title: El Departamento de Justicia anuncia un acuerdo en una investigación de justicia medioambiental de vertido ilegal en la Ciudad de Houston

body_text: El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo conciliatorio en su investigación de justicia medioambiental de la respuesta de la Ciudad de Houston ante el vertido ilegal en barrios negros y latinos. El acuerdo fortalece la iniciativa municipal One Clean Houston que se anunció hace poco, el cual consiste en un plan integral para abordar el vertido ilegal generalizado y sus efectos negativos en la salud, seguridad y calidad de vida de los residentes de Houston. El acuerdo de hoy conmemora la cooperación de la Ciudad con el Departamento de Justicia en la implementación de estas nuevas medidas para combatir el vertido ilegal y el desarrollo de mejores servicios de gestión de residuos para los residentes por todo Houston. «Los vertederos ilícitos de Houston han contaminado el agua y la tierra, han atraído parásitos y han creado una lacra en barrios con recursos insuficientes por toda la ciudad», afirmó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «Aprecio el liderazgo del alcalde Turner en abordar estas preocupaciones y su determinación en lo que se refiere al desarrollo de One Clean Houston. Este acuerdo garantizará que Houston aborde plenamente los vertederos ilegales crónicos, que brinde acceso a servicios adecuados de gestión de residuos y que mejore la calidad de vida en las comunidades de color. El Departamento de Justicia seguirá promoviendo la justicia medioambiental, con el fin de asegurar que las personas de color por todo nuestro país vivan en comunidades seguras, limpias y sanas». «Nadie debería verse obligado a vivir al lado de llantas botadas, bolsas de basura, cadáveres de animales medio podridos, suelos infectados y aguas freáticas contaminadas», declaró Almadar S. Hamdani, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Sur de Texas. «Durante demasiado tiempo, las comunidades marginadas de bajos ingresos de Houston han tenido que soportar las cargas sanitarias de la falta de acción y las fechorías de otros. Espero que esta resolución sea un verdadero paso hacia la corrección de estas injusticias». En julio del 2022, el Departamento de Justicia lanzó su investigación después de recibir una queja de derechos civiles, presentada en nombre de residentes de Houston que alegan que la Ciudad había discriminado a residentes negros y latinos del barrio de Trinity-Houston Gardens, en el noroeste de Houston, en contra del Título VI de la ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964. El Título VI prohíbe que los beneficiarios de fondos federales discriminen por motivos de raza, color de piel o nacionalidad de origen en sus programas y actividades promovidos con fondos federales. La investigación del Departamento, que duró diez meses, se enfocó en los esfuerzos de Houston por abordar el vertido ilegal, un problema perenne y generalizado que ocurre con mayor frecuencia en los barrios negros y latinos de la Ciudad. En marzo del 2023, la Ciudad anunció su iniciativa One Clean Houston. One Clean Houston se enfoca en la limpieza rápida, mejor aplicación de la ley y prevención y la educación. Además de confirmar el compromiso de la Ciudad con One Clean Houston, el acuerdo establece un período de tres años de supervisión federal; obligaciones de declaración de datos; mejor proyección comunitaria con los barrios afectados, lo que incluye la interacción con residentes cuyo dominio del inglés es limitado; la consideración de medidas adicionales para combatir las fuentes comerciales del vertido ilegal y reducir las restricciones para residentes que deseen usar depósitos de residuos; y un programa de capacitación en los derechos civiles federales para ciertos empleados municipales. La Sección Federal de Coordinación y Cumplimiento de la División de Derechos Civiles realizó esta investigación con el apoyo de la Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito Sur de Texas. Una de las prioridades principales de la División de Derechos Civiles es abordar los impactos discriminatorios en los ámbitos del medioambiente y la salud mediante la aplicación de las leyes nacionales de derechos civiles. El anuncio de hoy representa el segundo acuerdo de justicia medioambiental bajo las leyes de derechos civiles federales. El mes pasado, la División anunció la resolución de su investigación de justicia medioambiental del Departamento de Salud de Alabama y el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Lowndes en el Condado de Lowndes, Alabama. En abril del 2022, el Departamento de Justicia lanzó su Oficina para la Justicia Medioambiental y su Estrategia Integral de Aplicación de la Justicia Medioambiental. Aquellos individuos que creen que sus derechos civiles han sido vulnerados o que tienen alguna inquietud relacionada con la justicia medioambiental pueden presentar una demanda ante la División de Derechos Civiles en www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/ .


title: Bộ Tư pháp Đưa ra thông báo về Thỏa thuận trong Cuộc điều tra Công lý Môi trường đối với tình trạng Đổ rác Bất hợp pháp tại Thành phố Houston

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Hôm nay, Bộ Tư pháp thông báo rằng họ đã đạt được thỏa thuận dàn xếp trong cuộc điều tra công lý môi trường đối với phản hồi của Thành phố Houston về vấn đề đổ rác bất hợp pháp ở các khu dân cư của người Da đen và người Latinh. Thỏa thuận này được xây dựng dựa trên sáng kiến One Clean Houston (Khối thống nhất Houston Xanh sạch đẹp) được công bố gần đây của thành phố, đây là một kế hoạch toàn diện nhằm giải quyết tình trạng đổ rác trái phép diễn ra rộng khắp và những tác động tiêu cực của vấn đề này đối với sức khỏe, an sinh và chất lượng cuộc sống của cư dân Houston. Thỏa thuận ngày hôm nay kỷ niệm hoạt động hợp tác của thành phố với Bộ Tư pháp trong việc triển khai các bước hành động mới này để chống lại tình trạng đổ rác bất hợp pháp và phát triển các dịch vụ quản lý chất thải được cải thiện cho cư dân trên khắp Houston. “Các bãi rác bất hợp pháp ở Houston đã làm ô nhiễm nước và đất, thu hút các loài sâu hại và gây nên sự tàn phá trong các khu dân cư trước đây vốn sở hữu nguồn lực hạn chế trên khắp thành phố”, Trợ lý Tổng chưởng lý thuộc Ban Dân quyền (Civil Rights Division, CRT) của Bộ Tư pháp, Kristen Clarke cho biết. “Tôi trân trọng phương hướng lãnh đạo của Thị trưởng Turner trong việc giải quyết những mối quan ngại này và quyết tâm của ông ấy trong việc phát triển One Clean Houston. Thỏa thuận này sẽ đảm bảo rằng Houston giải quyết triệt để các bãi rác tồn tại lâu năm bất hợp pháp, cung cấp khả năng tiếp cận đến các dịch vụ quản lý chất thải đầy đủ và cải thiện chất lượng cuộc sống trong các cộng đồng người da màu. Bộ Tư pháp sẽ tiếp tục thúc đẩy công lý môi trường và đảm bảo rằng người da màu trên khắp đất nước chúng ta được sống trong các cộng đồng an toàn, sạch sẽ và lành mạnh”. “Sẽ không có ai phải sống kế bên những chiếc lốp xe bỏ đi, túi rác, xác động vật thối rữa, đất nhiễm khuẩn và nước ngầm bị ô nhiễm bắt nguồn từ tình trạng đổ rác trái phép.”, Luật sư Hoa Kỳ, Alamdar S. Hamdani thuộc Quận phía Nam Texas cho biết. “Đã quá lâu rồi, các cộng đồng có thu nhập thấp và không có đủ nguồn lực của Houston đã phải chịu gánh nặng về sức khỏe do không hành vi khoanh tay đứng nhìn và các hành động sai trái của những người khác. Tôi hy vọng rằng quyết tâm này là một bước tiến quan trọng trong việc khắc phục những việc làm không đúng đắn đó.” Vào tháng 7 năm 2022, Bộ Tư pháp đã bắt đầu cuộc điều tra sau khi nhận được đơn khiếu nại về hành vi vi phạm dân quyền được đệ trình thay mặt cho các cư dân Houston, cáo buộc rằng thành phố đã có sự phân biệt đối xử đối với cư dân là người Da đen và người Latinh đang sống tại khu dân cư Trinity/Houston Gardens ở phía bắc Houston, vi phạm Title VI (Tiêu đề VI) của Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Đạo luật Dân Quyền năm 1964). Title VI cấm những người tiếp nhận quỹ liên bang phân biệt đối xử dựa trên chủng tộc, màu da hoặc nguồn gốc quốc gia trong các chương trình và hoạt động do liên bang cấp vốn. Cuộc điều tra kéo dài mười tháng của bộ tập trung vào những nỗ lực giải quyết tình trạng đổ rác trái phép của Houston, một vấn đề dai dẳng và diễn ra rộng khắp, xuất hiện thường xuyên hơn ở các khu dân cư trong thành phố có người Da đen và người Latinh sinh sống. Vào tháng 3 năm 2023, thành phố đã công bố dự án One Clean Houston của mình. One Clean Houston tập trung vào việc vệ sinh nhanh chóng và hoạt động thực thi, phòng ngừa cũng như giáo dục tốt hơn. Ngoài việc xác định cam kết của thành phố đối với One Clean Houston, thỏa thuận này còn thiết lập một giai đoạn kéo dài ba năm trong đó diễn ra hoạt động giám sát của liên bang; thực hiện nghĩa vụ báo cáo dữ liệu; tăng cường khả năng tiếp cận cộng đồng với các khu dân cư bị ảnh hưởng, bao gồm cả việc tương tác với những cư dân có trình độ tiếng Anh hạn chế; cân nhắc các hành động bổ sung để chống lại các nguồn hoạt động thương mại thực hiện hành vi đổ rác trái phép và giảm bớt các hạn chế đối với những cư dân muốn sử dụng các bãi chứa chất thải và một chương trình đào tạo dân quyền cấp liên bang cho nhân viên thành phố được chỉ định. Federal Coordination and Compliance Section (Bộ phận Tuân thủ và Điều phối Liên Bang) của Ban Dân quyền tiến hành cuộc điều tra này với sự hỗ trợ của Văn phòng Luật sư Hoa Kỳ thuộc Quận phía Nam của Texas. Giải quyết các tác động phân biệt đối xử về môi trường và sức khỏe thông qua việc thực thi luật dân quyền của quốc gia là ưu tiên hàng đầu của Ban Dân Quyền. Thông báo ngày hôm nay đánh dấu lần giải quyết vấn đề công lý môi trường thứ hai theo các đạo luật dân quyền liên bang. Vào tháng trước, ban này đã đưa ra thông báo về nghị quyết của cuộc điều tra công lý môi trường áp dụng cho Sở Y tế Alabama và Sở Y tế Quận Lowndes ở Quận Lowndes, Alabama. Vào tháng 4 năm 2022, Bộ Tư pháp đã thiết lập Văn phòng Công lý Môi trường và Chiến lược Thực thi Công lý Môi trường Toàn diện. Những cá nhân tin rằng các họ đã bị vi phạm dân quyền hoặc có những mối quan ngại về công lý môi trường có thể nộp đơn khiếu nại cho Ban Dân quyền tại địa chỉ www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/ .


