title: Physician Charged in Scheme to Illegally Sell Cancer Drugs

body_text: Detroit – A Royal Oak physician was charged in an Indictment for his role in a multi-million-dollar scheme to illegally sell and divert expensive prescription cancer drugs, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced. Joining Ison in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Charged in the Indictment is Dr. Naveed Aslam, age 51, of West Bloomfield, Michigan. The charges against Dr. Aslam include one count of conspiracy to illegally sell or trade prescription drugs and 10 counts of illegally selling or trading prescription drugs. According to the Indictment, by early 2019, and continuing through August 2023, Dr. Aslam, a licensed physician, worked with others to buy and sell expensive cancer drugs for profit and with the intent to defraud and mislead. The other individuals Dr. Aslam worked with identified customers interested in buying prescription cancer drugs, and they communicated with Dr. Aslam about what cancer drugs were requested. Dr. Aslam used his access to certain cancer drugs through his medical practice, Somerset Hematology and Oncology, P.C., to order and purchase the cancer drugs from his supplier. He then sold the cancer drugs to and through the other individuals’ company to the eventual customer. During this scheme, Dr. Aslam acquired and sold more than $17 million in prescription cancer drugs, and personally profited more than $2.5 million. “The safety and integrity of our country’s prescription drug supply lines – particularly for cancer drugs – is an important part of our health care system,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “As alleged, Dr. Aslam used his role as a physician to violate that integrity and divert prescription cancer drugs away from treating patients. My office is committed to prosecuting medical professionals who seek to profit, rather than protect, our health care system.” “Our agency is dedicated to ensuring that medical providers follow laws designed to protect both the integrity and solvency of Federal health care programs, as well as the beneficiaries they serve,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work closely with our Federal law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate allegations of fraud.” "Having the authority to prescribe medication is a privilege that comes with a profound responsibility. Physicians must safeguard against drug diversion,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Dr. Aslam's alleged participation in this scheme not only allowed him to profit unlawfully from the sale of cancer drugs, but it also posed a serious threat by potentially placing these medications into the wrong hands. This breach of trust is inexcusable, especially considering the critical nature of the drugs involved. The FBI is unwavering in its commitment to hold medical professionals accountable for exploiting their positions for personal gain and endangering community safety." “Introducing diverted prescription drugs into the supply chain and selling them to unsuspecting consumers undermines the FDA safeguards designed to protect the public,” said Ronne Malham, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Chicago Field Office. “We remain committed to bringing to justice those who place their personal gain over the health of American consumers.” “A physician’s ethical responsibility is to their patients, not to selling cancer drugs under the table for profit,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar. “We will protect patients against fraud, especially from those in positions of public trust who choose greed over public safety.” An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Lievense. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica A. Nathan of the Money Laundering & Asset Recovery Unit is handling related forfeiture matters. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the FBI, HHS-OIG, HSI, and the FDA.


title: Two Maryland Men Convicted At Trial After Violent Crime Spree

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – After a 9-day trial, a federal jury returned verdicts against Thaddeus Lamont Wills, age 51, and Keionta Shawn Hagens, age 44, both of Waldorf, Maryland, of interference with interstate commerce by robbery, conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, carjacking, and of murder. The conviction was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Chief Troy D. Berry of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office; and Chief Peter Newsham of the Prince William County, Virginia Police Department. Evidence presented at trial established that on November 12, 2020, conspirators, including Wills and Hagens, while armed with firearms, robbed an employee of Business-1 of cash and merchandise, and a customer of Business-1 of personal property. To facilitate their escape from Business-1, conspirators, including Wills and Hagens, forcefully, and using firearms, took a 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck from the victim customer. Trial evidence further established that on or about November 17, 2020, conspirators, including Wills and Hagens used a stolen 2014 Ford F-150 pickup truck to drive to Business-2 for the purpose of robbing Business-2. Wills and Hagens thereafter, while using at least one firearm, robbed an employee of Business-2 of cash and merchandise as well as a customer of personal property. During the robbery, Wills and Hagens zip tied the hands of the employee. In addition, Between November 12, 2020, and November 26, 2020, conspirators, including Wills and Hagens, stored and concealed the stolen Dodge Ram pickup and stolen Ford F-150 pickup in the area of Brandywine, Maryland. On January 6, 2021, in Waldorf, Maryland, conspirators, including Wills, while armed with firearms, forcefully took a 2008 Honda Pilot Sport Utility Vehicle from a victim. On January 6 and January 7, 2021, conspirators, including Wills, used the 2008 Honda Pilot to travel from Maryland into Virginia. Then, on January 7, 2021, in Woodbridge, Virginia, conspirators, including Wills, while armed with firearms, robbed customers, agents and employees of Business-3 of cash, merchandise, and personal property. After driving the 2008 Honda Pilot back from Virginia to Maryland on January 7, 2021, Wills and a co-conspirator burned the vehicle in the area of Brandywine, Maryland. Finally, on January 18, 2021, conspirators, including Wills and Hagens, robbed Victim-8, the owner of Business-4, of merchandise while using at least two firearms, and shot and killed the business owner during the robbery. In order to escape after the robbery and murder of the victim, Wills used a firearm to forcefully take a 2019 Lexus RX350 Sport Utility Vehicle from a separate victim. Wills faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison for the murder of victim-8 during the robbery on January 18, 2021; a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years and a maximum sentence of life for each count of using, carrying, brandishing a firearm during the robbery on November 17, 2020, the carjacking on January 6, 2021, and the carjacking on January 18, 2021. Wills faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison each for conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery and interference with interstate commerce by robbery related to the robberies on November 17, 2020 and January 18, 2021, as well as a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison for each carjacking. Hagens faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of life in federal prison for using and carrying a firearm during the robbery on November 17, 2020. Hagens also faces a maximum sentence of 20 years each for conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery and interference with interstate commerce by robbery for the robberies on November 17, 2020 and January 18, 2021. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has scheduled sentencing for Wills on February 7, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. and for Hagens on February 14, 2024 at 9:30 am. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 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. U.S. Attorney Barron commended the FBI, PGPD, Charles County Sheriff’s Office, and the Prince William County, Virginia Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Moomau and Patrick D. Kibbe, who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Romanian Man Pleads Guilty for Role in Scheme to Steal Identities of Victims on Public Assistance to Fraudulently Obtain EBT Funds

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Romanian man pleaded guilty today to his role in a scheme that involved using illegal skimmers on ATMs to harvest data, creating counterfeit debit cards using the stolen account holders’ information, and then using the cards to make cash withdrawals from numerous victims’ accounts. Sorin-Miguel Ghiorghe, 46, of the Fairfax district of Los Angeles, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, three counts of bank fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, one count of possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices, and one count of possession of device-making equipment. Ghiorghe – whom prosecutors believe illegally entered the United States – admitted that he and his accomplices used counterfeit cards to fraudulently make withdrawals from the accounts of numerous victims, and that he specifically used the counterfeit cards to withdraw thousands of dollars from victims’ accounts. According to the indictment, the skimming ring focused on illegally accessing funds administered by the California Department of Social Services to low-income California residents through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) accounts, including CalFresh and CalWorks benefits. When law enforcement searched the apartment Ghiorghe was living in, they located ATM-skimming equipment and EBT account numbers in other peoples’ names. United States District Judge John F. Walter scheduled a January 6, 2025, sentencing hearing, at which time Ghiorghe will face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for each bank fraud count, up to 10 years in federal prison for the unauthorized access devices and device-making equipment counts, and a mandatory two-year prison sentence consecutive to his underlying sentence for the aggravated identity theft count. The United States Secret Service investigated this case and received significant assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Max A. Shapiro of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.


