsequent search warrant executed at his home revealed two 9-mm pistols and 70 rounds of ammunition. At sentencing, Judge Griesbach stressed that Resendiz-Gomez’s months’ long cocaine trafficking and unlawful firearm possession were serious offenses warranting significant punishment and deterrence. The court ultimately imposed a five-year prison term. After completing his sentence, Resendiz-Gomez will face deportation to Mexico. The case was investigated by the Manitowoc County Drug Task Force, the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Funnell. # # # For further information contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov (414) 297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Real Estate Developer Sentenced to Five Years for Fraud

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Wheeling real estate developer was sentenced to five years in federal prison today after swindling millions of dollars from investors. United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Jeffrey James Morris, age 37, received a 60-month sentence because of his scheme to defraud investors out of more than $5 million dollars. Morris, managing member of Roxby Development, LLC, secured local and national funding to develop real estate in Wheeling, West Virginia. According to statements made in court, he acquired the Scottish Rite Cathedral, the McClure House Hotel, and the Mount Carmel Monastery. In soliciting funds from investors to improve those properties, Morris misrepresented how the money would be used, provided forged documents, lied about the prospects of securing tax increment financing, and falsely claimed to be on the verge of securing bank financing to repay investors. He made Ponzi-style payments, using one investor’s money to pay another instead of making improvements to real estate as promised. Morris also lied to investors about having received approval for historic tax credits. “Jeffrey Morris preyed upon his investors, his employees, and upon the hope of Wheeling residents who believed that he was leading a downtown renaissance,” said U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld. “Morris was a master manipulator who left a trail of broken promises in his wake.” U.S. District Court Judge John Preston Bailey presided and made a finding that Morris caused undue financial hardship to several investors, including a retired couple who invested their entire savings with him but did not receive repayment of any principal or interest as promised. Morris was ordered to report to prison on October 28, 2024. The facility will be determined by the Bureau of Prisons. Morris, who previously pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of tax fraud, must pay $4,901,413.32 in restitution to investors and $526,476.58 in taxes, penalties, and interest to the Internal Revenue Service. United States Attorney Ihlenfeld and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-CI.


title: Final Defendant in Child Smuggling Trio Sentenced in Del Rio to Federal Prison

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – A Denton man was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 36 months in prison with credit for time served for one count of bringing of an illegal alien to the United States. According to court documents, Carlos Ortiz-Dena aka Carlos Ortiez-Dena, 28, along with codefendants Sara Adelina Rodriquez and Cecelia Gabriela Guerrero, approached the primary inspection area of the Camino Real International Bridge in Eagle Pass. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer (CBPO) observed three minor children sleeping in the backseat of the vehicle. The co-conspirators presented birth certificates for the children and stated that they were nieces and nephews who had crossed with them in the past. A search, however, revealed that the children did not have any crossing history. The CBPO referred all of the vehicle occupants to passport control secondary, where the oldest child provided a different name than what was reflected on the birth certificate. The child also stated that he was not related to the others. Interviews revealed that the birth certificates did not belong to any of the three children and that they were, in fact, Mexican citizens in the United States illegally. Ortiz-Dena and Guerrero had been recruited by Rodriguez to travel together to Coahuila, Mexico, and pick up the three children at a hotel. Rodriguez charged the children’s families $10,000 each to smuggle the children into the U.S. and intended to pay Ortiz-Dena and Guerrero $2,200 per child once she received the money. Like Ortiz-Dena, Guerrero was sentenced in July to 36 months in prison with credit for time served. Rodriguez was sentenced in June to 36 months imprisonment to run consecutively to a state penalty. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. Customs and Border Protection investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Markovits prosecuted the case. ###


title: Gun Supplier Convicted of Murdering  13-Year-Old Boy Gets 108 ½ Years in Prison