title: 司法部宣布已就休斯顿市非法倾倒垃圾的环境正义调查达成协议

body_text: 司法部今日宣布，针对休斯顿市在黑人和拉丁裔社区非法倾倒问题上的环境正义调查，已达成一项和解协议。该协议基于休斯顿市最近宣布的 One Clean Houston（休斯顿整洁行动）倡议。这是一个全面计划，旨在解决广泛存在的非法倾倒垃圾问题，改善对休斯顿居民健康、安全和生活质量的不良影响。今日达成的协议正式记录了休斯顿市与司法部的合作，它将推动实施一系列新措施来打击非法倾倒，并为全体休斯顿市居民开发改进的废物管理服务。 司法部民权司 (Civil Rights Division, CRT) 助理检察长 Kristen Clarke 说：“休斯顿非法垃圾场的存在导致了水土污染、害虫滋生，对全市资源匮乏的社区造成了严重影响。我非常钦佩 Turner 市长在解决这些问题上展现的领导才能和对推动 One Clean Houston 倡议的坚定决心。该协议将确保休斯顿全面解决长期以来存在的非法垃圾倾倒问题，提供充分的废物管理服务，并改善有色人种社区居民的生活质量。司法部将持续推进环境正义，确保全国范围内的有色人种社区拥有安全、清洁和健康的居住环境。” 德克萨斯州南区的美国检察官 Alamdar S. Hamdani 说：“任何人都不应被迫生活在充斥着废弃轮胎、成袋的垃圾、腐烂的动物尸体且土壤和地下水受到污染的地方，而这些问题都是由非法倾倒造成的。长久以来，休斯顿的弱势和低收入社区一直承担着因他人无所作为和不当行为而带来的健康负担。我希望这项决议能成为纠正这些错误的重要一步。” 2022 年 7 月，司法部在收到一份代表休斯顿居民的民权投诉后 启动了 调查，投诉声称休斯顿市违反了 Civil Rights Act of 1964 （1964 年的《民权法案》）Title VI（第六章）的规定，对位于休斯顿东北部的 Trinity/Houston Gardens 社区的黑人和拉丁裔居民进行了歧视。Title VI 禁止接受联邦资助的机构在联邦资助的项目和活动中，以种族、肤色或国籍为由进行歧视。 司法部展开了长达十个月的调查，重点审查了休斯顿市在解决非法倾倒问题方面的工作。非法倾倒是休斯顿市长期存在且普遍发生的问题，尤其在该市的黑人和拉丁裔社区中更为频繁。2023 年 3 月，休斯顿市推出了 One Clean Houston 倡议。One Clean Houston 的重点是迅速清理、强化执法、预防和教育工作。除了确认休斯顿市对 One Clean Houston 的承诺之外，该协议还设立了为期三年的联邦监测期，数据报告义务，加强与受影响社区的沟通，包括与英语能力有限的居民互动，考虑采取额外行动打击商业非法倾倒行为，减少居民使用废物处理设施的限制，并为特定市政府员工提供联邦民权培训计划。 民权司的 Federal Coordination and Compliance Section（联邦协调与合规科）在德克萨斯州南部地区美国检察官办公室的协助下开展了这项调查。 通过执行国家民权法律消除歧视性的环境与健康影响，是民权司的一项首要任务。今天宣布达成的协议是根据联邦民权法规达成的第二项环境正义和解协议。上个月，民权司宣布对阿拉巴马州卫生局和阿拉巴马州朗兹县卫生局的 环境正义调查已得到解决 。2022 年 4月，司法部 设立了 环境正义办公室，并制定了全面的环境正义执法战略。 任何人如果认为自身的民权遭到侵犯或担心环境公正问题，可在 www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/ 向民权司提出投诉。


title: 司法部宣佈已就休斯頓市非法傾倒垃圾的環境正義調查達成協議

body_text: 司法部今日宣佈，針對休斯頓市在黑人和拉丁裔社區非法傾倒問題上的環境正義調查，已達成一項和解協議。該協議基於休斯頓市最近宣佈的 One Clean Houston（休斯頓整潔行動）倡議。這是一個全面計畫，旨在解決廣泛存在的非法傾倒垃圾問題，改善對休斯頓居民健康、安全和生活品質的不良影響。今日達成的協議正式記錄了休斯頓市與司法部的合作，它將推動實施一系列新措施來打擊非法傾倒，並為全體休斯頓市居民開發改進的廢物管理服務。 司法部民權司 (Civil Rights Division, CRT) 助理檢察長 Kristen Clarke 說：「休斯頓非法垃圾場的存在導致了水土污染、害蟲滋生，對全市資源匱乏的社區造成了嚴重影響。我非常欽佩 Turner 市長在解決這些問題上展現的領導才能和對推動 One Clean Houston 倡議的堅定決心。該協議將確保休斯頓全面解決長期以來存在的非法垃圾傾倒問題，提供充分的廢物管理服務，並改善有色人種社區居民的生活品質。司法部將持續推進環境正義，確保全國範圍內的有色人種社區擁有安全、清潔和健康的居住環境。」 德克薩斯州南區的美國檢察官 Alamdar S. Hamdani 說：「任何人都不應被迫生活在充斥著廢棄輪胎、成袋的垃圾、腐爛的動物屍體且土壤和地下水受到污染的地方，而這些問題都是由非法傾倒造成的。長久以來，休斯頓的弱勢和低收入社區一直承擔著因他人無所作為和不當行為而帶來的健康負擔。我希望這項決議能成為糾正這些錯誤的重要一步。」 2022 年 7 月，司法部在收到一份代表休斯頓居民的民權投訴後 啟動了 調查，投訴聲稱休斯頓市違反了 Civil Rights Act of 1964 （1964 年的《民權法案》）Title VI（第六章）的規定，對位於休斯頓東北部的 Trinity/Houston Gardens 社區的黑人和拉丁裔居民進行了歧視。Title VI 禁止接受聯邦資助的機構在聯邦資助的專案和活動中，以種族、膚色或國籍為由進行歧視。 司法部展開了長達十個月的調查，重點審查了休斯頓市在解決非法傾倒問題方面的工作。非法傾倒是休斯頓市長期存在且普遍發生的問題，尤其在該市的黑人和拉丁裔社區中更為頻繁。2023 年 3 月，休斯頓市推出了 One Clean Houston 倡議。One Clean Houston 的重點是迅速清理、強化執法、預防和教育工作。除了確認休斯頓市對 One Clean Houston 的承諾之外，該協議還設立了為期三年的聯邦監測期，資料包告義務，加強與受影響社區的溝通，包括與英語能力有限的居民互動，考慮採取額外行動打擊商業非法傾倒行為，減少居民使用廢物處理設施的限制，並為特定市政府員工提供聯邦民權培訓計畫。 民權司的 Federal Coordination and Compliance Section（聯邦協調與合規科）在德克薩斯州南部地區美國檢察官辦公室的協助下開展了這項調查。 通過執行國家民權法律消除歧視性的環境與健康影響，是民權司的一項首要任務。今天宣佈達成的協議是根據聯邦民權法規達成的第二項環境正義和解協定。上個月，民權司宣佈對阿拉巴馬州衛生局和阿拉巴馬州朗茲縣衛生局的 環境正義調查已解決了 。2022 年 4月，司法部 設立了 環境正義辦公室，並制定了全面的環境正義執法戰略。 任何人如果認為自身的民權遭到侵犯或擔心環境公正問題，可在 www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/ 向民權司提出投訴。


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Concludes Investigation  Into Fatal Shooting Inside of Metro Station

