title: Three Admit to Roles in Philadelphia Drug Trafficking Organization

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three West Virginia residents have admitted to their roles in an organization that was supplying large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to North Central West Virginia. Jordan Spadafore, 33, of Morgantown; Stephanie Miller, 47, of Charleston; and Olivia Gibson, 21, of Ona, pled guilty this week to federal drug charges. According to court documents, the three were working with Rodney Johnson, age 46, of Philadelphia, who was allegedly supplying significant quantities of illicit drugs to Monongalia County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. This case was investigated by the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force consists of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia State Police; the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office; the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; the Morgantown Police Department; the WVU Police Department; the Granville Police Department; and the Star City Police Department. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . U.S. Magistrate Michael John Aloi presided.


title: Repeat Bank Robber Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Maurice Ray, 34, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Juan R. Sánchez to 180 months’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, a $200 special assessment, and restitution of $2,147 for committing two bank robberies in three days. Ray used demand notes to commit bank robberies on December 14, 2021, at a Citizens Bank branch in Philadelphia, and December 16, 2021, at a Bank of America branch in Bensalem, PA. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Philadelphia Police Department and Bensalem Police Department located and arrested Ray the next day in Philadelphia. In January 2022, the defendant was indicted on two counts of bank robbery and on August 15, 2023, a federal jury convicted him of both. “Maurice Ray is a career offender with a history of robbing banks and businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Two stints in prison have not deterred him. This 15-year sentence will at least keep him off the street and prevent him from claiming any additional victims. My office and our partners are committed to investigating and prosecuting violent crimes and bringing the perpetrators to justice.” The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department, the Bensalem Police Department, and the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Eckert.


title: Two Virginia men plead guilty to trafficking in fake IDs

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Two men pled guilty today to importing, manufacturing, and trafficking fraudulent identity documents. According to court documents, Arya Ebrahimi, 28, of Gainesville, and Tarik Sayed Metwally, 31, of Fairfax, imported high-quality counterfeit driver licenses and identification cards from China to the United States. Ebrahimi and Metwally operated an online enterprise using various websites, including apexsfakes.com and fakeyourdrank.com, to sell counterfeit IDs. Ebrahimi opened bank accounts in the name of Top Notch IT Services, Inc., and Apex Tech Services, Inc., through which customers deposited payments through such payment platforms as Zelle. To receive shipments of fake IDs from China, they used fraudulent IDs and fake names. Ebrahimi rented a box in Manassas under the name Brian Padilla using a fake Illinois driver license and a box in Gainesville under the name Jordan Kalan using a fake North Carolina driver license. Metwally rented a box in Fairfax under the name Omar Mustafa using a fake Illinois driver license and a box in Vienna under the name Ahmed Mohammed using another fake Illinois driver license. The fraudulent identification documents were sold to individuals across the United States. In addition to individuals who wanted to appear 21-years-old or older, some customers were foreign nationals, others had criminal histories for fraud and firearms convictions, and one individual who used a fake ID to operate a scheme to sell stolen vehicles. Ebrahimi and Metwally made or procured thousands of fake identification documents. Their criminal enterprise continued until at least July 2020. On Aug. 8, 2022, Ebrahimi knowingly engaged in a financial transaction of criminally derived property in the transfer of $29,736.83. Ebrahimi is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 18 and faces up to 15 years in prison for trafficking in false identification documents and 10 years in prison for engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. Metwally is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 4 and faces up to 15 years in prison for trafficking in false identification documents. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr. accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alessandra Serano and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph D. G. Castro 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. 1:24-cr-53.


title: Wheeling Man Admits to Selling Cocaine

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Chad Askew, 48, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to the distribution of cocaine. According to court documents, Askew was selling cocaine in Wheeling in October 2023. Askew faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Nogay is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.


