title: Former Federal Correctional Officer Faces Additional Charges Involving Sexual Abuse of Inmates and a Federal Civil Rights Violation

body_text: A federal grand jury issued a superseding indictment yesterday charging former correctional officer Darrell Wayne Smith with 15 counts of sexual abuse, including a civil rights violation, against five female victims who were inmates under his custody and control at Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin (FCI Dublin). “As alleged, Officer Daryl Smith engaged in appalling criminal acts when he sexually abused those in his care and custody,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “This superseding indictment is the latest product of the Department’s ongoing work to seek justice for victims of sexual assault at FCI Dublin. We remain steadfast in our commitment to root out sexual assault within the BOP and hold to account those who so egregiously violate their duty.” The initial federal indictment against Darrell Wayne Smith, 55, now residing in Florida, was filed April 13, 2023, and charged him with engaging in illegal sexual acts with three female inmates while he was employed at FCI Dublin as a correctional officer. That initial indictment charged 12 counts that alleged 12 acts occurring between May 2019 and May 2021 in which Smith engaged in separate sexual conduct with each of the three inmate victims. The superseding indictment issued yesterday, which supplants the initial indictment, identifies two additional victims and charges 15 counts against Smith. It charges all 12 counts of sexual abuse that were charged in the initial indictment, and adds two new counts of sexual abuse, each involving one of the two additional victims. Each additional victim is described as being an inmate at FCI Dublin who suffered abusive sexual conduct by Smith while under his custodial and disciplinary control. Smith’s charged sexual conduct is now alleged to have begun as early as August 2016. The superseding indictment also adds a third new count that alleges a federal civil rights violation by Smith. The civil rights violation arises from aggravated sexual abuse that Smith is alleged to have engaged in against one of the female inmates. “Federal prison guards must treat prisoners humanely,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “Victimizing inmates sexually and denying them basic civil rights must end. Yesterday’s superseding indictment demonstrates my office’s commitment to root out such misconduct and prosecute officers who allegedly perpetrate such abuse.” “Yesterday’s superseding indictment includes three new allegations of sexual assault by Smith, a Correctional Officer at FCI Dublin,” said Justice Department Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz. “The 15 charges against Smith allege he sexually abused multiple inmates over several years, including brazen and violent acts. The Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) is committed to aggressively investigating allegations of abuse at FCI Dublin and across the Federal Bureau of Prisons.” “The defendant's alleged actions are some of the most shocking and disturbing charges we've seen for a former federal corrections officer,” said Executive Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch. “Sexual abuse scars everyone who survives it, but can be particularly traumatizing when it's perpetrated by someone in a position of trust or authority. The FBI is steadfast in our commitment to defending the civil rights of everyone and investigating anyone who allegedly violates this fundamental protection.” “These allegations of sexual abuse are deeply troubling,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp of the FBI San Francisco Field Office. “We are committed to enforcing civil rights statutes and holding accountable those who abuse their positions.” Each of the alleged victims is identified in the superseding indictment by initials only and is alleged to have been in official detention and under Smith’s custodial, supervisory, and disciplinary authority at the time of the charged conduct. Each count in the superseding indictment corresponds with one encounter during which Smith allegedly engaged in unlawful sexual acts or contact with one of the victims, except for the newly charged civil rights violation which arises from alleged aggravated sexual abuse also charged in another count. Smith is now charged with six counts of sexual abuse of a ward, seven counts of abusive sexual contact, one count of aggravated sexual abuse, and one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. Smith’s arraignment on the superseding indictment has not yet been set. However, Smith is currently set to begin jury trial on March 17, 2025, in front of U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers for the Northern District of California. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison for each count of aggravated sexual abuse and deprivation of rights under color of law. Additionally, Smith faces a statutory maximum penalty of 15 years in prison for each count of sexual abuse of a ward and a maximum penalty of two years in prison for each count of abusive sexual contact. In addition, as part of any sentence, the court may order a term of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 for each count, restitution, and additional assessments. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI and DOJ OIG are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly Priedeman and Andrew Paulson for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of Kay Konopaske. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Tennessee man indicted in $1 million investment scheme

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging a Tennessee man with defrauding investors out of more than $1 million. Alcides Roman, 65, of Lebanon, Tennessee, is charged with eight counts of wire fraud and four counts of money laundering. According to court documents, Roman did business through Remain In Control, a Tennessee company. Roman is accused of soliciting individuals to invest in high-yield investment programs offered through his company. He allegedly obtained victims’ funds under false pretenses, failed to invest their money as promised, and misappropriated investment funds for his own and others’ benefit without the victims’ knowledge or consent. The defendant made his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. He is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Teresa J. James of the District of Kansas at 1:30 p.m. on August 9, 2024. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Huschka is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Buffalo man pleads guilty to sex trafficking minors

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Steven Gonzalez a/k/a Steven Hernandez, a/k/a Steve, a/k/a Stevie, a/k/a Unc, 48, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to sex trafficking by coercion, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel L. Violanti and Caitlin M. Higgins, who are handling the case, stated that between 2012 and March 2015, Gonzalez coerced a minor, identified as A.N., to engage in commercial sex acts. Gonzalez provided A.N. with cocaine in exchange for sex knowing that A.N. was physically addicted to cocaine. Gonzalez used A.N.’s addiction to cocaine and other drugs to keep A.N. dependent on himself and to coerce A.N. to engage in commercial sex acts with him directly. In addition, between 2012 and 2013, Gonzalez coerced another minor identified as B.E. to engage in commercial sex acts. Gonzalez provided B.E. with heroin in exchange for sex, knowing that B.E. was physically addicted to heroin. Gonzalez used B.E.’s addiction to keep B.E. dependent on himself and to coerce B.E. to engage in commercial sex acts with him directly. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. Sentencing is scheduled for November 26, 2024, before Judge Sinatra. # # # #


title: Essex County Man Convicted for Sex Trafficking Minor, Transportation to Engage in Prostitution, and Other Offenses

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was convicted on charges of sex trafficking and prostitution-related offenses, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Amin Sharif, 49, of Newark, was convicted on July 25, 2024, of one count of attempted transportation of a victim with intent to engage in prostitution, one count of sex trafficking of a minor, one count of use of an interstate facility to promote unlawful activity, one count of transporting a victim with intent to engage in prostitution, and one count of persuading a victim to travel to engage in prostitution. Sharif was convicted following a seven-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court. According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial: In January 2021, the FBI began investigating Sharif for transporting and attempting to transport women and minors from various states to New Jersey and elsewhere for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts. Sharif recruited four females from New York, Pennsylvania, Idaho, and Utah. Sharif used five social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook to recruit and entice victims, creating personas, and calling himself different names: Dallas Love, Chance, Razzile Dazzile, Truman Peterman, and “Daddy.” He promised certain victims housing, payment of bills and expenses, and the potential to earn up to thousands of dollars a day. Sharif advertised the minor victim online offering her for 32 sexual services. When Sharif committed these offenses, he was on supervised release for a prior conviction for conspiracy to transport a minor to engage in prostitution, for which he was sentenced to a 10-year prison term. The sex trafficking of a minor charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. The transportation of a victim with intent to engage in prostitution charges each carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, and the persuading a victim to travel to engage in prostitution charge carries a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison. The use of an interstate facility to promote unlawful activity charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Each count also carries a potential fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 5, 2024. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, with the investigation leading to the conviction. He also thanked the FBI’s Offices in Rochester, New York; Houston, Texas; and Salt Lake City, Utah; and the Dansville Police Department for their assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Farhana C. Melo and Chelsea D. Coleman of the Criminal Division in Newark.


