title: USDA loan specialist and contractors sent to prison for roles in loan bribery scheme

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – Three Starr County residents have been sentenced for their roles in a bribery scheme involving the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Rio Grande City residents Roberto Rodriguez, 52, Daniel Diaz, 68, and Jose Sandoval, 71, each pleaded guilty May 17. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now imposed a 16-month term of imprisonment for Rodriguez, while Diaz and Sandoval received 8 and 6 months in federal prison, respectively. Each must also serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence of the dollar amount of the contracts awarded to each contractor including $1,107,228 to Diaz and $709,854 to Sandoval. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Crane noted that he hoped it served as an example to the community not to get involved in corrupt practices. “The people of the United States have the right to expect the utmost integrity from those electing to do business with the United States,” said Hamdani. “Diaz and Sandoval failed in that duty when they chose to bribe a federal official in order to obtain federal contracts. Rodriguez betrayed his oath of office when he chose to accept payments from those contractors in order to influence who would be awarded these contracts.” At the time of his plea, Rodriguez admitted to accepting U.S. currency for referring applicants for the USDA Rural Development 504 Single Family Housing Repair Grant and Loan program to contractors Diaz and Sandoval in order for each of them to receive money under the program. Rodriguez also admitted he was a loan specialist responsible for approving the loans. Diaz and Sandoval both admitted they gave money to Rodriguez to receive work under the program. Each were permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, USDA, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations with the assistance of local task force officers. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage . Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Cook Profit and Alexa Parcell prosecuted the cases.


title: Pennsylvania Resident Admits Defrauding Allied World Insurance Company

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES KEATING, 52, of Paoli, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to an offense stemming from a fraud scheme against his former employer. According to court documents and statements made in court, Keating was an Assistant Vice President and surety bond claims handler at Allied World Insurance Company (“Allied World”). He later served in the same capacity at Crum and Forster subsidiary U.S. Fire Insurance Company, where he also handled claims on Allied World surety bonds. All surety bond claims were handled through Allied World’s offices in Farmington, Connecticut. Between 2017 and 2021, Keating defrauded Allied World in two ways. First, he used a shell company, American Construction & Industrial LLC, to bill Allied World for unnecessary claims work that was not performed and took the proceeds for himself. Second, he solicited and received kickbacks from Allied World vendors through another Keating-owned company, Surety Risk Solutions (also known as “SRS” or “SR5”), without the knowledge of his employer. Keating also caused these vendors to use another company in which he had an undisclosed ownership interest, Kodiak Asset Recovery, for asset searches at vastly inflated prices. Keating profited nearly $1 million through American Construction & Industrial LLC, more than $350,000 in kickbacks through Surety Risk Solutions, and nearly $125,000 through Kodiak Asset Recovery. Keating pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Keating has agreed to pay restitution of $1,226,603.97, which represents the loss to Allied World of $1,446,491.95, less $219,887.98 that he previously repaid as part of a civil judgment. Keating is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled. This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.


title: Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Religious Land Use Case Involving Arizona Food Ministry that Serves the Hungry

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department filed a statement of interest yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona explaining that a church’s claims under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA) are ready for judicial review in federal court. The statement of interest was filed in Gethsemani Baptist Church v. City of San Luis , a lawsuit alleging that the City of San Luis, Arizona, (the City) imposed a substantial burden on the religious exercise of Gethsemani Baptist Church (the Church) and treated the Church less favorably than secular institutions. The lawsuit alleges that the Church has operated a Food Ministry on its property as part of its religious exercise since 1999 and has provided food to thousands of people in need. The City recently became hostile to the Church, claiming that its use of its property and its use of semi-trucks to deliver food and supplies to the Ministry violated the City’s zoning code. The City took enforcement action to stop the Church from operating the Food Ministry, including by issuing multiple citations to the Church’s pastor. “Churches have been on the front lines helping to alleviate hunger and meet the needs of those experiencing food insecurity across the country,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Federal law provides broad protection to religious exercise, including for ministries that serve people who are hungry or in need of basic supplies. Once a municipality applies its zoning code to restrict religious exercise, impacted groups do not need to jump through procedural hoops to obtain relief in federal court. The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that religious groups can properly exercise their rights under RLUIPA.” The City filed a motion to dismiss the Church’s lawsuit, arguing in part that the Church’s RLUIPA claims could not proceed. The department’s statement of interest refutes this claim, asserting that the Church is not required to apply for a conditional use permit and that doing so would have been futile. The statement also argues that the Church has sufficiently shown the City’s ability to conduct an “individualized assessment” of the Church’s use of the property as required by RLUIPA. RLUIPA is a federal law that protects religious institutions from unduly burdensome or discriminatory land use regulations. In June 2018, the Justice Department announced its Place to Worship Initiative, which focuses on RLUIPA’s provisions that protect the rights of houses of worship and other religious institutions to worship on their land. More information is available at www.justice.gov/crt/placetoworship . As part of this initiative, the department has filed statements of interest in other RLUIPA cases involving faith-based services to persons in need, including in Micah’s Way v. City of Santa Ana (Central District of California) and St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church et al. v. City of Brookings (District of Oregon). Additionally, the department hosted outreach forums with religious leaders at Seton Hall Law School in Newark, New Jersey, and Chapman University Law School in Santa Ana, California, on combating religious discrimination under RLUIPA and also issued a letter to state, county and municipal leaders throughout the country to remind them of their obligations under RLUIPA. Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination in land use or zoning decisions can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Division’s Civil Rights Section at (213) 894-2879 or the Civil Rights Division Housing and Civil Enforcement Section at (833) 591-0291 or may submit a complaint through the complaint portal on the Place to Worship Initiative website. More information about RLUIPA, including questions and answers about the law and other documents, can be found at www.justice.gov/crt/about/hce/rluipaexplain.php .