title: McDowell County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Carl Thomas Mullins, also known as “TJ Mullins,” 24, of Isaban, was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee. According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 10, 2021, Mullins broke into a Wyoming County business and stole a Colt model M4 carbine 5.56mm rifle, a Black Aces model Pro Series M 12-gauge shotgun and a Silver Eagle model RZ17TAC 12-gauge shotgun. Mullins later sought to sell the firearms or trade them for drugs. The rifle was later recovered, while the whereabouts of the two shotguns remain unknown. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander A. Redmon and Ryan Blackwell prosecuted 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. 5:22-cr-179.


title: Life in Federal Prison for New Mexico DTO Leader With Sinaloa Ties

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: EL PASO, Texas – A New Mexico man was sentenced in federal court today to life in prison for four counts related to his role as the leader of a transnational criminal organization with ties to the Sinaloa Drug Cartel. According to court documents, Alex Barraza aka Smiley, 36, of Albuquerque, was the leader of the Barraza Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), which was responsible for the importation of methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States for distribution in Albuquerque. Barraza’s DTO smuggled an estimated 720 kgs of narcotics into the U.S., and approximately $1.7 million USD into Mexico. Barraza was arrested April 9, 2021. He pleaded guilty on April 14, 2022 to one count of conspiracy to import 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; one count of murder resulting from the use and carrying of firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting; one count of use and carrying of firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting; and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. “The life sentence for Alex Barraza is a significant victory in our ongoing battle against drug trafficking and its devastating effects on our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “We are committed to dismantling the networks that threaten our safety and livelihood, and I commend our law enforcement partners at Homeland Security Investigations and the New Mexico State Police, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, for their commitment and pursuit of justice.” “This sentence proves how HSI can be the worst-case scenario for transnational criminal organizations that smuggle dangerous drugs into our country, and profit from poisoning our communities,” said Jason T. Stevens, acting special agent in charge of HSI El Paso. “By combining resources, authorities, and intelligence with our law enforcement partners, we’re seeking to identify and dismantle these vast criminal networks one by one, proving that every criminal is within arm’s reach of the law.” HSI and the New Mexico State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Johnston and Andres Ortega prosecuted the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico assisted with the prosecution. ###


title: Justice Department to Monitor Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in Prince George’s County, Maryland

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Prince George’s County, Maryland, during the early voting period and on Election Day. The Justice Department enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the department also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order. The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Act and Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. Pursuant to the Voting Rights Act, Prince George’s County must provide voting materials and assistance in both English and Spanish. Complaints about any possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s internet reporting portal at www.civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931. More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents for language minority voters and other resources, is available at www.justice.gov/voting . Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section .


title: El Departamento de Justicia monitoreará el cumplimiento con las leyes federales de derechos electorales en Prince George’s County, Maryland

body_text: El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que monitoreará el cumplimiento con las leyes federales electorales en Prince George’s County, Maryland, durante el período de votación temprana y en el día de las elecciones. El Departamento de Justicia hace cumplir las leyes federales de derechos electorales que protegen el derecho de acceso a las urnas de todos los ciudadanos. La División envía personal del departamento periódicamente a monitorear elecciones en comunidades a través de todo el país. Además, la División envía observadores federales de la Oficina de Administración de Personal de EE. UU. según autorizado por una orden judicial federal. La Sección de Votación de la División de Derechos Civiles, junto con las Oficinas de los Fiscales Federales, vela por el cumplimiento de las leyes federales civiles que protegen el derecho al voto, incluyendo la Ley del Derecho al Voto, la Ley Nacional de Inscripción de Votantes, la Ley Ayudemos a Estados Unidos a Votar, la Ley de Derechos Civiles y la Ley de Votación para los Uniformados y los Ciudadanos en el Extranjero. De acuerdo con la Ley del Derecho al Voto, Prince George’s County debe proporcionar materiales y asistencia electoral tanto en inglés como en español. Denuncias sobre posibles vulneraciones a las leyes electorales federales pueden presentarse mediate el formulario en línea de la División de Derechos Civiles en https://civilrights.justice.gov/ o por teléfono al (800) 253-3931. Información adicional sobre la votación y las elecciones, incluyendo las Protecciones electorales para los ciudadanos con dominio limitado del inglés Sección 203 de la Ley de Derecho al Voto y otros recursos, está disponible en www.justice.gov/crt/voting/ . Aprenda más sobre la Ley del Derecho al Voto y otras leyes federales electorales en www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section .


title: Mexican Nationals – Brother and Sister – Found Guilty of Kidnapping Victim in Mexico Then Traveling to U.S. to Collect Ransom Payment

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A brother and sister from Rosarito, Mexico, were found guilty by a jury today for their roles in a kidnapping and ransom scheme in which the brother pretended to act as an intermediary between the victim’s family and the kidnappers while his son and sister crossed the border into the United States to collect the ransom money. Mario Alex Medina, 54, a.k.a. “Shyboy,” and María Alejandra Medina, 51, were found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit hostage taking and one count of conspiracy to demand a ransom payment. Mario Medina also was found guilty of one count of making a foreign communication with intent to extort. “These defendants subjected their victim and his family to a terrifying ordeal in order to illegally profit,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Such callous disregard for others and cavalier use of violence cannot and will not be tolerated. These defendants will now appropriately face justice for their crimes.” José Salud Medina, 31, a.k.a. “Gordo,” who is Mario Medina’s son and María Medina’s nephew, is in Mexican custody on unrelated charges. He is expected to be tried separately in this case, in which he is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit hostage taking, one count of conspiracy to demand a ransom payment, and one count of making a foreign communication with intent to extort. According to evidence presented at a four-day trial, on November 5, 2022, Mario Medina directed and helped accomplices break into the house of a neighbor, identified in court documents as “R.V.,” kidnapping the victim at gunpoint, pistol whipping him and firing a gun near his head. The next day, one of the co-conspirators placed a ransom call to the victim’s family in Los Angeles County and demanded $70,000 for his release. The kidnappers, through WhatsApp, also sent a video of the victim being beaten. On November 10, 2022, an accomplice called R.V.’s family and threatened to kill R.V. if his family did not pay $30,000. Later that day, Mario Medina – pretending to be an intermediary between R.V.’s family and the hostage takers – told the victim’s family to meet at a McDonald’s restaurant in San Ysidro, located north of the U.S.-Mexico border, to make the ransom payment. José and María Medina met the victim’s family the next day at the McDonald’s restaurant, collected the $30,000 ransom payment from the victim’s family, and took the money back to Mexico. The hostage takers on November 11, 2022, then left R.V. tied up and alone in a small, subterranean trench, where Mexican law enforcement rescued him later that day. United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson scheduled a February 3, 2025, sentencing hearing, at which point Mario and María Medina will face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison. Operation Safe Cities establishes strategic enforcement priorities with an emphasis on prosecuting the most significant drivers of violent crime. Across this region, the most damaging and horrific crimes are committed by a relatively small number of particularly violent individuals. This strategic enforcement approach is expected to increase the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of recidivists engaged in the most dangerous conduct. It is designed to improve public safety across the region by targeting crimes involving illicit guns, prohibited persons possessing firearms, or robbery crews that cause havoc and extensive losses to retail establishments. The FBI investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Jena A. MacCabe and Derek R. Flores of the Violent and Organized Crime Section, and Michael J. Morse of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Brockton Man Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with a wide-ranging drug trafficking conspiracy that that involved over 100 parcels containing kilograms of cocaine sent from Puerto Rico to various addresses throughout Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Investigators intercepted 10 parcels and seized more than 20 kilograms of cocaine from the mail stream. Robert Monteiro, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 69 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In July 2024, Monteiro was convicted by a federal jury of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. In July 2021 , Monteiro was indicted alongside 10 co-defendants. Beginning in February 2020, law enforcement investigated a drug trafficking organization operated by Patrick Joseph. Based on a wiretap investigation, Joseph coordinated the transportation of 10-20 kilograms of cocaine at a time from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, and eventually to Massachusetts and Rhode Island via the U.S. Mail. During the investigation, cocaine was found concealed in two-kilogram quantities inside air fryers and cash boxes before being sent through the mail. Various firearms, 21 kilograms of cocaine and over $100,000 cash was also seized following the arrests in this investigation. Monteiro served as a member of Joseph’s drug trafficking organization, collecting packages and redistributing kilograms of cocaine that came in through the mail. Joseph was sentenced in June 2024 to 138 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; Geoffrey Noble, Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division and Homeland Security Investigations in New England. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip C. Cheng and Howard Locker of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Foreign National Convicted of Conspiring to Export US-Made Drill Rigs to Iran in Violation of US Sanctions Laws

