title: Cedar Rapids Man Involved in Shooting at Dairy Queen Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Methamphetamine He Intended to Distribute

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who possessed methamphetamine he intended to distribute was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison. Richard Dean Hamilton, Jr., age 42, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 13, 2022 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that, on October 8, 2021, a bail bondsman and his friend were attempting to locate Hamilton, Jr., to take him into custody for an active warrant. The bail bondsman and his friend utilized a woman to set up a deal to purchase methamphetamine from Hamilton, Jr., and a meeting was arranged for the woman and Hamilton, Jr., to conduct the drug deal at a Dairy Queen in Cedar Rapids. During the meeting between the woman and Hamilton, Jr., the bail bondsman and his friend pulled up in their vehicle and approached Hamilton, Jr. The bail bondsman told Hamilton, Jr., that he had a warrant, but Hamilton, Jr., disagreed. When the bail bondsman attempted to take Hamilton, Jr., into custody by placing a handcuff around one of his wrists, Hamilton, Jr., started to resist, and there was a struggle. During the struggle, the friend of the bail bondsman struck Hamilton, Jr., with an asp baton. At one point, Hamilton, Jr., grabbed the bail bondsman’s handgun and hit the magazine release causing the magazine to drop from the handgun. Additionally, Hamilton, Jr., grabbed a knife and swung it at the bail bondsman. The bail bondsman yelled that Hamilton, Jr., had a knife, and the bail bondsman’s friend fired one shot at Hamilton, Jr., striking him in the leg. Hamilton, Jr., put his vehicle in reverse, dragging the bail bondsman backwards. Hamilton, Jr., then put the vehicle in drive, driving towards the friend of the bail bondsman and dragging the bail bondsman forwards through the parking lot. The friend fired multiple shots at Hamilton, Jr., striking him multiple times, and the bail bondsman eventually let go of the handcuffs. Hamilton, Jr., drove away from the scene and drove to a residence belonging to someone he knew. Officers located Hamilton, Jr., at that residence, and he was taken to the hospital for his injuries. In the bathroom of the house where Hamilton, Jr., was treating his wounds, officers located a pocketknife and a set of handcuffs. In Hamilton, Jr.’s, car, officers located an empty baggie and six bags containing a total of 49.32 grams of actual methamphetamine. Hamilton, Jr., was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Hamilton, Jr., was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Hamilton, Jr., is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-CR-63. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Oklahoma City Man Convicted of Producing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – NATHAN BENFALL , 34, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty today to producing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester. On October 5, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against Benfall. Counts 1 and 2 alleged Benfall sexually exploited a child on two separate occasions. Count 3 alleged Benfall distributed child pornography. Count 4 alleged Benfall possessed child pornography. Today, Benfall pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot to producing child pornography, as charged in Count 1 of the indictment. As part of his plea, Benfall admitted that he used a hidden camera in his home bathroom to video-record a boy’s genitals for Benfall’s own sexual gratification. At sentencing, Benfall faces mandatory minimum sentence of not less than 15 years and up to 30 years in a federal prison, a $250,000 fine, up to lifetime supervised release, and up to $50,100 in assessments. In determining Benfall’s sentence, the Court will take into account the nature and circumstances of the offense, Benfall’s history and characteristics, and the need to protect the public from further crimes of Benfall. Sentencing will take place in approximately 120 days. Benfall will also be required to register as a convicted sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma City Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Hale. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . Reference is made to court filings for further information.


title: Fort Wayne Woman Sentenced To 78 Months In Prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: FORT WAYNE – Lakeshia Dominguez, age 45, of Fort Wayne, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to distribution of fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Dominguez was sentenced to 78 months in prison followed by 8 years of supervised release. According to documents in this case, local and federal law enforcement were involved in an investigation relating to the distribution of fentanyl. The investigation revealed that on multiple occasions between September and October 2021, Dominguez distributed several ounces of fentanyl powder and fentanyl pills. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller and Sarah E. Nokes. ###


title: Fort Wayne Man Sentenced

body_text: FORT WAYNE – Lucian Boboia, age 49, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to obtaining a controlled substance, including fentanyl, by fraud or deception, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Boboia was sentenced to 60 months of probation. According to documents in this case, Boboia, a pediatric dentist, acquired a Fort Wayne dental practice in March of 2021 and began seeing patients in April of 2021. He was the sole dentist there and was a registered practitioner with the Drug Enforcement Administration, authorized to order and administer controlled substances in accordance with his dental practice. In August 2021, the DEA’s Diversion Control Division began to investigate allegations that Boboia was illegally obtaining controlled substances and engaging in measures to conceal this activity. The investigators learned that Boboia was ordering shipments of controlled substances to be delivered to his office on a weekly basis, including midazolam and fentanyl, and he was instructing staff members not to open the packages. The investigators were advised that fentanyl was not a substance used on patients. In August 2021, investigators sought and received an administrative inspection warrant for the dental practice. During service of the warrant, investigators obtained records involving controlled substances to include receiving, dispensing, and inventory, as well as all controlled substances physically located at the practice. During the investigation, DEA found that between March through July, 2021, Boboia had ordered and received approximately 1,700 vials of fentanyl, about 600 bottles and vials of midazolam, and about 200 diazepam tablets. It was determined that only a small portion of the midazolam was actually administered to patients, leaving the remainder of the controlled substances unaccounted for. The DEA’s data showed Boboia as being the second highest purchaser of fentanyl by a dentist in the entire nation from January through August of 2021. During the same time, he was the top fentanyl purchaser among dentists in Indiana, purchasing almost three times as much fentanyl as the next-highest dentist. As part of the administrative process, Boboia voluntarily surrendered his DEA registrations, which formerly allowed him to order and dispense controlled substances. His dental license has been placed on indefinite probation for a minimum of five years, and he was required to close his practice. United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “It is imperative that medical professionals who have the authority to order and to prescribe narcotics not use that authority as a means to fuel their own addiction. As shown by this case, this Office will take appropriate steps to stop such “self- dealing” of controlled substances.” “The Drug Enforcement Administration remains committed to enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States. Registrants who divert controlled substances, such as pharmaceutical fentanyl, from the legitimate supply chain will be held accountable. In partnership with our law enforcement and prosecutor colleagues, we will continue to focus on keeping Hoosiers safe and healthy,” said Alfred A. Cooke, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration – Merrillville District Office. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Division. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Sarah E. Nokes. ###


title: Albemarle County Home Invaders Sentenced in Hobbs Act Robbery

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A man from Albemarle County, and another from South Carolina, who broke into a private Albemarle County home while armed in October 2021, were sentenced yesterday to federal prison terms. Traevon Gray, 21, and Damon Williams, 23, pled guilty in November 2022 to one count each of Hobbs Act Robbery. Each received a sentence yesterday of 51 months in federal prison. “The Department of Justice will continue to use every tool possible to address violent crime in our communities,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “This outcome proves that those individuals who use firearms to harm others will be held accountable in federal court.” “Addressing violent crime is a priority for the FBI. These sentencings reflect the Bureau’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold those responsible accountable,” said Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Richmond Division. According to court documents, Gray and Williams used firearms when they broke into the Albemarle County home through a backdoor and forced the victim from his upstairs bedroom into the kitchen where they ordered him to lie face-down on the floor. After stealing approximately two pounds of marijuana, several thousand dollars, a firearm, drug paraphernalia, and other valuables, the assailants bound the victim’s hands with tape, punched him in the face, and pushed him into the kitchen pantry. After the robbery, Gray and Williams fled to Spartanburg, South Carolina where they divided up the robbery proceeds. The FBI Richmond's Safe Streets Task Force and the Albemarle County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Carlton prosecuted the case for the United States.