title: Former Federal Correctional Officer Faces Additional Charges Involving Sexual Abuse Of Inmates And A Federal Civil Rights Violation

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: OAKLAND – A federal grand jury issued a superseding indictment yesterday charging former correctional officer Darrell Wayne Smith with 15 counts of sexual abuse, including a civil rights violation, against five female victims who were inmates under his custody and control at Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin (FCI Dublin). “As alleged, Officer Daryl Smith engaged in appalling criminal acts when he sexually abused those in his care and custody,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “This superseding indictment is the latest product of the Department’s ongoing work to seek justice for victims of sexual assault at FCI Dublin. We remain steadfast in our commitment to root out sexual assault within the BOP and hold to account those who so egregiously violate their duty.” “Federal prison guards must treat prisoners humanely,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey. “Victimizing inmates sexually and denying them basic civil rights must end. Today’s superseding indictment demonstrates my office’s commitment to uncover such misconduct and prosecute officers who allegedly perpetrate such abuse.” “Today’s superseding indictment includes three new allegations of sexual assault by Smith, a Correctional Officer at FCI Dublin. The 15 charges against Smith allege he sexually abused multiple inmates over several years, including brazen and violent acts. The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General is committed to aggressively investigating allegations of abuse at FCI Dublin and across the Federal Bureau of Prisons,” said Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz. “The defendant's alleged actions are some of the most disturbing charges we’ve seen for a former federal corrections officer,” said Executive Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch. “Sexual abuse scars everyone who survives it but can be particularly traumatizing when it’s perpetrated by someone in a position of trust or authority. The FBI is steadfast in our commitment to defending the civil rights of everyone and investigating anyone who allegedly violates this fundamental protection.” “These allegations of sexual abuse are deeply troubling,” said FBI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. “We are committed to enforcing civil rights statutes and holding accountable those who abuse their positions.” The initial federal indictment against Darrell Wayne Smith, 55, now residing in Florida, was filed April 13, 2023, and charged him with engaging in illegal sexual acts with three female inmates while he was employed at FCI Dublin as a correctional officer. The initial indictment charged 12 counts that alleged 12 acts occurring between May 2019 and May 2021 in which Smith engaged in separate sexual conduct with each of the three inmate victims. The superseding indictment issued yesterday, which supplants the initial indictment, identifies two additional victims and charges 15 counts against Smith. It charges all 12 counts of sexual abuse that were charged in the initial indictment and adds two new counts of sexual abuse, each involving one of the two additional victims. Each additional victim is described as being an inmate at FCI Dublin who suffered abusive sexual conduct by Smith while under his custodial and disciplinary control. Smith’s charged sexual conduct is now alleged to have begun as early as August 2016. The superseding indictment also charges a third new count that alleges a federal civil rights violation by Smith. The civil rights violation arises from aggravated sexual abuse that Smith is alleged to have perpetrated against one of the female inmates. Each alleged victim is identified in the superseding indictment by initials only and is alleged to have been in official detention and under Smith’s custodial, supervisory, and disciplinary authority at the time of the charged conduct. Each count in the superseding indictment corresponds with one encounter during which Smith allegedly engaged in unlawful sexual acts or contact with one of the victims, except for the newly charged civil rights violation which is based upon alleged aggravated sexual abuse also charged in another count. Smith is now charged with six counts of sexual abuse of a ward, seven counts of abusive sexual contact, one count of aggravated sexual abuse, and one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. The charges presented in the superseding indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Smith’s arraignment on the superseding indictment has not yet been set. However, Smith is currently set to begin jury trial on March 17, 2025, in front of U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers for the Northern District of California. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison for each count of aggravated sexual abuse and deprivation of rights under color of law. Additionally, Smith faces a statutory maximum penalty of 15 years in prison for each count of sexual abuse of a ward and a maximum penalty of two years in prison for each count of abusive sexual contact. In addition, as part of any sentence the court will order a term of supervised release and may order a fine of up to $250,000 for each count, restitution and additional assessments. A federal district court judge will determine a sentence only after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly Priedeman and Andrew Paulson for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of Kay Konopaske. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and DOJ-OIG.


title: Lancaster Man Sentenced to 30 Months’ Imprisonment for Passport Forgery and Related Charges

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that David Romero, 68, of Lancaster, PA, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr. to a term of 30 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his convictions on four counts each of passport forgery and possession of counterfeit passports, as well as one count of possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices. Romero was indicted on those charges in July 2023 and pleaded guilty to all counts in February of this year. According to information presented to the court, special agents of the Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, executed a search warrant at Romero’s home and recovered fraudulent U.S. passport cards, fraudulent driver’s licenses and identification cards, and counterfeit bank, debit, and credit cards. While the fraudulent passport cards and identification cards utilized the personal identifiers of other people, these items all contained a photograph of Romero. In addition, agents recovered a notebook which Romero had used to practice forging the signatures of other individuals. The case was investigated by the Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Boscia and Timothy Lanni.


title: Jonesboro Man Who Instructed Young Girls to Self-Harm, Drink Toilet Water, and Film Child Pornography Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—Justin Lee Palmer, who “coached” young girls who were anorexic and encouraged them to self-harm and film child pornography, will spend 30 years in federal prison for production of child pornography. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Thursday by Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker0. “A vile, disgusting, reprobate has finally received his due, the maximum sentence under the law,” said Ross. “We are thankful for the tireless work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the bravery of the victims and their families to bring a stop to his crimes. Parents everywhere should heed this case as reason to monitor and engage with your children’s use of social media.” An investigation revealed that in March 2020, FBI agents in New Jersey identified a user on KIK messenger who had sexually abused a 9-year-old girl and distributed videos of the abuse to other KIK users. One of the users who received the child pornography was identified by the username “skipdinnergetmethin.” Agents were able to connect the IP addresses associated with that username to Palmer, of Jonesboro, Arkansas. A search of one of Palmer’s cell phones revealed numerous images and videos that contained child pornography. The investigation further revealed that Palmer, 44, would pose as a 15-year-old girl, befriend teen and preteen girls, and “coach” them on how to be anorexic. He would instruct the victims to film themselves pulling on their fat areas while nude to make them feel disgusted and motivated to lose weight. Agents discovered that Palmer also directed victims to film themselves performing other humiliating and harmful acts, such as cutting demeaning words into their skin, drinking toilet water and their own urine, and engaging in sexually explicit activities. In April 2020, Palmer asked a young female on KIK messenger, “what are your stats?” to which the female responded, “cw [current weight] 93 pounds. Five feet one inch. Female. 13 years old. Goal weight 75.” Palmer instructed the minor female to “suck in your belly so I can see your ribs.” This minor victim appears in 89 photographs and videos sent to Palmer, 71 of which depict her engaging in sexual, humiliating, or self-harming acts. “Mr. Palmer's actions were revolting and deplorable,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder. “Today’s sentence showcases FBI Little Rock’s commitment to utilizing all available resources to protect innocent children from predators who seem to harm them.” On October 8, 2020, Palmer was indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of production of child pornography and one count of attempted production of child pornography. He pleaded guilty to production of child pornography on August 4, 2023. Chief Judge Baker also sentenced Palmer to a lifetime of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Eldridge prosecuted the case. # # # This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: “Ghostface Gangster” Sentenced to 30 Years for Supplying Meth to a Raleigh-based DTO Run by a Leader of the Pagan Motorcycle Gang