title: Former Federal Correction Officer Sentenced to Prison for Accepting Bribes in Exchange for Smuggling Contraband into the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, former federal correction officer Quandelle Joseph was sentenced by United States District Judge Dora L. Irizarry to 30 months’ imprisonment for accepting bribes in exchange for providing contraband to individuals detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn. Joseph pleaded guilty in January 2024 to the charge of accepting bribes as a public official. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ryan T. Geach, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Region (DOJ-OIG), and Christie M. Curtis, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence. “Quandelle Joseph put his own interests above the safety of incarcerated individuals and other correction officers at the Metropolitan Detention Center by accepting bribes to smuggle drugs, cell phones and other contraband into the jail he was sworn to protect,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office has zero tolerance for corruption in prison facilities and those who abuse the trust placed in them to carry out their duties will find themselves on the wrong side of the bars like this defendant.” “We trust Correctional Officers to carry out their duties with honor and integrity. Joseph did the opposite when he accepted tens of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for smuggling dangerous contraband into MDC Brooklyn. Today’s sentencing shows that Correctional Officers who commit these selfish crimes will be held accountable,” stated DOJ-OIG Special Agent in Charge Geach. “Quandelle Joseph abused his authority as a former correction officer by supplying inmates with contraband for cash and offering advanced warnings to his clientele to obscure this illicit trade from other guards. His actions not only violated the order and regulation necessary for a secure correctional institution, but also threatened the public’s trust in our system. The FBI remains diligent in its pursuit of corrupt public officials who value personal benefit over fulfilling their duty to protect and serve,” stated Acting Assistant Director in Charge Curtis. According to court documents and facts presented at today’s sentencing proceeding, Joseph became a correction officer at the MDC in May 2020. During his employment, Joseph accepted tens of thousands of dollars from inmates in exchange for smuggling narcotics, cigarettes, and cell phones into the MDC. In one instance, Joseph accepted bribes to smuggle contraband into the MDC for an inmate, who then sold the contraband widely throughout his unit. Joseph also warned the inmate about upcoming contraband searches at the MDC. For example, on January 26, 2021, Joseph texted an inmate from whom he was taking bribes: “Tighten up search comin clean phones out call logs n text n try to stash it.” The next day, Joseph texted the inmate: “keep your phones cleannnnnnnnnn erase texts and call logs every night.” The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Philip Pilmar and Sara K. Winik are in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant : QUANDELLE JOSEPH Age: 34 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-306 (DLI)


title: U.S. Attorney: Convicted Felon Gets 15 Years for Shooting Woman at Grocery Store

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

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A convicted felon who violated a domestic violence restraining order by possessing a firearm and shooting a woman at an Albuquerque Walmart was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on October 21, 2022, Maurice Lacey , 66, was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction and an active domestic violence restraining order when he entered a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Albuquerque. He followed the victim, Jane Doe, to the employee breakroom and shot her in the back of the head. The victim suffered severe injuries, including a compressed skull fracture requiring emergency surgery and extensive rehabilitation. She continues to experience physical impairments and trauma from the shooting. Upon his release from prison, Lacey will be subject to 3 years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Trembley and Patrick E. Cordova are prosecuting the case. # # #


title: Magnolia Man Sentenced to 26 Months in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Magnolia man was sentenced to 26 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to court documents, Edward Dewayne Cockerham, 35, was found in possession of a firearm by Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics agents and a Pike County Sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop. Cockerham had a prior felony conviction for failing to support minor children and was on supervised probation at the time he possessed the firearm. Cockerham was indicted by a federal grand jury for possessing the firearm as a convicted felon. He pled guilty on April 30, 2024. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement. The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Pike County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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: Delaware Man Convicted of Kidnapping, Hobbs Act Conspiracy, and Firearm Charges for Multi-State Crime Spree, Which Ended in Sexual Assault

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that on July 25, 2024, a federal jury convicted Tonnaire McNair-Matthews, 24, on charges of Kidnapping, Carjacking, Hobbs Act Robbery and Conspiracy, and Brandishing and Use of a Firearm in Relation to Hobbs Act Robbery and Kidnapping. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly accepted the verdict. According to court records and evidence presented at the four-day trial, McNair-Matthews together with David Hinson, 23, Michael Caldwell, 21, and Mahkiya Powell, 20, conspired to rob unsuspecting drivers by rear-ending them with a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee (“the Jeep”) with the intent to rob the drivers when they got out to inspect their cars for damage. After three unsuccessful carjacking attempts, McNair-Matthews, while driving the Jeep, rear-ended the victim, then approached the victim’s car and abducted the victim at gunpoint. McNair-Matthews then drove the victim, against her will, in the victim’s car from Delaware back into Pennsylvania where he had rear-ended her. During the ride, McNair-Matthews forced the victim to disrobe, demanded the victim’s PIN code, and digitally penetrated her against her will. After arriving in Pennsylvania, McNair-Matthews then forcibly raped the victim at gunpoint. McNair-Matthews then abandoned the victim and drove the victim’s car to Delaware convenience stores, withdrawing money from the victim’s bank accounts via ATM transactions using the stolen PIN code. McNair-Matthews then reunited with Hinson, Powell, and Caldwell in Wilmington, Delaware. Once there, McNair-Matthews provided them the victim’s bank cards, PIN, and the firearm he used in the carjacking and rape. Hinson, Powell, and Caldwell then cleaned the victim’s car and stole her purse. After McNair-Matthews changed clothes to try and evade detection, the four men met up at a Wilmington gas station, where law enforcement tracked them. On sight, McNair-Matthews and Powell led law enforcement on a high-speed chase in the Jeep and evaded capture. McNair-Matthews was arrested three days later after fleeing to Maryland. U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “The defendants engaged in a heinous crime spree with devastating consequences. Coordination between my office and our state and federal law enforcement partners to bring Mr. McNair-Matthews and his coconspirators to justice was swift and exceptional. We will continue to work together to remove violent offenders from our streets. I commend the victim’s bravery and hope that the jury’s guilty verdict brings some measure of closure.” “The amount of harm and senseless violence McNair-Matthews and his coconspirators carried out in a single day is astonishing said,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “I am deeply grateful for the expert help of Deputy Attorney General Diana Dunn and the rest of our team, as well as the Delaware and Pennsylvania State Police, and our partners with the FBI in bringing them to justice and holding them accountable for the harm they’ve so callously inflicted.” “There is no place in our society for a violent rapist, kidnapper, and criminal like Tonnaire McNair-Matthews. This conviction ensures he will spend time behind bars for the horrible and cruel attack he viciously inflicted upon an innocent woman,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “I am proud of the work the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force does with our local, state and federal partners to identify and arrest dangerous criminals like McNair-Matthews and bring them to justice.” McNair-Matthews faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Weiss, Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno, and the Delaware State Police (DSP) Troop 2 Commander commended the work of those who investigated the case, including DSP, the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Taskforce, Wilmington Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Delaware Department of Justice. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin P. Pierce and Samuel S. Frey, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana Dunn are assigned to prosecute the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 23-68.


