title: Two Minneapolis Men Sentenced for Trafficking Narcotics Between California and Minnesota

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – Two men have been sentenced to prison for possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to the defendants’ plea agreements and court documents, beginning at least as early as January 2023, Cortez Ananias Williams, 24, was involved in trafficking controlled substances between California and Minnesota with his co-defendant and cousin Savontray Orlando Dwayne Collins, 23. On February 13, 2024, law enforcement intercepted Collins and Williams on I-35 near the Minnesota-Iowa border with 4.4 kilograms of “M30” fentanyl pills and nearly one kilogram of cocaine. On June 28, 2023, Williams pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and was sentenced on December 14, 2023, in U.S. District Court by Judge Jerry W. Blackwell to 135 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Collins pleaded guilty on October 4, 2023, to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. He was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release by Judge Blackwell. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Minnesota State Patrol, and the Hennepin County Violent Offender Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth Shnider prosecuted the case.


title: Citizen Of India Pleads Guilty To Tech Support Fraud Scheme That Exploited The Elderly

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that VINOTH PONMARAN pled guilty today to participating in a conspiracy that for several years exploited elderly victims by remotely accessing their computers and convincing victims to pay for computer support services they did not need, and which were never actually provided. In total, the conspiracy generated more than $6 million in criminal proceeds from at least approximately 6,500 victims. PONMARAN pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to intentionally damage victims’ computers before U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick, to whom his case is assigned. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As he admitted today, Vinoth Ponmaran was a leader of a sophisticated fraud scheme that preyed on thousands of victims, including the elderly. This conspiracy caused pop-up windows to appear on victims’ computers — pop-up windows which claimed, falsely, that a virus had infected the victim’s computer. Through this and other misrepresentations, this prolific fraud scheme deceived victims into paying a total of more than $6 million.” According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Information, court filings, and statements made during plea proceedings: From approximately March 2015 through July 2018, PONMARAN was a member of a criminal fraud ring (the “Fraud Ring”) based in the United States and India that committed a technical support fraud scheme targeting elderly victims located across the United States and Canada, including in the Southern District of New York. The Fraud Ring’s primary objective was to trick victims into believing that their computers were infected with malware in order to deceive them into paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for phony computer repair services. Over the course of the conspiracy, the Fraud Ring generated more than $6 million in proceeds from at least 6,500 victims. The scheme generally worked as follows. First, the Fraud Ring caused pop-up windows to appear on victims’ computers. The pop-up windows claimed, falsely, that a virus had infected the victims’ computers. The pop-up windows directed the victims to call a particular telephone number to obtain technical support. In at least some instances, the pop-up windows threatened victims that, if they restarted or shut down their computer, it could “cause serious damage to the system,” including “complete data loss.” In an attempt to give the false appearance of legitimacy, in some instances, the pop-up windows included, without authorization, the corporate logo of a well-known, legitimate technology company. In fact, no virus had infected victims’ computers, and the technical support phone numbers in the pop-up windows were not associated with the legitimate technology company. Rather, these representations were false and were designed to trick victims into paying the Fraud Ring to “fix” a problem that did not exist. And while the purported “virus” was a hoax, the pop-up windows themselves did cause various victims’ computers to completely “freeze,” thereby preventing these victims from accessing the data and files in their computer — which caused some victims to call the phone number listed in the pop-up windows. In exchange for victims’ payment of several hundred or thousand dollars (depending on the precise “service” victims purchased), the purported technicians remotely accessed the victim’s computers and ran an anti-virus tool, which is free and available on the Internet. PONMARAN was an India-based leader of the Fraud Ring. Among other things, PONMARAN managed a call center in India that was used to provide purported computer repair services to victims of the scheme. PONMARAN also recruited co-conspirators in the United States to register fraudulent corporate entities and open bank accounts that were used to receive fraud proceeds from victims of the scheme. PONMARAN also laundered fraud proceeds in multiple ways, including by directing co-conspirators to wire fraud proceeds to accounts in India and the United States. * * * PONMARAN, 35, a citizen of India, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to intentionally damage a protected computer, each of which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Under the terms of his plea agreement, PONMARAN has agreed to forfeit $6,110,884.51 and to pay restitution of $1,851,830.18. The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as PONMARAN’s sentence will be determined by the judge. PONMARAN’s sentencing is scheduled for June 24, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. PONMARAN’s co-defendants, Romana Leyva and Ariful Haque, were both sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty in 2022, following their respective guilty pleas. Leyva was sentenced to 100 months in prison and three years of supervised release, and she was ordered to forfeit $4,679,586.93 and to pay restitution of $2,707,882.91. Haque was sentenced to one year and one day in prison and three years of supervised release, and he was ordered to forfeit $38,886.32 and to pay restitution of $470,672.16. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the New York Office of Homeland Security Investigations’ El Dorado Task Force, Cyber Intrusion/Cyber Fraud Group. Mr. Williams also thanked the New York City Police Department for its assistance on this case. This matter is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Neff is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Bradford County Man Indicted for Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jay Holloway, age 36, of Bradford County, Pennsylvania, was indicted on child pornography charges. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Holloway distributed, received, and possessed child pornography from August 2021 to May 17, 2023, in Bradford County. The indictment further alleges that images and videos contained minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, some of which depict the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers. The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Child Predator Section. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 20 years, with a mandatory sentence of 5 years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Two Members of Violent Waterbury Gang Plead Guilty

body_text: DAYQUAIN SINISTERRA, also known as “Quan,” 26, and AHMED ALVES, also known as “Stones,” 26, both of Waterbury, pleaded guilty this week in Bridgeport federal court to offenses stemming from their participation in the 960 gang, a violent Waterbury street gang. Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Maureen T. Platt, State’s Attorney for the Waterbury Judicial District; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo. According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address drug trafficking and related violence in Waterbury, the FBI, ATF, and Waterbury Police have been investigating multiple Waterbury-based groups, including the 960 gang. On September 14, 2021, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 36-count indictment charging Sinisterra, Alves, and 14 other alleged 960 gang members with racketeering, narcotics trafficking, firearm possession, murder, attempted murder and assault, and obstruction of justice offenses. On March 13, 2024, Sinisterra pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, six counts of attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and three counts of carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Sinisterra specifically admitted that he and other 960 members were engaged in violent activity and conspired to shoot and murder members of rival gangs, including: On September 21, 2018, in retaliation for the murder of an associate, Sinisterra and other 960 members participated in drive-by shootings of occupied residences on Lounsbury Street and Scott Road in Waterbury. On October 6, 2018, in a drive-by shooting, Sinisterra and other gang members attempted to murder individuals believed to be members of a rival gang, which resulted in gunshot wounds to an individual. On October 11, 2018, in an effort to murder rival gang members, Sinisterra and other gang members participated in a drive-by shooting that resulted in the death of an innocent bystander, 30-year-old Fransua Guzman, and the paralysis of a second victim. On November 1, 2018, Sinisterra shot a rival gang member. On November 18, 2018, Sinisterra and other gang members participated in a drive-by shooting of rival gang members, which resulted in gunshot wounds to two individuals. Sinisterra is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley on June 17, 2024. If Judge Dooley accepts the terms of a binding plea agreement, Sinisterra will be sentenced to 35 years of imprisonment. Sinisterra has been detained since his arrest on November 21, 2018. On March 12, 2024, Alves pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and one count of being an accessory after the fact. Alves admitted that he trafficked drugs in furtherance of the 960 enterprise. He also admitted that, after the gang-related shooting that occurred on November 18, 2018, Alves picked up 960 members who participated in the shooting using a stolen car, and drove them to a 960 member’s residence where they stashed firearms. Later, 960 members drove the stolen car and left it in Meriden, and Alves again picked them up. Alves was arrested on September 16, 2021. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Dooley on June 13, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 35 years. Alves is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing. This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, ATF, and Waterbury Police Department, with the assistance of the Watertown Police Department, New Milford Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone, John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Natasha M. Freismuth, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildesen, Jr. and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Arroyo of the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office, who have been cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in this matter. This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Two Vancouver, Washington men arrested with pound quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine following undercover investigation