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced today that there is insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights or District of Columbia charges against an agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation who was involved in the fatal shooting, on December 7, 2022, of Troy N. Bullock. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) conducted a comprehensive review of the incident. This included a review of law enforcement and civilian eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage from inside of the Metro station, physical evidence, recorded cell phone footage, recorded radio communications, forensic reports, and the autopsy report. According to the evidence, on December 7, 2022, at approximately 6:11p.m., an FBI Special Agent was standing on the platform at the Metro Center station. The agent, who was off duty at the time, observed Mr. Bullock attempting to initiate a physical confrontation with an individual who was also standing on the platform by challenging him to a fight. To defuse the situation, the agent indicated to Mr. Bullock that he should leave the individual alone. Mr. Bullock then became physically aggressive toward the agent by grabbing the agent and pushing him over a utility wall. The wall is approximately three feet high. The agent fell backward over the utility wall, and Mr. Bullock fell over the wall with him – a fall of over eight feet. Below, Mr. Bullock resumed his attack on the agent, who sustained an injury in the fall, drew his service weapon, and shot Mr. Bullock. Despite life-saving efforts, Mr. Bullock was pronounced dead at the scene. After a careful, thorough, and independent review of the evidence, federal prosecutors have found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the agent used excessive force under the circumstances. Use-of-force investigations generally The U.S. Attorney’s Office reviews all police-involved fatalities to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to conclude that any officers violated either federal criminal civil rights laws or District of Columbia law. To prove civil rights violations, prosecutors must typically be able to prove that the involved officers willfully used more force than was reasonably necessary. Proving “willfulness” is a heavy burden. Prosecutors must not only prove that the force used was excessive, but must also prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officer acted with the deliberate and specific intent to do something the law forbids. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will continue to devote the resources necessary to ensure that all allegations of serious civil rights violations are investigated fully and completely. The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division investigates all police-involved fatalities in the District of Columbia.


title: Pharmacist Sentenced for $1M Prescription Drug Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Virginia man was sentenced today to two years in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare of over $1 million in prescription drug benefits. According to court documents, Ronald A. Beasley II, 33, of Portsmouth, was the pharmacist in charge at NH Pharma, a pharmacy located in Lake Mary, Florida. Through NH Pharma, Beasley and his co-conspirators billed Medicare for expensive compound drug creams that they never actually purchased or dispensed, instead providing Medicare patients an inexpensive compound drug cream that Medicare did not cover. In fact, NH Pharma did not buy enough of the expensive prescription drugs to fill all the prescriptions NH Pharma billed to Medicare. In total, Beasley and his co-conspirators received more than $1 million in fraudulent Medicare proceeds. Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; Special Agent in Charge David Walker of the FBI Tampa Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Omar Pérez Aybar of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Miami Regional Office made the announcement. The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Reginald Cuyler Jr. and Darren C. Halverson of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Jury Convicts Federal Correctional Officer for Sexual Abuse of Two Female Inmates

component: Office of the Deputy Attorney General

body_text: A federal jury convicted a federal correctional officer of five counts involving sexually abusive conduct against two female victims who were serving prison sentences. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers presided over the trial. John Bellhouse, 40, formerly of Pleasanton, California, was initially charged with sexual abuse of an inmate on Feb. 17, 2022. A federal grand jury issued a superseding indictment on Sept. 29, 2022, charging Bellhouse with two counts of sexual abuse and three counts of abusive sexual contact. The charges involved conduct that was alleged to have occurred against two female inmates from December 2019 to December 2020. On Monday, a jury convicted Bellhouse of all counts. “Correctional Officer Bellhouse committed an egregious breach of trust by using the cover of the BOP facility’s Safety Office to sexually abuse individuals in his custody,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “This guilty verdict is yet another warning that any Bureau employee who abuses their authority will be held accountable. The Department of Justice is committed to rooting out sexual assault within the BOP and continuing to prioritize cases involving sexual abuse of individuals in BOP custody.” “The heinous crimes in this case destroyed the sense of safety and security every human being is entitled to,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “While he was a federal corrections officer, the defendant sexually abused two victims in his care over the course of a year, an unimaginable violation of the most basic human rights. Today’s conviction demonstrates that the FBI remains unyielding in our protection of all people no matter where the crime occurs or who commits it.” “Bellhouse violated vulnerable women under his custody and care, and a jury held him accountable for these despicable acts. Four other FCI Dublin employees, including the former Warden and Chaplain, have been convicted of sexually abusing inmates. Our investigation of sexual abuse at FCI Dublin remains ongoing, and we will continue to aggressively pursue justice for victims of sexual abuse at the hands of BOP employees,” said Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz. “As an officer in a federal correctional facility, Bellhouse had an obligation to ensure the safety of all the persons serving their sentences,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “Instead, Bellhouse used the power entrusted to him to serve his own corrupt purposes. The sexual abuse of inmates will not be tolerated, and Bellhouse will now face the consequences for committing his despicable crimes.” Bellhouse was employed as a correctional officer at the Federal Correctional Institute in Dublin, California (FCI Dublin), an all-female low security federal correctional institution. Trial evidence showed that Bellhouse sexually abused and committed abusive sexual contact against a victim beginning December 2019 through October 2020. The victim was incarcerated and serving a prison sentence at FCI Dublin under Bellhouse’s custodial, supervisory, and disciplinary authority. The trial evidence demonstrated Bellhouse engaged in oral sex with the victim in the prison Safety Warehouse and Safety Office and that Bellhouse touched the victim’s vagina and breasts in the prison Safety Office. The trial evidence also demonstrated Bellhouse committed abusive sexual contact against a second victim between October and December of 2020. Trial evidence showed that the acts occurred in the Safety Office at the FCI Dublin Camp. Bellhouse was convicted of two counts of sexual abuse of a ward and three counts of abusive sexual conduct. Each count of sexual abuse carries a maximum term of 15 years in prison. Each count of abusive sexual conduct carries a maximum term of two years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Judge Gonzalez Rogers scheduled Bellhouse’s sentencing hearing for Aug. 30. Bellhouse remains out of custody pending his sentencing. The DOJ OIG and FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly Priedeman and Andrew Paulson for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of Madeline Wachs, Sara Slattery, and Leeya Kekona.


title: New Jersey Man Found Guilty of Tax Evasion

component: Tax Division

body_text: A federal jury convicted a New Jersey man today of tax evasion and failing to file personal income tax returns. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jonathan D. Michael of Springfield, New Jersey, worked as a mechanic in the crane shop at the Port Newark Container Terminal. For the years 2014 through 2018, Michael provided his employer with an Employee’s Withholding Certificate (Form W-4) that falsely claimed he was exempt from any federal income tax withholding. During the same five-year period, Michael did not file personal income tax returns even though he earned approximately $1.5 million in wages, resulting in a tax loss to the IRS of over $375,000. Michael is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 23, 2023, and faces a statutory maximum penalty of five years in prison for tax evasion and one year in prison for each count of willful failure to file a tax return. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey made the announcement. IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Michael C. Vasiliadis of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Feldman Nikic of the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case.


title: McCurtain County Resident Sentenced For Federal Firearm Crime

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

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dalton Elzie Hunter, age 29, of McCurtain, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The charges arose from investigations by the Haskell County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On April 13, 2022, Hunter pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. According to investigators, on October 26, 2021, Haskell County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop on Hunter. During the stop, deputies discovered Hunter in possession of four firearms and determined he was a convicted felon. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee. Hunter will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.


title: Krebs Resident Sentenced For Aggravated Sexual Assault And Sexual Abuse Of A Minor In Indian Country

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Roy Lee Roberts, Jr., age 37, of Krebs, Oklahoma, was sentenced to life imprisonment for two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, and 180 months imprisonment for one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently. The charges arose from investigations by the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On November 16, 2022, Roberts was convicted by a federal jury. During the trial, the United States presented evidence that the defendant sexually abused two minors, one under the age of twelve. "This office is committed to prosecuting individuals who prey on innocent and vulnerable children,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “Because of the courage of the victims and the dedication of investigators and prosecutors in this case, Roberts is no longer free to victimize others.” The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted these cases because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable David C. Joseph, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, sitting by designation, presided over the hearings in Muskogee. Roberts will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States.


