title: Principal Drug and Weapons Supplier for MS-13 in Honduras Arrested and Extradited for Racketeering, Narcotics, and Firearms Offenses

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: An indictment was unsealed today charging David Campbell, also known as Viejo Dan and Don David, 57, of Honduras, one of the principal narcotics and weapons suppliers to MS-13 in Honduras, with racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses. Campbell was presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan federal court after being extradited yesterday from Honduras. In addition to Campbell, the superseding indictment unsealed today also charges Yulan Andony Archaga Carías, also known as Alexander Mendoza and Porky, 42, of Honduras, the top leader of MS-13 in Honduras, and three additional MS-13 leaders, Juan Carlos Portillo Santos, also known as Juancy, 35; Victor Eduardo Morales Zelaya, also known as Cuervo, 49; and Jorge Alberto Velasquez Paz, also known as Chacarron, 41, for racketeering, narcotics trafficking, and firearms offenses. Campbell and Archaga Carías were previously charged in 2021 in a superseding indictment in Manhattan federal court with racketeering, narcotics trafficking, and firearms offenses. Archaga Carías was subsequently placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List , the DEA’s Most Wanted Fugitives List, HSI’s Most Wanted Fugitives List, and a $5 million reward was offered by the U.S. Department of State for information related to his arrest or capture. Portillo Santos and Velasquez Paz are in custody in Honduras. Morales Zelaya remains at large. “Over the course of decades, MS-13 has sowed unspeakable violence in communities here in the United States and abroad,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “With the arrest and extradition of the alleged principal MS-13 drug and weapons supplier, the Justice Department is making clear that those responsible for flooding our communities with violence and deadly drugs will be held accountable in an American courtroom.” “The FBI and our partners remain committed to the combating the violent criminal activity related to MS-13 occurring in communities across America,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Criminals that engage in illegal activity targeting the American people should take today's announcement as a warning — they cannot hide beyond our borders. We are proud of the close collaboration with our partners which resulted in David Campbell having to face the consequences of his actions.” “Today’s extradition of David Campbell and the announcement of charges against four other MS-13 leaders for their alleged involvement in trafficking multi-ton loads of cocaine and for allegedly perpetrating unspeakable acts of violence in our communities is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the men and women of DEA to save lives and hold drug traffickers accountable,” said Administrator Anne Milgram of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “DEA will continue to seek justice for all Americans suffering the devastating effects of drug poisonings and drug-related violence in our communities.” “MS-13 is one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in the world,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. “My office, the Justice Department, and our law enforcement partners will stop at nothing to pursue and hold accountable MS-13’s leaders, members, and associates, who, as alleged in the superseding indictment unsealed today, are responsible for large-scale drug trafficking and violence throughout the United States and Central America. As alleged, David Campbell was, until his capture, one of MS-13’s major suppliers of drugs and guns, and he planned and coordinated violent acts with the top leader of MS-13 in Honduras, Archaga Carías. Campbell has now been extradited and will face justice in the United States, and a $5 million reward is offered for information leading to the arrest of Archaga Carías.” According to the superseding indictment, MS-13 is a transnational criminal organization that engages in acts of violence, including murders, kidnapping, assaults, extortion, and large-scale drug importation and distribution throughout Central America and the United States. Archaga Carías is the highest-ranking member of MS-13 in Honduras. As the leader and highest-ranking member of MS-13 in Honduras, Archaga Carías is in charge of, among other things, the gang’s drug trafficking operations; ordering and coordinating acts of violence, including numerous murders; and the laundering of drug proceeds. Morales Zelaya and Velasquez Paz are both leaders of MS-13 in Honduras and close associates to Archaga Carías. MS-13’s drug trafficking operations led by Archaga Carías, Morales Zelaya, Velasquez Paz, and others include the processing, receiving, transporting, and distributing of multi-ton loads of cocaine shipped through Honduras and into the United States. “MS-13’s brutal violence is fueled by firearms, funded by narcotics trafficking, and disguised by money laundering,” said Director John J. Durham of Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV). “As alleged in the superseding indictment, David Campbell and his co-conspirators procured and sold multi-ton loads of narcotics, deployed firearms, including machine guns, and laundered the drug proceeds, all in furtherance of the organization. Thanks to the tenacious efforts and collaboration of our law enforcement partners, he now will face justice in a U.S. courtroom.” Archaga Carías and other MS-13 members and associates acting at his direction also provided protection for other drug trafficking organizations (DTO) engaged in transporting multi-ton loads of cocaine through Honduras and destined for the United States. Archaga Carías contracted out members of MS-13 as “Sicarios,” or hit men, to other DTOs for payment. In that role, MS-13’s Sicarios committed numerous murders for hire for DTOs trafficking cocaine through Honduras to the United States. Archaga Carías and MS-13 also supplied other DTOs with firearms, including machineguns, that were received from El Salvador, Nicaragua, and elsewhere. Archaga Carías – and Morales Zelaya, Velasquez Paz, and Portillo Santos, operating under Archaga Carías’ leadership – also ordered and coordinated murders of rival gang members and drug trafficking competitors in Honduras, as well as other members of MS-13 whom Archaga Carías believed had been disloyal to the gang. Campbell was one of the principal suppliers of cocaine and weapons, including machineguns, to MS-13 in Honduras. As an associate of MS-13 and close confidant of Archaga Carías, Campbell planned and coordinated retaliatory acts of violence with Archaga Carías and assisted MS-13 and Archaga Carías in establishing businesses to launder the gang’s drug proceeds. Campbell and MS-13 used businesses they owned or controlled to launder drug proceeds, including through banks in the United States. Morales Zelaya and Velasquez Paz were both leaders of MS-13 in Honduras and close associates of Archaga Carías. Morales Zelaya and Velasquez Paz each coordinated the gang’s drug trafficking business, acts of violence (including murders) against rivals, and the movement of proceeds from the gang’s illicit activities. Portillo Santos was a high-ranking member of MS-13 in Honduras who reported to Morales Zelaya. Portillo Santos was responsible for leading MS-13 in one of the largest sectors in Honduras, which included the distribution and movement of large shipments of cocaine, acts of violence (including murders and kidnappings) of rival gang members, and contract murders carried out against rival drug dealers. “Campbell’s arrest and extradition should serve as a clear message to those who support MS-13 and other transnational criminal organizations,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI will not cease its relentless pursuit of all suspects involved in this case until they are captured and brought to justice.” “Every day, MS-13 ravages American neighborhoods with violence, drugs, and death,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office. “David Campbell allegedly enabled the exportation of violence and poison onto American streets as Mara Salvatrucha’s primary supplier of cocaine and weapons. FBI Houston’s work to ensure Campbell now faces U.S. justice sends a simultaneous message to MS-13 around the world — we will not stop pursuing you, we will not stop dismantling your networks, and we will not rest until we’ve eradicated the violence you bring into our society.” Archaga Carías and Morales Zelaya remain at large. The $5 million reward offered by the U.S. Department of State remains valid today. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Archaga Carías or Morales Zelaya can contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. More information can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/topten , https://www.dea.gov/fugitives , and https://www.ice.gov/most-wanted . If convicted, Campbell, Archaga Carías, Portillo Santos, Morales Zelaya, and Velasquez Paz face a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison. The DEA’s Special Operations Division Bilateral Investigations Unit; the FBI San Diego, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York Field Offices; the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division’s Safe Streets Gang Unit; HSI’s National Gang and Violent Crime Unit; and HSI’s New York and Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Field Offices investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI Legal Attaché in San Salvador, the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Executive Office, the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Maritime Operations, for their assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Campbell. The JTFV and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit are handling the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Robles and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Eason for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney Jacob Warren of the Justice Department are prosecuting the case. Since its creation in August 2019, JTFV has successfully implemented a whole-of-government approach to combatting MS-13, including increasing coordination and collaboration with domestic and foreign law enforcement partners; designating priority MS-13 programs, cliques, and leaders who have the most impact on the United States for targeted prosecutions; and coordinating significant MS-13 indictments, including the first use of national security charges against MS-13 leaders. JTFV has been comprised of members from U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including the Southern District of New York, the Eastern District of New York, the Eastern District of Texas, the District of New Jersey, the Northern District of Ohio, the District of Utah, the District of Massachusetts, the Southern District of Florida, the District of Alaska, the Southern District of California, the District of Nevada, the Eastern District of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, as well as the Justice Department’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. All Justice Department law enforcement agencies are involved in the effort, including the FBI; DEA; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. In addition, HSI plays a critical role in JTFV. The Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, and the U.S. Agency for International Development Office of Inspector General have also provided critical support for JTFV’s mission. OCDETF also supports JTFV in its mission. 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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: West Mifflin Convicted Felon Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Possession of Firearms While on Federal Supervised Release