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Tacoma –A year-long undercover drug investigation led to a major drug seizure and two Vancouver, Washington arrests this week, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Juan Onofre Flores Carrillo, 48, and Jesus Daniel Valenzuela Ayala, 23, will make their initial appearance today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. According to the criminal complaint, Flores Carrillo aka “El Cholo,” was identified in early 2023 as a significant fentanyl pill dealer in southwest Washington. Working with confidential informants, law enforcement made a series of significant drug buys from Flores Carrillo. In one instance Flores Carrillo sold an informant 3,000 fentanyl pills on another occasion he sold the informant a kilo of crystal methamphetamine. Twice Flores Carrillo sold high powered firearms. In January and February 2024, law enforcement worked to identify the stash house where Flores Carrillo kept his drugs. Flores Carrillo continued to make drug sales of heroin as well as fentanyl. On March 13, 2024, Flores Carrillo agreed to sell 10,000 fentanyl pills. Shortly after he turned over the drugs he was arrested. Law enforcement executed the court authorized search warrant on the presumed stash house. Inside they found large amounts of drugs and an AK-47 style rifle with a grenade launcher attached. The residence contained approximately seven pounds of fentanyl pills and 43 pounds of suspected methamphetamine. The AK-47 was wrapped as if for resale. Valenzuela Ayala was the only occupant of the stash house and was arrested. Both men are citizens of Mexico who do not have legal status in the United States. Conspiracy of distribute narcotics in the amounts in this case is punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison. The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Vancouver Police Department, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation Unit, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary Dillon and Max Shiner.


title: Richland Physician, Health Care Staffing Company Agree to Pay $700,000 to Resolve False Claims Act Liability Arising from Telemedicine Scheme

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Richland, WA – Physician Edward William Salko, D.O., formerly of Richland, Washington, and Jackson & Coker LocumTenens, LLC (JCLT) agreed to pay $700,000 to resolve allegations that they participated in a kick-back scheme to bill Medicare for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME) and diagnostic laboratory testing announced Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. Medicare provides health insurance to elderly and disabled United States citizens. Medicare pays for covered health services, including DME and genetic laboratory testing, under certain conditions. In order for DME and genetic laboratory testing to be covered under Medicare, the DME or laboratory test must be ordered by a physician who is treating the beneficiary for a specific medical problem, and must be used as part of the course of treatment for that specific medical problem. According to court documents, JCLT is a healthcare staffing company that sources physicians and other medical professionals for clients. Between April and September 2021, Dr. Salko was retained through JCLT to provide contracted telemedicine services for a company known as Nationwide Health Advocates (Nationwide). Nationwide employed telemarketing companies to target and contact Medicare beneficiaries, and to speak with them about obtaining DME or laboratory testing at no cost to the beneficiaries. The telemarketers obtained personal information from the beneficiary and used it to generate a physician order for the DME or laboratory test, and supporting documentation that made it appear as though the physician was treating the beneficiary for a specific medical problem and ordering the DME or test as part of the course of that treatment. Nationwide then provided the physician order and supporting documentation electronically to Dr. Salko, who electronically signed the orders, after which they were billed to Medicare. Nationwide then paid JCLT, and JCLT paid Dr. Salko, for each order that he reviewed, nearly all of which he approved. Dr. Salko was not treating, and never even spoke to, any of the beneficiaries for whom he placed orders through Nationwide. In September 2023, David Santana, the former owner and president of Nationwide, agreed to plead guilty to felony health care fraud conspiracy charges brought in the District of Massachusetts, in connection with Santana and Nationwide’s participation in the health care fraud scheme and conspiracy to fraudulently bill Medicare for DME and genetic testing services. In the Plea Agreement, Santana admitted to his and Nationwide’s participation in the scheme to fraudulently bill Medicare for false DME and laboratory testing physician orders issued by physicians who were not treating the purported beneficiaries. “Physicians and health care staffing cannot ignore red flags about whether they are engaged in a Medicare fraud scheme,” said United States Attorney Waldref. “Schemes like that employed by Nationwide only work when doctors are willing to turn a blind eye and issue prescriptions and orders for patients that they are not treating. This settlement is a signal to physicians that they will be held accountable for participating in health care fraud schemes.” “Providers and entities who exploit Medicare through fraudulent telemedicine schemes violate the trust of enrollees and waste valuable taxpayer dollars,” said Steven J. Ryan, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This settlement demonstrates HHS-OIG’s unwavering commitment to root out and hold accountable those who put profit and personal gain ahead of the provision of legitimate medical services.” According to the Settlement Agreement, JCLT cooperated fully with the United States’ investigation, and has taken significant remedial actions designed to improve its legal and compliance efforts and internal controls related to placing providers with telemedicine clients. “I credit JCLT with stepping up, taking responsibility, and taking steps to prevent occurrences like these in the future,” continued United States Attorney Waldref. “Health care staffing companies like JCLT play an important role in ensuring that contract physician opportunities are appropriately vetted for legal compliance and possible fraud. I also commend the exceptional investigative work by, and our close partnership with, HHS-OIG, which made this result possible. We will continue working with health care providers, medical staffing companies, and our law enforcement partners to combat telemedicine and telemarketing fraud schemes that prey on elderly and disabled members of the community.” The settlement was the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Seattle Field Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Tyler H.L. Tornabene , and Law Clerk Jacquelyn Nader , handled this matter on behalf of the United States. The settlement agreement can be viewed here.


