title: Justice Department Awards Over $4.4 Billion to Support Community Safety

component: Office of Justice Programs (OJP)

body_text: The Justice Department announced yesterday that it is awarding more than $4.4 billion to support state, local, and Tribal public safety and community justice activities. The grants, from the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will help build community capacity to curb violence, serve victims and youth, and achieve fair outcomes through evidence-based criminal and juvenile justice strategies. More than 40 grants totaling approximately $39 million were awarded to Connecticut state agencies, municipalities, and service organizations. Bridgeport, Bristol, Danbury, East Hartford, Hamden, Hartford, New Britain, New Haven, New London, Norwalk, Norwich, Stamford, Stratford, Waterbury, and West Haven will each receive grants through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. The full list of Connecticut grant awardees can be found here . “Everyone in this country deserves to be safe in their communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “That is why, in addition to continuing our efforts to identify and prosecute the most violent criminals, the Justice Department is putting every available resource to work to support the efforts of our law enforcement and community partners nationwide. This significant investment will go directly to state and local programs that support the victims of crime, support officer safety and wellness, build the public trust in law enforcement essential to public safety, and help make all of our communities safer.” “These Justice Department grants will help stem violence, solve crimes, assist victims, treat addiction, and support law enforcement throughout our state to keep our officers and the Connecticut communities they serve healthy and safe,” said Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut. The more than 3,700 OJP grants being awarded this fiscal year will support state, local, and community-based efforts and evidence-based interventions that reduce violence, crime, and recidivism while delivering treatment and services to those at-risk of justice system involvement. Funding will expand partnerships between criminal justice professionals and behavioral health experts, help people safely and successfully transition from confinement back to their communities, reach crime victims in underserved areas, steer young people away from justice system contact, improve the management of sex offenders, and support a wide range of research and statistical activities that will help justice system professionals meet community safety challenges. “Across the country, the Justice Department is working side-by-side with our partners in state and local law enforcement to combat violent crime by using our federal resources to amplify their work on the front lines,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “The billions of dollars in grants announced today will augment those efforts and the tools law enforcement is using to curb violence, counter deadly drug abuse, and promote safety and public trust. Together with our state and local partners, the Department will continue to do everything we can to protect the communities we all serve.” “The Department of Justice is investing in community-based approaches to violence prevention, law enforcement health and wellness, Tribal courts, improved services for victims, research and data collection efforts, reentry programs, and much more,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “The grants announced today further our commitment to working with our state, Tribal, and local partners to increase public safety, build police-community trust, and ensure safe, healthy, and just communities for all.” “Every sector of our society — not only the justice system, but nonprofit and faith-based groups, local leaders, and advocates, and people with lived experience who serve as credible messengers — plays a critical role in ensuring public safety and public health,” said OJP Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon. “The Office of Justice Programs is proud to make these substantial investments in building community infrastructure and supporting communities as co-producers of safety and justice.” Grants will support five major community safety and justice priorities: Awards totaling more than $1 billion will promote safety and strengthen trust , helping communities tackle the proliferation of gun violence in America and restore bonds of trust between community residents and the justice system. Grants will support innovative and evidence-based strategies designed to prevent and reduce violent crime, support the health and safety of law enforcement and public safety professionals, promote rehabilitation and reentry success, and address the rise in hate crimes across the country. More than $437 million in grant awards will accelerate justice system reforms designed to achieve equal justice and fair treatment for all. Grants will expand access to services among historically underserved and marginalized communities, reduce counterproductive involvement in the justice system, increase opportunities for diversion, and build pathways to treatment for people with substance use and mental health disorders. Over $192 million will improve the fairness and effectiveness of the juvenile justice system by supporting developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive interventions for youth. Funding will ensure that young people are served at home in their communities whenever possible, are equipped to transition to a healthy adulthood free of crime, and are protected from violence and abuse. More than $1.7 billion will expand access to victim services by investing in programs that provide trauma-informed and culturally responsive services to victims. Funding will support thousands of local victim assistance programs across the country and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory, while helping these programs build their capacity to reach those disproportionately affected by crime and victimization. Over $418 million in awards will advance science and innovation to strengthen the base of knowledge that policymakers and practitioners can use to design and deploy effective community safety strategies. Awards will support research and data collection on a wide range of public safety issues, help maintain timely and accurate criminal history records, and improve the capacity of crime labs and forensic analysts to solve crimes, absolve the innocent, and deliver justice to victims. In addition, OJP will award more than $611 million to continue its support of other previously funded programs and congressionally directed spending. More information about the awards announced today can be found by visiting www.ojp.gov/funding/fy23awards .


title: Kalispell meth, fentanyl trafficker sentenced to 15 years in prison

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: MISSOULA — A Kalispell man accused of trafficking thousands of fentanyl pills and pounds of methamphetamine in the community was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Justin Jose Romo, 30, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. In court documents, the government alleged that from March 2022 to September 2022, a Northwest Drug Task Force investigation determined that Romo was distributing meth and fentanyl in the Flathead Valley. Investigators learned from sources that Romo was distributing pound quantities of meth, thousands of fentanyl pills and possessed firearms on multiple occasions. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case. The Northwest Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. 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. XXX


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Nearly $16.5 Million In Federal Grants Awarded To Western District Of North Carolina To Support Community Safety

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today that $16,470,958 in federal grants has been allocated to the Western District of North Carolina to support public safety and community justice initiatives. The grants are part of the $4.4 billion in funding awarded by the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), to help build community capacity to curb violence, serve victims and youth, and achieve fair outcomes through evidence-based criminal and juvenile justice strategies. “Everyone in this country deserves to be safe in their communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “That is why, in addition to continuing our efforts to identify and prosecute the most violent criminals, the Justice Department is putting every available resource to work to support the efforts of our law enforcement and community partners nationwide. This significant investment will go directly to state and local programs that support the victims of crime, support officer safety and wellness, build the public trust in law enforcement essential to public safety, and help make all of our communities safer.” “Federal grants are critical to support my Office’s efforts to increase and restore the health and safety of communities throughout the Western District of North Carolina. Federal funding supports comprehensive public safety solutions tailored to each community’s unique needs, and ensures that local governments and law enforcement have the tools and resources they need to do their jobs effectively.” From, Dena J. King, United States Attorney The more than 3,700 OJP grants being awarded this fiscal year will support state, local, and community-based efforts and evidence-based interventions that reduce violence, crime, and recidivism while delivering treatment and services to those at-risk of justice system involvement. Funding will expand partnerships between criminal justice professionals and behavioral health experts, help people safely and successfully transition from confinement back to their communities, reach crime victims in underserved areas, steer young people away from justice system contact, improve the management of sex offenders, and support a wide range of research and statistical activities that will help justice system professionals meet community safety challenges. In the Western District of North Carolina, nearly $9 million has been awarded under OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to the cities of Asheville, Boone, Charlotte (and Mecklenburg County), Gastonia (and Gaston County), Monroe, Morganton, Newton, Shelby, and Statesville. BJA provides leadership and assistance to local criminal justice programs that improve and reinforce the nation’s criminal justice system. BJA’s goals are to reduce and prevent crime, violence, and drug abuse and to improve the way in which the criminal justice system functions. BJA funding announcements are posted at: https://www.bja.gov/funding.aspx . In addition, more than $6.5 million has been awarded to the City of Newton and the National Association of Police Athletic/Activities Leagues, Inc. (National PAL) in Charlotte under OJP’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). A component of the OJP within the Department of Justice, OJJDP works to prevent and respond to youth delinquency and protect children by sponsoring research, program, and training initiatives, disseminating information about juvenile justice issues, and awarding funds to support local programming. OJJDP funding announcements are posted at: https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding . Lastly, $1 million has been awarded to Mecklenburg County under OJP’s National Institute on Justice (NIJ). NIJ is the research, development and evaluation agency of the Department of Justice, dedicated to improving knowledge and understanding of crime and justice issues through science. NIJ funding announcements are posted at: https://nij.ojp.gov/funding . “Across the country, the Justice Department is working side-by-side with our partners in state and local law enforcement to combat violent crime by using our federal resources to amplify their work on the front lines,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “The billions of dollars in grants announced today will augment those efforts and the tools law enforcement is using to curb violence, counter deadly drug abuse, and promote safety and public trust. Together with our state and local partners, the Department will continue to do everything we can to protect the communities we all serve.” “The Department of Justice is investing in community-based approaches to violence prevention, law enforcement health and wellness, Tribal courts, improved services for victims, research and data collection efforts, reentry programs, and much more,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “The grants announced today further our commitment to working with our state, Tribal, and local partners to increase public safety, build police-community trust, and ensure safe, healthy, and just communities for all.” “Every sector of our society — not only the justice system, but nonprofit and faith-based groups, local leaders, and advocates, and people with lived experience who serve as credible messengers — plays a critical role in ensuring public safety and public health,” said OJP Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon. “The Office of Justice Programs is proud to make these substantial investments in building community infrastructure and supporting communities as co-producers of safety and justice.” In addition, OJP will award more than $611 million to continue its support of other previously funded programs and congressionally directed spending. More information about the awards announced today can be found by visiting www.ojp.gov/funding/fy23awards .


