title: Beckley Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Federal Gun Crime

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Steven Marvin Lawson Jr., also known as “Bali,” 30, of Beckley, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison to run consecutively to his current state sentence, which includes a life term with no chance for parole, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 28, 2020, Lawson fatally shot the 17-year-old mother of his child with a Springfield Armory model XD .45-caliber pistol at a residence in Jumping Branch. With another individual, Lawson dismembered the minor female’s body following the murder and discarded the body parts across several states. Lawson falsely told investigators that he dismantled the firearm, which was stolen, and threw the parts away at different locations. Investigators recovered the firearm intact from the mother of Lawson’s other children at her Georgia residence, where Lawson had hidden the firearm in a bag of laundry. Analysis by the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory confirmed that the recovered firearm fired the bullet that killed the minor female. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Lawson was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for two counts of theft by receiving stolen property in Gwinnett County, Georgia, Superior Court on May 13, 2016. Lawson has a long criminal history dating from when he was 17 that also includes more than a half-dozen convictions for misdemeanor offenses. A Summers County Circuit Court jury found Lawson guilty of first-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death by a parent, guardian or custodian, concealment of a dead body and conspiracy to conceal a dead body in the death of the 17-year-old on March 15, 2024. “If Mr. Lawson had not possessed a loaded firearm that he knew he was not allowed to possess, the 17-year-old minor might still be alive,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “He then helped to dismember and discard her as if she was a disposable object and not a person who mattered. He also showed a complete disregard for how his actions would devastate her family and loved ones, including his own child with her. Today’s sentence reflects the heinous nature of this offense, is appropriate given Mr. Lawson’s repeated criminal conduct, and protects the public from further crimes by him.” Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). “This case serves as a grim reminder that convicted felons and domestic abusers should not possess firearms,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Shawn Morrow of the Louisville Division which covers all of West Virginia. “A 17-year-old mother has been taken from her family, and our community suffered another senseless violent crime. We hope this sentence brings some sense of justice and sends a very clear message that ATF and our partners will use every tool available to protect our communities." United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Monica D. Coleman, Kathleen Robeson and Kristin F. Scott prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 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. 5:22-cr-217. ###


title: South Georgia Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Enticement of a Minor

component: USAO - Georgia, Middle

body_text: ALBANY, Ga. –A Valdosta, Georgia, resident was sentenced to serve 27 years in federal prison for coercing and enticing a 13-year-old child to a hotel room, where he gave her alcohol and sexually abused her. Dewayne Howell, 50, was sentenced to serve 324 months in prison to be followed by 12 years of supervised release and also ordered to pay $4,050 in restitution to Minor Victim 1 (MV1) by U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands on July 11. In addition, Howell will have to register as a child sex offender upon release from prison. Howell was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of coercion and enticement of a minor on Feb. 6, 2024. There is no parole in the federal system. “Child predators who target the most vulnerable members of our society will face severe punishment in federal court,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I want to thank the local law enforcement teams in the Valdosta community for helping us hold this defendant accountable for his crime.” According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Dewayne Howell and his brother, Laronce Howell, picked up 13-year-old MV1 and her 16-year-old sister near their house on Oct. 2, 2020. They traveled to a liquor store, where Dewayne Howell purchased alcohol, and then to a hotel in Valdosta, where he rented a hotel room. Dewayne Howell took MV1 alone to the hotel room, where he sexually abused her. Surveillance video from the hotel showed that Dewayne Howell then let Laronce Howell and MV1’s sister into the room. The adult men gave the children alcohol before eventually bringing them back home. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The case was investigated by the Valdosta Police Department and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard prosecuted the case for the Government.


title: Former Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Contraband

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad announced that on July 12, 2024, Johanna Grace (age: 34) plead guilty to providing marijuana and a cellular telephone to an inmate of the Waukesha County Jail, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2(a), 1791(a)(1), 1791(b)(3), and 1791(b)(4). Publicly filed documents reflect that when Grace committed this offense, she was serving as a Lieutenant with the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office. She coordinated with associates outside the Waukesha County Jail to bring contraband inside the facility, and when she realized her crime would be discovered, Grace shared internal law enforcement reports with those same associates. Grace has acknowledged that as part of her offense of conviction, she obstructed justice. Grace faces a statutory maximum of five years’ imprisonment. Sentencing is set for October 9, 2024, before United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller. This matter was investigated by the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine Halopka-Ivery and Kevin Knight. # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: I-295 Drive-By Murder Defendant Gets More Than 35 Years in Prison

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: WASHINGTON – Oscar Ramos, 34, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 39.5 years in prison for first degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed for the May 28, 2015 shooting that killed one many and injured another, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. A jury found Ramos guilty in April of killing 50-year old Pedro Melendez Alvarado and wounding 56-year old Miguel A. Rodriguez Carabantes. The two men, both of Alexandria, Virginia, were driving to work together when Ramos shot them from his car on I-295. Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ordered Ramos to serve 360 months in prison for the first-degree murder conviction and 114 months in prison for assault with intent to kill. According to the government’s evidence, Ramos, who is a member of MS-13, was one of three men in a car that was driving on I-295 NB, in Southwest, D.C., near exit 1, when the car he was in pulled alongside the victims’ car. Two men in the defendant’s car then opened fire on Mr. Alvarado’s car, striking the victims, and then pulled away. The defendant was charged in 2021 after evidence was developed identifying him as having plotted to kill Mr. Alvarado. The defendant and Mr. Alvarado are both from El Salvador. The defendant believed Mr. Alvarado was somehow involved in the death of the defendant’s father, years earlier, in El Salvador. U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from MPD, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the Department of Justice Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. Field Office, the Prince George’s County (Md.) Police Department, the Montgomery County (Md.) Police Department, the Chelsea, Massachusetts Police Department, and the Anne Arundel County (Md.) Fire Department. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Liebman and Jacqueline Yarbro who prosecuted the case at trial.


title: Repeat Sex Offender From Michigan Sentenced to 40 Years In Federal Prison After Being Convicted of Numerous Sexual Offenses Against A Child

