title: Colchester Man Sentenced in Drug Case

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Carl Martin, 37, of Colchester, Vermont, was sentenced yesterday in United States District Court in Burlington to 48 months of imprisonment following his June 2022 conviction at trial on drug charges. United States District Judge William K. Sessions III also ordered Martin to serve four years of supervised release following completion of his prison term. According to public records, in February 2018, Carl Martin was involved in a shooting in front of the Nectar’s Bar on Main Street in Burlington. Just before the shooting, Carl Martin punched Rashad Nashid in the face and pointed a firearm at him. In return, Nashid fired his own gun in the direction of Martin. The gunshot hit an innocent bystander who was seriously wounded. In connection with the shooting, Nashid received a 150-month sentence after pleading guilty to two counts of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Carl Martin was never charged for his involvement in the shooting. Between July and October 2019, Martin sold cocaine to an undercover law enforcement officer on several occasions. In June 2022, a federal jury sitting in Burlington found Martin guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and guilty on four counts of distribution of cocaine. The jury acquitted Martin of a sixth charge related to trading a firearm for cocaine. “Carl Martin has proven to be a violent individual, committing multiple crimes over a lengthy period of time, using his firearm to solve disputes. Thanks to the thorough investigation and tenacity of ATF Special Agents, with assistance from the Burlington Police Department, Vermont State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Marshals Service, Mr. Martin will now answer for his actions,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest stated, “Federal prosecutors in Vermont are working hard every day to enforce federal firearm laws. Prosecution of firearm-related offenses is at the top of our priority list. We appreciate the dedication of our many law enforcement partners in these cases including the investigation and prosecution of Carl Martin.” Martin was represented by Chandler Matson, Esq. The prosecutors were Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wendy L Fuller and Andrew Gilman. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn .


title: Moultrie Man Sentenced to Prison for Armed Drug Trafficking Following High-Speed Chase in Crisp County

component: Criminal - Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section

body_text: ALBANY, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia man was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison after he was arrested following a high-speed chase while carrying a semi-automatic Glock, ammunition, cash and drugs a month after he was released from federal custody. Terry Allen Harris, Jr., aka “TJ,” 38, of Moultrie, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison to be followed by eight years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner on March 30, after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. There is no parole in the federal system. “The defendant is rightly being held to account for his proven disregard for the law and willingness to put others in danger,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Armed repeat felons will face federal prosecution in the Middle District of Georgia, resulting in prison time without parole.” “Repeat offenders putting the lives of innocent bystanders at risk will not be tolerated. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring these criminals to justice,” GBI Director Mike Register. According to court documents, Harris led Crisp County Sheriff’s Office deputies on a high-speed chase on June 24, 2020, after deputies attempted to pull him over for driving 19 miles over the posted speed limit on I-75. Harris exited the interstate, increasing his speed to over 100 miles per hour in a 45 mile-per-hour zone, driving on the wrong side of the road and other dangerous maneuvers before ultimately crashing his vehicle into a birdbath and a tree on a residential property. Officers found a Glock 19 semi-automatic pistol at Harris’ feet, 59 rounds of ammunition, three extra magazines and $11,821 in cash, plus seven bags of suspected marijuana, grinders, ledgers, a digital scale and a quantity of methamphetamine and LSD. Harris has multiple prior serious felonies, including a prior conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Harris had been released from federal prison on May 20, 2020, a little more than a month before this incident. The case was investigated by the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, Mid-South Narcotics Task Force and GBI. The case was prosecuted by Criminal Chief Leah McEwen.


title: Raleigh Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Federal Prison for Multiple Armed Robberies

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Ira Burnett, 34, of Raleigh, North Carolina was sentenced today to 228 months in prison for charges related to four armed robberies in Raleigh, North Carolina. According to court records and evidence presented in court, Ira Burnett committed four-armed robberies in Raleigh between June 27, 2021 and July 5, 2021. He displayed a weapon to rob a Family Dollar, two Walgreens, and Sky Blue Tobacco all located in Raleigh. A “Be on the Look Out” or B.O.L.O. announcement was made public by the Raleigh Police Department on June 29, 2021, which included two photos of Burnett taken from video surveillance footage from Family Dollar. Burnett displayed or brandished a weapon to the clerks in each location. He attempted to disguise his identity by wearing a sweatshirt, a mask, and the same Fox Racing hat during each robbery. He was also observed driving the same grey in color vehicle in each location. Less than 20 minutes after his last robbery, a manager at a gas station on Wake Crossroads called police as she recognized Burnett from the B.O.L.O announcement and believed he had just left the gas station. The manager was able to provide the police with video footage and photo evidence of the vehicle Burnett was driving, a grey Nissan, which enabled police to track down the owner of the vehicle. On July 6, 2021, the Raleigh Police Department executed a search warrant at the residence of the owner of the grey Nissan. Recovered as a result of the search was a loaded .357 caliber revolver, two sweatshirts that resembled what Burnett wore during the robberies, and a Fox Racing hat. Burnett was indicted for the robberies on September 7, 2022 and pleaded guilty to all four robberies on January 4, 2023. Michael F. Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard Champaign prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-CR-00208-BO.


title: Burlington Man Who Pointed Apparent Firearm at Police Officer Sentenced for Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Jeremiah Smith, 44, of Burlington, was sentenced yesterday to 46 months of imprisonment in the United States District Court by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III. Smith previously pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon. Judge Sessions also ordered that Smith serve three years of supervised release after his term of imprisonment. According to court records, on November 3, 2021, Burlington Police received a report of a pickup truck being stolen from Pine Street in Burlington. The owner of the truck also relayed that a 9mm firearm had been in the truck at the time it was stolen. Burlington Police located the truck on Pearl Street in Essex, Vermont. Essex Police Officers responded to the location of the vehicle and observed Smith as the sole occupant. Smith refused to roll down his window or exit the vehicle after repeated requests. After the officers broke the window of the truck, Smith pointed what appeared to be a firearm at an Essex Police Officer. The officer drew his service firearm, backed away from the pickup, and ordered Smith out of the vehicle. Smith continued to refuse commands, and attempted to drive the pickup, which had been remotely disabled. Smith then exited the pickup truck and began walking away from the officer. Essex Police Officers then approached Smith and detained him. While taking him into custody, officers located a Ruger 9mm pistol in Smith’s jacket pocket. A search of the truck resulted in the seizure of a realistic-looking pistol-style pellet gun from the driver’s side floorboard. Smith is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law due to a prior felony conviction. U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for their investigatory assistance and commended the coordinated response of the Burlington Police Department and the Essex Police Department in this matter. U.S. Attorney Kerest said, “Thanks to the training and experience of the responding officers this combustible situation was resolved without anyone being hurt. This office will continue to pursue individuals like Mr. Smith who jeopardize the safety of our Vermont communities and our law enforcement partners.” “It is fortunate that no police officers were injured or killed during the arrest of Jeremiah Smith, who pointed a stolen firearm at the officers. ATF will prosecute the illegal possession of firearms each and every time,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson. Also, the Essex Police Department would like to commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont and the ATF for their diligence and work in securing a positive outcome in this case. This incident put Essex Police Officers in serious danger, and this situation could have resulted in a use of lethal force if not for the appropriate, split-second decision making of the officers involved. Instead, they displayed extraordinary bravery and used effective tactics to take Jeremiah Smith into custody safely. Essex Police Chief Ron Hoague stated, “I am pleased to see this individual held accountable for his actions that put our officers and the public in danger. The criminal justice system should always do whatever is necessary to keep illegal firearms out of the hands of criminals.” Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Gilman was the prosecutor. Smith was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth, Esq. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn .


title: Three South Jersey Men Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – Three men from southern New Jersey were charged with negotiating fraudulent checks with forged signatures, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Eugene O. Koranteng, 30, and Emmanuel S. Yirenkyi, 28, both of Maple Shade, New Jersey, and Misty Sarfo-Adu, 28, of Deptford, New Jersey, are each charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. They are scheduled to appear by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sharon A. King. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Koranteng, Yirenkyi, and Sarfo-Adu conspired to commit bank fraud by obtaining blank checks containing the names and account information of unsuspecting customers of a credit card company. They made the checks payable to members of the conspiracy, forged the customers’ signatures on the checks, and negotiated the checks at financial institutions. In July 2018, Sarfo-Adu messaged Yirenkyi a photograph of four blank checks with the account information of a customer of the credit card company. One of the checks was then made payable to Koranteng for $8,750 and deposited into Koranteng’s bank account. Another one of the checks was made payable to another conspirator for $8,750 and deposited into that conspirator’s credit union account. Members of the conspiracy also deposited other fraudulent checks using other customers’ credit card account information into the same accounts belonging to Koranteng and the other conspirator. The count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, the Moorestown Police Department, the Mount Laurel Police Department, and the Champlin, Minnesota, Police Department for their assistance in the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden. The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. yirenkyi.complaint.pdf sarfoadu.complaint.pdf koranteng.complaint.pdf


title: Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Columbia Pharmacy Burglary

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Houston, Texas, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to stealing nearly $7,000 in prescription drugs from a Columbia, Mo., pharmacy. Reginald Tremayne Jackson, 32, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps Jr. to one count of the burglary of a business registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration. By pleading guilty today, Jackson admitted that he broke into the drive through window at Kilgore’s Medical Pharmacy, 1608 Chapel Hill Road, at approximately 2:26 a.m. on June 4, 2022. Once inside the pharmacy, Jackson used a pry tool to force open a locked cabinet that contained prescription medications. Jackson put the prescription bottles in a green-and-white-striped bag, left the pharmacy through the drive-through window, and got into the rear passenger’s seat of a silver Chevrolet Malibu driven by a co-defendant. The vehicle drove away at approximately 2:31 a.m. Columbia police officers were able to track the Malibu using a GPS tracking device that had been taken during the pharmacy burglary. Officers located the vehicle at the Ramada Inn, 901 Conley Road in Columbia, and conducted a traffic stop. Jackson was in the rear passenger seat of the Malibu; he and the driver were arrested. Security video footage from Ramada Inn and the GPS tracking device indicated the vehicle had stopped near the Ramada Inn sign for approximately two minutes prior to the traffic stop. Officers walked the tree line area, where they saw footprints in the heavy dew in the grass, and found the green-and-white-striped bag approximately 15 feet from the edge of the tree line. The bag contained stolen prescription bottles of hydromorphone, methylphenidate, morphine, oxycodone, and oxycontin. Kilgore’s provided a calculated list of the drugs and quantities stolen for a drug loss value of approximately $6,981. Under federal statutes, Jackson is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather D. Richenberger. It was investigated by the Columbia, Mo., Police Department, the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the FBI.


title: Jury Convicts KC Man of Illegal Firearm

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been convicted at trial of illegally possessing a firearm. Cory T. Brown, 33, was found guilty on Thursday, March 30, of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that Brown was in possession of a Glock 10mm semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine on Oct. 14, 2021. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Brown has prior felony convictions for carrying a concealed weapon and resisting a lawful stop. Brown, who was on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fugitive List, was at the residence of co-defendant Myron A. McMillian, 31, of Independence, Mo., on Oct. 14, 2021. Brown had been indicted in a drug-trafficking conspiracy and was a fugitive for two years. (He was later acquitted of the conspiracy charge at trial.) FBI agents were conducting surveillance of the apartment complex, and several tactical teams approached the apartment building that evening. Before officers could announce their presence, McMillian and two other people ran from the rear door of the apartment. Brown, wearing a red balaclava pulled over his face with only his eyes visible, was arrested near the back door of the apartment. Brown had $11,072 in cash in his pocket and identity documents with his photo but another person’s name. Officers later searched the silver 2021 Mercedes they had seen Brown driving and found a black Louis Vuitton backpack that contained $5,000 in cash. Officers executed a search warrant at McMillian’s apartment, where they found eight firearms, approximately 3.5 kilograms of marijuana, and $3,188 in cash. On the kitchen counter, officers found a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Glock 10mm semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine, a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol, and marijuana. Officers also found an Anderson Arms AM-15 .556-caliber firearm and a Romarm Cugir Draco 7.62x39mm pistol in the kitchen area. DNA evidence indicated the Glock pistol had been in Brown’s possession. In McMillian’s bedroom, officers found a backpack that contained marijuana and approximately $800 in cash. Officers also found a duffel bag that contained approximately 2.5 kilograms of marijuana. Under the mattress of the bed, they found a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol. On the dresser, investigators found marijuana and approximately $1,580 in cash. In a dresser drawer, they found marijuana and approximately $800 in cash. Officers found a New Frontier Armory .223-caliber rifle in the main living room area, on the floor near the fireplace, an FNH 5.7mm semi-automatic pistol on the arm of the couch, and a Glock .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol on a shelf. Law enforcement officers executed another search warrant at McMillian’s apartment (at a different address) on July 14, 2022. Officers found a Glock .380-caliber semi-automatic firearm on the bedroom floor, an Omni Hybrid American Tactical .223/multi-caliber pistol between the mattress and box springs of the bed, and marijuana in the closet and the dresser. McMillian pleaded guilty on March 8, 2023, and awaits sentencing. Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for approximately three hours before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Greg Kays, ending a trial that began Tuesday, March 28. Under federal statutes, Brown is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashleigh A. Ragner and Robert M. Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, and the Independence, Mo., Police Department. Project Safe Neighborhoods This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Joplin Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Meth Trafficking, Illegal Firearm

