title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts 19 Individuals for Roles in a Fraudulent Scheme to Obtain COVID-19 Relief Funds

component: USAO - Puerto Rico

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, announced the indictment of 19 individuals for their participation in a scheme to illegally obtain federal recovery funds under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Grand Jury charged the defendants with multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering. The charging documents allege that from April 2020 through February 2024, the defendants and their co-conspirators caused the submission of at least 30 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications seeking the illegal disbursement of at least $587,442 in federal recovery funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Bank 1. “This is the fifth round of defendants charged since April 2023 relating to this fraud scheme. The investigation remains ongoing, and we expect more charges,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Today I make the same recommendation that I have in the past – if you are involved in criminal activity, contact law enforcement and cooperate. It will be better for you if you come forward than if you wait for the feds to knock on your door.” “In IRS Criminal Investigation we have been working on these complex cases for almost three years. The investigations include multiple special agents and expert personnel from several federal agencies,” said Matthew D. Line, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI Office in Miami. “Twenty-four IRS:CI special agents coordinated today’s operation were responsible for the arrest of five people this morning. Our message is one and it is clear: we will continue to work tirelessly to bring to justice those who commit criminal acts or defraud our taxpayers, no matter who they are or where they are.” “Scheming to fraudulently obtain federal funds that are meant to provide assistance to the nation’s small businesses is unacceptable,” said SBA OIG’s Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Braithwaite. “OIG will aggressively root out organized fraud rings that seek to wrongfully take advantage of pandemic relief program funds. Today’s arrests serve as a reminder that each fraudulent action is like footprints in concrete, and wrongdoers will be brought to justice. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s office and our law enforcement partners for their support and dedication to pursuing justice in this case.” The United States Secret Service, the Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Treasury Department, the Puerto Rico Bureau of Special Investigations, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, and the Guaynabo Municipal Police. According to court documents, defendants José Carmona Morales, a.k.a. “Cheka” and Cecy Casiano Santiago, together with Manfred A. Pentzke Lemus, a.k.a. “Man/Contable/El Gestor”, Rodolpho R. Pagesy Roussel, a.k.a. “El Banquero”, Augusto A. Lemus Berrios, a.k.a. “Primo”, Jonatan Ben David Prieto Ruiz De Val, a.k.a. “Johnny Millones”, Ligia María Lemus De Pentzke, and others knowingly devised a scheme to defraud the SBA and Bank 1 to obtain federal money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises submitted through applications for EIDL and PPP loans made available through the CARES Act to help small businesses recover from the impact of the pandemic. Pentzke Lemus, Pagesy Roussel, Lemus Berrios, Prieto Ruiz De Val, and Lemus De Pentzke were previously charged in April 2023 in a separate indictment. The defendants are: [1] José Carmona Morales, a.k.a. “Cheka” [2] Cecy Casiano Santiago [3] Arnaldo Dávila Rivera [4] Cruz Sheila Pérez Guzmán [5] Emmanuel Maysonet Cruz [6] Janelle Irene Fe Cooney Delgado [7] Jesús Rodríguez Maysonet [8] Julia Cecilia Santiago Salgado [9] Nelson Noriega Sotomayor [10] Héctor Martínez Ortiz [11] Carolyn González Marrero [12] Edyel León Rivera [13] Ángel Febus Muñoz [14] Verónica Vázquez Molina [15] Karishna Ayala Otero [16] Lilliam Collazo Pérez [17] Rebecca Serrano Martínez [18] Rosa Casanova Salgado [19] Tatiana Lebrón The CARES Act authorized federal assistance through the issuance of SBA loans to small businesses and non-profit entities that experienced revenue loss due to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. The EIDL program was one such loan assistance program for small businesses. To procure the loan, applicants had to fill out an online application detailing operational information for the 12‑month period prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the number of employees in the business, the gross business revenues realized, and the cost of goods sold. Another form of assistance provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of United States taxpayer funds in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, such as interest on mortgages, rent and utilities, through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The indictment alleges that the defendants submitted at least 30 fraudulent PPP loan applications containing materially false and fraudulent information and false documents, including false and fictitious tax documents, payroll records, bank records, and identification documents, to procure the disbursement of PPP assistance loans by Bank 1. The indictment further alleges that the defendants and their co-conspirators directed the recipients of the fraudulently obtained PPP loans to remit a portion of the proceeds of the loans to the defendants and their co-conspirators and used the loan proceeds to benefit themselves and others, and to pay for expenses prohibited under the requirements of the PPP programs. Defendants José Carmona Morales, a.k.a. “Cheka” and Cecy Casiano Santiago are facing one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, for knowingly conducting financial transactions involving the proceeds of wire fraud, together with other individuals previously indicted. The defendants, including José Carmona Morales, a.k.a. “Cheka”, are also alleged to have recruited other unindicted co-conspirators to not only obtain additional EIDL and PPP loans under false pretenses, but recruit others to submit fraudulent applications. If convicted, the defendants are facing up to 30 years in prison for the wire fraud counts. José Carmona Morales, a.k.a. “Cheka” and Cecy Casiano Santiago are also facing up to 20 years of imprisonment for the money laundering count. Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Timothy R. Henwood, Chief of the Criminal Division, and AUSA Daniel J. Olinghouse are in charge of the prosecution of the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Penn Hills Resident Pleads Guilty to Narcotics Charge

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on February 6, 2024, to one count of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Jose Santiago Hernandez, 32, pleaded guilty to attempting to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Hernandez pleaded guilty before United States Senior District Judge Joy Flowers Conti. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on June 28, 2021, Hernandez attempted to take possession of two U.S. postal parcels containing powder cocaine, a controlled substance under federal law. Combined, the parcels contained a collective weight of over five kilograms of cocaine. Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for June 6, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Hernandez.