title: Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening U.S. Representative

body_text: ATLANTA – Sean Patrick Cirillo has pleaded guilty to transmitting interstate threats to injure U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. “Threatening to kill a public official is reprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Our office will not tolerate any form of violence, threats or intimidation against public officials. The prosecution of individuals who threaten the lives and welfare of public servants is a top priority for our office, as well as for our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.” “We will not normalize violent threats in America, whether targeting elected officials or average citizens,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Our democracy depends on the ability of members of Congress to do their jobs without fearing for their safety. We will continue to prosecute threats against public servants made in any form.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: On three occasions on November 8, 2023, Sean Patrick Cirillo called the Washington, D.C. office of U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and spoke with her staffers. During the calls, Cirillo made multiple threats, including the following: •“I got a bead on her. Like a sniper rifle. A sniper rifle. And I’m gonna kill her next week. I’m gonna murder her;” •“I’ll kill you too if you want;” and •“You’re gonna die. Your family is gonna die.” Sean Patrick Cirillo, 34, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting interstate threats. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret R. Hobson and Brent Alan Gray are prosecuting the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Local Gymnasium and Landlord Agree to Settle Allegations that They Violated the Americans with Disabilities Act

component: USAO - Tennessee, Middle

body_text: NASHVILLE – United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee announced today that the United States has reached agreements with Ryan Stemper; Whole Strength CrossFit Smyrna a/k/a Inner Strength, LLC; Mark Gellner; and MCMM Properties, LLC to settle allegations that a Smyrna CrossFit gymnasium violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) by failing to remove architectural barriers to accessibility for individuals with disabilities patronizing the gymnasium. As part of the settlements, the parties have agreed to cease using the building as a place of public accommodation. Ryan Stemper and Whole Strength CrossFit Smyrna will pay $10,000 to the complainant who brought this issue to the United States’ attention and will pay a $5,000 civil penalty to the United States. MCMM Properties, LLC and Mark Gellner will pay a $2,000 civil penalty to the United States. Combined, the payments under the settlements will total $17,000. “We are committed to enforcing the rights of persons with disabilities in Tennessee,” said United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis. “Gyms are classic places of public accommodation, and the ADA applies no matter the size of the gym. Landlords and tenants must be aware of their joint responsibilities under the ADA to remove architectural barriers to accessibility.” The United States alleged that the gymnasium business, Whole Strength CrossFit Smyrna a/k/a Inner Strength, LLC and its owner, Ryan Stemper, had been aware that the building the business occupied did not have accessible restrooms or an accessible door and failed to remove barriers to accessibility. The complainant alleged that the business had been aware of these issues but failed to act. In addition, the allegations were that the landlord and owner of the building, Mark Gellner and MCMM, LLC, also were aware of the building’s issues and did not remove barriers to accessibility. The ADA applies to both landlord and tenants, though the responsibility for complying with the ADA may be allocated by lease or other contract. 28 C.F.R. § 36.201. The civil claims settled by this Settlement Agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. The ADA was passed on July 26, 1990, 34 years ago last week. The Act reaffirmed our nation’s commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities have the right to live, work, and fully participate in the community alongside their fellow citizens. Despite the passage of more than three decades, there are still allegations of continued violations of the ADA and denial of rights of persons with disabilities occurring in the United States and in Middle Tennessee. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Tackeff investigated the complaint and negotiated the Settlement Agreement. For more information on the ADA and to access these publications, visit www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD). ADA complaints may be filed by email to ada.complaint@usdoj.gov . # # # # #


title: Woonsocket Man Convicted Three Times for Drug Trafficking is Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A Woonsocket man convicted and sentenced twice previously in Rhode Island state court for trafficking narcotics was sentenced today to eight years in federal prison for trafficking significant quantities of fentanyl and for being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. Gregory Ortega, 34, of Woonsocket, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 96 months of incarceration to be followed by four years of federal supervised release. Ortega pleaded guilty on May 1, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition. As reflected in court documents, shortly after completing a term of incarceration at the Adult Correctional Institution in 2019, Ortega continued to operate a well-orchestrated narcotics business in the Woonsocket area. He stored drugs in various family members’ residences and used runners to deliver drugs he sold to his customers. Ortega’s trafficking activities included several thousand dollars’ worth of fentanyl to a person assisting the FBI Safe Streets Task Force in the investigation. According to information presented to the court, on March 16, 2022, members of the Safe Streets Task Force executed court-authorized searches and seized approximately 575 grams of fentanyl from Ortega’s vehicle and 745 grams of fentanyl from his grandmother’s house, which he used as a “stash house.” Additionally, law enforcement seized a privately made firearm and 14 rounds of ammunition from Ortega’s residence. This Project Safe Neighborhoods case was investigated by the Rhode Island FBI Safe Street Task Force, which consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Stacey A. Erickson. 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: Three Men Indicted For Involvement In $3.5 Million Dollar Elder Fraud Scheme Impacting More Than 1,000 Alleged Victims

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Amit Ahuja, age 40, of Westminster, Maryland, Kapil Gulati, age 50, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, and Priyanshu Walia, age 39, of Cleveland, Ohio, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud in connection with a technical support scheme where victims were made to believe that their computers had been compromised by a virus, or were susceptible to hacking, and payments were needed for computer repair services or software. The indictment was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. for the District of Maryland; Postal Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Criminal Investigations Group; and Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore. As detailed in the indictment, victims received a pop-up window urging them to call a phone number, or an unsolicited phone call, or victims contacted what they believed was a legitimate technical support company found through an online search. As further alleged, the victims were made to believe that their computers had major issues that they needed to pay money immediately to fix, and that they were working with legitimate computer companies or computer security companies. According to the indictment, as a result of the scheme, more than 1,000 victims, many of whom were older adults, sent at least $3.5 million to the defendants and other conspirators based on false pretenses, representations, and promises involving the condition of the victims’ computers and the services and software allegedly required to fix the issues. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud conspiracy and each count of wire fraud. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps, including identifying appropriate reporting agencies, providing information to callers to assist them in reporting or connecting them with agencies, and providing resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov . Victims are encouraged to file a complaint online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at this website or by calling 1-800-225-5324. U.S. Attorney Barron commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and HSI-Baltimore, for their work in the investigation. And also thanked HSI-Cleveland for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evelyn Lombardo Cusson and Matthew Phelps, who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Canadian Man Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Steal Millions of Dollars from Bank Accounts of Thousands of Victims in the United States