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing methamphetamine to distribute and illegally possessing a firearm. Timothy A. Avey, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 20 years in federal prison without parole. On Oct. 4, 2021, Avey pleaded guilty to one count of possessing pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team executed a search warrant at Avey’s residence on June 18, 2019. Officers found 1.38 grams of methamphetamine and a PW Arms firearm in a small safe in the garage. They also found 15 240mg pseudoephedrine pills and 18 120mg pseudoephedrine pills, which Avey admitted he planned to use to manufacture methamphetamine, as well as 10 hallucinogenic mushrooms. Officers found additional components of a methamphetamine lab in the garage. Avey, who admitted he was selling eight ounces of methamphetamine a day, was arrested and posted bond. On Aug. 29, 2019, a Joplin police officer conducted a traffic stop while Avey was under surveillance. Officers searched the vehicle and, inside a silver Puma bag, found three Ziploc-style baggies; one baggie contained 144 grams of methamphetamine, one contained 1.7 grams of methamphetamine, and one contained 1.4 grams of marijuana. Officers also found another baggie that contained 15.1 grams of methamphetamine in the center console of the vehicle. According to court documents, these offenses to which Avey pleaded guilty were part of a crime spree that began on May 26, 2019, when Avey attempted to steal items from a store and had 24.2 grams of methamphetamine, heroin, pills, and marijuana in his possession. In June 2019, Avey sold methamphetamine to a confidential law enforcement source. On Aug. 21, 2019, Avey was stopped with 135 grams of methamphetamine. On April 26, 2020, an officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop for having the wrong plate on his vehicle, but Avey fled into a field, propelling the components of his methamphetamine lab out of his truck bed as he attempted to flee. On June 28, 2020, Avey was stopped with 104 grams of methamphetamine. On Oct. 26, 2020, Avey attempted to flee from a traffic stop and wrecked into the hand railing of a church; he had a methamphetamine lab in his car. He was arrested on federal charges the following day. According to court documents, Avey is a member of the Joplin Honkys prison gang. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josephine L. Stockard. It was investigated by the Joplin, Mo., Police Department, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, the FBI, the Sarcoxie, Mo., Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: Tax Preparer Admits Preparing at Least 23 Fraudulent Returns

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A tax preparer from Jennings, Missouri on Tuesday admitted preparing at least 23 fraudulent tax returns that created losses of more than $500,000. Darius D. Cobb, 51, pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey to two felony counts of aiding in the preparation of a false and fraudulent tax return. Cobb admitted preparing at least 200 tax returns for the tax years 2017 and 2018. In at least 23 of the returns, Cobb included some false information: fake W-2 forms with false wages and withholdings, false Schedule C forms reporting profit or loss from a business, false claims for the American Opportunity Credit for educational expenses and false information about dependents. In one example in the plea agreement, Cobb included a business loss of $14,024 for one taxpayer even though the taxpayer was not a business owner. The total losses from Cobb’s crimes were approximately $517,021, the plea says. Cobb is scheduled to be sentenced July 11. The crime carries a maximum penalty for each charge of 3 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Cobb has also agreed to pay restitution to the IRS. The case was investigated by IRS - Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Roy is prosecuting the case.


title: Minnesota Man Sentenced to More Than 24 Years in Federal Prison for Gun and Drug Convictions

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who conspired across multiple states to distribute methamphetamine while possessing a firearm was sentenced March 31, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa. Shawn Gaston, 32, from Fairmont, Minnesota, pled guilty on July 8, 2022, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from February 2020 through October 2021, Gaston and others distributed approximately 27 pounds of methamphetamine across Northern Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. In October 2021, law enforcement in Clay County, Iowa, attempted to effectuate a traffic stop on a vehicle Gaston was operating. Gaston led law enforcement on a lengthy high-speed pursuit with Gaston’s vehicle ultimately crashing into a creek in Dickinson County, Iowa. Gaston exited the vehicle after the crash and attempted to dispose of a gun and methamphetamine before being apprehended. The gun and methamphetamine were found approximately 20 yards from the crashed vehicle. Gaston was in Iowa to collect on a drug debt owed to him. Defendant has multiple prior felony convictions, including possession of stolen property and possession of drugs. These convictions prohibit Gaston from legally possessing guns. Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Gaston was sentenced to 295 months’ imprisonment, and must serve a term of five years’ supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Gaston remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is 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. The case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Great Lakes Drug Task Force, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Spencer Police Department, H.E.A.T., Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force, Minnesota BCA, Worthington Police Department, Wisconsin DCI, Sauk County Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office, Iowa-Grant Wisconsin Drug Task Force, Crawford County Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Iowa DCI Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 21-4094. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Galveston resident sentenced for having pornographic images of children

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 37-year-old Galveston resident was has handed a significant sentence for distribution and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Bryan Calderon pleaded guilty March 31, 2022. Today, U.S. District Judge Brown sentenced him to 92 months each for the distribution and possession of child pornography convictions, respectively, both to be run concurrently. At the hearing, the court heard additional information regarding the vast collection of child pornography found in Calderon’s electronic devices after law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence in February 2021. Calderon was further ordered to pay restitution to the victims, but the specific amount will be determined at a later date. He must also serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Calderon will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. Calderon came to the attention of law enforcement based on a cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. An IP address appeared to be distributing child pornography to messenger groups using links to cloud storage files. The investigation led to Calderon and his residence in Galveston. Law enforcement executed a search warrant and seized several electronic devices to include laptop computers and cell phones. Further analysis ultimately revealed Calderon possessed a total of 771 images depicting child pornography. His collection included prepubescent minors, bondage and bestiality involving minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Calderon will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S Bureau of Prisons facility in the near future. Homeland Security Investigations – Galveston and members of the Houston Metro Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherin Daniel and Kimberly A. Leo are prosecuting 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: Sex Offender Sentenced to More Than 26 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A registered sex offender from Lawrence has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for sexually exploiting a 12-year-old girl. Irvin Abreu, 38, was sentenced on March 31, 2023 by US District Judge Patti B. Saris to 315 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release. In April 2022, Abreu pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children. “Upon being released from custody for enticing a 15-year-old child, Mr. Abreu – a registered sex offender – immediately began to sexualize and harm another child. His victim was even younger this time at 12 years old. This recidivist is a predator who has repeatedly sought out to harm innocent children and rob them of their childhood. He is a danger to our society and remains exactly where he belongs – behind bars and away from our children. We commend the victim’s mother for reporting this predator’s exploitation and harm of her child so swiftly,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Abreu is a registered sex offender who went on to offend again, sexually abusing a child and documenting the abuse by producing child exploitation material. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners whose vigilance and collaboration brought this case to our attention and has resulted in this significant sentence,” said Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. Two months after being released from state custody and placed on probation for the exploitation of a 15-year-old girl, Abreu met a 12-year-old girl on the internet, groomed her and had sex with her on more than one occasion, documenting the sexual abuse in videos and photographs. The victim’s mother discovered communications between them and immediately reported the matter to local police. Forensic analysis of Abreu’s phone revealed photos, videos and text messages, including imagery depicting his sexual abuse of and sexualized communications with the victim. Additionally, Abreu’s internet history revealed searches for elementary schools in Lawrence, an internet search for “first time sex positions for virgins,” and an internet search for “what does pedophile mean.” U.S. Attorney Rollins and HSI Acting SAC Krol made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lawrence Police Department and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Chief of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit and the District’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator, prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. “My office is also committed to prevention,” said U.S. Attorney Rollins. “In addition to our school-based outreach, we offer trainings for parents and guardians across the Commonwealth to help demystify some of the ways predators access our children through modern technology. We will always investigate and prosecute predators, while simultaneously committing to educate caregivers about the dangers our young people can face in the digital world.” For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Surprise Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for False Claims to the IRS