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 36 months of imprisonment on his convictions for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and for committing that crime while serving a period of federal supervised release, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Roderick Ferguson, 22. According to information presented to the Court, on April 3, 2022, the Baldwin Police Department responded to a vehicle crash where a driver was ejected and killed after striking a parked car. Bystanders pulled a passenger, Roderick Ferguson, from the damaged vehicle. Upon arrival, officers recovered a semiautomatic rifle loaded with 29 rounds of ammunition which had been in Ferguson’s possession prior to the crash. Following Ferguson’s discharge from the hospital for his injuries from that crash, he was a rear passenger in a vehicle during an April 28, 2022, traffic stop conducted by the Whitehall Borough Police Department in relation to an expired registration. After providing a fictitious name and being instructed to exit the vehicle, Ferguson began moving around the seat and adjusting his body. Ferguson consented to a search of his person, with law enforcement then recovering a loaded .357 Magnum revolver from Ferguson’s underwear. Prior to the time Ferguson possessed the loaded semiautomatic rifle and loaded revolver, he was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in the Western District of Pennsylvania, for which Ferguson was sentenced by Judge Stickman to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of federal supervised release. Ferguson was still serving his term of supervised release at the time he possessed the loaded firearms. Under federal law, convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, and those who commit crimes while serving federal supervised release are eligible for additional prison terms. In imposing sentence, Judge Stickman emphasized that Ferguson’s possession of loaded firearms within days of his release from his last federal sentence reflected a troubling willingness to disrespect the law. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Baldwin Police Department, Whitehall Borough Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ferguson.


title: Three People Federally Indicted in Bowling Green for Methamphetamine Trafficking Offenses

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Bowling Green, KY – A federal grand jury in Bowling Green, Kentucky, returned an indictment on February 14, 2024, charging three people in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy and other related methamphetamine trafficking offenses. One of the three was charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Director Ron Lafferty of the Barren River Drug Task Force made the announcement. According to the indictment, the following three people were each charged with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute, and distribute, over 500 grams of a methamphetamine mixture between December 9, 2023, and January 18, 2024, in Warren County, Kentucky: Trey Williams , 27, of Tompkinsville, Kentucky, Brandy Cardenas , 25, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Kelton Withrow , 28, of Bowling Green, Kentucky. Each defendant also faces the following additional charges. Trey Williams was charged with aiding and abetting in the distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on December 19, 2023, and January 3, 2024. Williams was also charged with aiding and abetting the distribution of 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture on January 17, 2024. Brandy Cardenas was charged with distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on January 3, 2024, distributing 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture on January 17, 2024, and possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture on January 17, 2024. Cardenas was also charged with possessing a Taurus G2C, nine-millimeter semiautomatic pistol, in furtherance of her drug trafficking and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Kelton Withrow was charged with two counts of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on December 19, 2023, and January 3, 2024. Withrow was also charged with distributing 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture on January 17, 2024. Cardenas made her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky on February 15, 2024, and the Court ordered her released on special conditions pending trial. Williams made his initial appearance on March 27, 2024, and the Court ordered him detained pending trial. Withrow appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on April 9, 2024, and the Court ordered him released under special conditions pending trial. All three defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. The FBI Bowling Green Resident Agency, the Kentucky State Police, and the Barren River Drug Task Force are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, is prosecuting this case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. x x x


title: Missouri Woman Admits Attempting $1.6 Million Pandemic Loan Fraud

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A woman from O’Fallon, Missouri on Wednesday admitted submitting a series of fraudulent applications seeking pandemic loans totaling more than $1.6 million. Dearika L. Binion, now 36, of O’Fallon, Missouri, was successful in obtaining two loans totaling $75,600. Binion pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Wednesday to three counts of bank fraud. As part of her guilty plea, Binion admitted submitting a false and fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) application to the Small Business Administration (SBA) on April 10, 2020, on behalf of Domi More, a company she registered in 2014. The application falsely inflated the number of employees, the gross revenues and costs of goods sold for the company. As a result of the fraudulent application, the SBA approved the loan and transferred $22,000 to Binion’s credit union account. She withdrew $6,000 in cash from that account on June 17, 2020, the same day it arrived, and another $13,000 the next day. On July 8, 2020, Binion submitted another fraudulent EIDL application, this time on behalf of MTRLSTC LLC. She again lied about employees, gross revenues and cost of goods sold and falsely certified that she had neither submitted nor received any compensation for disaster losses. The company received a $53,600 loan on Aug. 3, 2020. Binion spent $45,244 on retail purchases and payments for prior retail purchases. Another $5,181 was used to pay a Chase credit card bill and $2,235 was transferred to others via Cash App. On July 20, 2020, Binion submitted a fraudulent EIDL loan application seeking $59,500 for Bella Skin Spa LLC, but that loan was not approved. On Sept. 23, 2020, Binion submitted another fraudulent application seeking $264,800 for Bella Skin Spa. This time she listed the company as a sole proprietorship and altered other information in the application but was still not successful in obtaining a loan. She tried a third time after filing a registration of fictitious name with the Missouri Secretary of State for Bella Skin Spa on Jan. 21, 2021. On Feb. 4, 2021, she submitted a fraudulent EIDL loan application seeking $1.2 million. The SBA did not approve this application. There are no employment records on file with Missouri’s Department of Labor indicating that Domi More, MTRLSTC, or Bella Skin Spa had any employees during 2020. Binion is scheduled to be sentenced July 10. Each bank fraud charge is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine or both prison and a fine. The case was investigated by the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and the St. Louis County Police Department. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, violent street gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The St. Louis Gateway OCDETF Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from FBI, DEA, ATF, HSI, IRS, USSS, USPIS, USMS, St. Louis County Police Department, St. Charles County Police Department and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri.


title: Rock Hill Man Sentenced for Interstate Domestic Violence Resulting in the Death of Wife