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement with Connecticut Department of Correction to Protect Religious Rights in Prison

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it has reached an agreement with the Connecticut Department of Correction (CDOC) that expands opportunities for group religious practice throughout the state prison system. The agreement resolves the department’s investigation of CDOC, pursuant to the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). Under the agreement, CDOC has adopted a new policy that expands access to group worship or other collective religious activities. Under the prior policy, only a chaplain or approved outside volunteer of the same faith as the members of a religious group could supervise the group’s religious practice. The revised policy will permit other staff and chaplains of other faiths to supervise group religious practice and will allow incarcerated persons to facilitate some group religious activities. “Religious liberty is a foundational principle of the United States, and the religious rights of incarcerated persons are guaranteed by both the Constitution and federal law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This agreement will protect the religious practices of people held in correctional facilities across Connecticut by expanding the available options for supervising group religious activities. The Justice Department remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the religious rights of all persons, including those who are incarcerated.” “Federal law guarantees all Americans the right to freely exercise one’s religion, which includes the right of institutionalized persons to practice their faith and worship together,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut. “We are committed to protecting this fundamental right and are grateful for the Connecticut Department of Correction’s ongoing collaboration to ensure better protection for collective religious services.” In addition to expanding who can supervise group religious practice, the agreement requires CDOC to implement a new “inmate conductor” program, which will allow incarcerated persons to take an active role in facilitating collective religious activities. CDOC will also collect and review data on a regular basis to ensure that the new policy has the intended effect of increasing access to group worship or collective religious activities. The settlement requires appropriate notification and training of CDOC staff and leadership to implement the revised policy. The department will have access to documents and correctional facilities to assess compliance with the agreement. For additional information about the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section . The Justice Department issued a report on the 20th Anniversary of RLUIPA in 2020 and a statement and on the Institutionalized Persons Provisions of RLUIPA in 2017. Those interested in finding out more about RLUIPA can visit www.justice.gov/crt/religious-land-use-and-institutionalized-persons-act-0 .


title: Second Madison County Man Sentenced for Distributing Methamphetamine and Fentanyl that Resulted in an Overdose Death

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Richmond, Ky., man Kris Allen Anglin, 36, was sentenced on Friday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, to 262 months in prison, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and fentanyl; distribution of fentanyl, that resulted in death; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is the second defendant convicted for his role in the drug conspiracy and overdose death. Gregory Scott Sizemore, 36, of McKee, Ky., was previously sentenced to 389 months. According to his plea agreement, from December 2020 until January 2021, Anglin conspired with Sizemore to distribute quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, in Madison County. On January 11, 2021, a victim fatally overdosed due to the ingestion of fentanyl distributed by Anglin and Sizemore. Specifically, law enforcement discovered that Sizemore had agreed to distribute a fentanyl-methamphetamine mixture to the victim, at his request. Electronic communications located on the victim’s phone confirmed that the substance being provided was a mixture of methamphetamine and fentanyl, that the victim had funds to buy it (by texting a photograph of the purchase money to Sizemore), that Anglin would deliver the drug on Sizemore’s behalf, and that the transaction had taken place. Approximately four hours later, the victim was found deceased. Within a few hours of the victim being found, law enforcement located Anglin, with three baggies containing fentanyl, cocaine, and/or methamphetamine, as well as the $20 bill used by the victim to purchase the methamphetamine-fentanyl mixture. Law enforcement also found U.S. currency, three digital scales, baggies, other drug trafficking paraphernalia, and three firearms. Anglin admitted he had multiple prior felony convictions, including convictions for Possession of a Controlled Substance First Degree, and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Sizemore was the supplier for the methamphetamine-fentanyl mixture that caused the overdose death. After the victim was found deceased, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for a hotel room occupied by Sizemore. There, officers located 380 grams of methamphetamine in a duffel bag. At his arrest, Sizemore had an additional 368 grams of methamphetamine and 3 grams of fentanyl. Under federal law, Anglin and Sizemore must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon their release from prison, they will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Sheriff Mike Coyle, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and Chief Rodney Richardson, Richmond Police Department, jointly announced the sentences. The investigation was conducted by the DEA, the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, and the Richmond Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Bradbury is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. — END —


title: Virginia Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud for Failing to Pay Employees' Withheld Taxes

component: Tax Division

body_text: A Virginia man pleaded guilty today to failing to pay over to the IRS the taxes withheld from his employees’ paychecks. According to court documents and statements made in court, Rick Tariq Rahim owned and operated several businesses, including laser tag facilities and an Amazon reseller. From 2015 to 2021, Rahim did not pay to the IRS the taxes withheld from his employees’ paychecks or file the required quarterly employment tax returns reporting those withholdings. Additionally, between October 2010 and October 2012, Rahim filed two personal income tax returns on which he reported owing substantial taxes but did not pay the taxes he reported were due. When the IRS attempted to collect the unpaid taxes, Rahim submitted a false Form 433-A, Collection Information Statement, which omitted valuable assets he owned, including a helicopter, 2006 Bentley, 2008 Lamborghini and real property in Great Falls, Virginia. Approximately two weeks later, Rahim transferred ownership of that Great Falls property to his wife. He also paid personal expenses from his business bank accounts, including more than $889,000 toward his mortgages and more than $669,000 to purchase or lease cars, including three different Lamborghinis. In addition, Rahim withdrew more than $1.1 million in cash in amounts less than $10,000 to avoid triggering currency transaction reports from the bank. Rahim has not filed a personal income tax return since 2012 despite earning more than $34 million in gross income. In total, Rahim has caused a loss to the IRS of at least $1,844,489. His sentencing is scheduled for June 25. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys William Montague and Ashley Stein of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Shartar for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.


title: Federal Inmates and Others Involved in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Sentenced to Federal Prison

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencings of four co-defendants involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy in the Western District of Louisiana. United States District Judge Dee D. Drell has sentenced the following defendants in this case: Brian Jesus Garcia Pena , 34, a federal prison inmate, was sentenced to 235 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. This sentence will run consecutive to the federal prison sentence Pena is currently serving. Isidro Chavarria , 42, a federal prison inmate, was sentenced in October 2023 to 120 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. This sentence will run consecutive to the federal prison sentence Chavarria is currently serving. Darius Nelams , 38, of Springhill, Louisiana, was sentenced to 160 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Andres Ballesteros Medina , 45, of Springhill, Louisiana, was sentenced to 46 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Law enforcement agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) began this investigation in 2021 after learning that Pena, a federal inmate incarcerated at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, was coordinating a large scale drug distribution from inside the prison. Through their investigation, agents learned that Pena was using contraband phones smuggled into the prison in order to communicate with Cartel members and others involved in the conspiracy. In May and June of 2021, agents seized multiple pounds of methamphetamine that had been sent through the mail from California after Pena and his co-defendant, Salvador Bucio, who worked as a go-between, coordinated the purchase of the methamphetamine in Mexico. In June 2021, Pena’s cell was searched, and two contraband phones were located. Agents located multiple messages on the phone with Pena coordinating drug deals, as well as CashApp payments from multiple individuals, including Bucio and a payment from the wife of Isidro Chavarria. Chavarria, another federal prison inmate at USP Pollock, was also communicating with his co-conspirators on contraband phones and in fact, was directing his wife and other parties to distribute methamphetamine that Pena was sending her. In September 2021, law enforcement agents conducted a controlled delivery of packages containing large amounts of methamphetamine, which were sent by Andres Ballesteros Medina in California through the U.S. Postal Service to an address in Springhill. Agents observed Medina drop the package off at the Post Office in California and conducted surveillance in Springhill where they observed Nelams arrive to pick up the package at the address in Springhill and open it. Nelams then fled the scene and left behind his cell phone containing text messages indicating he would deliver the narcotics and photos of same. All of the above defendants pleaded guilty to the charges rather than going to trial. Salvador Bucio, 34, from Washington, is the one remaining defendant in this case and he is currently a fugitive. Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of Bucio should contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov . The case was investigated by the FBI and USPIS and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Aaron Crawford. The investigation and conviction of these defendants is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. # # #


title: Man Who Possessed Pipe Bomb in Hospital Parking Garage Sentenced to Federal Prison