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. –Anthony Henry Williams, 52, of Surprise, Arizona, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Michael T. Liburdi to four years in prison. Williams was convicted on January 11, 2023, of 17 counts including conspiracy, false claims to the IRS, and transactional money laundering. In 2018 and 2019, Williams submitted seven false tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), claiming over $3 million in owed refunds. The IRS processed one of these returns that resulted in an unwarranted $600,000 refund to Williams. The IRS later advised him that the return was fraudulent, and that Williams needed to return the money. Williams failed to do so; instead, he purchased two luxury vehicles and a home, among other expenditures. His co-defendant, Shakina Williams, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to time served followed by 12 months of supervised release for her role in the offense. Both defendants were ordered to pay almost $600,000 in restitution. They also were ordered to forfeit their interests in a Surprise home, an Audi A7, and a Porsche Panamera. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin M. Rapp and Kristen Brook, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-21-00722-PHX-MLT RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-047_Williams # # # 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: Tax Evader Sentenced to Prison

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Ryan C. Patterson, 34, of Scottsdale, Arizona, was sentenced last week to 20 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He also was ordered to pay $436,194 in restitution to the IRS. Patterson was convicted on September 23, 2022, by a federal jury of three counts of tax evasion, after a two-week trial. Patterson, a contractor specializing in remodels, directed customers to make out checks to him personally and deposited the checks into his personal checking accounts. He failed to report $1.9 million in income and avoided nearly $550,000 in taxes. He also reported a loss of $38,000 in 2016, while at the same time purchasing a primary residence for $445,000 in cash and making other lavish expenditures. “The conviction and sentencing of the defendant are the result of an effort by the Internal Revenue Service to vindicate the rights of honest American taxpayers by holding scofflaws to account,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino. “Instead of following the law, Patterson blatantly ignored it, and selfishly lined his pockets with money to which he wasn’t entitled.” This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin M. Rapp and Aron Ketchel, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-21-00724-PHX-JJT RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-048_Patterson # # # 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: Cumberland County Man Admits Possessing Destructive Device and Explosive Materials

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – A Cumberland County, New Jersey, man today admitted possessing a destructive device and explosive materials, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Thomas Petronglo, 64, of Vineland, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler to an indictment charging him with one count of possession of a destructive device and one count of unlawful storage of explosives. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On March 12, 2021, Petronglo was found in possession of one destructive device, a 5 ¾-inch diameter metal can, containing a quantity of an explosive mixture of potassium perchlorate and aluminum, with a fuse sticking out of the device. Petronglo also possessed multiple intact improvised explosive devices and explosive materials at his residence in Vineland. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Vineland Police Department, the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, and the N.J. State Police for their assistance with the investigation. The count of possession of a destructive device carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count of unlawful storage of explosives carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Bender and Joseph McFarlane of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden. petronglo.indictment.pdf


title: Leader of Armed Robbery Crew Targeting Pharmacies Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Jordan Velez was sentenced by United States District Judge Joanna Seybert to 14 years’ imprisonment for his organizing role in the armed robberies of 10 pharmacies. Velez pleaded guilty to a Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy and firearm charges in October 2021. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Patrick J. Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), announced the sentence. “Jordan Velez recruited and directed a crew of robbers that put our citizens in grave danger when they entered numerous pharmacies wielding their semi-automatic weapons. They stole drugs and money and terrorized many victims.” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Today, Velez has been justly punished for these violent crimes.” “Velez and his coconspirators brought violence and fear to multiple communities throughout the New York metropolitan area when they used semi-automatic weapons to rob pharmacies of money and prescription pills. As the sentence today shows, the FBI will ensure anyone willing to commit crimes of this nature faces consequences in the criminal justice system,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Driscoll. “Defendant Jordan Velez and his associates committed numerous pharmaceutical robberies from Nassau County to New Jersey while they were armed placing the public in danger. I would like to thank all of the dedicated law enforcement professionals from numerous agencies for a job well done. Hopefully Velez will receive an appropriate punishment upon sentencing which will keep him incarcerated so he is not a threat to the public,” said NCPD Commissioner Ryder. Between February 2018 and May 2019, Velez participated in 10 separate armed robberies of pharmacies. During each robbery, acting on Velez’s orders, Velez’s co-conspirators donned masks and entered pharmacies in Long Island, Queens and New Jersey armed with semi-automatic weapons. They demanded prescription pills and money from the pharmacy’s employees. During a robbery that took place in April 2018, Velez’s crew duct-taped a victim inside a CVS pharmacy in Port Jefferson Station, New York. Velez and his crew stole more than $200,000 worth of prescription pills and money during their robbery spree. Co-defendants Ricky Torres and Steven Valenzuela previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced by Judge Seybert to 102 months’ imprisonment and 84 months’ imprisonment, respectively. The Robberies February 17, 2018, CVS in Valley Stream, Long Island February 19, 2018, Walgreens in Bethpage, Long Island February 23, 2018, Walgreens in Linden, New Jersey March 7, 2018, Walgreens in South Ozone Park, Queens March 11, 2018, CVS in Queens Village, Queens March 15, 2018, CVS in Glen Cove, Long Island March 21, 2018, CVS in Rahway, New Jersey March 30, 2018, CVS in East Orange, New Jersey April 3, 2018, CVS in Port Jefferson Station, Long Island May 22, 2018, Walgreens in South Ozone Park, Queens The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Misorek is in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant : JORDAN VELEZ Age: 24 Flushing, Queens E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-265 (S-2) (JS)


title: Angelina County Felon Sentenced for Federal Drug Trafficking, Firearms Violation

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

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas– A Lufkin man has been sentenced to federal prison for a drug trafficking and firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today. Tyson Spencer, 48, pleaded guilty on Feb. 14, 2022, to possession with intent to distribute synthetic marijuana and being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale. According to information presented in court, Lufkin police officers came in contact with Spencer while responding to a report of a residential theft. Spencer matched the description of the suspect and was searched for stolen items. During the search, officers discovered a firearm in Spencer’s backpack. Spencer admitted to being a convicted felon, having been previously convicted of murder, which would prohibit him from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. Spencer was also in possession of a gallon-sized baggie containing synthetic marijuana. Spencer was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 19, 2020. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lufkin Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter. # # #


title: Lynn Man Arrested for Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft