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—Jeremy Robert Ward, a registered sex offender from Michigan, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison on Thursday. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker. Ward was previously convicted in 2013 in Michigan of three counts of possession of child sexual abusive material and one count of accosting a child for an immoral purpose. Ward met the 12-year-old minor victim online in September 2022 when he added her to his Snapchat account. He exchanged messages with the victim for approximately three weeks before traveling to Arkansas from his home in Michigan to meet her. On October 15, 2022, he met her face-to-face when he met her in his pickup truck while she was riding her bike near her neighborhood in Bryant. During her encounter with Ward, the victim began surreptitiously recording a portion of her exchange with him. On the video, Ward told her, “I was hoping to take you home” and “I just wish she [her mom] would let you go, especially since I drove all the way down here.” Ward also told the minor victim that she must “think I’m gonna kidnap you or something,” to which she replied, “You probably are about to at this point.” He later asked if she knew of any “private spots,” in an attempt to find a more secluded place to be with her. Around the same time, using an application on her cell phone, her father noticed she was outside of the established boundary where she was permitted to be. Her parents went to her location, and her father found the minor victim laying in the grass with Ward, whose pants were around his ankles. Ward then fled into the woods. The minor victim testified at trial that while she was in the field with Ward, he attempted to commit sexual acts with her. Subsequent investigation revealed that the victim and Ward communicated through video messages, some of which Ward recorded on his phone. The recorded video messages were recovered from Ward’s phone and included video and still images of the nude minor victim in the shower. After a three-day trial that concluded on January 24, 2024, a federal jury found Ward, 33, of Marine City, Michigan, guilty on all nine counts for which he was indicted: one count of interstate travel with the purpose of enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity with a minor, six counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of travel with the purpose to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor. Judge Baker also sentenced Ward to a lifetime of supervised release. The investigation was conducted by the Bryant Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin Bryant and Amanda Fields. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Dominican National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that PABEL MIGUEL ACOSTA-COLON, 36, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Jersey City, New Jersey, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 22 months of imprisonment for distributing fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, a Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force investigation revealed that Acosta-Colon was trafficking fentanyl powder and pills. On June 21, 2023, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 100 grams of fentanyl powder and 100 fentanyl pills from Acosta-Colon in Stamford. Acosta-Colon was arrested on June 28, 2023, after investigators coordinated the purchase of more than 700 grams of fentanyl powder and pills from him. On January 5, 2024, Acosta-Colon pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl. Acosta-Colon, who is detained, faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term. This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force with the assistance of the Stamford Police Department and Trumbull Police Department. The DEA’s Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie T. Levick.


title: Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Drug Trafficking Martin Anthony Martinez, Jr. , 32, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 77 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Jul. 9. Based on court documents, beginning in June 2023, Martinez came to the attention of Task Force Officers with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) when Martinez kept coming up during investigative interviews. On Jul. 5, 2023, a state search warrant was executed on his property which resulted in the seizure of approximately 4,000 fentanyl pills, 16 grams of methamphetamine, and a loaded Glock 32 semiautomatic handgun. Martinez pleaded guilty to the charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl on Mar. 24. This case was prosecuted by Timothy J. Forwood. Victor Paul Gonzalez Brizo, 41, of Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Jul. 12. According to court documents, in the Spring of 2023, Task Force Officers (TFOs) with the DEA were investigating a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in the Cheyenne area. TFOs learned that a gray Chevrolet Cruze driven by a Hispanic male, who was later identified as the defendant, was the courier. On Nov. 3, 2023, the DEA obtained a search warrant, and with assistance from the Thornton Police Department, arrested Brizo outside of his residence in Thornton, Colorado. During the search, investigators located and seized a large quantity of U.S. currency, approximately 2,800 fentanyl pills, 106 grams of methamphetamine, 39 grams of heroin, suspected drug ledgers, and packaging with drug residue. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood. About the United States Attorney’s Office The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include: Environmental Justice The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Project Safe Childhood Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious. Project Safe Neighborhoods Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. Victim Witness Assistance The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect. To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking


title: Broward County Man Sentenced to Prison for Making False Statements During a Firearms Purchase and Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Robert Zildjian Mondragon, 31, of Margate, Fla., was sentenced to 33 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, after being convicted of making a false statement during a firearm purchase and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance. Mondragon was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas during a hearing in Fort Lauderdale. According to the specific findings of fact issued by the Court, on April 9, 2024, Mondragon stated in a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Firearms Transaction Record, specifically ATF Form 4473, on June 18, 2019, that he was not an unlawful user of marijuana. Mondragon made the false statement in connection with the attempted purchase of a Radical Arms rifle in Miami with the intent to deceive the licensed firearm dealer and that false statement was material to the lawfulness of the sale. The Firearms Transaction Record, Form 4473, had in bold print a warning that the use or possession of marijuana remains a federal violation and it is unlawful even if marijuana had been legalized or decriminalized for medical purposes in the applicant’s state. Prior to that attempted purchase, Mondragon had established a years-long pattern of unlawful marijuana use. On Nov. 14, 2021, Mondragon was photographed with another firearm. The year before, his phone contained references to weed on seventy-one days. The sentencing hearing and related court filings referenced additional information regarding Mondragon’s conduct and background. As was addressed in court, since 2013, Mondragon has made multiple threats to commit a mass shooting. In 2018, the Florida Legislature enacted the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, which allowed members of law enforcement to seek a court order restricting firearm and ammunition possession by a person who poses a danger to themselves or others, and on March 29, 2018, City of Corals Springs officers sought a temporary risk protection order against Mondragon which was granted after a hearing. That order remains in place and was in effect when he attempted to purchase a firearm in June 2019. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the ATF, Miami Field Office, and Sheriff Gregory Tony of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) made the announcement. ATF and BSO investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anita White and Ajay Alexander prosecuted it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Annika Miranda is handling asset forfeiture. This prosecution is a part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through the PSN program, a broad spectrum of law enforcement and community stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs to reduce violence crime and gun violence, and to make our local neighborhoods safer for everyone. If you have information about a possible threat and/or the unlawful possession of a firearm, contact your local law enforcement agency (911). Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-cr-60196. ###


title: Pharmaceutical Marketer Sentenced for Compounded Medications Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Texas pharmaceutical marketer was sentenced today to two years and five months in prison and ordered to pay over $59 million in restitution for conspiring to defraud the United States, receiving illegal kickbacks in exchange for compounded medications prescription referrals, and money laundering. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Quintan Cockerell, 43, of Palos Verdes Estates, California, worked with others to create and market expensive compounded medications, which are intended to be custom-tailored to individual patient needs, that were not medically indicated. Cockerell and others used preloaded prescription pads that identified the high-billing formulations for doctors to easily select. Cockerell, along with his co-conspirators at the compounding pharmacy that received the fraudulent prescriptions, implemented “standing orders” that enabled the pharmacy to swap out ingredients in the medications originally prescribed by doctors to maximize insurance reimbursements. Cockerell and others recruited doctors to write prescriptions for these expensive compounded medications by creating so-called “investment opportunities” so that doctors who wrote prescriptions to the pharmacy could profit from pharmacy operations. Cockerell and others also took doctors on expensive and lavish trips to Las Vegas, Mexico, and the Grand Caymans, among other places. In an effort to conceal the illegal kickbacks Cockerell received in exchange for prescription referrals, the pharmacy paid Cockerell’s wife at the time as a sham employee. Evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Cockerell’s wife did not work at the pharmacy, but that Cockerell communicated with the pharmacy using her email address and received checks for his kickbacks in her name. Cockerell then spent the proceeds from the kickback scheme. In October 2023, a federal jury in the Northern District of Texas convicted Cockerell of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, one count of receiving kickbacks, and one count of money laundering. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Michael Mentavlos of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS); Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Dallas Regional Office; Special Agent in Charge B. Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Dallas Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Casey Howard of the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG) Central Regional Office; and Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG) South Central Field Office made the announcement. DCIS, HHS-OIG, FBI, DOL-OIG, and VA-OIG investigated the case. Assistant Chiefs Kate Payerle and Brynn Schiess and Trial Attorneys Jacqueline DerOvanesian and Lee Michael Hirsch of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Two Non-Citizens Illegally Present in the United States Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Firearms in Springfield