title: Kanawha County Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Timothy Brian Jackson, 44, of South Charleston, was sentenced today to 14 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Jackson admitted that he created and intended to distribute fake oxycodone pills that actually contained fentanyl or other opioids. According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 9, 2022, law enforcement officers intercepted a package that Jackson placed in the United States Mail to send to Connecticut. Officers searched the package and found over 300 pills that appeared to be 30-milligram oxycodone pills. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Mid-Atlantic Laboratory confirmed the pills contained protonitazene, an emergent synthetic opioid that is equally if not more potent than fentanyl. On August 29, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a St. Albans apartment rented by Jackson. Officers found various quantities of pills that looked like legitimate 30-milligram oxycodone pills. The DEA Mid-Atlantic Laboratory confirmed that some of the seized pills contained fentanyl and others contained protonitazene or butonitazene, a federal Schedule I controlled substance with opioid effects. Officers also found various quantities of powders containing these substances, hydraulic pill press equipment, various punch and die kits used to imprint pills with “M30” markings, a pharmacy-grade powder mixing machine, various binding powders, two loaded pistols and nearly $80,000. Investigators seized over 10,000 pills in this case. Jackson admitted that he used the apartment, and primarily its basement, as a workshop to make counterfeit pills that he intended to distribute. Jackson further admitted that he acquired fentanyl powder from a source outside the United States, the “M30” punch and die sets from China and commercially manufactured binding powder from a company in the United States. Jackson began renting the St. Albans apartment several years prior to the August 29, 2022 search by law enforcement. Jackson admitted that he had been living with his family at a residence in South Charleston since February 2022 while continuing to rent the St. Albans apartment. “Timothy Brian Jackson’s conduct needs to be condemned and deterred in the strongest terms possible,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “His fentanyl pill-making operation was perhaps unprecedented in its scale for the Southern District of West Virginia, at a time when opioid overdoses and the unwitting ingestion of fentanyl continue to claim lives. This is a landmark case in the efforts by law enforcement to protect the community from the dangers of fentanyl, and today’s sentence serves as a stark warning to anyone else who may consider entering into this illicit, destructive and deadly business.” Thompson commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as well as the valuable assistance provided by the West Virginia Fusion Center, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the Charleston Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department, and the St. Albans Fire Department hazardous materials team. “Mr. Jackson, and those like him who sow misery in our communities by engaging in the criminal drug trade, should expect to meet the full weight of our justice system,” said Erek Davodowich, acting special agent in charge of DEA’s Louisville Field Division. “Hopefully, he will use his time in custody to reflect upon his actions and the harm he has brought to the people of West Virginia and come out a better man upon his release from federal prison.” “Timothy Jackson deserves every day of his prison sentence,” said Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. “He possessed, manufactured, and intended to distribute poison, could have destroyed scores of American families. Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. One kilogram of fentanyl can produce 1 million to 1.5 million pill dosage units and has the potential to kill 500,000 people. HSI Washington, D.C. is proud to have worked with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to prevent the distribution of this toxin to the residents of our communities.” “The United States Postal Inspection Service diligently conducts investigations such as these to protect the mail system from being used for criminal purposes such as drug transportation. The conviction of this individual demonstrates our commitment to protecting the public and postal employees,” said Lesley C. Allison, Inspector in Charge of the Pittsburgh Division. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-176. ###


title: Rankin County Woman Sentenced to Prison for Possessing and Passing Counterfeit Currency

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Rankin County woman was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for possessing and passing counterfeit currency. Mary Glassmire Sessums, 43, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Jackson. According to court documents, an investigation by the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, the Pelahatchie Police Department and the Brandon Police Department identified Mary Glassmire Sessums and Purvis Dustin Ward as individuals who had been passing counterfeit United States currency in Rankin County. On November 2, 2019, several residents of Rankin County reported that a man and a woman had been making purchases at garage sales using counterfeit currency. One of the local residents took a picture of the suspects’ car and provided a tag number and description to law enforcement. Officers from the Pelahatchie Police Department later stopped the vehicle. During the stop, officers observed what appeared to be counterfeit United States currency in plain view in the vehicle. Sessums and Ward were arrested for possession of counterfeit currency. Several victims later identified Sessums and Ward as the individuals who fraudulently passed counterfeit United States currency to make purchases. Rankin County Deputies obtained a search warrant for Ward’s residence and located counterfeit currency, uncut sheets of counterfeit currency as well as two computers, three printers, specialty ink and paint, all of which was used to produce counterfeit currency. Sessums pled guilty on March 13, 2024 to possessing and passing counterfeit currency. Ward previously pled guilty to one count of making counterfeit currency and one count of possessing and passing counterfeit currency. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Resident Agent in Charge Kyle Smith of the United States Secret Service made the announcement. The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, the Pelahatchie Police Department and the Brandon Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kabah Ealy and Dave Fulcher.