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: GREENVILLE, S.C. —Lawrence Joseph Florentine, 56, of Rock Hill, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for interstate domestic violence resulting in the death of his wife, Nicole Zahnd Florentine, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, obstruction of justice and use of fire to commit interstate domestic violence. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed beginning in December 2019, police in York County responded to multiple 911 calls by Nicole during which she reported that Florentine physically abused her and threatened to kill her, burn her, and bury her. Florentine was arrested twice on domestic violence charges. On May 23, 2020, the couple’s Rock Hill home was destroyed by fire. During the fire, Florentine sent angry text messages and photographs that show he intentionally set the property on fire to destroy Nicole’s belongings. Arson charges are pending in state court. On June 13, 2020, a groundskeeper for Hill Cemetery in Fredonia, Kentucky, discovered what appeared to him to be a makeshift grave. Officers with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office and the Kentucky State Police recovered a partially charred female body from the grave. A gas can was found near the grave. An autopsy determined that Nicole’s death was a homicide, and the cause of death was a .22 caliber bullet wound to the head. Nicole and Florentine were traveling by car together in North and South Carolina in the days leading up to the discovery of her body in Kentucky. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a car matching the description of Florentine’s car around the cemetery before the body was discovered on June 13, 2020. A local hardware store clerk described Florentine as the man who came into the store on June 11, 2020, and after he complained about the $21.99 price, he purchased a gas can and a shovel. Security camera footage from a nearby gas station showed Florentine as he casually filled the gas can a short time later. Florentine’s sentence included a 10-year consecutive sentence because he used fire during the commission of interstate domestic violence. Florentine fled Kentucky and arrived in Denver, Colorado on June 23, 2020, where he was arrested. During travel, Florentine discarded and concealed evidence, including the firearm he used to murder Nicole, cell phones, identification, and other personal belongings. During sentencing, prosecutors asked Judge Coggins to impose a higher sentence considering everything Florentine did to obstruct justice, including his deliberate efforts to hide Nicole’s death by hiding her body, frustrating law enforcement’s ability to identify her, and their ability to locate and arrest him. Judge Coggins noted that in addition to killing her, Florentine deliberately prevented Nicole’s family from learning of her death and that he deprived them the opportunity to properly mourn her. “Nicole’s senseless murder reminds us that domestic violence can happen to anyone and we all must work to protect and support those experiencing abuse,” said Adair F. Boroughs, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. “We hope this sentence brings some measure of closure to her loved ones as they remember Nicole.” In 2022, two years after his arrest, Florentine moved to dismiss the murder charge and argued that Kentucky did not have jurisdiction to prosecute him because the crime was committed in South Carolina. Prosecutors in Caldwell County Kentucky and homicide investigators with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office asked federal authorities to prosecute the case. Domestic violence is primarily a matter of state and local jurisdiction; however, federal laws provide tools for prosecuting domestic violence offenders in certain situations involving firearms and interstate travel or activity. United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Florentine to 360 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Florentine was also ordered to pay $5,800 in restitution. The case was investigated by the Kentucky State Police, Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, York County Sheriff’s Office, Rock Hill Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leesa Washington and Benjamin N. Garner are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Colonial Oil to Pay $2.8 Million Penalty for Failure to Meet Clean Air Act Fuels Regulations

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: The Justice Department and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reached a settlement today with Colonial Oil Industries Inc. that will require the company to pay a civil penalty of more than $2.8 million and spend an estimated $12.2 million to offset the detrimental human health and environmental impacts of Colonial’s alleged failure to meet obligations under the Clean Air Act’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program and gasoline volatility standards. Between 2013 and 2019, Colonial excluded certain fuel it supplied to marine vessels from its renewable volume obligations calculations in violation of the RFS regulations. Fuel intended for use only in ocean-going vessels is not required to be included in renewable volume obligation calculations. But not all marine vessels are ocean-going vessels, and volumes supplied to other marine vessels must be included in such calculations. Colonial’s actions resulted in less renewable fuel being used in lieu of gasoline and diesel fuel, causing increased greenhouse gas emissions. “The creation and use of renewable fuels reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This proposed settlement will hold Colonial to the same renewable fuel requirements that all importers and producers must adhere to.” “Renewable fuels play a critical role in diversifying our country’s energy mix and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, all while providing good paying jobs and economic benefits to communities across the country,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This settlement once more puts gasoline and diesel refiners and importers on notice that they must meet their obligations to reduce climate- and health-harming pollution and that there will be consequences if they do not.” Under the RFS program, refiners or importers of gasoline or diesel fuel are required to either blend renewable fuels into transportation fuel or purchase credits known as Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) to meet their renewable volume obligations. Between 2013 and 2019, Colonial failed to purchase and retire enough RINs. The settlement requires Colonial to purchase and retire over 9 million RINs within two years at an estimated cost of approximately $12.2 million. The RIN purchase and retirements is estimated to result in over 18,300 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent reductions which equates to powering 2,386 homes’ energy use or 4,355 gasoline cars for a year. Colonial also sold over a million gallons of gasoline that failed to meet the applicable volatility standard which is intended to reduce evaporative emissions during the summer season from gasoline that contributes to smog and to reduce the effects of ozone-related health problems such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Attorneys from the Justice Department’s Environmental Enforcement Section are handling the case. The proposed settlement, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. Information on submitting comments is available on the Justice Department’s website: www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees .


title: Alabama Man Charged with Detonating an Explosive Device Outside of Alabama Attorney General’s Office

body_text: An Alabama man was indicted for his alleged role in detonating an explosive device in downtown Montgomery, Alabama. On April 10, law enforcement arrested Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, of Irondale, on charges of malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device. “Thanks to the work of the FBI and our state and local law enforcement partners, this defendant is being held accountable for allegedly detonating an explosive device outside of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department has no tolerance for acts of violence targeting those who serve the public.” “The FBI worked closely with our law enforcement partners to run down every lead and leverage our forensic capabilities to identify and arrest the person who is allegedly responsible for detonating this dangerous device,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “This explosion was very unsettling to the community and we hope today’s arrest provides reassurance that the FBI will investigate those who target public institutions and will hold them accountable for such illegal acts.” “Federal, state, and local law enforcement agents worked tirelessly to investigate this matter,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama. “The arrest today is a reflection of the way in which close cooperation among law enforcement agencies facilitates the pursuit of justice. I am grateful for the efforts of all involved.” According to the indictment and other court documents, an explosive device was detonated on Feb. 24 at approximately 3:42 a.m. outside of the Alabama Attorney General's Office near the intersection of Washington Avenue and South Bainbridge Street. No injuries or major damage to nearby buildings were reported. Agents and troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, along with special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and officers from the Montgomery Police Department, responded to the scene when remnants of the device were discovered. The case was unsealed today by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. If convicted, Calvert faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Mobile Field Office, Montgomery Resident Agency Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and Alabama Attorney General’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Russell T. Duraski and Brett J. Talley for the Middle District of Alabama are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Honduran National Indicted  for Illegal Re-Entry, Faces Enhanced Sentence for Prior Felony Conviction