title: Three Men Plead Guilty to Armed Robbery of a Columbia Postal Carrier

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Don Everett Peters, III, a/k/a “Pop,” 20, and Shylik Lamont Smalls, a/k/a “Mitch,” 21, both of Columbia, South Carolina, along with Elijah Rasue Dewayne Ellis, a/k/a “Smoke,” a/k/a “Black,” 20, of Valdosta, Georgia, have each pleaded guilty to their roles in the March 17, 2022, armed robbery of a United States Postal Letter Carrier in Columbia. Peters, Smalls, and Ellis each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit armed robbery of a United States Postal Letter Carrier, assault/armed robbery of a United States Postal Letter Carrier, and theft/possession of a United States Postal arrow key. Peters and Smalls also each pleaded guilty to theft/possession of United States mail. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Peters, Smalls, and Ellis conspired to rob a postal carrier of his arrow key, which would give them access to locked mail collection boxes. On the afternoon of March 17, 2022, after surveilling another postal carrier in the Hollywood-Rose Hill/Rosewood area of Columbia, the trio decided to rob a letter carrier making his rounds on Hollywood Drive. While Peters waited in the getaway car, Smalls and Ellis—while wearing masks—approached the carrier. Ellis pointed a gun at the carrier and demanded his keys. Peters then picked up the two co-conspirators and they fled the area. After an extensive investigation, including review of numerous surveillance cameras and interviewing witnesses, law enforcement authorities linked the getaway vehicle to Peters. After a review of Peters’ prior encounters with law enforcement and cell phone records, postal inspectors were able to link Smalls to Peters. They determined that Smalls matched the description of one of the robbers, that both Smalls and Peters had access to firearms, and that Smalls was in possession of clothing matching the description of the clothing worn by one of the robbers. Search warrants were obtained for Peters’ and Smalls’ apartments and vehicles and executed on May 4, 2022. Smalls was found with the stolen arrow key in his pants pocket. Investigators also recovered stolen mail, check making materials, several electronic devices such as cell phones and laptops, and two privately made firearms, which are commonly known as “ghost guns.” One ghost gun was found in Peters’ bedroom and the other in Smalls’ bedroom. Inside Peters’ car, Inspectors found documentation belonging to Ellis. After waiving their rights, both Peters and Smalls admitted to being involved in the robbery, along with Ellis. Peters and Smalls were placed under arrest and a warrant was issued for Ellis. On May 31, 2022, Ellis was arrested in Valdosta, Georgia, where he was found in possession of a “ghost gun” and a quantity of marijuana. After advice of rights, Ellis admitted to being involved in the robbery with Peters and Smalls. Peters, Smalls, and Ellis remain in custody as they were federally detained following their 2022 arrests. “Robbing postal carriers for their keys is becoming a national trend, and it will not be tolerated in South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “We are committed to using federal investigative and prosecutorial resources to swiftly bringing to justice those who harm Postal Service employees.” “Protecting the employees of the United States Postal Service is a top priority for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “We want to thank our law enforcement partners that worked tirelessly to apprehend these dangerous individuals.” The three men face a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison on the assault/armed robbery of the postal carrier charge, a maximum of 10 years in prison on the theft/possession of an arrow key charge, and a maximum of 5 years in prison on both the conspiracy and the theft/possession of mail charges. They each also face a fine of up to $250,000 for each charge, restitution, and up to 5 years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty pleas and will sentence the trio after receiving and reviewing sentencing reports prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Columbia Police Department. Additionally, the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Lowndes County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest of Ellis. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey D. Haynes and Lamar Fyall are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Jefferson Parish Woman Charged  With Misprision of a Felony

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – ROSE B. DEMERS , of Marrero, LA, age 68, was indicted on June 2, 2023, by a federal grand jury for one count of misprision of a felony related to funds received from a fraud victim announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to the charging documents, DEMERS received $8,600 from a fraud victim on or about July 9, 2021. Rather than contact the authorities, DEMERS converted some of the funds to her own use and attempted to wire the funds elsewhere. DEMERS faces a sentence of up to three years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to one year of supervised release. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee due after conviction. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Economic Crimes Section in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Lubec Man Sentenced to 2+ Years for Stealing Firearms from Machias True Value, Threatening Witness

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Lubec man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee, witness tampering and retaliating against a witness. U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Jeremy C. Lyons , 29, to 33 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution. Lyons pleaded guilty on December 9, 2022. According to court records, in October 2021, Lyons broke into Pineo’s True Value in Machias and stole three Colt pistols. Maine State Police Crime Laboratory testing matched Lyons’ DNA to a Gatorade bottle he left at the scene of the crime. Lyons became aware that he was a target in a federal criminal investigation involving his theft of the pistols. In July 2022, he threatened a confidential source who had provided information to federal law enforcement with bodily harm and later challenged the source to a fight. Lyons later asked the confidential source to testify for him in his case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Maine State Police investigated the case, with invaluable assistance provided by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. ###


title: Virginia Man Pleads Guilty To Introducing Misbranded Drugs Into Interstate Commerce

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jonathan Corbett Cosie (54, Chesterfield, VA) has pleaded guilty to two counts of introducing a misbranded drug into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud or mislead. Cosie faces a maximum penalty of six years in federal prison. His sentencing is set for September 21, 2023. As part of his plea, Cosie agreed to forfeit any unapproved or misbranded drugs. According to the plea agreement, in Jacksonville, Florida and elsewhere, Cosie operated a business called HCSGRX from approximately 2016 through 2020. HCGRX advertised itself as a distributor of weight loss and bodybuilding supplements. Among other supplements, Cosie sold a number of products containing HCG, which he falsely stated consumers could purchase as a weight loss supplement without having to obtain a valid prescription. Cosie falsely claimed on his website that his company was cooperating with international pharmacies to ship orders out. The investigation revealed that Cosie obtained unapproved prescription drugs containing HCG from foreign manufacturers and other sources, then applied to the vials his own counterfeit labels which contained false and misleading information. Cosie then knowingly and intentionally sold the drugs to consumers without a prescription or the supervision of a licensed medical practitioner. From October 28, 2017, through December 24, 2020, Cosie received approximately $626,202 in proceeds from the distribution of misbranded drugs, and $20,000 when he sold the HCGRX business. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (“HCG”) is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several prescription drugs containing HCG for the treatment of female infertility and for other medical conditions. The FDA has not approved any HCG-containing products for weight loss, nor for any purpose without a prescription. This case was investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.


title: The City of New York Agrees to Clean Up Radioactive Materials on City-Owned Property in Queens, New York

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced today that the City of New York has agreed to remediate radioactive materials on New York City-owned property located near the former Wolff-Alport Chemical Company facility, and to pay the United States $1.6 million for costs incurred by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Under a proposed Consent Judgment filed with the Court today, the City of New York will fund and perform remedial work on City property. “This action protects New York City residents and communities from exposure to hazardous substances including radioactive waste at the Wolff-Alport Site,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This settlement demonstrates that this Office and our Environmental Justice Team are committed to addressing environmental concerns, including the removal of hazardous substances from communities that have been disproportionally burdened by environmental health hazards.” "EPA has collaborated extensively with local, state and federal partners to address risks posed by this Superfund site since our first actions in 2012. This agreement tackles the continued cleanup of radioactive pollution on the City-owned portion of the Wolff-Alport Chemical Company Superfund site and pays back EPA $1.6 million for its vital work to safeguard public health," said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "Today's settlement takes us one step closer to completing our cleanup of this site so that one day it will be restored land that is ready for reuse and economic activity." Background The Wolff-Alport Company operated at the facility on the Wolff-Alport Chemical Company Superfund Site (Wolff-Alport Site) from the 1920s until 1954. The Wolff-Alport Chemical Company Superfund Site (Wolff-Alport Site) is located in Ridgewood, Queens, which borders Bushwick, Brooklyn. The company’s operations included importing monazite sand that was processed to extract rare earth elements. Residues from the processing of the monazite sands contained radioactive materials, including thorium and uranium, along with their decay products, such as radium. These materials contain radionuclides, which are hazardous substances. The company disposed of these hazardous wastes in the New York City sewer system or buried them on the former facility. Exposure to these radionuclides and their decay products either internally or externally can cause damage to deoxyribonucleic acid and body tissues, and can cause an increase in the risk of cancer over a lifetime. Consent Judgment After conducting extensive assessments of the Wolff-Alport Site, EPA added it to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 2014 and issued a Record of Decision in 2017, which sets forth the site remediation plan. Further information concerning the Wolff-Alport Site and the ongoing remediation can be found here . The United States lodged a proposed Consent Judgment, which sets forth the terms of the settlement with the City of New York pursuant to the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, commonly known as the Superfund statute. The agreement provides for the City to perform the cleanup of contamination at City owned property to protect human health and the environment, reimbursement to EPA of $1.6 million of its relevant past response costs, and for the City of New York to make periodic payments for future EPA oversight costs related to the cleanup of property owned by the City of New York. The Consent Judgment also includes a Statement of Work which sets forth the parameters of the City’s remedial work commitments. The proposed Consent Judgment will remain lodged with the District Court for a period of at least 30 days, and notice of the Consent Judgment will be published in the Federal Register. This will afford members of the public the opportunity to submit comments on the Consent Judgment to the Department of Justice prior to it seeking court approval of the settlement. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York vigorously enforces the nation’s environmental laws to address environmental, health, and climate impacts on individuals and communities within the district. Any member of the public who wishes to notify the United States of environmental justice concerns may contact the Office’s Environmental Justice Team here. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Ekta Dharia and Matthew Silverman from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, EPA Office of Regional Counsel Team Leader James Doyle, Assistant Regional Counsel Jean Regna, EPA New York Remediation Branch Section Chief Joel Singerman and Remedial Project Manager Thomas Mongelli. E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CV-476


title: Sex offender gets 40 years for sharing child pornography in two states

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 44-year-old registered sex offender has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of distributing and possessing child pornography in two separate federal cases, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Timothy Lee Tyler, pleaded guilty Sept. 12, 2022, to distributing child pornography in 2020 and to possessing child pornography in both 2019 and 2020. Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen sentenced Tyler to 360 and 240 months for the distribution and possession convictions, respectively. A portion of the sentences will run consecutively for a total 480-month term of imprisonment. Before imposing sentence, the court heard Tyler had previously committed hands-on offenses against children he knew through friends and loved ones and that he had encouraged other users on the Kik messaging app to create child pornography for his enjoyment. Tyler was further ordered to pay a total of $28,100 in restitution to his victims and will serve 20 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Tyler will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. “For years, this person preyed upon children,” said Hamdani. “Online, he encouraged other predators to abuse their own children for his sick gratification. In real life, he terrorized and abused children of people close to him. This sentence will help ensure he isn’t allowed access to children ever again.” At the time of his plea, Tyler admitted he was staying with friends in Conroe in September 2020. During that time, he started distributing child pornography from his cellphone on the Kik messenger app. When Tyler was arrested, his cellphone contained hundreds of images and videos depicting bestiality, bondage and sexual abuse of children. Tyler also admitted to possessing hundreds of child pornography files on a flash drive while residing in Milwaukee in June 2019. Tyler, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Montgomery County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Conroe Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Bauman and Sherri Zack prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.