title: Vancouver, Washington man charged federally for distributing fentanyl powder

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 26-year-old Vancouver, Washington man appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle today, following his arrest on a criminal complaint for distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Gregory Clark Bolton III, was arrested by the FBI and Clark County Sheriff’s Deputies yesterday, following the investigation of the overdose death of a 60-year-old Vancouver man. Bolton appeared at 2:00 on the first appearance calendar which was held in Seattle today. According to the criminal complaint, Bolton was arrested back in June 2022 for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl pills. He was charged in state court but absconded after being released on bail. The complaint today charges that drug trafficking activity under federal law. In January 2024, Bolton again came on the radar of law enforcement after the overdose death of the Vancouver man. Following the death, law enforcement worked with the victim’s widow and other confidential informants to trace the source of the fentanyl powder that caused the death. Reviewing cell phone data and surveillance video at the scene of the drug sale they alleged that the powder was sold by Bolton. Bolton was arrested on January 24, 2024, and charged with possession of controlled substances with intent to deliver and possession of a firearm. He was again released on bail and informed that a condition of his release was to have no law violations. In April 2024, a person working with law enforcement purchased 100 fentanyl pills from Bolton. The drug sale was being surveilled by law enforcement. The purchased pills tested positive for fentanyl on June 11, 2024. Bolton was charged federally by criminal complaint on June 18, 2024, and was arrested June 25, 2024. Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be merited. The charges contained in the criminal 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 Columbia River Organized Crime Task Force which includes the FBI and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristine Foerster.


title: Man Pleads Guilty to Operating a Cryptocurrency Investment Scheme and Defrauding Investors of More than $350,000

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Michael Joseph McElhiney, age 37, formerly of Spokane, Washington, pleaded guilty to Wire Fraud. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice accepted McElhiney’s guilty plea and scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 25, 2024, in Spokane, Washington. In the plea agreement accepted by the court, and in information disclosed during court proceedings, between March 4, 2021, and September 10, 2022, McElhiney defrauded investors by pretending to operate a cryptocurrency investment fund known as MAC Blockchain Solutions. McElhiney promised prospective investors that he and his purported business partners ran a successful cryptocurrency investment fund that invested in emerging cryptocurrencies and other blockchain-based projects, such as Ethereum staking and cryptocurrency liquidity pools. McElhiney typically contacted his victims in person. For example, he solicited individuals working as Uber drivers whom he met while taking Uber rides in their vehicles, as well as women whom he met through dating apps. McElhiney also met victims online playing the video game “Call of Duty” under the username “Bing Bong.” McElhiney often met with victims several times and developed personal relationships with them before successfully soliciting and receiving funds. McElhiney promised that he would invest funds provided by investors and manage those investments for the benefit of his clients. McElhiney promised guaranteed or variable returns depending on the supposed investment vehicle, and always promised investors that they could liquidate their investments and get their money back at any time. McElhiney then sent investors information using a platform called Coin.FYI that purported to track the progress of their investments. In actuality, McElhiney never invested the funds provided by investors, but instead kept the funds for his own personal use, specifically to gamble at casinos, among other purposes. The purported Coin.FYI accounts that McElhiney showed investors did not correspond to any actual investment funds but instead were fabricated figures intended to convince investors that McElhiney had invested their funds and that the investments were appreciating in value. McElhiney defrauded investors of more than $350,000 in this manner, including defrauding investors not only of cash but rare art and precious metals. McElhiney continued to falsely and fraudulently represent to victims that their assets had been invested in a cryptocurrency fund when victims sought to remove their assets from the “fund.” McElhiney falsely and fraudulently represented that he could not timely return victims’ assets because, among other reasons: MAC Solutions had experienced security breaches; McElhiney was out of the country and unable to facilitate withdrawals; McElhiney and MAC Solutions had been the victims of theft; payment processing platforms had paused withdrawals; and there were other delays in processing withdrawals. U.S. Attorney Waldref stated that no matter the means or the method, fraudsters will be held accountable. “Mr. McElhiney’s scheme involved a new form of digital currency, but his goal was old as time – to separate his victims from their money. My heart goes out to the victims who were defrauded out of their hard-earned money that they needed to take care of themselves and their loved ones. I want to especially applaud Homeland Security Investigations and Spokane Police Department, who both did an incredible job investigating this case and identifying victims of Mr. McElhiney’s fraud. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to vigorously prosecute fraudsters who take advantage of innocent victims in order to enrich themselves.” “Fraud involving cryptocurrency is particularly concerning as it can be difficult to trace and recover stolen funds, financially devastating victims while eroding trust in digital financial systems,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Fortunately, HSI agents in partnership with the Spokane Police Department, were able to prevent this fraudster from taking advantage of more victims.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Spokane Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter.