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

body_text: AUSTIN, Texas – A Jonestown man was sentenced in a federal court in Austin to 30 months in prison for possessing an unregistered destructive device, namely a pipe bomb, that detonated in a hospital parking garage. According to court documents, Raymond Luke Garner, 39, parked his pickup truck in a parking garage at St. David’s Hospital in Austin on Aug. 9, 2023. A short time later, there was an explosion in the back of Garner’s truck. Investigators found the remains of a pipe bomb near the truck. They also found a quantity of a homemade high explosive, circuit boards/timers, electric matches, and other items. While detained by police, Garner contacted another individual to ask that person to move a box out of Garner’s home. That box was later found to contain, among other things, a quantity of the high explosive, precursor chemicals, and electric matches. Searches at other locations revealed a recipe for the high explosive, remote control devices, and other components for destructive devices. Garner pleaded guilty on Oct. 2, 2023. “The law prohibits the possession of unregistered homemade pipe bombs for a good reason: they put the community at serious risk,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “I appreciate the collaboration of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners in this investigation. Rest assured my office will hold accountable individuals who build and possess these devices in violation of the law.” “Improvised explosive devices are illegal and extremely dangerous,” said Special Agent in Charge Mike Weddel for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Houston Division. “ATF is committed to investigating and holding accountable the persons responsible for explosives accidents involving the manufacture of illegal explosive devices which can result in serious injury, death, and extensive damage to property. This incident serves as a prime example of the successful collaboration between all our law enforcement partners.” “Garner’s use of unregistered and unstable explosive material jeopardized the safety of individuals who may have been near his vehicle,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI's San Antonio Field Office. “We are grateful to our partners at the ATF, members of our Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the Austin and Cedar Park Police Departments, for their vigilant work to keep our communities safe." The ATF and FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force led the investigation with valuable assistance from the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, and Cedar Park Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Karthik Srinivasan prosecuted the case. ###


title: Ringleader of Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy Sentenced to Life, Co-Conspirators Sentenced to a Total of More than 100 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS –Keith J. Jones, a/k/a Keybo, 57, of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Kevin M. Backstrom, 58, of Los Angeles California have been sentenced to prison following their 2023 trial convictions for their parts in an Indianapolis fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine trafficking organization. Jones was sentenced to life in federal prison after a federal jury convicted him of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, nine substantive drug trafficking counts, and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Backstrom was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after a federal jury convicted him of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, Jones was the leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed at least 300 pounds of methamphetamine, 20 kilograms of fentanyl, and 50 kilograms of cocaine in the Indianapolis area from September 20, 2020, through July 21, 2022. Backstrom was the Los Angeles-based drug supplier for the organization. The investigation resulted in the indictment and conviction of twenty-two defendants for their roles in the organization’s drug trafficking activity. Other noteworthy sentences include: Defendant Charge(s) Sentence Sean E. Devonish, 46, Indianapolis Drug trafficking conspiracy 20 years’ imprisonment Herman Wesley Tavorn, 42, of Indianapolis fentanyl possession with intent to distribute 25 years’ imprisonment Jamie L. Rayner, 34, Indianapolis Drug trafficking conspiracy; Money laundering conspiracy 15 years’ imprisonment Marcus N. Miles, 49, Indianapolis Drug trafficking conspiracy 13 years’ imprisonment Anthony Moore, 37, of Indianapolis Drug trafficking conspiracy; fentanyl possession with intent to distribute; methamphetamine possession with intent to distribute; 12.5 years’ imprisonment Nicholas Ray, 33, Indianapolis Cocaine possession with intent to distribute 135 months’ imprisonment Steve L. Young, 30, Indianapolis Drug trafficking conspiracy 125 months’ imprisonment “Drug overdose deaths touch every Hoosier—our families, our friends, our children. These tragedies are overwhelmingly driven by trafficking of fentanyl and other deadly opioids,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Fentanyl is concealed in everything from fake pharmaceuticals to rainbow candy-colored pills, and even within other controlled substances like methamphetamine. If you are pushing this poison, take notice that our office is working every day with federal, state, and local law enforcement to reduce the supply of these deadly drugs and put you in federal prison, potentially for life.” “The primary goal of law enforcement is to make our communities safer for all of us,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our partners to take the poison of drugs off the street and end the violent crime that comes with it.” “Fentanyl and the other dangerous drugs trafficked by these individuals pose a grave threat to public safety,” said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge, IRS:CI Chicago Field Office. “The sentencing of these individuals is evidence of the whole of government approach to safeguarding our communities from the scourge of illicit drugs. Through our collective efforts, IRS Criminal Investigation, along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, will continue pooling our resources, expertise, and intelligence, to disrupt drug trafficking networks at every level—from production to distribution to the financial methods they use to launder their illicit proceeds.” “DEA remains committed to working each and every day with our state and local partners and utilizing our resources to conduct the highest level of investigations and will continue to dismantle violent drug trafficking organizations. The fentanyl crisis plaguing our communities is real and effects Hoosiers and their families every day,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Michael Gannon. “When individuals like Mr. Jones and Mr. Backstrom deal multi-kilogram quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and multi hundred-pound quantities of methamphetamine, they must be held accountable for their actions. The life sentence of Mr. Jones and the 30-year sentence of Mr. Backstrom should serve as a warning to individuals dealing lethal drugs.” The Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, IRS Criminal Investigation, Indianapolis Metropolitan Drug Task Force, and the Hamilton-Boone County Drug Task Force investigated this case, with valuable assistance provided by the FBI, Indiana State Police, Beech Grove Police Department, Lawrence Police Department. This case is part of the Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Brad Blackington and Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted this case. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation . OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. ###


title: Fayette County Man Sentenced for Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man Davon S. Tooley, 37, was sentenced on Friday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, to 145 months in prison, for two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to his plea agreement, on April 28, 2022, law enforcement officers were dispatched to a vehicle collision. Upon arrival, officers discovered that one of the drivers, later identified as Davon Tooley, had fled the scene. There, officers located a quantity of cocaine, marijuana, and a firearm. Tooley was later located and apprehended. A few months later, on July 7, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Tooley. While speaking with Tooley, officers observed a firearm at Tooley’s feet. The firearm was seized. Tooley has admitted that on both occasions he was in possession of a firearm, knowing that he was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. Tooley has previous convictions for Manslaughter Second Degree and Tampering with Physical Evidence from 2010, in Jefferson Circuit Court. Tooley was on parole at the time of both new offenses. Under federal law, Tooley 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 three years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the ATF and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. — END —


title: Pawtucket Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for  Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - Rhode Island


title: Virginia business owner pleads guilty to tax fraud for failing to pay employees’ withheld taxes