title: Wausau Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Trenton McCorkle, 27, Wausau, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 7 years in federal prison for possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. This prison term will be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release. McCorkle pleaded guilty to this charge on May 23, 2023. On December 14, 2021, officers attempted to stop McCorkle for reckless driving after a trooper with the Wisconsin State Patrol observed him weaving and speeding through heavy traffic during poor winter weather conditions. McCorkle lost control of his car and crashed into a traffic pole, which fell over. McCorkle then unsuccessfully tried to flee from the crash site. Prior to the crash, a witness observed McCorkle’s passenger throw a black bag from the car. Officers located the bag, which contained approximately half a pound of methamphetamine, a .45 caliber handgun, three loaded magazines, and several rounds of ammunition. McCorkle later admitted to officers that he had been dealing a significant amount of methamphetamine in the Wausau area over the previous year. McCorkle is prohibited from legally possessing a firearm as a result of several felony convictions, including a 2019 conviction for possession of methamphetamine. McCorkle was on state supervision for that conviction at the time of the conduct in this case. He also had been charged in three separate state court cases, including one related to methamphetamine distribution. At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted that McCorkle’s conduct posed a real danger to the public. Judge Peterson also stated that McCorkle’s continued methamphetamine dealing not only impacted the people to whom he dealt, but also contributed to the continued criminality of those above him in the world of drug trafficking. The charge against McCorkle was the result of an investigation conducted by the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force, Wisconsin State Patrol, Rothschild Police Department, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus handled the prosecution.


title: California Man Arrested And Indicted For Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Materials Over The Internet

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jason Charles Nicholas (53, Ramona, California) has been arrested and indicted for distributing child sexual abuse materials over the internet. If convicted, Nicholas faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, and up to 20 years, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release. Nicholas was arrested on September 21, 2023 in San Diego County, California. He has been detained and will be transported to Jacksonville by the U.S. Marshals Service for prosecution in this case. According to court documents, on August 3, 2023, an FBI agent in the Jacksonville area, using the persona of the parent of an 11-year-old “child,” began working in an undercover (UC) capacity on a particular social media application (app) to identify individuals who were attempting to sexually exploit children. The UC began a private conversation on the app with a user named “cldad,” who was subsequently identified as Nicholas. Nicholas falsely claimed that he lived in Florida and indicated his desire to meet the UC at the UC’s residence in northeast Florida to have sex with the 11-year-old “child.” However, Nicholas subsequently abandoned this plan and began threatening the UC that he would expose the UC’s purported criminal sexual conduct unless the UC streamed live video of the “child” to Nicholas. The UC refused to do so. Nicholas later apologized for threatening the UC and the two continued online conversations for several weeks. Nicholas told the UC about his longtime practice of brushing up against and taking surreptitious photos (“creep shots”) of young girls in public places, and also that he had abused a young child after overdosing the child with medication. During an online conversation on August 17, 2023, Nicholas sent the UC six videos and two photos that depicted young children being sexually abused. Further investigation by the FBI led to the identification of Nicholas. On September 21, 2023, FBI agents, with assistance from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Nicholas as he was on his way to work. On that same day, a federal search warrant was executed at Nicholas’ residence resulting the seizure of several electronic devices. This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and San Diego. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown. 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. It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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 child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Philadelphia Man Sentenced To 30 Years In Prison For Enticement Of A Minor

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Samuel Ernesto Mendez (29, Philadelphia) to 30 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. The court also ordered Mendez to forfeit two cellphones and a gaming console, which were used to commit the offense. Mendez had pleaded guilty on March 31, 2023. According to court documents, in February 2022, Mendez met the 12-year-old victim online. He chatted online with the child for four months before traveling to Orlando in June 2022 to engage in sexual activity with the child. While in Orlando, Mendez picked up the child in the middle of the night, took the child to a local hotel, drank alcoholic beverages with the child, and had sexual intercourse with the child. After returning to his home in Philadelphia, Mendez continued his inappropriate “relationship” with the victim with online written and video chats. Upon his arrest in December 2022, Mendez admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with the victim and traveling to Florida to see the victim. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Baker County Repeat Offender Sentenced to More than 15 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Methamphetamine and Firearms

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: EUGENE, Ore.—On September 28, 2023, a Baker County, Oregon man with a lengthy criminal history, who fled from a traffic stop at more than 100 mph and threatened a shootout with police, was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison for illegally possessing methamphetamine and firearms. Zachary Charles Persicke, 38, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. According to court documents, in late September 2021, as part of an investigation of Persicke for dealing drugs and illegally possessing firearms, Baker County law enforcement obtained a state search warrant for Persicke’s person and an associated residence. Law enforcement observed Persicke in a vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. While fleeing from police and reaching speeds of more than 100 mph, Persicke called 911, told the dispatcher he had a weapon, and threatened to engage in a shootout. After driving over a spike strip placed by law enforcement, Persicke pulled over and surrendered without incident. In a search of Persicke’s vehicle, officers located and seized more than 300 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded .45 caliber pistol, and an assault-style rifle. On November 18, 2021, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a three-count indictment charging Persicke with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On April 5, 2023, Persicke pleaded guilty to a two-count superseding criminal information charging him with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. This case was investigated by the Baker City Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Oregon State Police and the Baker County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.