title: Missouri-Based Defense Department Contractor Admits Fraud

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A Defense Department contractor from St. Charles County, Missouri on Wednesday admitted illegally obtaining parts for the military overseas, undercutting domestic suppliers. David Murar, 73, waived his right to indictment by a grand jury and pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one felony count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Murar admitted that from roughly April through October of 2022, he bid on and received at least nine U.S. government contracts by way of fraudulent misrepresentations, including that he would provide parts from domestic sources. Murar actually provided parts from China and other foreign countries. By doing so, Murar was able to underbid domestic suppliers. Murar broke the law by providing “military critical technical data,” which was restricted and protected information, to foreign individuals and/or entities. Murar also admitted to fraudulently using his wife’s name to gain a competitive advantage for one of his companies as a woman-owned small business, when he was really the actual owner and operator. Murar fraudulently obtained contracts worth at least $333,465 for parts including nuts, bolts, washers, sleeves, and tools. “Some of the parts that Murar’s companies supplied were designated as ‘critical,’ meaning they are essential to weapon system performance or the preservation of life or safety of personnel,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming. “Murar and his companies have already been suspended from government contracting and he has now pleaded guilty to a felony conspiracy charge. This case should serve as a stern warning to those whose actions could endanger members of the armed forces or who supply confidential data on military equipment to overseas entities.” "The safety and readiness of the warfighter is the top priority of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General's Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS)," said Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Gregory P. Shilling of the DCIS Southwest Field Office. "We remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of the DoD supply chain, and we will pursue any company that supplies substandard products. Along with our partners, we are likewise committed to protecting sensitive technology and seek to hold those accountable who subvert export controls, exposing technology to adversaries." “Knowingly removing export control markings and illegally transmitting export-controlled military technology data overseas to produce substandard components for vital DOD contracts, while purporting the same to be made in America, puts U.S. warfighters at risk and undermines our national security. BIS is committed to vigorously investigating illicit technology transfers and holding violators accountable,” said Aaron Tambrini, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement, Chicago Field Office. “We will work with law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue cases involving anyone who provides false information in government databases to fraudulently win government contracts,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Ryan of the Midwest Investigations Division of the U.S. General Services Administration Office of Inspector General. “Legitimate woman-owned businesses deserve a level playing field when competing for contract opportunities.” “Product substitution is a serious threat to Air Force assets, and negatively impacts aircraft safety and readiness,” said Special Agent in Charge William A. Rouse, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Procurement Fraud Detachment 4, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Murar owned three businesses: Midwest Metals, St. Louis Loft Metals, and Florence Metals. Murar signed agreements not to provide access to military critical technical data to anyone other than his employees or other eligible persons and comply with U.S. export control laws and regulations. He also agreed to comply with laws and other restrictions requiring certain items purchased by the Defense Department to be domestically sourced. But Murar admitted scheming to obtain parts from China, Hong Kong and other countries, and sent requests for quotes, including diagrams of necessary parts, to suppliers in those countries. He removed document distribution statements, destruction notices and export control and arms export control warnings from those documents before sending them, his plea agreement says. Murar wired funds to obtain the parts, which were then manufactured and sent to his home in St. Charles. He discarded their original packaging and repackaged them to conceal their origin overseas, his plea says. Murar is scheduled to be sentenced May 7. The charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both prison and a fine. The General Services Administration Office of Inspector General, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General's Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, Fraud Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Drake and Cort VanOstran are prosecuting the case.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects more than $6 million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2023

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: BILLINGS — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced today that the District of Montana collected $6,041,422 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2023. Of this amount, $1,876,130 was collected in criminal actions and $4,165,292 was collected in civil actions . Additionally, the District of Montana worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $52,813,479 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, the Department of Justice collected $48,185,752 from Atlantic Richfield Co. and $4,627,717 from Kalispell Regional Medical Center. “These collections come from both criminals who owe victims money, as well as those who owe debts or civil penalties to the American taxpayer. After we obtain criminal convictions or civil judgments, our office’s financial litigation program is tasked with ensuring money is paid to victims and as these numbers reflect, they have great success. Their service is essential to executing our criminal and civil judgments, and I thank them for their tireless work and dedication to crime victims and the American people,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. Funds collected from civil judgments include: $2,940,474 from Dr. David Bellamah and Bellamah Vein & Surgery for settlement of alleged False Claims Act violations. Funds collected from criminal judgments include: $184,457 from Rodolfo “Nick” Gutierrez, Jr., who paid his victims in full, with interest. Gutierrez was convicted of bank fraud in 2010. Collected from real property in Texas which he had transferred without paying his victims. $178,814 from Gene Klamert, which included full restitution and a $35,000 fine for defrauding the Bureau of Land Management. $100,000 from U.S. Minerals, Inc., which was convicted of negligent endangerment for exposing workers to arsenic at its former Anaconda plant. $91,556 from Aaron Grossman, which included full payment of his restitution and a $20,000 fine for false statements to a government agency. $66,050 from Anna Niles, who was convicted of wire fraud. Collected in part through turnover of Niles’s non-exempt retirement account. $41,482 from Melissa Horner, who was convicted of failing to pay IRS employment taxes. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana , working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $485,202 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2023. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. XXX


title: Holyoke Man Who Possessed Fentanyl-Laced Heroin, Cocaine and Firearm Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Holyoke man has been sentenced in federal court in Springfield in connection with drug and firearm offenses. Jonathan Mercedes, 31, was sentenced on Feb. 5, 2024 by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 10 years in prison and four years of supervised release. In July 2023, Mercedes pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams of more of fentanyl; one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking felonies. On April 7, 2022, Mercedes possessed with intent to distribute 60 grams of fentanyl laced heroin and 59 grams of cocaine. Mercedes also possessed a Ruger .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun loaded with nine rounds of .22 caliber ammunition and a Smith and Wesson 9mm semi-automatic handgun loaded with 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England; and Holyoke Police Chief Manuel Febo made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of the Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.


title: Pennsylvania Man Sentenced To 78 Months In Prison For Trafficking Stolen Medical Products From Battle Creek VA Medical Center

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Steven William Anderson, Jr., 45, of Selinsgrove, PA, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for his role in a multi-year conspiracy to traffic stolen diabetic test strips from the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. During Anderson’s sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou emphasized the harm to the VA, veterans who rely on VA services, and the taxpayers. “Anderson trafficked stolen goods while pocketing thousands of dollars in ill-gotten gain,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “Not only did Anderson steal from the government, but he diverted medical products intended for veterans who faithfully served our nation. Today’s sentence brings a measure of justice for taxpayers and those who serve the United States in uniform.” In June 2023, a jury found Anderson guilty of all twelve charges against him following a three-day trial. In total, Anderson trafficked over 7,900 boxes of stolen diabetic test strips worth over $427,795. Anderson’s co-conspirators, Jennifer Robertson, 53, of Battle Creek, MI, and Michelle McAllister, 57, of Jerome, MI, pled guilty and were sentenced to prison last year. The United States expects to receive a total recovery from Anderson of more than $1.6 million. He agreed to pay over $1.2 million to resolve the government’s civil claims arising from his misconduct. He was ordered to pay the full value of the stolen diabetic test strips he trafficked, $427,795.23, as part of his criminal judgment. Robertson was employed at the Battle Creek VA Pharmacy, where she was responsible for ordering supplies for veterans in need of medical care. Beginning in June 2017, Robertson stole diabetic test strips from pharmacy inventory and arranged to meet McAllister and sell them for cash. McAllister in turn sold and shipped them to Anderson in Pennsylvania. Their scheme unraveled when Robertson was caught stealing in November 2019. “Stolen medical products can present a health risk to those who buy and use them,” said Special Agent in Charge Ronne G. Malham, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office . “FDA will continue to protect the public by investigating and bringing to justice those who compromise the nation’s healthcare programs.” “These crimes are especially troubling because they violated the integrity of the healthcare system that serves our nation’s veterans,” said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Billingsley, Central Field Office, Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General. “Today’s sentences demonstrate the VA OIG’s commitment to holding accountable those who illegally enrich themselves at taxpayer expense.” All three co-conspirators were convicted and agreed to civil penalty settlements under the Strengthening and Focusing Enforcement to Deter Organized Stealing and Enhance Safety Act (the “SAFE DOSES Act”), 18 U.S.C. § 670. Congress passed the SAFE DOSES Act in 2012 to combat the theft of medical products to protect the health and safety of patients. The law includes enhancements for members of the supply chain who knowingly traffic in stolen medical products. Because of his role as a distributor of medical products, Chief Judge Jarbou applied an enhancement to Anderson for his role in the conspiracy. This investigation was led by the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations and the VA Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Battle Creek VA Police. The criminal case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Castle and Andrew Hull. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Cobb represented the United States in the civil settlement. ###


title: Penn State Health Agrees To Pay More Than Eleven Million Dollars Following Its Voluntary Disclosure Of Improper Billings Related To Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Services