title: Two Chimayo Women Charged with Theft in Indian County

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Two Chimayo women were charged by indictment with stealing property from a gas station on Tesuque Pueblo. Angelica Dominguez , 39, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has been scheduled for August 12, 2024. Billie Jo Gussler , 43, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has been scheduled for August 12, 2024. According to the indictment, on May 22, 2022, Dominguez and Gussler stole property that had a value exceeding $1,000 from the Camel Rock Valero, a business owned and operated by Tesuque Pueblo. If convicted of the current charges, Dominguez and Gussler faces up to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Tesuque Tribal Police and Quay County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case. View the Indictment An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # #


title: Pearl River Man Sentenced for Production of Child Pornography

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Jackson, MS – A Pearl River man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for production of child pornography. According to court documents, Garald Benson Johnson, 43, admitted to filming himself having sexual intercourse with a minor. Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 16, 2023. He pled guilty on August 29, 2023, to production of child pornography. U.S. Attorney Todd Gee and Robert Eikhoff, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Office, made the announcement. The Choctaw Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin J. Payne and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Burns prosecuted 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 the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Two Strafford Women Indicted for Producing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Two Strafford, Mo., women were indicted by a federal grand jury today for sexually abusing two children to produce child pornography. Mallory Nicole Bunch, 40, and Jessica Nicole Pickett, 34, were charged in a five-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Pickett on June 11, 2024. Today’s indictment alleges that Mallory Bunch and Pickett participated in a conspiracy with Thomas Bunch (now deceased, formerly Mallory Bunch’s husband with whom they were involved in a polyamorous relationship) to sexually abuse two minor victims to produce child pornography from Sept. 2, 2016, to May 23, 2024. According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Mallory Bunch used her cell phone to record the sexual abuse of a child, identified as Minor Victim 1, at the request of Thomas Bunch. She allegedly sent videos of the sexual abuse to Thomas Bunch through text messages. In addition to the conspiracy, today’s indictment charges Mallory Bunch with one count of using Minor Victim 1 to produce child pornography and one count of distributing child pornography. Pickett is also charged with one count of using a child victim, identified as Minor Victim 2, to produce child pornography and one count of transferring obscene matter to Minor Victim 1. According to the affidavit, Pickett shared with Minor Victim 1 an iCloud link that contained 376 images and two videos of the sexual activity of Mallory and Thomas Bunch and Pickett. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Webster County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Charlotte Man Is Sentenced To 42 Years In Prison For Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Phillip Christopher Weise, 36, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 42 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for sexual exploitation of minors, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Weise was also ordered to register as a sex offender upon completion of his prison term. Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to filed court documents and court proceedings, in December 2020, law enforcement received a cybertip that an individual, later identified as Weise, was using social media and messaging platforms to upload child pornography. In March 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Weise’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices including Weise’s cell phone. A review of the devices revealed that Weise, posing as a minor, met minors on social media platforms such as Kik, Snapchat, Discord, and JusTalk. Weise befriended the minors and sent them child pornography. Weise also persuaded the minors to send him sexually explicit images and videos, and he sometimes directed them to involve their younger siblings and animals in the videos. On occasion, Weise extorted minors to continue to send him sexually explicit videos by threatening to post their sexually explicit videos online if the minors did not comply with his request for additional videos. Court records show that Weise targeted minors between the ages of four and 12, and he shared the sexually explicit videos with other offenders. Law enforcement officials identified more than six of Weise’s victims. When sentencing Weise to the statutory maximum term of 42 years, U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney noted that Weise’s crimes will have a life-long effect on his victims. On March 9, 2023, Weise pleaded guilty to production of child pornography, extortion, and transfer of obscene matter to minors. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. U.S. Attorney King commended the FBI and CMPD for their work in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimlani Ford of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte and Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) prosecuted 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 the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.