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

body_text: WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Georgia Ghostface Gangster member was sentenced today to 360 months in prison for supplying a Raleigh-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) led by a national leader of the Pagan Motorcycle Club with methamphetamine. On November 29, 2023, Ted Cannon, aka “Bam,” pled guilty to one charge of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Cannon is one of 20 defendants convicted in this operation, which also led to a 75-year sentence for the DTO’s leader . “This case highlights our comprehensive approach to dismantle the entire drug trafficking networks pumping dangerous narcotics into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “This operation put 20 criminals behind bars for their role supplying drugs across Raleigh and the East Coast.” “ATF has a long history of confronting violent criminal groups and working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt their illegal activities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “We are proud to be part of a collaborative effort to identify, arrest, and prosecute the most dangerous drug and firearm traffickers and stop their threats to our communities.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, Cannon, age 49, was identified as a source of supply for methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, other drugs and firearms for Christopher Baker. Baker was convicted by a federal jury in 2022 for drug trafficking, firearm and money laundering charges for his role in leading a DTO supplying methamphetamine in Raleigh and along the East Coast. In July of 2021, after a federal wire uncovered plans by Cannon to sell firearms to Baker, a search of Cannon’s residence led to the seizure of 13 firearms, including several high-caliber rifles, various ammunition, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. On November 3, 2021, Cannon was arrested on a state probation violation in Georgia. During his arrest, he was found in possession of about 800 grams of crystal methamphetamine. The prosecution of Cannon was a part of Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Raleigh Police Department led the investigation with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Raleigh/Wake City-County Bureau of Identification and United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly L. Sandling prosecuted the case. Other agencies involved in the investigation include the N.C. Highway Patrol, the Virginia State Police (VSP), the Dekalb County Police Department (GA), the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office (GA), the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), the Gwinnett County Police Department (GA), the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department (NC), the S.C. Highway Patrol, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office (NC), the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (SC) and the Reidsville Police Department (NC). A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-CR-00434-M.


title: Virginia Beach man exploited children through social media and sold child sex abuse material

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man pled guilty today to coercion and enticement of minors. According to court documents, in September 2022, law enforcement interviewed Witness 1 (W-1), who admitted that he used Telegram to purchase child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from a Telegram user later identified as Shannon Ashley Robbins, 50. W-1 and Robbins negotiated the price of multiple sales of CSAM and used Cash App for W-1 to pay Robbins. Robbins asked W-1 questions to assess the age range of victims W-1 preferred. After W-1 sent $100 to Robbins using Cash App, Robbins sent several images and videos of CSAM via Telegram. The approximate age range of the depicted victims is 12 to 14 years of age. W-1 identified one boy of whom he requested more CSAM. Robbins told W-1 that his collection of this boy was “290 pieces” and told W-1 to make Robbins an offer. Robbins sold the lot for $100 and sent to W-1 14 images and six videos depicting a victim of 12 to 13 years of age. Robbins and W-1 conducted at least two other transactions for CSAM. On Sept. 8, 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTipline report indicating a user had saved, shared, or uploaded four files of suspected CSAM, which was confirmed by NCMEC. On Sept. 19, 2022, NCMEC received another CyberTipline report relating to the same IP address of the Sept. 8, 2022, report. In this second report, 17 files of suspected CSAM were identified. The IP address was assigned with Robbins’ residence in Virginia Beach. Robbins created multiple accounts on social media both to evade detection and to deceive multiple child victims by assuming false identities. Beginning at least as early as 2021 and continuing until the date of his arrest on Oct. 25, 2023, Robbins engaged with numerous juvenile victims to entice or coerce them into producing CSAM. As Robbins approached minor victims on social media, he presented himself as a minor, sometimes female, other times male. At times Robbins sent CSAM to the minor victims, either to create the impression that Robbins and the victims were mutual participants or to demonstrate the poses Robbins preferred. Robbins used Cash App to pay a 12-year-old victim to produce and send CSAM to Robbins. The material Robbins sold to W-1 included 135 sexually explicit images and 153 sexually explicit videos depicting one of the victims Robbins engaged through social media and enticed or coerced to produce CSAM. Robbins was acquainted with two of his victims, each of whom lived near him. Between July 11 and Oct. 24, 2023, Robbins exchanged approximately 1,775 text messages with one of these victims. Between May 21 and Oct. 24, 2023, Robbins exchanged approximately 3,958 text messages with the other victim. He spent time with them when no other adult was present and frequently allowed them to spend time in his garage, where the victims played darts and socialized. Robbins took the victims on outings to Bass Pro Shops and to Busch Gardens with no other adult present. Robbins previously coached a local travel baseball team. Law enforcement seized Robbins’ cellphone on Oct. 25, 2023. On the phone, Robbins possessed a large volume of CSAM image and video files. Robbins is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 28, 2025. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and up to life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert J. Krask accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony C. Marek is prosecuting the case. 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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-20.


title: Orlando Man Pleads Guilty To Unlawful Possession Of Machineguns

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Marcelo Manuel Maysonet (24, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered National Firearms Act (NFA) weapons, more specifically, a machinegun and 15 machinegun conversion devices. Maysonet faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, law enforcement officers from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a search warrant at Maysonet’s residence, where they discovered 15 machinegun conversion devices and a 5.56 caliber AR-style pistol with a machinegun conversion device installed. A machinegun conversion device is an illegal conversion device that converts a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon. Under the National Firearms Act, a machinegun conversion device is classified as a machinegun. None of these items were registered to Maysonet in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required under federal law. As part of the plea agreement, the defendant agreed to forfeit the firearm containing the machinegun conversion device and the 15 additional machine gun conversion devices. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson. 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: Former Assistant Dean and Two Other Former Employees of Essex County Graduate School Admit Million-Dollar Embezzlement