title: Nicaraguan Woman Charged with  Illegally Using Social Security  Number to Avoid Detention

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – JUNIETH BETANCO-HERNANDEZ , age 18, a native of Nicaragua, was indicted on June 2, 2023, for illegally using a social security number to maintain her status in an Alternative to Detention program of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. JUNIETH BETANCO-HERNANDEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr.of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Food Wholesaler Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Tainted Chinese Eel

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Pomona man and his food wholesale company have pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to smuggle Chinese frozen roasted eel for human consumption which had been previously refused entry into the United States, federal authorities announced today. Kevin Sheng Hsiang Fang, 41, and Fang’s City of Industry-based food wholesale business, Yong Chang Trading Co., Ltd. (dba Heng Xing Foods, Inc.), each pleaded guilty May 31 to one count of smuggling and one count of introducing adulterated food into interstate commerce. Fang was a high-volume importer of Chinese frozen roasted eel, commonly known as unagi. The criminal case stems from a shipment of Fang’s imported Chinese frozen roasted eel that was sample tested by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and found to be unsafe for human consumption, which prompted the FDA to refuse its entry into the United States. Fang admitted that he knowingly re-imported the previously refused Chinese frozen roasted eel, using new entry information and comingled with other eel to evade detection. When he pleaded guilty, Fang admitted that the Chinese frozen roasted eel which he tried to import and distribute was adulterated with Gentian Violet, Leucogentian Violet and Malachite Green, unsafe new animal drugs. The use of these antibiotics or chemicals during various stages of aqua-cultured food can result in the presence of residues of the parent compound or its metabolites in the edible portion of the aqua-cultured seafood. The presence of antibiotic residues may contribute to an increase of antimicrobial resistance in human pathogens, according to an FDA alert . Moreover, prolonged exposure to Malachite Green and Gentian Violet has been shown to have a carcinogenic effect. The FDA, in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), serves as the first line of defense for America’s imported seafood supply chain and utilizes import alerts for aqua-cultured seafood from countries around the world. Seafood and fish products are temporarily detained with FDA detention holds to prevent the introduction of contaminated food product into commerce. The FDA contacts importers to advise of the hold with a detention hold notification and waits for the sample testing results to establish that a seafood or fish product is non-violative. The regulatory framework prevents the entry and distribution of potentially violative or unsafe seafood to customers in the United States, and it serves to protect the integrity and safety of the imported fish and seafood supply chain for human consumption. “Federal laws that prohibits the smuggling of certain food products are intended to protect consumers from hazards to their health,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the American people from such public health dangers and to ensure the safety of our food supply.” “Today’s announcement serves as a reminder that food importers have a critical responsibility to sell food that is safe for American consumers to eat,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert M. Iwanicki of the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who put the public health at risk by distributing adulterated foods in the U.S. marketplace.” “This individual showed complete disregard for the health and safety of the U.S. consumer by knowingly bringing tainted products into the market,” said Eddy Wang, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Acting Special Agent in Charge. “Thanks to the professionalism and dedication of multiple partner agencies, this criminal activity has been disrupted.” “The result of this investigation to detect and prevent the illegal trade of wildlife species was made possible through the diligent work, dedication, and collaboration among all law enforcement agencies involved,” said Special Agent in Charge Manisa Kung of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement, Pacific Southwest Region. Fang is scheduled to be sentenced on August 14 by United States District Judge Percy Anderson. As a result of his guilty pleas, Fang will face a statutory maximum sentence of 21 years in federal prison. This case was investigated by the FDA, Office of Criminal Investigations; Homeland Security Investigations; and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Assistant United States Attorney Amanda M. Bettinelli of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section is prosecuting the case.


title: Anthony Facos Joins U.S. Attorney’s Office as District’s Law Enforcement Coordinator

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest announced that effective today Anthony Facos has joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office as the new Law Enforcement Coordinator for the District of Vermont. “Tony brings extensive law enforcement knowledge and experience to this critical position,” said U.S. Attorney Kerest. “He has deep roots in the Vermont law enforcement community and is an incredibly well-respected law enforcement officer in the state. I look forward to working with Tony to continue to maintain and enhance our Office’s relationships with our law enforcement partners and community stakeholders throughout Vermont.” Facos joins the Office with more than 35 years of state and local law enforcement experience. He spent 33 years with the Montpelier Police Department, including 13 years as Chief of Police. Most recently, Facos served as the Executive Director of the Division of Enforcement and Safety for Vermont’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Facos began his law enforcement career with the Vermont State Police’s Marine Patrol. Facos has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Norwich University, in addition to training he received at the Vermont Police Academy and FBI National Academy. He has been an Executive Board Member of the FBI Albany Division’s Joint Terrorism Task Force as well as co-chair of Vermont’s Law Enforcement Advisory Board. As Law Enforcement Coordinator, Facos’s duties will involve advising the U.S. Attorney on law enforcement issues throughout Vermont. Facos will facilitate communication among federal, state and local law enforcement within the District of Vermont. Facos will serve as liaison and conduit for state and local law enforcement agencies to bring cases for possible federal prosecution with an emphasis on reduction of violent crime. He will also promote community engagement regarding Department of Justice initiatives, law enforcement priorities, and crime prevention activities.


title: Schenectady Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Entice a Minor

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Matthew Peters, age 48, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to attempting to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity and to committing a felony offense involving a minor while required to register as a sex offender. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. Peters admitted that between October 2 and October 7, 2020, he initiated and exchanged sexually explicit text messages with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 14-year-old child on a social networking site. After learning the apparent child was 14 years old, Peters repeatedly asked the minor for “nudes” and “live” pictures. Peters also asked the minor to meet him on multiple occasions and discussed engaging in various sexual acts with the minor when they met. On October 6, Peters arranged to meet the minor the following day in Menands, New York. On October 7, Peters arrived at the prearranged meeting location in Menands, where he was encountered by law enforcement officers and arrested. Sentencing is scheduled for October 10, 2023 before Senior United States District Judge Gary L. Sharpe. Due to Peters’ status as a convicted sex offender, Peters faces at least 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. This case was investigated by the FBI Albany’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department, Rotterdam Police Department, and the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel L. Williams and Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping are prosecuting this case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Dominican Man Previously Convicted in Fentanyl Conspiracy Sentenced for Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican man was sentenced on May 31, 2023 in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation. Milton Jose Arias, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 21 months incarceration. Arias will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. On Jan. 10, 2023, Arias pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry. Arias is a citizen of the Dominican Republic who illegally entered the United States at an unknown time and location without inspection. In July 2019, Arias was convicted in federal court in Boston of fentanyl distribution and fentanyl distribution conspiracy and, in March 2020, was removed from the United States. In January 2022, Arias was found to have unlawfully reentered the United States without the appropriate permission sometime after his removal. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Lawrence Police Chief Roy P. Vasque made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Levy’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Former Co-Owner Of Minnesota Vikings Sentenced To 75 Months In Prison For Providing Shadow Banking Services To Cryptocurrency Exchanges