title: Penn State Health Agrees To Pay $1,252,662.28 To Settle A Voluntary Disclosure Related To Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (HMC) And St. Joseph Medical Center (SJMC)

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG, PA —The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Penn State Health (PSH) has agreed to pay $1,252,662.28 to resolve allegations of civil liability for submitting claims to Medicare for Evaluation & Management (E&M) services that violated Medicare rules and regulations. According to the U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Penn State Health voluntarily disclosed that, between January 2015 and March 2019 for HMC, and between July 2015 and June 2018 for SJMC, PSH submitted claims to Medicare Part B for E&M services that were not supported by the medical record on the same date of service as infusion services. After it discovered the problems, PSH took prompt corrective action. This matter was handled by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Counsel to the Inspector General (OCIG), and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Haken of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. # # #


title: Bloods Gang Members Indicted for Sex Trafficking and Illegal Drug Distribution on Long Island

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, a 15-count indictment was unsealed charging David M. Amin (D. Amin) and Bryce K. Amin (B. Amin), who are brothers, with sex trafficking by force, interstate prostitution, and distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base. As alleged in court filings, D. Amin and B. Amin are both members of the Bloods street gang. D. Amin was arrested this morning and will be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Lee G. Dunst. B. Amin is presently incarcerated on state narcotics charges and will be arraigned at a later date. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), Rodney K. Harrison, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), and Errol D. Toulon, Jr., Suffolk County Sheriff, announced the indictment. “As alleged, these two brothers used physical and sexual violence as well as the power of drugs to manipulate and coerce vulnerable female victims for their own financial gain,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “The federal charges unsealed today hold the defendants accountable for their despicable acts of sex trafficking and the related distribution of dangerous drugs in our communities on Long Island.” Mr. Peace expressed his thanks to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office and the Nassau County Police Department for their assistance with the case. “The indictments of brothers David and Bryce Amin highlight HSI’s steadfast commitment in the fight against both human trafficking and the distribution of fentanyl in our Long Island communities,” stated HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Arvelo. “Bringing justice to victims of human trafficking and stopping the flow of illicit narcotics is a priority for this office. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and exhaust all of our resources to ensure vicious criminals like the Amin brothers who, as alleged, exploit young women and peddle poison in our communities are swiftly brought to justice.” “The sexually depraved actions taken by the Amin brothers are nothing short of reprehensible,” stated SCPD Commissioner Harrison. “The Suffolk County Police Department is dedicated to working with its law enforcement partners to target perpetrators of human trafficking and it is my hope these arrests bring justice to their victims.” “Thank you to all the law enforcement agencies that collaborated on this taskforce to take down these alleged gang members and sex traffickers and to get their dangerous drugs off our streets. Criminals have no place in our communities and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is committed to continuing to work with our partners to keep our neighborhoods safe,” stated Suffolk County Sheriff Toulon. Sex Trafficking As set forth in the court filings, between January 2020 and March 2023, the defendants allegedly conspired to use violence and threats of violence to compel multiple women to engage in commercial sex acts for the defendants’ financial benefit. D. Amin and B. Amin recruited drug addicted women for their sex trafficking operation on Long Island, taking advantage of their vulnerability to coerce victims into prostitution who were beholden to the defendants’ supply of illegal drugs. These defendants controlled the money derived from that business and manipulated their victims into believing that they were actually in debt to the defendants. Additionally, D. Amin forced victims to have sex with him, which at times came with humiliating and degrading rules. D. Amin choked and struck his victims, left one or more victims stranded in public places without money, telephones or identification, deprived them of drugs to force withdrawal symptoms, and forced at least one victim to drink his blood after claiming that he was HIV positive. Similarly, B. Amin subjected the victims to violence and drug-related manipulation. In a recorded call from jail in January 2021, B. Amin boasted about one of his victims, saying “You can groom a person to do something they’re not used to doing . . . .When I tell her sit, she listens, she does whatever I tell her to do. She’s my little puppet.” The majority of the sex trafficking activity occurred in Suffolk County in cars, apartments and hotels, including at locations in Bohemia, Islandia, Patchogue and Bayport, as well as at the Sayville Motor Lodge, which has since been closed. Additionally, at least one victim was forced to work in Virginia, in various hotels around the Norfolk area. If you are a victim or have information about sex trafficking, call HSI at 1-866-347-2423. To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). HSI is ready to work with you in your native language, regardless of your immigration status. Drug Trafficking Further, the court filings allege that between August 2019 and March 2023, D. Amin conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute multiple controlled substances, including heroin, fentanyl, a fentanyl precursor known as “ANPP,” cocaine and cocaine base, including eight sales of narcotics to an undercover SCPD detective (Undercover). Specifically, between November 2022 and February 2023, D. Amin met the Undercover at various locations in Suffolk County, selling him/her a substance that masqueraded as heroin, but which oftentimes was actually a dangerous cocktail of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and ANPP. Both defendants sold drugs through female trafficking victims to customers who were also paying them for commercial sex acts. These sales were usually advertised online as “party favors.” On December 22, 2021, B. Amin was arrested in Nassau County for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance containing cocaine base. On that occasion, B. Amin was caught while directing a victim to a date with “party favors,” and the purported customer was actually an undercover NCPD detective. Searches executed today at D. Amin’s homes in Freeport and Wyandanch, as well as two storage units in Suffolk County, revealed numerous electronic devices, large sums of U.S. currency and two luxury vehicles, both registered to D. Amin. The government’s case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Megan E. Farrell is in charge of the prosecution. The Defendants : DAVID M. AMIN (also known as “Sonny B,” “Rico,” “Tone,” “Anthony,” and “Jonathan Santos”) Age: 28 Coram, Freeport and Wyandanch, New York BRYCE K. AMIN (also known as “Busy B”) Age: 23 Coram, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-92 (GRB)


title: Sioux City Man Sentenced to Prison for Meth and Gun Convictions

body_text: A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine while illegally possessing firearms was sentenced March 6, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City. Alden Hendrickson, 57, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty on October 11, 2022, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearms by a prohibited person. At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that from January 2021 through March 23, 2022, Hendrickson and others conspired to distribute over 6 pounds of methamphetamine in the Sioux City, Iowa area. On March 23, 2022, law enforcement conducted a controlled buy operation and purchased 42.5 grams of pure methamphetamine from Hendrickson. Also on March 23, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Hendrickson’s residence in Sioux City and seized 394.8 grams of pure methamphetamine, marijuana, $5,975, and five guns. Hendrickson admitted to the distribution of methamphetamine and being a user of methamphetamine, which prohibits anyone from possessing firearms or ammunition. Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Hendrickson was sentenced to 56 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 3-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Hendrickson remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-4030. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Texas Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Production and Attempted Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Grant McKay Durtschi, age 51, of Lewisville, Texas, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles to production and attempted production of child pornography. As a result of his conviction, Durtschi faces a significant term of imprisonment, a fine, and a period of supervised release, which includes sex offender registration requirements. According to admissions made during his plea, on or around July 2020, Durtschi arranged for a minor female, a resident of the Middle District of Louisiana, to travel to a location in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, for a photoshoot. On or about July 20, 2020, at the location in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, Durtschi directed the minor to engage in specific poses that lasciviously displayed her genitals for the purposes of photographing her. Durtschi transported the images from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, to his home, located in the Eastern District of Texas. Durtschi utilized the internet to upload some of the photographs, via a Google Drive account, where he also stored other images of the minor. This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristen Lundin Craig and Trial Attorney Charles Schmitz of the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (“CEOS”). This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Fraudulent Investment Scheme