title: Man indicted for blowing up ATM

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – Abdurrahim Jalal has been indicted for blowing up a bank automated teller machine and for possession of illegal explosive devices. “The unlawful use and possession of explosives creates a grave danger to our citizens and first responders who must risk their lives to respond to these violent crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “This indictment is the culmination of investigative work conducted by a team of federal and local law enforcement agencies who recovered bombing materials from Jalal’s home and may have prevented additional explosions.” “The alleged actions of this individual could have led to innocent people being seriously hurt or killed,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This investigation is proof of the strength and tenacity of the FBI and its law enforcement partners in eliminating acts of violence which threaten the communities we serve.” “ATF will continue to dedicate federal resources in conjunction with crucial Federal and local law enforcement partners to the pursuit of eradicating and forestalling criminal activity in communities we serve,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “This indictment comes as a result of the strong partnerships that exist between local, state, and federal agencies. Working together we can continue to keep our streets safe,” said DeKalb Police Chief Mirtha V. Ramos. According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: At approximately 3:11 a.m. on March 29, 2023, Jalal blew up an ATM at the Bank of America branch located at the North DeKalb Mall in Decatur, Georgia. Jalal took approximately $88,000 from the vault of the machine after the explosion. Investigators identified Jalal and obtained a warrant to search his home. They found additional destructive devices during that search. Abdurrahim Jalal, 53, of DeKalb County, Georgia, was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 12, 2023, and had his initial appearance on September 27, 2023. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, DeKalb County Police Department and the DeKalb County Fire Rescue. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dash A. Cooper prosecuted the case. This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In keeping with the Attorney General’s mission to reduce violent crime, the Northern District of Georgia’s PSN program focuses on prosecuting those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our communities, and supports and fosters partnerships between law enforcement and schools, the faith community, and local community leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov .


title: SMC Systems Inc. to Pay $2.35 Million to Resolve Allegations of False Statements Relating to Energy Star Program

component: Civil Division

body_text: SMC Systems Inc., dba Skyetec, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, has agreed to pay $2.35 million to resolve allegations that it violated the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA), between 2014 and 2021, by knowingly and intentionally making false statements to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other entities about the results of inspections it was performing under the EPA’s Energy Star Program. FIRREA imposes civil penalties on any person or entity that violates certain predicate federal statutes involving false statements and financial fraud. On July 15, 2021, Skyetec was acquired by Quality Built, LLC, and re-organized as SMC Systems LLC. “EPA’s Energy Star program is an important vehicle for promoting energy efficiency and improving energy security,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable those who undermine these critical objectives and seek to profit by knowingly failing to comply with the program’s requirements. “The strength and integrity of the Energy Star program depends on accurate information provided by those who inspect and certify homes as energy efficient,” said U.S. Attorney Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to ensuring integrity in that process for both home buyers and financial institutions that assist borrowers in financing their homes, as well as holding accountable those who falsely certify Energy Star homes.” “ The integrity of the Energy Star program relies on an honest and transparent public-private partnership,” said Special Agent in Charge Nic Evans of the EPA Office of Inspector General (EPA-OIG). “These allegations and subsequent penalties send a clear message that oversight is imperative to bring to light partners that diminish the value of the Energy Star program.” The Energy Star Program is a voluntary public-private partnership to identify and promote energy-efficient products and buildings, to reduce energy consumption, to improve energy security and to reduce pollution through labeling of, or other communication about, products and buildings that meet the highest energy conservation standards. As part of the Energy Star Program, the EPA oversees the Energy Star Home Certification Program along with RESNET, a private Home Certification Organization that accredits and audits rating providers. Under the Home Certification Program, newly constructed homes receive energy inspections and obtain Energy Star Certificates reflecting that the home meets the required energy efficiency standards. An essential feature of this program is third-party verification that the home meets energy efficiency standards set by EPA. EPA relies on rating providers, like Skyetec, to ensure that all homes certified as Energy Star meet all Energy Star requirements. The rating provider must sign a partnership agreement with the EPA and must report all homes certified as Energy Star to the EPA. An essential component of the Energy Star Home Certification Program is a pre-drywall inspection to verify the presence and installation quality of a home’s insulation, alignment of air barriers, presence of prescribed framing and proper overall seal of a home. This is known as a “thermal bypass inspection.” The United States alleged that between 2014 and 2021, Skyetec knowingly and intentionally made false statements to the EPA, RESNET and others that it had properly performed these thermal bypass inspections when, in fact, it had failed to do so. Skyetec obtained both payment from a third party for a thermal bypass inspection and an Energy Star certificate from EPA based on the material misrepresentation that a thermal bypass inspection occurred. Skyetec reported information about these homes through internet platforms to both the EPA and RESNET as having satisfied Energy Star requirements when in fact they had not verified this through a thermal bypass inspection. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from EPA-OIG. The matter was investigated by Senior Trial Counsel Don Williamson and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsay Griffin, Charles Harden and Soma Nwokolo for the Middle District of Florida. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. Settlement


title: Tucson Woman Sentenced to 20 Years for Second Degree Murder

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Yvette Naomi Garcia, 36, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced on Tuesday by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to 20 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Garcia pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder. On December 26, 2021, Garcia, an enrolled member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, murdered a Pascua Yaqui woman by intentionally running her over multiple times with a vehicle. The offense occurred on the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation in Tucson, Arizona. The FBI and the Pascua Yaqui Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances M. Kreamer Hope and Scott A. Turk, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR 22-0525-TUC-SHR (BGM) RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-144_Garcia # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Justice Department Awards More Than $1.4 Million to Public Safety Operations in Southern Illinois

body_text: FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) announced five Metro East entities as recipients for a combined $1.4 million in federal funding to support local public safety and community justice efforts. “In addition to prosecuting violators of federal law, the Justice Department and the funding awarded by OJP will help law enforcement officials in southern Illinois to have more resources to curb violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I commend this investment in public safety.” Awards granted in the Southern District of Illinois totaled $1,417,432. The City of Alton was awarded $800,000 from the Smart Policing Initiative Grant Program to expand License Plate Readers (LPRs) and other camera technology to help reduce violent crime and vehicle thefts. The City of Collinsville received a $299,719 grant from the Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Program to help police develop stronger investigative capacities. The project aims to add surveillance and forensic technology with LPRs. Hoyleton Youth and Family Services in Fairview Heights received a total of $226,153 from the Project Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program. Hoyleton officials will serve as the lead social service provider and fiscal agent over the funds to assist law enforcement operations through the Illinois State Police’s Public Safety Enforcement Group in East St. Louis. Officials awarded a combined $91,560 to the City of Alton, Madison County and St. Clair County through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program to offer funds for police equipment purchases and help support community safety. In total, the Justice Department awarded more than $4.4 billion nationwide to support community safety efforts. Visit the OJP website for the complete list of grantees as well as more information on the programs.