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG, PA —The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Penn State Health (PSH), a multi-hospital health system, has agreed to pay $11,712,336 to resolve allegations of civil liability for submitting claims to Medicare for Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) services that violated Medicare rules and regulations. According to the U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Penn State Health voluntarily disclosed that, between December 2015 and November 2022, PSH submitted claims to Medicare for Annual Wellness Visit services that were not supported by the medical record. After PSH discovered the problems, PSH took prompt corrective action and disclosed the matter to the United States Attorney’s Office. This matter was handled by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Counsel to the Inspector General (OCIG), and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Haken of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. # # #


title: Man Admits Burglarizing Missouri Post Office Twice in Clown Mask

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man admitted breaking into a Franklin County, Missouri post office and twice stealing packages while masked. Scott Weatherby, 28, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two counts of burglary of a post office. He admitted breaking into the U.S. Post Office in St. Albans, in northeastern Franklin County, on August 6, 2023. Weatherby was wearing a clown mask at the time he stole packages and again the next day when he returned. After he was identified as a suspect, investigators went to an address associated with him in Pacific, Missouri. Weatherby fled out of the back door of the home but was caught after a brief chase. A clown mask and multiple stolen packages were found in his vehicle. Weatherby is scheduled to be sentenced May 7. Each count is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both prison and a fine. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Lake is prosecuting the case.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Commemorates Black History Month

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina held its annual program to commemorate Black History Month, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. Attorney King opened the program with welcome remarks and an introduction of this year’s keynote speaker, Dean Patricia Timmons-Goodson of North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) School of Law. “For over a decade, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has observed Black History Month to celebrate the profound impact of Black heritage on our nation’s history, culture, and identity, and as a means of raising awareness about the notable contributions and achievements of African Americans in all aspects of our society,” said U.S. Attorney King, who is a graduate of NCCU’s School of Law. “As we gather each year to remember those sung and unsung African American heroes throughout history, it is equally important to recognize and honor individuals within our community, such as Dean Timmons-Goodson, who broke barriers and paved the way for others to follow. Dean Timmons-Goodson serves as an inspiration for all of us, and we are grateful for her willingness to share her memories, wisdom, and life’s journey.” Dean Timmons-Goodson, who was selected to lead NCCU’s School of Law in 2023, has spent the entirety of her professional career in public service. Appointed to the Supreme Court of North Carolina by former Governor Michael Easley in January 2006, Dean Timmons-Goodson was the fourth woman and the first African American woman to sit on the state’s highest court. The citizens of North Carolina overwhelmingly affirmed her appointment by later electing her to the court. Her retirement from the Supreme Court in 2012, marked the conclusion of 28 years of service in the judiciary of North Carolina.


title: Three Individuals Sentenced for $3.5M COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: BOISE – Three defendants were sentenced yesterday for fraudulently obtaining and misusing Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans that were issued by a Boise financial institution and that were guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. The defendants’ conduct was part of larger COVID-19 fraud ring. Khadijah X. Chapman, 59, of Atlanta, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison; Daniel C. Labrum, 42, of South Jordan, Utah, was sentenced to two years in prison; and Eric J. O’Neil, 58, of Bethel, Connecticut, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Chapman, Labrum, and O’Neil fraudulently obtained PPP loans for fictitious businesses in 2020 and 2021. The defendants worked with co‑conspirators to falsify information and submitted fraudulent documents to financial institutions in Boise and elsewhere to collectively obtain approximately $3.5 million in relief funding intended for small businesses struggling with the economic impact of COVID-19. Chapman was convicted after a jury trial in November 2023 of bank fraud. Labrum and O’Neil pleaded guilty in 2023 to bank fraud. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Thomas M. Fattorusso of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI) New York, Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, Special Agent in Charge Matthew Miraglia of the FBI Buffalo Field Office, Inspector General Gail S. Ennis of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA-OIG), Special Agent in Charge Sharon B. MacDermott of SSA-OIG, and Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Boston Division joined U.S. Attorney Hurwit in making the announcement. IRS:CI, the FBI, SSA-OIG, and USPIS investigated the cases. Trial Attorneys Jennifer Bilinkas and Tamara Livshiz of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Mazorol for the District of Idaho prosecuted the cases. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866‑720‑5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . ###


title: Atlanta-area doctor and medical staff indicted for running illegal pill-mill

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA - Isaac Sved has been arraigned on federal charges of conspiracy to possess, and possession, with intent to distribute controlled substances, maintaining a premises for drug trafficking, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and money laundering. “Regrettably, the opioid epidemic has at times been fueled by physicians who abused their positions of trust in illegally prescribing excessive amounts of narcotics,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Those who abuse the power of their medical profession to unlawfully profit must face the consequences of their actions.” Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division commented on the case, “DEA investigators will continue to aggressively pursue the unlawful dispensing practices of healthcare providers, as was the case with Dr. Sved. The DEA is committed to making sure healthcare providers are abiding by the law.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: Isaac Sved was an Atlanta-area physician registered with the DEA to prescribe controlled substances, including oxycodone. Sved operated two clinics: FamCare located in Roswell, Georgia, and Valere Medical PC located in Buford, Georgia. Sved was the sole prescribing physician for both FamCare and Valere and allegedly regularly prescribed excessive amounts of controlled substances in dangerous combinations. Dikla Rosh managed FamCare, and Lucciano Lopez worked as a medical assistant. The indictment alleges that patients received minimal or non-existent medical examinations, evaluation, or testing prior to Sved prescribing them controlled substances such as Oxycodone, Alprazolam, and Carisoprodol. The indictment further alleges that Sved falsified patient files to make it appear that the patient had been evaluated on certain dates when, in fact, the patient was not even present at the clinics. Sved also allegedly received large sums of cash from “sponsors,” such as Co-conspirator Bobby Lamar Mosley, Sr., who obtained prescriptions for controlled substances from Sved in the names of purported patients, some of whom were never examined. Sved and his associates also allegedly hired security guards armed with firearms to patrol and protect the clinic as part of the illegal operation. Isaac Sved, M.D., 65, of Gainesville, Georgia, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Justin S. Anand. Sved and his Co-conspirators Dikla Rosh, 45, of Dunwoody, Georgia, Lucciano Lopez, 27, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, and Bobby Lamar Mosley, Sr., 60, of Buford, Georgia, were indicted by a federal grand jury on January 9, 2024. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it is the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy M. Palumbo and C. Brock Brockington are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Two Iranian Nationals Charged with Conspiring to Provide Sanctioned Technology to the Government of Iran