body_text: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Monty Matthews, age 52, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 57 months in federal prison following his convictions for wire fraud, interstate communication of an extortionate threat, and attempted escape. The Court further sentenced Matthews to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $1,066,853. In announcing the sentence, Judge deGravelles commented that, in determining an appropriate sentence, he considered the impact of Matthews’ criminal conduct on victims aged 60 and older; that resulted in the loss of over $1,000,000 of the victims’ retirement savings, which all went to Matthews; and the fact that the victims were left with virtually no retirement savings. Judge deGravelles also commented on injuries to FBI agents resulting from Matthews’ attempt to escape custody. According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, in August 2017, Matthews advised two victims that he could make investments on their behalf and with very high rates of return. Matthews acted as the victims’ investment team lead, and demanded that they needed to maintain an investment account with him exceeding $550,000. Based on Matthews’ false assurances and representations regarding what were, in fact, non-existent investment opportunities, along with his threat to injure the victims if they did not continue to make payments, the victims made over 4,000 cash drops to Matthews. In addition, on March 23, 2022, Matthews was in in the custody of two special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation due to a lawful arrest relating to federal felony charges. Matthews attempted to escape from custody, but agents were able to prevent him from fleeing. This case was investigated by the FBI and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Paul L. Pugliese. The Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative aims to combat elder financial exploitation by expanding efforts to investigate and prosecute financial scams that target seniors; educate older adults on how to identify scams and avoid becoming victims of financial fraud; and promote greater coordination with law enforcement partners. For more information, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice . If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).


title: Colorado Springs Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of Explosive Devices

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Dakota Ryan Halley, age 28, of Colorado Springs has pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered firearms, specifically explosive devices. According to the plea agreement, in early May 2022, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) obtained information that the defendant and co-defendant Dalton Turner were in possession of two hand grenades. The investigation led to an undercover ATF agent arranging to purchase one of the explosive devices from the defendant. On May 12, 2022, the undercover agent purchased one grenade and a shotgun from the defendant. Later, the defendant agreed to sell additional grenades to the agent. A second sale occurred on May 21, 2022. That day, shortly before the defendant was to meet the undercover agent for the second sale, agents observed the defendant and Turner loading two vehicles with military style tactical gear, including bulletproof vests and firearms. Turner, the defendant, and a female each drove a vehicle to the location of the second sale. The defendant conducted the sale alone, but Turner and the female staged their vehicles strategically to serve as lookouts and maintained radio communication with the defendant. The sale was conducted in a garage, and the defendant attended the sale wearing military style tactical gear, including body armor, a firearm on his hip, additional magazines. The undercover agent purchased six grenades from the defendant. The defendant was arrested on June 8, 2022. A federal search warrant was executed on the apartment the defendant shared with Turner and the following items were recovered by ATF agents: 32 explosive devices, numerous firearms and more than 4,000 rounds of ammunition. The defendant had not registered the destructive devices in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR) as required by law. The defendant pleaded guilty before Judge Daniel D. Domenico on March 6, 2023. He will be sentenced on May 30, 2023. Co-defendant Dalton David Turner pleaded guilty before Judge Daniel D. Domenico on January 26, 2023. He will be sentenced on April 19, 2023. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Denver Division investigated this case. The prosecution is being handled by the Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 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. CASE NUMBER: 22-cr-00183-DDD


title: Child Pornographer Sentenced to Twenty Years Imprisonment

body_text: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Court Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Jesse J. Allen, age 35, of Baton Rouge Louisiana to 240 months in federal prison following his conviction for receipt of child pornography. Allen must serve 10 years of federal supervised release upon completing his term of imprisonment, during which he is prohibited from contacting anyone under the age of 18, and he must complete sex offender treatment. The Court also ordered Allen to $51,000 in restitution. As a result of this conviction, Allen will be required to register as a sex offender for life According to admissions made during his guilty plea, Allen utilized cellular telephones and the internet to seek out and receive a number of images and videos of child pornography involving a number of different victims. United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. stated, “Protecting our children and prosecuting those who exploit them continues to be a priority for my office. Searching for and obtaining images of child pornography feeds the demand for child exploitation and re-victimizes those children who suffered through the abuse. If basic human decency will not deter this conduct, we hope that sever prison sentences will.” “This sentencing reinforces our mission to protect innocent children from child predators by utilizing the justice system,” said Douglas A. Williams, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of FBI New Orleans. “We thank our partners at the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District for their dedication to the pursuit of justice in this case.” This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Louisiana State Police, and it was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jamie Flowers Jr., who also serves as Chief of the Criminal Division, and Colin Clark. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Fayetteville Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Firearm

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: WINSTON SALEM – A North Carolina man pled guilty today to a felony firearm offense after fleeing a traffic stop in January, announced Sandra J. Hairston, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. According to court documents, William Lawrence Bethea, Jr., 26, was charged with felony possession of a firearm after a detective with the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office attempted a traffic stop in January, 2023, and Bethea fled the vehicle. At the time, Bethea was well known to detectives. In his attempt to flee, he discarded a firearm which was then collected by the pursuing detective. Bethea was arrested a few days later on a federal warrant where he mentioned to authorities that they must have known he was in possession of a firearm at the time. At the time of the incident, Bethea had been convicted in the Superior Court of Cumberland County of felony common law robbery and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment exceeding one year. Therefore, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Sentencing is scheduled to take place on August 16, 2023, at 2:00 pm in Winston Salem Courtroom Number Four before the Honorable Loretta C. Biggs. At sentencing, Bethea faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a period of supervised release of up to three years, and monetary penalties. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Hoke County Sheriff's Office, Raeford Police Department, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and Hoke County Emergency Management investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Ann Courtney. 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: Ayden Crips Gang Member Sentenced to More than 14 Years in Prison for Drug Offenses

body_text: NEW BERN, N.C. – An Ayden man was sentenced today to 165 months in prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine and for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. On July 19, 2022, Maurice Montrell Greene pled guilty to his role in the conspiracy. Greene was the leader of the local “Grape Street” Crips gang set during the time that he was under investigation. According to court documents and other information presented in court, Greene, 34, was involved with a group of individuals that were obtaining kilograms of cocaine for distribution in Ayden and the greater Pitt County area. A multi-year investigation spanning from 2016 to February 2019 included controlled purchases, surveillance, witness interviews, and a court authorized wiretap on Greene and others’ cellular phones led to the seizure of approximately 1800 grams of cocaine and over $382,000 in U.S. Currency. Specifically, as to Greene, over $47,000 cash, 935 grams of cocaine, and a firearm were seized from residences where Greene lived. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Greenville Regional Drug Task Force, and the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Webb 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. 4:19-CR-9-FL-1. ###


title: Cape Coral Caretakers Plead Guilty To Stealing More Than Half A Million Dollars From Elderly Victim