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that REGINALD FOWLER was sentenced to 75 months in prison for arranging to process more than $700 million of unregulated transactions on behalf of cryptocurrency exchanges, in violation of federal anti-money laundering laws, lying to U.S. banks to do so, and defrauding the Alliance of American Football (“AAF”), a short-lived professional football league, in connection with his acquisition of a significant ownership stake in the league. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Reginald Fowler evaded federal law by processing hundreds of millions of dollars of unregulated transactions on behalf of cryptocurrency exchanges as a shadow bank. He did so by lying to legitimate U.S. financial institutions, which exposed the U.S. financial system to serious risk. He then victimized a professional football league by lying about his net worth in exchange for a substantial portion of the league. Let it be clear: this Office is committed to prosecuting people who lie to banks and skirt the law as a means to conduct their business.” According to court filings and statements made in court proceedings: [1] In or about February 2018, REGINALD FOWLER established Global Trading Solutions LLC (“GTS”) and began working with Crypto Capital and other related companies (the “Crypto Companies”), which were operated by Israeli nationals. The Crypto Companies marketed themselves as providing a seamless way for individuals to exchange standard currency for cryptocurrency. A number of cryptocurrency exchanges began using the Crypto Companies to process their fiat-to-cryptocurrency transactions. Because banks were reluctant to handle cryptocurrency transactions, in reality, the Crypto Companies could not access legitimate financial institutions. Instead, the Crypto Companies lied to banks in order to open accounts that were used to process cryptocurrency transactions without the banks’ knowledge. FOWLER opened dozens of such accounts in the United States and around the world. He did not disclose GTS’s involvement with the Crypto Companies and the fact that it was operating as a payment processor for hundreds of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency transactions. FOWLER also directed other individuals to include false information on wire transfer instructions to further deceive banks about the nature of GTS’s business. In less than 10 months, FOWLER processed approximately $750 million in cryptocurrency transactions in various currencies. At no point were FOWLER, GTS, nor any of the Crypto Companies ever licensed as a money transmitting business in the United States, as required by federal law. Additionally, in 2018, FOWLER defrauded the AAF in connection with his acquisition of a significant ownership stake in the league. In the course of negotiating his investment in the AAF, FOWLER falsely claimed personal ownership of GTS funds that, in fact, belonged to clients of FOWLER’s illegal money transmission service established in support of the Crypto Companies. As he did when opening bank accounts, FOWLER lied to AAF executives, telling them that the funds in the GTS bank accounts derived from real estate investments as well as government contracts and that the tens of millions of dollars in the GTS accounts were liquid assets he could use to invest in the AAF. FOWLER did not disclose his involvement with the Crypto Companies. Moreover, although FOWLER experienced account closures and government seizure of GTS funds in the month leading up to his investment in the AAF, FOWLER did not disclose those facts to the AAF. FOWLER acquired a significant investment stake in the AAF in November 2018 yet was unable to fund that investment. Based, in part, on FOWLER’s lies, the AAF declared bankruptcy in about April 2019, ending the season and dashing the hopes of FOWLER’s victims. * * * In addition to the prison sentence, FOWLER, 64, of Chandler, Arizona, was ordered to pay forfeiture of $740,249,140.52 and restitution in the amount of $53,189,261.80 to the AAF. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York Money Laundering Investigation Squad and Special Agents from the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. The prosecution of this case is being overseen by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Greenwood, Samuel Raymond, Samuel Rothschild, and Sheb Swett are in charge of the case. [1] As to FOWLER’s co-defendants, the entirety of the text of the Indictments and the descriptions in the Indictments set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Small town meth and cocaine traffickers sent to prison

body_text: VICTORIA, Texas – With the sentencing of two Sinton residents, nearly a dozen criminals have now been brought to justice for their respective roles in narcotics trafficking on local streets, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jonathan “John Bear” Olbera, 37, pleaded guilty to March 8, 2022, to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, while Lisza Marie Vera, 44, entered her plea Oct. 5, 2020, to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute meth. Today, Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey sentenced Olbera to 78 months in federal prison, while Vera was ordered to serve a 60-month-term of imprisonment. The sentences will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. “In a small town like Sinton, drug trafficking and gang activity endangers every resident,” said Hamdani. “Worthless gangs, including a motorcycle gang, cared nothing about Sinton’s children and families when they distributed cocaine and meth, even near a school and park. My hope is that these sentences send a strong message to others thinking of putting their neighbors at risk.” In 2019, local, state and federal law enforcement conducted investigations to address drug trafficking and gang activity in various small towns in San Patricio County including Sinton with a population of less than 6000. The investigation led to the identification of the Garcia drug trafficking organization. Several individuals in that group were members and associates of various gangs including the Calaveras Outlaw motorcycle gang, Texas Syndicate, 59 Bounty Hunters and the Bloods. They operated out of a multi-family residence known as “The Compound” in the heart of Sinton located within 1000 feet of a public park and an elementary school. Olbera and Vera were part of that group responsible for distributing cocaine and multi-kilogram amounts of meth to residents in Sinton, Odem and Aransas Pass. The organization was selling approximately one kilogram of meth every week. The leader of the organization - Jacob Eli Garcia, 31 - previously received a sentence of 300 months in federal prison. Collectively, the total sentences imposed in this case totals approximately 1100 months in federal prison. “The Compound” was sold at auction as a result of the criminal convictions in this case. Olbera will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Vera was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender at a later date. “The success demonstrated in this case is a prime example of community and public safety partnerships working hand-in-hand for the betterment of all served,” said Aransas Pass Police Department Chief Eric Blanchard. “And, this tremendous outcome would not be without our close working relationship with our federal partners.” Task force officers from Aransas Pass Police Department working with the Drug Enforcement Administration lead the investigation with the assistance of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Texas Department of Public Safety, Sinton Police Department and San Patricio Sheriff’s Office conducted this 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage . Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Jensen prosecuted the case.


title: Muskegon Man Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison For Stalking His Ex-Wife And Possessing Firearms

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: U.S. Attorney Mark Totten Vows to Fight Gender-Based Violence GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN —U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced today that Mitchell Pierce, 45, of Muskegon was sentenced to 180 months in the Bureau of Prisons after he pleaded guilty to stalking and being a felon in possession of firearms. U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Jonker also ordered that when Pierce is released from prison, Pierce will be on supervised release for 3 years. “Gender-based violence harms families, perpetuates social inequities, and leaves victims fearful and feeling like they have nowhere to turn,” said U.S. Attorney Totten . “As this prosecution demonstrates – one of the worst stalking cases we’ve seen in years – my office is fully committed to protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable, especially abusers who illegally possess firearms.” WATCH: Video of U.S. Attorney Totten speaking about this case immediately following the sentencing hearing In August 2021, Pierce pleaded guilty to assaulting his then-wife; he was placed on probation and ordered to have no contact with her. They divorced. While the no contact order was in place, Pierce began repeatedly calling, texting, messaging, FaceTiming, and emailing his ex-wife, threatening to harm and kill her, her children, and her friends and family. Pierce also threatened to kill himself and sent images of firearms. On April 23, 2022, he sent an email that included the line “OK I got my f---ing body armor together I got my guns ready.” On April 30, he sent texts that said, “Your dead b----” and “so r your kids.” On May 2, 2022, his ex-wife noticed a Jeep following her and pulled into a parking lot; when Pierce exited his Jeep and approached her, she struck him with her minivan and fled the scene. Police responded and searched Pierce’s rented Jeep and found a loaded pistol, two rifles, seven magazines, numerous rounds of ammunition, and a bullet-proof vest. Pierce told officers he was hoping to scare her into giving him another chance and if that did not work, had planned to commit “suicide by cop,” i.e., hold a gun and refuse to comply with commands until officers killed him. “Everyone deserves to feel safe and be safe in their relationships with others,” said Special Agent in Charge James Deir . “The women and men at ATF and our law enforcement partners remain resolute in holding violent felons who terrorize our community members accountable.” Below are a few of the text messages Pierce sent his ex-wife between April 22 and April 30. Gender-based violence generally refers to any harmful threat or act directed at an individual or group based on actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity, sex characteristics, or sexual orientation. One form of gender-based violence is stalking . This term generally refers to a pattern of repeated harassing or threatening behavior, causing fear, substantial emotional distress, or safety concerns for the victim. Stalking tactics can include approaching the victim or showing up in places when the victim does not want them to be there; following and watching a victim; sending unwanted texts, photos, emails, and messages through social media; and using technology to monitor, track, and/or spy on the victim. For more information on the stalking see the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Preventing Stalking . According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey – 2016/2017 Report on Stalking Updated Release (2022) , nearly 1:3 women and 1:6 men reported stalking victimization at some point in their lifetime. Each year, an estimated 13.5 million period are stalked in the United States. Moreover, stalking especially impacts young people. More than half of all female victims of stalking reported that the first incident of stalking occurred before age 25. On May 25, 2023, the White House announced a National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for Action. On May 30, 2023, the Department of Justice followed the release of the National Plan with a summary of several initiatives the Department is undertaking to hold perpetrators accountable and protect survivors. Victims who feel they are in imminent danger or fear a threat of harm should call 911. The following national hotlines are also available to help victims of stalking and other gender-based violence: Victim Connect: 1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-484-2846) National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224 (or text START to 88788) The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) This case was investigated by the Fruitport Township Police Department, the Muskegon Police Department, the Muskegon Township Police Department, the Muskegon County Sheriff, the Michigan State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. # # #


title: Armed Security Guard At 26 Federal Plaza Indicted For Violating The Constitutional Rights Of An Individual Through Forced Sexual Assault