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane Evans announced today that ALVARO LUIS ALCERRO-BANEGAS (“ ALCERRO-BANEGAS ”), age 37, was indicted on April 4, 2024 for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) and Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(b)(1). According to the indictment, ALCERRO-BANEGAS , reentered the United States after being previously deported on September 2, 2022. If convicted, ALCERRO-BANEGAS faces up to two years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. However, because of his prior felony conviction, ALCERRO-BANEGAS also faces a sentencing enhancement of up to 10 years imprisonment. U.S. Attorney Duane Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Missoula meth trafficker sentenced to 10 years in prison

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

body_text: MISSOULA — A Missoula man who admitted to a drug trafficking crime after he accepted a controlled delivery of a package that had contained more than two pounds of methamphetamine was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Marcus Lejon Williams, 45, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to attempted possession with intent to distribute meth. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. In court documents, the government alleged that law enforcement received information that Williams was distributing large amounts of meth, was receiving it through the mail and had firearms at his residence. In January 2022, a U.S. Postal Service inspector searched a package containing suspected meth and was addressed to a person at Williams’ address. The package contained approximately 1,000 grams of meth, which is 2.2 pounds. Postal records showed two other similar packages were shipped from California to Williams’ address in May 2021 and September 2021. Law enforcement made a controlled delivery of the package, with the meth removed. Williams and the person to whom the package was addressed came out to accept the package in a parking lot. A search warrant was executed on the residence and officers located a 9 mm handgun. Williams admitted that the package was for him and that he had been getting meth from his source in California once every two months for the past six or seven years. Williams also stated that he had been “in the game” for 25 or 26 years, was tired of doing it for a living and estimated that he made $120,000 to $130,000. Williams also admitted that the gun was his and that he used it for protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Missoula Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. XXX


title: Repeat Offender Sentenced to 150 Months in Federal Prison for Drug Offenses

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Manchester man was sentenced today in federal court for possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine while on parole, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces. Michael Francis, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul Barbadoro to 150 months in prison and 4 years of supervised release. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Francis also agreed to not contest the forfeiture of approximately $49,000 seized from him in connection with this investigation. On November 14, 2023, Francis pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine. “Mr. Francis dealt large quantities of narcotics, while he was on parole for another drug-related crime,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack said. “The lengthy sentenced imposed today ensures the public will be protected from this repeat offender for more than 12 years.” “Michael Francis is a repeat offender, committed to selling narcotics and making money with no regard for the harm he caused in his community,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Putting Mr. Francis out of business and behind bars for the next 12 years is a win for the people of New Hampshire. The FBI’s Major Offender Task Force and our partners will never cede our cities to drug pushers.” On September 1, 2021, law enforcement officers conducted a search of the defendant’s car after he parked at a TD Bank in Manchester. Law enforcement officers discovered a gift bag in the car containing a brick of more than one kilogram of cocaine, along with an empty gun holster and $10,000 in cash. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was on parole for another drug-related crime and had roughly $4,000 in cash on him. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Gingrande, Charlie Rombeau, and Jarad Hodes prosecuted the case. ###


title: Belton, Raymore Brothers Plead Guilty to Drug-Trafficking, Illegal Firearms

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two Cass County, Mo., brothers pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy and to illegally possessing firearms. Serjio Diaz, 39, of Belton, and Tony Diaz, 41, of Raymore, pleaded guilty in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays. Serjio and Tony Diaz each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine; one count of possessing heroin with the intent to distribute; and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Tony Diaz also pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. Serjio Diaz also pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering. By pleading guilty today, Serjio and Tony Diaz both admitted to participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy with others that lasted from approximately January 1, 2019, until June 22, 2021. On March 18, 2019, a federal agent interdicted and seized a package from Arizona that contained more than 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, which was addressed to Serjio Diaz’s residence. On the same day, a federal agent also interdicted and seized a package from Arizona that contained more than three kilograms of methamphetamine, which was addressed to Tony Diaz’s residence. During the course of the investigation, investigators conducted 23 controlled transactions with Serjio and Tony Diaz. The transactions occurred between March 26, 2019, and May 26, 2021, and took place in Grandview, Belton, and Kansas City, Missouri. Over the course of these transactions, law enforcement purchased approximately 7,052.1 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 6,036.5 grams of heroin and approximately 468.6 grams of cocaine from Serjio DIAZ and/or his brother, Tony DIAZ, for approximately $243,900. On June 22, 2021, law enforcement officers arrested Serjio and Tony Diaz. Following a search of Tony Diaz’s residence, officers found approximately 1,128 grams of heroin, approximately 28 grams of cocaine, a Zastava Arms 7.62x39mm semi-automatic rifle, a Romarm Cugir 7.62x39mm semi-automatic rifle, and $5,461 in cash in Tony Diaz’s bedroom. Officers also found a Remington Arms .22-caliber rifle in a shed. Following a search of Tony Diaz’s vehicles, officers located one pound of suspected marijuana in his Lincoln Navigator SUV, and a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic pistol and approximately 3.4 grams of marijuana in his BMW X5. Following a search of Serjio Diaz’s residence, officers found approximately 8,942 grams of heroin, approximately 166 grams of cocaine, 6 bags of round, blue “M 30” pills containing fentanyl, with an approximate, cumulative weight of 78 grams, a metal hydraulic press, also known as a “Big Red”, an electronic scale, a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol, and $82,250 in cash. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Tony Diaz has a prior felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance. Co-defendant Maria Jasmin Lopez, 24, of Phoenix, Arizona, also pleaded guilty to her role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and was sentenced on Aug. 1, 2023, to 11 years and two months in federal prison without parole. Co-defendant Vicente Aguilera, 39, of Kansas City, Missouri pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing. Under federal statutes, Serjio and Tony Diaz are each subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Jackson County Drug Task Force and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: Repeat Offender Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: CONCORD – A Nashua man pleaded guilty today in federal court to possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Shane Niven, age 33, pleaded guilty to a single count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Samantha Elliott scheduled sentencing for July 16, 2024. Federal authorities found CSAM on electronic devices belonging to Niven at his home. Niven is a registered sex offender with a prior conviction for possession of child sexual abuse material. Authorities identified Niven through tips made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which reflected that on at least two occasions, Niven’s residential IP address had been used to share hundreds of files of suspected CSAM with users of a particular online platform. Several of the files identified in the tips to NCMEC were found on devices seized from Niven’s home. The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Homeland Security Investigations and the Nashua Police Department led the investigation. The New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland is prosecuting the case. 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Former Cornell Student Pleads Guilty to Posting Online Threats Against Jewish Students on Campus