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A former assistant dean and two other former employees of an Essex County graduate school pleaded guilty to defrauding their former employer of more than $1.3 million, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Teresina DeAlmeida, 59, of Warren, New Jersey and Rose Martins, 44, of East Hanover, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today to wire fraud conspiracy, before U.S. District Judge Julien Xavier Neals in Newark federal court. Silvia Cardoso, 61, of Warren, pleaded guilty to the same charge on July 25, 2024, before Judge Neals. “Through an elaborate, years-long embezzlement scheme, these defendants violated their obligation to the students and exploited their role at this institution of higher learning to line their own pockets. Through forgery, fraudulent invoices, unauthorized transactions and phony shell companies, they stole money intended to benefit the school and its student body and abused their positions. These arrests are yet another example of this office’s commitment to holding accountable those who commit financial fraud.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “As employees of a higher learning institution, the defendants in this investigation had an obligation to act in the best interest of the students they served, but instead they prioritized enriching themselves,” Jenifer L. Piovesan, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, said. “IRS Criminal Investigation is dedicated to investigating individuals who commit financial crimes and fostering confidence in the legal system.” “The genesis of most fraud schemes happens when people have access to money, they believe they are entitled to, and no one will notice it’s gone,” FBI Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “However, these three subjects fell into the same trap other criminals do - the money wasn’t theirs, and the Essex County graduate school went in search of the missing $1.3 million. FBI Newark and our law enforcement partners who worked on this investigation excel at following the paper trail and evidence left behind by almost every fraudster.” “Today’s action shows that these individuals knowingly and willfully abused their positions for personal gain and will now be held accountable for their criminal actions,” Andrew Balceniuk, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General Eastern Regional Office, said. “The OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue those who misappropriate Federal education funds for their own selfish purposes.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Between 2009 and July 2022, DeAlmeida, Martins, and Cardoso conspired to fraudulently misappropriate more than $1.3 million from their former employer, a graduate school of a university in Essex County, New Jersey. DeAlmeida was an assistant dean responsible for financial functions, and Martins served as her assistant. Cardoso, DeAlmeida’s sister, was also employed by the graduate school in a support staff role. The defendants used a variety of methods to defraud the university: Beginning in 2009, DeAlmeida directed a graduate school vendor to pay Martins and Cardoso as though they worked for the vendor, even though they did not perform any services. DeAlmeida and Martins then caused the vendor to submit false invoices to the graduate school over the course of approximately four years in order to reimburse the vendor for the amounts fraudulently paid to Martins and Cardoso. From 2010 through 2022, DeAlmeida and Martins directed graduate school vendors to order hundreds of thousands of dollars of gift cards and prepaid debit cards the conspirators used for their personal benefit, and then to submit fraudulent invoices to the school purporting to be for goods and services that were never provided. The conspirators also misused DeAlmeida’s school-issued credit card to purchase hundreds of thousands of dollars of gift cards and prepaid debit cards from the school’s bookstore. DeAlmeida routinely fraudulently approved these charges and Martins forged the signatures of other employees on internal approvals. In 2015, Martins opened a shell entity called CMS Content Management Specialist LLC. Although CMS never rendered any services to the graduate school, Martins submitted, and DeAlmeida approved, fraudulent invoices totaling more than $208,000. The conspirators also used DeAlmeida’s school-issued credit card to make tens of thousands of dollars in unauthorized personal purchases. DeAlmeida and Martins used the card to make over $70,000 in purchases at an online retailer shipped directly to their homes, including woman’s shoes, smart watches, and bed linens. DeAlmeida and Martins fraudulently altered certain receipts before submitting them to the school for payment. The wire fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine equal to the greater of $250,000 or twice the gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing for Cardoso is scheduled for Nov. 26, 2024; for DeAlmeida, Dec. 2, 2024; and for Martins, Dec. 3, 2024. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark; special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; and special agents of the Department of Education Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Balceniuk, with the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Silane of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark. martins.information.pdf dealmeida.information.pdf cardoso.information.pdf


title: Clearwater Co-Defendants Plead Guilty To Possessing Firearms And Ammunition As Convicted Felons

body_text: Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Robert Pugh (33, Clearwater), and Leon Williams (35, Clearwater), have pleaded guilty to an indictment charging Pugh with possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, and Williams with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. Pugh faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. Williams faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life imprisonment, under the Armed Career Criminal Act. According to court records, on or about January 3, 2024, a search warrant was executed at a residence located in Clearwater, Florida. Both Pugh and Williams lived at the residence. During the search, a loaded handgun was located in Pugh’s bedroom, and live rounds of ammunition were located Williams’ bedroom. An additional loaded handgun was located in the shared living room. Interviews were conducted with both defendants. Pugh admitted to ownership of the handgun in his bedroom and having access to the handgun in the living room, and Williams admitted to ownership of the ammunition in his bedroom. DNA evidence was later obtained connecting Pugh to the handgun in his bedroom and Williams to the handgun in the living room. Both defendants are convicted felons and prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Prior to the offense, Pugh had been convicted of multiple felonies including felonious possession of firearm or ammunition, aggravated battery, and the sale of cocaine. Williams had been convicted of multiple felonies, including multiple counts of selling cocaine. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Clearwater Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang. This case is part of the 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 for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Fourteen Members of the Traveling Vice Lords/Junk Yard Dogs Street Gang Sentenced in Federal Court

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – The last of fourteen members of the Traveling Vice Lords/Junk Yard Dogs (TVL/JYD) street gang, convicted of crimes under the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, has been sentenced in federal court. Kevin G. Ritz, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentences today. According to information presented in court, the TVL/JYD is a violent criminal street gang that operates throughout the Western District of Tennessee. A subset of Chicago’s Almighty Vice Lord Nation, the gang participated in a series of attempted murders and murders of rival gang members during a gang war in the summer of 2020. The shootings spanned five different crime scenes across Fayette and Hardeman Counties. “These defendants were members of a violent gang who threatened the safety and security of communities throughout West Tennessee,” said United States Attorney Ritz. “Now they will be serving significant time—in some cases, life—in federal prison. This office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to bring gang members and trigger-pullers to justice.” Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David Rausch stated, “Our agency is dedicated to investigating and pursuing violent gang members and restoring safety and peace. I want to commend the justice system’s commitment to curbing gang violence by sending a strong message that such heinous acts won’t be tolerated. We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to combat violent crime across the great State of Tennessee.” Three of the gang members, Tomarcus Baskerville, Courtland Springfield, and Thomas Smith, were convicted by a federal jury of RICO offenses on February 9, 2024. Eleven other TVL/JYD members pled guilty to RICO offenses in 2023. United States District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced the defendants as follows: Defendant Age Sentence Tomarcus “TC” Baskerville 35 960 months to be followed by life imprisonment Courtland “Hotbox” Springfield 32 480 months to be followed by life imprisonment Montaveen “CGE Tay” Taylor 26 420 months Martivus “Tavis” Baskerville 30 324 months Deandra “Dre” Rivers 28 262 months Thomas “TJ” Smith 25 255 months Trevin “Scooter” Hullom 31 216 months Bianca Jackson 23 188 months Curtis “CB” Baskerville 38 180 months Mardarius McNeal 26 135 months Christopher “Lil Chris” Peeler 32 120 months Davaius “Mighty Shun” Worrles 31 66 months Deonte “Tez” Walker 32 41 months Torrance “Phat” Fitzpatrick 29 31 months There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Fayette County Sheriff’s Office; Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office; Whiteville Police Department; and Somerville Police Department. United States Attorney Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Neal Oldham, William Bateman, Beth Boswell, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Raven Icaza, who prosecuted this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case. Additionally, he thanked District Attorney General Mark Davidson and the 25th Judicial District for their assistance in the prosecution. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Three Montgomery Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Machineguns