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Diane Durbon and Brittany Lukasik, both of Cape Coral, today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Lukasik also pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return. Durbon and Lukasik each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and Lukasik also faces a maximum penalty of 3 years’ imprisonment for filing a false tax return. As part of their guilty pleas, Durbon and Lukasik have agreed to forfeit a 2016 Nissan Rogue, 2020 Kia Sorento, real property in Cape Coral, and approximately $542,760.23, which are traceable to proceeds of the offenses. According to the plea agreement, Durbon and her daughter, Lukasik, a registered nurse, were first hired in approximately 2016 to be caretakers for T.H., the 92-year-old victim. In October 2017, Durbon began unlawfully accessing T.H.’s investment accounts. To unlawfully gain access to the investment accounts, Durbon would place T.H. on the phone to answer various account security questions. Video surveillance cameras that Durbon had installed inside T.H.’s home captured Durbon putting a script that contained answers to account security questions in front of T.H. before and during each phone call. After being given authorization to speak to the investment account representative on T.H.’s behalf, Durbon would move funds from T.H.’s investment accounts into a Prime Money Market Account (PMMA) that also functioned as a checking account. After transferring the funds, checks were unlawfully issued to Lukasik, ranging in amounts from $1,000 to $9,600, which were deposited into bank accounts that Lukasik controlled and maintained. Between November 2017 and July 2019, approximately $231,659 in checks were issued to Lukasik from T.H.’s PMMA account. Beginning in approximately November 2018, Durbon also unlawfully gained access to T.H.’s annuity policy, similarly to how she had unlawfully gained access to T.H.’s investment accounts. In January 2019, Durbon faxed a fraudulent Annuity Withdrawal form which misrepresented that T.H. wanted to cash out her annuity policy. This caused the annuity company to issue a check to T.H. in the amount of $244,521.09. The check was deposited into one of T.H.’s checking accounts. After the check was deposited, approximately 92 checks, totaling $372,092.98, were issued to Lukasik from T.H.’s checking account between February 2019 and March 2020. The checks were deposited into bank accounts that Lukasik controlled and maintained. Moreover, Lukasik failed to report receipt of any of T.H.’s funds in her 2019 tax return. In total, between January 2019 and March 2020, approximately $542,760.23 in fraudulently obtained funds were deposited into Lukasik’s accounts. After the funds were deposited, Lukasik and Durbon used the funds to pay off debt and make a variety of purchases. Those purchases included paying $26,354.05 for a 2018 Nissan Rogue, $17,735.17 to pay off a car loan, more than $29,000 to pay student loan debt, and more than $100,000 in credit card payments. Lukasik and Durbon also used the funds to purchase a duplex in Cape Coral, and more than $100,000 of the fraudulently obtained proceeds were used to buy electronics, furniture, and to remodel the duplex. This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Lee County Sherriff’s Office, and the IRS – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Trent Reichling. Combatting elder abuse and financial fraud targeted at seniors is a key priority of the Department of Justice . Together with our federal, state, local and tribal partners, the Department of Justice is steadfastly committed to combatting all forms of elder abuse and financial exploitation through enforcement actions, training and resources, research, victim services, and public awareness.


title: Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Zachary Scott Whitmore, 32, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 19, 2022, Whitmore sold 7 grams of suspected heroin to a confidential informant near 25th Street in Huntington for $700. Whitmore also admitted to arranging the sale of 7 grams of suspected heroin to a confidential informant at a 9th Avenue residence in Huntington on October 24, 2022. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Mid-Atlantic Laboratory confirmed the controlled substances from both transactions was fentanyl. Whitmore is scheduled to be sentenced on June 21, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-1. ###


title: Three Former New York City Correction Officers Plead Guilty to Sick Leave Fraud

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, former New York City correction officer Eduardo Trinidad pleaded guilty to federal program fraud, admitting that he fraudulently obtained his salary from the New York City Department of Correction (DOC) by taking sick leave even though he was able to work. On February 15, 2023, and February 27, 2023, respectively, former New York City correction officers Steven Cange and Monica Coaxum also pleaded guilty to the same charge. Today’s proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon. When sentenced, all three defendants face a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, New York Field Office (FBI), and Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), announced the guilty pleas. “The defendants have admitted stealing taxpayer funds by collecting their full salaries while falsely claiming they were too sick to work,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Sick leave abuse is a plague on the New York City Department of Correction that puts fellow officers and inmates at risk during the ongoing staffing crisis in the jails. This Office is working with our federal and local law enforcement partners to identify those who exploit the sick leave policy and hold them accountable.” DOI Commissioner Strauber stated: “These correction officers faked medical documentation to take sick leave they were not entitled to in the midst of a city jail staffing crisis. They violated DOC policy, and they broke the law. Their conduct — including travel around the country, partying, bowling, and home repairs, on stolen sick leave time — is an insult to the correction officers who do their jobs, who show up to work and risk their personal safety on a daily basis. I thank the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their partnership in bringing this case to a close.” According to court documents and facts presented at the guilty plea proceedings, Cange fraudulently obtained more than $139,000 in salary while on sick leave from March 2021 to November 2022. During that period of time, Cange submitted more than 100 fraudulent medical notes to DOC claiming that he was at physical therapy or another medical provider when records subpoenaed from those providers demonstrate that Cange was not at those appointments. Law enforcement also observed Cange engaging in normal life activities with no apparent difficulty. Coaxum fraudulently obtained more than $80,000 in salary while on sick leave from March 2021 to April 2022, and Trinidad, her fiancée, fraudulently obtained more than $119,000 in salary while on sick leave from June 2021 to October 2022. Although Coaxum claimed to suffer from multiple injuries, evidence collected by investigators showed that she was able to work. During her sick leave, Coaxum submitted nearly 50 fraudulent medical notes to DOC stating that she had gone to a medical appointment at a time when law enforcement determined she was elsewhere. Additionally, evidence showed that on some occasions when Coaxum claimed to be injured and at home, she was traveling and attending parties. Trinidad also claimed that he was unable to work for over a year due to an injury. But video and photographic surveillance showed Trinidad performing home improvement work, bowling, and traveling abroad without any difficulty or help from equipment like an orthopedic boot, sling or cane which he used when attending required check-ins with DOC medical officials. The defendants were arrested in November 2022 and resigned from the DOC in January 2023. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew Grubin and Philip Pilmar. The Defendants : STEVEN CANGE Age: 49 Brooklyn, NY E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-060 (NGG) MONICA COAXUM Age: 36 Harrison, NY E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-064 (LDH) EDUARDO TRINIDAD Age: 42 Yonkers, NY E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-051 (DG)


title: Schenectady Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun Offenses

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Doron Tucker, age 26, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute fentanyl, possessing and intending to distribute fentanyl and marijuana, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarantino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement. Tucker admitted to conspiring to sell pills containing fentanyl in Troy and Schenectady between June and October 2020. At first, he supplied his co-conspirator, Darren Favreau, with fentanyl pills, which Favreau personally sold to purchasers. Favreau and Tucker then shared the sale proceeds. After Favreau was arrested in August 2020, Tucker personally sold fentanyl pills to purchasers. In executing a search warrant at Tucker’s apartment in Schenectady in October 2020, law enforcement seized marijuana, a digital scale, approximately $8,000 in cash, and a loaded .40 caliber handgun. Tucker’s black BMW, which was parked outside the apartment, contained 386 fentanyl pills, more marijuana, and another digital scale. Tucker also personally possessed about $1,000 in cash. Tucker admitted to possessing and intending to sell the fentanyl pills and marijuana and to possessing the handgun to protect his fentanyl, marijuana, and drug proceeds. At sentencing, Tucker faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million on the drug charges. The gun charge carries a mandatory 5-year term of imprisonment and a maximum term of life, which must be imposed consecutively to any other term of imprisonment. Tucker will be required to serve at least 3 years and up to a life term of supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. DEA investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus P.W. Rieck is prosecuting the case.