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: An indictment was filed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Abolfazl Bazzazi and Mohammad Resa Bazzazi, father and son respectively, with conspiring to illegally export U.S. goods and technology to end users in Iran, including the Government of Iran, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), and with attempted smuggling of U.S. goods and technology to Iran. The defendants, who are citizens of Iran, remain at large. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and Brian Dugan, Special Agent-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Norfolk Field Office, announced the indictment. “As alleged, the Bazzazis devised an intricate scheme to evade U.S. export laws in obtaining U.S. equipment and technology to be exported to Iran for the Government of Iran which has been designated by the United States government as a state sponsor of terrorism. The defendants allegedly attempted to obtain commercial and military aircraft items from multiple U.S. companies that supply the military, aerospace, and firefighting industries,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “These charges demonstrate the resolve of this Office and the Department of Justice to prosecute those who seek to aid the Government of Iran, in violation of U.S. sanctions.” “In its first year, the Disruptive Technology Strike Force has strengthened enforcement and disrupted numerous criminal schemes to smuggle highly-sensitive technology that foreign adversaries wield to advance their military and other malign agendas,” stated Assistant Attorney General Olsen. “The case announced today underscores the commitment of the Justice Department and our partners to disrupt illegal efforts to siphon off U.S. ingenuity and to safeguard American security and innovation.” “Our foreign adversaries use many tactics to gain access to critical U.S. technologies and innovation. In this instance, it’s alleged that the Bazzazi’s illegally attempted to export U.S. goods and technology to the Iranian government. Any circumvention of U.S. export control law is simply unacceptable. The FBI will continue to work diligently with its partners across the globe to hold all accountable who jeopardize national security,” stated FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Dugan. As set forth in the indictment, between January 2008 and August 2019, the Bazzazis and their co-conspirators sought to evade U.S. sanctions and export laws by working to procure goods and technology from U.S. companies for end users in Iran, including the Government of Iran, without obtaining required licenses or other authorization from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. The defendants sought to obtain components that could be used for commercial and/or military aircraft. Additionally, they disguised the final destination of U.S. goods by attempting to forward them through intermediaries in Europe and elsewhere. The Bazzazis acted on behalf of an arm of the Government of Iran, which has been designated by the United States government as acting for or on behalf of terrorist organizations. The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison. The government’s case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Francisco J. Navarro, Jonathan P. Lax, Nomi D. Berenson, and Adam Amir, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Adam Small of the Justice Department’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. Defendants: ABOLFAZI BAZZAZI Age: 79 Iran MOHAMMAD RESA BAZZAZI Age: 43 Iran E.D.N.Y. Docket No.: 24-CR-60 (DG)


title: Couple Charged with Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, a complaint was unsealed charging Levar Jackson and Jaclyn Misuraca with conspiring to distribute fentanyl. As alleged, Jackson and Misuraca sold approximately 270 grams of fentanyl—often in broad daylight and in public locations across Long Island including outside of a nursing home where Misuraca worked. They are being arraigned this afternoon before Magistrate Judge James M. Wicks. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, and Robert Waring, Acting Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department, announced the charges. Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation to the Nassau County Police Department and the New York State Police for their assistance on the case. As alleged in the complaint and court filings, between May 2023 and January 2024, Jackson and Misuraca sold approximately 270 grams of fentanyl—often in broad daylight and in public locations across Long Island, including in residential areas and outside of stores. In several transactions, Misuraca sold significant quantities of fentanyl to an undercover officer in the parking lot of the nursing home where she worked. When the undercover officer arrived, Misuraca exited the nursing home, completed the sale, and then returned to work inside. Several fentanyl doses sold by the defendants tested positive for xylazine, an animal tranquilizer that is of similar potency to fentanyl but not susceptible to treatment with Narcan, a medication that can reverse overdoses. Known by its street names “tranq” and the “zombie drug,” xylazine can cause users to blackout in a stupor and kill skin tissue by burning the flesh, which leads to deep sores. According to the DEA, fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic. From 2011 through 2021, fatal overdoses associated with misuse of clandestinely produced fentanyl and fentanyl analogs increased markedly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, excluding methadone were involved in roughly 2,600 drug overdose deaths each year in 2011 and 2012, but from 2013 through 2021, the number of drug overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, excluding methadone increased dramatically each year, to more than 68,000 in 2021. The total number of overdose deaths for this category was greater than 258,000 for 2013 through 2021. Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids are primarily driven by illicitly manufactured fentanyl, including fentanyl analogs. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Misorek and James R. Simmons are in charge of the prosecution. The Defendants : LEVAR JACKSON Age: 44 Islip Terrace, New York JACLYN MISURACA Age: 45 Islip Terrace, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-MJ-112


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Calloway County Man for Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Paducah, Kentucky, returned an indictment on January 9, 2024, charging an Almo, Kentucky man with possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Sheriff Ryan Norman of the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement. According to the indictment, Robert William Grundy, 52, was charged with possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on June 14, 2023. On February 5, 2024, Grundy made an initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The defendant remains in federal custody pending trial. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty Office and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah 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. ###


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possessing Loaded Ghost Gun While on Federal Supervised Release for Heroin Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – A Cape Cod man, previously convicted of federal heroin distribution charges, was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possessing a loaded “ghost” gun. The defendant was on federal supervised release at the time of his arrest. Krymeii Fray, 28, of Hyannis, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2023, Fray pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition. On March 24, 2023, at 2:15 a.m., Fray’s vehicle was stopped on Blue Hill Avenue in Boston by local law enforcement. During a search of the vehicle, a Polymer 80 9mm firearm that was not commercially manufactured – commonly referred to as a “ghost” or kit firearm – loaded with seven rounds of ammunition was recovered from under Fray’s seat. Also seized was a live loose round of ammunition found near the gun as well as a spent shell casing found in the trunk: Fray was immediately taken into custody. At the time of his arrest, Fray was on supervised release from an earlier federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute heroin. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Pohl and Lauren A. Graber of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: Member of Criminal Organization Pleads Guilty to Deadly Kidnapping in El Paso

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man who served as a soldier in a transnational criminal organization (TCO) pleaded guilty in a federal court in El Paso to kidnapping resulting in death. According to court documents, Armando Leonardo Moreno aka Cholo, 21, conspired with other TCO members on or around Sept. 13, 2021, to kidnap a subject from an El Paso stash house. The kidnappers drove the subject to another address, dragged him out of the vehicle and beat him in the front yard of the home before taking him inside and beating him further. On Sept. 16, 2021, the subject was found deceased in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with multiple gunshot and stab wounds. Moreno faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Codefendant Michelle Karen Avila was previously sentenced to 120 months in prison, while codefendant Ruben Pimentel was sentenced to 188 months. Codefendants Alberto Rodriguez and Ricardo Matthew Gutierrez remain in federal custody awaiting sentencing. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations, the El Paso Police Department, the New Mexico State Police, and the Texas Department of Public Safety are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Valenzuela and Ian Hanna are prosecuting the case. These charges resulted from the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is part of the JTFA, which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security. JTFA is comprised of detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of Texas, the Western District of Texas, the District of New Mexico, the District of Arizona, and the Southern District of California. Dedicated support is also provided by numerous components of the Criminal Division that are part of JTFA, led by HRSP, and supported by ODPAT, the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, OIA, and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 270 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; over 210 convictions; significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets. ###