body_text: BOSTON – A Lynn man has been arrested and charged in connection with using a stolen identity to rent an apartment, for which he allegedly made no rent payments. Steeve Jean, 36, was charged with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and unauthorized use of a Social Security number. Jean will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at 4 p.m. today. According to the charging documents, from September 2021 through June 2022, Jean rented an apartment in Lynn under an assumed name. Jean allegedly paid no rent for the apartment and left when the apartment complex began steps to evict him. It is further alleged that, while serving a state prison sentence in April 2021, Jean submitted two fraudulent federal Paycheck Protection Program loan applications claiming business losses for a business that did not exist. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft, if convicted, provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of unauthorized use of a Social Security number, if convicted, provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Tolkoff of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: St. Louis Man Who Tried to Bring 100 Pounds of Methamphetamine to St. Louis Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man caught trying to bring 100 pounds of methamphetamine to the St. Louis, Missouri area was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in federal prison. Dawuane Lamont Rhodes Jr., now 25, was arrested in October 2020 with $15,005 in cash, an assault-style weapon and a pistol when he tried to pick up the methamphetamine at a University City garage. Law enforcement was waiting because a Geary County, Kansas sheriff’s deputy had stopped a van heading to St. Louis from Colorado and found two duffle bags containing roughly 100 pounds of methamphetamine. Demond Bernard McDaniels Jr., 27, of St. Charles, had arranged for Rhodes to do the pickup. After he was told that Rhodes didn’t show, McDaniels brought $6,930 in cash and jewelry to the pickup location. Investigators later found $93,820 in cash and a pistol at McDaniels’ home. McDaniels and Rhodes pleaded guilty in November in front of U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp to one felony count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. They agreed to forfeit the money seized during the investigation as well as two Dodge Charger Hellcats and a 2015 Mercedes Sprinter van. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D’Agrosa prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced To Life In Prison For Producing Child Pornography

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Brian Wittke, 51, a previously convicted sex offender who shared child pornography online and produced child pornography of two children under age two, was sentenced to life in prison today, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Wittke, of Wilkes County, was also ordered to serve a lifetime of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender should he ever be released from prison. Robert Schurmeier, Director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and Chief Andy LeBeau of the Boone Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. “Brian Wittke is a repeat sex predator who caused two young children unimaginable harm,” said U.S. Attorney King. “Protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation is a priority for my office. Our Special Prosecutions Unit is dedicated to removing predators like Wittke from the community and working with victims to ensure they have a voice in the criminal justice system.” According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, between March 29, 2017, and July 28, 2020, Wittke engaged in sexually explicit conduct with two children for the purpose of producing child pornography videos. The criminal investigation began when an undercover detective with the Boone Police Department downloaded child pornography videos that Wittke shared online. The downloads led to law enforcement officers executing a search warrant at Wittke’s residence where the officers seized a thumb drive. A forensic examination of the thumb drive revealed the presence of 57 child pornography videos, five of which depicted Wittke engaging in sexual conduct with two children under age two. In 2001, Wittke was convicted in Wilkes County of two counts of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child. On October 6, 2022, Wittke pleaded guilty to production of child pornography. He is currently in federal custody. He will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. The Boone Police Department and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation handled the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kimlani Ford of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.


title: Zephyrhills Man Pleads Guilty To Unlawfully Making A Destructive Device

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that James John Hall (34, Zephyrhills) has pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully making a firearm (destructive device). Hall faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment. Hall has also agreed to forfeit the destructive device, which includes a pipe, Tannerite, pyrotechnic powder, and pyrotechnic fuse. According to court documents, on November 1 and 2, 2022, Hall spoke on the phone with a man to whom he had sold firearms in the past. In these conversations Hall offered to sell the man a “pipe bomb” that Hall had built. Hall shared with the man that he had contemplated using the “pipe bomb” to target an individual with whom he was angry. The man with whom Hall was communicating was a confidential informant with the Pasco Sherriff’s Office. The confidential informant reached out to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, who then coordinated further investigation with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Later in the evening on November 2, the confidential informant and an undercover Pasco Sheriff’s detective met with Hall, where the detective purchased the “pipe bomb.” When asked about future purchases, Hall indicated he “had enough to build six more now.” Hall also indicated that the device he was selling to the detective had a magnet on the bottom of it. The suspected destructive device was then disassembled by ATF bomb technicians, revealing a metal pipe sealed at both ends with end caps and filled with suspected pyrotechnic powder, with suspected pyrotechnic fuse inserted into one of the end caps. The pipe was taped to suspected mixed explosive materials. Further analysis by the ATF concluded that the device was designed to function as a weapon and would be characterized as both an improvised explosive bomb and destructive device. ATF found no records for Hall in the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record, indicating he was unlawfully in possession of the device. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Tampa Area Man Sentenced To More Than 17 Years For Series Of Convenience Store Robberies

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven has sentenced Enrique Marquez (26, Tampa) to 17 years and 11 months in federal prison for four Hobbs Act robberies, conspiracy to commit those robberies, and two counts of brandishing a firearm during the commission of the robberies. Marquez had pleaded guilty on December 5, 2022. According to court documents, on May 5, 2022, Marquez and his co-defendants robbed two convenience stores in the Tampa area. During the robberies, Marquez brandished a firearm. The next morning, Marquez and his co-defendants robbed two more Tampa area convenience stores in the same manner. In addition, on May 1, 2022, Marquez shot two individuals when he and one of his co-defendants attempted to rob an individual in an effort to obtain narcotics. Marquez’s co-defendants, Christopher Alvarez and Dyonnie Alvarez, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in this case. Their sentencing hearings are scheduled for April 18, 2023. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Honduran National Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of Firearms by an Alien Illegally and Unlawfully in the United States

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Elmer Enrique Amaya Gonzales, age 20, of Honduras, to 41 months in federal prison following his conviction for possession of firearms by an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. Upon his release from prison, Gonzales will be removed from the United States and returned to his home country of Honduras. According to admissions made as a part of his guilty plea, on June 6, 2022, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to Innovation Park Drive in reference to an armed robbery. Upon arrival, deputies contacted the two victims, who advised they were robbed at gunpoint. The victims stated that they were outside discussing the day's upcoming work schedule when they were approached by three armed Hispanic males who demanded their possessions. The three males fled the scene in a dark colored older model Toyota Corolla. Deputies were able to collect camera footage from the nearby area and observed a dark colored Toyota Corolla traveling in the same area around the time of the robbery. Through this footage, deputies were able to determine the license plate of the vehicle. On June 6, 2022, the vehicle was observed parked outside of Bayou Fountain Avenue with a Hispanic male standing next to it. Deputies watched the vehicle and observed the individual, later identified as Gonzales, enter and exit the vehicle's driver side door multiple times. Deputies contacted Gonzales and detained him for further questioning. While on scene, deputies observed multiple items in plain view within the vehicle possibly related to the armed robbery that occurred on June 4. Specifically, deputies observed masks, rifle magazines, and rifle ammunition. Investigators obtained a state search warrant to search the vehicle. During the search warrant, deputies recovered a Palmetto, model PSAK47 7.62nun caliber rifle, and a CBC, model 715P, .22 caliber pistol, and various types of ammunition from the vehicle. As the primary user of the Toyota Corolla, Gonzales was aware of the presence of the firearms and ammunition. A Honduran passport belonging to Gonzales was also found in the vehicle's center console. This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eli J. Abad.