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that JIMMY SOLANO-ARIAS, a former armed security guard at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building located at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, was indicted in federal court for violating the constitutional rights of an asylum seeker (the “Victim”) by forcing the Victim, through the threat of death or serious bodily injury, to perform oral sex on SOLANO-ARIAS while inside a locked office in 26 Federal Plaza. SOLANO-ARIAS was arrested and charged by Complaint on May 5, 2023. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Jimmy Solano-Arias, an armed security guard who was tasked with keeping the many federal employees and visitors to 26 Federal Plaza safe, instead used his uniform and firearm to force a vulnerable individual who was seeking asylum to perform oral sex on him. This Office is committed to holding all those who act under color of law accountable when they abuse their power and violate the constitutional rights of others. We encourage anyone who may have additional information into Jimmy Solano-Arias’s conduct to please call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “As alleged, Solano-Arias, who was employed as an armed security guard assigned to 26 Federal Plaza, sexually assaulted the victim, who had come to the building to complete his asylum paperwork. In doing so, he violated the victim’s constitutional rights through forced sexual assault. As today’s indictment should demonstrate, the FBI will never tolerate this type of activity, and Solano-Arias will be forced to face the consequences of his actions.” According to the allegations in the Complaint and Indictment that were filed in Manhattan federal court: [1] On or about May 4, 2023, SOLANO-ARIAS was employed as a security guard by a company that contracts with the Federal Protective Service to provide armed security services at 26 Federal Plaza. SOLANO-ARIAS was wearing a black and gray security guard uniform and carrying his employer-issued firearm on his waistband. On or about May 4, 2023, the Victim went to 26 Federal Plaza for the purpose of submitting an asylum application. Once there, SOLANO-ARIAS offered to assist the Victim with his asylum paperwork. Instead of providing assistance, however, SOLANO-ARIAS led the Victim to a locked office on the second floor of 26 Federal Plaza, where SOLANO-ARIAS demanded that the Victim perform oral sex on SOLANO-ARIAS. When the Victim attempted to resist SOLANO-ARIAS’s demands, SOLANO-ARIAS touched his firearm, which was holstered on his waist. Fearing that SOLANO-ARIAS would kill the Victim, the Victim performed oral sex on SOLANO-ARIAS, which caused physical pain and injury to the Victim. After the assault, when the Victim was able to leave the office, he immediately reported the sexual assault to law enforcement. * * * SOLANO-ARIAS, 42, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, which involved kidnapping and aggravated sexual abuse, and which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. Mr. Williams requests that any individuals who have information with respect to JIMMY SOLANO-ARIAS contact the FBI Tip Line at 1-800-CALL-FBI. The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Keenan is in charge of the prosecution. The charge contained in the Complaint and the Indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and Indictment and the description of the Complaint and Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation. u.s_v._solano-arias_indictment.pdf u.s._v._solano-arias_complaint.pdf


title: Law Enforcement Disrupts Networks Used to Transfer Fraud Proceeds

component: USAO - Arizona

number: 2023-084_Money Mule Campaign

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Over the past three months, federal, state, and local law enforcement operating in Arizona took part in a national campaign to disrupt networks used by foreign fraudsters who obtain proceeds through various schemes. The campaign addressed conduct by individuals sometimes referred to as “money mules,” who provide critical services to fraudsters by receiving money from victims and forwarding the fraud proceeds to the perpetrators, many of whom are based overseas. In Arizona, law enforcement took approximately 52 disruption actions against individuals responsible for facilitating a range of fraud schemes. These schemes included those that target consumers such as romance and lottery schemes. During this same time period around the United States, law enforcement took over 4,000 disruption actions against such individuals. In Arizona, law enforcement that took part in these disruption actions served warning letters on the “money mules,” notifying them that they are moving illicit proceeds and that their activities are facilitating fraud. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with its federal and state law enforcement partners, also conducted outreach events to raise public awareness about scams and how fraudsters recruit and use people to receive and transfer fraudulent proceeds. The agencies involved in this effort urge consumers to be on the lookout for signs someone is trying to recruit them to receive and transmit fraud proceeds. Do not agree to receive money or checks mailed to you or sent to your bank account for someone you have met over the phone or online. Do not open bank accounts or cryptocurrency accounts at someone else’s direction or request. Fraudsters will lie to persuade you to help them. They may falsely tell you various stories to persuade you to help; for example, that they are helping you get a lottery prize, or initiate a purported romantic relationship, that they need money for some type of fake “emergency,” or pretend to offer you a job, an opportunity to invest in a business venture, or the chance to help a charitable effort. Information about the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice . If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline:1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-084_Money Mule Campaign # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Un Guardia De Seguridad Armado En El 26 De Federal Plaza Acusado Por Infringir Los Derechos Constitucionales De Una Persona Utilizando Agresión Sexual A La Fuerza

body_text: Damián Williams, el Fiscal de los Estados Unidos del Distrito Sur de Nueva York, y Michael J. Driscoll, el Subdirector a Cargo de la Oficina Local en Nueva York del Buró Federal de Investigaciones ("FBI"), han anunciado hoy que JIMMY SOLANO-ARIAS, un ex guardia de seguridad armado en el Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building ubicado en el 26 de Federal Plaza en Manhattan, fue formalmente acusado por un Gran Jurado Federal, por haber violado los derechos constitucionales de un solicitante de asilo (la "Víctima") por forzar a la víctima, y haber utilizado amenaza de muerte o lesiones corporales graves, para que la misma realizara sexo oral en SOLANO-ARIAS mientras dicha víctima estaba adentro de una oficina cerrada en el 26 de Federal Plaza. SOLANO-ARIAS fue arrestado y se le imputó un cargo por Querella Federal, el 5 de mayo del 2023. El caso está asignado al Juez de Distrito de los Estados Unidos, su Señoría, El Honorable Paul G. Gardephe. El Fiscal de los Estados Unidos, Damián Williams ha dicho: "Como se ha alegado, Jimmy Solano-Arias, un guardia de seguridad armado que tenía la tarea de mantener seguros a los muchos empleados federales y visitantes del 26 de Federal Plaza, usó su uniforme y arma de fuego para obligar a una persona vulnerable que buscaba asilo a que le practicara sexo oral en su persona. Esta Oficina se compromete a responsabilizar a todos aquellos que actúan bajo el manto de la ley cuando abusan de su poder e infringen los derechos constitucionales de los demás. Alentamos a cualquier persona que pueda tener información adicional sobre la conducta de Jimmy Solano-Arias, que llame al FBI al 1-800-CALL-FBI". El Subdirector a Cargo del FBI, Michael J. Driscoll ha dicho: "Como se alega, Solano-Arias, quien estaba empleado como guardia de seguridad armado asignado al 26 de Federal Plaza, agredió sexualmente a la víctima, que había venido al edificio para completar su papeleo de asilo. Al hacerlo, violó los derechos constitucionales de la víctima a través de la agresión sexual forzada. Tal y cómo la Acusación Formal por Gran Jurado de hoy debiera demostrar, el FBI nunca tolerará este tipo de actividad, y Solano-Arias se verá obligado a enfrentar las consecuencias de sus acciones". Según las alegaciones en la Querella y la Acusación Formal por Gran Jurado, que se presentaron en el Tribunal Federal de Manhattan: [1] En o alrededor del 4 de mayo del 2023, SOLANO-ARIAS, estaba empleado como guardia de seguridad con una empresa que tiene un contrato con el Servicio Federal de Protección para proporcionar servicios de seguridad armada en el 26 de Federal Plaza. SOLANO-ARIAS estaba vestido de uniforme negro y gris de guardia de seguridad y llevaba su arma de fuego en la cintura, la cual le proveía su empleador. En o alrededor del 4 de mayo del 2023, la víctima acudió al 26 de Federal Plaza con el fin de presentar una solicitud de asilo. Una vez allí, SOLANO-ARIAS se ofreció a ayudar a la víctima con su documentación de asilo. En vez de prestar ayuda, SOLANO-ARIAS, sin embargo, llevó a la víctima a una oficina cerrada en el segundo piso del 26 de Federal Plaza, donde SOLANO-ARIAS exigió que la víctima practicara sexo oral en SOLANO-ARIAS. Cuando la víctima intentó resistirse a las exigencias de SOLANO-ARIAS, SOLANO-ARIAS tocó su arma de fuego, que estaba enfundada en su cintura. Temiendo que SOLANO-ARIAS lo matara, la víctima, le practicó sexo oral a SOLANO-ARIAS, lo que causó dolor físico y daños a la víctima. Después del ataque, cuando la víctima pudo salir de la oficina, inmediatamente denunció la agresión sexual a las autoridades. * * * SOLANO-ARIAS, 42, del Bronx, Nueva York, se le ha imputado un cargo de privación de derechos bajo el manto de la ley, lo cual incluyó el secuestro y el abuso sexual agravado, lo que conlleva una condena máxima de cadena perpetua. La posible condena máxima, está prescrita por el Congreso y se menciona aquí sólo con fines informativos, ya que cualquier sentencia del acusado será determinada por un juez. El Fiscal Williams elogió el impresionante trabajo de investigación por el FBI. El Fiscal Williams, al igual, pide que cualquier persona que tenga información con respecto a JIMMY SOLANO-ARIAS, se comunique con la línea de información del FBI llamando al 1-800-CALL-FBI. El proceso de este caso está siendo dirigido por la Oficina de Derechos Civiles, una unidad en la División Penal. La Fiscal Auxiliar Lindsey Keenan está a cargo del enjuiciamiento. El cargo contenido en la Querella y en la Acusación Formal por Gran Jurado, es meramente una acusación, y el acusado es presunto inocente a menos y hasta que se demuestre su culpabilidad. [1] Lo que significa la frase introductoria, y la totalidad del texto de la Querella y la Acusación Formal por Gran Jurado y la descripción de la Querella y las acusaciones establecidas en este documento, constituyen sólo alegaciones, y cada hecho descrito debe tratarse como una alegación. u.s._v._solano-arias_complaint.pdf u.s_v._solano-arias_indictment.pdf


title: United States Attorney Ihlenfeld announces new domestic violence reduction initiative