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

body_text: Springfield, Ill. – Walter Geovanni Arteta-Gonzalez, age 33, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment on July 10, 2024, for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and illegal reentry after removal. Santos Fernando Zepeda-Arteta, 21, was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment on July 11, 2024, for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Both men are originally from Honduras. At the sentencing hearings before U.S. District Court Judge Colleen R. Lawless, the government established that both Arteta-Gonzalez and Zepeda-Arteta possessed firearms knowing they were in the United States without legal documentation. On November 27, 2023, Springfield Police officers responded to a Springfield hotel to investigate shots being fired. After eyewitnesses were interviewed and the hotel surveillance video was reviewed, both Arteta-Gonzalez and Zepeda-Arteta admitted to police officers that they possessed firearms. Further, both men were observed on the videos holding a firearm and firing several shots into the air. Arteta-Gonzalez stated he fired rounds outside his hotel room “just for fun.” The gun possessed by Zepeda-Arteta was stolen from an unspecified location in St. Louis, Missouri. Both Arteta-Gonzalez and Zepeda-Arteta have remained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since their arrests in November of 2023. The statutory penalties for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person are up to 15 years imprisonment; up to three years of supervised release; up to a $250,000 fine; and a $100 special assessment. In addition to the firearm possession, Arteta-Gonzalez was sentenced on illegal re-entry into the country after a prior removal. The statutory penalties for this charge include up to 2 years' imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The Springfield Police Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Sangamon County Sheriffs’ Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Sierra-Senor Moore represented the government in the prosecution. The 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: Eight Year Prison Term Handed Down in Connection With Teen Crime Spree That Ended in Death

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Duron Hudson, 23, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 102 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter while armed in connection with the killing of a homeless man in Northwest D.C., in November 2019. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Hudson pleaded guilty on December 20, 2023, to involuntary manslaughter while armed, and other felony and misdemeanor charges arising from multiple incidents occurring primarily during a six-week period in 2019, including two others involving serious injuries to the victim. In addition to the prison term, Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered five years of supervised release. According to the government’s case, on November 29, 2019, at approximately 3:00 a.m., Hudson and his girlfriend were seen arguing while standing near the intersection of 13 th and U Street NW. Shortly thereafter Hudson walked across the street in the direction of the Lincoln Theater and approached the victim, Nahzil Zaid Abdul Rahim, a homeless man. After a short conversation, Mr. Rahim walked away from Hudson, in an attempt to distance himself from the defendant. Hudson then began chasing the victim, picked up rocks or a brick-like material and threw it with full force at Mr. Rahim. It missed hitting the victim but Hudson threw another brick which struck Mr. Rahim, who fell down in the street and hit his head on the pavement. While disoriented and lying barely conscious in the street, Mr. Rahim was struck by a car and died from multiple blunt force injuries. The driver of the striking vehicle left the scene. Later the same day at approximately 2:30 p.m., Hudson robbed a female victim of her cell phone in the 1500 block of U Street Northwest. Hudson approached the victim, took her cell phone by force, and fled the scene. Mr. Hudson was also involved in incidents on December 9, 2019 and January 11, 2020, where he seriously injured the victims trying to take their property. Hudson was initially arrested and detained on January 16, 2020, in connection with the cellphone robbery on December 9, 2019, and an attempt to steal a motorbike on June 26, 2019. Hudson was 18 years old when the first crime was committed. He was arrested on August 23, 2023, and charged with involuntary manslaughter while armed. He was on release at the time and has been detained since his re-arrest on the manslaughter charge. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from by the Metropolitan Police Department. They also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney John Interrante.


title: Madison Man Sentenced to More Than 4 Years for Illegally Possessing Firearms

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Joshua Gentle, 31, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 4 years and nine months in federal prison for possessing firearms as a felon. The prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Gentle pleaded guilty to this charge on April 9, 2024. In October and November of 2023, Gentle sold three handguns to a person he knew could not legally possess them. During one of the transactions, Gentle commented that he had avoided a prior federal case for selling guns. He threatened to shoot one of the people involved in the transaction, as he believed that person was an undercover police officer. Gentle is prohibited from legally possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions, including convictions for armed robbery and felon in possession of a firearm. At sentencing, Judge Peterson determined that a sentence near the top of advisory sentencing guideline range was appropriate because of the serious nature of the crime and the fact that this was one of the most aggravated gun possession cases that the court has seen. Judge Peterson found that Gentle was callous firearms dealer who had served as a pipeline for diverting guns to criminals who could not legally possess them. Judge Peterson also noted that Gentle was fully aware that his conduct was both illegal and dangerous. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting individuals who illegally sell firearms on the street,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea. “I am grateful for the strong partnership we have with ATF and with our local law enforcement partners to reduce gun violence by holding accountable those who use guns in crime and those who provide guns to criminals.” “Given the defendant’s lengthy history of violence, it was a priority to investigate his recent firearms activity,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle, of the St. Paul Field Division. “I’m grateful for the work our agents and partners put into this case. I hope with this sentence today the community will be a little bit safer, and Mr. Gentle can have some time to consider modifying his behavior upon his release from prison.” The charge against Gentle was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case. This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.


title: Former Boston Police Officer Sentenced for Overtime Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A former Boston Police officer was sentenced yesterday in connection with an investigation of overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s evidence warehouse. Thomas Nee, 67, of Yarmouth, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to two years of supervised release. Nee was also ordered to pay a fine of $2,000, as well as $16,151 in restitution. In November 2021, Nee pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds. From at least February 2015 through February 2018, Nee submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips for overtime shifts that he did not work at the evidence warehouse. The “purge” overtime was a 4 – 8 p.m. weekday shift intended to dispose of old, unneeded evidence. “Kiosk” overtime involved driving to each police district in Boston one Saturday a month to collect old prescription drugs to be burned. For the “purge” shift, Nee claimed to have worked from 4 – 8 p.m., but he routinely left at 6 p.m., or earlier. For the “kiosk” shift, Nee submitted overtime slips claiming to have worked eight-and-one-half hours, when in fact he only worked three-to-four hours of those shifts. Between February 2015 and February 2018, Nee personally collected approximately $16,151 for overtime hours he did not work. Nee was one of 15 police officers charged in connection with committing overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s evidence warehouse, 10 of whom have been convicted either by guilty plea or jury verdict. Of the remaining officers charged, four were acquitted in April 2023 and one officer passed away while charges were pending. Nee is the fourth defendant to be sentenced in the case. From 2015 through 2019, BPD received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Justice in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Russell W. Cunningham, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, Washington Field Office; and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: Buffalo man who threatened to blow up the VA sentenced