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

body_text: WASHINGTON – Stephon Nelson, 33, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in Superior Court to 108 ½ years in prison for first degree murder and other charges stemming from the killing of 13-year old Malachi Lukes in March of 2020. A jury found Nelson and two co-defendants--Tyiion Freeman and Koran Jackson—guilty of first-degree murder while armed, several counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, conspiracy to commit various firearms offenses and other firearms-related charges. Last week Freeman received 108 years while Jackson was sentenced to 164 years in prison. The sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge James VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Between February 1, 2020, and May 31, 2020, the defendants, along with two other defendants (whose cases were severed pre-trial), participated in a conspiracy to illegally possess, carry, and transfer firearms for the purpose of using those firearms in the commission of dangerous and violent crimes. Jackson and Freeman, along with the severed defendants, are members and associates of neighborhood crews. Between 2019-2020, the defendants’ neighborhood crews were feuding with other crews and the feud escalated when Tahlil Byrd, also known as Slatt Goon, was killed in September 2019. Stephon Nelson, who is a felon and approximately 10 years older than his coconspirators, supplied the firearms that were illegally possessed, carried, and transferred in the conspiracy. Over the span of nine days, February 22-March 1, 2020, the defendants engaged in a shooting spree in the Petworth, Shaw, and Stronghold neighborhoods using the firearms they illegally acquired and shared as a part of the firearms conspiracy. The first charged shooting occurred on February 22, 2020, in the Petworth neighborhood when two victims were fired upon after a mere verbal exchange with two defendants. Two days later, on February 24, 2020, the conspirators drove through rival crew territory Ninth Street where they shot three rival crew members. An innocent bystander who was sitting in her vehicle was caught in the barrage of gunfire. She fortunately escaped with little physical injury because her front windshield suffered the bulk of the damage. The spree culminated on March 1, 2020, when the defendants participated in two shootings in two separate neighborhoods over the span of ten minutes. At 2:08 p.m., the defendants, who were traveling in a stolen Kia Soul, followed 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, along with his three friends, into the Ninth Street area of the 600 block of S Street, N.W., where two defendants exited the Kia Soul and opened fire on them. Malachi Lukes was shot in the back as he fled. The bullet traveled through his heart and lung causing him to collapse to his death. The defendants then traveled to another neighborhood where members of the rival crew were known to gather and at 2:18 p.m., opened fire on individuals in that block. No injuries were reported in that shooting spree. In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those investigating the case from the MPD, the FBI Washington Field Office's Violent Crimes Task Force and ATF along with the Arlington County Police Department. They also thanked the Arlington County Sheriff Department; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Capitol Police; D.C. Department of Forensic Sciences; DOJ Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section; Montgomery County Police Department; D.C. Department of Corrections; and the Internal Revenue Service—Atlanta Branch. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Jackson, Tamara Rubb, and Nebiyu Feleke, with assistance from Lead Paralegal Sharon Newman, Supervisory Paralegal Tasha Harris, Paralegals April Urbanowski and Alyssa Schroeder, Superior Court Operations Manager Linda McDonald, and Victim Witness Advocate Jennifer Allen.


title: One of the Largest Methamphetamine Distributors in New England Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison

body_text: BOSTON – The leader of a nationwide drug trafficking ring has been sentenced in federal court in Boston. During the investigation over 160 pounds of pure methamphetamine, as well as an AK-47, a Glock with no serial number, two loaded Smith & Wesson handguns and over 4,200 rounds of ammunition were seized. An illegal marijuana grow operation with hundreds of marijuana plants was also dismantled. Reshat Alkayisi, 63, a Turkish national residing in Covington, R.I., was sentenced on Sept. 17, 2024 by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 23 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In April 2024, Alkayisi pleaded guilty to five counts of a second superseding indictment, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; money laundering conspiracy; and two counts of money laundering. “This defendant was one of the largest methamphetamine distributors in New England, whose massive drug operation fueled addiction and devastation across our communities. He is now going to pay a very heavy price for the havoc he wreaked across Massachusetts. This sentencing sends a powerful message to anyone engaged in pumping deadly narcotics onto our streets,” Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “As demonstrated by this prosecution, the dedicated prosecutors and law enforcement partners will be relentless in our efforts to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking operations and ensure that individuals like Mr. Alkayisi are held accountable.” “Reshat Alkayisi was the leader of a nationwide drug trafficking organization that pushed massive amounts of methamphetamine onto New England streets, and profited from the pain and misery of others,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Thankfully, this 23-year sentence officially puts his 24/7 operation, protected in part by illegal firearms, including an AK-47, out of business. Operation Ice Cats is an example of how the FBI and our partners are hard at work dismantling dangerous trafficking operations as we work to make our communities safer.” “DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine off the streets of Massachusetts,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “This substantial sentence not only holds Mr. Alkayisi accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in New England and throughout America. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.” In late 2020, Alkayisi was identified as a large-scale methamphetamine trafficker, who distributed multi-pound quantities to distributor customers throughout the New England area. Between October 2020 and April 2021, 12 controlled purchases of methamphetamine were made from the drug trafficking organization—two of which were delivered personally by Alkayisi and one that was negotiated with Alkayisi and delivered by a co-conspirator. Intercepted communications revealed that Alkayisi supplied multiple distributor customers with supplier quantities of pure methamphetamine. Alkayisi also regularly bragged to these distributors about quality of his methamphetamine, saying, “You’re gonna get nice, big crystals,” and “Ur contacts should b happy with the size of product.” Alkayisi also operated a large-scale marijuana grow out of his Rhode Island residence, including while on probation for a state conviction for unlawful marijuana distribution. Alkayisi typically charged his distributor customers $5,000 to $6,000 per pound of methamphetamine and utilized multiple methods to conceal the nature of these proceeds. These included paying the bail of his distributors, structuring cash deposits to avoid reporting requirements, utilizing peer-to-peer transfers and purchasing vehicles with cash. Alkayisi also created and utilized a shell company to launder his proceeds and recruited and directed others, including his wife, to launder his drug proceeds for him. On June 1, 2021, four packages were seized containing a total of approximately 100 pounds of 100% pure methamphetamine that were picked up on behalf of Alkayisi from a UPS store in Rhode Island. Each of the boxes were addressed to Alkayisi’s shell company, which he used to launder his drug proceeds. On June 25, 2021, another package was seized, destined for Alkayisi that contained approximately 30 pounds of 100% pure methamphetamine. In total, approximately 160 pounds of methamphetamine was seized throughout the investigation from controlled purchases, motor vehicle stops and package seizures. During a search of Alkayisi’s residence in Rhode Island, an AK-47 assault rifle, a Glock handgun with no serial number, over 4,200 rounds ammunition and over $23,000 cash were also seized. Additionally, numerous electronics, including a computer that contained a ledger documenting Alkayisi’s methamphetamine sales for January through June of 2021 was seized. Based on the ledger, as well as the seizures, Alkayisi was responsible for over 660 pounds of methamphetamine over the course of six months. Law enforcement also located his large unlawful marijuana grow operation with hundreds of marijuana plants in all stages of production for distribution. Alkayisi is the seventh defendant to be sentenced in the case. All remaining defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI SAC Cohen and DEA Acting SAC Belleau made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine State Police; Massachusetts Department of Correction; Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office; and Concord, Hudson, Peabody, Reading, Watertown and Waltham Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea Porter and Katherine Ferguson of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Eastern Oregon Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: MEDFORD, Ore.—An Eastern Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for attempting to meet a purported 15-year-old child he met online who was in reality a law enforcement officer investigating online child exploitation. Reuben Phillip Harvey, 28, of Seneca, Oregon, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. According to court documents, in March 2023, Harvey used an online messaging application to communicate with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 15-year-old girl as part of a broader investigation into online child exploitation. Harvey expressed his interest in young girls to the undercover officer and discussed logistics for a possible meetup. During these conversations, Harvey also communicated to the officer his fear of getting caught, going to prison, and becoming a sex offender for engaging in an intimate relationship with a child. On March 14, 2023, Harvey traveled to meet the child and parked his vehicle a few blocks from where he believed she lived. Shortly after, Harvey was arrested without incident. A subsequent search of his phone revealed dozens of internet searches for child sexual abuse material and searches related to his meet-up with the purported child. On August 3, 2023, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Harvey with attempted coercion and enticement of a child and, on June 10, 2024, he pleaded guilty to the single charge. This case was investigated by the Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET). It was prosecuted by John C. Brassell and Judith R. Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon. Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org . 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Postal carrier pleads guilty after discarding mail in a dumpster