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a federal judge sentenced three individuals from Montgomery, Alabama in cases involving possession of a machinegun. Each of the machineguns at issue was a semiautomatic firearm that had been converted to fully automatic through the installation of a machinegun conversion device, commonly known as a “switch” or “auto sear.” Earlier this week, 20-year-old Deandre Nyquan Lucas received a 120-month prison sentence. In another unrelated case, a judge imposed a 27-month sentence for 23-year-old Cammeron Leroy Youngblood. Third, a judge sentenced 27-year-old Derrick Dontrell Taylor 21 months in federal prison. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole. When installed on a firearm, a machinegun conversion device allows a gun to function as a fully automatic weapon capable of firing up to 20 rounds per second with a single pull of the trigger. The possession of a machinegun, which, under the relevant federal statute, includes the possession of a conversion device alone, carries a penalty of up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. “Due to their rapid rate of fire, these conversion devices pose a significant threat to communities and law enforcement,” stated United States Attorney Ross. “Not too long ago, these devices were rare. Unfortunately, in a very short period of time, they have become common in communities across the district. The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners place a high priority on investigating and prosecuting cases involving the possession of one of these devices.” These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Montgomery Police Department investigated these cases, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates, John J. Geer, III, Justin L. Jones, and Michelle R. Turner prosecuted the cases.


title: Lewis County Man Admits to Firearms Charge

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – James Matthew Miller, 49, of Camden, West Virginia, has admitted to the unlawful possession of a firearm. According to court documents, Miller was on federal supervised release for a wire fraud conviction in the Northern District of West Virginia. United States Probation Officers visited Miller and found a .22 caliber pistol and a rifle. Miller is prohibited from having firearms because of his prior conviction. Miller faces up to 15 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the U.S. Probation Office. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.


title: Apopka Man Pleads Guilty To Trafficking Firearms

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Yessen Vasquez Tolentino (37, Apopka) has pleaded guilty to one count of smuggling goods from the United States. Vasquez Tolentino faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, Vasquez Tolentino arranged for a freight forwarding company to pick up a refrigerator that he knew contained multiple firearms, firearms parts, and rounds of ammunition concealed inside the refrigerator’s main door and freezer door, and to ship the refrigerator to the Dominican Republic. The defendant agreed to forfeit the 17 firearms, 33 firearms parts, and over 140 rounds of ammunition that were found inside the refrigerator. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu. 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: String of Robberies Lands District Man in Prison for 10 Years

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Stephon Lee, 22, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to just over 10 years in prison for committing a string of six robberies that targeted local businesses, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Lee pleaded guilty on April 19, 2024, to two counts of armed robbery, two counts of robbery, one count of attempted armed robbery, and one count of second-degree theft. Today, the Honorable Judge Robert Salerno sentenced the defendant to 129 months of incarceration, to be followed by five years’ of supervised release. According to the government’s evidence, beginning in April 2023 and ending with his arrest in July 2023, Lee robbed a dry cleaner, fast-food restaurants, a pharmacy, and two local convenience stores. Lee targeted stores throughout the city, striking when there were few or no customers. In each instance, Lee attempted to steal money from the cash register. But when he could not easily take the money, Lee fought his victims. On two occasions, Lee was armed with a knife, and one occasion he grabbed a nearby pair of scissors. On April 5, 2023, Lee went to a dry cleaner on Alabama Avenue SE under the auspices of dry cleaning his jacket. As Lee asked the victim how much the dry cleaning would cost, he suddenly walked behind the counter, grabbed the victim by the back of the neck, and demanded that she open the register. When the victim did not comply quickly enough, the two struggled. Lee grabbed a pair of scissors from under the counter, put them to the victim’s neck, and threatened to stab her if she refused to open the register. She opened the register and Lee took cash before fleeing. On June 18, 2023, Lee ordered a sandwich at a fast-food franchise on Riggs Road NE, and then left abruptly, saying that he would come back to pay. About 30 minutes later, Lee returned and stood behind a customer who was checking out. Once the employee opened the register to give the customer change, Lee lunged across the counter, grabbed the money tray, and fled the store. On June 23, 2023, Lee was armed with a knife when he entered a pharmacy on Ingraham Street NE. When the victim, a store employee, was alone, Lee went behind the counter, pulled out a knife, and demanded money from the register. When the victim could not open the register quickly enough, Lee pressed his knife against the victim’s side. The victim opened the register, and Lee took the cash and ran out of the store. On June 26, 2023, Lee went to a convenience store on First Street NW. As the cashier stood at the register, Lee walked behind the counter, opened the register, took the cash, and fled. On July 10, 2023, Lee entered a food market on Fourth Street NW. He took an item and attempted to leave the store when a store employee pepper sprayed him. Lee threw the item at the victim, pulled out a knife, and waived it at her. He then grabbed the cash register from the counter and, while still holding the knife, repeatedly slammed the register on the ground until it opened. He took cash from the register and fled. On July 10, 2023, Lee went to a fast-food restaurant on Marion Barry Avenue SE and milled around as other customers ordered. One customer, with her infant in a stroller next to her, ordered a meal and started to pay with cash. When the restaurant cashier opened the register to give the customer change, Lee lunged across the counter and grabbed cash from the register before fleeing. In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Miller and Will Lawrence.


title: Vancleave Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Possession of over 83,000 Depictions of Child Pornography

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Gulfport, Miss. -- A Vancleave man was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison, followed by ten years of supervised release, for possession of over 83,000 depictions of child pornography. According to court documents, Cameron Willis Cotrill, 68, was identified in an online child exploitation investigation as being a user on the BitTorrent network for offenders possessing and sharing child sexual abuse material. Further investigation revealed that Cotrill possessed 2,308 image files and 1,082 video files, which constituted 83,458 known visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Cotrill was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 21, 2023, and pled guilty on December 19, 2023, to possession of child pornography. At today’s sentencing hearing, the Court also ordered restitution for the victims in the amount of $237,194.12. Cotrill must also pay a $5,000 assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018, and $5,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Cyber Crime Division at the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones prosecuted the case.


title: Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison  for Transporting a Woman for Prostitution