title: Pain Clinic Owners Sentenced for Unlawfully Distributing Opioids and Multimillion-Dollar Health Care Fraud

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A judge sentenced a Tennessee physician and his wife yesterday for unlawfully distributing opioids and defrauding insurers through their now-shuttered Alabama clinics. Chief U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Mark Murphy, 66, and his wife, Jennifer Murphy, 66, both of Lewisburg, each to twenty years in prison for conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit health care fraud, along with various substantive counts related to the same, and conspiring to defraud the United States and receiving kickbacks. "Dr. Murphy and his wife preyed on countless vulnerable patients and stole tens of millions of dollars from Medicare and other taxpayer-funded health insurance programs," said U.S. Attorney Escalona. "Our office will continue to prosecute drug dealers and health care fraudsters to the full extent of the law." “The abuse of prescription drugs, especially opioids, is a serious problem in our communities,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Towanda Thorne-James. “All too often, this abuse leads to addiction, shattered lives, and even death. For the health and safety of our citizens, DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to target those who illegally distribute these potentially dangerous drugs. We hope that the sentences in this case serve as a reminder to anyone who might illegally divert pharmaceuticals that they will be held accountable for the harm they cause.” “Mark and Jennifer Murphy learned today that unlawfully distributing controlled substances, committing health care fraud, and receiving kickbacks comes with hefty legal consequences,” said James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Their conviction today serves as a lesson to others who think no one is paying attention.” According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Mark Murphy and Jennifer Murphy owned and operated North Alabama Pain Services (NAPS), which closed its Decatur and Madison offices in early 2017. Mark Murphy was the sole doctor at the two locations, and the evidence at trial showed that some patients went months or years without seeing him during their monthly office visits, even though they continued to get opioid prescriptions that he had pre-signed. Over the approximately five-year period leading up to the clinic closing its Alabama locations, the evidence at sentencing showed, Murphy wrote prescriptions for more than ten million opioid pills, including millions of oxycodone 30 mg tablets. During the same five-year period, Murphy and his wife Jennifer, who helped run the clinics, ordered tens of millions of dollars of unnecessary items and services that were paid by taxpayer-funded and private insurance programs. The Murphys received kickbacks for those orders and prescriptions. In all, Medicare, TRICARE, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama were billed more than $280 million as a result of the fraud and kickback schemes, and paid more than $50 million. Mark Murphy and Jennifer Murphy were each ordered to pay more than $50 million in restitution. Jennifer Murphy was also convicted of tax-related charges for underreporting clinic income. Also yesterday, co-conspirator, Christie Rollins, 52, of Petersburg, Tennessee, was sentenced to twenty-four months in prison for her role in selling medically unnecessary durable medical equipment and expensive topical creams at NAPS. Rollins agreed to pay restitution of more than $564,000. Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama; Special Agent in Charge Bradford L. Byerly of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Orleans Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples of the FBI Birmingham Division; Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Atlanta Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Tamela E. Miles of the Department of Health and Human Service Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Atlanta Region made the announcement. FBI, HHS-OIG, IRS-CI and DEA investigated the case. Assistant Chief Jillian Willis and Trial Attorney Emily Gurskis of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney J.B. Ward of the Northern District of Alabama prosecuted the case. The Fraud Section leads the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force, which operates in 10 districts, has charged more than 90 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing more than 105 million pills. The ARPO Strike Force is part of the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, which since March 2007 has charged more than 4,200 defendants who collectively have billed the Medicare program for more than $19 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at: https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Guatemalan Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Transporting Aliens

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Luis Guajaca, age 36, and a citizen of Guatemala, pled guilty today to unlawfully transporting two Mexican citizens. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector, made the announcement. Guajaca admitted that between February 6 and February 7, 2023, he drove from Illinois to near Ellenburg, New York, picked up two Mexican citizens who had recently illegally crossed the international border from Canada into the United States, and transported the two aliens before the vehicle was stopped. Guajaca admitted that he planned to drive the two Mexican citizens to Illinois, and expected to be paid for transporting them. Sentencing is scheduled for July 7, 2023, before Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. Guajaca faces up to 10 years in prison, a 3-year term of post-release supervision, and a fine up to $250,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. United States Border Patrol investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting the case.


title: Kanawha County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Crime

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Billy Eggleston, 50, of St. Albans, pleaded guilty today to production of child pornography. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 26, 2020, Eggleston induced a prepubescent minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of photographing such conduct. Eggleston admitted to using his cell phone to take a series of 24 photos of him engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the minor. The sexually explicit photos were taken by Eggleston in his bedroom. Eggleston transferred the images to his desktop computer. Eggleston admitted to possessing nearly 5,000 videos and images of child pornography on his desktop computer and a memory card on October 21, 2022. Eggleston further admitted that one of these images was of an adult male sexually assaulting a minor female between four and seven years old, and another image was of a minor female between two and four years old subjected to sexually explicit conduct by an adult male. Eggleston is scheduled to be sentenced on August 3, 2023, and faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Eggleston must also register as a sex offender. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the West Virginia State Police and the St. Albans Police Department, and the assistance provided by the Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) Children’s Advocacy Center. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Julie White 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 www.justice.gov/psc . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-3. ###


title: East St. Louis Man Accused of Selling Machine Guns, Fentanyl in St. Louis

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

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man from East St. Louis, Illinois was arrested Tuesday after having been indicted on machine gun and drug charges. Anton Bolden, 28, was indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on March 1 and appeared in court Tuesday. He is facing four felonies: possession of a machine gun, possession with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm as a previously convicted felon. The indictment accuses Bolden of possessing and transferring a machine gun on February 3, the same day he’s accused of the drug and gun crimes. A motion seeking to have Bolden held in jail until trial says the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives learned in January that Bolden was selling Glock pistols that had been modified to be fully automatic via an aftermarket conversion device, also known as a “ Glock switch .” An undercover ATF special agent bought a switch-equipped Glock in St. Louis for $1,400, as well as more than five grams of fentanyl. In court Tuesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Martin said 12 firearms were found after Bolden’s arrest, including eight Glock pistols. One of the pistols was equipped with a switch, and three other switches were found that were not installed, Martin said. Glock switches are considered machine guns under federal law, even if not installed in a firearm. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Louis Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Martin is prosecuting the case.