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Demont Coston, 56, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of assault upon a federal employee, was sentenced to time served by U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Romer. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Henning, who handled the case, stated that on September 12, 2023, Coston called the U.S. Veterans Affairs Crisis Line and made repeated threats to blow-up the Buffalo VA facility. Later that same day Coston again called the VA Crisis Line and stated that “I should go blow... I should go burn the building down.” On September 14, 2023, Coston texted the Crisis Line that “The VA haven't done (expletive) for me in 30 years, it’s time to get rid of it, by any means necessary.” Coston also said that he would be “Taking out all V.A. facilities, but I have 1 n mind first” and “I'm in DC, near the main VA ha ha ha good, I know where to hit them.” The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the VA Medical Center Police, under the direction of Chief Richard King and the VA Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Algieri. # # # #


title: Departments of Justice and Interior Host 2024 Tribal Justice, Safety and Wellness Summit

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department and the Department of the Interior convened this year’s Tribal Justice, Safety, and Wellness Summit from July 9 – 11. The three-day virtual event featured several key presentations and panels on public safety issues taught by nationally recognized subject matter experts working in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Hundreds of federal, state, and Tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, advocates, court staff, victim/witness services staff, and Tribal leaders attended the Summit. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland provided opening remarks. He reiterated the Department’s commitment to working with Tribal partners to ensure that Tribal communities feel safe. He also discussed the Department’s efforts to address, with our federal and Tribal law enforcement partners, the public safety challenges that Tribes face, including the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives, the crisis of missing or murdered Indigenous persons, and the devastating impact of human trafficking and drug trafficking. “Public safety in Tribal communities is a core priority for this Department”, said Attorney General Garland. “And partnerships between federal and Tribal law enforcement are among our greatest tools to meet the many challenges that Tribes face.” To address the crisis of missing or murdered Indigenous persons and to help families get the justice and answers they deserve, last year the Department created the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Regional Outreach Program , which places five attorneys and five coordinators in designated regions across the United States to aid in the prevention of and response to missing or murdered Indigenous persons. Summit attendees participated in a variety of panels on public safety issues within four training tracks: resources, missing or murdered Indigenous persons (MMIP), criminal justice law enforcement and prosecution, and technology. FBI Director Chris Wray also gave opening remarks at the Summit. “Protecting Native American communities has been a priority for the FBI since our organization was founded more than a century ago,” said Director Wray. “And we remain just as committed today as we were then to combatting criminal activity on Tribal land, supporting and protecting victims, and helping Indigenous communities heal and thrive.” Director Wray also highlighted efforts to combat the unacceptably high levels of violence that Native Americans face. For example, the FBI added two more task forces over the past year as part of the FBI’s Safe Trails Task Forces initiative, which focuses on apprehending the most dangerous and violent criminal offenders in tribal communities. Wray also announced the surge of resources to tribal areas once again this summer for Operation Not Forgotten 2024. The Summit included presentations on the untold legal history of the Osage murders, elder abuse, environmental justice, MMIP initiatives such as the development of Tribal community response plans, law enforcement responses to sexual assault and domestic violence, and technology initiatives, such as the Tribal Access Program , to support public safety in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The Justice Department is committed to addressing the persistent violence endured by Native American communities and bringing justice to victims and their families. The widely attended 2024 Tribal, Justice, Safety and Wellness Summit expanded the circle of partners and the knowledge needed to strengthen public safety, health, and wellness in Tribal communities across the country.


title: Former Owner of Oklahoma Oil and Gas Services Provider Charged with Bank Fraud

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: Indictment Alleges More Than $2,000,000 Worth of Losses for Bank OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, a federal grand jury indictment was unsealed charging RYAN BLOOM , 34, of Oklahoma City, with bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. Between February and September 2023, Bloom was owner and manager of Pathfinder HDD, LLC, which provided boring and drilling related services to oil and gas and public utility companies, and constructed fiber optic communications lines for telecommunications companies. Pathfinder had a bank account with Valliance Bank during this time. According to the Indictment, in February 2023, Bloom executed an agreement with Valliance, in which Pathfinder was provided a line of credit from the bank secured by its accounts receivable. It is alleged that Bloom regularly submitted to Valliance invoices and other information regarding what he represented to be Pathfinder’s valid accounts receivable when, in truth, most of the invoices were false and fraudulent. It is further alleged that Valliance relied on Bloom’s false representations and purchased nearly $3,000,000 of Pathfinder’s purported accounts receivable. Then, in August 2023, Pathfinder declared bankruptcy. After the bankruptcy was filed, the Indictment alleges Valliance learned that at least $2,300,000 worth of purported accounts receivable were fraudulent. If found guilty, Bloom faces up to 30 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $1,000,000. The public is reminded this charge is merely an allegation, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney D.H. Dilbeck is prosecuting the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Informational: Federal Court arraignments

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared recently before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt: Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on July 11 was: Kaitlyn Beth Cochran, 33, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cochran faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Cochran was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations, the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Billings Police Department and Bozeman Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-68. Shanley Leonard Bighorn, 39, a transient, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bighorn faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Bighorn was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-49. Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on July 1 was: Owen David James, 50, of Dillon, on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, James faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charges and a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other crime, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge. James was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Highway Patrol. Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, Butte Silver Bow Law Enforcement and Idaho State Police investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-19. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl . XXX


title: Registered sex offender going to prison for 35 years for production of child pornography

