title: Manager of Marijuana Cultivation Site in Shasta Trinity National Forest Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO , Calif. — Custodio Ibarra Nunez, 42, of Merced, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay $17,930 in restitution to the United States, for conspiracy to cultivate marijuana, marijuana cultivation, and depredation of public lands in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, between May 23 and July 8, 2019, Nunez was a manager in a conspiracy to cultivate over 4,000 marijuana plants south of Rays Peak on public lands in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest with three other co-conspirators: Francisco Madrigal Magana, Mario Alberto Lopez Pena, and an uncharged 17-year-old. Agents arrested Magana and Lopez at the site. Magana and Pena were later convicted and sentenced to 18 months and 24 months in prison, respectively, for conspiracy to manufacture marijuana and depredation of public lands and resources. Nunez was not present at the illegal cultivation site during the law enforcement raid. Subsequent investigation led to his identification, and revealed that he continued to engage in illegal marijuana cultivation with the uncharged minor in Merced. A search of his residence resulted in the discovery of additional marijuana plants, marijuana cultivation tools and supplies, vacuum sealing devices, and packaging material, including evidence of USPS tracking receipts for shipments across the county. Nunez was indicted and arrested in February 2020, and has remained in custody since. This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, the Trinity County District Attorney’s Office the Merced Area Gang and Narcotics Team, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, the Atwater Police Department, and the Redding Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella prosecuted the case.


title: U.S. Attorney Announces Law Enforcement Actions Directed At Fentanyl Trafficking In Santa Cruz County

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN JOSE – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California has filed a series of federal criminal complaints charging three defendants with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl in Santa Cruz County, announced United States Attorney Ismail Ramsey and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Brian Clark. The complaints have been filed as part of a law enforcement operation focused on investigating and prosecuting fentanyl traffickers and illegal open-air fentanyl drug markets in the Santa Cruz area. “The dramatic increase in the use of fentanyl in the last five years has destroyed countless lives in and around Santa Cruz County. We stand prepared to work with our federal and local law enforcement partners to address the damage being done to our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Ramsey. “We will seek to bring to justice the purveyors of this poison in our neighborhoods – if you are considering selling fentanyl in Santa Cruz, it is time to think again.” “The dangerous shift from plant-based drugs to synthetic has created the deadliest drug threat facing our nation, fentanyl. This insidious drug has provided the fuel for 70% of the poisoning deaths last year and requires a multi-agency approach to save lives,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian Clark. “DEA will do everything in our power to prevent those peddling poison in Santa Cruz from destroying more lives.” “The impacts we’ve seen from fentanyl in our community have been devastating and unlike any drug I’ve seen in my 36 years in law enforcement,” said Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart. “The surge in overdose deaths has shattered families and left us facing an unprecedented public health crisis. By establishing our Fentanyl Task Force and forming these crucial partnerships with state and federal agencies, we are dedicated to holding those who distribute this poison accountable. This should serve as a message to those who are choosing to sell drugs in our community that we are not taking this lightly.” According to the filed criminal complaints, the distribution of fentanyl has fueled a dramatic increase in overdose deaths over the last years. According to these documents, 133 people died of fentanyl-related overdoses in Santa Cruz County in 2023. The County’s population was approximately 261,547. By contrast, in 2019, Santa Cruz County experienced 5 fentanyl-related overdose deaths. The defendants named in these complaints are Miguel Geronimo, 30, Jesus Nunez Martinez, 49, and Oscar Angel Alvarez, 28. A separate criminal complaint has been filed against each defendant. According to the complaint filed against Geronimo, on May 1, 2024, shortly before noon, detectives from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office were patrolling the area of 115 Coral Street in Santa Cruz that is known to be a common drug-trafficking area. The detectives observed multiple persons entering and exiting a van, none spending more than a couple of minutes in the van. The deputies approached and allowed a drug-sniffing dog to circle the vehicle. The dog positively alerted to the van, indicating the presence of certain narcotics. In the van, the detectives encountered Geronimo, who was lying down in the back-passenger section of the van, and another person who was in the front passenger seat. Detectives searched the van and found approximately 86.6 grams of fentanyl, sales paraphernalia, and over $3,300 in cash. Geronimo is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to the complaint filed against Martinez, on February 9, 2024, detectives with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office spotted Martinez driving with a suspended driver’s license and expired tags. The complaint alleges another deputy arrived with a drug-sniffing dog and allowed the dog to circle Martinez’s vehicle. After the dog alerted the deputies to the presence of drugs, deputies searched the car. The complaint details that the investigating deputies found various items, including a distributable amount of actual methamphetamine, sales paraphernalia, and over $750 in cash in the vehicle. Furthermore, more than a month later, on March 29, 2024, sheriff’s detectives conducted a traffic stop on Martinez for failing to stop at a stop sign. Another search of Martinez’s car resulted in the seizure of additional drugs, sales paraphernalia, and over $400 in cash. On this occasion, Martinez possessed a distributable amount of fentanyl and carfentanil, a fentanyl analogue and synthetic opioid that is approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Martinez is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, carfentanil, and methamphetamine. According to the complaint filed against Alvarez, the defendant was found in possession of various controlled substances, including fentanyl, in the early morning of February 5, 2024. More specifically, the complaint describes how a sheriff’s deputy was patrolling the area of the 500 block of Water Street in Santa Cruz—an area known for drug trafficking, drug use, and other crime. At approximately 4:12AM, the deputy spotted Alvarez outside the main office of a motel, wearing two backpacks. The deputy approached Alvarez, who claimed he was trying to get a room, although the lobby of the hotel was empty, and Alvarez walked away from the hotel lobby and to the rear of the motel. A later search of Alvarez and the backpacks revealed more than 15 baggies of suspected drugs packaged for sales and more than $2,500 cash. After subsequent testing, the substances in Alvarez’s possession were found to include more than 150 grams of fentanyl, over 95 grams of methamphetamine, and more than 50 grams of cocaine. Additionally, according to the complaint, Alvarez was found with approximately 54.4 grams of p-Fluorofentanyl and 27.781 grams of methamphetamine HCL during a traffic stop on May 29, 2024. Alvarez has been charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, on February 5, 2024. In sum, if convicted, the defendants face the following charges: Defendant Charges Maximum Statutory Penalties Miguel Geronimo Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C)) 20 years of imprisonment; maximum lifetime of supervised release (minimum term of 3 years of supervised release); $1 million fine Jesus Nunez Martinez Possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine (February 9, 2024) (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B)) 40 years of imprisonment (mandatory minimum of 5 years of imprisonment); maximum lifetime supervised release (mandatory minimum of 4 years of supervised release); $5 million fine Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil (March 29, 2024) 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C) 20 years imprisonment; maximum lifetime of supervised release (minimum term of 3 years of supervised release); $1 million fine Oscar Angel Alvarez Possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B)(vi)) 40 years of imprisonment (mandatory minimum of 5 years of imprisonment); maximum lifetime of supervised release (mandatory minimum 4 years of supervised release); $5,000,000 fine Possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B)(viii)) 40 years of imprisonment (mandatory minimum of 5 years of imprisonment); maximum lifetime of supervised release (mandatory minimum 4 years of supervised release); $5,000,000 fine Possession with intent to distribute cocaine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C)) 20 years of imprisonment; maximum lifetime of supervised release (mandatory minimum of 3 years of supervised release); $1,000,000 fine A criminal complaint merely alleges a crime has been committed. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The three criminal complaints were filed by the U.S. Attorney in partnership with the DEA and based on the invaluable work of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. The complaints were unsealed in conjunction with proactive law enforcement action by the DEA, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, and other federal and local partners to address the growing use of fentanyl in Santa Cruz County. On July 11, 2024, federal and local law enforcement collaborated in a joint street enforcement operation focusing on the open-air fentanyl markets in the Santa Cruz area. This enforcement activity resulted in the seizure of fentanyl, a ghost gun, ammunition, and multiple arrests by state authorities of persons possessing drugs for sale. Martinez made his initial federal court appearance to face the charges on July 15, 2024, before the Hon. Virginia K. DeMarchi, United States Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of California. Martinez was temporarily ordered detained, and a detention hearing in his case is set for July 19, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the United States District Court in San Jose. Neither Alvarez nor Geronimo have made their initial appearances on the above-listed federal charges. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johnny E. James, Jr., Jeffrey A. Backhus, and Sarah Griswold are prosecuting the cases with assistance from Elise Etter, Susan Kreider, and Lynette Dixon. These prosecutions are the result investigations by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA, with operational assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Santa Cruz Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the Office of the Santa Cruz County District Attorney for its cooperation in bringing the federal prosecutions of these defendants.