title: Worcester Man Charged with Possessing a Machine Gun

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Worcester man has been charged with possessing a machine gun after allegedly being found in possession of several Glock switches. Jose Rivera, 24, was charged with unlawful possession of a machine gun. Rivera was arrested today and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy, was detained pending a hearing set for March 10, 2023. Glock switches convert semi-automatic Glock pistols into fully automatic machine guns and are considered machine guns under federal law. According to the charging documents, during a search of Rivera’s Worcester residence today, three Glock switches – including one attached to a Glock .40 caliber firearm – were recovered from Rivera’s bedroom. The charge of unlawful possession of a machine gun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years 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; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Brown of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office 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: Menasha Man Indicted for Distribution of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on March 7, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a two count indictment alleging that Colton H. Nelson (age: 24) of Menasha, Wisconsin, distributed child pornography in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(2)(A). According to documents filed with the court, Nelson used file sharing software to distribute digital videos and images of child pornography to undercover law enforcement. A subsequent search of Nelson’s residence revealed thousands of images and videos containing child pornography located on electronic devices in his possession. Nelson faces a mandatory 5 years’ imprisonment and up to 20 years’ imprisonment if convicted of either distribution charge. Nelson may also be fined up to $250,000 on each count. This case was investigated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 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 U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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 . # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: East Moline Man Sentenced to 310 Days in Prison for Willful Failure to File Income Tax Returns

component: USAO - Illinois, Central

body_text: PEORIA, Ill. – An East Moline, Illinois man, Charles Stoutt, 39, of the 4000 block of 9 ½ Street, was sentenced on March 7, 2023, to 310 days in prison, to be followed by a 1-year term of supervised release, for willful failure to file income tax returns. He was also ordered to pay $181,033 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. During the sentencing hearing, United States Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley considered evidence that Stoutt owned his own furniture delivery business, and that the business generated substantial income from 2016 through 2020. Despite earning income well above the minimum amount requiring that a tax return be filed, Stoutt failed to file tax returns for the tax years 2016 through 2020. As a result, Stoutt failed to pay approximately $181,033 in taxes owed to the United States. While imposing the sentence, Judge Hawley emphasized the “significant” tax loss to the government, the importance of taxpayers fulfilling their obligation to file a tax return and pay their taxes, and the need to punish those individuals, like the defendant, who willfully fail to comply with their obligations. “We all suffer the consequences of those who choose to evade their tax obligation.” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris. “The Department of Justice will continue to seek out and prosecute those individuals who cheat, not only the government, but also honest members of our society.” “Each U.S. citizen has the responsibility to comply with federal tax laws and file accurate and timely tax returns,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock of IRS Criminal Investigation’s St. Louis Field Office. “People who intentionally fail to file those returns are subject to prosecution and must face the appropriate penalties.” The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Mehochko represented the government in the prosecution.


title: Two men sent to prison in meth trafficking conspiracy

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – Two men charged in connection to multiple tractor trailers loads with meth have been ordered to prison, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Dorian Hazel Ruiz-Chavez, 36, a citizen of Mexico unlawfully in the United States, pleaded guilty Oct. 25, 2022, while Mario Alberto Ortiz, 43, Edinburg, plead guilty Oct. 3, 2022. Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez ordered Ruiz-Chavez to serve 190 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. Ortiz was ordered to serve a 168 months in federal prison and further ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Ortiz owned a tractor trailer transport company and used his legitimate tractors to help transport narcotics. In sentencing Ruiz, the court noted he had direct contact with the Mexican suppliers. Even though law enforcement had seized large narcotics loads, it did not deter him from again transporting large quantities of 100% pure meth. Judge Alvarez previously sentenced Luis Ramos, 35, Donna, to 70 months for his involvement. Roel Longoria, 34, Edinburg, pleaded guilty June 23, 2022, for his role and is scheduled for sentencing May 17. In September 2020, law enforcement initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization in the Rio Grande Valley. They were believed to be involved with the importation of narcotics from Mexico utilizing commercial tractor trailers with hidden compartments. Ruiz-Chavez would coordinate with a Mexican narcotics supplier who would send the tractor trailers across into the United States. Once there, Ruiz-Chavez worked with additional individuals to store and transport the trailers further north. Longoria and Ortiz were tasked with finding willing drivers to transport the narcotics-laden trailers after they entered the United States. On Nov. 12, 2020, law enforcement seized a tractor trailer after it entered the United States through the Laredo Port of Entry. The trailer contained 119 kilograms of meth within a hidden compartment. On April 26, 2021, law enforcement again seized a tractor trailer after it entered the United States through the Pharr Port of Entry. The trailer contained 90 kilograms of meth within a hidden compartment. Both trailers were supposed to be transported at the direction of Ruiz-Chavez. Following the seizures, the organization changed tactics and began to transport narcotics in smaller loads within passenger vehicles. On May 12, 2021, Ramos received 42 kilograms of meth and was to transport it the following day in his personal vehicle. However, authorities stopped him and took him into custody. Ortiz recruited Ramos to transport the narcotics. Ruiz-Chavez and Ortiz have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia prosecuted the case.


title: Snapchat Gun Dealer Sentenced to Three Years in Prison

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Andrew Jace Larrabure-Tuma, 20, of Sacramento, was sentenced today to three years and four months in prison for unlawful dealing and manufacturing firearms, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Tuma used Snapchat to advertise narcotics and guns for sale. Law enforcement used undercover officers and a confidential informant to buy guns from Tuma. Tuma was 19 and could not legally purchase a gun in the state of California. Instead, Tuma ordered kits from the internet, including from a company called Polymer 80, a licensed firearms manufacturer in Nevada, and manufactured his own firearms and then sold the guns. This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sacramento Police Department, and the Western El Dorado Narcotics Enforcement Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee is prosecuting the case. Co-defendant Juan Manriquez pleaded guilty to unlawful dealing in firearms and is set to be sentenced on May 16, 2023. The Sacramento Region/San Francisco Bay Area Cross-Jurisdictional Firearms Trafficking Strike Force is one of five cross-jurisdictional strike forces launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in July 2021 to disrupt illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. Each strike force is led by designated United States Attorneys, who collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and with state and local law enforcement partners within their own jurisdiction as well as law enforcement partners in areas where illegally trafficked guns originate. The strike forces use the latest data, evidence, and intelligence from crime scenes to identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes, and are an important part of the Department’s Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy. 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 U.S. Department of Justice 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: Navajo woman charged with involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Leticia Ashley was arraigned on March 6 on an indictment charging her with involuntary manslaughter and abandonment and abuse of a child. Ashley, 42, of Navajo, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain under supervision pending trial, which has not been scheduled. A federal grand jury indicted Ashley on Feb. 23. According to the indictment, on July 29, 2022, Ashley, while under the influence of alcohol, operated a motor vehicle with children in the car and placed those children in a situation which resulted in the death of one and endangered the lives of three others. The incident occurred in McKinley County, New Mexico, within the bounds of the Navajo Nation An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Ashley faces up to 8 years in prison. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly N. Bell is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-45


title: Bemidji Felon Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Illegal Firearms Possession

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A Bemidji man has been indicted for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on December 23, 2022, Kenneth Darnell Triplett, 35, possessed a distribution amount of methamphetamine and two firearms, a Taurus model G3 9mm pistol and a H&R model 732 .32 caliber revolver. Because Triplett has multiple prior felony convictions in Michigan and Illinois, including armed robbery and controlled substance delivery, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. The indictment charges Triplett with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm as a felon. He made his initial appearance today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Jon T. Huseby. He was ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force, the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force, the Bemidji Police Department, and the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren O. Roso is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Cottage Grove Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of Firearms