component: National Security Division (NSD)

body_text: A federal jury convicted Brian Assi, also known as Brahim Assi, yesterday of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), attempted unlawful export of goods from the United States to Iran without a license, attempted smuggling goods from the United States, submitting false or misleading export information, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. “The defendant schemed to unlawfully export U.S.-origin mining drills to Iran, while deceiving his employer into believing that they were being sent to Iraq,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “This conviction affirms the Justice Department’s resolve to disrupt and hold accountable those who evade our sanctions against Iran, wherever in the world they may be.” “As this verdict makes clear, no matter how hard you try to obfuscate your scheme to send restricted U.S. items to Iran, we will work tirelessly to bring your conduct to light and ensure you face justice,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). “We take action whenever we uncover attempts to evade our sanctions, especially when those efforts are designed to support adversaries like Iran.” “Efforts to conceal impermissible transactions and circumvent imposed sanctions represent a threat to both the United States economic and national security interests,” said U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody for the Northern District of Florida. “Today’s verdict demonstrates our collective resolve to hold those who violate regulatory restrictions accountable for their criminal conduct.” According to evidence presented at trial, Assi was a Middle East-based salesman of a multinational heavy machinery manufacturer with a U.S.-based subsidiary and production plant located in northern Florida. Assi conspired with individuals affiliated with Sakht Abzar Pars Co. (SAP-Iran), based in Tehran, Iran, to export U.S.-made heavy machinery indirectly to Iran without first obtaining the required licenses from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Assi and his Iranian co-conspirators orchestrated the scheme by locating an Iraq-based distributor to serve as the forward-facing purchaser of two U.S.-origin blasthole drills from the U.S. subsidiary of Assi’s employer. The drills are a type of heavy machinery used to create holes in the ground that are then filled with controlled explosives for mining. Assi facilitated the sale of the drills and attempted to export them to Iran and used freight forwarding companies to ship the heavy equipment from the U.S. to Turkey. In doing so, Assi concealed any Iranian involvement in the transaction from his employer, claiming the drills were ultimately destined for use in Iraq. But in truth, Assi intended for his Iranian co-conspirators to transship or reexport those items from Turkey to Iran, in circumvention of U.S. export control and sanctions laws. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Assi concealed his activities with his Iranian co-conspirators by causing false information to be entered into the Automated Export System (AES), a U.S.-government database containing information about exports from the United States. The U.S.-based plant hired a U.S. freight forwarder to arrange the drill’s export from the United States to Iraq. As part of the shipping process, the freight forwarder submitted information to AES about the shipment, including the ultimate consignee’s name and the ultimate delivery destination. Assi misled his employer by claiming that the Iraqi distributor was the ultimate consignee, and that the ultimate delivery destination was Iraq. In fact, Assi knew that his coconspirators in Iran were the true intended recipients, and Iran was the ultimate intended delivery destination. In furtherance of the illicit transaction, Assi and his coconspirators caused the transfer of approximately $2.7 million from Turkey to pass through the United States. Sentencing for Brian Assi is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2025. The BIS is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Grogan and Harley W. Ferguson for the Northern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.


title: Switch Dealer Pleads Guilty to Possessing Machinegun

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

body_text: A switch dealer who shot a machinegun out the window of a moving vehicle on a public highway pleaded guilty to a federal firearm crime, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. Juan Angel Rendon, 18, was charged via criminal complaint in September and indicted the following month. He pleaded guilty on Wednesday to illegal possession of a machinegun. “As we said when we launched Operation Texas Kill Switch, machinegun conversion devices are putting our communities in danger. This defendant’s conduct – shooting a switch-equipped handgun out of a moving vehicle for no apparent reason – is case in point,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “Weapons of war belong on the battlefield, not the streets North Texas streets. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will relentlessly pursue anyone who manufactures, sells, or possesses machinegun conversion devices.” “The brazenness of Mr. Rendon shown here does not surprise me. We are seeing similar videos all around the country which is why ATF is doubling down on our unwavering commitment to stopping the spread of machinegun conversion devices. We commend all our law enforcement partners across the region as we work together in this fight. Firing a machinegun wildly in public, while being filmed, may have made Mr. Rendon feel like a gangster that evening. However, he will now have plenty of time in prison to think about how isn’t a modern-day Capone” stated ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II. According to court documents, Mr. Rendon sold a 9mm Glock pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device, colloquially known as a “switch,” to an undercover ATF agent on Aug. 27, 2024. During the purchase, which occurred at his mobile home, Mr. Rendon explained to the undercover agent how to install and operate the machinegun conversion device so the gun would fire full auto. At a detention hearing last month, agents testified that Mr. Rendon advertised Glock switches for sale on his Instagram. At the hearing, prosecutors played a video from Mr. Rendon’s Instagram account showing him firing a switch-equipped Glock out the window of a moving vehicle on a public highway, with cars visibly passing by in the distance. When he was arrested in September, agents recovered nine firearms, including two equipped with switches, and seven additional switches or switch parts. A query of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network ( NIBIN ) linked firearms he possessed to two shootings in the Fort Worth area. Mr. Rendon now faces up to 10 years in federal prison. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division - Fort Worth Resident Agency conducted the investigation with assistance from the Fort Worth and Haltom City Police Departments and the Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Beck is prosecuting the case. This case is part of “ Operation Texas Kill Switch ,” a statewide initiative taking aim at machinegun conversion devices, also known as “switches,” which transform commercially available semi-automatic firearms into fully-automatic weapons capable of firing faster than military-grade machine guns. Spearheaded by U.S. Attorneys Leigha Simonton, Alamdar Hamdani, Damien Diggs and Jaime Esparza, Operation Texas Kill Switch relies on partnerships with state and local law enforcement as well as rewards offered by Crime Stoppers.