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Patrick Dai, 21, formerly a junior at Cornell University and originally from Pittsford, New York, pleaded guilty today to posting threats to kill or injure another person using interstate communications. “This defendant is being held accountable for vile, abhorrent, antisemitic threats of violence levied against members of the Cornell University Jewish community,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “In the elevated threat environment that we have seen since Oct. 7th, we have been vigilant and stand ready to hold perpetrators of hate crimes accountable. Antisemitic threats of violence are unacceptable in our society, and we will not tolerate this conduct. Particularly at institutions of higher learning, people should feel safe to pursue educational opportunities. The Justice Department takes seriously our obligation to protect students from hatred and harassment and will continue to use every tool available to ensure that students are able to feel safe and secure.” “Patrick Dai used the internet to make horrific threats to kill and injure Jewish students attending Cornell University. The federal felony conviction he sustains today underscores that those who break the law by making violent threats will be found and prosecuted, even if they attempt to hide by posting anonymously,” said U.S. Attorney Carla Freedman for the Northern District of New York. “The rapid and coordinated investigation by the FBI, New York State Police and Cornell University Police led to Dai’s identification and arrest in a matter of days, bringing relief to both his classmates and the community he terrorized by his actions. His guilty plea today means he will be held accountable for his threats against members of his own Cornell University community.” "The threats Patrick Dai made towards the Jewish community are graphic and disturbing,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “Unfortunately, the FBI continues to see antisemitic sentiments across the violent extremist ideological spectrum. We work every day to make sure no one fears for their safety while simply going about their life, practicing their religion or attending class.” As part of his guilty plea, Dai admitted that, on Oct. 28 and 29, 2023, he posted threatening messages to the Cornell section of an online discussion forum, including posts that said “gonna shoot up 104 west” (a dining hall at Cornell University that caters predominantly to Kosher diets and is next to the Cornell Jewish Center that provides residential accommodations for students) and “gonna bomb jewish house.” In another post, Dai threatened to “stab” and “slit the throat” of any Jewish man he saw on campus, to rape and throw off a cliff any Jewish women he saw, and to behead any Jewish babies. In that same post, Dai threatened to “bring an assault rifle to campus and shoot all you pig jews.” A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 12. Dai faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, restitution to victims and a maximum of three years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes the New York State Police, is investigating this case, with assistance from the FBI Albany Field Office, Cornell University Police Department and Ithaca Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey J. L. Brown, Stephen C. Green and Michael D. Gadarian for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and with assistance from the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.


title: Two Butte men sentenced for crimes stemming from illegal importation of pill presses from China

body_text: MISSOULA — Two Butte men who admitted to charges stemming from the illegal importation of two pill presses from China were sentenced this week, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. David Jesus Tapia-Padron, 34, was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Tapia-Padron pleaded guilty in November 2023 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Co-defendant Austin Perry King-Terrell, 30, was sentenced on April 9 to three years of probation and fined $4,000. King-Terrell pleaded guilty in November 2023 to illegal importation of pill press. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. In court documents, the government alleged that in September 2022, two industrial tablet presses were illegally imported from China to the United States and addressed to a warehouse in Anaconda. The Drug Enforcement Administration intercepted the presses and then had them delivered. The DEA determined that King-Terrell had ordered the presses for Tapia-Padron and provided them to him. Each press was priced at $3,499 and could produce 4,500 to 6,000 pills an hour. Agents later searched Tapia-Padron’s residence and found large quantities of marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms and a vacuum sealed package containing one kilogram of cocaine. Agents also located distribution paraphernalia, a money counter, money bands, several handguns and rifles, a mannequin wearing body armor and other items. Five days before agents searched his house, Tapia-Padron, using his mother’s name, ordered 50 kilograms of baby blue tabling mix to be shipped to him from California. In addition, the investigation determined that Tapia-Padron paid King-Terrell to buy what King-Terrell referred to as a “kief press.” Kief is a concentrated form of marijuana. Tapia-Padron regularly sold King-Terrell marijuana and offered him psilocybin mushrooms. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case. The DEA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Former Louisiana Sheriff’s Deputy Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Violation for Assaulting Detainee

body_text: A former DeSoto Parish, Louisiana, Sheriff’s Office deputy, Javarrea Pouncy, 30, pleaded guilty to depriving a detainee of his civil rights under color of law by willfully using unreasonable force against the detainee. “Like any law enforcement officer, the defendant had a duty to protect people in his custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Instead of fulfilling his duty, the defendant abused his authority by beating a detainee who posed no threat to him, leaving the victim broken, bloodied and bruised. The Justice Department is committed to investigating and prosecuting officers who violate the civil and constitutional rights of those in their care.” “This defendant was an officer of the law who took an oath to serve and protect others, but he did the exact opposite of that,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown for the Western District of Louisiana. “This incident was unnecessary and a result of this defendant’s abuse of the law. We take these violations of civil rights of others very seriously and will continue to prosecute those who violate these laws in the Western District of Louisiana.” “There is never any excuse for a man or woman who takes the oath to serve and protect to do what Pouncy did in this case,” said Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “The FBI is committed to uncovering cowards who attempt to hide their acts of violence behind the badge. Justice is finally served in this case.” According to court documents, on Sept. 27, 2019, Pouncy was working as a deputy at the DeSoto Parish jail when he and another deputy strip searched a detainee as part of the booking process. During the search, Pouncy and the other deputy, DeMarkes Grant, repeatedly punched the detainee, even though the detainee did not pose a threat to either officer. The officers threw approximately 50 punches at the detainee, including in the head and face. As a result of the assault, the detainee was hospitalized and diagnosed with a broken eye socket and broken nose, among other injuries. Grant previously pleaded guilty to an obstruction offense for filing a false report about the assault, which he did knowingly and purposefully in order to prevent authorities from learning about the unreasonable use of force. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 7. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Pouncy faces a penalty of 30 to 37 months in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI New Orleans Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorney Erin Monju of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Reeg for the Western District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.


title: Man Who Bound And Raped Au Pair Pleads No Contest

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: Winfree planned to kill the woman and hide her body to avoid prosecution LANSING, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Arisknight Arkin-Everett Winfree, 31, of East Lansing, plead no contest to the five counts against him; kidnapping, coercing and enticing someone to travel for the purposes of illegal sexual activity, attempted coercion and enticement, and two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. A no contest plea is a defendant's admission that while he does not want to plead guilty, the prosecutor has sufficient evidence to convict him of the crimes. Winfree faces a potential maximum sentence of life in prison. The previous release announcing the indictment against Winfree can be viewed here . “Winfree posed a danger to the whole world from his home here in West Michigan,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “My office will do everything in its power to seek out and prosecute perpetrators like him, who use the Internet to exploit others. To victims, we stand ready to listen and to protect. And to everyone who uses the internet, be vigilant: you never know for sure who is on the other side of the screen.” Prior to accepting the no contest plea, the Court required the United States to identify what evidence it would have presented at trial. That evidence included that Winfree used the website AuPair.com to create a fake listing to lure au pairs to his home, where he intended to sexually assault them. A woman from Kansas came and escaped after her parents called the police. An Italian au pair came, and Winfree handcuffed, bound, and raped her. He then spoke with his friend Paul Heiselman, indicating to Heiselman he intended to kill the Italian woman and dispose of her body to avoid detection or prosecution. Winfree also pled no contest to two counts of producing child pornography, after he coerced 16- and 17-year-old girls to send him nude images through social media apps. He picked up the 17-year-old from school and recorded himself having sex with her. The complete statement of facts outlining what the United States would have presented at trial is attached to this press release. Today, the Court also sentenced Winfree’s friend, Paul Heiselman, 33, of Ann Arbor, to 41 months for possessing some of the child pornography Winfree produced. After receiving one of those videos of child pornography, Heiselman remarked, “she ready for the cams,” an apparent reference to creating amateur pornography for wider distribution. “The collective investigative efforts of the FBI and East Lansing Police Department prevented Mr. Winfree from potentially victimizing countless other young women, said” Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan . “We remain grateful for the bravery of the victims for coming forward to law enforcement. This case is stark reminder of the dangers and reach predators have through online methods, and how vigilant we must be while using the internet.” This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor's offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit the following website: www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials. The Winfree and Heiselman cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Davin Reust, and they were investigated by the East Lansing Police Department and the FBI. ###