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld and a team of state and federal partners announced a new domestic violence reduction strategy on Monday, along with the first round of indictments that resulted from it. Ihlenfeld unveiled the Berkeley County Domestic Violence Reduction Initiative alongside officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; the Martinsburg Police Department; and the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center. The initiative was formed in January to protect domestic violence victims, take dangerous criminals off the streets, and enhance community safety. The program focuses on prosecuting violent offenders, keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals, and conducting training for law enforcement. The agencies involved meet regularly to share intelligence, make charging decisions, and provide support to victims. “Domestic abusers are some of the most dangerous individuals in our community,” said United States Attorney Ihlenfeld. “This new and innovative approach will make Berkeley County safer for everyone, and especially for victims of domestic violence.” Multiple federal indictments were returned in May under the initiative, including the following: Paul Richard Tomlinson , 23, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was indicted on firearms, witness tampering, and interstate violations. According to court documents, Tomlinson had a protective order filed against him in Berkeley County. Tomlinson violated that order, having someone on his behalf contact the protected party, trying to persuade the victim to drop the protective order and claim ownership of a .22 caliber pistol that investigators say belongs to Tomlinson. He is prohibited from having firearms due to a prior conviction. Brian Michael Lewis , 42, of Levels, West Virginia, has been charged with two firearms charges involving eight firearms, two receivers, and ammunition. According to court documents, Lewis, who has previous convictions that prohibit firearms possession, was arrested after officers responded to a domestic violence call and found the various firearms, including an unregistered short-barrel rifle. Gabriel Ian Smith , 45, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, was charged with one firearms violation. Smith, who cannot have firearms because of a domestic battery conviction in Berkeley County, had a 9mm pistol and ammunition. Justin Scott Shaw , 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was indicted on a firearms charge for having a 9mm pistol and ammunition despite a domestic battery conviction in Berkeley County. Investigators on the cases include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; the Martinsburg Police Department; and the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office. The Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office and the Hampshire County Prosecutor’s Office assisted. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Ward, also with the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office, is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Two Sinaloa Cartel Associates Sentenced To 38 And 30 Years In Prison For Importing Thousands Of Kilograms Of Narcotics

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that CORNELIO CAZAREZ MADRID and SINOHE ANTONIO ARAJUO MEZA, both citizens of Mexico, were sentenced today to 38 and 30 years in prison, respectively, in connection with their importation of thousands of kilograms of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine into the United States. The defendants pled guilty to the charges in the Indictment on July 30, 2019, which charged them with conspiring to import and distribute controlled substances into the United States. U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods imposed today’s sentences. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Madrid and Meza were two prolific drug traffickers who worked with the Sinaloa Cartel to import thousands of kilograms of heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine into this country and who relied on brutal violence to protect their drug organization. Today’s sentence sends a message that anyone who participates in the Sinaloa Cartel’s assault on Americans by flooding our communities with poison will be held accountable and will face significant consequences. This Office is committed to addressing the ongoing threat posed to the health and safety of all Americans by the Sinaloa Cartel and every partner in its distribution chain.” According to the allegations in the Indictment, court transcripts, sentencing submissions, and other publicly filed documents: CORNELIO CAZAREZ MADRID and SINOHE ANTONIO ARAJUO MEZA ran an illicit drug business in coordination with the Sinaloa Cartel — a notorious and violent drug trafficking organization based out of Sinaloa, Mexico. The defendants sent massive quantities of narcotics to the United States. Between 2015 and 2016, the defendants and their coconspirators were responsible for trafficking more than 2,000 kilograms of cocaine, more than 130 kilograms of heroin, and more than 300 pounds of methamphetamine. During the course of the investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) seized approximately 675 kilograms of cocaine, 70 kilograms of heroin, and 26 kilograms of methamphetamine. As the defendants flooded the United States with dangerous and addictive substances, they and other members of the Cartel made millions of dollars. The DEA seized $3.4 million in cash through its investigation of the defendants and their coconspirators. This sprawling drug trafficking operation was not only dangerous in its importation of thousands of kilograms of poison into the United States but also in its use of firearms and violence, including murder, to protect the operation. Through the course of the investigation, the DEA seized seven guns connected with the defendants’ drug shipments in the United States. As an example of the violence used by this conspiracy, in April 2015, two Cartel associates exchanged messages with MADRID concerning two individuals suspected of cooperating with law enforcement (the “Victims”). One of the Cartel associates then sent MADRID messages showing that the Victims had been brutally murdered and sent MADRID photographs of the Victims shot dead in a pool of blood. * * * MADRID and MEZA, both 42 and citizens of Mexico, were convicted of one count of conspiracy to import controlled substances and one count of distribution of controlled substances. In addition to the prison terms, MADRID and MEZA were each additionally sentenced to five years of supervised release. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the DEA’s Los Angeles Field Division, the New York Strike Force, the Hawthorne Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the DEA’s Guatemala Country Office, the DEA’s Costa Rica Country Office, and the DEA’s Bogota Country Office. Mr. Williams also thanked the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs for their assistance in securing the extradition of the defendants. This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda L. Houle and Rebekah Donaleski are in charge of the prosecution.


title: 9 Indicted in Joint Task Force Alpha Investigation as Part of Takedown of Migrant Smuggling Organization

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Francisco B. Burrola, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, announced today that the indictment against 9 alleged human smugglers was unsealed. A federal grand jury indicted all 9 defendants on May 18, 2023. According to the indictment and other court records, Jose Luis Avalos, aka “El Gordo,” 40, of El Paso, Texas, allegedly led the human smuggling operation. Avalos and his wife, Kristina Hardin, 41, of El Paso, Texas, were arrested in El Paso on June 1, 2023, and detention hearings are set on June 7, 2023 to determine whether they will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Avalos and Hardin each face 20 years in prison. Avalos’ brother, David Avalos-Solis, 48, of Chaparral, New Mexico, was arrested on May 24, 2023, and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Avalos-Solis faces 10 years in prison. Nancy Orellana-Recinos, 37, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and a citizen of Guatemala, was arrested in Rio Rancho, New Mexico on June 1, 2023, and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Orellana-Recinos faces 20 years in prison and will be subject to deportation. Dario Rey Gamboa, 19, and his twin brother Diego Rean Gamboa, aka “Sunny,” 19, both of Las Cruces, New Mexico, were arrested on May 23, 2023, and June 1, 2023, respectively. Dario Rey Gamboa was released on conditions, and Diego Rean Gamboa is pending a detention hearing to determine whether he will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, they each face 10 years in prison. Cindy Marie Escobar, 42, of Lordsburg, New Mexico, was arrested on May 23, 2023, and is pending a detention hearing to determine whether she will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Escobar faces 10 years in prison. Justin Walker, 31, of Las Cruces, New Mexico was arrested on May 27, 2023, and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Walker faces 10 years in prison. A warrant for the arrest of Adam Guerrero, 38 of Las Cruces, New Mexico has been issued. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland established Joint Task Force Alpha to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. JTFA consists of federal prosecutors from border U.S. Attorney’s Offices, from the Criminal Division and the Civil Rights Division, along with law enforcement agents and analysts from HSI and CBP. The FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration are also part of the task force, along with other interagency partners. The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and the U.S. Border Patrol investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Randy M. Castellano is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-120


title: Shiprock Woman Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Death of Daughter

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Maylene John was arraigned on an indictment charging her with second degree murder. John, 33, of Shiprock, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. A federal grand jury indicted John on May 24. According to the indictment and other court records, on Oct. 24, 2022, John allegedly stabbed her 7-year-old daughter in the chest. John claimed not to know what precipitated the stabbing and that she “blacked out” after the incident. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, John faces up to life in prison. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-121


title: U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada Expands Office Mission of Prosecuting Crimes Involving Consumer Protection Issues

body_text: LOS ANGELES – United States Attorney Martin Estrada, the United States Attorney for the Central District of California, today announced the establishment of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section, a newly fortified unit that will focus on protecting the health, safety, economic security and dignity of individuals across the Central District of California. This Office aims to further its goal of bringing impactful consumer protection cases by vigorously prosecuting cases that involve fraudulent and deceptive marketing practices; consumer product safety; food, drug, and dietary supplement safety; and other conduct that may cause or threaten to cause serious harm to the people in this district and throughout the United States. “Safeguarding the health, safety and economic security of our district’s residents – especially the elderly, children and other vulnerable people – is one of my Office’s paramount goals,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Under this revamped section, we will continue to pursue all appropriate measures to bring to justice any culpable entity – particularly corporations acting illegally – that endangers the welfare of the population we serve.” “Protecting consumers from harm is a priority for the Department of Justice” stated Amanda Liskamm, Director of the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch. “The Consumer Protection Branch has a strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District and we look forward to working with the revamped Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section on significant consumer protection investigations and prosecutions. Our joint efforts will protect the safety of our communities and ensure that those that put consumers at risk will be held accountable.” The Office’s recent commitment to consumer protection includes a $91 million resolution with Gree USA Inc., a City of Industry-based subsidiary of a Chinese appliance company that was ordered in April 2023 to pay a $500,000 criminal fine after pleading guilty to failing to notify the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that millions of dehumidifiers it sold to domestic consumers were defective and could catch fire. The Central District of California – the nation’s most populous federal district – is a seven-county area encompassing approximately 20 million residents in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Williams will lead the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section as section chief. The section also includes Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda M. Bettinelli – who in October 2022 was appointed the Office’s Environmental Justice Coordinator – Laura A. Alexander, Dan Boyle, Dominique Caamano, Joseph O. Johns, Dennis Mitchell, Matthew W. O’Brien, Juan M. Rodriguez, and Erik M. Silber.