title: Missoula man admits embezzling approximately $390,000 from credit union, swapping real money for fake currency

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MISSOULA — A former Missoula credit union employee accused of embezzling approximately $390,000 from the vault and swapping the real money with fake funds admitted to a theft charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. The defendant, Edward Arthur Nurse, 35, of Missoula, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with theft from credit union. Nurse faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 25, 2025. Nurse was released pending further proceedings. In court documents, the government alleged that from about July 2023 to June 2024, Nurse embezzled from his employer, Park Side Credit Union in Missoula. In June 2024, an employee discovered $340,000 in cash in the credit union’s vault had been replaced with fake funds from a company that provides fake currency as props for movies and entertainment productions. Nurse was identified as a potential suspect because his primary role was managing and balancing money in the vault. In the previous seven months, financial records showed cash deposits totaling $117,751, with each deposit for more than $10,000, into Nurse’s bank account. In addition, financial information from a local casino reflected that from March 2024 to May 2024, Nurse put more than $56,000 in cash into the business and cashed out slightly more than $8,000. After the credit union discovered the thefts, Nurse claimed to an FBI special agent that he did not usually carry much cash and, aside from a vacation to Las Vegas, Nevada, he had not made any recent large purchases or cash deposits. The investigation determined that during the first six months of 2024, Nurse had purchased $410,000 in fake currency from a prop money company and had the money delivered to a post office box in Nurse’s name. The credit union was later informed that approximately $50,000 in fake money had been received by the Federal Reserve in July 2024. Those funds were returned and determined to be fake bills from the prop money company. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI with assistance from the Missoula Police Department, conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Sex Offender and Drug Trafficker Receives 10 Years in Prison

body_text: WILMINGTON, N.C. – Roy Cox, 37, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release for three counts of distribution of crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, and one count of failure to register as a sex offender. On March 27, 2024, and June 27, 2024, Cox pled guilty to the drug charges and failure to register as a sex offender, respectively. According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office received information that Cox was selling large quantities of cocaine in the Jacksonville area. They further received information that Cox was involved in the transportation of controlled substances from Florida to the Eastern District of North Carolina. During May 2023, law enforcement made three controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Cox in Jacksonville. In June 2023, law enforcement received information that Cox was traveling from Florida back to Jacksonville. On June 4, 2023, law enforcement arrested Cox when he arrived at his residence. Law enforcement found a bag that contained 470 grams of cocaine in the car in which he was a passenger. Cox has a prior conviction for a sex offense in Florida that required him to register as a sex offender. Cox left the state of Florida to live in North Carolina without registering as a sex offender in North Carolina. Cox had lived in North Carolina for more than a year at the time of his arrest. The United States Marshal Service (USMS) had been independently investigating him for this at the time of his arrest in this case. Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, USMS, the Jacksonville Police Department and the Onslow County Sheriff's Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo 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. 7:23-CR-113.


title: North Little Rock Man Sentenced to 15 Years In Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—Bryant Cordell Hart, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Thursday, October 24, 2024, by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky. On August 8, 2022, Hart, 38, of North Little Rock, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Hart to four years supervised release. Hart was indicted on December 8, 2021, on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. An investigation revealed that on June 7, 2021, officers from the Little Rock Police Department conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, officers located a Glock, model 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol wedged between the driver’s seat and the center console of the vehicle Hart was driving. Additionally, officers located marijuana, two digital scales, and a glass pipe in the center console. During a search of the vehicle’s trunk, officers recovered an extended Glock magazine loaded with ammunition that functioned with the firearm found in Hart’s possession. Hart is classified as an armed career criminal offender due to his criminal history that includes multiple convictions for attempted delivery of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of cocaine. There is no parole in the federal system. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Little Rock Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Fields. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: U.S. Attorney Parker honors community, law enforcement efforts in third annual awards ceremony