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Great Falls man pleaded guilty today to failing to pay over to the IRS the taxes withheld from his employees’ paychecks. According to court documents and statements made in court, Rick Tariq Rahim, 55, owned and operated several businesses, including laser tag facilities and an Amazon reseller. From 2015 to 2021, Rahim did not pay to the IRS the taxes withheld from his employees’ paychecks or file the required quarterly employment tax returns reporting those withholdings. Additionally, between October 2010 and October 2012, Rahim filed two personal income tax returns on which he reported owing substantial taxes, but did not pay the taxes he reported were due. When the IRS attempted to collect the unpaid taxes, Rahim submitted a false Form 433-A, Collection Information Statement, which omitted valuable assets he owned, including a helicopter, a 2006 Bentley, a 2008 Lamborghini, and real property in Great Falls, Virginia. Approximately two weeks later, Rahim transferred ownership of that Great Falls property to his wife. He also paid personal expenses from his business bank accounts, including more than $889,000 toward his mortgages and more than $669,000 to purchase or lease cars, including three different Lamborghinis. In addition, Rahim withdrew more than $1.1 million in cash in amounts less than $10,000 to avoid triggering currency transaction reports from the bank. Rahim has not filed a personal income tax return since 2012 despite earning more than $34 million in gross income. In total, Rahim has caused a loss to the IRS of at least $1,844,489. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement. Sentencing is scheduled for June 21. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Shartar of the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorneys William Montague and Ashley Stein of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-173.


title: Three Sentenced to Federal Prison for Klamath Basin Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: MEDFORD, Ore.—In separate criminal cases, three southern Oregon drug traffickers, including the leader of a Klamath Falls, Oregon, drug trafficking organization, were sentenced to federal prison Thursday following investigations by the Basin Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (BINET), announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. Juan Jessie Martinez-Gil, 59, a former resident of Reno, Nevada, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release; Blake Anthony Fulleton, 35, a resident of Klamath Falls, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release; and Miguel Espana, 31, also of Klamath Falls, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. U.S. v. Martinez-Gil According to court documents, between August 1, 2019, and September 2, 2021, Martinez-Gil and various associates conspired with one another to traffic large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, in the form of counterfeit Oxycodone pills, purchased in Southern California to Southern Oregon. Martinez-Gil and others sold these drugs to distributors in Klamath and Lake counties for further distribution and sale. On September 2, 2021, Martinez-Gil and several associates were arrested as part of a coordinated law enforcement operation and federal search warrants were executed on five locations and two vehicles connected to the group. Law enforcement located and seized more than seventeen pounds of methamphetamine and several hundred counterfeit Oxycodone pills. On September 30, 2021, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Martinez-Gil and his associates with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl, and attempted distribution of methamphetamine. On November 1, 2023, Martinez-Gil pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. U.S. v. Fulleton In September 2021, detectives from the Klamath Falls Police Department observed Fulleton, who they knew had multiple active felony warrants, depart a known drug house in Klamath Falls. After fleeing the detectives and crashing his vehicle into a power pole, Fulleton led the officers on a short foot pursuit and was arrested. At the time of his arrest, Fulleton possessed a small quantity of methamphetamine on his person. Detectives searched his vehicle and located a loaded pistol, an additional 480 grams of methamphetamine, a small quantity of heroin, and various drug packaging materials. On February 3, 2022, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Fulleton with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. On December 11, 2023, Fulleton pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm. U.S. v. Espana In 2019, Klamath Falls area law enforcement began investigating Espana for drug trafficking and obtained information that he possessed approximately two pounds of methamphetamine in his vehicle. On October 22, 2019, investigators located Espana sitting in the passenger seat of his vehicle parked near a Klamath Falls motel and later stopped his vehicle when it departed the lot. Investigators searched the vehicle and located approximately 717 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, drug ledger, and $758 in cash. On February 3, 2021, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Espana with one count of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and, on October 16, 2023, he pleaded guilty to the single charge. All three cases were investigated by BINET. On Martinez-Gil and Espana, BINET investigators were assisted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). On Fulleton, they were assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Martinez-Gil and Espana were prosecuted by Marco A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Fulleton was prosecuted Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Brassell, also of the District of Oregon. BINET is a Klamath Falls area narcotics task force comprised of Oregon State Police, the Klamath Falls Police Department, and Oregon National Guard.


title: Alamogordo Man Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison for Enticement of Minors

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Eric McLoughlin, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations - El Paso, announced today that Alfonso Salcido Herrera, Jr. was sentenced to 60 years in prison. Herrera, 46, of Alamogordo, pleaded guilty in federal court to enticement of a minor on March 30, 2023. According to publicly available court records, beginning in 2019 until May 2022, Herrera groomed and repeatedly sexually abused four children who were between nine and 13 years old at the time. Upon his release from prison, Herrera will be subject to 5 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the Alamogordo Police Department and the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Matilda McCarthy Villalobos and Joni Autrey Stahl are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC. # # #


title: Stoughton Man Pleads Guilty to Brank and Wire Fraud Scheme Related to COVID-19 Pandemic

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Stoughton pleaded guilty yesterday to fraudulently obtaining COVID-19-related small business loans from several financial institutions. Patrick Joseph, 41, pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud, bank fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for June 20, 2024. Joseph was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2021. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) created a temporary loan program directed at small businesses called the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Independent contractors were eligible to apply for PPP loans, which were processed by private financial institutions and fully guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. If an independent contractor used the loan funds for approved purposes, such as payroll, the loan could be forgiven by the financial institution and paid for by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Joseph participated in a scheme that obtained over $220,000 in proceeds through fraudulent PPP loan applications submitted between April 2020 and April 2021. Joseph and co-conspirator Yves Montima submitted 12 fraudulent PPP loan applications, both in their own names and on behalf of others, at several financial institutions. The fraudulent loan applications claimed independent contractor income that did not exist and substantiated that non-existent income through falsified tax documents. In addition to receiving the proceeds from the loans submitted in their own names, Joseph and Montima received kickback payments from individuals on whose behalf they submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications. In November 2021, Montima pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud conspiracy and was sentenced in September 2023 . The charge of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. The charge of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the U.S. Postal Service, Massachusetts State Police and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham, of the Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng, of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit, are prosecuting the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form .


title: Long Island Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Sprawling COVID-19 Loan Fraud