title: Manatee County Bank Robber Sentenced

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Robert Frascella (55, Bradenton) to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for bank robbery. The court also ordered Frascella to forfeit $5,000, which is traceable to proceeds of the offense. Frascella had pleaded guilty on December 12, 2022. According to court documents, on August 8, 2022, Frascella entered a bank in Parrish and asked to complete a $10,000 wire transfer. When he was advised that he didn’t have sufficient funds for the transfer, he left the bank. A short time later he returned to the bank, pulled a box from his backpack, and placed it on the ground of the lobby floor. Frascella indicated it was an explosive device and demanded money. He left the bank with $5,000, the only money the teller had available. As a result of the bomb threat, the bank employees and customers were evacuated from the building. Law enforcement and a bomb squad determined that the box did not contain an explosive device. Frascella was identified and arrested later that day. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Sarasota division, and the Manatee County Sheriffs’ Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman.


title: Box Elder man admits meth trafficking, firearm crimes on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man accused of trafficking drugs on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation after law enforcement found a pound of methamphetamine and eight firearms in his truck admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Thomas Knife, aka “Smurf,” 41, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Knife faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for Aug. 24. Knife was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that in December 2022, law enforcement made a traffic stop on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation of an individual who was suspected of bringing large quantities of controlled substances to Montana. During the stop, Knife arrived driving a truck. Knife told officers that the vehicle involved in the traffic stop belonged to him. Officers ultimately arrested Knife on a warrant. As they took Knife into custody, officers saw a short-barreled shotgun inside the truck he had been driving. During a search of the truck, officers found more than $500, approximately one pound of meth and eight firearms, including a .22-caliber rifle and a 20-gauge shotgun that appeared to have modified barrels. There also were hundreds of rounds of ammunition in the vehicle. Knife was on felony state probation at the time. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Rocky Boy’s Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. XXX


title: Red Lake Man Sentenced to Over 16 Years in Federal Prison for Rape

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: DULUTH, Minn. – A Red Lake man has been sentenced to 200 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for sexually assaulting a woman in her home on the Red Lake Reservation, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. As proven at trial, on July 3, 2020, Descart Austin Begay, Jr., 38, knowingly raped and sexually assaulted a victim in her home until she was finally able to escape. On September 6, 2022, Begay was found guilty on two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and two counts of sexual abuse. Begay was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Nancy E. Brasel. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Red Lake Tribal Police Department and the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan B. Gilead prosecuted the case.


title: Claremore Man Pleads Guilty After Being Found with 500+ Images of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: A Claremore man found with more than 500 images of child sexual abuse material on his electronic devices pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. Christian Lee Birse, 24, pleaded guilty to distribution and receipt of child pornography. In his plea agreement, Birse admitted to distributing and receiving child pornography via social media from Jan. 13, 2021, to Oct. 7, 2021, while connected to his employer’s internet service. Birse admitted to receiving at least 5 videos that involved the sexual abuse or exploitation of a toddler and other prepubescent children. He further admitted that he possessed and accessed more than 500 images of children being exploited and abused. The images were discovered on the defendant’s cell phones and computer. The Roger’s County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cymetra M. Williams is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Three People Plead Guilty, Four More Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud in Connection with Telemarketing Scheme Targeting Timeshare Owners over the Age of 55

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – Seven people have been charged for their participation in a telemarketing scheme to defraud timeshare owners over the age of 55, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. William O’Hanlon, 58, and his wife Karen Stefanowski, 60, of Miami, Florida, James Toner, 41, of Lake Mary, Florida, and William Chiusano Jr., 48, of Laguna Niguel, California, are each charged in a 13-count indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and multiple counts of wire fraud. O’Hanlon is additionally charged with three counts of tax evasion and one count of theft of government monies. O’Hanlon, Stefanowski and Toner were arrested today, made their initial appearances in federal court in Florida, and were released on bail. Alex Klemash, 30, of Williamstown, New Jersey, Michael Lambe, 43, of Mullica Hill, New Jersey, and La’Tresa Jackson, 57, of Lindenwold, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on March 8, 9, and 13, 2023, respectively, before U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams in Camden federal court to related informations charging them with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the telemarketing scheme. According to documents filed in these cases and statements made in court: The wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud charges arise out of the defendants’ alleged participation in a timeshare fraud scheme operated through businesses Williams Andrews Burns LLC, Resort BnB Inc., and Williams & Burns Inc., collectively referred to as “WAB.” From October 2016 through October 2020, the defendants and additional conspirators engaged in a scheme to financially enrich themselves by selling fraudulent services offered through WAB to timeshare owners, including offering to rent or buy the owners’ timeshares under false and fraudulent pretenses or representations, and offering to recover monies timeshare owners had previously paid in connection with other scams. The conspirators obtained lists of timeshare owners and their contact information, and cold-called them to pitch their various services in return for upfront fees. The conspirators made numerous false and misleading statements to the timeshare owners, including falsely stating that the timeshare owners had “bonus” timeshare weeks which WAB would rent for them in return for an upfront fee, and falsely guaranteeing thousands of dollars in rental income for the timeshare owners. Once the timeshare owners had signed up and paid their fees for the phony rental services, the conspirators also generally pitched collections/recovery services, offering to obtain refunds of monies previously paid by the timeshare owners in other fraudulent scams, in return for fees. The conspirators made numerous false and misleading statements in many instances to both timeshare owners and their credit card companies. One of the fraudulent pitches used by the conspirators was to falsely claim that the timeshare owner had been identified as a victim of timeshare fraud and was entitled to monies that were held by a government entity, often referred to as the attorney general’s office or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and that WAB would obtain those monies for the timeshare owner in return for the payment of an upfront fee. The conspirators also offered additional fraudulent services to timeshare owners, including occasionally offering timeshare buyouts/takeovers. O’Hanlon ran WAB with the assistance of supervisors Toner, Klemash and Lambe in New Jersey, and Chiusano in California. O’Hanlon and the supervisors also engaged in telemarketing sales, as did Jackson, and Stefanowski was the bookkeeper/controller responsible for drafting checks drawn on the victim timeshare owners’ bank accounts. Each count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud are punishable by a maximum of 30 years in prison, including an enhancement of up to 10 years in prison for committing such fraud via telemarketing that targeted persons over the age of 55 and victimized 10 or more people over the age of 55. O’Hanlon is also charged with three counts of tax evasion, punishable by up to five years in prison, and one count theft of government monies, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The sentences on each count may run consecutively. Each offense also carries a potential fine of the greater of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division, South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire; special agents of the IRS Criminal Investigations, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins; and special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge, Cooperative Disability Investigations – Eastern Region, Conor Washington, with the investigation leading to the indictment, arrests, and guilty pleas. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Diana Vondra Carrig and Elisa T. Wiygul of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ohanlonetal.indictment.pdf


title: Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty To Cocaine Charge

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Tremaine Jacobs a/k/a Teeter a/k/a T, 49, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to attempt to possess, with intent to distribute, cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that on May 16, 2020, law enforcement learned that a package containing $7,000 worth of cocaine had been sent to Jacobs. That same day, the Drug Enforcement Administration seized a package addressed to 542 Goodyear Avenue, a residence associated with Jacobs. The package contained 248 grams of cocaine. On May 30, 2020, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Buffalo Police Department Intelligence Unit executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence at 533 Goodyear Avenue, where investigators recovered approximately 16 ounces of suspected marijuana, approximately $10,507 in US currency, and jewelry. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia. Sentencing is scheduled for August 9, 2023 before Judge Vilardo.