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Charles Porterfield, 37, of Springville, NY, who was convicted by a federal jury of production of child pornography and committing the offense as a registered sex offender, was sentenced to serve 420 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J Arcara. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that in 2011, Porterfield was convicted in Erie County Court of Engaging in a Course of Sexual Conduct in the 2 nd Degree and sentenced to five years in prison and three years post release supervision. Porterfield was also required to register as a sex offender for life. Less than one month after completing his post release supervision, Porterfield paid a 13-year-old girl (Victim) to engage in an online sexual relationship. Porterfield used the Victim to produce images and videos of child pornography. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Northern York County Regional Police Department. # # # #


title: Corning sex offender facing new child pornography charges

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Ryan M. Newman, 33, of Corning, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production, distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography. As a convicted sex offender at the time of the alleged crimes, Newman faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 25 years in prison, of maximum penalty of 50 years, and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Newman was convicted of child pornography crimes by New York State in 2012, sentenced to serve a local jail term and 10 years’ probation, and required to register as a Level 3 Sex Offender, which is someone considered to be at high risk of re-offending and a threat to public safety. In January 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a report from Snapchat that a user had uploaded a video of child pornography. NCMEC sent the tip to the New York State Police, who executed a search warrant on Newman’s person and residence in 2022. The search determined that Newman uploaded the child pornography video to Snapchat and possessed other child pornography on his electronic devices. Newman remained out of custody following the 2022 search warrant by the State Police. In April 2024, the FBI Corning received a tip that pornography involving a child in the Corning area, was distributed to an undercover agent in Illinois. Subsequent investigation determined that Newman sexually abused the child and produced the child pornography. Newman was taken into custody by the FBI and Corning Police. In addition, to federal charges, he is also facing charges in Steuben County Court. Newman made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson and is being held without bail. The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Corning Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Corning Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kenzie Spaulding. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Georgia Woman Sentenced to Nine Months in Prison for Role in Drug Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – A Georgia woman was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for her involvement in trafficking cocaine and cocaine base as part of a larger drug trafficking conspiracy. Tatiana Morrissey, 39, of Atlanta, Ga., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to nine months in prison and three years of supervised release. On Feb. 12, 2024, Morrissey pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. Morrissey was charged with 24 others in June 2020 as part of Operation Snowfall . Beginning in November 2018, an investigation began into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) for which Kenji Drayton was a principal drug supplier. The DTO was comprised of Boston-based street gang members and associates in the Commonwealth Development in Brighton, formerly known as Fidelis Way, a multi-apartment public housing development. It is alleged that the DTO assumed control over multiple apartments, where they stored, cooked, packaged and sold drugs – most of which was cocaine or cocaine base, which the DTO supplied to customers, wholesalers and distributors. As a result, the DTO caused a blight of the development and reduced the quality of life of the other residents. It is alleged that the DTO continued to distribute cocaine and cocaine base throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown. In 2019, Drayton ordered drugs from an alleged high-level drug supplier and co-conspirator Derek Hart. Hart allegedly put Drayton in touch with Morrissey, who delivered a kilogram of cocaine to Drayton on or about July 27, 2019. Morrissey delivered smaller quantities of cocaine or cocaine base, including between 14 grams of cocaine base and up to 125 grams of cocaine, on multiple other occasions in July and August 2019. Morrissey also collected drug proceeds from Drayton, accepted a drug order from Drayton, stored drugs at her residence. Morrissey is the 23rd defendant to be sentenced in this case. The remaining defendant, Derek Hart, remains at large. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Brian Kyes, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; John E. Mawn, Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Braintree, Cambridge, Canton, Randolph and Weymouth Police Departments; the Suffolk, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorneys’ Offices; and the Suffolk, Plymouth and Norfolk County Sheriffs’ Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin R. O’Donnell and Timothy E. Moran of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting 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 . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Multiple-Time Convicted Felon and Former U.S. Postal Service Carrier Sentenced for Mail Theft

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to 20 months in prison for theft of mail by a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee. According to court documents, Terell Taylor, 40, a USPS employee and postal carrier assigned to deliver mail in Richmond from at least April 2023 through December 2023, stole mail entrusted to his care on multiple occasions. Taylor then sold stolen mail in bulk to a co-conspirator in exchange for cash. For instance, on November 29, 2023, Taylor removed mail from the mail stream in his USPS vehicle and placed the mail in two black trash bags. Then, Taylor sold the two black trash bags for $300. Taylor was a multiple-time convicted felon, with over 20 prior convictions for felony theft-related offenses. He also had prior convictions for eluding police and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Taylor is no longer employed by the USPS. 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 sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Panth prosecuted 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. 3:24-cr-28.


title: Boston Man Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Firearm Trafficking Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today for conspiring to illegally transport firearms from Alabama into Massachusetts. Kobe Smith, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 21 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2024, Smith pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to illegally transport firearms. Smith was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2022 along with co-defendants Jahquel Pringle, Jarmori Brown and Brandon Moore. Smith, Pringle, Brown and Moore conspired to obtain at least 24 firearms from Alabama, where Moore lived, and then transport them to Boston. Smith would place orders with Moore for firearms. In January 2020, after making arrangements with Smith, Moore personally delivered at least one firearm obtained in Alabama to Pringle in Boston. In February 2020, Smith attempted to obtain one or two additional firearms from Moore. In two separate trips in July and August 2020, Pringle traveled from Boston to Alabama on a commercial bus to pick up firearms from Moore and then transported them, concealed in luggage, back to Boston. Pringle was joined by Brown for the August trip. At least seven of the firearms have been recovered from the streets of Boston and surrounding communities. In July 2023 , Brown was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In May 2024, in the Middle District of Alabama, Moore was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In June 2024 , Pringle was sentenced to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. This case was prosecuted by the Major Crimes Unit. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Guilty Plea in Federal Funds Theft Case

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A former Indian Health Service (IHS) housing manager admitted stealing over $5,000 in federal funds by pocketing rent payments from traveling medical personnel and students. According to publicly available court documents, Alonzo James Cayatineto , 39, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, served as housing manager for IHS in Crownpoint from approximately 2017 until his resignation in January 2023. In this role, Cayatineto was responsible for collecting rent payments from pharmacy students and other medical personnel on temporary assignments in Crownpoint. In December 2022, Cayatineto emailed former pharmacy students, claiming they had outstanding housing debts. He instructed them to pay via his personal Venmo account to avoid collections. Between December 2022 and January 2023, Cayatineto collected $5,363 in rent payments from 12 individuals through 15 separate Venmo transactions. Cayatineto failed to remit these funds to IHS and was not authorized to collect payments in this manner. The scheme was uncovered in January 2023 when students complained about not receiving receipts for their payments. An internal IHS investigation led to Cayatineto being placed on administrative leave on January 27, 2023. He resigned the same day. Cayatineto was sentenced to two years of probation. He was also ordered to complete community service and pay back the $5,363 he stole. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case. View the Plea Agreement # # #


title: Oklahoma Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Child

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: EUGENE, Ore.—An Oklahoma City man was sentenced to federal prison Wednesday for sexually abusing a child and capturing the abuse on video. Jeremy Lee Peterson, 44, was sentenced to the statutory maximum sentence of 360 months in federal prison and a life term of supervised release. According to court documents, on February 18, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding a video depicting child sexual abuse. Agents reviewed the video’s file data and suspected it was created in a specific apartment in Eugene, Oregon. The agents identified distinctive physical characteristics of the abuser in the video, including a scorpion tattoo on the man’s chest. On February 24, 2022, investigators searched the apartment and identified furniture and bed sheets consistent with those appearing in the abuse video. Investigators also found photos of Peterson on social media and obtained a booking photo from a previous arrest, both of which matched the likeness and physical attributes, including the scorpion tattoo, as depicted in the abuse video. During their investigation, agents learned the minor victim and the victim’s parent had recently moved to a residence in Oklahoma that matched Peterson’s most recent address. On February 28, 2022, agents in Oklahoma executed a search warrant on Peterson’s address and found the minor victim and parent living there. Peterson was arrested and the child was rescued. Soon after, agents learned that Peterson had recently helped the victim and the victim’s parent move to his residence in Oklahoma. On March 15, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a one-count indictment charging Peterson with sexually exploiting a child and producing child pornography. Months after Peterson was charged, his minor victim contacted law enforcement to discuss the abuse in Oregon and disclose additional abuse in Oklahoma. On March 27, 2024, Peterson pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a child. This case was investigated by HSI in the District of Oregon and the Western District of Oklahoma, with assistance from the Eugene Police Department. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org . Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.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: Revere Man Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison for Cocaine Offenses