title: Two Essex County Men Charged with Carjacking and Firearm Posssesion

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. –Two Essex County, New Jersey, men have been charged with carjacking a vehicle in Newark, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Arraqeeb Williamscook, 23, of East Orange, New Jersey, and Washir Singletary, 30, of Newark, are charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking and one count of carjacking. Singletary is also charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Both defendants appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge José Almonte in Newark federal court on March 9, 2024, and were detained. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On Dec. 9, 2023, the victim was waiting for his pick-up order at a restaurant in Newark. The victim was pumping air into the front passenger side tire while waiting for his food order when Williamscook and Singletary pulled into the parking lot in a Lexus that had been stolen out of Wall Township, New Jersey. Williamscook got out of the Lexus and entered the driver’s side of the victim’s vehicle. When the victim approached Williamscook, Williamscook brandished what appeared to be a firearm. As the victim ran into the restaurant to call for help, Singletary got out of the Lexus and changed places with Williamscook in the victim’s vehicle. Singletary drove away in the victim’s vehicle. Williamscook was apprehended in the restaurant parking lot attempting to flee in the stolen Lexus. Shortly after, Singletary returned to the restaurant parking lot with an unidentified conspirator in the victim’s car to retrieve the stolen Lexus. The unidentified conspirator drove away in the victim’s car and Singletary drove away in the stolen Lexus. Singletary was later apprehended after abandoning the stolen Lexus. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of a Ruger/Strum revolver. The count of conspiracy to commit carjacking carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count of carjacking carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, and members of the Newark City Police Department, with the investigation leading to the charges. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ingrid Eicher of the General Crimes Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. williamscooketal.complaint.pdf


title: Ohio Man Sentenced for Firearms Violation

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Anthony Doty, age 37, of Steubenville, Ohio, was sentenced today to 46 months for the unlawful possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources was investigating multiple reports of hunting violations on private property in Brooke County. Officers found a video depicting Doty and a juvenile shooting guns at standing water on property owned by a coal company in Windsor Heights. Doty, who’s been convicted of multiple felonies and domestic violence, is prohibited from having firearms but admitted to having the shotgun used to fire the shots. Doty will also be required to report for three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.


title: Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty To Attempting To Illegally Purchase A Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jason Harris (42, Palm Coast) has pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer. Harris faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the court documents, Harris completed an ATF Form 4473 during the attempted purchase of a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer. On the required paperwork, Harris indicated that he was not a convicted felon. Harris later admitted this was a false statement and he was previously convicted of multiple prior felonies, including robbery, shooting, or throwing a deadly missile, felony battery, and sale of cocaine. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This is another case uncovered through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). All NICS denials are reported to federal law enforcement and are reviewed daily for potential criminal prosecution. Federal law makes it a felony offense to make a false statement to a firearms dealer when trying to buy a gun. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Leader Of Seven Mile Bloods Street Gang Sentenced To Life In Prison  After Being Convicted Of Racketeering, Murder, And Other Related Offenses

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT –The leader of the Seven Mile Bloods Street Gang was sentenced to life in prison today after having been convicted in December, 2023 of 22 counts, including racketeering conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, and related firearms offenses, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today. Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Division. Billy Arnold, age 37, was convicted of RICO Conspiracy, two counts of Murder in Aid of Racketeering, 10 counts of Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering, and multiple firearm counts following a six-week trial, a federal jury before Chief Judge Sean Cox in the Eastern District of Michigan. “The harshest sentences are reserved for the most serious crimes and criminals. They are reserved for people like Billy Arnold, who killed multiple people, tried to kill many others, and terrorized an entire community,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. “With this sentence, Arnold’s victims received some small measure of justice. This sentence should also send a message to others. To those who commit acts of violence: We will not stand for it any longer. And, to the vast majority of the residents of the “Red Zone” and all over Detroit and the Eastern District of Michigan, who want nothing more than to live in peace: We have your back. We will be by your side, working every day to prevent violence from occurring. But when it does, we will stand with you then too. And we will use all of our resources to bring to justice those who don’t stop shooting.” “Local gangs such as the Seven Mile Bloods utilize violence and firearm threats to spread fear within the community,” stated Cheyvoryea Gibson, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “This sentencing sends a message that the Violent Gang Task Force of the FBI will continue to take a stand against those who engage in street violence and retaliation to safeguard the citizens of Detroit. I would like to recognize and thank the men and women of our task force for their dedication and tireless work during this investigation.” According to evidence presented during the trial, the Seven Mile Bloods operated on the east side of Detroit, between Gratiot Avenue and Kelly Road and between Seven and Eight Mile Roads. Seven Mile Bloods or “SMB” members claimed this area as their territory and referred to it as the “Red Zone.” The area is in zip code 48205, which SMB members referred to as “4-8-2-0-Die.” Evidence presented at trial showed an ongoing gang war between the Seven Mile Bloods and an alliance of other gangs operating on Detroit’s east side stemming from a murder that Arnold committed in July 2014. Arnold, who was on parole at the time, encountered two rival gang members during a meeting at a parole office in Detroit. After the meeting, Arnold waited outside the parole office until the rival gang member left. Arnold followed the rival gang members and their two companions a short distance before opening fire, killing one of the victims and seriously injuring another. Following the murder, the Seven Mile Bloods and rival gangs began violently attacking one another and posted respective “hit lists” on social media. The violence reached a boiling point in 2015 when during a one-month span, Arnold murdered one rival gang member, and shot numerous others. One of Arnold’s victims, who was shot while taking his two young daughters for a walk, was paralyzed as a result of the shooting. Arnold shot another victim, who was only 15 years old at the time of the shooting, while the victim was at his first day of work at a banquet hall in Roseville. Arnold shot the victim while attempting to murder a rival gang member who was standing near the victim in a parking lot. The 15-year-old victim and the rival gang member survived the shooting. On September 26, 2015, Arnold and another Seven Mile Blood member were arrested following a high-speed chase in Detroit. Following the chase, law enforcement recovered an assault rifle from the vehicle that was used in one murder and several other shootings. The investigation further resulted in the seizure of more than 20 firearms, including several high-powered assault rifles. Arnold is the 20th member or associate of the Seven Mile Bloods to have been convicted as a result of the investigation. This case was the result of a collaborative effort by multiple law enforcement agencies. Investigators were able to bring together separate probes into various members of this organization and its criminal activities into one encompassing investigation. Partners include the Detroit Police Department Gang Intelligence Unit, the FBI Violent Gang Task Force, which consists of representatives of Detroit Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Michigan Department of Corrections and Michigan State Police, with the cooperation of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Also assisting in the investigation were the Charleston and South Charleston Police Departments in West Virginia.


title: Pascagoula Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: Gulfport, MS – A Pascagoula man was sentenced in federal court today to 72 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jerome Clifton Clegg, 39, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Gulfport. According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Southern Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team received information that Jerome Clifton Clegg was distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in Pascagoula. In August 2023, agents began surveillance of Clegg’s residence and observed drug transactions taking place. A traffic stop conducted on one individual who purchased drugs from Clegg yielded 58 grams of methamphetamine, and a traffic stop with a second individual yielded an additional 3 grams. Based on this information, agents conducted a search of Clegg’s home which yielded additional narcotics and a handgun. On December 4, 2023, Clegg pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Rose.