title: Toledo Man Sentenced for Multiple Bank Robberies in Michigan and Ohio

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: TOLEDO – United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko announced that Scott Kelly Hansen, 63, of Toledo, OH, was sentenced to 348 months imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary after earlier pleading guilty to two bank robberies in Ann Arbor, Michigan and one in Norwalk, Ohio. Hansen was also ordered to pay $44,908.73 in restitution and serve a 5-year term of supervised release upon release from imprisonment. According to court documents, on July 16, 2022, Scott Kelly Hansen entered the Chase Bank on East Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor, Michigan wearing a mask and baseball cap. Hansen approached the teller, while no other customers were in the bank, and said “This is a bank robbery, give me all your cash… including the reserves.” Hansen then patted the area beneath his shirt at his waist, which the teller understood to mean he was implying a weapon. The teller produced approximately $20,000 in cash and gave it to Hansen who fled the bank. Then on July 19, 2022, Hansen entered the Fifth Third Bank on Washtenaw Avenue in Ann Arbor, Michigan wearing similar clothing and a mask. Hansen drew a pistol, pointed it at both tellers, and said, “Give me all you have.” The teller produced approximately $15,000 in cash, which Hansen took and left. Days later, Hansen returned to the same Fifth Third Bank, but fled once he was recognized by a teller. On August 25, 2022, Hansen entered Civista Bank in Norwalk, Ohio armed with a pistol, wearing similar clothing and a mask. Hansen ordered everyone to get down on the ground and aimed the pistol at customers and tellers. Hansen then went behind the counter and demanded cash from the drawers and dispensing machines. Hansen said he was just there for the money and didn’t want anyone to get hurt. After growing frustrated with how slowly the teller was retrieving bills from the dispensing machine, Hansen grabbed two plastic money containers from the machine and fled the bank with approximately $82,000. As he left, Hansen instructed everyone to “Stay on the floor. Don’t get up. Don’t watch out the windows.” Customers called 911 and Hansen was apprehended. In Hansen’s vehicle officers found cash and a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic pistol. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Norwalk Police Department, and the Ann Arbor Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ava Rotell Dustin and Matthew Simko.


title: Settlement for $1.25 Million With Edgewater Systems for Balanced Living, Inc. for Fraudulently Billing the Indiana Medicaid Program

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: HAMMOND - United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced today a pre-suit settlement for $1.25 million to resolve civil claims of the United States of America and the State of Indiana against Edgewater Systems for Balanced Living, Inc., a healthcare provider in Gary, Indiana that provides mental health services, for fraudulently billing the Indiana Medicaid program. The Indiana Medicaid program provides healthcare for low income, often uninsured, Indiana residents who cannot otherwise afford needed medical care. Indiana Medicaid is jointly funded by the United States and the State of Indiana. The case involves Indiana Medicaid’s requirement that, before conducting, and billing Indiana Medicaid for, mental health counseling sessions, the provider first must draft an Individualized Integrated Care Plan (Care Plan), and the Care Plan must be signed and approved by either a physician or a Health Service Provider in Psychology, which is a provider with a Ph.D. Degree in Psychology. Despite knowing of the requirement because of negative Indiana Medicaid audits during prior time periods, during the period from November 1, 2012 through and including December 31, 2017, Edgewater repeatedly billed Indiana Medicaid for mental health counseling sessions that failed to meet the requirement. The False Claims Act prohibits an entity from knowingly submitting claims for payment to a Medicaid program that fail to comply with required billing standards. Under the False Claims Act such non-compliant billing constitutes a fraudulent claim even though services were in fact rendered. Edgewater has agreed to pay the United States and the State of Indiana $1.25 million for falsely billing Indiana Medicaid for the mental health counseling sessions. The settlement was reached as a result of an investigation initiated by United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana with assistance from the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit within the Indiana Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Wayne T. Ault handled the settlement negotiations. # # #


title: Former Chief Operating Officer of Area Pain Clinics Indicted

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTESVLLE, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment this week charging the former chief operating officer of area pain clinics with three conspiracy counts for her alleged involvement in health care fraud and illegal drug distribution. Jennifer Ann “Jen” Adams, 50, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, is charged with one count of conspiring to commit health care fraud, one count of conspiring to distribute medically illegitimate Schedule II controlled substances, and one count of conspiring to use the DEA registration number of another. “We face a moment in our country where more than 100,000 of our fellow Americans die each year from drug overdoses,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “We must do all we can to support those battling addiction disorders and prosecute those who prey on this disease.” “My office's commitment to holding bad actors accountable for their role in exacerbating the opioid epidemic remains unyielding. With the support of our federal partners, Virginia will continue to prosecute those who take advantage of their fellow citizens for their own selfish benefit, decimating lives in the process,” said Attorney General Jason Miyares. “Our top priority is combatting the current fentanyl-fueled poisoning crisis and related violence in our communities, especially because many of the people who died from fentanyl had no idea they have even taken it. Healthcare providers are responsible for prescribing and dispensing medications to meet the health needs of our citizens, while being vigilant for any signs of controlled substance diversion or misuse. Our team is committed to protecting all Americans' safety and health, including ensuring that all licensed professionals comply with the law and report dangerous behaviors,” mentioned Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division. “Health care professionals who exploit opioid addiction for their own financial gain do so at the risk of endangering their patients as well as undermining federal health care programs and public health efforts to address the opioid epidemic,” said Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that bad actors are held accountable for such egregious disregard for patient safety and well-being.” According to court documents, Adams served as the chief operating officer (COO) and practice manager for several pain clinics throughout Central and Southwest Virginia. These clinics were located in Lynchburg, Madison Heights, Woodlawn, Blacksburg, and Christiansburg. The clinics represented themselves as largely focused on pain management, which involved the prescribing of Schedule II opioids, as well as opioid addiction treatment, which involved prescribing Suboxone and other drugs. The indictment alleges that Adams permitted medical providers who lacked DEA registration numbers to use the registration numbers of others. She did so by instructing employees to continue to use the registration numbers of doctors who were not present and by assisting in making payments to doctors who were not present for the use of their registration numbers. Adams was aware when clinic employees knowingly wrote prescriptions for Schedule II and Schedule III controlled substances to patients who exhibited warning signs of drug abuse, drug addiction, and drug diversion. In addition, Adams allowed employees who lacked medical training, experience, and licensing to provide medical treatment and to make and influence medical decisions. Adams was initially arrested in South Carolina in early September on a criminal complaint. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, the Virginia State Police, and the Virginia Attorney General’s Office - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Cagle Juhan and Jason M. Scheff, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Janine M. Myatt, Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Fayette County Man Sentenced to 15 Months for False Statements to U.S. Probation Office  and Failure to Appear

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Lexington, Ky., man, Charles E. Johnson, Jr., 62, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison on Friday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, for making materially false statements to the United States Probation Office and for failing to appear for a hearing while released on bond pending trial. Johnson was serving a term of supervised release following convictions in the Eastern District of Virginia for securities fraud and witness tampering. Public records demonstrate that as part of his sentence for securities fraud, Johnson was ordered to pay more than $9 million in restitution to the victims of his crime. According to his plea agreement, as a condition of that supervised release, Johnson was required to make sworn financial disclosures to the United States Probation Office fully disclosing assets he controlled, so that the Probation Office could determine resources available to repay victims of his earlier securities fraud. On two separate sworn financial disclosures in 2021, Johnson intentionally concealed his control of a company bank account, which he used to pay more than $140,000 in personal expenses that year, instead reporting only that he earned $3,500 per month from the company. Johnson was released on bond pending trial for these false statements offenses. When the United States moved to revoke his bond due to unauthorized travel outside the Eastern District of Kentucky, Johnson fled to Las Vegas and failed to appear at a scheduled bond revocation hearing in April 2023. He was apprehended in Minnesota the following month. In addition to his sentence for these crimes, Johnson was sentenced to another 6 months in prison for further violations of the conditions of his supervised release. Under federal law, Johnson must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years. Carlton S. Shier IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pittsburgh Field Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul McCaffrey. – END –