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — Maco Jacome-Jacome, 30 of Guatemala, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the transportation of another for prostitution and one count of illegal reentry of an alien after removal. Evidence presented to the Court showed that Jacome-Jacome was previously deported on two prior occasions before returning illegally. Upon his return, he recruited another individual, a citizen of Mexico also illegally present in the United States, to travel from Atlanta, Georgia, to North Charleston to engage in prostitution. Evidence established that Jacome-Jacome exploited the individual by controlling her appointments, advertising her to customers and other pimps as “carne,” and transporting her to numerous hotels, motels, and trailer parks for purposes of engaging in commercial sex activity. Jacome-Jacome further exploited the individual by providing her with only 25% of the proceeds. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Jacome-Jacome to a total sentence of 3o months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Originally, Jacome-Jacome’s advisory Sentencing Guidelines called for a term of imprisonment ranging from 8 to 14 months. However, the Court agreed with the Government’s request that it vary above this range and impose a greater sentence to account for the seriousness of Jacome-Jacome’s offense, adequately deter him from further criminal activity, and ensure the public’s protection. This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy F. Bower and W. Cole Shannon prosecuted the case. ###


title: Eight defendants indicted in drug trafficking ring

body_text: KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment for eight men on charges related to a drug trafficking ring in the Kansas City metropolitan area. According to court documents, between July 2022 and June 2024, the defendants allegedly took part in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Jackson County Drug Task Force (JCDTF), the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, and the Kansas Highway Patrol are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Trent Krug and David Zabel are prosecuting the case. OCDETF Strike Force Cases This prosecution 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. The specific mission of the OCDETF Kansas City Metro Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle major criminal organizations and subsidiary organizations, including criminal gangs, transnational drug cartels, racketeering organizations, and other groups engaged in illicit activities that present a threat to public safety and national security and are related to the illegal smuggling and trafficking of narcotics or other controlled substances, weapons, humans, or the illegal concealment or transfer of proceeds derived from such illicit activities in the Western District of Missouri and District of Kansas. The OCDETF Kansas City Metro Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Kansas City, Missouri, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the United States Marshal Service (USMS), the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Missouri (USAO-WDMO), the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas (USAO-KS), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigation Division (IRS/CID), the United States Secret Service (USSS), and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Kansas. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Federal Jury Convicts Sean Christopher Williams Of Escape

body_text: GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Today, following a four-day trial in United States District Court, Greeneville, Tenn, a federal jury convicted Sean Christopher Williams, 52, of Johnson City, Tennessee, of Escape, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §751(a). Sentencing is set for November 18, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., in front of the Honorable J. Ronnie Greer, United States District Judge, in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee in Greeneville. Williams faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The evidence presented at trial highlighted the multi-state manhunt that led to the capture of Williams in Pinellas County, Florida, on November 21, 2023, after he escaped from a transport van en route to the Greeneville Federal Courthouse on October 18, 2023. United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton, III, of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement. Law enforcement agencies participating in the joint investigation which led to the apprehension, indictment and subsequent conviction of Williams included the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Jackson County Sherriff’s Department, Sylva Police Department, and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan L. Gomez and J. Gregory Bowman represented the United States at trial. Williams is facing additional federal charges in the Eastern District of Tennessee and that trial is currently set for August 27, 2024, in front of Judge Greer. The public is reminded that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. ###


title: Two Long Beach Men Arrested on Indictment Alleging They Sold Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Out of Car Upholstery Shop

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Two Long Beach men were arrested today on an 11-count federal grand jury indictment charging them with selling fentanyl and methamphetamine out of a purported auto upholstery shop in Gardena. Hector Valle, 48, and Efren Sanchez, 52, were arrested this morning and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Valle and Sanchez are both charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, and with being felons in possession of firearms. Valle is also charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. “Those who traffic in fentanyl are well aware that they are profiting by putting others’ lives at risk,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “It is important that those bad actors be held accountable. I commend our law enforcement partners with the FBI and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office for their diligence in taking these dangerous drugs and firearms off our streets.” According to the indictment that a grand jury returned on July 17, Valle and Sanchez on June 9, 2023, sold approximately 433 grams of methamphetamine and 49.95 grams of fentanyl. During search warrants executed at three locations, law enforcement seized more than 14.3 kilograms (31 pounds) of fentanyl, approximately 424 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 675 grams of cocaine, six firearms, 117 rounds of ammunition, and approximately $21,700 cash. Law enforcement also seized several packages of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine stowed away in a vending machine at a purported auto upholstery shop called “Stitchn’ Time,” Valle’s purported place of business. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. If convicted of all charges, each defendant would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 10 years in federal prison. Operation Safe Cities establishes strategic enforcement priorities with an emphasis on prosecuting the most significant drivers of violent crime. Across this region, the most damaging and horrific crimes are committed by a relatively small number of particularly violent individuals. This strategic enforcement approach is expected to increase the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of recidivists engaged in the most dangerous conduct. It is designed to improve public safety across the region by targeting crimes involving illicit guns, prohibited persons possessing firearms, or robbery crews that cause havoc and extensive losses to retail establishments. The FBI is investigating this matter. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office provided assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Coe-Odess of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Jefferson Parish Man Sentenced for Possessing Unregistered Silencer

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – JOSEPH METZLER , III (“METZLER”) , age 44, of Gretna, Louisiana, was sentenced on July 23, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long for violating the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court records, federal agents received information that METZLER was the recipient of unlawfully imported firearm parts from China. Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and officers from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at METZLER’s residence. As a result, they discovered that he possessed a silencer that was not registered to him, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 5861(d). Judge Long sentenced METZLER to 27 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release after imprisonment, along with a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Three Individuals Sentenced for Massive $88M Business Telephone System Software License Piracy Scheme

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Three individuals have been sentenced for participating in an international scheme involving the sale of tens of thousands of pirated business telephone system software licenses with a retail value of over $88 million. Raymond Bradley “Brad” Pearce , 48, of Tuttle, Oklahoma, a computer system administrator, was sentenced yesterday to four years in prison and ordered to forfeit $4 million. In June, Dusti O. Pearce , 46, also of Tuttle, was sentenced to one year and a day in prison and ordered to forfeit $4 million. In July, Jason M. Hines , 44, of Caldwell, New Jersey, was sentenced to one year and six months in prison and an additional 18 months of home confinement, and ordered to forfeit $2 million. In addition, the three defendants have agreed to pay restitution—specifically, $17 million for Brad Pearce, $10 million for Dusti Pearce, and more than $5 million for Hines. The court will hold a separate restitution hearing in a few weeks to determine the details of the restitution order. According to court documents, Brad and Dusti Pearce conspired with Hines to commit wire fraud in a scheme that involved generating and then selling unauthorized Avaya Direct International (ADI) software licenses. The ADI software licenses were used to unlock features and functionalities of a popular telephone system product called “IP Office” used by thousands of companies around the world. The ADI software licensing system has since been decommissioned. Avaya Holdings Corporation, a multinational business communications company headquartered in California, sold IP Office to many midsize and small businesses in the United States and abroad. To unlock features and functionalities of IP Office, such as voicemail or telephones, customers had to purchase software licenses generated by Avaya from an authorized Avaya distributor or reseller. Avaya used software license keys to control access to Avaya’s copyright-protected software and to ensure that only customers who paid for the software could use it. Moreover, Avaya required that each software license on an IP Office system be associated with a proprietary memory card with a unique serial number that the end user had to keep in its possession to use the licenses. Brad Pearce, a long-time customer service employee at Avaya, used his system administrator privileges to generate tens of thousands of ADI software license keys that he sold to Hines and other customers, who in turn sold them to resellers and end users around the world. The retail value of each Avaya software license ranged from under $100 to thousands of dollars. Brad Pearce also employed his system administrator privileges to hijack the accounts of former Avaya employees to generate additional ADI software license keys. Pearce concealed the fraud scheme for many years by using these privileges to alter information about the accounts, which helped hide his creation of unauthorized license keys. Dusti Pearce handled accounting for the illegal business. Hines operated Direct Business Services International (DBSI), formerly known as Dedicated Business Systems International, a New Jersey-based business communications systems provider and a de-authorized Avaya reseller. He bought ADI software license keys from Brad and Dusti Pearce and then sold them to resellers and end users around the world for significantly below the wholesale price. Hines was by far the Pearces’ largest customer and significantly influenced how the scheme operated. Hines was one of the biggest users of the ADI license system in the world. Altogether, the Pearces and Hines reaped millions of dollars from the scheme. To hide the nature and source of the money, the Pearces funneled their illegal gains through a PayPal account created under a false name to multiple bank accounts, and then transferred the money to investment and bank accounts. They also purchased large quantities of gold bullion and other valuable items. In July 2023, Hines pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In September 2023, the Pearces also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Kaplan of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office investigated the case. Senior Litigation Counsel Julia E. Barry for the Western District of Oklahoma and Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section prosecuted the case.