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Rami Saab, also known as “Rami Hasan,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Gary R. Brown to 10 years in prison for his role as the mastermind of a sprawling conspiracy to fraudulently obtain disaster relief loans amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the sentence he is also required to pay restitution of approximately $9.6 million. Saab pleaded guilty in July 2023 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, stemming from his operation of a yearlong scheme to defraud banks and the Small Business Association (SBA) of millions of dollars’ worth of small business loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL). A second defendant charged in the indictment remains at large. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Thomas M. Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), Erin Keegan, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), and Christopher Gust, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) announced the sentence. “This defendant used fraud and deceit on an extraordinary scale to exploit government programs designed to keep struggling small businesses afloat during an unprecedented public health crisis,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Today’s sentence sends a strong message to all those who saw the public response to the COVID-19 pandemic as little more than a get-rich-quick scheme: this Office will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.” Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation to the Nassau County Police Department for their assistance on the case. “Opportunists like Saab continue to victimize the American taxpayer by pulling from benefits they don’t legitimately qualify for just to satisfy their own greed. Saab manipulated the COVID-19 loan program so he could fill his pockets with nearly ten million dollars meant for those who suffered as a result of the pandemic. But now, thanks to strong law enforcement partnerships and an incredible prosecution team, Saab is not only going to spend years behind bars, but he is also required to pay millions in restitution,” said Thomas M. Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI New York. “Rami Saab showed a blatant disregard for all legal — and moral — responsibility in the midst of an unprecedented crisis. COVID-19 relief fraud is far from a victimless crime,” said HSI New York acting Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan. “The defendant not only stole from hardworking taxpayers, but took advantage of a federal program meant to truly help those experiencing tremendous financial difficulties due to the pandemic. Today’s sentencing is the result of outstanding coordination between our law enforcement partners to address COVID-19 related fraud.” “The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration aggressively pursues those who attempt to abuse the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and its Paycheck Protection Program, which was created to assist legitimate business owners during the pandemic,” stated acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Gust. “We appreciate the efforts of our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure individuals engaged in criminal activity are held to account.” As set forth in court filings, between May 2020 and May 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saab and a network of co-conspirators fraudulently applied for more than $32 million in PPP and EIDL loans on behalf of shell corporations they controlled. Relying on false information and fabricated documentation supplied by Saab and his coconspirators, the SBA and private banks administrating the PPP and EIDL programs granted at least 20 such applications, resulting in the disbursement to Saab and his coconspirators of more than $9.6 million in emergency-relief funds intended for distressed small businesses. Using a web of more than 50 otherwise dormant bank accounts, Saab and his coconspirators laundered the fraud proceeds to conceal their true nature and source, before using the funds for their own self-enrichment, withdrawing large portions of the loan proceeds in cash, and transferring sums to associates overseas in Turkey and elsewhere. PPP and EIDL provided qualifying small businesses with low-interest loans. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act expanded EIDL to provide economic support to help offset the temporary loss of revenue experienced by businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The EIDL payments did not have to be repaid. The government’s case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Bagnuola and Michael Maffei are in charge of the prosecution. Assistant United States Attorney Madeline O’Connor is handling forfeiture matters in the case. The Defendant : RAMI SAAB, also known as “Rami Hasan” Age: 44 Glen Cove, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-344 (S-1) (GRB)


title: Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – Matthew Mercer-Kinser, 37, was sentenced today to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for his second federal child pornography offense since 2009, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today. Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, joined Ison in the announcement. United States District Judge Terrence G. Berg sentenced Mercer-Kinser after a jury convicted him of receiving child pornography. According to the evidence presented at trial, in June 2009, United States District Judge Robert H. Cleland sentenced Mercer-Kinser to serve 12½ years in federal custody for transporting child pornography. In July 2019, the Bureau of Prisons designated Mercer-Kinser to serve the final months of that sentence in a Detroit residential reentry center (RRC). While at the RRC, Mercer-Kinser sent numerous sexually explicit text messages to a minor relative. A concerned adult learned of these communications and reported Mercer-Kinser to the FBI. Execution of a search warrant for Mercer-Kinser’s smartphone revealed several images of child pornography and numerous disturbing communications demonstrating Mercer-Kinser’s continued, prolific sexual interest in children. When Mercer-Kinser testified in his own defense during trial, he admitted his sexual fetish for children. “Our office will use every tool at our disposal to combat the sexual exploitation of children, to bring perpetrators to justice, and vindicate the rights of victims, “ said U.S. Attorney Ison. “Preying on the innocence of children is disturbing and equally traumatizing,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in charge of the FBI in Michigan. “A turning point, in this case, was a concerned and brave citizen reporting this exploitation to law enforcement. We, as a society, must stand up for the vulnerable and hold those who prey on innocent children accountable for their reprehensible actions. Our office will use every resource available to bring individuals who repeatedly prey on and victimize innocent children to justice.” The case was investigated by special agents of the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Shaw and Maggie Smith.


title: Four-Time Recidivist Pittsburgh Felon Charged with Possession of Firearm Following Shooting in McKees Rocks

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been arrested and charged with violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. On March 14, 2024, Ernest Terry, 45, was charged by federal criminal complaint following his arrest by investigators from the Allegheny County Police Department (ACPD) on the same date. According to an affidavit submitted in support of a state court arrest warrant, Terry was identified by ACPD as the alleged shooter in an incident that occurred in a McKees Rocks public housing building on March 12, 2024. County detectives subsequently located and arrested Terry near the Hays Manor apartment complex in McKees Rocks after he briefly attempted to flee. During a search incident to arrest, detectives located and seized a loaded .45 caliber Ruger pistol tucked in the waistband of Terry’s pants. The firearm had been reported stolen. In addition to several prior felony drug convictions, Terry also has a prior federal felony conviction for being an Armed Career Criminal, for which he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. He is currently serving a term of federal supervised release, and as a convicted felon is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. “After serving 15 years in federal prison, Ernest Terry, a recidivist drug and firearm offender, allegedly possessed yet another firearm—a loaded .45 caliber Ruger—which was recovered by county detectives who were investigating a shooting in McKees Rocks,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “When our office learns that violent offenders have violated federal law, we will work quickly in partnership with our state and local partners to bring them to justice, and we commend the work of the Allegheny County Police Department in apprehending Terry.” The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. If it is determined that Terry again should be classified as an Armed Career Criminal, the possible penalties would increase to a term of imprisonment of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas C. Maloney and Vincent Joseph Sonson are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The case is being investigated by the Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Housing Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Former Pentwater Area Timber Business Owner Faces Indictment For Wire Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: Trent William Witteveen Operated Titan Timber as a Ponzi-like Scheme from 2018 to January 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Trent William Witteveen, 39, of Montague, Michigan, with wire fraud. Witteveen, formerly of Pentwater, Michigan, operated a timber harvesting business under the names “Titan Timber” and “Titans Timber LLC.” “Hardworking people, who play by the rules and earn an honest day’s wage, should not see their savings wiped away by those who cheat and steal,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “Financial fraud is a serious problem and the schemes are endless. We’re committed to holding the most serious offenders accountable. We look forward to proving these allegations and doing all we can to help the victims.” If convicted of wire fraud, defendant faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and will be ordered to pay restitution to his victims. According to allegations in the indictment, between June 2018 and January 2021, Witteveen operated a Ponzi-like scheme involving his timber business that defrauded investors and others. Witteveen routinely represented to investors that he secured timber harvesting rights from landowners and promised the investors a significant return if they provided the investment capital necessary to pay the landowner for such rights. In reality, on most occasions, no current contracts for timber harvesting existed because, unknown to the investors, Witteveen had already harvested timber from the landowner’s property at an earlier time. On other occasions, to obtain more investment capital from the investors, Witteveen misrepresented the true value of timber on a landowner’s property by purposely inflating the value to an amount higher than what he knew a sawmill would pay for the lumber after harvesting the timber. Witteveen also obtained cashier’s checks or money orders payable to the landowners and showed those checks to the investors to make his contract with the landowner appear genuine. In reality, no such contract existed, and Witteveen simply deposited those funds back into his own bank account. After Witteveen obtained money from an investor, he used that investor’s money to repay all or some of what he owed to prior investors, or to repay the same investor with his or her money to give the appearance that he was actually paying the promised returns. This allowed Witteveen to perpetuate his scheme by causing investors to believe that they were likely to realize the promised returns and to continue to invest with him. During the period alleged in the indictment, Witteveen obtained over $2,000,000.00 from investors and used some of that money to pay his own personal expenses and fund his lifestyle. “Mr. Witteveen is alleged to have deceived his investors and taken advantage of their trust for personal gain over several years,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan . “The FBI is committed to investigating and bringing to justice individuals who commit financial crimes and illegally profit from hard-working citizens. Put simply, if you engage in illegal behavior to satisfy your greed, your actions will lead to incarceration.” The FBI’s Grand Rapids Office is investigating this case and received assistance during the investigation from the Michigan State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Stella is prosecuting the case. The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. ###