title: Two Defendants Sentenced for their Roles in Money Laundering Conspiracy

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. — Two men who participated in a far-reaching conspiracy to launder drug proceeds were sentenced on Friday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves. Anthony Scott Cossu, 29, of Olympia, Washington, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison and ordered to forfeit $204,265.00 in money that was proceeds of drug trafficking. Felipe Martinez, age 25, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and ordered to forfeit $347,828.00 that was drug proceeds. According to their plea agreements, Cossu and Martinez engaged in a money laundering scheme, with six additional defendants, which included criminal activities in Lexington, Chicago, and elsewhere, during the conspiracy. Cossu was responsible for $765,065.00 in laundered funds, while Martinez was held accountable for $347,828,00. Cossu, Martinez, and others, delivered bulk cash drug proceeds to others for conversion to cryptocurrency and transferred to other conspirators based in Mexico. A total of 26 kilograms of cocaine was also seized during the investigation, as well as 3 firearms. Cossu and Martinez’s four co-defendants have previously been sentenced for their roles. Carlos Gonzalez received 97 months in prison and three years of supervised release; Rudy Guerrero received 80 months and three years of supervised release; Warren Miller received 24 months and three years of supervised release; and Oscar Alberto Palacios Espericuete received 30 months and three years of supervised release. Under federal law, Cossu and Martinez must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. After their release from prison, they will be under supervised release for three years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the sentences. The investigation was conducted by the DEA. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Bradbury. This operation 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. -END-


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Targets Straw Purchasers of Firearms, Including Man Who Illegally Purchased the Handgun Used to Kill 6-Year-Old Chicago Girl

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

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Eric Lamar Keys, Jr., 25, of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been sentenced for making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. He is the latest of several defendants to be federally prosecuted for gun trafficking offenses as the U.S. Attorney’s Office partners with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, to target illegal sources of guns used in crime. According to court documents, on April 18, 2021, Chicago Police Department Officers were dispatched to a report of shots fired in the parking lot of a McDonald’s restaurant. When they arrived, they found one man shot in the stomach and a 6-year-old girl who had been shot and killed. The suspect in the shooting was ultimately arrested by law enforcement officers and found to be in possession of multiple guns. A ballistics analysis later confirmed that one of the guns, a Glock .40 caliber pistol, was used to murder the 6-year-old girl. That gun was purchased by Eric Lamar Keys in Indiana 48 days before it was used to shoot and kill the little girl. Investigation by the ATF found that on February 21, 2021, Keys purchased a Taurus 9mm pistol from a federally licensed firearms dealer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Keys intentionally made a false statement by declaring on a required federal firearms purchase form that he was the actual buyer of the firearm, when in fact, he intended to purchase it for an individual prohibited by law from possessing a firearm in return for $750. This form of gun trafficking is frequently referred to as “straw purchasing.” Straw purchasing occurs when a person who is allowed to legally purchase a gun from a federally licensed dealer falsely states that they are purchasing a firearm for themselves, when they know that the gun is actually intended for someone else—frequently someone who is legally prohibited from making the purchase themselves. This sentencing comes on the tail-end of a series of similar straw purchasing cases prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana within the last year: Defendant Charge(s) Sentence Abdul Hadi, 34, Toronto, Canada Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime 6.5 years’ imprisonment, 2 years supervised release, $500 fine. Amru Hasani, 34, Indianapolis Aiding and Abetting the Making of a False Statement during the Purchase of a Firearm 2.5 years’ imprisonment, 2 years supervised release, $500 fine. Stephen King, 67, Indianapolis Dealing Firearms without a License 18 months’ imprisonment, 2 years supervised release. Ryan White, 21, Indianapolis Dealing Firearms without a License 18 months’ imprisonment, 2 years supervised release. Xavier Wilson, 24, Otterbein, IN Making a False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm 18 months’ imprisonment, 3 years supervised release. Tashia Overton, 23, Indianapolis Making a False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm 15 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release, $250 fine. Traven Armstrong, 26, Indianapolis Making a False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm 1 year and 1 day imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, $500 fine. DeAngelo Carnell, 25, Indianapolis 6 counts of Making a False Statement in Connection with the Acquisition of a Firearm and 1 count of Dealing in Firearms without a Federal License 1 year and 1 day imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, $500 fine. Ariel Campbell, 28, Bloomington Making a False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm 10 months’ imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, $250 fine. Kwamay Armstrong, 31, Indianapolis Making a False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm 3 months’ imprisonment, 2 years supervised release, $250 fine Jayte Davis, 24, Indianapolis Making a False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm 3 months’ imprisonment, 2 years supervised release, $1000 fine. Jordan Henry, 24, Indianapolis Making a False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm 3 months’ imprisonment, 3 months supervised release Sierra Vasquez, 27, Indianapolis Making a False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm 11 months served, 3 years supervised release, $500 fine. Victor Anderson, 26, Indianapolis Making a False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm 5 days served; 2 years supervised release, $1000 fine. Stephany Irby, 28. Indianapolis Making a False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm 4 days served; 2 years supervised release Erniesha Collins, 23, Indianapolis Making a False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm 3 days served, 3 years supervised release, $250 fine. Latasha Davis, 30, Anderson Making a False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm 3 days served, 3 years supervised release, $100 fine Charles Hunter, 24, Indianapolis Making a False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm; Making a False Statement with Respect to Information Required to Be Kept by Licensed Firearms Dealers 2 days served; 3 years supervised release. Destiny Langston, 23, Indianapolis Making a False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm 3 years’ probation, $500 fine. Eric Lamar Keys Jr., 25, Indianapolis Making a False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm 2 years’ probation, $800 fine Ryanne Godfrey, 40, Indianapolis Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by Person Under Felony Indictment; Making a False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm 2 years’ probation, $250 fine Edward Wilson, 24, Indianapolis Making a False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm 2 years’ probation, $250 fine. Jacob Tomlin, 28, Indianapolis Making a False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm 2 years’ probation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated these cases, with valuable assistance provided by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, The Cook County Sheriff’s Department, and the Chicago Police Department “The tragic loss of a little girl’s life is an unfortunate example of how those who straw purchase firearms can be directly responsible for gun violence plaguing our communities,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “Gun traffickers help arm criminals who should never have had access to deadly weapons in the first place. Our office is committed to working closely with the ATF and local law enforcement agencies to address the sources of crime gun to reduce gun violence—and to hold gun traffickers accountable in federal court.” “Purchasing firearms for prohibited people is a major source of crime guns around the country and here in Indiana,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “In all of these cases investigated by the ATF Chicago Trafficking Strike Force, firearms were purchased by straw buyers and ended up in the wrong hands. The hard work of Strike Force with support of the Columbus Field Division and our law enforcement partners represents ATF’s commitment to stop the flow of firearms from legal purchases to illegal commerce.” U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson imposed the sentence on Keys. Judge Stinson also ordered that Keys be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 2 years following his release from federal prison and pay an $800 fine. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Lawrence D. Hilton, Kelsey L. Massa, Jayson W. McGrath, Patrick J. Gibson, Peter A. Blackett, and Abhi Kambli, who prosecuted these cases. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana is pursuing these prosecutions as a part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Chicago Gun Trafficking Strike Force. On July 22, 2021, the Department of Justice launched five cross-jurisdictional strike forces to help reduce gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. These gun trafficking strike forces are designed to ensure coordination across jurisdictions and help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms from source cities, through other communities, and into five key market regions: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region and Washington, D.C. ###


title: Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of Ammunition

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to illegally possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. Tyreek Hall, 21, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition before U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani who scheduled sentencing for Jan. 18, 2024. Hall was charged in September 2022. On June 9, 2022, Hall was found in possession of a 9x19mm caliber privately made Glock-style semi-automatic pistol, bearing no manufacturer serial number (commonly known as a “ghost gun”), and eight rounds of ammunition. Hall is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction. The felon in possession charge provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Brian Kyes, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting 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: Veterans Affairs Police Officer Indicted on Federal Civil Rights and Assault Charges for Beating Man Approximately 45 Times with Baton