title: Columbia, KC Residents Indicted for Armed Robbery Spree

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two Columbia, Mo., residents and a Kansas City, Mo., man have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to commit a series of armed robberies across the state over a four-day period. Kahvaseon Z. Smith, 25, and Janaia R. Cason, 26, both of Columbia, and Kentrail M. Collins, 26, of Kansas City, were charged in a 12-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Feb. 6. The federal indictment alleges that Smith, Cason, and Collins participated in a conspiracy to commit a series of armed robberies from Jan. 5, 2023, to Jan. 8, 2023. In addition to the conspiracy, they are each charged together in five counts of robbery and five counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The indictment alleges that Smith, Cason, and Collins committed five armed robberies: Petromart at 1004 N. Stadium, Columbia, Mo., on Jan. 5, 2023; Breaktime at 2241 Pioneer St., Boonville, Mo., on Jan. 5, 2023; Casey’s at 807 S. Broadway, Oak Grove, Mo., on Jan. 5, 2023; Casey’s at 5869 N. Main, Joplin, Mo., on Jan. 8, 2023; Lamarti’s Truck Stop at 71 US 160, Lamar, Mo., on Jan. 8, 2023. Collins is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Collins allegedly possessed a Taurus 9mm pistol on Jan. 9, 2023. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Collins has felony convictions for burglary, robbery and resisting arrest. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan A. Baker. It was investigated by the FBI, the Columbia, Mo., Police Department, the Boonville, Mo., Police Department, the Oak Grove, Mo., Police Department, the Jasper County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Barton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.


title: Greenwich Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Offense

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that CHRISTOPHER BATES JR., 37, of Greenwich, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to a child exploitation offense. According to court documents and statements made in court, an international law investigation revealed that an IP address at Bates’ residence was being used to access the dark web to view images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. On November 30, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents interviewed Bates, who consented to a search of his electronic devices. A forensic review of one of his laptops revealed approximately 1,222 images and two videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including infants. Bates, who is an attorney admitted to practice in New York and Connecticut, pleaded guilty to possessing and accessing with intent to view child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. A sentencing date has not been scheduled. Bates was arrested on December 13, 2022. He is released on a $300,000 bond under electronic monitoring pending sentencing. This matter has been investigated by HSI with the assistance of Greenwich Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neeraj N. Patel and Daniel Gordon. This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com .


title: Columbus woman pleads guilty to kidnapping infant twins

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to two counts of kidnapping a minor. As part of the plea, parties involved in the case have recommended a sentence of 20 years in prison for Nalah T. Jackson, 25. “There is no greater responsibility than protecting our youth,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “This community watched in horror as Nalah Jackson preyed on two vulnerable babies. Today, she admitted her crime and agreed to spend 20 years in prison for her actions.” According to court documents, between Dec. 19, 2022, and Dec. 22, 2022, Jackson kidnapped two minor children in Columbus and traveled interstate with one of them. Specifically, close to 10pm on the night of Dec. 19, Jackson walked out of Donatos Pizza on North High Street in Columbus and drove away in a black Honda Accord that had been left running in the parking lot. Two twin five-month-old infants were buckled in the back seat. The infants’ mother was inside Donatos to pick up a delivery order at the time. Over the next several hours, Jackson drove from Columbus to Dayton and to various other locations in central and western Ohio. Jackson arrived at the Dayton International Airport close to 3am. She parked in an economy lot and left the infants in the car while she entered the airport. Jackson attempted to hire an Uber to find the stolen car in the economy lot, but could not pay, and ultimately found the stolen car on foot. After finding the vehicle, Jackson left one of the infants in the parking lot at approximately 4am. A passerby parking their vehicle saw the baby in his car seat wrapped in a quilt between two vehicles and alerted security. After Jackson left the Dayton International Airport parking lot at high speeds, she traveled to Indianapolis with the second baby still in the vehicle. She arrived at a Papa Johns Pizza on Indiana Avenue near the university district at approximately 8am on Dec. 20, and exited the stolen car on foot. She never returned to the vehicle, leaving the second baby strapped in his car seat in the back seat of the car. The baby remained strapped in the car seat for the next two-and-a-half-days while family members, concerned citizens and law enforcement officers continued to search for him. By happenstance, an Indianapolis woman encountered Jackson after she abandoned the stolen vehicle on Dec. 20. Jackson was selling stolen merchandise outside of a local gas station. The woman gave Jackson a ride to a nearby shopping plaza and gave Jackson her cell phone number in case Jackson came across any more holiday gifts for resale. That night, the woman noticed several social media posts regarding the kidnapping and recognized Jackson as the alleged kidnapper. The woman called her cousin, and together they formulated a plan to meet up with Jackson to confirm her identity, recover the infant if possible and lead Jackson to law enforcement. On Dec. 22, the women met up with Jackson, whom they traced to a local residence through a phone number Jackson had previously used to call one of them. The women confirmed that Jackson was the same person identified as the kidnapping suspect and drove her to several shopping centers in Indianapolis, all-the-while surreptitiously attempting to contact law enforcement in Columbus and Indianapolis. Eventually, one of the women was able to route local law enforcement to their vehicle over the phone by pretending that she was speaking with her boyfriend and providing updates on her location. The women tried to signal to Indianapolis police that Jackson was the kidnapping suspect, and eventually told officers when they were removed from Jackson’s immediate presence. Jackson provided a false name and another individual’s identification card to the officers. After some time, the officers confirmed Jackson’s identity and arrested her for kidnapping. After the arrest, they let the two women go without interviewing them about their time spent with Jackson. The two women decided to continue searching for the missing infant. They discovered a bus schedule that Jackson left behind in the backseat of their vehicle and decided to focus their search on a bus route near the university district. While driving around searching that area to no avail, and with driving conditions worsening quickly due to an impending snowstorm, the women decided to get something to eat before heading home. As they were pulling into a Blaze Pizza, they noticed a black Honda Accord at the nearby Papa Johns and noticed snow had already accumulated on the car. They drove up to the stolen car and attempted to open the back door, which was locked. The driver’s door did open. Due to an overwhelming foul smell coming from the car, and the silence of the baby, one of the women screamed, assuming the baby was deceased. Upon hearing the scream, the baby alerted and began crying. One of the women removed the baby from his car seat and began comforting him. The women then noticed an empty Indianapolis police cruiser parked nearby and began looking for officers, who they found on their lunch break inside the Blaze Pizza. Indianapolis police then relocated to Papa Johns Pizza and took custody of the baby, taking him to a local hospital. The infant was treated for dehydration, heart abnormalities due to the dehydration, extreme diaper rash and skin deterioration due to him being buckled in a car seat for three days while sitting in his own excrement. U.S. Attorney Parker acknowledged the numerous law enforcement agencies who have assisted in this case, including FBI offices in Columbus, Dayton and Indianapolis; the Columbus, Dayton, Huber Heights, Riverside, Vandalia, Dayton International Airport and Indianapolis police departments; the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office; Ohio State Highway Patrol and U.S. Marshals Service’s Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST). Assistant United States Attorneys Emily K. Czerniejewski and Noah R. Litton are representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Miami woman sentenced to 70 months in prison after using COVID-19 funds to gamble and launder money