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, presented the 2024 Law Enforcement and Community Awards, honoring individuals and groups for their work to reduce gun violence and provide comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence, human trafficking and exploitation. “The recipients of this year’s awards embody the spirit and dedication of what it means to come together and work hard for the greater good,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “These fine individuals exemplify being part of a positive community every day. They deserve our recognition and gratitude.” The awards include: Kaia Grant Badge of Bravery and Sacrifice Award Springboro Police Officer Christopher Heath Martin Officer Heath Martin, a 20-year veteran of the Springboro Police Department, was first to the scene of a fire inside a home in June 2023. Officer Martin rescued a 36-year-old man, who uses a wheelchair, from a back bedroom of the home. The victim’s battery-operated wheelchair is believed to be the cause of the fire and had exploded. The officer’s body worn camera captured his life-saving actions of finding the victim and bringing him to safety. Law Enforcement Excellence Award FBI Special Agent Robert Buzzard Special Agent Buzzard serves as the lead agent on the FBI's Southern Ohio Safe Streets Task Force (SOSSTF) and is known throughout the Miami Valley for his law enforcement excellence and expertise. The depth of his drug trafficking investigations often leads to the sources of supply outside of the United States. Examples of cases in which he was the lead agent include U.S. v. Walton et al – in which the United States successfully dismantled a sophisticated long-running drug trafficking organization led by two brothers – and U.S. v. Goddard et al – a case involving two Dayton men who were convicted on all counts for crimes related to the 2019 death of Dayton Detective and DEA Task Force Officer Jorge DelRio. The defendants were each sentenced to life in prison. Project Safe Neighborhood’s Guardian Award ATF Special Agent Derek Graham Special Agent Graham has effectively and creatively investigated a significant number of firearms-related crimes in the Southern District of Ohio. He has developed a special expertise in investigating straw purchasing cases. In recent months, Special Agent Graham has investigated and solved cases involving more than 20 defendants and approximately 100 firearms. One case involved a murder and five armed robberies across jurisdictions. The shooter and getaway driver have since been sentenced to 40 years and 23 years in prison respectively. In 2024 alone, Special Agent Graham has also either completed or assisted with 57 call detail records, 61 pen registers, 92 ping orders, 69 location mappings and 21 forensic extractions for agents and task force officers, as well as local police departments. The Project Safe Childhood Shield of Innocence Award HSI Special Agent Sara Sellers Since joining Homeland Security Investigations Columbus in December 2020, Special Agent Sellers has initiated more than 80 criminal investigations. Special Agent Sellers joined the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force in July 2023 and has developed the reputation as an extremely hardworking and diligent investigator. An example of her unwavering commitment to the investigation and prosecution of child predators around the world occurred in December 2023, when Special Agent Sellers was called after hours with an investigative referral from Australia regarding a potential minor victim currently being sexually abused in Ohio. Special Agent Sellers left the restaurant at which she was dining to begin the task of locating the victim and perpetrator immediately. Within 24 hours, Special Agent Sellers had confirmed the identity of the suspect, located her and the minor victim and secured warrants to arrest the suspect and execute a search warrant to obtain additional evidence in this investigation that also spawned new leads. Special Agent Sellers continues to dedicate her efforts to protect minor victims and is helping lead an investigation abroad into an international ring of exploiters who create and distribute child sexual abuse material. Polaris Community Service Award Department of Veteran Affairs’ Mobile Evaluation Team, Columbus Division of Police Mobile Crisis Response Team & Columbus Public Health The partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Police, Veterans Evaluation Team, and the Columbus Division of Police's Mobile Crisis Response Team exemplifies exceptional innovation, collaboration, and dedication in community service. U.S. Attorney Parker recognized VMET’s Clinical Director Dr. Heather Robinson , Investigator Jesse King, Benjamin Stark and Alexandra Woodruff, Columbus Police Lt. Michael Voorhis, Sgt. John Cheatham and Officers Francis Scalfani, Veronica Poehler, Robert Heinzman and Anthony Roberts , and Columbus Public Health Supervisor Kerith Palletti and Social Workers Kierstin Dettmers, Kevin Kincaid, Zach Simmons and Jason Cole for the collaboration that has created a vital connection between law enforcement and the Veteran community, addressing the unique challenges faced by veterans in crisis. By merging the specialized expertise of the VA Police Veterans Response Team with the crisis intervention skills of the Columbus Division of Police Mobile Crisis Response Team, they have established a comprehensive support system that is both empathetic and effective. Together, these teams have introduced innovative crisis intervention strategies. Through joint protocols and training sessions, they have ensured both teams are well-prepared to handle the complexities of veteran-specific mental health crises. This partnership has pioneered the integration of mental health professionals into crisis response scenarios, leading to more informed and compassionate interactions with veterans in distress. Serve Thy Neighbor Award (Columbus) Center for Family Safety & Healing and the Columbus Division of Police’s ACT-DV program U.S. Attorney Parker recognized Center for Family Safety & Healing’s Interim Director Nancy Cunningham, President Melissa Graves, Justice System In-Research Supervisor Amber Howell and Sheronda Paramore, as well as Columbus Police Assistant Chief Greg Bodker and Commander Joseph Curmode for their work developing bridges to effectively link justice, advocacy and health systems and to build trust between residents and law enforcement. Through ACT-DV, trained victim advocates respond with police officers at the scene of domestic violence crimes. This important public safety and victim services partnership increases access to support resources by offering safety planning, shelter and linkage to health/ mental health services immediately after a traumatic incident. Advocates also prepare victims for what to expect through the criminal prosecution process. Having advocates and officers work side by side supports the victims’ best interest and builds trust between community and law enforcement. This effort also helps police officers develop a deeper understanding of domestic violence and the complexity, power and danger that far too often keeps women in abusive homes. Serve Thy Neighbor Award (Dayton) Ms. Lisa Lucchesi, CareSource Health Plan Ms. Lucchesi serves as the National Human Trafficking Project Manager for CareSource Health Plan, and her passion is to advocate for children who are being trafficked or at high risk of trafficking. She coordinated with local law enforcement agencies and service providers to organize a highly successful CareSource Human Trafficking Awareness Summit in Dayton. Ms. Lucchesi continues to host meetings with local and national stakeholders to focus on the crime of the sexual trafficking of minors, how to identify the victims, what resources are available for them and how to help these minor victims to improve their lives. Thanks to Ms. Lucchesi, the Dayton Police Department, Montgomery County Childrens Services and Montgomery County Juvenile Court have improved their processes in looking below the surface in identifying youth victims of sex trafficking who sadly sometimes don’t see themselves as victims. Serve Thy Neighbor Award (Cincinnati) John McConnaughey, Cincinnati Citizens Police Association Mr. McConnaughey’s service to his community has included serving on the Board of Directors for the FBI Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association, as an Associate Member of the Hamilton County Police Association and as the President of the Cincinnati Citizens’ Police Association (CCPA), which provides support to the Cincinnati law enforcement community. He was one of the founders of the Gang Initiative Project and the Southern Ohio Chapter of the Midwest Gang Investigators Association. Both organizations work with the Cincinnati public schools to combat gang activity. Mr. McConnaughey is a dedicated advocate for reducing crime and violence amongst youth. Mitch Morris, Cincinnati Works Mr. Morris is a dedicated community servant leader, working to end gun violence in the community. He connects at-risk youth with mentors and helps them find work through Cincinnati Works. Cincinnati Works partners with people in poverty to assist them in advancing economic self-sufficiency. Mr. Morris oversees the organization’s Phoenix Program Outreach & Mentoring. His dedication to ending poverty and gun violence is unwavering. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s annual law enforcement awards, please contact Law Enforcement Coordinator Mitchell Seckman at 614-469-5715. # # #


title: New Orleans Man Guilty of Violating Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LYNDELL MIMS (“MIMS”) , age 34, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on October 25, 2024, before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to violating the Federal Gun Control and the Federal Controlled Substances Acts, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court records, New Orleans Police Department officers stopped MIMS while he was in a vehicle, detected a strong odor of marijuana and got a search warrant. During the search of the vehicle, the officers found a Diamondback Firearms Model DB15, 5.56-millimeter pistol, bearing serial number DB2907140, a Glock Model 22, .40 caliber pistol, bearing serial number CML528, as well as a third gun in his female passenger’s purse. MIMS was a convicted felon and was not allowed to possess firearms. Officers also found several types of drugs and three digital scales. The drugs, included 21.08 grams of methamphetamine; 30 grams of a mixture of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl; 2.22 grams of methamphetamine; 4.46 grams of cocaine; 1.55 grams of cocaine; 10.66 grams of psilocyn; approximately 300 grams of marijuana in over 100 smaller bags; 31 Tramadol pills; 75 packets of Buprenorphine/suboxone; 175 Tapentadol pills; 1.52 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture; 2.21 grams of fentanyl; several oxycodone pills; several pills that tested positive for fentanyl; 50.64 grams of methamphetamine; and additional miscellaneous pills. The federal indictment against MIMS states that he possessed the various drugs found during the search with the intent to distribute them, possessed the firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and was a felon in possession of firearms. Judge Barbier set sentencing for January 30, 2025. On the drug count, MIMS faces a maximum term of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release. On the possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking count, MIMS faces a mandatory minimum of five years up to life, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. On the felon in possession of a firearm count, MIMS faces a maximum term of fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. As to each count, MIMS also faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. 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. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, who is Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.


title: Waterbury Man Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking Ring

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JESUS MALDONADO, also known as “Zeus,” 34, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking narcotics. According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task Force and other law enforcement agencies investigated two drug trafficking organizations based in the city of Waterbury. One organization operated in the area of William Street and the other operated in the area of Maple Avenue. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, video surveillance, GPS tracking of vehicles, and numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that the two organizations distributed cocaine, crack, and fentanyl through a network of sellers. The organizations shared sources of supply and worked together to further their operations. During the investigation, Maldonado, who was involved in the William Street organization, was intercepted multiple times over a wiretap discussing the distribution of narcotics. On November 16, 2023, he was captured on video engaging in a 500-gram cocaine transaction. Seventeen individuals were charged with federal offenses as a result of the investigation. Maldonado and several codefendants were arrested on November 29, 2023. In association with the arrests, investigators executed multiple search warrants and seized approximately 700 grams of crack cocaine, more than 900 vials (“caps”) of crack, approximately 200 grams of loose fentanyl, more than 1,600 dose bags of fentanyl/heroin, two stolen firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, and more than $39,000 in cash. Maldonado has been detained since his arrest. On June 24, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. The FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task includes members from the FBI, the Waterbury Police Department, the Naugatuck Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Connecticut State Police, Wolcott Police Department, and Meriden Police Department have assisted the investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth and Shan Patel through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Waterbury State Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.