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – An officer with the Veterans Affairs Police Department (VAPD) has been indicted on civil rights and assault charges that allege he used a department-issued baton to illegally strike a man approximately 45 times in 41 seconds at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, the Justice Department announced today. Juan Anthony Carrillo, 45, was named in a two-count indictment returned Thursday by a federal grand jury. Carrillo will receive a summons directing him to appear in the coming weeks for an arraignment in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. At approximately 4:00 a.m. on January 16, 2022, the 34-year-old victim identified in the indictment as “R.V.” was detained by another VAPD officer on the grounds of the Medical Center. Carrillo arrived to assist the other officer and proceeded to strike R.V. with a VAPD-issued baton up to 45 times in approximately 41 seconds, according to the indictment that notes most, if not all, of the baton strikes were delivered while the other officer was on top of the victim. The indictment notes that Carrillo was about 60 pounds heavier than R.V and the second officer was about 8 inches taller and about 85 pounds heavier than the victim. As a result of the alleged beating, the victim sustained injuries that included bleeding and lacerations on both legs. “Our Constitution protects all of us from excessive force inflicted by law enforcement officers, and when that standard is violated the Justice Department will take action to vindicate the rights enjoyed by all Americans,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “We deeply appreciate the difficult jobs faced every day by law enforcement officers, the vast majority of whom act with professionalism and integrity. But when an officer acts in a manner that violates the civil rights of another person, we will respond to uphold the rule of law and maintain public trust in our system of justice.” “The excessive use of force alleged in the indictment is disturbing and not representative of the high standards and restraint practiced by the overwhelming majority of police officers,” said Donald Alway, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI is committed to protecting individual civil rights in the United States and will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, including the Veterans Affairs Police Department, to identify and investigate alleged civil rights abuses.” “The VA Office of Inspector General is committed to ensuring that all VA law enforcement officials discharge their police powers appropriately,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebeccalynn Staples of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Western Field Office. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable any VA police officers who violate the constitutional rights of another through excessive force.” In addition to the use of excessive force, the indictment alleges that Carrillo, on the day after the incident, prepared a misleading VAPD incident report to justify his use of force. “Carrillo’s report misleadingly and falsely claimed that victim R.V. was violently kicking his legs and refusing to show his hands, while also omitting the number of strikes defendant Carrillo used,” according to the indictment. Carrillo is charged with deprivation of rights under color of law resulting in bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon with the intent to do bodily harm. Both offenses as alleged carry statutory maximum penalties of 10 years in federal prison. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The FBI, the VA’s Office of Inspector General, and the VA’s Office of Security and Law Enforcement are conducting the investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Susan Har of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Behavioral Services Healthcare Provider and its Owner Settle False Claims Act Allegations

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Connex Family Services, LLC (Connex), located in Warrenton, and Bianca Riddle, 33, a resident of Gloucester, have agreed to pay $918,000 to settle a civil fraud case that claimed Connex and Riddle submitted or caused false claims to be submitted to Medicaid and TRICARE. The government alleged that Connex and Riddle submitted claims to TRICARE and Medicaid for applied behavioral analysis services that were not provided during the period from March 1, 2019, through November 13, 2021. Connex’s behavioral analysis services are provided to children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other related disorders. Connex and Riddle will pay additional amounts, up to $2,053,387, if the company is sold within five years. As part of the settlement, Connex entered into a three-year Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). This Integrity Agreement is designed to promote compliance with the statutes, regulations, program requirements, and written directives of Medicaid and all other federal health care programs. The settlement arises in connection with two lawsuits filed by former employees under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act. United States ex rel. Schwartz v. Connex Family Services, LLC, et al ., and United States ex rel. Liguori v. Connex Family Services, LLC, et al . The matters were consolidated in the Newport News Division. A whistleblower suit, or qui tam action under the False Claims Act, is commenced by an individual, known as a “relator,” filing a complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court, and providing a copy of the complaint and other evidence to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States then has an opportunity to investigate the claims. The False Claims Act provides whistleblowers with a share of the government’s recovery. The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia; Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General; Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Office of the Attorney General. The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Clare P. Wuerker and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Ilene Albala. Assistant Attorneys General Ray F. Bowman and Jordan E. Sturgis of the Office of the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit handled the matter for Virginia Medicaid claims. A copy of this press release may be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae . Related court documents and information from the civil lawsuit can be accessed on PACER by searching for No. 4:21-cv-52. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Greenbrier County Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Child Pornography Crimes

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Jason Shortridge, 40, of Ronceverte, was sentenced today to 14 years in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, for possession and attempted distribution of child pornography. Shortridge must also register as a sex offender and pay restitution. A federal jury found Shortridge guilty of both counts on June 10, 2022, following a four-day trial. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on May 1, 2019, Shortridge downloaded child pornography and made it available for sharing online using a peer-to-peer file sharing program. Law enforcement subsequently executed a search warrant at Shortridge’s residence and seized a computer belonging to Shortridge. A forensic examination of the computer located hundreds of images of child pornography, primarily from the deleted space of the computer. Two computer forensic experts testified that during their examination of Shortridge’s computer, they recovered child pornography as well as search terms used to actively search for child pornography. Evidence showed that Shortridge possessed over 600 computer graphic image files containing images and videos of child pornography involving prepubescent minors. “This defendant caused substantial harm, as possessing child pornography encourages and records the sexual exploitation and rape of children,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “Today’s sentence reflects the severity of that harm.” Thompson commended the investigative work of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the West Virginia State Police, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Blackwell, Monica D. Coleman and Francesca C. Rollo prosecuted the case. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-cr-223. ###


title: SW Georgian Sentenced in Americus Walmart Stolen Gun Case

body_text: ALBANY, Ga. – An Americus, Georgia resident prohibited from having a firearm because of past criminal convictions was sentenced to serve more than seven years in prison for illegally possessing a gun when he was arrested for stealing rifles from the local Walmart; he sold the guns in the community for cash and drugs. Brandon Michael Hatfield, 31, was sentenced to serve 85 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on Sept. 28 after he previously pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on May 25. Hatfield is not eligible for parole. “Illegal firearms trafficking at any level is directly contributing to violence on our streets by supplying dangerous people with weapons,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Law enforcement is working to reduce the number of firearms in the hands of criminals in an effort to improve the safety in Americus and within every community across the Middle District of Georgia.” “The unlawful acquisition and selling of firearms are serious crimes that feed and intensify the violence that plagues so many communities here and abroad," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. "This investigation illustrates the collective resolve of ATF and our law enforcement partners working together to make a safer community.” According to court documents, Hatfield attempted to steal a Rossi, 22LR caliber rifle from the Walmart in Americus, Georgia, on Nov. 18, 2022, but was stopped by Walmart employees before he could exit the store with the weapon. An investigation by Walmart’s security team revealed that Hatfield stole a total of five rifles on five different occasions from the store between Nov. 1 and Nov. 16. Hatfield admitted that he stole the firearms and traded them for money and drugs. Hatfield has been convicted of several felonies, including dealing methamphetamine, escape and residential entry in Decatur County, Indiana, Superior Court. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. The case was investigated by ATF and the Americus Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid is prosecuting the case for the Government.