title: False Claims Act Complaint Filed Against Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for Fraudulent Drug Pricing Reporting

component: Civil Division

body_text: The United States filed a complaint under the False Claims Act (FCA) against Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Regeneron), a New York-based pharmaceutical company. Regeneron manufactures and sells Eylea, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat, among other conditions, neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration, a prevalent, usually age-related condition that impairs vision. The complaint alleges that Regeneron fraudulently inflated Medicare reimbursement rates for Eylea by knowingly submitting false average sales price reports to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that excluded certain price concessions. In particular, the United States alleges that Regeneron knowingly failed to report price concessions in the form of credit card processing fees that Regeneron paid to specialty drug distributors to benefit its customers. According to the complaint, Regeneron paid these credit card fees so that distributors would accept credit cards for Eylea purchases while still charging a lower, cash price for the drug, and so that Regeneron’s customers — typically retina and ophthalmic practices — could receive credit card benefits for their purchases, such as “cash back” and other credit card rewards. “We will not permit pharmaceutical companies to flout price reporting requirements to maintain high drug prices,” said Principal Deputy Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to protecting federal health care programs from improper actions by drug companies or others that drive up the cost of those programs at the taxpayers’ expense.” “The government alleges that Regeneron manipulated Medicare’s drug pricing process, by knowingly failing to report its payment of credit card processing fees as price concessions to its customers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. “By doing so, Regeneron greatly inflated the costs of its drug to Medicare over many years and enhanced its revenues. Falsely reported average sales prices cost the Medicare system hundreds of millions of dollars and we will make every effort to prevent such practices.” The lawsuit was originally filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the FCA. Under the FCA, private parties file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. The FCA permits the United States to intervene in and take over the action, as it has done here. If a defendant is found liable for violating the FCA, the United States may recover three times the amount of its losses plus applicable penalties. The Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts are handling the matter with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General and the FBI. The case is captioned United States ex rel. Does 1-2 et. al. v. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. et al. , No. 20-cv-1401-PBS. Trial Attorneys Douglas Rosenthal, Asha Natarajan and Samuel R. Lehman of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Diane Seol and Lindsey Ross for the District of Massachusetts are handling the matter. The investigation and prosecution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare 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 HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The claims asserted in the complaint are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. Complaint


title: Detroit Business Owner Charged with Possessing Over 40 kilograms of  Fentanyl in Basement Stash House

body_text: DETROIT – A Detroit gas station owner has been charged with several federal crimes stemming from his involvement with a Detroit-based stash house that held over 40 kilograms of fentanyl, a pill press, and a variety of other materials used to manufacture fentanyl pills, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today. Ison was joined in the announcement by Orville Greene, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Chief Thomas Goralski, Livonia Police Department. On March 28, 2024, law enforcement executed search warrants at three locations connected to Barry Willis, 55, a resident of Clinton Township and owner of a Detroit gas station. Officers searched Willis’s primary residence in Clinton Township, his gas station in Detroit, as well as his suspected stash house in Detroit. In the basement of the stash house, officers recovered over 40 kilograms of fentanyl in both pill and powder form, as well as a hoard of materials for manufacturing fentanyl pills such as a pill press, narcotics scales, and drug recipes. Officers further located two handguns at the stash house, one at Willis’s residence, and another at his gas station, as well as over $100,000 in cash from Willis’s Clinton Township residence. “This case represents the largest law enforcement seizure of fentanyl in the state of Michigan to date. We are incredibly proud of our law enforcement partners who conducted this investigation and recovered these deadly substances before they could harm members of our community.,” U.S. Attorney Ison said. “This amount of fentanyl has the potential to provide nearly two deadly doses to every man, woman and child living in the state of Michigan. We will continue to work with our partners to pursue anyone pushing poisons into our communities and bring them to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Greene. "This major seizure of fentanyl has saved lives. The great partnerships we have with law enforcement at the federal, state and local levels in southeast Michigan, enable us to make these types of investigations successful,” said Chief Goralski. Willis has now been indicted for possession of over 400 grams of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment if convicted of the charges in the indictment. An indictment is only a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This case was investigated by the Livonia Police Department, including officers assigned to the Livonia Police Intelligence Bureau, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Michigan State Police and the Clinton Township Police Department also assisted with the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Ramamurthy.


title: Drug Manufacturer to Pay $2.25 Million to Settle Controlled Substances Act Allegations

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A pharmaceutical manufacturer agreed to pay $2.25 million to resolve allegations that it violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced today. The manufacturer, Novel Laboratories Inc. (Novel), a subsidiary of Lupin Inc., also reached an administrative resolution with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) by entering into a memorandum of agreement (MOA). “Manufacturers that work with dangerous and addictive opioids must safeguard the drugs. My office is dedicated to holding every level of the opioid distribution chain accountable for failures to properly handle and account for controlled substances, including manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies, and medical providers to ensure that these drugs are used safely and for legal purposes.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “Pharmaceutical companies are not exempt from their regulatory responsibilities especially when dealing with controlled substances and the dangerous effects they have when misused,” Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Field Division said. “This settlement reflects DEA’s commitment to making sure measures are in place to safeguard the community and hold DEA registrants accountable. I commend our Diversion Investigators for bringing this matter to a resolution” According to documents filed in this case and the contentions of the United States contained in the settlement agreement: From Jan. 1, 2019, to Aug. 31, 2021, Novel committed CSA violations involving its failure to account for approximately 3.1 kg oxycodone, 7.7 kg hydrocodone, and 30 kg Temazepam. DEA discovered these violations during on-site inspections of Novel beginning in the summer of 2021. The MOA requires Novel to improve its operations and remain in compliance with the law, and will remain in effect for three years. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited diversion investigators of DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz in Newark, with the investigation leading to the settlement agreement and MOA. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordann R. Conaboy of the U.S. Attorney’s Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark. The claims settled by the agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. noveldea.moa_.pdf novel.settlement.pdf


title: Last Charged Collegiate Track Athlete Sentenced  for Moving Money Overseas for Fraud Schemes

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Hattiesburg, Miss. – A Marietta, Georgia woman was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay a $74,847.52 fine and restitution in the amount of $123,116.50 for her role in an overseas fraud scheme. Aniekeme Etim, 24, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Hattiesburg. According to court documents and information presented to the Court, between 2018 and 2022, fraudsters based in Nigeria targeted men and women across the United States in romance scams, fraudulent goods scams, and military scams. The victims of the fraud schemes would be instructed to send money to individuals based in the United States, who would then transfer the money ultimately back overseas. After investigating the money transfers, the FBI determined that Etim, Uyoyo Mercy Abire, Raymond Ekevwo, Toluwani Adebakin, Ngoni Chadyiwa, and Emmanuel Ineh, were all receiving and transferring the proceeds from the fraud schemes. At the time that they were engaged in this activity, each of the individuals were collegiate track and field athletes. Etim and Adebakin, originally from Nigeria, were track and field athletes at William Carey University. Abire, originally from Nigeria, was a track and field athlete at Louisiana State University. Ekevwo, originally from Nigeria, was a track and field athlete at the University of Florida. Ngoni Chadyiwa, originally from Zimbabwe, was a track and field athlete at William Carey University. Finally, Emmanuel Ineh, originally from Nigeria, was a track and field athlete at William Carey University and the University of Alabama. Ultimately, the investigation did not show that any of the athletes directly contacted any of the fraud victims. However, as a result of the fraud schemes, the athletes received funds from over 100 victims and transferred over $820,000.00 overseas. Etim was sentenced today after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting the operation of an unlicensed money transmission business. Abire pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 41 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Ekevwo pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the operation of an unlicensed money transmission business and was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Adebakin pleaded guilty to money laundering and was sentenced to 36 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Chadyiwa pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the operation of an unlicensed money transmission business and was sentenced to three years of probation. Ineh pleaded guilty to money laundering and was sentenced to time served and 3 years of supervised release. Additionally, as part of their sentence, all of the defendants were ordered to pay restitution to the victims from whom they personally received funds. Each of the defendants also remain subject to potential deportation and/or removal. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Buckner and former Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Eichner prosecuted the case.