title: Spearfish Man Sentenced for Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Spearfish, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on April 3, 2023. Anthony James Kemp, 56, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and a $5,000 special assessment to the Victims of Trafficking Fund. Kemp will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Kemp was indicted for Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, and Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography by a federal grand jury in August of 2021. He pleaded guilty on December 2, 2022. Kemp was arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2021 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators. Following multiple text messages with an undercover persona Kemp thought was a 15-year-old girl, he negotiated a time and place he would meet the girl to have sex. When Kemp went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case. Kemp was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Rapid City Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on March 24, 2023. Brittany Vermeulen, 35, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Vermeulen was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. She pleaded guilty on January 6, 2023. During her involvement in the conspiracy Vermeulen obtained distributable quantities of fentanyl, at times traveling to the Denver, Colorado, area to pick up fentanyl. Upon her return to South Dakota, she would then distribute the fentanyl, primarily in the Black Hills area. This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina S. Nelson prosecuted the case. Vermeulen was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Brazoria man lands significant sentence for producing child pornography and sending via Kik

body_text: GALVESTON, Texas – A 38-year-old Brazoria resident has been ordered to federal prison following his multiple convictions, to include sexual exploitation of a child, distribution and possession of child pornography as well as destruction of property, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jake Delahney Taylor pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and destruction of property Jan. 20, 2022. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown later found Taylor guilty of the sexual exploitation of a child and distribution of child pornography following a one-day bench trial. Today, Judge Brown ordered him to serve 324, 240 and 120 months for the production, distribution and possession convictions, respectively. They will run concurrently for a total 324-month-term of imprisonment He also received a sentence of 60 months for the destruction of evidence which will run concurrently. At the hearing, the court also heard additional information including the impact that Taylor’s conduct had on the minor victim’s family. Taylor was further ordered to serve 10 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. Taylor will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. “It is despicable that someone would secretly record a child’s normal bathroom activity and then crop and edit it into a sexual striptease,” said Hamdani. “Loathsome individuals like Taylor who produce child pornography and share it with perverted like-minded individuals need to be stopped and pay the price for the harm they cause. We hope today’s sentence will send that message and do just that.” The investigation revealed Taylor had surreptitiously recorded a 13-year-old minor female relative while she was in the bathroom on five different occasions. Taylor then edited the videos in order to create still images of the minor victim which depicted her private areas. He then sent some of these images to other individuals on Kik with whom he had also discussed his sexual interest in children. The mother of the child found some of the images and contacted law enforcement. A search led to the discovery of electronic devices which later yielded 118 images and 134 videos of the minor victim. Taylor also had 84 videos and 24 images of child pornography in his collection. Taylor has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Pearland Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations-Galveston and Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Leo and Sherin Daniel are prosecuting 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: Buffalo Man Who Led Multi-Million Dollar Narcotics Conspiracy That Stretched From  Mexico To Buffalo Going To Prison For 27 Years

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Adrian Goudelock a/k/a AD, a/k/a Ace, a/k/a Ace Boogs, 40, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted by a federal jury of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, five kilograms or more of cocaine, attempted possession and possession of five kilograms or more of cocaine, and money laundering conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 324 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Co-defendant Shamar Davis, who was also convicted at trial, was previously sentenced to serve 150 months in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler, Jeremiah E. Lenihan, and Seth T. Molisani, who prosecuted the case, stated that Goudelock was a leader in a major narcotic trafficking operation that stretched from Mexico to Buffalo. An investigation began in October 2017 following the seizure of approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine and $259,960 in cash that was being shipped from El Paso, Texas to Buffalo. Bulk shipments of cocaine were delivered to Goudelock in the Buffalo area. A total of 77 kilograms of cocaine were delivered to Buffalo during the conspiracy and nearly $1,000,000 in bulk U.S. currency was seized during the investigation. A total of 12 defendants were identified, charged, and convicted in the case. In addition, 21 defendants were charged in the Eastern District of Kentucky and the Northern District of Ohio, resulting in the seizure of an additional $2,000,000 and approximately 41 kilograms of cocaine. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; and Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Unit, under the direction of Brian Manaher, Director, Marine Operations. Additional assistance was provided by the New York National Guard and Homeland Security Investigations, El Paso, Texas. # # # #


title: Charges Brought in Missing Person Investigation

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Preston Henry Tolth, 23, of New Mexico, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Phoenix on March 14, 2023. The grand jury returned a two-count indictment for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Carjacking Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The indictment alleges that, on or about June 15, 2021, Tolth assaulted the victim, resulting in serious bodily injury to her. It further alleges that Tolth took the victim's Ford F150 pick-up truck, and transported it across state lines, with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury to the victim. “This indictment is an important first step in determining the truth about what happened to an elderly victim on the Navajo Nation,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino. “The indictment charges the defendant with carjacking and assault; the investigation is ongoing.” A conviction for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A conviction for Carjacking Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This investigation is part of the Department of Justice’s efforts to address cases involving missing and murdered indigenous persons. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations, conducted the investigation in this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-23-8043-PCT-DLR-MTM RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-049_Tolth # # # 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: Owner of Pacific Crest Equity Partners Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion, Forfeits $1.9m