title: Waco Oil and Gas Reaches Agreement with U.S. and State of West Virginia to pay $825,000 Fine and Restore Creeks and Wetlands

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: The Justice Department, working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of West Virginia, reached a proposed consent decree yesterday with Waco Oil and Gas Co. Inc. to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Water Act and West Virginia state law for unauthorized discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States in Braxton County, West Virginia. Under a proposed consent decree filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, Waco Oil and Gas agreed to pay a $825,000 penalty, restore the vast majority of the impacted waters and provide compensatory mitigation for waters that cannot be restored. Additionally, the company will place a deed restriction on its property to protect the restored waters in perpetuity. A filed complaint alleged that beginning in approximately 2017, Waco Oil and Gas discharged dredged or fill material into tributaries of Bear Run and adjacent wetlands as well as tributaries of Cunningham Fork without the required federal or state permits. “Clean water is vital for our communities and the environment,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “Today’s action demonstrates that the Justice Department, together with its state and federal partners, is fully committed to upholding the Clean Water Act and protecting this critical resource.” “EPA remains committed to vigorous enforcement of wetlands protections,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Today’s settlement makes clear that companies will not be allowed to profit from illegally filling wetlands and imperiling the health of the Nation’s rivers and streams.” “EPA is serious about enforcing regulations to protect the shared resources upon which we all rely." said Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz for EPA. "Outcomes like this remind land developers across West Virginia that the health of their business and the health of the environment are totally connected." ENRD’s Environmental Defense Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia are handling the case. The consent decree is available for public viewing at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees . The United States will publish a notice of the consent decree’s lodging with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia in the Federal Register and will accept public comment for 30 days after the notice is published. The Federal Register notice will also include instructions for submitting public comment.


title: Texas man charged in $400,000 shipping scam against FedEx

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – A federal grand jury in Memphis has returned a nine-count indictment against a Texas man for operating a mail scheme aimed at defrauding FedEx, a Memphis-based commercial carrier, out of more than $400,000. According to the indictment, Robert W. Clark , 58, of Travis County, Texas has been charged with nine counts of mail fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and a maximum of three years of supervised release following incarceration. There is no parole in the federal system. Kevin G. Ritz, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, made the announcement today. According to the indictment, from December 2019 until September 2022, Clark used mail forwarding services and FedEx drop boxes to ship 67 packages, later claimed that the packages had been lost, and filed claims with FedEx seeking reimbursement for their contents. Using the physical address of the mail forwarding service and a fictional name for the sender, Clark created the appearance of sending packages from Arizona, California, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Washington state. The indictment indicates the packages were instead deposited in FedEx drop boxes located in Texas and shipped through the company’s hub in Memphis. In support of his claims, Clark submitted bogus invoices to FedEx placing the value of each package at $8,000 or more. The claims checks were forwarded to Clark and deposited into a bank account he controlled. FedEx paid claims on 44 out of the 67 packages Clark generated in the scheme, according to court records. Clark was initially arrested in Texas and had his initial appearance in the Western District of Tennessee on September 25, 2023. His next court appearance is scheduled before U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 9:45 a.m. at the Federal Building in Memphis. The case is being investigated by the FBI. Assistant States Attorney Joe Murphy is prosecuting the case on behalf of the federal government.


title: South Carolina Physician and Nephrology Practice Agree to Pay Over $585,000 to Settle Laboratory Kickback Allegations

body_text: Moustafa Moustafa, M.D. and his medical practice, South Carolina Nephrology and Hypertension Center Inc., of Orangeburg and Bamberg, South Carolina, have agreed to pay $585,540 to resolve False Claims Act allegations that they received illegal kickbacks in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute in return for referring patients for laboratory testing. Dr. Moustafa and his practice have agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department's investigations of, and litigation against, other participants in the alleged kickback schemes. “Financial inducements to healthcare providers can influence medical decisions and undermine the integrity of public healthcare programs,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to hold accountable those who participate in kickback arrangements, including unlawful arrangements involving clinical laboratory testing.” The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid and other federally funded healthcare programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients. The settlement announced today resolves allegations that Dr. Moustafa and his practice received kickbacks in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute in return for Dr. Moustafa’s laboratory referrals and caused the submission of false or fraudulent claims to Medicare and TRICARE. Office Rent and Phlebotomy Kickbacks. From June 2017 to December 2021, Dr. Moustafa and his practice allegedly received thousands of dollars in remuneration disguised as purported office space rental and phlebotomy payments, paid monthly or in a lump sum money order, from a clinical laboratory in Anderson, South Carolina, in return for Dr. Moustafa’s laboratory referrals. Clinical Staff Kickbacks. From August 2020 to December 2022, Dr. Moustafa and his practice allegedly received from a clinical laboratory in Kenilworth, New Jersey, remuneration in the form of free clinical staff to provide services to Dr. Moustafa’s practice unrelated to that laboratory, in return for Dr. Moustafa’s referrals for laboratory testing. Consulting and Medical Director Kickbacks. From September 2019 to March 2023, Dr. Moustafa allegedly received from marketing company Ralston Health Group Inc. (Ralston) thousands of dollars in remuneration disguised as consulting and medical director payments, paid monthly, in return for Dr. Moustafa ordering clinical laboratory services from five laboratories. The settlement resolves allegations that Ralston kicked back to Dr. Moustafa a portion of the commissions those five laboratories paid to Ralston, in return for Dr. Moustafa ordering laboratory testing from those laboratories. “Rooting out healthcare fraud is a priority in the District of South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “Kickbacks raise costs for taxpayers and undermine our healthcare programs by leading to unnecessary medical services. We are committed to holding those who give and receive illegal kickbacks accountable.” “Kickbacks have no place in our healthcare system,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “Health care providers and clinical laboratories are on notice that benefits in exchange for referrals are improper, and may violate the Anti-Kickback Statute. We will continue to pursue those who enter into unlawful arrangements that waste taxpayer dollars and improperly influence healthcare providers’ medical judgments.” “Healthcare providers who accept kickbacks can allow greed to influence their medical decision-making, putting patients and their healthcare programs at risk of harm,” said Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners to protect HHS programs from abuse and ensure that patient needs drive providers’ decisions.” “Kickback schemes have no place in federal healthcare programs and will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “DCIS and our partner agencies continue to stand firm in our dedication to protect the integrity of these programs.” The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Districts of South Carolina and New Jersey, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, HHS-OIG and DCIS. The settlement announced today was handled by Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Terranova in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section), Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth C. Warren for the District of South Carolina and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kruti Dharia for the District of New Jersey. The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. Settlement