title: Luxury Jewelry Company Supervisor Arrested for Stealing, Selling Millions of Dollars Worth of Precious Metals

body_text: BOSTON – A manufacturing supervisor for a luxury jewelry company was arrested yesterday and charged with money laundering in connection with his alleged theft of gold, silver and platinum from the company over a period of more than three years. Benjamin Preacher, 54, of North Attleboro, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. Preacher was released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston earlier today. According to the charging documents, since 2018, Preacher worked fulltime in a supervisory position at a Rhode Island manufacturing facility operated by the company, which manufactures and sells luxury items, including jewelry made from gold, silver and platinum. It is alleged that Preacher used his position to steal precious metals from the company’s facility in Rhode Island and then sell the metals to various businesses in Massachusetts. Specifically, from in or about March 2020 to March 2023, Preacher allegedly sold precious metals to a Canton-based metals dealer roughly one to two times per month – with sales to that dealer alone totaling more than $1 million. It is alleged that Preacher’s sales of stolen metals included $50,521 in 18-carat gold in March 2020; $21,821 in 18-carat gold, “Platinum scrap” and “Sterling” in April 2021; and $30,939 in platinum in January 2022. It is further alleged that Preacher also sold more than $177,000 in stolen precious metals to a separate metals dealer in West Bridgewater between on or about May 16, 2023 and Nov. 16, 2023. This included gold sheets used by Preacher’s employer in a particular machine, which Preacher allegedly stole and sold, along with other gold scrap, for nearly $21,000. Most recently, it is alleged that, approximately 30 minutes into his shift on March 1, 2024, Preacher was captured on company security cameras stealing a piece of white gold “flat stock,” measuring approximately an inch in diameter and approximately as thick as a quarter, valued at roughly $2,200. Precious metal in scrap form were located and seized during a search of Preacher’s home on March 14, 2024. The charge of unlawful monetary transactions provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of the laundered funds. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Wisconsin Man Convicted Of Coercion Of A Minor

body_text: MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Todd Stafford, 59, of Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin, was convicted of three counts relating to sexual predation of a minor. A jury convicted Stafford of one count of coercion and enticement of a minor and two counts of interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. “Mr. Stafford preyed on minors,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “Today he was held accountable. Those who exploit children and think they can hide should think twice. Protecting our most vulnerable is, and will continue to be, a top priority for our office.” The jury heard evidence that Stafford met the minor victim, who was under sixteen years of age, online. Stafford twice traveled from Wisconsin to Michigan hoping to engage in sex with the minor. Eventually the minor’s father found conversations and contacted law enforcement. The minor’s father and Iron Mountain Police Department took over communications with Stafford, posing as the minor and making arrangements to meet Stafford again. In late July 2023, Stafford again traveled to Michigan and proceeded to a park where he thought he was going to pick up the minor; law enforcement met him and arrested him. Stafford was indicted for coercion and enticement of a minor and interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Coercion and enticement of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. Stafford faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison. “The dangers our children face from online predators are very real and happening too often in our communities,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan . “My office stands with our partners at the Iron Mountain Police Department in our commitment to vigorously investigate those who commit crimes against children.” This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor's offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit the following website: www.projectsafechildhood.gov . Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials. This case was tried by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ted Greeley and Hanna Rutkowski and investigated by the FBI and the Iron Mountain Police Department. ###


title: Two Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Clarizza Augustusa Jackson, 32, of Sacaton, was sentenced last week by Senior United States District Judge David G. Campbell to four years of probation. On June 28, 2023, Thomas Kee Montoya, Jr., 39, of Pinon, was sentenced by Judge Campbell to 100 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Both defendants pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. In June 2022, the defendants were stopped by Hopi Law Enforcement Services (HLES) officers on the Hopi Reservation. Montoya was driving and Jackson was the front seat passenger. HLES officers located a drug ledger and 306 grams of pure methamphetamine in the car. The Federal Bureau of Investigation - Phoenix, and Hopi Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-22-08129-PCT-DGC RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-032_Montoya # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Two Defendants Convicted At Trial For Participating In Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme “IcomTech”

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that a jury returned a guilty verdict yesterday against DAVID BREND and GUSTAVO RODRIGUEZ on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with BREND’s and RODRIGUEZ’s participation in a large-scale cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme known as IcomTech. U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon presided over the two-week trial. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “IcomTech defrauded tens of thousands of people out of tens of millions of dollars. It offered the false promise of easy riches based on supposed cryptocurrency investments but wound up cheating working people out of their hard-earned money. Yesterday, David Brend and Gustavo Rodriguez – two individuals who were central to the IcomTech Ponzi scheme – were swiftly convicted by a unanimous jury for their role in defrauding IcomTech investors. This verdict should send a clear message to those who engage in Ponzi schemes — whether in the cryptocurrency markets or elsewhere — that this Office is committed to rooting out fraud in all its forms and holding those responsible to full account. Now, as a result of their lies to hardworking people, Brend and Rodriguez stand convicted of a federal crime and face substantial time in prison.” According to the Indictment, public filings, public court proceedings, and the evidence presented at trial: IcomTech launched in mid-2018, when co-defendant DAVID CARMONA hired RODRIGUEZ to build a website for the scheme. IcomTech was a purported cryptocurrency mining and trading company that promised to earn its victim-investors profits in exchange for their purchase of purported cryptocurrency-related investment products. CARMONA, BREND, and the other promoters of IcomTech falsely promised their respective victims, among other things, that profits from the companies’ cryptocurrency trading and mining would result in guaranteed daily returns on victims’ investments. In reality, IcomTech did not engage in cryptocurrency trading or mining for its Investors, and BREND and IcomTech’s other promoters used victim funds to pay other victims, to further promote the schemes, and to enrich themselves. IcomTech promoters, including BREND, traveled throughout the United States and abroad, where they hosted lavish expos and small community presentations aimed at luring victims to invest in the schemes, including in the Southern District of New York. During larger-scale events, IcomTech promoters presented on purported investment products and the compensation plan, encouraged victims to invest as a means of achieving financial freedom, and boasted about the amount of money they were earning. IcomTech promoters often showed up at larger-scale events in expensive cars and wearing luxury clothing as a way of exhibiting their purportedly legitimate success from IcomTech. The atmosphere of these events was festive and designed to generate excitement about the schemes. Victims invested in IcomTech by purchasing investment products from promoters using cash, checks, wire transfers, and actual cryptocurrency. Following a victim’s investment, a victim would be provided with access to an online portal where the victim could monitor the purported returns. While victims saw “profits” accumulate on the online portal, most victims were unable to withdraw any of these so-called profits and ultimately lost their entire investments. By contrast, IcomTech’s promoters, including BREND, siphoned off, in some cases, hundreds of thousands of dollars in victim funds, which they withdrew as cash, spent on IcomTech promotional expenses, and used for personal expenditures such as luxury goods and real estate. RODRIGUEZ worked with CARMONA to run IcomTech’s website and online portal, where victims were provided with personal accounts. CARMONA and RODRIGUEZ discussed how to structure IcomTech’s compensation plan and investment products; for example, RODRIGUEZ advised CARMONA on where CARMONA should set the purported daily returns on victims’ investment packages and on the size of the investment packages that CARMONA should offer for sale. At least as early as August 2018, victims who attempted to withdraw money from their online portal accounts had difficulty doing so, and when they complained to promoters, they were met with excuses, delays, and hidden fees, if they were able to make any withdrawals at all. Despite these complaints, IcomTech promoters, including BREND, continued to promote IcomTech and accept victims’ investments, and RODRIGUEZ continued to maintain the website. As complaints mounted, IcomTech began offering proprietary crypto-tokens for sale as a means of injecting liquidity into IcomTech. Promoters of the schemes claimed that these tokens, known as “Icoms,” would eventually be worth a significant amount of money when they were accepted by companies for payment for goods and services. This was false. In reality, “Icoms” were essentially worthless and resulted in further financial loss to victims. By in or about the end of 2019, IcomTech stopped making payments to victims, and IcomTech collapsed. * * * BREND, 49, of Tampa, Florida, and RODRIGUEZ, 47, of North Hollywood, California, were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The statutory maximum sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. BREND is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Rochon on June 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., and RODRIGUEZ is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Rochon on June 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations’ El Dorado Task Force. Mr. Williams also thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for their assistance. If you believe you are a victim of the IcomTech fraud, updated information regarding the case and victims’ rights, as well as contact information for the victim witness coordinator is available here . The case is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance & Money Laundering Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Maimin, T. Josiah Pertz, Benjamin A. Gianforti, and Cecilia E. Vogel are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Mississippi Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison in False Tax Return Conspiracy