component: Civil Division

body_text: A Canadian man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Las Vegas to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a scheme to steal millions of dollars from thousands of victims in the United States. According to court documents, Poupak Jannissar, 52, of Quebec, Canada, operated and controlled sham companies that used fake checks and other fraudulent debits to steal from victims’ accounts at banks in the United States. The defendant and his co-conspirators used various names for the sham companies, including Computer Run, EBooks, Joreeb, Memo Storage, Our Online Backup, You Can Fax Too and Your E-Library. These companies pretended to sell various internet-based services for consumers, such as cloud storage, internet faxing and online books. However, the sham companies did not actually provide any real products or services. Instead, the sham companies served to conceal the theft of money from bank accounts by Jannissar and his co-conspirators. According to court documents, Jannissar and his co-conspirators bought lists containing misappropriated personal information belonging to thousands of potential victims. Jannissar and his co-conspirators then falsely represented to banks and others that individual victims had authorized debits from their bank accounts. If the individual victims did not notice and dispute initial charges made by the sham companies, the sham companies would fraudulently debit bank accounts multiple times. Jannissar and his co-conspirators transferred money they stole to accounts in Canada. Jannissar pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of money laundering in front of U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. Jannissar was arrested on Jan. 22, at the Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport in Florida based on a criminal complaint and arrest warrant issued in the District of Nevada by U.S. Magistrate Judge Brenda Weksler. He was subsequently indicted on the charges to which he pled guilty today. “Through various sham entities, the defendant and his accomplices stole consumers’ hard-earned money directly from their bank accounts,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will use all of the tools at its disposal to apprehend and prosecute criminals, whether located inside or outside the United States, who steal from Americans.” “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates our commitment to finding and prosecuting individuals who steal from consumers,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Defrauding consumers and stealing their hard-earned dollars is a crime against the individuals but it also violates the trust we have in free commerce. With our law enforcement partners, we are committed to holding accountable those who violate federal law. We thank our partners for their investigative efforts to help bring justice for victims.” “Mr. Jannisar and his co-conspirators used sham companies to steal from unknowing victims by accessing their bank accounts using personal identifiable information from illegally obtained lists, and sadly nothing more than a keystroke on a computer,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of U.S. Postal Inspection Service Criminal Investigations (USPIS-CI). “His actions and those of his co-conspirators represent a crime of greed and opportunity but will not go unpunished thanks to the law enforcement community, who have dedicated their mission to uncovering and putting an end to devious schemes like these.” "The defendant's guilty plea holds him accountable for perpetrating a fraudulent scheme that stole funds from thousands of victims' bank accounts,” said Special Agent in Charge Vincent R. Zehme of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG) Chicago Regional Office. “The FDIC OIG continues to work closely with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who cause financial harm to consumers and threaten to undermine the integrity of our Nation's banking system." Jannissar faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison per charge. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. USPIS-CI and FDIC OIG are investigating the case. U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided valuable assistance. Senior Trial Attorney Daniel Zytnick of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . Consumer complaints can be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov .


title: Illinois Man Convicted at Trial of Odometer Tampering Conspiracy

body_text: After a week-long trial, a federal jury convicted an Illinois man last Friday of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, for agreeing with his brother and another man to alter the odometer readings on hundreds of used cars and sell those cars to unsuspecting consumer victims. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Hussein Ghzo, 42, of Palos Heights, conspired with his brother Laith Ghzo, 38, and Musab Sawai, 36, to roll back the odometer readings on hundreds of used cars. The defendants purchased high-mileage cars at auto auctions, brought the cars to Chicago, had the odometer readings on those cars altered, falsified title documents to reflect the false low mileage, submitted those false titles to the Illinois Secretary of State and then sold the cars at other auctions with the false low mileage titles and false odometer readings. The evidence at trial revealed that Hussein Ghzo was warned on three separate occasions that the cars he was selling had rolled back mileage, but he nevertheless continued to participate in the scheme, including by attempting to pose as other people and hide his true identity. U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah of the Northern District of Illinois presided over the trial. “The Justice Department is committed to prosecuting those who prey on unsuspecting consumers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The scheme at issue here deprived consumers of important information relating to vehicle safety and future repair costs.” “Odometer fraud endangers the public and keeps older, less-safe vehicles on our nation’s roads,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure that consumers are purchasing vehicles with valid odometer readings.” Ghzo is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 22, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Ghzo and Sawai have previously pleaded guilty in connection with this matter and are awaiting sentencing. Ghzo will be sentenced on Oct. 31. Sawai’s sentencing date has not yet been set. The U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Odometer Tampering Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. The matter was originally referred to the federal government by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Trial Attorneys Joshua D. Rothman and Thomas S. Rosso of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kartik K. Raman for the Northern District of Illinois are prosecuting the case.


title: Missouri Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child While in Vernon County Jail

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Missouri man, who was an inmate at the Vernon County, Mo., jail at the time of his offense, was sentenced in federal court today for the sexual exploitation of a child. Houston Wade Young, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to life in federal prison without parole. On Jan. 30, 2024, Houston Young pleaded guilty to one count of the sexual exploitation of a minor. His wife, co-defendant Jessica Ann Young, 33, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty on March 11, 2024, to two counts of the sexual exploitation of a minor and awaits sentencing. On March 5, 2020, Houston Young, while an inmate at the Vernon County jail, was found to be in possession of a cell phone that contained images of child pornography. Young was being detained pending a civil proceeding to determine whether he should be civilly committed as a sexually violent predator for his prior sex offense convictions. On March 7, 2020, law enforcement officers received information that Jessica Young had sent pornographic images of a 7-year-old child (identified in court documents as “John Doe 1”) to Houston Young’s cell phone. Investigators found text messages on the cell phone between Jessica and Houston Young that discussed sexually abusing John Doe 1. During the text messages, Jessica Young sent Houston Young two pornographic images of John Doe 1. Multiple other images of child pornography sent by Jessica Young also were found on Houston Young’s cell phone. Jessica Young admitted she had sexually abused two child victims, John Doe 1 and 13-year-old John Doe 2, on multiple occasions. Jessica Young also admitted that she had recorded video of herself sexually abusing John Doe 2. A forensic analysis of Houston Young’s cell phone also determined that he sent images of child pornography to Jessica Young and a 16-year-old child victim (identified in court documents as “Jane Doe”). Houston Young sent pornographic images of himself to Jane Doe, solicited child pornographic images of her that she sent to him, and engaged in sexual conversations. Jane Doe told investigators she met Houston Young on a game room chat, League of Legends, and started talking via that forum. They communicated via text, the Kik and Whatsapp applications, and video chat. Houston Young was involuntarily committed to the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Sex Offender Rehabilitation and Treatment Services program in February 2021. He has two prior felony convictions related to the sexual exploitation of children. He was convicted of child molestation in Wright County, Mo., in 2005 and of possessing child pornography in Jackson County, Mo., in 2016. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the Vernon County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Kentucky Department of Criminal Investigations. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Convicted Health Care Fraud defendant sentenced to an additional six-month sentence for failing to report to prison as directed

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – The former co-owner of a defunct medical testing company, who failed to report to prison as directed last spring, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to an additional six months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Richard Reid, 55, was convicted in March 2022, of five federal felonies connected to his scheme to profit from illegal kickbacks in the medical testing industry . In January 2023 he was sentenced to two years in prison . At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour said Reid’s persistent failure to accept responsibility “takes my breath away.” Reid had repeatedly petitioned the judge to delay his prison reporting date, claiming to have COVID-19 and then long COVID. Judge John C. Coughenour refused to delay the date past the end of April 2023. Rather than report to prison, Reid left his home in Astoria, Oregon and went on the run. The FBI issued a “Wanted” poster. On May 7, 2023, a member of the public reported seeing Reid, and he was arrested in Taylorsville, Oregon. In asking for an additional ten months in prison, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Dion wrote to the court, “Richard Reid refused to accept responsibility for his role in a healthcare kickbacks scheme, and then refused to serve the sentence imposed by the Court. He exploited the Court’s generosity in granting him two extensions of his reporting date, and simply ignored the Court’s rejection of this third request. Many hours of law enforcement resources were wasted in a multi-day fugitive investigation that ended with Reid being arrested in a bar.” The activities of Bellevue-based Northwest Physicians Laboratory (NWPL) have been the subject of extensive civil and criminal litigation. Richard Reid was one of the owners and the Vice President of Sales for NWPL. Reid helped NWPL obtain more than $3.7 million in kickback payments by steering urine drug test specimens to two labs that could bill the government for testing. The case was investigated by the FBI, Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Dion


title: Orlando Man Charged With Disposing And Transferring Several Real Properties And A Vehicle To Prevent Government Seizure