body_text: BOSTON – A Revere man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for cocaine related offenses. Francisco Restrepo Mesa, 55, was sentenced on July 10, 2024 by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 68 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In April 2024, Restrepo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. In March 2023, a co-conspirator retrieved two kilograms of cocaine from Restrepo inside a Revere apartment he maintained as a drug stash location. A search was executed at Restrepo’s stash apartment, yielding 15.5 kilograms of cocaine and $190,750. Following his arrest, Restrepo told his wife during recorded jail calls, that authorities had missed some of the drugs during their search. A second search warrant was executed at the Revere stash apartment and an additional 1.6 kilograms of cocaine was recovered from a hidden compartment inside the bathroom wall. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Agency, New England Field Division; and John E. Mawn, Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Ferguson, Deputy Chief of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit and OCDETF Lead Task Force Attorney, 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 .


title: Queens Man Arrested for Bank Fraud and Identity Theft

body_text: BOSTON – A Queens, N.Y. man was arrested today in connection with an alleged scheme to steal over $3 million in COVID relief tax credits using the stolen identity of a corporate executive in New Jersey. Linval Jackson, 32, was charged by complaint with bank fraud, bank fraud conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft. Following an initial appearance in the District of Connecticut, Jackson was detained pending a hearing scheduled for July 15, 2024. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. Jackson’s alleged co-conspirator, Isaiah Aaron Tenryk, was previously arrested and charged by a separate criminal complaint in May 2024 . He was subsequently released on conditions. According to the charging documents, Jackson and Tenryk allegedly used a fraudulent driver’s license as well as the name and Social Security number of a corporate executive in New Jersey to open a bank account in Boston. Tenryk then allegedly deposited an approximately $3 million Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) check payable to the executive’s company into the fraudulent account. ERTC is a refundable tax credit for certain eligible businesses that had employees and were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. After the check was deposited, Jackson allegedly attempted to link the fraudulent account to other bank accounts he controlled to transfer the stolen money. The charges of bank fraud and bank fraud conspiracy each provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory two-year sentence in prison to be served consecutive to any sentence imposed, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Field Office; and Ketty Larco Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Schenectady Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Role in Capital Region Drug Conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Andrew Deleon, age 27, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to 72 months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and distributing methamphetamine. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). As part of his earlier guilty plea, Deleon admitted that he received multiple packages in the U.S. Mail that he knew contained controlled substances and intended to give the controlled substances to the leader of the drug trafficking organization. Deleon also distributed methamphetamine on behalf of the organization. As part of the conspiracy, Deleon distributed and/or possessed with the intent to distribute approximately 1,827.18 grams of pure methamphetamine and 10.68 grams of fentanyl. United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a term of 3 years of supervised release, which will start after Deleon is released from prison. Five other defendants have been charged as part of this conspiracy and are currently awaiting trial: Defendant Charges Max./Min. Terms of Imprisonment Felix Arencibia Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl Distribution of methamphetamine Minimum: 10 years Maximum: Life Todd Austin Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine Distribution of methamphetamine Maximum: 20 years Ahmad Burke Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine Maximum: 20 years Kevisha DuBoise Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine Distribution of methamphetamine Maximum: 20 years Christian Mur-Santana Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl Distribution of methamphetamine Minimum:10 years Maximum: Life The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. These defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Three other defendants charged as part of this conspiracy have pled guilty and are currently pending sentencing: Melissa Karwan, age 37, of Schenectady, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine. Karwan is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30, 2024. Flor Arencibia, age 39, of Albany, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine. Arencibia is scheduled to be sentenced on September 5, 2024. Stefanie Plass, age 37, of Schenectady, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine. Plass is scheduled to be sentenced on September 30, 2024. These cases are being investigated by DEA and USPIS. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashlyn Miranda and Joshua Rosenthal are prosecuting the cases. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Portsmouth Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Possessing Fentanyl and Firearm

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Portsmouth man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, the investigation into Carlton Jamel Dillard, 40, began on December 31, 2022, when a Portsmouth ambulance found an unconscious male who was suffering from gunshot wounds in the middle of Randolph Street. The male was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Police discovered the crime scene to be at 1700 Atlanta Avenue with several spent cartridge casings. During the investigation, the police learned that the victim had a conflict with another narcotics distributor, identified as “Mel,” who detectives determined was Carlton Jamel Dillard. A witness stated that Dillard arrived in an unknown vehicle as a passenger with an unknown driver in front of 1700 Atlanta Avenue. Dillard and the driver approached on foot and started firing shots at the victim. Based on this information, on January 1, 2023, a felony arrest warrant for homicide was issued in the City of Portsmouth for Dillard, and police attempted to located him. Two days later, law enforcement found Dillard, took him into custody, and searched him incident to arrest. On his person, law enforcement recovered eight capsules of fentanyl and keys to a parked SUV. Within plain view, detectives observed a 9mm ammunition box in the back seat of the SUV and a digital scale. Law enforcement then obtained a search warrant for the SUV and, from within the vehicle, recovered a loaded black CZ 75 P-01 semi-automatic pistol, four clear plastic bags, cocaine, a digital scale, and ammunition from the back seat. After being advised of his rights, Dillard admitted to shooting the victim with the firearm recovered during the search. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan M. Montoya prosecuted 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. 2:23-cr-64.


title: Sentence Handed Down for Murder of Maryland Man Left in Car for Three Days

body_text: WASHINGTON – Jordan Jones,23, of Silver Spring, Maryland, was sentenced Friday for voluntary manslaughter while armed for the killing of Noel Nicol in Southeast D.C. in October, 2021. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Jones pleaded guilty on December 5, 2023, to voluntary manslaughter while armed for the fatal shooting of Nicol, an acquaintance. Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced Jones to 13 years in prison and five years of supervised release. According to court documents, Jones agreed to meet Nicol in Southeast D.C. on October 11, 2021, the day after Jones arranged to purchase a 9mm handgun (the same caliber as murder weapon). Mr. Nicol was last seen by family and friends on the afternoon of October 11, 2021. The police did not locate Mr. Nicol until three days later when they were investigating an anonymous tip and discovered Mr. Nicol’s body in the in the driver’s seat of a car parked on Savannah Place S.E.. The police could not locate the murder weapon or any eyewitnesses, but detectives obtained surveillance video footage from the vicinity of the vehicle for a 3-day period and developed Jones as a suspect in the murder. Jones admitted to the police in his post-arrest interview that he was in the car at the time of the shooting and that he and Nicol struggled over a gun. The medical examiner findings and the physical evidence recovered by the police were consistent with the shots being fired at close range from the passenger side of the vehicle where Jones was sitting. This case was investigated by MPD’s Criminal Investigation Division Homicide Branch. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Interrante.