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement with Bell County to Ensure Polling Place Access to Voters with Disabilities

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: AUSTIN, Texas – U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas announced today that the United States has reached a settlement agreement with Bell County to ensure that the county provides accessible polling places to voters with disabilities. The agreement resolves the United States’ investigation into Bell County’s compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by a state or local government in any of its programs or services. The United States surveyed 13 of the county’s polling places used during the 2023 Uniform Election. The United States observed that polling places contained architectural or equipment barriers that rendered the facilities inaccessible to votes with disabilities, such as a lack of van accessible parking, excessively sloped ramps, excessively sloped portions of parking spaces and protruding objects. In addition, the United States observed a lack of knee and toe clearance to accommodate wheelchairs at the accessible voting machines. “The right to vote is a foundation of our democracy and must not be diminished or restricted,” said U.S. Attorney Esparza. “Under this agreement, eligible voters with disabilities in Bell County will be able to exercise their fundamental right to vote and participate in our democracy. Our office will continue working to ensure that all eligible Americans have access to the ballot, and we commend Bell County for their cooperation throughout the investigation and in this resolution.” Under the settlement agreement the county will engage the technical assistance of an accessibility expert and use an evaluation form for each current and prospective polling place based on ADA architectural standards. The agreement requires the county to either relocate voting to new, accessible facilities, or to use temporary measures such as portable ramps, traffic cones, signs, wedges, and door stops to ensure accessibility on Election Day. In addition, Bell County will train its poll workers and other elections staff on the requirements of the ADA and how to use temporary measures to ensure each polling place is accessible during elections. For more information about the ADA, please visit www.ada.gov , or call the Department of Justice’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD). Information about filing a complaint, including instructions for filing a complaint online, can be found at https://www.justice.gov/crt/how-file-complaint . Assistant U.S. Attorneys Liane Noble, Matthew Mueller and Robert Green represented the government in this investigation and resolution. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. ###


title: Aiken County Men Indicted for Bank Fraud

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a three-count superseding indictment against Thomas Allen Bateman, Jr., 50, and Cody Lee Anderson, 37, both of Aiken for bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. The indictment alleges that Bateman and Anderson enticed an elderly woman to leave all her assets to Bateman through a will that designated Anderson as her personal representative. At the time, she did not have the mental capacity to make a knowing and voluntary decision regarding her assets. Bateman and Anderson face a maximum penalty of 30 years imprisonment and will make a first appearance and be arraigned by the Honorable Paige J. Gossett on July 31, 2024. The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Winston Holliday and Scott Matthews are prosecuting the case. U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ###


title: Lake County Man Arrested For Firearms Trafficking

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Jose G. Medina (48, Leesburg) on a criminal complaint charging him with one count of knowingly making a materially false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm, and one count of causing a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in its official records. If convicted, Medina faces a maximum of 15 years’ imprisonment—10 years on the materially false statement offense and 5 years on the record-keeping offense. According to the complaint, between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, Medina purchased multiple firearms in the Middle District of Florida for other individuals. Some of these firearms were intercepted by the United States Custom and Border Protection (CBP) as other individuals attempted to transport them across the United States’ border into Mexico. On May 27, 2023, an individual was encountered by CBP as he attempted to make entry into Mexico at the Eagle Pass (Texas) Port of Entry. He was attempting to bring 10 handguns, 9 rifles, 7 shotguns, 20 magazines, and large amounts of assorted ammunition into Mexico. The individual stated that he was traveling from Orlando, Florida, to San Diego de la Union, Guanajuato, Mexico—an area where Mexican cartels are fighting for control of the territory. Medina had purchased one of these recovered firearms only nine days prior. On November 17, 2023, CBP officers stopped another individual at the Eagle Pass (Texas) Port of Entry who also was attempting to bring five firearms to Mexico. Medina had purchased two of these firearms less than two weeks before their recovery by CBP. A record check by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, firearms, and Explosives (ATF) showed that between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, Medina had purchased 82 firearms for a total of $42,085.61—an amount that exceeded his reported annual income. The investigation also revealed that another firearm purchased by a person associated with Medina had recently been recovered and electronically traced by Mexican law enforcement using ATF’s e-Trace system. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Eustis Police Department, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Cooperating Cancer Testing Company Agrees to Pay Over $900,000 to Resolve Allegations of False Claims for Lab Tests