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Christopher Switlyk (45, Orlando) on an indictment charging him with four counts of removal of property to prevent government seizure. If convicted, Switlyk faces up to five years in federal prison on each count. According to the indictment, Switlyk, before, during, or after the seizure of property by investigators of the United States Marshals Service, persons authorized to make such seizure, knowingly disposed of and transferred three real properties and a vehicle, for the purpose of preventing and impairing the government’s lawful authority to take said property into its custody and control. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts. Download Indictment


title: Sharon Resident Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Cocaine, Fentanyl, and Heroin Trafficking

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Sharon, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 108 months in federal prison on his conviction of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Nicholas Ostheimer, 26. Judge Bissoon also ordered Ostheimer to serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Ostheimer previously pleaded guilty in this case to (1) conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and 100 grams or more of heroin between June 2020 and June 2021; (2) distributing cocaine on November 18, 2020; and (3) possessing 500 grams or more of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base on June 17, 2021. According to information presented to the Court, Ostheimer conspired to and did distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin throughout much of 2020 and 2021, with $58,375 in drug trafficking proceeds, 859 grams of cocaine, and wrappers for kilograms of cocaine among the items found in his residence on June 17, 2021. Assistant United States Attorneys Craig W. Haller and Benjamin C. Dobkin prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Pennsylvania State Police; Lawrence County Drug Task Force; Mercer County Drug Task Force; New Castle Police Department; Sharon Police Department; Hermitage Police Department, and Farrell Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ostheimer. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Former jailer convicted for straw purchasing firearm receiver

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A former sheriff’s office jailer has pleaded guilty for his role in the straw purchasing of a firearm receiver on behalf of a Mexican national, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Gonzalo Everardo Gonzalez, 32, Roma, admitted to making false statements during the purchase of a firearm. On June 13, 2023, in connection with an acquisition of a firearm receiver, Gonzalez falsely stated on a form associated with the purchase that he was the true purchaser of the receiver. The investigation revealed this statement was false. In fact, Gonzalez purchased a firearm receiver on behalf of a Mexican national who intended to smuggle it into Mexico. At the time he made the false statement, Gonzalez was a jailer with the Starr County Sheriff’s Office. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing October 8. At that time, Gonzalez faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He will remain on bond pending his sentencing. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the joint investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan is prosecuting the case.


title: Canadian Man Pleads Guilty In Scheme To Steal Millions Of Dollars from Bank Accounts Of Thousands Of Victims In The United States

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Canadian man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Las Vegas to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a scheme to steal millions of dollars from thousands of victims in the United States. According to court documents, Poupak Jannissar, 52, of Quebec, Canada, operated and controlled sham companies that used fake checks and other fraudulent debits to steal from victims’ accounts at banks in the United States. The defendant and his co-conspirators used various names for the sham companies, including Computer Run, EBooks, Joreeb, Memo Storage, Our Online Backup, You Can Fax Too and Your E-Library. These companies pretended to sell various internet-based services for consumers, such as cloud storage, internet faxing and online books. However, the sham companies did not actually provide any real products or services. Instead, the sham companies served to conceal the theft of money from bank accounts by Jannissar and his co-conspirators. According to court documents, Jannissar and his co-conspirators bought lists containing misappropriated personal information belonging to thousands of potential victims. Jannissar and his co-conspirators then falsely represented to banks and others that individual victims had authorized debits from their bank accounts. If the individual victims did not notice and dispute initial charges made by the sham companies, the sham companies would fraudulently debit bank accounts multiple times. Jannissar and his co-conspirators transferred money they stole to accounts in Canada. Jannissar pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of money laundering in front of U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. Jannissar was arrested on Jan. 22, at the Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport in Florida based on a criminal complaint and arrest warrant issued in the District of Nevada by U.S. Magistrate Judge Brenda Weksler. He was subsequently indicted on the charges to which he pled guilty today. “Through various sham entities, the defendant and his accomplices stole consumers’ hard-earned money directly from their bank accounts,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will use all of the tools at its disposal to apprehend and prosecute criminals, whether located inside or outside the United States, who steal from Americans.” “Yesterday's guilty plea demonstrates our commitment to finding and prosecuting individuals who steal from consumers,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Defrauding consumers and stealing their hard-earned dollars is a crime against the individuals but it also violates the trust we have in free commerce. With our law enforcement partners, we are committed to holding accountable those who violate federal law. We thank our partners for their investigative efforts to help bring justice for victims.” “Mr. Jannisar and his co-conspirators used sham companies to steal from unknowing victims by accessing their bank accounts using personal identifiable information from illegally obtained lists, and sadly nothing more than a keystroke on a computer,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of U.S. Postal Inspection Service Criminal Investigations (USPIS-CI). “His actions and those of his co-conspirators represent a crime of greed and opportunity but will not go unpunished thanks to the law enforcement community, who have dedicated their mission to uncovering and putting an end to devious schemes like these.” "The defendant's guilty plea holds him accountable for perpetrating a fraudulent scheme that stole funds from thousands of victims' bank accounts,” said Special Agent in Charge Vincent R. Zehme of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG) Chicago Regional Office. “The FDIC OIG continues to work closely with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who cause financial harm to consumers and threaten to undermine the integrity of our Nation's banking system." Jannissar faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison per charge. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. USPIS-CI and FDIC OIG are investigating the case. U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided valuable assistance. Senior Trial Attorney Daniel Zytnick of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . Consumer complaints can be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov . ###


title: Greenville Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Possession of Firearm and Ammunition

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Greenville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 77 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm and ammunition after a prior felony conviction, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Devon Smith, 26. According to information presented to the Court, on December 22, 2021, Smith unlawfully possessed two pistols and ammunition after having been convicted of drug trafficking and aggravated assault crimes through two state prosecutions in 2020 as well as several other crimes through prior state prosecutions. Smith was on parole for the drug trafficking and aggravated assault convictions at the time of his 2021 offense. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Smith. 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 of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Florida Man Indicted for Assault of Federal Courthouse Security Officers