title: Former Boston Bank Branch Manager Sentenced for Bank Fraud Scheme

body_text: BOSTON – The former branch manager for a Boston bank was sentenced today for stealing over $100,000 in funds from customer bank accounts. Nathan Wadsworth, 32, of Syracuse, N.Y., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 25 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Wadsworth was also ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture in the amount of $121,000. In June 2023, Wadsworth pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. From June 2020 through November 2021, Wadsworth was employed as a branch manager for PNC Bank in Boston. Beginning in or around March 2021, Wadsworth used his position to identify dormant accounts of foreign account holders, transferred the funds in those dormant accounts to a new account he opened in the customers’ names and then moved the funds to his own accounts for personal use. In total, Wadsworth stole approximately $121,000 in customer funds. All the funds have since been repaid by PNC to the affected customers. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. PNC Bank cooperated with the government’s investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A. Wild of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Former New York City Police Officer Sentenced to 15 Years for Sexual Exploitation of Two Minors and Possession and Receipt of Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Timothy Martinez was sentenced by United States District Judge Frederic Block to 15 years in prison for two counts of sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of attempted receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Martinez was employed as a police officer by the New York City Police Department and immediately prior to his arrest, was a sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves. Martinez was convicted by a federal jury in May 2023 following a one-week trial. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York, and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence. “The defendant, a former New York City police officer and an Army reservist, was a predator hiding in plain sight, who preyed on vulnerable victims he believed had been sexually abused,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “For these unconscionable, disgraceful crimes, today’s substantial jail sentence is not only well-deserved, but necessary to protect the community.” “As a police officer, Timothy Martinez pledged to keep the people of New York City safe from predators, but instead became one himself. Today, justice is served as he finds himself behind bars," stated HSI New York Special Agent-in-Charge Arvelo. “HSI New York is proud to have had a hand in taking this dangerous man off the streets.” “Today’s sentence sends the unequivocal message that no one is above the law,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “Mr. Martinez’ reprehensible behavior violated his sworn oath as a police officer, breached the public trust, and tarnished the shield he once wore. The NYPD and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to identify and hold accountable all such criminal predators. I thank HSI and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York for their important work on this case.” Between October 2016 to March 2017, Martinez engaged in live video sex chats with Jane Doe-1, who was then 16-years old. Additionally, between September 3, 2012, and November 2016, Martinez engaged in live video sex chats with Jane Doe-2, starting when she was 13-years old. During some of those video chats, he convinced both Jane Doe-1 and Jane Doe-2 to show him their nude bodies and perform sexual acts. Martinez also attempted to purchase child pornography from an individual who he believed was a 14-year-old girl. Finally, Martinez possessed hundreds of still images and several videos of child pornography, including images and videos of known victims of child abuse. This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov Assistant United States Attorneys William P. Campos and Chand W. Edwards-Balfour are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Allison Henry and the Victim Witness Team including Coordinator Lisa Foster, Lillian Tejada and Gladian Rivera. The Defendant : TIMOTHY MARTINEZ Age: 43 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-98 (S-2) (FB)


title: Clayton Resident Sentenced For Sexually Abusing A Child

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kevin Stuart Pollard III, age 23, of Clayton, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country. Pollard was also sentenced to 24 months in prison each for two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country. All sentences were ordered to run concurrently. The charges arose from investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pushmataha County Sheriff’s Office. On August 10, 2022, Pollard pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian County and two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country. At the hearing, Pollard pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a minor under the age of 16 years old. Pollard also pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual contact through the clothing of the minor in 2019. The crimes occurred within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Scott D. Palk, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting by appointment, presided over the hearings in Oklahoma City. Pollard will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non paroleable sentence of incarceration. Special Assistant United States Attorney Genevieve Ozark represented the United States.


title: Pontotoc County Resident Sentenced For Abusive Sexual Contact And Sexual Abuse Of A Minor In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Nathan Dale Smith, age 33, of Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 87 months in prison for one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country and 24 months in prison for one count of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently. The charges arose from investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ada Police Department. On September 9, 2022, a federal jury found Smith guilty of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country and Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country. During the trial, the United States presented evidence that Smith sexually abused a female child under the age of 16 over the course of two years. Once the abuse was disclosed, the Defendant sent an incriminating text message to the victim’s mother apologizing for his actions. “I commend the Ada Police Department and the FBI for their cooperative work in investigating this case,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “Their efforts allowed Assistant United States Attorneys from our Special Victims Unit to obtain a measure of justice for the victim.” The crimes occurred in Pontotoc County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee. Smith will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorneys Morgan Muzljakovich and Nicole Paladino represented the United States.


title: Couple Sent to Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Drugs

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A Cedar Rapids, Iowa, man and a Palo, Iowa, woman who conspired with each other to distribute methamphetamine were sentenced this week to federal prison. Zachary James Kruse, age 38, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 4, 2023 guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Cheyenne Nicole Mason, age 34, from Palo, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 15, 2023 guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Evidence at the sentencing hearings showed that on April 29, 2022, law enforcement officers searched a motel room in Mount Vernon, Iowa, where Kruse and Mason had been staying. Officers recovered 120.84 grams of methamphetamine. Some of the methamphetamine was hidden in deodorant containers. Kruse and Mason were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Kruse was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. Mason was sentenced to 59 months and 393 days’ imprisonment and must serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Kruse and Mason are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and Assistant United States Attorney Jason Norwood and investigated by the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-CR-99. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Former Senior Executive in College Admissions Case Sentenced for Tax Fraud in Connection with Payments to Secure Son’s Admission to USC

body_text: BOSTON – A private-equity investor and former senior Staples executive was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for falsely claiming payments he made to secure the admission of his son to the University of Southern California (USC) were deductible from his taxes as a business expense and a charitable contribution. John Wilson, 64, of Lynnfield, Mass., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to one year of probation, with the first six months to be served in home detention, and 250 hours of community service. Wilson was also ordered to pay a fine of $75,000 and restitution in the amount of $88,546. In October 2021, Wilson was convicted by a federal jury of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud; one count of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery; three counts of wire fraud and honest services wire fraud; two counts of federal programs bribery; and one count of filing a false tax return. He was subsequently sentenced in February 2022 to 15 months in prison, two years of supervised release, 400 hours of community service and ordered to pay a fine of $200,000 and restitution in the amount of $88,546. In May 2023, the First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction for filing a false tax return and vacated and remanded the remaining counts of conviction. According to evidence presented at trial, in 2013, Wilson agreed to pay William “Rick” Singer $220,000 to facilitate his son’s admission to USC as a purported water polo recruit in exchange for payments to the water polo team account. Wilson requested that Singer provide him with a fake invoice for business consulting fees so that he could make the payments using his private investment firm’s corporate account. Wilson asked, “Can we make it for consulting or whatever from The Key so that I can pay it from the corporate account?” After Wilson’s son was accepted to USC, Wilson used his firm’s corporate account to wire $100,000 to Singer’s sham charity, the Key Worldwide Foundation, $100,000 to Singer’s for-profit company, The Key, and $20,000 directly to Singer. Wilson falsely deducted part of the payments as a business expense and the remainder as a charitable contribution. In 2018, Wilson approached Singer again about securing the admission of his two daughters to college as purported athletic recruits in sports they did not play at the collegiate level. Wilson once again asked Singer whether there was “any way” to make the payments “tax deductible as like donations to the school.” On Jan. 4, 2023, Singer was sentenced to 42 months in prison after previously pleading guilty. Further information on the College Admissions Case is available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme . Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Terry Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General Eastern Regional Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen E. Frank, Leslie A. Wright, Kristen A. Kearney and Ian Stearns of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.