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On Feb. 5, a Miami woman was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for money laundering of nearly $2 million in fraudulent COVID-19 relief loans, after previously pleading guilty in October 2023. From April 2020 through April 2021, Maritza Morales Hermoso, 58, of Miami, Florida, and others, including co-defendant Javier Lazo Cabrera, conspired to defraud private lenders and the Small Business Administration (SBA) by filing false and fraudulent loan applications for multiple companies under both the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, despite that several of those companies had no payroll and were not actively doing business at the time the loan applications were submitted. The applications were supported by fabricated payroll documents and inflated employee numbers. As a result of these false and fraudulent applications, a California-based SBA-approved PPP lender disbursed close to $2 million in fraudulent loan proceeds to bank accounts controlled by Hermoso. Hermoso spent the proceeds from the fraudulent PPP and EIDL loans on gambling at South Florida casinos and various other personal expenses like cosmetic surgery, a Cadillac Escalade, and a Pomeranian puppy. Hermoso also disguised her misuse of funds by laundering the loan proceeds through multiple unrelated business accounts and withdrawing the money in cash. Hermoso’s co-defendant, Cabrera, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in December 2023. Cabrera’s sentencing is scheduled for March 11 at 8:30 a.m. in Miami. Cabrera faces up to 20 years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Rafael Barros of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office, SBA OIG’s Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG), Investigations Division’s Eastern Region, and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office announced the sentence. USSS Miami, SBA OIG, Investigations Division’s Eastern Region, and FBI Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Egozi and Roger Cruz prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mitchell Evan Hyman is handling asset forfeiture. In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was enacted. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other sources of relief, the CARES Act authorized and provided funding to the SBA to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”) to eligible small businesses, including sole proprietorships and independent contractors, experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic to allow them to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could otherwise have been met had the disaster not occurred. EIDL applications were submitted directly to the SBA via the SBA’s on-line application website, and the applications were processed and the loans funded for qualifying applicants directly by the SBA. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the Southern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please click here . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 22-cr-20360. ###


title: Michigan City Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison

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

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Eugene Dawson, 42 years old, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Dawson was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, between January and February 2023, Dawson brokered the sale of a 9mm firearm to an individual in exchange for $650 dollars. He also provided cocaine to that individual during the firearm transaction. On two other dates, additional drug transactions took place. A search warrant was later executed on Dawson’s home where additional cocaine and marijuana was found in an area accessible to children, under 18, who were in the home. Dawson was previously convicted of selling cocaine in LaPorte County Superior Court, a felony, and as such, was prohibited from possessing the firearm in this case. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Michigan City Police Department, the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department, and the LaPorte City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katelan M. Doyle. 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: Repeat Felon Sentenced to 30 Months on Firearms Charge

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Vernon Pernell Hedrick, a four-time convicted felon, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for carrying a Springfield Armory model 1911 semi-automatic handgun, one of the most powerful handguns on the market, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Hedrick, 33, pleaded guilty April 6, 2023, to unlawful possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. In addition to the 30 month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras ordered Hendrick to serve 36 months of supervised release. According to court documents, Hedrick was on active supervised release when police attempted to question him on October 15, 2022, at a supermarket parking lot on the 1500 block of Alabama Ave., Southeast. Officers noticed an L-shaped protrusion from an object tucked in Hendrick’s black satchel. Hedrick became wide-eyed, wiped sweat from his forehead, then tore off in a sprint. Police chased after Hendrick on foot and caught him in 20 seconds. Inside the satchel was the semi-automatic military-grade handgun loaded with nine rounds. Also in the satchel were two additional magazines with another 13 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. Hedrick told officers he kept the gun for “protection.” On Oct. 17, 2022, Hedrick was indicted on a charge of felon in possession. On April 6, 2023, Hedrick pleaded guilty to the sole count in the indictment. Hedrick’s record includes two 2018 convictions in the District for assault with significant bodily injury; a 2012 conviction in Maryland for conspiracy to commit carjacking, and a 2011 District conviction for robbery. A Superior Court jury acquitted Hendrick in 2018 on a first degree murder charge. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared English, Emory V. Cole, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Connor Mullin. ###


title: Former Attorney Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Bribery Scheme

body_text: BOSTON – A former Massachusetts attorney was sentenced today for engaging in a scheme to bribe the Chief of Police in Medford, Mass. to obtain approval for a client to sell recreational marijuana. Sean O’Donovan, 56, of Somerville, Mass., was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to two years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. O’Donovan was also ordered to pay a fine of $150,000 and a $300 special assessment. In October 2023 , O’Donovan was convicted by a federal jury on two counts of honest services wire fraud and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. “Driven by greed, Mr. O’Donovan tried his hand at an old school bribery scheme in which he tried to bribe a police chief for the sake of lining his own pockets. Fortunately, his attempt was promptly thwarted by the integrity of the Police Chief he targeted, as he immediately reported him to federal authorities,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Our office remains committed to rooting out corruption in public offices. Today’s sentence should serve as a warning to anyone who thinks they can corrupt government officials for personal gain: your conduct will be uncovered, and will land you in federal prison – regardless of who you are.” “Attorney Sean O’Donovan thought he was beyond the reach of the law when he orchestrated a back-door deal, funded by bribes, to line his own pockets. In doing so, he betrayed his client, and all hard-working businesses trying to play by the rules,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Such blatant corruption is toxic to the public trust, and today’s sentence makes it clear that crime truly does not pay. The FBI is committed to stamping out corruption, and we are very grateful to the Medford Police Chief and his brother who worked with us to thwart his shameful scheme.” O’Donovan sought to corrupt the City of Medford’s political process for selecting retail marijuana companies by attempting to influence the Medford Police Chief in connection with O’Donovan’s client’s recreational marijuana business. At the time, the Chief had recently been appointed to serve on a committee to rank such applications on behalf of the Mayor, who would ultimately select three applicants to open retail marijuana stores in Medford. O’Donovan approached the Chief’s relative and offered to pay as much as $50,000 in tax-free cash to the Chief’s relative in exchange for the Chief’s official support for his client’s anticipated application to sell recreational marijuana in Medford. Specifically, O’Donovan sought to have the Chief favorably rank his client’s application and, separately, to advise and pressure the Mayor to select the client. O’Donovan was slated to receive a stream of income of at least $100,000 annually from his client’s marijuana business if its Medford application was successful. After the relative informed the Chief of O’Donovan’s corrupt offer, the Chief immediately alerted federal authorities. Both the Chief and his relative cooperated with the investigation. O’Donovan never informed his client of the bribery scheme. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; SAC Cohen; Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay with the Public Corruption Unit for the District of Massachusetts and Trial Attorney Jonathan E. Jacobson of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and prosecuted the case.