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Sarasota, Florida, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of assaulting federal officers, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The two-count Indictment named Steven M. Seitz, 34, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment, on or about July 9, 2024, Seitz entered the Joseph F. Weis, Jr., U.S. Courthouse in Pittsburgh looking for the Central Intelligence Agency and refused several requests from Courthouse Security Officers to leave the building. When Courthouse Security Officers attempted to escort Seitz from the building, Seitz unlawfully and forcibly assaulted, resisted, and opposed the officers, resulting in bodily injuries to at least two of the officers. Seitz remains detained since his arrest under a federal criminal complaint for these charges on July 9, 2024. The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service and United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Lake County Convicted Felon Sentenced To Five Years In Federal Prison For Theft Of A Firearm From A Licensed Gun Dealer

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Frank Thomas Diviak (24, Altoona) to five years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a stolen firearm, and stealing a firearm from a federal firearms licensee (FFL). Diviak entered a guilty plea in April 2024. According to the court records, Diviak was previously convicted of three state felonies, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement. On December 4, 2023, Diviak entered a Lake County pawn shop, took a revolver from a display, and put it in his pocket. He then fled from the store on his bicycle, but he was quickly apprehended by law enforcement. As Diviak raised his hands to surrender to the officers, the stolen revolver fell out of his clothing. As a convicted felon, Diviak is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law. This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Eustis Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Federal Jury in Louisville Finds Two Defendants Guilty of Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – This week a federal jury convicted two Louisville men, following a seven-day trial of numerous felony offenses, including conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Interim Chief Paul Humphreys of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. “I commend the excellent work of the trial team as well as the outstanding investigative effort by ATF, LMPD, and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners who assisted in the investigation and apprehension of the defendants,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “We will continue to prioritize the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of those whose conduct drives violence in the Western District in order to make our communities safer for all.” According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between September 25, 2021, and August 22, 2023, Jerlen Horton , 30, and Chicoby Summers , 29, conspired to possess with the intent to distribute over one kilogram of fentanyl, over 250 grams of heroin, and a mixture of cocaine base, commonly referred to as “crack cocaine.” Additionally, on November 3, 2021, both defendants possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine and possessed firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking crimes. Lastly, the evidence presented at trial established that on November 3, 2021, Summers was on federal supervised release and escaped from custody. Both Horton and Summers were utilizing false identities and were fugitives from justice until they were apprehended by law enforcement following a standoff with members of the United States Marshals Task Force on August 22, 2023, in Long Beach, California. Horton and Summers are scheduled for sentencing on November 13, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Both defendants remain detained pending sentencing. Both defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence for each defendant after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. The ATF and LMPD investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI, DEA, United States Postal Inspection Service, Kentucky State Police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Long Beach California Police Department, Verdigris Oklahoma Police Department, and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Dahl and Josh Porter are prosecuting the case, with assistance from paralegal specialist Adela Alic. 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: Nigerian National Pleads Guilty to Romance and Pandemic Relief Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Nigerian national pleaded guilty on July 26, 2024 in federal court in Boston to his role in an expansive online fraud scheme targeting individuals in the United States, including pandemic relief fraud, romance scams and other online scams. Amowie Kelvin Imatitikua, 37, who previously lived in the Boston area, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, one count of bank fraud conspiracy and one count of money laundering conspiracy. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Nov. 6, 2024. Imatitikua was indicted on Dec. 12, 2023. Imatitikua opened multiple bank accounts in the names of fake people using fraudulent foreign passports and used those accounts to receive the proceeds from various frauds perpetrated by his alleged co-conspirators, including pandemic relief fraud, romance scams and other online scams. In total, between approximately 2019 and 2021, Imatitikua received more than $400,000 in fraud proceeds. The charges of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $500,000, or twice the value of the criminally derived property, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Supervisory Special Agent Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Markham and Benjamin A. Saltzman of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Bounthavong Sonthikoummane Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Firearms Charge

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont. The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Bounthavong Sonthikoummane, 42, of White River Junction, pleaded not guilty today in United States District Court in Burlington to an indictment charging him with possessing seven firearms as an unlawful user of controlled substances. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Doyle released Sonthikoummane on conditions pending trial, which has not been scheduled. On June 12, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a multi-count superseding indictment charging Sonthikoummane and his partner with bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy, money laundering and making false statements. At the same time, the court issued a warrant for Sonthikoummane’s arrest. On the morning of June 13, federal and local law enforcement officers went to Sonthikoummane’s White River Junction home to arrest the defendant. While inside, officers and agents noticed a number of firearms and quantities of ammunition. They also learned that Sonthikoummane was a heroin addict who soon went into withdrawal. As an unlawful user of controlled substances, Sonthikoummane is prohibited from possessing firearms. Law enforcement seized the weapons and ammunition, which included three pistols, three AR-style rifles and a shotgun. On July 24, a federal grand jury returned an additional one-count indictment charging Sonthikoummane with unlawfully possessing those weapons and ammunition. The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charge in the new indictment is merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. If convicted on this charge, Sonthikoummane faces up to 15 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence would be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Sonthikoummane is represented by Christoper Dall. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples. This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime https://www.justice.gov/psn


title: Final Defendant in Drug Trafficking Organization Operating in Maury and Lewis Counties Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NASHVILLE – Julio Esparza, 47, of Alamo, Texas, was sentenced yesterday to 70 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $1,031,600 money judgment, announced United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis. In December 2022, Esparza pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. The conviction stems from Esparza’s involvement in a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was responsible for distributing substantial quantities of controlled substances, including cocaine and marijuana, from Texas to Tennessee between 2015 and 2019. Esparza hired his codefendants Freddy Quinones and Jesus Silva to transport the narcotics to Tennessee, and the drugs ended up in the hands or under the control of other codefendants in Tennessee, including Brent Burns, Henry Davis, and Brandon Dailey, who further distributed them within Tennessee. The individuals in Tennessee sent substantial drug proceeds, which Quinones and Silva also transported, back to Esparza in Texas. The other individuals charged in the indictment with Julio Esparza have all pled guilty and were previously sentenced, as follows: Terry Strayhorn, 43, of Columbia, Tennessee, was sentenced to 150 months in prison followed by 8 years of supervised release Brent Burns, 40, of Columbia, Tennessee, was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release Derrick Nixon, 55, of Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 8 years of supervised release Vincent Conner, 40, of Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, was sentenced to 100 months in prison followed by10 years of supervised release Tory Hardison, 29, of Pulaski, Tennessee, was sentenced to 100 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release Tristen Tisby, 32, of Columbia, Tennessee, was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release Samuel Abernathy, 46, of Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, was sentenced to 75 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release Henry Davis, 44, of Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release Freddy Quinones, 50, of Pembroke, Kentucky, was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release Shanika Odom, 34, of Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, was sentenced to 20 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release Jesus Silva, 42, of Harlingen, Texas, was sentenced to 15 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release Carson Lunn, 27, of Rogersville, Alabama, was sentenced to 6 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Division, Columbia Resident Agency; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Columbia Police Department; the Hohenwald Police Department; the Spring Hill Police Department; and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Levine and Nani M. Gilkerson prosecuted the case. # # # # #


title: Pineville Woman Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping, Murder of Pregnant Arkansas Woman and Unborn Child