title: Baltimore Man Found Guilty Of Assaulting Federal Correctional Officers After Four-Day Trial

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – After a four-day jury trial, a federal jury has convicted Igor Yasinov, age 35, of Baltimore, Maryland, of four counts of Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding Certain Officers or Employees, Inflicting Bodily Injury. The conviction was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; Clinton J. Fuchs, United States Marshal for the District of Maryland; and Carolyn J. Scruggs, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. According to the evidence presented at his trial, on November 16, 2021, Igor Yasinov assaulted multiple members of the correctional staff at the Chesapeake Detention Facility (“CDF”) causing several injuries. CDF is a pretrial detention facility located in Baltimore, Maryland, that, in November 2021, exclusively housed federal inmates awaiting the disposition of criminal cases in the District of Maryland, pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement between the United States Marshal Service (“USMS”) and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (“DPSCS”). DPSCS employs correctional officers to effectuate the goals and directives of USMS. The assaults began after Yasinov broke a control center window within the facility with a broom stick and sustained minor injuries. Yasinov was transported to the medical unit for treatment by members of the correctional staff, during which time he made threats of violence to the escorting correctional officers. After receiving medical treatment, Yasinov was transported to a segregation unit. Though initially cooperative, Yasinov became irate and refused the orders of the correctional officers when he learned that he was not returning to his original housing unit. Yasinov refused to lock into his cell. As correctional officers attempted to escort him into the cell, he began to fight them and swept the leg of one correctional officer, causing her and other officers to fall to the ground. During that time, correctional officers were able to apply leg irons to Yasinov’s legs to prevent further attacks and carried him to his cell. While in the cell, Yasinov continued to fight the officers. Eventually, Yasinov relented, and allowed officers to remove the leg irons. They ordered Yasinov to face the cell wall to allow the group to exit the cell individually. Yasinov was told to remain facing the wall until all officers had exited and the door to the cell was closed. As the last officer attempted to exit the door, Yasinov charged the group, slamming his body into them. Yasinov continued to flail on the floor, kicking officers and attempting to strike them with his hands. As a result of Yasinov’s actions, several of the officers sustained bodily injuries, including one officer sustaining a fractured tibia, and three other officers sustaining injuries to their heads, necks, backs, and limbs. Yasinov faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for each count of Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding Certain Officers or Employees, Inflicting Bodily Injury. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties and a federal district judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States District Judge Julie R. Rubin has scheduled sentencing for February 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. U.S. Attorney Barron commended USMS for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant United States Attorney Michael Aubin and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jacob Gordin, who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . ###


title: Houma Man Guilty of Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TREVON HARVEY (“HARVEY”) , age 19, a resident of Houma, Louisiana pled guilty on October 15, 2024, to federal drug trafficking and firearms violations. HARVE Y pled guilty to possession, with the intent to distribute, forty grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of heroin and cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(b)(1)(B), and (b)(1)(C) Count 1 and, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8) Count 2 . As to Count 1 , HARVEY faces not less than 5 years, and not more than 40 years in prison and, not more than a $5,000,000.00 fine. As to Count 2, he faces not more than 15 years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000.00. He will also be subject to a term of not less than four years of supervised release as to Count 1 and not more than 3 years as to Count 2. He also faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $200. According to court records, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the HARVEY’s residence and located multiple clear plastic bags with suspected Heroin/ Fentanyl, and Crack Cocaine; approximately $2,137.77 in cash; a stolen Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter pistol, with one (1) fifteen (15) round magazine and ammunition; a working digital scale; two working metal presses; a blender with white powder residue inside the kitchen; and four bottles of Equate fiber powder, used to cut the drugs. His sentencing is set for January 21, 2025. This case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, the Houma Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Washington doctor settles allegations he submitted false claims to federal healthcare programs

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – The U.S. Department of Justice today resolved allegations that Dr. Joseph Upton, of Bellevue, Washington, caused the submission of false claims to Medicare, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Dr. Upton agreed to pay $65,680 to resolve the matter. Of the settlement amount, $32,840 is restitution and the rest is a penalty under the False Claims Act. According to the settlement agreement, the United States alleges that between August 1, 2018, and April 30, 2019, Dr. Upton engaged in conduct that resulted in the submission of false claims to the Medicare program. Specifically, in connection with his work for a purported telemedicine company known as REMN, Dr. Upton signed durable medical equipment and genetic testing orders for Medicare beneficiaries, despite never examining or speaking with the patients or confirming that the orders were medically necessary and reasonable as required by Medicare. “Our federal health care system relies on the basic principle that providers must bill properly and follow the rules, and the taxpayers who fund the Medicare and Medicaid programs deserve nothing less,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “We are committed to protecting the integrity of federal health care programs, including investigating schemes that seek to undermine the legitimate delivery of telehealth services.” The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. The matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Burns and investigated by the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG).


title: Four People from St. John the Baptist Parish, Jefferson Parish, and California Indicted on Federal Drug Charges Including Distribution of Fentanyl

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JESSICA MARIE PORTWAY of St. John the Baptist Parish, RACHEL PORTWAY and TYLER SALADINO (“SALADINO”) of Jefferson Parish, and JAMES GOTTFRIED (“GOTTFRIED”) of California, were charged in a four-count superseding indictment on October 24, 2024 with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act. JESSICA PORTWAY, RACHEL PORTWAY, SALADINO, and GOTTFRIED were indicted in Count 1 for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846. If convicted of Count 1, they face up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release following imprisonment. JESSICA PORTWAY, RACHEL PORTWAY, SALADINO, and GOTTFRIED were indicted in Count 2 for Distribution of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and Title 18 United States Code Section 2. If convicted of Count 2, the defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release following imprisonment. RACHEL PORTWAY and SALADINO were indicted in Count 3 for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). If convicted of Count 3, the defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release following imprisonment. JESSICA PORTWAY was previously indicted in Count 4 of the indictment for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, fentanyl, and LSD, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(C). If convicted of Count 4, JESSICA PORTWAY faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years and up to a maximum term of life imprisonment , a fine of up to $10,000,000, and up to five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. As to each count in which one of these individuals is charged, they also face payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. According to the superseding indictment, beginning on an unknown date, but at least by August 14, 2023 and continuing to on or about August 29, 2023, JESSICA PORTWAY, RACHEL PORTWAY, SALADINO, and GOTTFRIED conspired to distribute and, possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl, within the Eastern District of Louisiana. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration - Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT), the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Former Bainbridge Island, Washington, resident fails to appear for sentencing in $10.7 million fraud scheme