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – Guardant Health, Inc., a precision oncology company based in Palo Alto, has agreed to settle allegations that it knowingly violated the False Claims Act (FCA), 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-31, and regulations of the Defense Health Agency (DHA), announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey McIntosh, and Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Western Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Bryan D. Denny. In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Guardant took a number of significant steps entitling it to credit for cooperating with the government, including voluntarily disclosing the conduct to HHS-OIG. Guardant will pay $913,932.93 to settle the FCA allegations and $31,082.00 in an administrative settlement with DHA. As alleged by the government, in or around April 2021, a physician based in Austin, Texas contacted Guardant’s Human Resources Department to recommend a close friend of the physician’s family member for a position as an Account Manager in Guardant’s Oncology Division. Guardant hired the family friend as an Account Manager. In October 2021, the physician contacted Guardant again, this time seeking a position for his step-daughter upon her graduation from college. The step-daughter was considered but rejected for a position in Guardant’s Screening Division. However, in or around February 2022, two Guardant employees arranged for the family friend to be promoted, thereby creating an opening in the Oncology Division for employment of the step-daughter. These employees knew of the relationship between the step-daughter and the physician, and that the step-daughter was not qualified for the role. The physician then ordered significantly more Guardant tests per quarter after both hirings. Based on this conduct, the United States alleges that Guardant submitted claims to and received payments from Medicare for clinical laboratory services that had been referred to Guardant by the physician in violation of the Physician Self-Referral Law, or Stark Law, 42 U.S.C. § 1395nn. The United States further alleges that Guardant knowingly submitted or caused the submission of false claims for payment for Guardant tests ordered by the physician during the relevant time period to Medicare Part B in violation of the FCA and to TRICARE in violation of 32 C.F.R. § 199.9. Guardant cooperated with the government’s investigation of the issues and took prompt and substantial remedial measures. Shortly after receiving information regarding the physician’s referrals, Guardant stopped billing federal health care programs for Guardant tests ordered by the physician. Guardant also terminated the physician’s family member’s employment. “This Office is committed to holding accountable individuals and entities who commit and profit from healthcare fraud,” said United States Attorney for the Northern District of California Ismail J. Ramsey. “We will continue to pursue those who enter into unlawful arrangements that waste taxpayer dollars and corrupt the integrity of healthcare decisionmaking.” “Illegal referrals and incentives undermine the integrity of our federal healthcare programs,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey McIntosh of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying and holding accountable those who engage in such unlawful relationships.” “The announced settlement demonstrates the government’s commitment to hold accountable those whose actions taint the integrity of federal healthcare programs, including the Department of Defense's TRICARE program,” said Special Agent in Charge Denny. “DCIS remains steadfastly committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate questionable actions that harm the quality of the TRICARE program and the services it provides to our military members and their families.” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharanya Mohan and Ekta Dharia handled this matter for the government, with assistance from Jonathan Birch. The investigation and settlement resulted from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, HHS-OIG, and DOD-OIG. Mr. Ramsey thanked HHS-OIG, DOD-OIG, and HHS’s Office of General Counsel for their assistance with this matter. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. text_of_guardant_settlement.pdf


title: Saint Marys Resident Charged with Conspiring to Traffic Illegal Firearms into Canada

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Saints Marys, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie for violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The three-count Indictment named Gary James Murray, 44, as the sole defendant and was unsealed on July 15, 2024, following his arrest. According to the Indictment, from October 1, 2022, to April 4, 2024, Murray conspired with individuals in Canada to conceal and ship Glock pistols from the United States to Canada without the required license and contrary to exportation regulations. The firearms Murray allegedly smuggled across the border were prohibited weapons in Canada. Specifically, the Indictment alleges that Murray communicated with multiple buyers in Canada who were interested in purchasing firearms from him and arranging to have them smuggled over the border. Murray, who communicated with the buyers using the encrypted Telegram messaging application, allegedly purchased numerous Glock handguns from local dealers in the Western District of Pennsylvania, disassembled the weapons, and concealed the parts inside household objects such as glue guns, camping kits, and staplers. Murray then allegedly packaged the items and shipped them to British Columbia via the U.S. Postal Service and UPS. As alleged, Murray provided the buyers with instructions on how to reassemble the firearms after they had received the packages in Canada. In exchange for purchasing and smuggling the firearms, Murray allegedly received payments from buyers via Cash App, including more than $20,000 in payments during a two-week period in late January and early February 2024. “Gary Murray allegedly used his ready access to firearms in the United States to pursue a lucrative cross-border trafficking enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “This prosecution demonstrates once again the resolve of our office and our partners at the ATF to track down and put a stop to illicit firearms sales—including those that span international borders—as well as our commitment to keeping guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them.” “Stopping firearms trafficking, which puts guns in the hands of violent criminals and other prohibited people, is a top priority at ATF,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “Far from being a victimless crime, trafficking presents a grave threat to public safety. Through enhanced cooperation and coordination with Canadian authorities, including expanded access to the eTrace systems, we disrupted this international firearms trafficking operation, keeping many illegal guns from criminals in the U.S. and Canada.” Murray is charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit firearms smuggling, unlawful transfer of a firearm to an out-of-state resident, and firearms smuggling. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $750,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Molly W. Anglin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment, with critical assistance from the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit from British Columbia, Canada. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Davenport Man Sentenced to 216 Months in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child Pornography

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced on Thursday, July 11, 2024 to 216 months in federal prison, for receipt of child pornography. According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Zane Michael McBride, 48, was identified by law enforcement as a suspect through a series of cyber tip notifications from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. During the course of that investigation, it was revealed that McBride was downloading, viewing, chatting online about, and trading child sexual assault material with other people. In total, McBride was attributed with receiving over 10,000 visual depictions of child sexual assault material. As part of his sentence, McBride was ordered to pay $21,000 in restitution. After completing his term of imprisonment, McBride will be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Former Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Detective Pleads Guilty To Enticement Of A Minor

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Josue Garriga III (34, St. Augustine) today pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Garriga faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Following his release from prison, Garriga will be required to register as a sex offender and serve a term of supervised release of at least 5 years. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, Garriga, who at the time was a detective with the gang unit of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), met the minor victim, who was 17 years old, at church in 2023. Garriga pursued a sexual relationship with the child victim until approximately March 7, 2024. This included reaching up the child victim’s skirt while she worked serving coffee before church service. At some point, Garriga used his JSO-issued cell phone and an undercover Instagram account to reach out to the child victim and obtained her phone number. Garriga then used his personal cell phone to communicate with the child victim, directing their messages to an end-to-end encrypted app set to automatically delete the messages after 24 hours. Garriga requested nude photos from the child victim and sent her nude photos of himself. Garriga also video chatted with the child victim over FaceTime more than 120 times, including when the child victim showered. On one occasion, Garriga requested that the child victim livestream herself masturbating. On at least two occasions, Garriga used his JSO work vehicle to travel to the child victim’s neighborhood in Clay County to meet with the minor victim and engage in sexual contact that was illegal under Florida law. On another occasion, Garriga met with the child victim at a coffee shop in Clay County and enticed her to his JSO work vehicle, where he engaged in unlawful sexual activity with the child victim and refused to let her leave until she performed oral sex on him. This case was investigated by the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, to include Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Cofer Taylor and Kelly S. Milliron. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Georgian National Charged with Soliciting Hate Crimes and a Mass Casualty Attack in New York City