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A Cottage Grove man has pleaded guilty to illegal possession of firearms, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to the defendant’s guilty plea and court documents, on November 14, 2022, law enforcement encountered Jason Steven Kearns, 38, in the driver’s seat of a truck outside of a restaurant in Woodbury. Kearns was known to law enforcement and had previously identified himself as a member of the Aryan Brotherhood gang. The officers called for backup and two Woodbury Police squad vehicles arrived and attempted to stop Kearns by activating their lights. One squad vehicle stopped in front of Kearns’s truck and the other approached from the side. Kearns accelerated his truck forward, ramming the police vehicle head-on. Kearns reversed his truck and drove into a curb and was pinned by the two police vehicles. Kearns exited his vehicle and ran from officers on foot to a parking lot across the street. Officers saw that Kearns had his right hand on what appeared to be a semiautomatic pistol. Officers drew their firearms and issued multiple commands to Kearns to drop his firearm. Kearns continued walking through the parking lot and then stopped and knelt down, still refusing to drop the firearm. Kearns stated to officers that he had a firearm in his hand. Eventually, Kearns dropped the firearm and surrendered and was taken into custody. The firearm, a Smith & Wesson 9mm semiautomatic pistol, was loaded with a round chambered and 11 rounds in the magazine. Kearns was also carrying a large knife on his person. Kearns later expressed regret that he had not fired at the arresting officers. Because Kearns has previous felony convictions in Chisago, St. Croix, and Pierce Counties, including assault and armed robbery, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition at any time. Kearns pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Senior Judge Michael J. Davis to one count of possessing a firearm as a felon. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Woodbury Police Department, and the Cottage Grove Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A Polachek is prosecuting the case.


title: West Plains Man Sentenced to 28 Years for Leading Meth Conspiracy

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A West Plains, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for leading a conspiracy that distributed 360 kilograms of methamphetamine in southern Missouri over a three-year period. James W. Fithen, Jr., also known as “Boss,” 38, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 28 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Fithen to pay a money judgment of $3.6 million, which represents a conservative estimate of the total proceeds he obtained from the drug-trafficking conspiracy. On March 8, 2022, Fithen pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of aiding and abetting the attempted possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Fithen acquired kilogram-level quantities of methamphetamine from Mexico and supplied co-defendants Patrick A. Dodson, also known as “Julio,” 42, of West Plains, and Samuel L. Pyatt, also known as “Tippy,” 47, of Pomona, Mo. Dodson and Pyatt then distributed methamphetamine to others during the three-year-long conspiracy that lasted from Feb. 28, 2017, to Feb. 28, 2020. Fithen was arrested on Feb. 28, 2020, when he was intercepted by law enforcement in Arkansas on his return trip from buying methamphetamine in Texas. Officers found 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the back seat of the vehicle where Fithen was riding. During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from conspirators who were supplied by Fithen. The Fithen drug-trafficking organization was selling 10 to 20 kilograms of methamphetamine per month, at a profit of approximately $100,000 per month. According to court documents, Fithen put out a hit on co-defendant Christopher L. Dusenbury, 32, of Bowling Green, Mo., because Dusenbury stole seven pounds of methamphetamine from him. Court documents report the impact such a large-scale drug-trafficking organization had on the small rural community in southern Missouri. The U.S. Census reported the population of West Plains was 11,986 in 2010. According to court documents, the amount of methamphetamine distributed by this drug-trafficking organization in one month alone was enough to supply four doses (0.25 grams) of methamphetamine to every man, woman, and child in the community. In 2016, law enforcement officers in Howell County, Mo., reported 244 known violent and property crime offenses to the FBI. By 2020, that number had nearly doubled to 471. Fithen is the twelfth defendant to be sentenced in this case. Dodson was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison without parole. Pyatt was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Dusenbury was sentenced to 11 years and three months in federal prison without parole. Megan L. Neal, also known as “Squirrel,” 39, of West Plains, was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison without parole. Bradley J. Russell, 58, of West Plains, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Bolinda J. Gleghorn, 60, of West Plains, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison without parole. Kevin L. Moss, 49, of West Plains, was sentenced to eight years and four months in federal prison without parole. Barbra L. Newton, 44, of West Plains, was sentenced to six years in federal prison without parole. Brady T. Smith, 27, of West Plains, was sentenced to six years in federal prison without parole. Austin L. Velarde, 27, of West Plains, was sentenced to five years in federal prison without parole. Leslie O. Collins, 48, of West Plains, was sentenced to four years in federal prison without parole. Chelsea B. Cloven, 30, of West Plains, the final defendant remaining to be sentenced, pleaded guilty on July 5, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 12, 2023. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the South Central Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Howell, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the West Plains, Mo., Police Department, the Arkansas State Police, the Fulton County, Ark., Sheriff’s Department, and the Arkansas 16 th Judicial Drug Task Force.


title: “Logistics coordinator” convicted of drug trafficking

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 33-year-old Houston woman has been found guilty of two counts of drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Judge Rolando Olvera deliberated for three days before convicting Brenda Banessa Leal of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute. The bench trial began Feb. 27 and concluded March 1. During trial, the judge heard evidence that since at least 2018, Leal assisted several family members who were part of a drug trafficking organization. She helped transport narcotics, mainly cocaine, from Mexico to Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley. The drugs were hidden in the rear differential in tractor trailers. Several members of the organization reside in Cadereyta, Nuevo Leon, Mexico where Leal has lived the majority of her adult life. She also assisted family members in transporting bulk cash money, ammunition and weapons to Mexico. The court evidence about text and whatsapp messages between co-conspirators, jail call recordings as well as videos detailing Leal’s criminal actions. The investigation revealed that between February 2021 and June 2021, Leal was the logistics coordinator of the drug trafficking organization. In that role, she coordinated drivers, dealers and cover loads on this side of the border. In June 2021, while Leal and co-conspirators were preparing to unload a tractor truck that contained approximately 33 kilograms of cocaine, the organization got robbed (“ripped”) of the cocaine by another drug trafficking organization. Authorities apprehended that group shortly after stealing the cocaine from Leal. The defense attempted to convince the judge that Leal did not have knowledge of the cocaine that was hidden in the tractor trailer and was simply a victim of the “rip crew.” Judge Olvera did not believe those claims and found Leal guilty as charged. The Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS - Criminal Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage . Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alejandra Andrade and Ed Rodriguez are prosecuting the case.