body_text: Defendant was found deceased Seattle – Stephen Baird, 69, the former CEO of S-Ray, Inc., is now a wanted man for failing to show up for sentencing in U.S. District Court in Seattle announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Baird formerly of Bainbridge Island, Washington, defrauded investors by making false statements about S-Ray’s product development and falsely claiming the company had obtained FDA authorization to market a dental device. Baird was indicted in February 2023 and pleaded guilty in May 2024. His failure to appear means he may face additional prison time for violating his appearance bond. Judge Richard A. Jones issued a warrant for his arrest. If anyone is aware of his whereabouts, they are asked to contact the FBI at 206-622-0460 and ask for the duty agent. Baird’s scheme began in 2012 and defrauded some 200 investors of $10.75 million. Baird told investors their funds would be used to bring a product to market, but Baird instead used more than half of investors’ money—at – some $5.7 million – for his and his family’s personal expenses, including to purchase a luxury car and a waterfront house on Bainbridge Island. Many of the investors were in court today, ready to speak about the web of lies Baird told to take their money. Some investors lost their entire retirement savings, the college tuitions for their children and grandchildren, and for one 94-year-old investor the loss means choosing between medications and other daily needs. The United States Attorney’s Office is seeking forfeiture of a ranch property in Terrebonne, Oregon that Baird purchased using proceeds of the fraud. The Court has entered a preliminary order of forfeiture with respect to this property. The case is being investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Wilkinson and Jehiel Baer, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jessica M. Ly.


title: Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearms Crimes

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Uqoeon Lawrence, age 28, of Syracuse pled guilty today to four federal felony offenses that included possession and distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and interstate firearms trafficking, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). As part of his plea of guilty today, Uqoeon Lawrence admitted that he sold fentanyl and methamphetamine during two undercover law enforcement operations in June of 2023. He further admitted that he possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and a loaded 20-gauge pump shotgun and ammunition recovered during the execution of a federal search warrant at his Syracuse apartment on June 26, 2023. Lawrence also admitted he illegally possessed the shotgun and ammunition after previously being convicted of a felony. Uqoeon Lawrence also pled guilty today to separately trafficking handguns sourced in Maine to Syracuse, where he sold them on the street in July 2023. Sentencing is scheduled for February 25, 2025, at which time Lawrence faces a mandatory sentence of ten (10) years and up to life imprisonment for his conviction for distribution and possession with intent to distribute of at least 50 grams of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl, as well as a fine of up to $10 million. He faces a mandatory consecutive sentence of 5 years and up to life in federal prison for his conviction for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Lawrence also faces up to 15 years in federal prison for his convictions for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, and interstate firearms trafficking as well as a term of at least 5 years of post-incarceration supervised release, and fines of up to $250,000.00. 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. The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Syracuse Police Department-Intelligence Unit (SPD-INTEL) are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick is prosecuting the case.


title: Informational: Federal Court arraignments

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt: Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 25 was: Matthew Ray Tack, 40, of Florence, on charges of failure to register as a sex offender. If convicted of the most serious crime, Tack faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Tack was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Montana Sex and Violent Offender Registry conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-60. Appearing on Oct. 24 was: Francisco Javier Barrera Reyes, 32, of Bozeman and Mexico, on charges of illegal reentry. If convicted of the most serious crime, Reyes faces a maximum of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Reyes was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-20. Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Oct. 24 was: Kaitlyn Marie Smotherman, 34, of Sand Springs, on charges of tampering with a consumer product and acquiring drug by fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Smotherman faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Smotherman was released pending further proceedings. The Food and Drug Administration, Drug Enforcement Administration and Garfield County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-136. Alyssa Kathleen Zitur, 18, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of stolen firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Zitur faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Zitur was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-151. Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Oct. 23 was: Michael Shawn O’Neill, 59, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, O’Neill faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. O’Neill was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Russell Country Drug Task Force and Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-76. Appearing on Oct. 22 was: Robert Ray Harr-Juarez, 50, of Great Falls, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Harr-Juarez faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Harr-Juarez was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-57. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl . XXX


title: Colorado man convicted of attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity

body_text: Gabriel Estrada, 30, of Denver, Colorado, was convicted by a federal jury for attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. The four-day trial was held before U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson. According to trial evidence, Estrada used a chat app to meet up with a 13-year-old persona for sexual intercourse. An undercover agent posed as a 13-year-old female, living in Laramie, Wyoming. Estrada messaged the 13-year-old persona asking if she would have sex with him. He went on to ask the 13-year-old persona if she had any friends that would like to join them in the sexual encounter and asked about her sexual experience. Estrada then drove the two hours from his home to Laramie after confirming the minor would engage in other sexual acts with him. Estrada arrived at the location, along with other physical evidence indicative of his intent to engage in sexual acts with the minor and an iPhone. The iPhone contained the text messages to the 13-year-old persona. Estrada testified that he made the decision to drive from his apartment in Denver to Laramie, even after the minor told him her age. Estrada said he did not believe she was actually 13. Sentencing has been set for Jan. 13, 2025. Estrada faces 10 years to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, five years to life supervised release and a $100 special assessment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors in both cases. This crime was investigated by the Laramie Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold. Case No. CR-24-00033


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Sentencing of Mescalero Man for Stabbing Assault

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for the repeated stabbing of a woman on the Mescalero Apache reservation. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on May 18, 2023, Lestat Cree Valdez , 21, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache tribe, straddled Jane Doe and stabbed her repeatedly in the head, face, and chest with a knife, with the intent to cause bodily harm. As a result of the assault, Jane Doe suffered serious bodily injury. Upon his release from prison, Valdez will be subject to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. This case was investigated by the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau Investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Joni Autrey Stahl is prosecuting the case. # # #


title: Twelve Defendants Charged in Alleged Methamphetamine Conspiracy

body_text: MACON, Ga. – A newly unsealed federal indictment charges a dozen defendants with allegedly participating in a methamphetamine production and trafficking conspiracy operating out of a ten-acre Walton County property. According to the indictment unsealed on Oct. 23, and the search warrant, as well as statements made public in court, on Aug. 13, 2024, a federal search warrant was executed at 2370 Mountain Creek Church Road, Monroe, Georgia, as part of a joint law enforcement operation, where agents seized a total of 4,346 grams of “finished” crystal methamphetamine, 22 gallons of liquid methamphetamine (approximately equivalent to 377 kilograms of finished crystal methamphetamine) and $5,401. A federal search warrant was also executed on a Chevrolet Traverse occupied by Yuretzi Gomez, Yirla Gomez, Rafael Gomez and Uriel Garcia where agents recovered 1,046 grams of methamphetamine and $4,350 in cash. In addition, agents seized 4,523 grams of methamphetamine inside a Camaro occupied by Jared Calhoun and Ebony Jones-Tate. The following defendant charged by indictment will have his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle on Nov. 4: James Len Ramey, 52, of Comer, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine. The following defendants charged by indictment have had their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Weigle: Christopher Hyatt, 44, of LaGrange, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine; Kendell Cawthon, 59, of Baldwin, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine; Bonterris Turner, 44, of Athens, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine; Demetrius Appling, 36, of Crawford, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine; Andrea Robinson, 44, of Cleveland, Georgia; is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; Yuretzi Adame Gomez, 39, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine; Yirla Adame Gomez, 24, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine; Rafael Gomez Flores, 21, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine; Uriel Garcia, 32, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine; Jared Calhoun, 32, of Birmingham, Alabama, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine; and Ebony Jones-Tate, 32, of Birmingham, Alabama, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine. The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Georgia State Patrol (GSP). Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case for the Government. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: New Jersey Man Charged For Multi-Year, Multi-Million Dollar Fraud