body_text: A Leader of Maniac Murder Cult, a White Supremacist Group, Allegedly Recruited Others to Commit Arsons and Bombings Targeting Racial Minorities and the Jewish Community Planned New Year’s Eve Attack Involved Santa Claus Handing Out Poisoned Candy to Racial Minorities as well as Distributing Poisoned Candy to Jewish Children in Brooklyn A federal grand jury in Brooklyn, New York, returned a four-count indictment today charging Georgian national Michail Chkhikvishvili, 20, also known as Mishka, Michael, Commander Butcher and Butcher, with soliciting hate crimes and acts of mass violence in New York City. According to court documents, Chkhikvishvili was arrested pursuant to an Interpol Wanted Person Diffusion, which was issued based on a criminal complaint. Chkhikvishvili is alleged to be a leader of the Maniac Murder Cult, also known as Maniacs Murder Cult, Maniacs: Cult of Killing, MKY, MMC and MKU, an international racially or ethnically motivated violent extremist group. MKY adheres to a neo-Nazi accelerationist ideology and promotes violence and violent acts against racial minorities, the Jewish community and other groups it deems “undesirables.” MKY members share a common goal of challenging social order and governments via terrorism and violent acts that promote fear and chaos. MKY has members in the United States and abroad. Chkhikvishvili allegedly recruited others to commit violent acts in furtherance of MKY’s ideologies, including planning and soliciting a mass casualty attack in New York City from an undercover law enforcement employee whom Chkhikvishvili believed was a prospective MKY recruit. Since approximately September 2021, Chkhikvishvili has distributed a manifesto titled the “Hater’s Handbook” to MKY members and others. The handbook discusses MKY’s principles and encourages members to engage in acts of mass violence in furtherance of those principles. In the handbook, Chkhikvishvili states that he has “murdered for the white race” and encourages and instructs others to commit acts of mass violence and “ethnic cleansing.” For example, and among other things, the handbook encourages its readers to commit school shootings and to use children to perpetrate suicide bombings and other mass killings targeting racial minorities. The document describes methods and strategies for committing mass “terror attacks,” including, for example, using vehicles to target “large outdoor festivals, conventions, celebrations and parades” and “pedestrian congested streets.” It specifically encourages committing attacks within the United States. In June 2022, Chkhikvishvili traveled to Brooklyn, New York and stayed with his grandmother while he was there. He provided to border authorities his grandmother’s address in Brooklyn as his address of record in the United States. Beginning at least as early as July 2022, Chkhikvishvili repeatedly encouraged others, primarily via encrypted mobile messaging platforms, to commit violent hate crimes and other acts of violence on behalf of MKY. This included conspiring to solicit violent acts with a leader of a separate violent extremist neo-Nazi group and soliciting acts of mass violence in New York from an individual who claimed to be a prospective MKY recruit, but who, unbeknownst to Chkhikvishvili, was actually an undercover FBI employee (the UC). In a September 2023 conversation, the UC messaged Chkhikvishvili whether there was an application process to join MKY. The defendant responded, “Well yes we ask people for brutal beating, arson/explosion or murder vids on camera.” He further stated that “[p]oisoning and arson are best options for murder,” and suggested also considering a larger “mass murder” within the United States. Chkhikvishvili advised the UC that the victims of these acts should be “low race targets.” Beginning in approximately November 2023, Chkhikvishvili solicited the UC to commit violent crimes, such as bombings and arsons, for the purpose of harming racial minorities, Jewish individuals and others. Chkhikvishvili provided detailed plans and materials such as bomb-making instructions and guidance on making Molotov cocktails to facilitate his desire for the UC to carry out these crimes. In November 2023, Chkhikvishvili began planning a mass casualty attack in New York City to take place on New Year’s Eve. The scheme involved an individual dressing up as Santa Claus and handing out candy laced with poison to racial minorities. The scheme also involved providing candy laced with poison to children at Jewish schools in Brooklyn. Chkhikvishvili drafted step-by-step instructions to carry out the scheme and shared with the UC detailed manuals on creating and mixing lethal poisons and gases. He also instructed the UC on methods of making ricin-based poisons in powder and liquid form, including by extracting ricin from castor beans. Some of the materials transmitted by Chkhikvishvili have been linked to radical Islamist jihadist groups and designated foreign terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Chkhikvishvili intended that the planned attack would be a “bigger action than Breivik,” referring to Anders Behring Breivik, a Norwegian neo-Nazi who killed 77 people in a bombing and mass shooting in Norway in 2011. Meanwhile, he told others of his plan and claimed to have previously committed other hate crimes while living in Brooklyn, New York, in 2022. Chkhikvishvili boasted to others that he was “glad I have murdered,” and that he would “murder more” but “make others murder first.” If convicted, Chkhikvishvili faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for solicitation of violent felonies (including hate crime acts and transporting an explosive with intent to kill or injure), a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiring to solicit violent felonies, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for distributing information pertaining to the making and use of explosive devices and a maximum penalty of five years in prison for transmitting threatening communications. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York and Executive Assistant Director Robert R. Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ellen H. Sise and Andrew D. Reich for the Eastern District of New York and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division also provided assistance. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Springfield Woman Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in Death

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for providing the fentanyl that caused the death of a Springfield man. Whitney R. Weiherer, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 12 years in federal prison without parole. On Sept. 7, 2023, Weiherer pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl causing death. Weiherer admitted she provided the fentanyl that caused the overdose death of a Springfield resident (identified in court documents as “J.W.”). Springfield police officers were dispatched to J.W.’s apartment on Oct. 22, 2019, after receiving a call from the apartment complex’s property manager who conducted a wellness check at the apartment. Investigators examined J.W.’s cell phone and found several calls and texts with Weiherer on Oct. 5, 2019. Investigators also found photos of Weiherer that were taken the same day inside J.W.’s apartment; he was wearing the same clothes in the photos as he was found in when his body was discovered. Investigators determined that J.W.’s death likely occurred within 10 to 15 minutes of taking the fentanyl supplied by Weiherer on Oct. 5, 2019, although his body wasn’t discovered until Oct. 22, 2019. Weiherer had two prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance and was on probation at the time of the federal offense. Two months later, she was again arrested in possession of drugs, leading to her third felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica R. Eatmon and Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.


title: Honduran Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally  Reentering the United States After Being Deported

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to ten months in federal prison. Eslyn Hernandez-Milla, age 28, a citizen of Honduras illegally present in the United States and residing in Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 8, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported. At the guilty plea, Hernandez-Milla admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Hernandez-Milla was previously deported in June 2018. On January 26, 2024, immigration officials learned Hernandez-Milla had illegally returned to the United States and found Hernandez-Milla at the Black Hawk County Jail following his conviction on state charges. Hernandez-Milla was convicted on January 26, 2024, in the Iowa District Court in Black Hawk County of two counts of Willful Injury Causing Bodily Injury, one count of Domestic Abuse Assault by Strangulation, and one count of Domestic Abuse Assault by Display or Use of a Weapon. Hernandez-Milla was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Hernandez-Milla was sentenced to ten months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Hernandez-Milla is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-CR-2007. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Springfield Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Meth Conspiracy