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Hampton man pled guilty today to improperly destroying mail. According to court documents, on Dec. 9, 2023, Michael Thirkield, 31, a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier, dumped several boxes of mail into a dumpster in the Forest Lake Court area in Newport News. Thirkield did not report to work after that day and left his USPS satchel on his porch with a handwritten note stating, “For the mail carrier.” On Dec. 11, 2023, a USPS customer service supervisor retrieved 1,296 pieces of first-class and pre-sorted mail from the dumpster. The mail was destined for addresses along routes assigned to Thirkield for delivery. Thirkield is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 26, 2025, and faces up to five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Jeff Krafels, Special Agent in Charge of the Mid Atlantic Area Field Office for the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Therese O'Brien and Mack Coleman are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-cr-25.


title: Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Roger Wayne Legg, 33, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 20, 2023, Legg possessed a quantity of methamphetamine and a loaded Diamondback DB380 .380-caliber pistol in a backpack he was carrying in Charleston. Legg admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine and possessed the firearm for security and protection while he sought to sell drugs. Legg is scheduled to be sentenced on December 19, 2024, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison, up to five years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department-Special Enforcement Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander A. Redmon is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 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. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-11. ###


title: Two Individuals Charged with Armed Robbery of U.S.P.S Mail Carrier

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Two individuals were charged with the armed robbery of a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Eddie Tyree James White, 26, of Delaware, and James Hammond-Smith, 26, of East Orange, New Jersey, are charged by complaint with one count of robbery of a mail carrier. White was additionally charged with theft of a postal key and theft of mail. Both appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court. Hammond-Smith was released on $100,000 unsecured bond and White was detained. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On Nov. 28, 2022, White approached a USPS mail carrier while she was in her USPS vehicle in Newark. White displayed a firearm in his waistband and demanded the mail carrier’s arrow key, a master key used by USPS to access various mail receptacles. The mail carrier gave the key to White, who fled on foot. Hammond-Smith drove White to the robbery. White subsequently used the postal key to access mail receptacles to steal mail, including checks and money orders. The robbery of a mail carrier charge and postal key theft charge each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The theft of mail charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. All three charges carry a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Neilson, Philadelphia Division, with the investigation. He also thanked the Delaware State Police. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chana Zuckier of the OCDETF unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. hammondsmithwhite.complaint.pdf