body_text: A Mississippi man was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for conspiring to prepare and file false tax returns for clients in Jackson, Mississippi, and for preparing false returns. According to court documents and evidence presented in court, Christopher Randell worked at Sunbelt Tax Services and conspired with others to claim inflated tax refunds for clients by reporting false education credits, itemized deductions and business profits or losses on their clients’ tax returns. Over the years, Randell and his co-conspirators prepared thousands of fraudulent returns, causing over $3.5 million in tax loss to the IRS. A jury convicted Randell and his co-conspirators in November 2023. In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Daniel P. Jordan III for the Southern District of Mississippi ordered Randell to serve three years of supervised release, and to pay restitution to the United States, in an amount to be determined later by the Court. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Patrick Elwell, Zachary Cobb and Mary Frances Richardson of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.


title: Former S.C. Police Chief Sentenced for Cyberstalking and Threats in Multi-Victim Sextortion Scheme

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — William Bruce Parker, 67, of West Columbia, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison yesterday after pleading guilty to cyberstalking resulting in serious bodily injury and communicating threats with the intent to extort victims for the production of pornography and coerced sex acts. Evidence presented to the court showed that Parker, a former Chief of Police of the Town of Pine Ridge and a retired 35-year veteran of law enforcement in South Carolina, was a state constable at the time of the offenses. Parked admitted to sending a series of threatening emails, texts, and voice messages in 2021 and 2022 from spoofed accounts and phone numbers to numerous female victims. Evidence presented at sentencing indicated there were six victims, many of whom were related by blood or marriage. His messages demanded his victims produce and send pornography of themselves or he would harm the victims and their families, including physical and sexual violence directed at his victims and their spouses, children, and grandchildren, if they did not comply with his demands. In his threats, he identified the victims’ homes, churches, workplaces, schools, and communities, specific family members and their children, and threatened harm if his victims went to the police or male family members. Parker also threatened sexual violence against his victim’s toddler-aged children and grandchildren. After receiving the demands, victims reached out to Parker for advice and help given their relationship with him and his position in his law enforcement. Parker lied to the victims by telling them he was coordinating an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). SLED confirmed in truth Parker never contacted SLED. Parker directed the victims to comply with the extortionists’ demands to assist SLED in the investigation. Once Parker had the coerced pornography, he then threatened to leak these images to obtain more. His threats culminated with demands that the victims engage in sex acts with Parker, record the conduct, and send to the extortionists. As a result of these threats, Parker obtained coerced sex. Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Parker to 15 years imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. At sentencing, Judge Currie stated that the conduct in this case was “as depraved as anything I’ve seen in my 30 years as a federal district judge.” Parker is also required to pay $10,000 in restitution to the victims. The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and Elle E. Klein are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Clarksville Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Selling Fentanyl while on Bond in State Court for Murder

body_text: NASHVILLE – Mark Ellis, 30, of Clarksville, Tennessee was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison today for selling fentanyl while on bond for state murder charges, announced Henry C. Leventis, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. Ellis was convicted in May 2023 after a jury trial for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Sale of Fentanyl, Possession of over 400 grams of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Possession of a Firearm as a Convicted Felon. The evidence admitted at trial showed that in January 2022, while on bond for a first degree murder indictment, Ellis sold a fentanyl mixture to a confidential informant working at the direction of law enforcement. The evidence showed that Ellis possessed a 9mm pistol during this drug deal. A search warrant was later executed at the home of one of Ellis’ family members in Clarksville where officers seized a pound of fentanyl. At trial, the prosecution played a recording between Ellis and his co-conspirator, Yennifer Angeles, made while Ellis was in jail after his arrest, in which Ellis and Angeles made plans to continue drug trafficking activities even while Ellis remained incarcerated. Angeles pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and was sentenced in August 2023. Ellis was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr. at a sentencing hearing this morning. He was previously indicted in Clarksville for murder. That case remains pending in state criminal court. “Fentanyl continues to poison countless people throughout Middle Tennessee,” said United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis. “Combating fentanyl trafficking is a top priority for this office and we will continue to work aggressively to hold accountable those who deal this deadly drug. Today’s sentence should send a clear message that fentanyl dealers face serious consequences.” The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clarksville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire prosecuted the case. #####


title: St. Paul Felon Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul man has been sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for the possession of a firearm as a felon, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on July 15, 2021, St. Paul police officers responded to a report of shots fired near Rice and Winnipeg Streets in St. Paul. That same night, law enforcement recovered surveillance video of the shooting incident and recognized Ember Shawndale White, 23, holding a firearm and running away from the incident and into a white Volkswagen Jetta. On July 23, 2021, law enforcement arrested White in the same Jetta, in possession of a Beretta APX 9x19mm pistol. Because White has multiple prior felony convictions in Ramsey, Hennepin, and Dakota Counties, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. White pleaded guilty on November 13, 2023, to one count of possessing a firearm as a felon. He was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Joan N. Ericksen. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Paul Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew S. Ebert prosecuted the case.


title: Traffic Stop Leads to Guilty Plea to Fentanyl and Firearm Possession Charges for Bangor Man

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Bangor man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition and to possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute them. According to court records, in October of 2023, Bangor police officers encountered Andrew Blais , 37, during a traffic stop and identified an active warrant for his arrest. Officers observed drug paraphernalia in open view in the vehicle and recovered bundles of cash and a loaded handgun on Blais’ person. A further search at the Penobscot County Jail revealed 38 individual bags containing fentanyl concealed underneath his clothing. Blais was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony drug trafficking conviction. Blais faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine up to $1 million and at least three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Bangor Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. ###