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene and Polk Counties, Mo., and illegally possessing five firearms. Jeffrey S. Durbray, 61, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Monday, July 16, to 15 years in federal prison without parole. On Dec. 19, 2023, Durbray pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Durbray admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene and Polk Counties from March 5 to Oct. 10, 2019. Durbray also admitted he possessed five firearms in furtherance of the drug-trafficking conspiracy. According to court documents, Durbray is responsible for distribution of more than six kilograms of methamphetamine in the Springfield area. A confidential informant conducted two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Durbray in April 2019. On April 24, 2019, a deputy with the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department stopped a Chevrolet Malibu in which Durbray was a passenger because it was missing a front license plate. The deputy searched the vehicle and found two firearms hidden behind a panel under the dash in the front of the center console. Law enforcement officers also found $2,003 in cash and four cell phones inside the vehicle. In the trunk, officers found cocaine, methamphetamine, a third firearm, and an additional $2,050 in cash. Durbray admitted the methamphetamine and the cash was his. On Oct. 10, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Durbray’s residence. Officers found a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol, ammunition, and 681.6 grams of methamphetamine Officers searched an RV and found a loaded Smith & Wesson .500-caliber revolver, a Ruger .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol with a loaded magazine, a Hi-Point 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a Heritage .22-caliber revolver, ammunition, and $1,423 in cash. In a white Subaru on the property, officers found ammunition and $2,401 in cash. Officers also searched Durbray, who possessed a taser, a bubble pipe, two cell phones and $10,790 in cash. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Durbray must forfeit to the government the $14,614 in total seized by law enforcement officers at his residence as well as his interest, if any, in the $4,053 seized by law enforcement following the car stop on April 24, 2019. Durbray was on parole for two previous drug-trafficking convictions at the time of the federal offense. Durbray is the fourth and final defendant to be sentenced in this case. Zachary L. Day, 39, and Drake A. Cox, 69, both of Springfield, were each sentenced to 12 years in federal prison without parole. William E. Kurek, 52, of Springfield, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica R. Eatmon and J.D. Hatcher. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.


title: Mexican National Indicted After Officers Seize 54 Kilos of Meth, Fentanyl

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national residing in Kansas City, Mo., was indicted by a federal grand jury today after law enforcement officers seized more than 54 kilograms of methamphetamine and a large amount of fentanyl from his residence. Jose Feliciano Cordova Rodriguez, 36, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Rodriguez on June 24, 2024, and includes additional charges. Today’s indictment alleges that Cordova Rodriguez participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 1 to June 22, 2024. The indictment also charges Cordova Rodriguez with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute. According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, law enforcement officers searched Cordova Rodriguez’s residence on June 22, 2024, after surveillance indicated he was involved in a large drug shipment. Officers found five brown boxes that each contained 10 bundles with a total of 54.6 kilograms of methamphetamine. Officers also found a heat-sealed bag in a hole in the wall in the basement that contained 431.1 grams of fentanyl. Officers also found $12,800 in cash in the basement. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.


title: U.S. files Civil Forfeiture Action to Recover Cryptocurrency Worth $2.5 Million for Victims of Pig Butchering Scheme

body_text: WASHINGTON –The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia filed a civil forfeiture action today to recover cryptocurrency seized by the FBI from perpetrators abroad. The cryptocurrency consists of proceeds from crypto confidence schemes, commonly referred to as “pig butchering,” targeting United States citizens through an investment scam. Specifically, the government seeks to forfeit 2,546,415.01 USDT Coin (USDT) seized from two accounts controlled by a perpetrator in Thailand. This cryptocurrency has a current estimated value of approximately $2,546,415.01. U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy of the FBI’s San Diego Field Office made the announcement. “Our office will find and hold accountable criminal organizations – whether they operate within the United States or outside of if – that use fraudulent investment schemes like ‘pig butchering’ to defraud victims in the U.S.,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “This forfeiture action demonstrates that scammers cannot hide their illegal activity by using cryptocurrency and engaging in complicated transactions: we will find them, seize their illegal proceeds, and get money back to the victims.” “The rate at which bad actors are using elaborate pig-butchering scams to defraud innocent people is despicable,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Moy. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners continue to evolve investigative techniques to thwart the progression of this threat and use all available resources to ensure we disrupt and dismantle organizations responsible for contributing to these crimes.” In a pig-butchering scheme, scammers obtain funds from victims using fraudulent and manipulative tactics. The scammer establishes a level of trust with a victim in online communications and then entices the victim into investing in a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme. Often the victim is enticed to make additional payments before realizing they are a victim of fraud. The “butchering” or “slaughtering” of the victim occurs once the victim’s assets, or funds, are stolen by the criminal, or criminals, ultimately causing the victim financial and emotional harm. Civil forfeiture allows the United States to seize assets from fugitives and perpetrators abroad. In this case and others, the Department of Justice uses asset forfeiture to punish and deter criminal activity by depriving criminals of property used in or acquired through illegal activities; to promote and enhance cooperation among federal, state, local, tribal, and foreign law enforcement agencies; and to recover assets that may be used to compensate victims when authorized under federal law. A civil forfeiture action allows third parties to assert claims to property, which must be resolved before the property can be forfeited to the United States and returned to victims. The United States is committed to seizing assets from perpetrators at home and abroad, to holding criminals accountable to the fullest extent of the law, and to making victims whole. Members of the public who believe they are victims of a cybercrime – including cryptocurrency scams, romance scams, investment scams, and “pig butchering” fraud scams – should contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at https://www.ic3.gov . The civil forfeiture action is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Blaylock, Jr. of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia along with Trial Attorneys Jonas Lerman and Stefanie Schwartz of the Department of Justice Criminal Division Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section’s National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team. Paralegal Gina Torres is providing valuable assistance. FBI Boston, FBI San Diego, and FBI Bangkok with cooperation from the Royal Thai Police, are assisting with the case. The details contained in the civil forfeiture complaint are allegations, and the United States of America proudly bears the burden of proof.


title: Florissant Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Florissant, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for providing more than 34 kilograms of fentanyl to a large-scale drug-trafficking organization in southwest Missouri. Sheron L. Loggins, also known as “Bane,” 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 14 years in federal prison without parole. On Nov. 14, 2022, Loggins pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute at least a kilogram of heroin and more than 400 grams of fentanyl. Loggins admitted that he provided fentanyl to co-defendant Jerry R. Wheeler, 49, of Springfield, who in turn supplied a number of other fentanyl/heroin distributors in the Springfield area from Sept. 23, 2018, to Nov. 14, 2019. According to court documents, Loggins supplied more than 34 kilograms of fentanyl to the drug-trafficking organization. Law enforcement officers stopped Loggins on Sept. 8, 2019, as he was traveling on Interstate 44 toward Springfield to deliver fentanyl. Officers searched his vehicle and found approximately 496 grams of fentanyl and a .45-caliber magazine loaded with five rounds of ammunition. Loggins is the ninth defendant to be sentenced in this case, among 15 defendants who have pleaded guilty. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron A. Beaver and Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Bourbon, Mo., Police Department, and the Phelps County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department. Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The OCDETF program is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.