title: D.C. Felon Sentenced to 32 Months for Illegal Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition

body_text: WASHINGTON – Noah Jackson, 23, a previously convicted felon from Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 32 months in prison for illegally possessing a Glock 23 .40 semi-automatic handgun that had been converted with a “giggle switch” to fire as a fully automatic weapon. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Jackson pleaded guilty on November 17, 2023, to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon before U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson. In addition to the prison term, Judge Berman Jackson ordered the defendant to serve three years of supervised release. According to court documents, on August 17, 2022, Jackson was a passenger in an SUV when the vehicle failed to stop at two consecutive stop signs in Northwest. MPD officers in an unmarked cruiser initiated a traffic stop on the 900 block of Spring Road, NW. Officers conducted a pat down of the two occupants and searched the passenger compartment. Under the passenger’s seat where Jackson had been sitting, police discovered a Glock 23 .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun on the floorboard under the seat. The weapon had a large capacity magazine, one round in the chamber, and 19 rounds in a 22-round capacity magazine. In addition, the firearm had been outfitted with a visible Glock “giggle switch,” which rendered the gun fully automatic. Jackson knew the switch converted the weapon into a machine gun. Jackson previously had rapped about having such a switch in several videos he had posted to YouTube. Jackson previously was convicted in April 2018 in D.C. Superior Court on felony charges of assault with significant bodily injury, attempted robbery, and carrying a pistol without a weapon. This case was investigated by the MPD and ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared English of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and former AUSAs Anna Forgie and Connor Mullin. 23cr53


title: Brockton Man Convicted of Cocaine Conspiracy

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Brockton man was convicted by a federal jury yesterday in Boston in connection with a wide-ranging drug trafficking conspiracy that that involved dozens of parcels containing kilograms of cocaine sent from Puerto Rico to various addresses throughout Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Investigators intercepted 10 parcels and seized more than 20 kilograms of cocaine from the mail stream. Robert Monteiro, 40, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Oct. 24, 2024. In July 2021 , Monteiro was indicted alongside 10 co-defendants. “Mr. Monteiro’s behaviors were dangerous and deceitful. These packages arriving from Puerto Rico were disguised as air fryers and cash boxes to pass though security checks, but they were filled with lethal drugs. The defendant and his co-conspirators failed to account for the capabilities of our federal, state and local investigators,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy “Thanks to our law enforcement partners, we determined what was actually inside all those the packages. This case demonstrates our commitment to keeping illegal drugs off our streets in any and all forms.” “Robert Monteiro was part of a drug trafficking organization that coordinated a cocaine pipeline from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts through the U.S. Mail. His conviction highlights how committed the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is to dismantling drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety of our employees and the American people. We would like to thank our extraordinary law enforcement partners at the Massachusetts State Police Department and the Boston Police Department for their invaluable involvement in this case. Together we will continue to be vigilant in disrupting criminal organizations who illegally utilize the U.S. Postal Service,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. "I applaud the tireless effort and the dedication of the investigators in this case. The MSP is grateful for our partnership with the United States Postal Inspectors Service, the DEA and the Boston Police Department." said Colonel John Mawn, Massachusetts State Police. "The results of this collaboration are reflected in the significant and positive impact that dismantling this Drug Trafficking Organization has had in making our communities safer.” Beginning in February 2020, law enforcement investigated a drug trafficking organization operated by Patrick Joseph. Based on a wiretap investigation, Joseph coordinated the transportation of 10-20 kilograms of cocaine at a time from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, and eventually to Massachusetts and Rhode Island via the U.S. Mail. During the investigation, cocaine was found concealed in two-kilogram quantities inside air fryers and cash boxes before being sent through the mail. Various firearms, 21 kilograms of cocaine and over $100,000 cash was also seized. Monteiro served as a member of Joseph’s drug trafficking organization, collecting packages and redistributing kilograms of cocaine that came in through the mail. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. 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 U.S. Attorney Levy; USPIS Inspector Larco-Ward; MSP Interim Colonel Mawn; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division and Homeland Security Investigations, in New England. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip C. Cheng and Howard Locker of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: U.S. Attorney Secures 10 Year Prison Sentence for Violent Offender

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man was sentenced to 10 years and one day in federal prison for a violent crime spree that included shooting a stranger during a dispute over face masks and brutally assaulting his own cousin in separate incidents in early 2021. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on February 18, 2021, Michael Shebala , 37, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, shot a man in the chest at the Route 66 Travel Center on Laguna Pueblo after an argument over face mask requirements. The victim, who was traveling from Arizona to Arkansas, was hospitalized for a week with serious injuries. Approximately two weeks later, on March 5, 2021, Shebala shot his cousin in the leg during an argument. He then kicked the victim in the face and beat him with a baseball bat, causing multiple fractures. Upon his release from prison, Shebala will be subject to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The FBI Albuquerque Violent Crimes and Gangs Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Laguna Police Department, Navajo Police Department, Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced To Thirty Years In Federal Prison For Sexual Exploitation Of Multiple Minors