title: Ventura County Child Exploitation Task Force Arrests Moorpark Man

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: VENTURA, California – The newly formed Ventura County Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force today announced the arrest of a Moorpark man who is charged in a federal criminal complaint with soliciting on social media platforms sexually explicit photos from two individuals he thought were 14-year-old girls. Thomas Gissell, 27, of Moorpark, was taken into custody Monday morning by federal and state authorities participating in the Task Force. Gissell is charged with attempted enticement of a minor, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office began investigating Gissell after receiving information that he had contacted undercover law enforcement officers posing as teenage girls. According to the affidavit in support of the complaint, Gissell engaged in online chats with the individuals and asked them to send nude photos. Gissell was originally arrested on February 7 pursuant to charges filed by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. Following that arrest, Task Force investigators determined Gissell had been receiving suspected child sexual abuse material during online chats with numerous victims around the country. The matter was subsequently presented to the United States Attorney’s Office, which filed the federal complaint on February 27. At his initial appearance Monday afternoon in United States District Court, Gissell was ordered freed upon the posting of a secured $1 million bond. Once released, he will be subject to home incarceration with GPS monitoring. He was further ordered to have no contact with anyone under the age of 18 years old and no access to internet-connected devices. An arraignment in this case was scheduled for April 11. The Ventura County Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is comprised of investigators and prosecutors with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, the Simi Valley Police Department, the Oxnard Police Department, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, the FBI, and the United States Attorney’s Office. “We are committed to protecting our children by educating them about online predators, as well as focusing on proven enforcement and prosecution strategies,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Law enforcement partnerships are key to combatting exploitation crimes that have harmed too many children, and we will continue to vigorously prosecute these terrible crimes.” “The FBI has worked seamlessly with our local law enforcement partners to address criminal violations of child exploitation and human trafficking throughout both Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties and has recently formalized that collaboration by creating an official task force to maximize resources,” said Donald Alway, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “This task force will utilize tools at the local and federal level to address crimes affecting vulnerable children and victims of sex trafficking and to hold offenders accountable.” “The work done by this partnership of local, county and federal agencies is making a significant difference in the way that local law enforcement investigates, arrests and prosecutes perpetrators of child exploitation and human trafficking,” said Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Having a dedicated team that specializes in this sensitive and increasingly high-tech form of child abuse is helping to stop people like Thomas Gissell from victimizing children.” Members of the Task Force are specially trained in investigating online child sexual exploitation and human trafficking, and they strive to provide rapid responses to the sexual victimization of children. The Gissell investigation is the first criminal case brought by the Task Force. “I am exceptionally proud of the work this task force has accomplished in working to safeguard our communities from child predators,” said Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff. “This task force perfectly exemplifies how successful law enforcement can be when we work together to protect our communities and I expect their great work will continue into the future.” Each member of the Task Force brings a variety of skills, resources, and expertise to the team. “The Simi Valley Police Department is committed to pursuing criminal offenders who engage in the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse material,” said SVPD Chief Steve Shorts. “Our department is committed to partnering with our federal and regional partners in order to assist in eradicating this worldwide problem and assist victims of sexual abuse.” Task Force investigators believe there may be additional victims. If you have any information regarding Thomas Gissell, this case or other victims, please contact Detective Greg Webb of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Thousand Oaks Sexual Assault Unit, at (805) 371-8309 or Greg.Webb@ventura.org . Assistant United States Attorney Kellye M. Ng of the Violent and Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case. A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Illegal gambling business operator heads to prison for plotting military equipment theft

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 46-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been sent to prison following his convictions of conducting an illegal gambling business and conspiring to steal government property, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Nathan Nichols pleaded guilty March 21, 2022. Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ordered Nichols to serve 27 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the dangers and potential damage that could be caused to the United States military. In addition, Nichols was order to pay over $1 million in restitution. Nichols admitted that from March 2018 to August 2019, he operated illegal gambling businesses in Corpus Christi. He also pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal sensitive government property from the U.S. Army installation at Ft. Hood in June 2021. Nichols was the co-owner of Theo's Bar and owner/operator of Lady Luck, both facilities containing illegal gaming devices. The establishments contained sweepstakes games which people play by using computers and monitors rather than casino-style equipment. The games are software-based and function as traditional slot-machine games or “8-liners.” However, the action of the slot-machine reels are simulated on a computer screen rather than on mechanical reels. Those playing the machines place bets before each spin and receive winnings in cash. In a separate case, Nichols also admitted he conspired with others to steal sensitive U.S. Army property valued at $2,176,000. He had been in contact with one of the persons responsible for the theft and requested pictures of the property before agreeing to buy it for resale. Once he obtained the items, Nichols subsequently listed them for sale on eBay. Authorities executed a search warrant at Nichols’ residence in July 2021. At that time, they discovered sensitive military equipment including laser range finders, thermal scopes, night vision scopes, night vision goggles and laser aiming devices. All of the property belonged to the U.S. Army. As part of his guilty pleas, Nichols agreed to forfeit a total of $2,185,218.73 as proceeds from his illegal activity. Nichols will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department on the gambling case. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the stolen property investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSA) Joel Dunn and Christopher Marin prosecuted the cases with the assistance of Asset Forfeiture AUSA Yifei Zheng.


title: Laredo man admits to repeatedly abusing minor relative to produce child pornography

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 26-year-old Laredo resident has pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. The investigation began when authorities learned an IP address associated with Aaron Negrete had uploaded child pornography online. On Oct. 12, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his home. At that time, they found and seized several electronic devices which contained child pornography and took Negrete into custody. He ultimately admitted to downloading an application he used to search for child pornography such as baby and toddler abuse. He also sexually abused a minor relative. He recorded himself doing so and shared the recordings and photographs online. The investigation revealed the minor visited Negrete and stayed at his residence in Laredo. The victim claimed that on more than 50 instances Negrete forced him to rub his genitals and took naked pictures of him, among other things. The minor was told to keep it a secret to prevent “something bad” from happening. U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Negrete faces a mandatory minimum of 15 and up to 30 years in federal prison. Negrete has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Makens is 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: Alameda County Firefighter Indicted For Possession Of Child Pornography

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: OAKLAND - Charles Johnathen Harris made his initial federal court appearance today to face charges that he was in possession of child pornography in violation of federal law, announced United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. Harris appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore. On March 2, 2023, a federal grand jury handed down the indictment containing the charge against Harris, 42, of Coulterville, Calif., who is employed as a firefighter with Alameda County Fire Department. According to the indictment, Harris is alleged to have possessed images of child pornography on his iPhone, including images of prepubescent children. Additional information about the case was submitted by the government in connection with Harris’s appearance today. Specifically, the case allegedly was initiated after federal authorities received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and an investigation uncovered that Harris allegedly uploaded child pornography over social media platform Kik—even while present at fire stations in Alameda County. The defendant surrendered to federal authorities earlier today and was released on bond with the condition that his access to the internet will be restricted. Defendant’s next scheduled appearance is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on April 19, 2023, for status conference before the Honorable Haywood S. Gilliam, Jr., U.S. District Court Judge. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution as ordered by the Court. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Volkar is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Nina Burney and Karina Ruiz. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Jose Police Department, and Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office.


title: Mexican citizen admits to alien smuggling resulting in death of child

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 30-year-old Mexican citizen has pleaded guilty to attempted alien smuggling resulting in death, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Miguel Angel Ceballos-Acuna pleaded guilty today to attempted alien smuggling resulting the death of one minor child. On March 22, 2022, law enforcement responded to reports of suspecting alien smuggling near the border fence on the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) campus. Two individuals had crossed the border fence and got into a white SUV. Authorities then engaged in a high speed pursuit of the vehicle, which ran multiple red lights, but eventually disengaged pursuit due to safety concerns. However, the vehicle continued traveling at a high rate of speed and crashed into a utility pole in a residential neighborhood. When law enforcement arrived on scene, they discovered the body of a 14-year-old Mexican citizen. As part of his plea, Ceballos-Acuna admitted he and another individual had driven the white SUV that day to pick up an alien who had illegally entered the United States. When they arrived at the UTRGV campus, two aliens entered the vehicle, including the minor victim. Ceballos-Acuna admitted he knew the minor victim was unlawfully present in the United States. Nevertheless, he attempted to transport the victim which resulted in his death. U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera accepted the plea and will impose sentencing May 31. At that time, Ceballos-Acuna faces up to life in prison and a possible $250,000 fine. Ceballos-Acuna has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol, Brownsville Police Department and Cameron County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edgardo J. Rodriguez and Megan Eyes prosecuted the case.