title: Brandon Man Arrested For Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material And Destroying Evidence

body_text: Tampa, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Benjamin Crawford (46, Brandon) with distribution of child sexual abuse material, destruction of evidence, and access with intent to view child sexual abuse material. If convicted on all counts, Crawford faces a maximum penalty of 60 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Crawford that the United States intends to forfeit a cellphone and laptop, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. According to the indictment, Crawford distributed child sexual abuse material with the intent to view child sexual abuse material. Additionally, Crawford did knowingly alter, destroy, and mutilate records or tangible objects with the intent to impede, obstruct and influence the investigation and proper administration of the execution of a search warrant. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ilyssa M. Spergel and Abigail K. King. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.


title: Niagara Falls man pleads guilty to meth charge

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Asaad Rivers, 36, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated that on March 7 and March 12, 2024, investigators conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Rivers in Niagara Falls. On March 26, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Rivers residence, during which they seized a .22 caliber rifle and .22 caliber ammunition, and approximately 12 ounces of suspected methamphetamine and eight grams of suspected crack cocaine. The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, and CBP Air and Marine Operations, under the direction of Brian Manaher, Director of Marine Operations. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. # # # #


title: Quincy Man Pleads Guilty to Role in International Money Laundering Conspiracy

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Quincy man pleaded guilty today to his involvement in a sophisticated international money laundering and drug trafficking organization. Licheng Huang, 41, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Oct. 31, 2024. In May 2023, Huang was among 12 individuals from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and California charged in a superseding indictment for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated international money laundering and drug trafficking organization led by Jin Hua Zhang. The investigation revealed that, for a fee, Zhang laundered bulk cash for drug dealers and laundered profits from other illegal businesses. In less than one year, Zhang and his organization laundered at least $25 million worth of drug proceeds and funds from other illegal businesses through undercover agents. Law enforcement became aware of Zhang and his organization through Huang. In recorded conversations, Huang told undercover agents that his “boss,” Zhang, had large amounts of drug proceeds to launder. Huang and Zhang moved to convert the funds into cryptocurrency, which could be more easily transmitted to China or elsewhere without being detected by law enforcement. On two occasions in August 2021, Huang worked with other co-conspirators to deliver over $60,000 in cash to the undercover agents. Those funds were converted to Tether, a type of cryptocurrency, and transferred to Zhang, who would take his fee. Law enforcement eventually traced funds from the Zhang organization to Hong Kong and elsewhere in China, India, Cambodia and Brazil, among other locations, and seized cash and cryptocurrency in accounts tied to Zhang at the conclusion of the investigation. Zhang pleaded guilty in September 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 4, 2024. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000, or twice the amount involved, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl, Brian A. Fogerty and Meghan C. Cleary of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Buffalo woman who lied to the FBI during murder investigation sentenced

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Deshema Clark, 46, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of making a materially false statement, was sentenced to serve 30 days in prison and two years’ supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maeve E. Huggins and Joseph M. Tripi, who handled the case, stated that on October 9, 2019, during the course of a federal criminal investigation, the FBI executed a search warrant at Clark’s Buffalo residence. During the search, Clark spoke with an FBI Special Agent, then went to Buffalo Police Department Headquarters to provide a voluntary statement to law enforcement. Clark knowingly made several false statements regarding the whereabouts of DeAndre Wilson during the evening of September 15, 2019, through the morning of September 16, 2019. Clark falsely stated that she and DeAndre Wilson returned to her residence after attending a concert the evening of September 15, 2019, ate dinner and went to sleep. Clark further falsely stated that a few hours later, she woke up and DeAndre Wilson was still asleep. Clark told investigators that she did not remember DeAndre Wilson leaving her residence on the evening of September 15, 2019, through the morning of September 16, 2019. However, Clark knew that DeAndre Wilson did not remain at her residence, eat dinner, and go to bed. DeAndre Wilson was convicted by a federal jury and sentenced to serve three consecutive life sentences plus 30 years for the murders of Miguel Anthony Valentin-Colon, Nicole Marie Merced-Plaud, and Dhamyl Roman-Audiffred on or about September 15-16, 2019. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; the Erie County Central Police Services Forensic Laboratory. # # # #


title: Lenox Man Pleads Guilty to Sending Obscene Material to Undercover Law Enforcement Posing as Minor

body_text: BOSTON – A Lenox man pleaded guilty today to attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor over social media. Paul J. Bruzzi, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of attempt to transfer obscene material to a minor. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Oct. 24, 2024. In September 2022, Bruzzi used social media to engage in conversations with an individual whom he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. In reality, the individual was undercover law enforcement posing as the minor. During these conversations, Bruzzi attempted to coerce the minor into sending him photos and sent her nine photographs and videos of himself displaying his genitalia. The charge of attempt to transfer obscene matter to a minor provides for a sentence of at least 10 years in prison, at least five years supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Salisbury and Winchester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Worcester Man Sentenced for Fentanyl and Firearm Charges

body_text: BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Yoelfi Feliz, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 74 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. In November 2023, Feliz was charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and being a felon in possession of a firearms and ammunition. Between June 2023 and October 2023, Feliz sold over 700 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in Lawrence. Feliz also sold the cooperating witness two pistols, an AR-15 rifle, an AK-47 rifle and two privately made firearms, also known as “ghost guns,” along with ammunition. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and the Lawrence, Methuen and Worcester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case. 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 gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. 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: Lead Defendant in Long Running Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Extradited to the United States from Mexico

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: Justice Department Recognizes Mexican Government for Significant Assistance TUCSON, Ariz. – Rodrigo Paez-Quintero, a Mexican national, has been extradited from Mexico to the United States to face charges related to drug trafficking. Paez-Quintero’s surrender to U.S authorities after an extradition proceeding in Mexico demonstrates the ongoing cooperation between the United States and Mexico to combat the influx of dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States. Paez-Quintero made his initial court appearance today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona in Tucson. “Our fight against international drug traffickers who spread poison into our communities requires all hands on deck,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “This extradition is yet another example of our partnership with Mexican law enforcement to dismantle deadly cartels and bring drug kingpins to justice.” “This indictment alleges coordinated conduct to traffic fentanyl and other illicit drugs into Phoenix,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “Many thanks to our federal, foreign and sovereign tribal partners for their teamwork and dedication.” Paez-Quintero is charged in an indictment with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Methamphetamine, and Fentanyl and multiple counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Methamphetamine, and Fentanyl. Each count carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000,000. In the year prior to March 2019, the indictment alleges defendant’s involvement in at least nine drug trafficking events from the Lukeville Port of Entry, through Ajo and up to Phoenix. According to numerous open sources, Paez-Quintero is the nephew of jailed Mexican drug kingpin Rafael Caro-Quintero. An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This effort 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 . The Drug Enforcement Administration – Tucson, Homeland Security Investigations – Sells, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Tucson conducted the investigation in this case, with substantial assistance from the Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department. The United States Marshals Service assisted with the extradition efforts. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Paez-Quintero. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-19-2042-TUC-JAS RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-094_Paez-Quintero # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: U.S. Attorney and FBI Charge Kirtland Man Following Violent Altercation