title: Irondale, Alabama Man Charged with Detonating an Explosive Device Outside of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: Montgomery, Alabama – An Irondale, Alabama, man is facing federal charges for his alleged role in detonating an explosive device in downtown Montgomery, Alabama. On April 10, law enforcement arrested Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, on charges of malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device. “Thanks to the work of the FBI and our state and local law enforcement partners, this defendant is being held accountable for allegedly detonating an explosive device outside of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department has no tolerance for acts of violence targeting those who serve the public.” “Federal, state, and local law enforcement agents worked tirelessly to investigate this matter,” stated Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. “The arrest today is a reflection of the way in which close cooperation among law enforcement agencies facilitates the pursuit of justice. I am grateful for the efforts of all involved.” According to the indictment and other court documents, an explosive device was detonated on Feb. 24 at approximately 3:42 a.m. outside of the Alabama Attorney General's Office near the intersection of Washington Avenue and South Bainbridge Street. No injuries or major damage to nearby buildings were reported. Agents and Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, along with special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and officers from the Montgomery Police Department, responded to the scene when remnants of the device were discovered. The case was unsealed today by the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. Calvert is scheduled for his initial appearance in federal court today in Montgomery at 1:30pm. If convicted, Calvert faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison with no possibility of parole. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The FBI Mobile Field Office, Montgomery Resident Agency Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and Alabama Attorney General’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Russell T. Duraski and Brett J. Talley for the Middle District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.


title: St. Louis County Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Shooting, Carjackings

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Wednesday sentenced a man from St. Ann, Missouri to 18 years in prison for two carjackings and for shooting a store clerk in the mouth during a robbery. On Dec. 26, 2021, James Furlow carjacked a 2017 Kia Sorrento SUV at gunpoint. He then tried to break into an ATM by shooting at it. Later that day Furlow and Monya Jones robbed a Quick Mart in St. Louis County. Furlow shot the store clerk in the mouth during the robbery, seriously injuring him. Four days later, Furlow carjacked a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan at gunpoint. After police spotted him, Furlow fled, first in the stolen SUV and later on foot, but was caught in a basement. A dating app was used to set up both carjackings. Furlow, now 20, pleaded guilty to two counts of carjacking and one count each of possession and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, robbery and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Jones, now 23, of St. Louis County, pleaded guilty to one robbery charge and one charge of possession, brandishing and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Judge Autrey sentenced Jones in February to 13 years and 10 months in prison. The St. Louis County Police Department, the St. Ann Police Department, the Overland Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassandra Wiemken is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: WASHINGTON – Patrick Dai, age 21, formerly a junior at Cornell University and originally from Pittsford, New York, pled guilty today to posting threats to kill or injure another person using interstate communications. “This defendant is being held accountable for vile, abhorrent, antisemitic threats of violence levied against members of the Cornell University Jewish community,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “In the elevated threat environment that we have seen since Oct. 7th, we have been vigilant and stand ready to hold perpetrators of hate crimes accountable. Antisemitic threats of violence are unacceptable in our society, and we will not tolerate this conduct. Particularly at institutions of higher learning, people should feel safe to pursue educational opportunities. The Justice Department takes seriously our obligation to protect students from hatred and harassment and will continue to use every tool available to ensure that students are able to feel safe and secure.” “Patrick Dai used the internet to make horrific threats to kill and injure Jewish students attending Cornell University. The federal felony conviction he sustains today underscores that those who break the law by making violent threats will be found and prosecuted, even if they attempt to hide by posting anonymously,” said U.S. Attorney Carla Freedman for the Northern District of New York. “The rapid and coordinated investigation by the FBI, New York State Police and Cornell University Police led to Dai’s identification and arrest in a matter of days, bringing relief to both his classmates and the community he terrorized by his actions. His guilty plea today means he will be held accountable for his threats against members of his own Cornell University community.” “Patrick Dai’s disturbingly violent threats caused widespread panic and fear throughout Cornell University’s Jewish community,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli of the FBI Albany Field Office. “I want to commend our Joint Terrorism Task Force and our outstanding partners from New York State Police and Cornell University Police Department for their swift coordination in identifying and arresting Dai. The FBI will not tolerate any individual who terrorizes our communities and will work closely with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure our college campuses remain a safe space for students to continue their education free of fear and hate.” New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “New York takes pride in its’ diversity. Mr. Dai committed a heinous bias related crime, rooted in hate that is not welcome. We will not tolerate the illegal behavior brought on by these acts. I thank the United States Attorney’s Office and our partners in law enforcement for their collaboration in obstructing these crimes.” Chief Anthony G. Bellamy, Cornell University Police said, “We are grateful for the diligent work of our law enforcement partners involved in the investigation and legal process. The swift response and investigative efforts illustrate the commitment of Cornell Police and the Division of Public Safety to keep our community safe from threats of targeted violence. We are thankful this matter has come to a just conclusion without further impact and hope this plea and conviction provide some comfort to the affected members of our community.” As part of his guilty plea, Dai admitted that, on Oct. 28 and 29, 2023, he posted threatening messages to the Cornell section of an online discussion forum, including posts that said “gonna shoot up 104 west” (a dining hall at Cornell University that caters predominantly to Kosher diets and is next to the Cornell Jewish Center that provides residential accommodations for students) and “gonna bomb jewish house.” In another post, Dai threatened to “stab” and “slit the throat” of any Jewish man he saw on campus, to rape and throw off a cliff any Jewish women he saw, and to behead any Jewish babies. In that same post, Dai threatened to “bring an assault rifle to campus and shoot all you pig jews.” A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 12, 2024 in Syracuse. Dai faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, restitution to victims and a maximum of three years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes the New York State Police, is investigating this case, with assistance from the FBI Albany Field Office, Cornell University Police Department and Ithaca Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey J. L. Brown, Stephen C. Green and Michael D. Gadarian for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and with assistance from the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.


title: Tahlequah Resident Sentenced For Federal Firearm Offense

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Lawrence Eugene Blue, age 65, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for possessing a firearm after being previously convicted of a felony offense. This sentence is to be served concurrently with an 18-month term of imprisonment imposed for violating supervised release. The charge arose from an investigation by the United States Probation Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On June 7, 2023, Blue pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm. On December 1, 2022, a United States Probation Officer discovered Blue in possession of a .22 caliber revolver and assorted ammunition. At the time, Blue was on supervised release for one count of a federal drug conspiracy conviction, a felony crime, and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Blue 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 at sentencing.