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); Thomas Fattorusso, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”); and Francis J. Russo, the Director of the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), announced today the arrest of ARSEN LUSHER, who orchestrated a scheme to defraud more than 20 investors of more than $5 million between 2017 and 2021. LUSHER was arrested earlier today and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary Stein. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For years, the defendant allegedly solicited investors’ funds by representing that he had a hugely profitable trucking business. That wasn’t true, and the defendant instead allegedly used the funds to run a classic Ponzi scheme, enriching himself along the way. When luck ran out, the victims sustained millions of dollars in losses. Today’s arrest serves as a stark reminder that the illusion of success built on fraud and deceit will inevitably fail.” FBI Assistant Director James E. Dennehy said: “For four years, Arsen Lusher allegedly defrauded numerous victims of more than $5 million by cycling their investments to conceal the business’s inability to produce its promised returns, and altered official tax documents to reflect inflated balances in furtherance of this ploy. The alleged empty assurances allowed the defendant to wrongfully haul in funding from investors and selfishly benefit from their losses. The FBI will continue to disrupt and hit the brakes on any investment scheme rooted in deceit.” IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso said: “It’s alleged Lusher acted with impunity for years, deceiving over 20 investors out of more than five million dollars. He created a ‘get-rich-quick’ scheme, then sold his victims a dream of high-returns on their investment. Instead of a profit, investors were left with a loss of money and of trust. Today’s arrest ensures that Lusher can now be held accountable for his alleged fraud.” CBP Director Francis J. Russo said: “U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proud to have played an important role in this investigation that resulted in the takedown of an elaborate conspiracy to defraud the United States. This case serves as a great example of how collaborative law enforcement efforts can dismantle nefarious enterprises that cause economic harm to their competitors.” According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court: [1] Between 2017 and 2021, LUSHER engaged in a scheme to defraud more than 20 victims of more than $5 million. LUSHER and a small group of trusted lieutenants acting at LUSHER’s direction solicited investments from the victims, usually by representing that LUSHER had a profitable trucking business that enjoyed delivery and installation contracts with multiple large retailers. LUSHER and his lieutenants typically represented that the victims’ investments would fund the purchase of trucks, each truck costing around $45,000. Through written and signed investment agreements, LUSHER and his lieutenants normally guaranteed the victims that their investments would generate high rates of return over a fixed period—typically between 30 and 40 percent over one or two years. In that way, LUSHER succeeded in raising more than $40 million. In fact, though, LUSHER did not have a large trucking business. Instead, LUSHER had a small trucking business that performed a small amount of work—less than $300,000—for just one large retailer. The amount that LUSHER earned from his legitimate trucking business could not have compensated the victims and produced the promised returns. Indeed, LUSHER did not use the victims’ funds to purchase trucks or to grow his trucking business. Instead, for years, LUSHER engaged in a Ponzi scheme: LUSHER paid earlier victims with later victims’ funds. LUSHER also used the victims’ funds to enrich himself, such as by gambling or shopping for high-end goods. In that way, LUSHER was able to sustain his scheme for a number of years. But in early 2021, the scheme collapsed, leaving numerous victims with losses totaling more than $5 million. LUSHER used fake documents to carry out his scheme. For example, in December 2020, LUSHER caused to be sent to a particular victim an apparent U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation for one of the companies that LUSHER controlled and used to perpetrate his scheme. That alleged tax return was falsified: the accountant listed as having prepared the return did not, in fact, prepare it. And in February 2021, LUSHER altered account balances on an email sent by a bank employee to make it appear that LUSHER’s companies had healthy account balances when, in fact, they did not. Specifically, while the bank employee wrote that LUSHER’s companies had account balances of $8,767.26 and $320.76, LUSHER altered the bank employee’s email before forwarding it to state that his companies had account balances of $ 1,22 8,767.26 and $ 987, 320.76 (italics and bold added). In other words, LUSHER altered the bank employee’s email such that the account balances for his companies were approximately 140 times and 3,078 times greater than they actually were. LUSHER then caused that falsified email to be sent to a particular victim. If you believe you or your family has been a victim of LUSHER’s fraud, please contact XtremeHDtips@fbi.gov . * * * LUSHER, 49, of Millstone, New Jersey, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison. The statutory maximum penalties in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, the IRS, the CBP, and the New York City Police Department. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Rosenberg is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth in this press release, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Preliminary Injunction Entered in Justice Department Suit to Stop Virginia’s Systematic Removal of Voters from Registration Rolls

body_text: A federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia has entered an order requiring the Commonwealth of Virginia to cease a program to remove voters from Virginia’s voting rolls between now and the Nov. 5 general election. The court further ordered the Commonwealth to issue guidance to all Virginia general registrars to immediately restore voters whose registrations were canceled because of the program unless those voters requested removal or are subject to removal for other reasons. The department filed a lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Virginia, its State Board of Elections and its Commissioner of Elections on Oct. 11 alleging that the Commonwealth’s voter list maintenance program, as announced by Virginia’s Governor on Aug. 7, violated Section 8(c)(2) of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) by conducting a program intending to systematically remove ineligible voters within 90 days of a federal election. The court’s order requires the Commonwealth of Virginia to send a remedial mailing to each registrant canceled as part of the voter removal process who has not submitted a request to be removed from the voter rolls and alert these voters that they have been returned to the voter rolls. The injunction also requires the Commonwealth to ensure that affected voters are notified that their inclusion in the Commonwealth’s wayward removal program does not establish their ineligibility to vote or subject them to criminal prosecution for registering to vote or for voting. The remedial mailing ordered by the court must advise all registrants canceled as part of the voter removal process that if they are a U.S. citizen and otherwise meet voter qualifications, they have the right to vote. Individuals who are eligible voters and believe that they may have been wrongly removed from the voter rolls as a result of Virginia’s — or any other state’s — systematic removal process should contact the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section through the internet reporting portal at www.civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931. More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents on the NVRA and other statutes, is available at www.justice.gov/voting . Learn more about the NVRA and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section . Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted at www.civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.


title: Individual On Parole For Robbery In New Jersey Indicted For Two More Robberies In Florida

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Jose Rodriguez (65, New Jersey) with robbery, attempted robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, Rodriguez faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. According to court documents, on August 4, 2024, Rodriguez entered a pizza restaurant located in a shopping plaza in Tampa and attempted to rob the restaurant at gunpoint. The clerks fled in fear, and Rodriguez ultimately left empty handed. Approximately one month later, on September 11, 2024, Rodriguez returned to the same plaza. This time, he walked into a cellphone store and attempted to rob it at gunpoint. During the robbery, Rodriguez directed an employee to the business’s safe in a back room while stating, “Don’t move or I’ll shoot you.” Two days later, ATF special agents and deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office found the vehicle used during the two incidents. Surveillance of that vehicle identified Rodriguez, and a subsequent search warrant of his residence revealed a pistol—which he is prohibited from possessing due to his status as a convicted felon. That pistol had been reported stolen by an elderly man in New Jersey whom Rodriguez had previously cared for. At the time of these incidents, Rodriguez was on parole in New Jersey for robbery. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes. 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.