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Kirtland man was charged by criminal complaint with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime after allegedly attacking his parents with a handgun at their home on the Navajo Nation reservation. Jerome Weaver , 21, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. According to the criminal complaint, on July 9, 2024, Weaver allegedly assaulted his parents at their home on the Navajo Nation reservation near Shiprock. Weaver is accused of striking his father multiple times with a handgun, causing injuries. He also allegedly choked his mother and held her at gunpoint. Weaver ’s father was transported to the Northern Navajo Medical Center where he was treated for injuries to his face. If convicted of the current charges, Weaver faces from seven years to life in prison. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case. View the Criminal Complaint A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # #


component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Rodrigo Paez-Quintero, a Mexican national, has been extradited from Mexico to the United States to face charges related to drug trafficking. Paez-Quintero’s surrender to U.S authorities after an extradition proceeding in Mexico demonstrates the ongoing cooperation between the United States and Mexico to combat the influx of dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States. Paez-Quintero made his initial court appearance today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona in Tucson. “Our fight against international drug traffickers who spread poison into our communities requires all hands on deck,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “This extradition is yet another example of our partnership with Mexican law enforcement to dismantle deadly cartels and bring drug kingpins to justice.” “This indictment alleges coordinated conduct to traffic fentanyl and other illicit drugs into Phoenix,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for District of Arizona. “Many thanks to our federal, foreign and sovereign tribal partners for their teamwork and dedication.” Paez-Quintero is charged in an indictment unsealed today with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl and multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. Each count carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a maximum fine of $10 million. In the year prior to March 2019, the indictment alleges Paez-Quintero’s involvement in at least nine drug trafficking events from the Lukeville Port of Entry, through Ajo and up to Phoenix. According to numerous open sources, Paez-Quintero is the nephew of jailed Mexican drug kingpin Rafael Caro-Quintero. This effort 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 . The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Tucson, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Sells, and the FBI Phoenix Field Office investigated this case, with substantial assistance from the Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department. The U.S. Marshals Service assisted with the extradition efforts. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Paez-Quintero. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Rapid City Woman Sentenced for Illegal Possession of Firearm

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Possession of a Stolen Firearm. The sentencing took place on July 12, 2024. Danielle Coats, age, 23, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $7,169.97 in restitution. Coats was indicted for Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Tampering, and Accessory After the Fact by a federal grand jury in February of 2024. She pleaded guilty on April 26, 2024. Between August of 2023 and September of 2023, at Rapid City, Coats was found to be in possession of a Beretta 12-gauge shotgun, a Benelli 12-gauge shotgun, a USA Military Surplus .30 caliber rifle, and a Stoeger 12-gauge shotgun, knowing the firearms had previously been stolen by another person from various licensed firearms dealers in Rapid City. After coming into possession of the firearms and learning that law enforcement was aware of who had stolen them and that the firearms were likely at Coats’ residence, Coats involved others in removing the firearms from her residence to another family member’s home. Subsequently, Coats directed others to again move or dispose of the firearms to prevent law enforcement from recovering them. 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. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case. Coats was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Fifteen Year Sentence for Maryland Man for 2019 Shooting in Northeast DC

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Mercedes Edmonds, aka Marcedes Edmunds, 38, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced today after being found guilty by a jury of aggravated assault while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and additional firearms charges arising from a 2019 shooting in the 4000 block of Hayes Street NE, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). On May 14, 2024, Edmonds was also found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a shotgun, and related firearms offenses. Today, Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced Edmonds to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. According to the government’s trial evidence, on May 1, 2019, Edmonds was standing with a group in the 4000 block of Hayes Street NE, and the victim was dropping items off at a nearby apartment. Apparently perceiving disrespect by the victim toward a member of the group, Edmonds retrieved a shotgun from his car and ordered the victim to leave the area. As he tried to leave, the defendant shot the victim twice, striking him in the leg. The victim suffered substantial blood loss and had to undergo emergency surgery to save his leg. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of the officers of the Metropolitan Police Department who investigated this case. Invaluable assistance was also provided by the United States Marshals Service. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Antoinette Sakamsa; Information Technology Specialist Charlie Bruce; and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nomnso Kalu, Randle Wilson, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Raspa, who investigated the case. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Bartz and Lauren Winer, who investigated prosecuted the case.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Guilty Plea from Recidivist Offender in Santa Fe Drug Trafficking Case

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A repeat offender from Espanola pleaded guilty in federal court to federal drug trafficking charges. According to publicly available court documents, on February 23, 2022, while on probation, Jeremy Isaac Lopez , 29, committed an armed robbery in Santa Fe County, New Mexico. He was subsequently charged and placed on house arrest with GPS monitoring as part of his pretrial release conditions. On March 30, 2023, a bench warrant was issued for Lopez after he intentionally removed his GPS ankle monitor. On April 19, 2023, Lopez was located and apprehended at the Cities of Gold Casino in Santa Fe, New Mexico, by the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Police Department. During the arrest, officers discovered Lopez was in possession of multiple controlled substances, including: Heroin More than 5 grams of methamphetamine Over 40 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl. According to public records, Lopez was subsequently convicted by the State of New Mexico for the armed robbery. Lopez will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Lopez faces up no less than five years and up to 40 years in prison followed no less than four years and up to lifetime 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. The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Police Department, Chief Freddie Trujillo of the Pojoaque Tribal Police Department, and the Espanola Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case. # # #


title: Washington State Man Faces Federal Charges for Damaging Two Portland Area Energy Facilities

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland has returned an indictment charging a Tacoma, Washington, man with damaging two Portland area energy facilities. Zachary Rosenthal, 33, has been charged with three counts of damaging an energy facility. According to the indictment, on November 24 and 28, 2022, Rosenthal is accused of knowingly and willfully damaging two energy facilities—the Ostrander Substation in Oregon City, Oregon and the Sunnyside Substation in Clackamas, Oregon—with the intent of interrupting or impairing the function of both facilities. The indictment further alleges that Rosenthal caused damages exceeding $100,000 to the Ostrander Substation and $5,000 to the Sunnyside Substation. Both facilities are involved in the transmission and distribution of electricity. A single accomplice, Nathaniel Adam Cheney, 30, of Centralia, Washington, is named alongside Rosenthal in charges stemming from the November 28, 2022, damage to the Sunnyside Substation. A second indictment was also unsealed today charging Rosenthal with stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee and illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon. According to this indictment, in January 2023, Rosenthal is alleged to have stolen 24 firearms he was restricted from possessing from a federal firearms licensee in the Portland area. Rosenthal made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned on both indictments, pleaded not guilty to all charges, and detained pending further court proceedings. On April 10, 2023, Cheney made his first appearance in federal court. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and released on conditions pending a two-day jury trial currently scheduled to begin on August 20, 2024. Damaging an energy facility and causing more than $100,000 in damages is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Damaging an energy facility and causing more than $5,000 in damages is punishable by up to five years in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It is being prosecuted by Parakram Singh, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Carmichael Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sam Moss Kerfoot, 27, of Carmichael, pleaded guilty today to sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, in April 2022, Kerfoot used the online application Omegle to meet teenage girls in the Sacramento area, including Victim 1, who was a minor. On multiple occasions, Kerfoot picked up the victim from school and took her off campus to have sexual intercourse with her, and Kerfoot took a video of this sexual exploitation. Law enforcement searched Kerfoot’s phone and located 73 videos of child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement also searched Kerfoot’s SnapChat account and learned that Kerfoot had used Snapchat to send and receive child pornography. This case is the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force Internet Crimes Against Children unit including the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Sauvageau is prosecuting the case. Kerfoot is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Dale A. Drozd on October 22, 2024. Kerfoot was previously convicted for crimes related to the sexual abuse of a minor, and accordingly is subject to a 25-year mandatory minimum sentence. Kerfoot faces a maximum statutory penalty of 50 years in prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC .


title: Jury Convicts Eau Claire Man of Wire Fraud

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – An Eau Claire, Wisconsin, man has been convicted of wire fraud and attempting to commit wire fraud. Robert Carter, 45, was convicted following a two-day trial in federal court in Madison. The jury reached a verdict today after just over an hour of deliberation. The guilty verdict is announced by Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin. The government presented evidence at trial that from April 22, 2020 to January 25, 2021, Carter made false statements and provided false documents to companies that leased and sold semitrucks in an attempt to fraudulently obtain property, specifically, semi-trucks, to use in his business, Carter Transportation Group. In support of his lease applications, Carter submitted false financial statements for his businesses and submitted a false wire transfer receipt. Carter also falsely claimed that he had a multi-million-dollar trust. U.S. District Judge William M. Conley scheduled sentencing for October 17, 2024. Carter faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the each of the two fraud counts. The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance provided by the Office of the U.S. Trustee for the Western District of Wisconsin. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chad Elgersma and Megan Stelljes.


title: Jersey City Man Sentenced to 94 Months in Prison for Unlawful Possession of Firearm And Ammunition Used to Commit Shooting

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 94 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition in connection with an incident in which he shot another individual in the middle of a crowded street in Jersey City, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Christian Freire, 29, of Jersey City, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini to an indictment charging him with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Judge Martini imposed the sentence today in federal court in Newark. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: A little after midnight on Aug. 29, 2020, Freire was walking with a group of individuals toward Martin Luther King Drive in Jersey City when he observed two men approaching and – as caught on a surveillance camera from a nearby residence – fired multiple rounds at the men in the middle of the street. This sent a large group of bystanders running from the area. When Jersey City Police Department officers arrived on the scene, Freire attempted to hide, but then fled as officers approached him. Officers observed Freire tossing a handgun towards a church lawn as he was fleeing. After apprehending Freire, a previously convicted felon, the officers ultimately recovered the black Taurus PT111 G2 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number that Freire threw. A victim of the shooting was transported to Jersey City Medical Center with a gunshot wound to the leg. In addition to the prison term, Judge Martini sentenced Freire to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Director James Shea, for the investigation. He also thanked the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy. This investigation was conducted as part of the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The VCI was formed in 2018 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Jersey City Police Department, for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Jersey City. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate to strategize and prioritize the prosecution of violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division, the U.S. Marshals, the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, the Jersey City Police Department, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Parole, the Hudson County Jail, and the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Stern of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.


title: Essex County Man Admits Defrauding Victims in Car Theft and Fraudulent Resale Scheme

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man today admitted defrauding victims by orchestrating a multistate car theft and fraud ring, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Warren Guerrier, 47, of Newark, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini in Newark federal court to an indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From November 2016 to June 2020, Guerrier and several conspirators acting at his direction orchestrated a scheme to steal and then fraudulently sell vehicles to unsuspecting buyers. Guerrier and his conspirators identified vehicles to steal, then photographed, tracked, and advertised them for sale on the internet. The buyer victims were provided with electronically programmed keys and falsified certificates of title for the stolen vehicles in exchange for a negotiated purchase price in cash. Buyer victims also were provided with fraudulent identity documents utilized by conspirators to obscure their true identities. The scheme involved the theft of at least 40 stolen vehicles, approximately 30 of which were sold by Guerrier and his conspirators to buyer victims. As a result of the scheme, Guerrier and his conspirators collected approximately $285,000. The conspiracy to commit wire fraud count is punishable by a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 19, 2024. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams in New Orleans, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica R. Ecker and Kendall Randolph of the Criminal Division in Newark. guerrier.indictment.pdf


title: Fairfield County man sentenced to more than 8 years in prison for sextortion, child pornography crimes

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Fairfield County man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 100 months in prison for crimes related to child pornography and sextortion. Devin Bailey, 27, of Millersport, Ohio, distributed child pornography of a minor victim and used those images, in addition to others, in interstate communications to extort an adult victim for images of herself. According to court documents, Bailey used multiple personas online to solicit sexually explicit photographs of the adult victim and then used the images he obtained to threaten and extort her for more explicit photographs of herself. Bailey also sent messages containing child pornography to the adult victim. The victim recognized one of the girls, who was approximately 12 years old at the time, in the images she received. The minor victim believed she had sent the explicit images and videos to a female in Florida, who in reality was another persona of Bailey’s. Bailey had kept the child pornography for more than five years before sending the photos to the adult victim to coerce her into taking sexually explicit photos of herself. Bailey also threatened to distribute the child pornography of the known minor female to family members of the adult victim and across the internet if the adult victim did not comply with his demands. In May and June 2022, Bailey also used numerous email addresses, cell phone numbers and Snapchat accounts to harass the adult victim, threatening to share pornographic images of her and the minor victim she knew. He said if the victim did not send him new explicit photos or videos, he would use the older materials against her. Bailey’s threats persisted for weeks. He consistently and aggressively messaged the adult victim and, when she indicated she would involve law enforcement, Bailey responded, “Go ahead, they are untraceable numbers, and I can get hundreds more lol.” A forensic review of Bailey’s electronic devices revealed that they contained approximately 200 images and 20 videos of child sexual abuse material. Bailey was charged federally in February 2023 and pleaded guilty in October 2023. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Lancaster Police Chief Nicholas H. Snyder announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Ohio Man Sentenced for Armed Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LONDON, Ky. – A Hamilton, Ohio, man, Charles Sparks, 60, was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, to 200 months for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to his plea agreement, on April 4, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Sparks and recovered approximately 12 ounces of methamphetamine, digital scales, and a loaded firearm. In pleading guilty, Sparks admitted to transporting the methamphetamine to sell it and to possessing the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. Under federal law, Sparks must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for eight years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Sheriff John Root, Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the ATF, KSP, and Laurel County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Pearce Nesbitt prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. — END —