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY — April 4, 2023 SAN DIEGO— Kenneth Yonika of Alpine, California pleaded guilty in federal court today to evading federal taxes in 2017, 2018 and 2020. As part of his guilty plea, Yonika agreed to pay $669,133 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and forfeit $1.9 million seized by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). According to court documents, in 2017, 2018 and 2020, Yonika and his partners utilized a foreign-based nominee to sell securities in the United States and abroad. To offer the securities, Yonika and others had the nominee sign paperwork falsely reporting the nominee owned the securities. Yonika and others then opened a United States bank account to receive millions of dollars in profits from the sale of the securities, which were distributed to Yonika and his partners. In an effort to hide the income of the securities sales, Yonika engaged in numerous financial transactions involving his personal bank accounts and bank accounts belonging to his company, Pacific Crest Equity Partners, Inc. For example, Yonika conducted dozens of wire transfers from both personal bank accounts and Pacific Crest bank accounts to family members and used Pacific Crest Equity Partner bank accounts to purchase real property and pay for personal expenses. Yonika admitted that his transactions with the nominee, Pacific Crest Bank accounts, and family members were all willful attempts to criminally evade income taxation. “When someone cheats the tax system, it hurts all honest taxpayers and the integrity of our institutions,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “This office will pursue and seek a just punishment for these crimes.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and agents from IRS and Homeland Security Investigations for their excellent work on this case. “Mr. Yonika attempted to bypass rules that protect our capital markets, and then skirted U.S. tax laws to evade paying his fair share on the millions of dollars he profited,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Los Angeles Field Office. “At this time of year, when hard working Americans are honestly and diligently preparing their tax returns, it is unacceptable that Mr. Yonika evaded his taxes by taking overt steps to hide his income. The IRS Criminal Investigation and its law enforcement partners are determined to bring those that commit tax fraud to justice.” “HSI Costa Pacifico Money Laundering Task Force will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute criminals that use complex financial schemes to defraud innocent investors,” said HSI San Diego Special Agent in Charge, Chad Platz. “Offshore accounts and shell companies will not deter us from holding these bad actors accountable.” Sentencing is scheduled for June 30 at 8:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel. DEFENDANT Case Number 21CR2542-TWR Kenneth Yonika Alpine, CA Age: 45 SUMMARY OF CHARGES Tax Evasion—Title 26, U.S.C., Section 7201 Criminal Forfeiture—Title 18, U.S.C., Section 982 Maximum penalty: Five years in prison, $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater; forfeiture and restitution AGENCY IRS Criminal Investigation Homeland Security Investigations


title: Former San Diego Police Officer and Others Plead Guilty to Crimes Stemming from Operation of Illicit Massage Businesses

component: Criminal - Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – April 4, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Former San Diego Police Vice Detective Peter Griffin and three co-defendants pleaded guilty in federal court today in connection with their operation of five illicit massage businesses in California and Arizona that profited for years by exploiting women to engage in commercial sexual services under the guise of offering therapeutic massage services. According to court documents, Griffin, who left the San Diego Police Department in 2002, and codefendants Kyung Sook Hernandez, Yu Hong Tan, and Yoo Jin Ott owned and operated “Genie Oriental Spa,” “Felicita Spa,” “Blue Green Spa,” “Maple Spa,” and “Massage W Spa,” located in the greater San Diego area and in Tempe, Arizona, between 2013 and August 2022. The criminal scheme included incorporating their businesses with state agencies, managing the finances of the businesses, advertising commercial sexual services online, recruiting and employing women to perform commercial sexual services in the businesses, and benefiting financially from the illegal enterprises. The defendants leased multiple commercial properties as storefronts, leased and bought residential properties to use as housing for employees, and secured credit card processing equipment to operate the illicit massage businesses. Griffin, who is also a former attorney, previously worked as a detective with the Vice Operations Unit of the San Diego Police Department, a unit tasked with dismantling the very businesses he operated and promoted for personal profit. According to his plea agreement, throughout the course of the scheme, Griffin used the experience and skills he acquired through his work as a vice detective – and in at least one instance, his badge – to help the businesses evade law enforcement; thwart regulatory inspections, investigations and any official action against the businesses; conceal evidence and maintain a façade of legitimacy. On another occasion, Griffin told an employee that he was a former police officer and instructed her not to “open [her] mouth” about her employment at the illicit massage business. Griffin also used resources he had access to by virtue of his private investigator license to obtain information on customers and employees on behalf of the illicit massage businesses. Through the course of the scheme, the defendants encouraged and expected employees to perform commercial sexual services inside the businesses and relied on Griffin’s law enforcement background to help conceal the criminal conduct. When one employee initially refused to perform commercial sexual services, one of the defendants instructed her to “leave [her] morals in China” in order to “make the customers happy.” “This criminal scheme involved illicit businesses that exploited a vulnerable population,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “We are committed to prosecuting the offenses that impact not only the employees of these illicit businesses, but the safety of the communities in which they operate.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and investigating agencies for their excellent work on this case. “The defendant – a former vice detective who once took an oath to uphold our laws – knew more than most that illicit massage businesses cruelly profit by exploiting women for commercial sex,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are committed to prosecuting the proprietors of these illegal businesses, and to shining a light on those places where sexual exploitation and trafficking persist.” “Peter Griffin misused the expertise acquired during his time as a vice detective and abused the respect that came with his badge – all to ensure that his ‘massage parlors’ operated under the radar for his personal financial gain,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The guilty pleas of Griffin and his co-defendants underscore the Justice Department’s commitment to holding accountable those who profit from crime, particularly crimes that involve the exploitation of vulnerable populations and the abuse of trust that communities place in law enforcement. This plea would not have been possible without the innovative and collaborative efforts of our partners in federal and local law enforcement, the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.” “No one is above the law. I’m appalled that someone who once took an oath to protect our community could prey on the vulnerable,” said San Diego Chief of Police David Nisleit. “I’m proud of our own SDPD officers who helped make this investigation possible and I commend our partner agencies for their diligence in holding Peter Griffin and his accomplices accountable. This is an important step toward justice for the survivors of these crimes.” “Investigating criminal activity that targets vulnerable individuals and communities is one of IRS-CI’s top priorities,” said Tyler Hatcher Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation's Los Angeles Field Office. “Peter Griffin and his co-defendants will now face the consequences of their almost decade long illegal business that took advantage and victimized women within our community. IRS-CI is committed to using our financial expertise to trace illicit funds and bring down these criminal enterprises.” “Griffin betrayed the pledge he took to uphold our laws and to protect the members of our community through his egregious misuse of power and knowledge,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge John Kim of the FBI’s San Diego Field Office. “We appreciate the collaboration of our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that justice is served to Griffin and his co-conspirators. There is no place in our community for those who negligently prioritize money over people.” “This trusted member of the community and his associates profited from the illegal proceeds of the commercial sex industry which is often accompanied by other forms of criminal activity such as money laundering,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge, HSI San Diego. “This law enforcement officer utilized his institutional knowledge of the job to betray the public trust. HSI will continue working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who profit off of individuals lured into this exploitative industry.” The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, a regional, multi-agency effort led by the California Department of Justice dedicated to supporting survivors and holding traffickers accountable. The task force is comprised of numerous federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program. The investigation was also supported by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the San Diego Police Department, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, the Escondido Police Department, the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, and the Tempe, Arizona Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Streja of the Southern District of California, Trial Attorney Caylee Campbell of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, and Trial Attorney Leah Branch of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case. DEFENDANTS Case Number 22cr1824-JO Peter Griffin 78 Kyung Sook Hernandez 58 Yu Hong Tan 56 Yoo Jin Ott 46 SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy, Interstate and Foreign Travel or Transportation in Aid of Racketeering (ITAR), Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison, $250,000 fine Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud Maximum Penalty: Thirty years in prison, $1 million fine Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Property Derived from Specified Unlawful Activity Maximum Penalty: Ten years in prison, $250,000 fine or twice amount of criminally derived property Misprision of a Felony Maximum Penalty: Three years in prison, $250,000 fine AGENCIES Homeland Security Investigations Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Federal Bureau of Investigation San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force Escondido Police Department San Diego Police Department San Diego District Attorney’s Office San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Tempe, Arizona Police Department