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – Today, U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Matthew Molnar, age 47, of Hagerstown, Maryland to thirty years in federal prison, followed by fifteen years of supervised release, for sexual exploitation of a child. He is ordered to pay $18,000 in restitution. Judge Chuang also ordered that, upon his release from prison, Molnar must continue to register as a sex offender in the places where he resides and where he is an employee pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”). The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Michael McCarthy of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore, and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department. According to the guilty plea, in 2015, Molnar was convicted of possession of child pornography. In 2020 and 2021, Molnar communicated with a Florida-based minor victim and coerced the minor victim to produce sexually explicit videos. In May 2021, Molnar traveled to visit the minor victim, telling the victim, falsely, that he was 17-years-old and was studying pre-law. In February 2022, Molnar started communicating with a Maryland-based minor victim, exchanging sexually explicit messages with her. Also, in February 2022, Molnar had sexual intercourse with the minor on multiple occasions. During a subsequent search warrant at Molnar’s house, law enforcement found multiple sexually explicit files that included the minor victim. In reviewing Molnar’s electronic devices seized during the search warrant, law enforcement also determined that Molnar had distributed numerous files containing child pornography. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative established by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page. U.S. Attorney Barron commended the FBI, HSI and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Sarma is leading the prosecution of this federal case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: United States Files False Claims Act Complaint Against Erlanger Health System

component: Civil Division

body_text: The United States has filed a complaint against Murphy Medical Center, Inc. doing business as Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital and Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority doing business as Erlanger Health System and Erlanger Medical Center (collectively, Erlanger) in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. The government alleges that Erlanger, a health care system located in Tennessee and North Carolina, violated the Stark Law and thereby submitted false claims to the Medicare program. The Stark Law prohibits a hospital from billing Medicare for services referred by a physician with whom the hospital has an improper financial relationship that does not meet any statutory or regulatory exception. The government’s complaint alleges that Erlanger had employment relationships with a number of physicians that did not meet any Stark Law exception because the compensation Erlanger paid to the physicians was well above fair market value. The complaint alleges that Erlanger received referrals from these physicians in violation of the Stark Law and submitted claims to Medicare knowing that the claims for those referred services were not eligible for payment. “Improper financial relationships between hospitals and physicians threaten the integrity of clinical decision-making and can influence the type and amount of health care that is provided to patients,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to ensuring that physicians’ treatment decisions are based on the needs of their patients and not their own financial interests.” “The government’s complaint alleges that Erlanger compromised Stark Law compliance to boost its financial standing, knowingly overpaying physicians whose practices generated profits for the hospital,” said U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina. “We are dedicated to enforcing the Stark Law and protecting patients and the Medicare program from financial relationships that undermine public trust and incentivize overbilling and waste of taxpayer dollars.” “This complaint serves as a warning to health care entities that attempt to increase profits through improper financial arrangements with referring physicians,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to investigate such deals to prevent financial arrangements that could compromise impartial medical judgment, increase health care costs, and erode public trust in the health care system.” The United States filed its complaint in a lawsuit originally filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and to receive a share of any recovery. The Act permits the United States to intervene and take over the lawsuit, as it has done here in part. Those who violate the Act are subject to treble damages and applicable penalties. The government’s intervention in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The Justice Department’s Civil Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina handled the case, with assistance from HHS-OIG. The case is captioned United States of America, the State of North Carolina, and the State of Tennessee ex rel. Alana Sullivan and J. Britton Tabor v. Murphy Medical Center, Inc., et al . No. 1:21-CV-219-MR-WCM (W.D.N.C.). The claims asserted in the United States’ complaint are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability . Complaint


title: Judge Gives 18 Year Sentence to Carjacker Who Shot Driver

body_text: WASHINGTON –Tayvon Owens, 31, of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 216 months of incarceration after a jury convicted him in March 2024 of armed carjacking, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and associated firearms crimes for shooting and carjacking a woman on Newton Street NW, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). According to the evidence presented at trial, in the middle of the afternoon of December 12, 2022, Owens approached the victim, who was sitting in the driver’s seat of her parked car on Newton St NW. Owens flung the car door open, pointed his firearm at the victim, and ordered her out of the car. The victim started to comply, but then tried to use the car door to shield herself from Owens and the firearm. Owens pivoted around the car door, shot the victim in the knee, and then pulled her out of the car onto the sidewalk before jumping into her car and driving off. MPD officers arrived almost immediately, and with the assistance of patrol officers on the ground and MPD’s Falcon helicopter in the sky, MPD tracked Owens through the city to the 1400 block of Bangor St SE. There, Owens jumped out of the victim’s car while it was still moving, causing it to crash into a tree, and stashed his firearm behind a home before being apprehended by MPD officers. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Bromwich and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Forgie, who prosecuted the case.


title: Former Postal Service Letter Carrier Sentenced for Stealing Mail

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TIMOTHY MCMILLAN, JR. (“ MCMILLAN”) , age 43, of New Orleans, was sentenced on July 23, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long, for stealing items from the mail that he had been entrusted to handle as a postal letter carrier. According to court documents, the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”) received complaints regarding opened parcels that were delivered by the New Orleans Main Office Delivery Unit. On October 11, 2023, USPS-OIG Special Agents placed a greeting card containing $100 in the mail to be processed and delivered by MCMILLIAN while on his route. The card was addressed to a fictitious person and address from another fictitious person and address. While on his route, MCMILLAN opened the package. Shortly after, USPS-OIG Special Agents stopped his vehicle and observed the opened card in the rear of his vehicle. The marked bills were found on his person. MCMILLAN was sentenced to 2 years probation, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon M. Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Riverside County Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Sexually Explicit Images of Children, One of Whom He Met on Online Gaming Platform

body_text: SANTA ANA, California – A Riverside County man pleaded guilty today to a federal criminal charge for catfishing a preteen girl he met on an online gaming platform and persuading her to send him sexually explicit photos of herself and, later, of her 5-year-old relative. John Mathew Piecuch, 64, of Hemet, pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography. He has been in federal custody since August 2021. “This defendant has admitted his despicable acts and now will face a significant prison sentence,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “I urge parents everywhere to be vigilant when it comes to their children’s online usage. Predators lurk in the shadows and use the internet’s cloak of anonymity to inflict life-long trauma.” According to his plea agreement, Piecuch met on Roblox, an online gaming platform, an individual identified in court documents as “Minor Victim 1,” a 12-year-old girl. Piecuch told the victim he was a 13-year-old boy. In January 2021, Piecuch and Minor Victim 1 texted each other, during which time he persuaded her to send him sexually explicit images of herself. Piecuch also persuaded Minor Victim 1 to take and send him sexually explicit photographs of Minor Victim 2, a 5-year-old girl. Minor Victim 1’s mother saw some of the text messages between her daughter and Piecuch on one of the girl’s mobile devices, which prompted her to contact law enforcement, according to court documents. United States District Judge John W. Holcomb scheduled an October 25 sentencing hearing, at which time Piecuch will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. The FBI investigated this matter in conjunction with the Carroll County (Maryland) Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Sonah Lee of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting this case.


title: Montgomery Man Sentenced to 90 Months in Federal Prison Following Federal Gun and Drug Convictions

body_text: Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that Franklin Douglas Hambrick, 35, from Montgomery, Alabama, received a sentence of 90 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal gun and drug charges. According to the federal indictment and other court records, on January 6, 2022, law enforcement in Montgomery initiated a stop on a vehicle after observing a traffic violation. The driver, later identified as Hambrick, fled the vehicle on foot but was apprehended after a short chase. Investigators searched a backpack Hambrick had with him. Inside the backpack, they found, a handgun, fentanyl, and marijuana. Hambrick has a previous felony conviction and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. On April 2, 2024, Hambrick pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Hambrick’s sentencing hearing occurred on July 22, 2024. The Montgomery Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Justin L. Jones prosecuted.