title: Former Attorney Sentenced for Bribery Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Massachusetts man was sentenced today to two years in prison for engaging in a scheme to bribe the chief of police of Medford, Massachusetts, to obtain approval for a client to sell recreational marijuana. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Sean O’Donovan, 56, of Somerville, paid a bribe to influence the Medford police chief to take official acts to benefit O’Donovan’s client, a recreational marijuana business. At the time, the chief had recently been appointed to serve on a committee that ranked applicants seeking to operate marijuana dispensaries in Medford on behalf of Medford’s mayor. Medford’s mayor had the ultimate authority to select three applicants to open retail marijuana stores in Medford. In furtherance of the scheme, O’Donovan approached a close family relative of the police chief and offered to pay as much as $50,000 in tax-free cash to the relative in exchange for the chief’s official support for his client’s anticipated application to sell recreational marijuana in Medford. Specifically, O’Donovan sought to have the chief favorably rank his client’s application and, separately, to advise and pressure the mayor to select the client to open a retail marijuana store in Medford. O’Donovan was slated to receive a stream of income of at least $100,000 annually from his client’s marijuana business if its Medford application were successful. O’Donovan never informed his client of the bribery scheme. After the relative informed the chief of O’Donovan’s corrupt offer, the chief immediately alerted federal authorities. Both the chief and his relative cooperated with the investigation. On Oct. 27, 2023, a federal jury convicted O’Donovan of two counts of honest services wire fraud and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts, Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Boston Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Boston Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorney Jonathan E. Jacobson of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay for the District of Massachusetts prosecuted the case.


title: Natick Man Found Guilty of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

body_text: BOSTON – A Natick man was convicted yesterday following a six-day jury trial in connection with fentanyl trafficking. During a search of the defendant’s apartment the body of a missing 24-year-old woman who had died of a drug overdose was discovered. Rafael Ashworth, 29, was convicted of one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for April 30, 2024. Ashworth was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2019 and subsequently charged in a superseding indictment in February 2021. He has remained in custody since his arrest in November 2019. “The overwhelming overdose numbers associated with the opioid epidemic can blur the human devastation that is involved in every life cut short. This prosecution provided a vivid reminder of how deadly fentanyl is and the trail of broken hearts that are intertwined with overdose deaths,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This defendant will now be held accountable for his role in pumping deadly narcotics onto our streets.” “Massachusetts is in the midst of a devastating opioid crisis, as deaths from fentanyl soar. The DEA will continue to use every resource available to find drug traffickers, like Mr. Ashworth, who are contributing to the crisis,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this poison. Illegal drug distribution ravages the foundations of our communities so every time we take fentanyl off the streets, lives are saved.” Police found a deceased woman in Ashworth’s apartment after receiving a report of an overdose death. Approximately 100 grams of a substance containing fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin, counterfeit Xanax pills containing etizolam, an illegal benzodiazepine, a large metal press used for pressing counterfeit narcotic pills, kilograms of pill-making material and other paraphernalia associated with drug packaging and distribution were also located in the apartment. The charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and DEA SAC Boyle made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Natick Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah Foley and Stephen Hassink of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.


title: Elkhart Man Sentenced to 160 Months in Prison

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Sean Posey, 40 years old, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty, after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Posey was sentenced to 160 months in prison, 15 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $22,500 in restitution to victims of the offense. According to documents in the case, between August and September 2021, Posey possessed over 900 photos and 7 videos on his cell phone consisting of child sexual abuse material, including images of minors under the age of 12. Posey had previously been convicted of sexual misconduct with a minor which required him to register as a sex offender. This case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Indiana State Police Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John M. Maciejczyk and Hannah T Jones. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Gang Member Sentenced for Gang Related Activity Resulting in the Murders of 16-Year Old and 33 Year-Old

body_text: HAMMOND- Eduardo Luciano, 35, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by the United States District Court Senior Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, after a jury found him guilty of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine and marijuana, and two counts of using a firearm to commit murder, announced U.S. Attorney Clifford. D. Johnson. Luciano was sentenced to two Life sentences in prison for using a firearm to commit each murder. He was also sentenced to Life in prison for conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity along with 240 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine and marijuana. All sentences are to run concurrently. According to documents in this case, on June 29, 2015, Luciano, who was a leader of the Hammond faction of the Latin Counts, a criminal street gang, and other Latin Count members formulated a plan to shoot and kill members of the Latin Kings, a rival criminal street gang. The Latin Kings were attending a vigil for a slain member on the 5500 block of Beall Avenue in Hammond, Indiana. After planning the shooting, gang members drove to the vicinity of the vigil and fired multiple shots into the crowd. Christopher White (33), who was visiting family on Beall Avenue, was shot in front of the family member’s home, and later died. Lauren Calvillo (16) was shot and killed while on the front porch of her family’s Beall Avenue home. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives/High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Hammond, Indiana Police Department with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation/Gang Response Investigative Team, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshal’s Service, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, the Indiana State Police, the Gary Police Department, the East Chicago Police Department, the Chicago Police Department, and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick, Caitlin M. Padula, and Kimberly L. Schultz. This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Putnam County Felon And Sex Offender Sentenced To 27 Months In Prison For Explosive Device

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, FL – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan today sentenced Paul Bryan McCorkle (55, Interlachen) to 27 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of an explosive. The court also ordered McCorkle to forfeit an improvised explosive device. McCorkle entered a guilty plea on October 25, 2023. According to court documents, McCorkle had been convicted of online enticement of a child in 2003 and was required to register as a sex offender. In 2007, and again in 2013, McCorkle failed to update his sex offender registration as required and was convicted of these felony offenses. As a convicted felon, McCorkle was prohibited from possessing explosives. On February 22, 2022, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) responded to a mobile home fire in Putnam County. Once there, several witnesses reported that McCorkle had been manufacturing homemade explosives in the mobile home. McCorkle, who was at the scene, informed officers that he had at least two “M80”-type devices in a drawer in his room in the mobile home, as well as components to make the devices. McCorkle voluntarily surrendered to ATF a similar device he was storing at a separate residence. Examination of the device revealed it was approximately 15 inches long and contained more than half a pound of Pyrodex powder, which is an explosive under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Bureau of Fire Arson and Explosives Investigation, and the Putnam County Fire Rescue Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.


title: McAlester Resident Pleads Guilty To Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Amanda Lynn Howerton, age 40, of McAlester, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor/Use of a Child to Produce a Visual Depiction. The Indictment alleged that on January 22, 2023, Howerton created a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct for the purposes of transmitting that image over the internet. The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Honorable Judge Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Howerton was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Morgan Muzljakovich represented the United States.


title: Orlando Man Pleads Guilty To Narcotics And Weapon Offenses

body_text: Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jahroy Elijah Sackey (44, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Sackey faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is not yet scheduled. on December 7, 2018, Sackey drove his car to an Orlando gas station and sold 30 grams of heroin to “Individual 1.” On March 5, 2019, Sackey drove his car to the same gas station, and this time sold over 250 grams of heroin to “Individual 1.” Sackey was arrested shortly thereafter. A search of Sackey’s car revealed an FN Herstal pistol with 24 rounds of armor-piercing ammunition, as well as 156 grams of cocaine. Law enforcement searched Sackey’s house and recovered a Glock 30 pistol, ammunition, and more heroin. At the time, Sackey had a previous felony conviction and had served time in federal prison for possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute it. As a convicted felon, Sackey is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Winter Park Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Pardo. 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: Pittsburg County Resident Sentenced For Voluntary Manslaughter And Child Abuse In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Devin Warren Sizemore, age 29, of Krebs, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 180 months for one count of Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country, and 180 months imprisonment for one count of Child Abuse in Indian Country. The sentences will be served concurrently. The charges arose from investigations by the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Krebs Police Department, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On April 7, 2023, a federal jury found Sizemore guilty of one count of Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country, and one count of Child Abuse in Indian Country. According to investigators, on July 14, 2016, law enforcement officers located Sizemore in a pond next to an unresponsive child. The child, who died from drowning, had sustained multiple injuries, and was later pronounced dead at an area hospital. The crimes occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings. Sizemore will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.