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Pineville, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to the kidnapping and murder of a pregnant Arkansas woman and her victim’s unborn child. “This horrific crime resulted in the tragic deaths of two innocent victims,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “Today’s guilty plea holds this defendant accountable for her actions and ensures that justice will be served. She is now subject to a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison without parole.” Amber Waterman, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to one count of kidnapping resulting in death and one count of thereby causing the death of a child in utero. By pleading guilty, Waterman admitted that she kidnapped Ashley Bush in order to claim her unborn child, Valkyrie Willis, as her own. Waterman transported Ashley Bush from Maysville, Ark., to Pineville. The kidnapping resulted in the deaths of both Ashley Bush and Valkyrie Willis. Waterman admitted that, using a false name, she began having contact via Facebook with Bush, who was approximately 31 weeks pregnant. Waterman pretended to help Bush obtain employment, suggesting she had a job opportunity for her. That prompted an in-person meeting between the two women on Oct. 28, 2022, at the Gravette, Ark., public library. They agreed to meet again on Oct. 31, 2022. On Oct. 31, 2022, at roughly 11:45 a.m., Bush met Waterman at the Handi-Stop convenience store in Maysville, Ark. Under the pretext that Waterman was taking her to meet a supervisor to further discuss employment, Bush got into a truck driven by Waterman. Waterman then kidnapped and abducted Bush, driving her from Maysville to the Waterman residence in Pineville. At about 5 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2022, first responders reported to the Longview store in Pineville for an emergency call of a baby who was not breathing. Waterman admitted that she claimed to first responders that she had given birth to the child in the truck while on the way to the hospital. But in reality, she admitted, the child was Bush’s child, who died in utero, as a result of Waterman’s kidnapping that resulted in the death of Bush. An autopsy indicated that Bush died as a result of penetrating trauma of the torso and her death was classified as a homicide. Under federal statutes, Waterman is subject to a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison without parole on each count. The sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on Oct 15, 2024. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie L. Wan and James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the FBI, the Benton County, Ark., Sheriff’s Department, and the McDonald County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Arkansas and the Benton County, Ark., Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.


title: Five Plead Guilty to Drug, Firearms, and Immigration Offenses after Law Enforcement Investigation into Sales of Cocaine in Mississippi to Purchase Firearms and Machine Gun Conversion Devices for Delivery to Mexico

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: JACKSON, MS– Five individuals with ties to Mexico have pled guilty over the past month to felony offenses related to drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, and immigration offenses as a result of a law enforcement investigation involving sales of cocaine in Mississippi to purchase firearms and machine gun conversion devices for delivery to Mexico. According to court documents, Rosendo Gonzalez Mora, 40, Jaime Bladimir Dela Cruz, 28, Oscar Gonzalez, 39, Juan Deferia Mondragon, 32, and Gabriel Guerrero Gallegos, 36, were indicted by a federal grand jury for various felony offenses as a result of a joint operation between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Agency, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General. Jaime Bladimir Dela Cruz, an American citizen residing in Richland, MS, pleaded guilty today to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. Rosendo Gonzalez Mora, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty on June 17, 2024, to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. He faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. Mora and Dela Cruz’s charges stemmed from their attempts to barter an exchange of cocaine for fully automatic firearms, machinegun conversion devices, and explosives. It was the intent of Mora and Dela Cruz to source firearms and explosives from Jackson, Mississippi, and deliver them to organized crime syndicates in Mexico. Oscar Gonzalez, an American citizen residing in Jackson, MS, pleaded guilty on June 17, 2024, to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. His charges stem from his attempt to barter an exchange of cocaine for three machinegun conversion devices. He faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison with a maximum of life in prison. Juan Deferia Mondragon and Gabriel Guerrero Gallegos, both citizens of Mexico, also pleaded guilty on June 17, 2024, to illegal re-entry of a previously removed alien for their unlawful return into the United States after being previously deported. Mondragon had been previously removed from the United States on three separate occasions. They each face a maximum sentence of two years in prison followed by possible deportation. In addition to criminal prosecution, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi has seized numerous firearms, machinegun conversion devices, and over $200,000 of suspected drug trafficking proceeds as a result of this investigation. After discoveries made during the execution of various search warrants during the investigation, the Department of Justice has also initiated legal proceedings to seize over twenty acres of real property in Hinds County, Mississippi used in furtherance of the firearms and drug trafficking scheme as well as an illegal animal fighting venture involving over 200 illegally owned fighting chickens. “These charges demonstrate how transnational criminals are reaching even into Mississippi to obtain the weapons they are using to fuel violence abroad and in the United States,” said United States Attorney Todd Gee. “I want to thank all the federal, state, and local law enforcement agents that helped investigate and dismantle this international firearms trafficking network.” “ATF will continue to lead in investigating and disrupting firearms trafficking as we bring our expertise and resources to enhance law enforcement’s collectively ability to disrupt deadly weapons trafficking between Mississippi and Mexico,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “The guilty pleas from these five individuals send a strong message to drug and gun traffickers that ATF will work tirelessly to protect our communities and hold accountable those who threaten our safety.” “This case highlights the dangerous intersection of drug trafficking and firearms smuggling,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer, with the Drug Enforcement Administration New Orleans Division. “These transnational criminal organization not only fuel addiction in our communities, but they also put weapons in the hands of violent criminals, both here and abroad.” “These individuals, who were willing to trade illicit, deadly narcotics in exchange for firearms and explosives intended for Mexican organized crime syndicates, showed complete disregard for the safety of our communities and willingness to contribute to international violent crime,” said HSI New Orleans acting Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune. “This case is a great example of how HSI leverages its unique transnational authorities, alongside our local, state, and federal partners, to disrupt narcotics and firearms traffickers.” “The provisions of the Animal Welfare Act were designed to protect animals from being used in illegal fighting ventures, which often entail other forms of criminal activity involving drugs, firearms and gambling,” Special Agent-in-Charge Dax Roberson of the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General said. “Together with the Department of Justice, animal fighting is an investigative priority for USDA-OIG, and we will work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and assist in the criminal prosecution of those who participate in animal fighting ventures.” Mora, Gonzalez, Mondragon, and Gallegos are scheduled to be sentenced on September 17, 2024. Dela Cruz is scheduled to be sentenced on October 29, 2024. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General are investigating the case with assistance from the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Mississippi Agricultural & Livestock Theft Bureau, the Jackson Police Department, and the Capitol Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel Goff and Matthew Allen are prosecuting the case.