title: FEDERAL JURY CONVICTS ST. CROIX MAN ON PRODUCTION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND SECOND-DEGREE RAPE

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that a federal jury convicted Dante James, 28, of St. Croix, on production of child pornography and second-degree rape charges. James awaits sentencing on a date to be set by District Judge Wilma Lewis. For his conviction, James faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years incarceration on the federal production of child pornography charge, and a maximum of 10 years incarceration on the local second-degree rape charge. “Sexual abuse impacts our entire community and exposes its victims to a lifetime of trauma. It is particularly heinous when sexual predators exploit our young children. We remain committed to fully seeking justice for victims of child exploitation and sexual abuse by prosecuting sex offenders of the law in hopes of creating a safe community for our children”, said United States Attorney Delia L. Smith. “The defendant’s sexual abuse was also an abuse of trust”, said Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eugene Thomas. As the victim’s former steel pan instructor, James abused her trust to be a role model and a leader. HSI will continue to work with the Virgin Islands Police Department to ensure that predators who prey on minors in our community are convicted of their crimes.” According to evidence presented at trial, between January 1, 2021, and August 23, 2022, James engaged in sexual intercourse and other sexually explicit conduct with a 16-year-old minor. James produced a video recording of the sexual acts with the minor with the use of devices shipped in interstate and foreign commerce. The victim only learned of the recording after it was posted on social media, and immediately reported the incident to the Virgin Islands Police Department and provided them with a copy of the video. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rhonda Williams-Henry and Everard Potter. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Adair County Resident Sentenced To 12 Years For Kidnapping And Federal Firearm Crimes

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that Justin Kyle Muskrat, age 38, of Bunch, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 151 months imprisonment for one count of Kidnapping in Indian Country, and 120 months for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition. The counts were ordered to run concurrently. The charges arose from an investigation by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On September 11, 2023, Muskrat pleaded guilty to kidnapping and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to investigators, on March 15, 2023, Muskrat, armed with a machete, forced the victim from a Muskogee residence and into the trunk of a waiting car. At an Adair County residence, Muskrat bound, threatened, and brutally assaulted the victim. Muskrat released the victim only after learning that Adair County Sheriff’s deputies had identified Muskrat as the primary suspect in the kidnapping. At the time of Muskrat’s arrest, law enforcement discovered Muskrat knowingly in possession of a .380 semi-automatic pistol and multiple rounds of ammunition despite a prior conviction for a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. The crimes occurred in Muskogee and Adair Counties, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation and the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. “ATF is committed to working with its partners to go after evil amongst us. Mr. Muskrat, a multi-convicted felon, allowed his anger to cloud his better judgment when he decided to kidnap and victimize a fellow Oklahoman. A firearm found on Mr. Muskrat’s person during his arrest will extend his time behind bars to consider his actions for many years. Thanks to the hard work of the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, and the men and women of ATF, another violent offender is off the streets,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II. “I commend the swift mobilization by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, and the ATF in bringing Mr. Muskrat’s violent activity to a halt.” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “This office stands firm in its relentless commitment to prosecuting those who would seek to disrupt the peace of our streets and homes.” The Honorable William Paul Johnson, U.S. District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, sitting by assignment, presided over the sentencing hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Muskrat will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorneys T. Cameron McEwen and Josh Satter represented the United States.


title: Adair County Resident Sentenced For Federal Firearm Crime

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Devin Nakedhead, age 31, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for one count of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The charges arose from an investigation by the Stilwell Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On September 12, 2023, Nakedhead pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. According to investigators, on January 27, 2023, Nakedhead knowingly possessed a firearm and two rounds of ammunition after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. The Honorable William P. Johnson, Chief U.S. District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Nakedhead will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a facility to serve his non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.


title: Pittsburg County Resident Sentenced For Federal Firearm Offense

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Willie Ray Carter, age 36, of Haileyville, Oklahoma, was sentenced to five years in prison for one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. The charge arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On May 11, 2023, Carter pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to investigators, on November 13, 2021, an OHP trooper conducting a routine traffic stop discovered Carter to be knowingly in possession of a firearm and ammunition after having been previously convicted a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. The Honorable William P. Johnson, U.S. Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Carter will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorneys Richard J. Lorenz and Edith Singer represented the United States.


title: McAlester Resident Sentenced For Bank Fraud

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Bradley Scott Sutterfield, age 43, of McAlester, Oklahoma, was sentenced to three months in prison for one count of Bank Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344. The charges arose from an investigation by the United States Secret Service. On March 5, 2024, Sutterfield pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, Sutterfield presented two savings bonds which he knew to be counterfeit to the teller of a federally insured bank in McAlester, Oklahoma, and exchanged the fake bonds for U.S. currency. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kara Traster represented the United States.


title: Stilwell Resident Sentenced To Two Years For Arson

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Arron Lee Gonzalis, age 28, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for one count of Arson in Indian Country. The charge arose from investigations by the Stilwell Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On October 31, 2023, Gonzalis pleaded guilty. According to investigators, Gonzalis was captured on video intentionally setting fire to a cardboard box next to a commercial building in Stilwell, Oklahoma, on July 20, 2023. The fire caused minor damage to the building and the building’s gas meter. The crime occurred in Adair County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Gonzalis will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.


title: Heavener Resident Sentenced For Federal Drug Crime

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Joseph Scott Casteel, age 37, of Heavener, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 130 months in prison for one count of possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The charge arose from an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. On February 5, 2024, Casteel pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. According to investigators, on July 25, 2023, law enforcement observed a vehicle on US 59 highway in LeFlore County traveling at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. OHP troopers gave chase, and observed Casteel throw a large bag from the vehicle. After stopping the vehicle, Troopers apprehended Casteel. Troopers also retrieved the bag which contained over 850 grams of methamphetamine. Casteel later admitted to purchasing the methamphetamine with the intent to sell it to others. The Honorable William P. Johnson, Chief U.S. District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Casteel will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Howanitz represented the United States.