title: Man Convicted Of Tampering And Vandalism At Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Andrew Blair Howard, 63, of Frankfort, Michigan was convicted of tampering and vandalism at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in connection with an August 15, 2022, diversion of the Platte River. Both crimes are federal misdemeanors. “The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a Michigan jewel,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “Every year countless visitors enjoy its pristine waters, towering sand dunes, and rolling forests. Mr. Howard had a policy dispute with the National Park Service and took matters into his own hands, breaking the law rather than using lawful means to advocate for his position. His actions resulted in significant financial and ecological harm and altered the landscape so many enjoyed. Today and always my office commits to protect Michigan’s natural treasures.” The Platte River flows through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore before it empties into Lake Michigan. In the summer, paddlers, tube floaters, and beachgoers drift down its meandering waters. In August 2022, National Park Service law enforcement officers investigated reports of a diversion of the Platte River near its mouth. On August 15, 2022, Howard used a shovel to dig sediment and rocks from the river basin and stacked large rocks on a dam to divert the river’s natural water flow toward a newly created channel out to Lake Michigan, contrary to a decision by the National Park Service to let the river follow its natural course. The diversion created an unauthorized access for large boats to enter Platte Bay. Within days, the natural power of the water and the dam caused the new channel to reach approximately 200 feet wide. The following aerial photograph on the left, taken in May of 2022, shows the natural flow of the Platte River running parallel to Lake Michigan. The photograph on the right shows the same area approximately 3 days after the diversion, with the channel emptying directly into Lake Michigan. May 2022 August 2022 In a bench trial, federal Magistrate Judge Ray Kent convicted Howard of two counts: one count of tampering (Count 1) and one count of vandalism (Count 2), under Title 36 C.F.R. § 2.31(a)(2) and (3) respectively, which provides for the proper use and protection of natural resources within areas under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. In so ruling, Judge Kent held that the defendant “intended to and in fact did divert the flow of the Platte River into Platte Bay.” “The National Park Service appreciates the support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in enforcing the laws that help protect this place for future generations.” said Superintendent Scott Tucker. “Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was created in 1970 to preserve and protect this spectacular place.” The National Park Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren F. Biksacky prosecuted it on behalf of the United States. ###


title: St. Louis County Man Sentenced to 13+ Years in Prison for Violent Store Robbery

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Wednesday sentenced a man from St. Louis County, Missouri who committed a robbery during which a clerk was shot to 13 years and 10 months in prison. Monya Jones, now 23, and James Furlow, 20, of St. Ann, Missouri, robbed a Quick Mart in St. Louis County on Dec. 26, 2021. Furlow shot the store clerk in the mouth during the robbery, seriously injuring him. Earlier that day, Furlow carjacked a 2017 Kia Sorrento SUV at gunpoint. He then tried to break into an ATM by shooting at it as Jones waited in the stolen Kia. Four days later, Furlow stole 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. “Monya Jones was sentenced to 166 months in federal prison for taking part in a violent armed robbery that netted a hundred bucks after the store clerk was shot,” said Special Agent in Charge Jay Greenberg of the FBI St. Louis Division. “This case demonstrates the commitment and effective partnerships between local and federal law enforcement to combat violent crime.” Jones pleaded guilty in July to one robbery charge and one charge of possession, brandishing and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Furlow is scheduled to be sentenced on March 27 after pleading guilty last year 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. 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.


title: Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in a Violent Racketeering Conspiracy, Including a Murder

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – Daniel Williams, age 33, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, including murder, carjacking, and armed robbery, just before the start of his trial in U.S. District Court in Baltimore. The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief Robert McCullough of the Baltimore County Police Department. According to his guilty plea, from at least April 2019 to the present, Williams and at least five other people agreed to participate in a criminal enterprise which committed a series of armed commercial robberies, armed robberies, attempted armed robberies, and carjackings, some of which resulted in the murder or non-fatal shooting of the victims. Williams and the co-conspirators used at least three different firearms to commit the crimes and shared the proceeds of their exploits, which they promoted on social media. As detailed in the plea agreement, between June 9, 2019 and August 12, 2019, the conspirators committed seven carjackings, six armed robberies and two attempted armed robberies. During a carjacking on June 12, 2019, a victim was shot and killed; a victim was shot during an attempted armed robbery on July 24, 2019; and a victim sustained life threatening injuries after the victim was shot during a robbery on August 8, 2019. Williams admitted that he personally participated in an armed carjacking on June 9, 2019, the armed robberies of three businesses in Baltimore and on June 28, 2019, the attempted armed robbery of a victim in the 22800 block of Forest Glen Road during which the victim was shot to death. Williams and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Williams will be sentenced to 16 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher has scheduled sentencing for June 6, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin. 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. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF, the FBI, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia C. McLane and Clinton J. Fuchs, who prosecuted the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Man Pleads Guilty to Opioid Distribution and Money Laundering Conspiracy

body_text: A New Jersey man pleaded guilty today to drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy charges. According to court documents, from March 2014 to September 2020, Sean Tighe, 48, of Kearny, conspired to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute over nine kilograms of furanyl fentanyl and nine kilograms of 4-fluoroisobutyryl fentanylsynthetic cathinones (also known as bath salts), including ethylone; and ketamine. In addition, from March 2014 to May 2019, Tighe conspired to launder funds. In furtherance of the conspiracy, from April 2014 to June 2014, Tighe sent five wire payments from the United States to China to purchase controlled substances and/or controlled substance analogues. Tighe pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and controlled substance analogues, including 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogues, synthetic cathinones, and ketamine, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 19. If the court accepts the guilty plea, the government and Tighe will agree to a sentence of approximately 12 to 15 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release for the drug conspiracy count, and a maximum of three years of supervised release for the money laundering conspiracy count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey, and Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark made the announcement. HSI Newark is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Alexander Hasapidis-Sferra and Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit Chief Stephen Sola of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case. Special Financial Investigations Unit Financial Investigator Kathryn Montemorra provided significant assistance.


title: Alien smuggler heads to prison after hiding people in tractor bed and cabinets

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 46-year-old man has been convicted of unlawfully transporting undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. A federal jury deliberated for 15 minutes following a one-day trial before convicting Deibi Ramos on Nov. 14, 2023. U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Ramos to serve 18 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the number of aliens and manner of transportation was concerning. On April 19, 2023, Ramos drove a tractor-trailer to the Border Patrol checkpoint near Sarita. The jury heard that a K-9 soon alerted to the sleeper area of the vehicle. Upon further inspection, law enforcement discovered 10 illegal aliens concealed beneath the bed compartment and in the cabinets of the tractor. The jury saw evidence of phone calls on Ramos’ phone between him and one of the illegal aliens as well as a voice message from a smuggling coordinator. The message included pickup and drop-off instructions. At the trial, the defense attempted to convince the jury that Ramos’ knowledge was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The jury did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged. Ramos was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Foster, Liesel Roscher and Yasmine Tucker prosecuted the case.