title: Richmond man caught with machinegun sentenced to federal prison

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to a year and nine months in prison for illegally possessing a machine gun. According to court documents, on March 25, 2023, Sterling Alexander Davis, 21, failed to stop at the intersection of Orcutt Lane and Kimrod Road and Richmond police performed a traffic stop. Davis told officers there were no firearms in the vehicle, but officers recognized the two passengers in the back seat and knew that they had possessed firearms in previous encounters. The officers checked both backseat passengers and found firearms in their pants. The officers then performed a protective sweep of the vehicle for additional weapons and located a 9mm handgun under the driver seat. The handgun was equipped with a laser guide and an extended magazine. The firearm also included a machinegun conversion device (MCD) that rendered it capable of fully automatic fire, meeting the legal definition of a machinegun. After Davis was arrested, law enforcement executed a search warrant on his cellphone. The search revealed text messages dating back two years in which Davis discussed buying and selling MCDs, claiming he had both the “built-in” and the “regular” type that replace the backplate of the firearm. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police; and Colette Wallace McEachin, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Groover, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman prosecuted the case. 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. 3:24-cr-32.


title: South Texas smugglers: ring leaders sentenced for transporting nearly 2,500 people in $2.9M conspiracy

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – Two non-U.S. citizens have been ordered to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and a related scheme to transport aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani along with Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI's San Antonio Field Office. Luis Enrique Moctezuma-Acosta, 37, and Scarlett Fuentes-Gavarrette, 34, pleaded guilty in March to laundering over $2 million in monetary instruments and conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. Both are Mexican nationals who illegally resided in Mission. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered the couple to serve 240 months in federal prison. Not U.S. citizens, they are expected to face removal proceedings following their sentences. At the hearing, the court heard recordings of undocumented aliens held against their will and begging their families to pay smugglers for their release. Evidence further revealed the organization proudly boasted about using their trucking business as a front, which not only facilitated the alien smuggling but also enabled the laundering of $2.9 million. The court also considered the lavish lifestyle the co-conspirators led, all while exploiting individuals who were seeking a better life. The organization had referred to them as “products” and abandoned some in the harsh conditions of the brush without food or water, resulting in the death of one. In handing down the sentence, the court noted his concurrence that this is one of the largest alien smuggling take downs this district has seen in recent history. “With today's sentencing, we send a clear and powerful message to all criminal organizations involved in human smuggling and money laundering,” said Hamdani. “From the rural areas of Central America to the bustling streets of Boston, Massachusetts, no criminal organization is beyond the relentless reach of the Department of Justice. The lengthy sentences handed down today are a testament to our unwavering determination to dismantle these ruthless networks and bring their leaders to justice. Let this serve as a stark warning: those who exploit vulnerable individuals for profit will face the full force of the law. We will not rest until every corner of these criminal enterprises is exposed and dismantled, ensuring the safety and dignity of our communities.” “This case started as a money laundering investigation at a business. FBI agents did a phenomenal job following the evidence to uncover a much larger conspiracy involving human smuggling,” said Tapp of the FBI's San Antonio Field Office. "I want to thank our partners at the Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, the Texas Department of Insurance and the McAllen Police Department for their assistance with this case and their continued partnership in keeping our south Texas communities safe.” The conspiracy involved a sophisticated network of alien smugglers across the United States utilizing commercial airplanes, tractor-trailers and various other smuggling methods. An investigation began in November 2019 and revealed the LEMA smuggling organization brought 2,459 undocumented migrants from the Southwest border regions further into the northern parts of the United States. The network spanned from Honduras to as far north as Boston, Massachusetts, with a heavy emphasis on smuggling Brazilian nationals. On March 9, 2023, authorities executed multiple search warrants at Fuentes-Gavarrette and Moctezuma-Acosta’s properties, at which time they seized over $1.5 million in cash. The locations included their residence and a purported car dealership they operated as a front business. Throughout the investigation, law enforcement also seized approximately $2.69 million in assets and several luxury vehicles, such as a 2023 Escalade, 2021 Ford Shelby Truck, jewelry and several pieces of real property. Both will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of task force officers from Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Insurance and McAllen Police Department. The Texas Attorney General's Office also provided assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric D. Flores prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Foster assisted with forfeiture proceedings.


title: Slidell Man Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing and Dealing in Explosive Materials Without a License

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on July 23, 2024, DEVIN JUNEAU, age 38, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, pled guilty to manufacturing and dealing in explosive materials without a license, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 842(a)(1) and 844(a)(1). According to court documents, on or about February 6, 2024, JUNEAU manufactured, and sold to undercover agents, M-Type explosive devices containing explosive materials, without possessing a license to engage in the business of manufacturing and dealing in explosive materials. At sentencing, JUNEAU , faces up to 10 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. JUNEAU also faces payment of a mandatory $100 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 the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crimes Unit.


title: Final Two Defendants Sentenced for their Roles in Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LONDON, Ky. – A Nicholasville, Ky., man, Bradley Lawson, 42, and a Corbin, Ky., woman, Amy Johnson, 39, were sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, to 180 months and 68 months, respectively, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to court documents, in July 2022, Lawson developed relationships with multiple sources of supply of methamphetamine, from whom he regularly obtained methamphetamine for resale. Lawson then worked with his co-defendants, Amy Johnson, Jesse Taylor, and Michael Nakonechny, to obtain and distribute the methamphetamine in Laurel and Whitley Counties. Specifically, in September 2022, law enforcement conducted a search and discovered two pounds of methamphetamine that they intended to distribute. Law enforcement also found Lawson in possession of a loaded firearm. Both Lawson and Johnson had previously been convicted of federal drug felony offenses, and Lawson was still on federal supervised release at the time on the commission of these new offenses. Lawson received an additional, consecutive sentence for his supervised release violation, of twelve months and a day. Nakonechny was previously sentenced to 163 months and Taylor was previously sentenced to 98 months. Under federal law, Lawson and Johnson must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon his release from prison, Lawson will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years, and Johnson will be under supervision for five years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Sheriff John Root, Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the ATF, KSP, and Laurel County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Trimble prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. — END —


title: Bridgeport Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Prison for Drug Distribution and Firearm Possession Offenses

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN BONAPARTE, 36, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 80 months of imprisonment, followed by seven years of supervised release, for drug distribution and firearm possession offenses. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 30, 2022, law enforcement stopped Bonaparte’s vehicle after he was observed conducting hand-to-hand drug transactions. Bonaparte was arrested after a search of his person revealed fentanyl, cocaine, and $2,382 in cash, and a search of his vehicle revealed 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The next day, a court-authorized search of a home in Derby where Bonaparte resided revealed six firearms, eight extended magazines, ammunition, fentanyl, cocaine, and items used to process and package narcotics. Bonaparte’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for robbery and firearm offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. On March 20, 2024, Bonaparte pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by a felon. He is currently detained. This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives (ATF), and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins, through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice 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 www.justice.gov/psn .