title: Wewoka Resident Sentenced For Federal Drug Crime

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Chelsea Shiron Murray, age 44, of Wewoka, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for one count of possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The charge arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Seminole Police Department. On August 9, 2023, Murray pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to investigators, on November 30, 2022, a vehicle driven by Murray was stopped by an officer with the Seminole Police Department for a traffic violation. During the stop, the officer discovered a bag containing over 200 grams of methamphetamine and a set of electronic scales. Murray admitted to driving to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to purchase the methamphetamine. The Honorable William P. Johnson, U.S. Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee. Murray will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Howanitz and Ryan Bondura represented the United States.


title: Rite Aid Corporation and Affiliates Agree to Settle False Claims Act and Controlled Substance Act Allegations Related to Opioid Dispensing

component: Civil Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced that Rite Aid Corporation (Rite Aid) and 10 subsidiaries and affiliates have agreed to settle the government’s allegations under the False Claims Act (FCA) and Controlled Substances Act (CSA) asserted in United States ex rel. White et al. v. Rite Aid Corp., et al. , No. 1:21-cv-1239 (N.D. Ohio). Under the settlement, the government will be paid $7.5 million and have an allowed, unsubordinated, general unsecured claim of $401.8 million in Rite Aid’s bankruptcy case that is pending in the District of New Jersey. During the relevant time period, Rite Aid operated one of the country’s largest retail pharmacy chains with over 2,200 retail pharmacies in 17 states. “Filling unnecessary prescriptions for powerful and addictive opioids, as the government alleged here, not only takes a toll on our communities, but also violates the law,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “As today’s settlement illustrates, the Justice Department is committed to holding pharmacies accountable for their role in the nation’s opioid crisis.” “Pharmacies and pharmacists have an affirmative legal duty to ensure that the prescriptions they fill are legitimate,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “When they disregard this responsibility and instead ignore red flags indicating that prescriptions for addictive painkillers are invalid, they violate the public’s trust and harm the community they are supposed to serve — all to make a buck. Our settlement with Rite Aid reinforces the Northern District of Ohio’s continued commitment to combatting the opioid crisis. My office and our law enforcement partners will continue to battle this epidemic by ensuring that corporate actors comply with their legal obligations, which help to restrict unwarranted public access to highly addictive medications, and thereby fight to keep vulnerable members of our communities from becoming addicted to opioids.” The government’s complaint alleges that, from May 2014 through June 2019, Rite Aid knowingly dispensed at least hundreds of thousands of unlawful prescriptions for controlled substances that (1) lacked a legitimate medical purpose and were not issued in the usual course of professional practice and/or (2) were not valid prescriptions, were not for a medically accepted indication or were medically unnecessary. These unlawful prescriptions included, for example, prescriptions for the dangerous, highly diverted combination of drugs known as “the trinity,” prescriptions for excessive quantities of opioids, such as highly addictive oxycodone and fentanyl, and prescriptions issued by prescribers who Rite Aid pharmacists had repeatedly identified internally as suspicious and as writing unlawful, unnecessary prescriptions. The government further alleges that Rite Aid filled these prescriptions despite clear “red flags,” which highly indicated the prescriptions were unlawful and which pharmacists are trained to recognize. Rite Aid also allegedly ignored substantial evidence that its stores were dispensing unlawful prescriptions, including specific concerns raised by its pharmacists, and intentionally deleted internal notes about suspicious prescribers written by Rite Aid pharmacists, such as “writing excessive dose[s] for oxycodone,” and “DO NOT FILL CONTROLS.” By knowingly dispensing unlawful prescriptions for controlled substances, the government alleges that Rite Aid violated the CSA and, where Rite Aid sought reimbursement from federal healthcare programs, also violated the FCA. Along with Rite Aid Corporation, the government’s complaint names as defendants the following Rite Aid subsidiaries: Rite Aid Hdqtrs Corp.; Rite Aid of Connecticut Inc.; Rite Aid of Delaware Inc.; Rite Aid of Maryland; Rite Aid of Michigan; Rite Aid of New Hampshire; Rite Aid of New Jersey; Rite Aid of Ohio; Rite Aid of Pennsylvania and Rite Aid of Virginia. “Pharmacies and pharmacists have a critical responsibility to ensure controlled substances are dispensed lawfully and safely to the public. This includes highly addictive opioids as we continue to see the impact of the opioid crisis,” said Deputy Inspector General Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG is entering into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with Rite Aid, which includes a prescription drug claims review to have an Independent Review Organization determine whether prescription drugs are properly prescribed, dispensed, and billed. HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold providers accountable that put the public at risk.” “America continues to live through the worst opioid epidemic we have ever seen. Rite Aid contributed to this crisis by ignoring obvious red flags and dispensing hundreds of thousands of unnecessary opioids,” said Administrator Anne Milgram of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “DEA will continue to do everything in our power to protect the health and safety of Americans and to end the opioid epidemic.” The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims that certain Rite Aid pharmacies in Washington State violated the CSA by filling prescriptions written by prescribers who lacked proper controlled substance prescribing authority. The settlement also resolves claims brought in 2019 under the qui tam , or whistleblower, provisions of the FCA by Andrew White, Mark Rosenberg and Ann Wegelin, who all previously worked for Rite Aid at various pharmacies. The FCA authorizes private parties to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in any recovery and permits the United States to take over the lawsuit, as it did here in part. The relators will receive 17% of the government’s FCA recovery in this matter. In addition to the civil settlement, Rite Aid has entered into agreements with DEA and HHS-OIG to address its obligations going forward. Rite Aid and DEA entered a memorandum of agreement (MOA) designed to increase communication between the company, its retailers and DEA. Employees will receive additional training to help them identify illegitimate prescriptions and minimize the risk of drug diversion. The MOA also requires Rite Aid to create and keep materials relevant to DEA investigations for a minimum of five years. Rite Aid further commits to implementing and managing an anonymous hotline for employees, patients and the public to report suspected illegal dispensing of highly diverted controlled substances as well as suspected violations of the CSA. Rite Aid has also entered into a corporate integrity agreement (CIA) with HHS-OIG. The CIA includes a prescription claims drug review to have an Independent Review Organization to determine whether prescription drugs are properly prescribed, dispensed and billed. The settlement was approved on June 28 by the bankruptcy court as part of Rite Aid’s plan of reorganization, which is expected to become effective later this summer. The amount the government will recover on its unsecured claim under the settlement will depend on the ultimate amount of assets available to the bankruptcy estate for distribution to unsecured creditors. The Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio handled this matter. The DEA Cleveland Division, FBI Cleveland Field Office and HHS-OIG provided substantial assistance in the investigation. Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Wilson of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Fitzgerald, Elizabeth Berry and Kathryn Andrachik for the Northern District of Ohio handled the White matter. Trial Attorneys Mary Schmergel, Gregory Werkheiser and Ryan Lamb of the Civil Division’s Corporate/Financial Litigation Section handled the Rite Aid bankruptcy case. This settlement illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the FCA. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to the HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The claims asserted against the defendants are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. Settlement