title: Albuquerque Man Sentenced to 25 years for Sexual Abuse in Indian County

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for sexually abusing two girls in the Jicarilla Apache Nation. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, between October 2012 and October 2013, Christian Quintana , 28, a member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, caused sexual contact with Jane Doe 1, a child who had not yet attained the age of 12. Then, between October 2019 and October 2020, Quintana raped Jane Doe 2, who was 17 years old at the time. Quintana drove Jane Doe 2 to a secluded location, threatened her life and the lives of her family members, and forcibly had sex with her. Both incidents occurred within the exterior boundaries of the Jicarilla Apache Nation. Upon his release from prison, Quintana will be subject to a lifetime term of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley is prosecuting the case. # # #


title: Inmates sentenced for violent assault on detention officer

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – Two men have been sentenced for aiding and abetting in the assault of a detention officer at the Joe Corley Processing Center, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Juan Ausencio, 24, Spring Branch, and Adin Delgado-Perdomo, 39, Honduras, both pleaded guilty Nov. 14, 2023. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now imposed a 30-month-term of imprisonment for Ausencio. The sentence will run concurrently to his 285-month sentence for carjacking, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and destruction of federal property. Ausencio must also serve three years on supervised release following his prison term. Delgado-Perdomo received 70 months in federal prison to run concurrent to the 70-month sentence he also received for unlawfully re-entering the United States as a convicted felon. Not a U.S. citizen, Delgado-Perdomo is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. “No federal detention officer should have to suffer a bloody nose, swelling in the face and a concussion for simply doing his job," said Hamdani. "We have a duty to protect those who supervise and secure violent offenders. These documented gang members attempted to thwart security measures in the facility and then ganged up on the detention officer when he attempted to undo their handiwork. These prosecutions demonstrate that my office will seek justice when inmates decide to violently attack detention officers.” On Sept. 15, 2022, several inmates housed in the same dorm at the Joe Corley Processing Center intentionally and forcibly assaulted a detention officer while he was assisting federal employees in the performance of official duties. The officer was in the process of clearing a bar of soap stuffed into the locking mechanism of the door leading to the dorm, which prevents the door from working properly. At that time, the officer received multiple punches and kicks to his body and his head. He sustained various injuries resulting in cuts and bruises, swelling on his face and head, a bloody nose and mouth as well as a concussion. Corrections officers witnessed the incident and identified the inmates who participated in the assault. Earlier this year, three others received sentences for their roles in the physical assault of the detention officer - Edwin Paz-Cuevas, 23, Honduras, and Houston residents Victor Enrique Orellana, 36, and Juan Alberto Viera, 32. All will remain in custody. The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Wirsing prosecuted the case.


title: Utah Man Convicted of Impersonating a Federal Officer and Wire Fraud

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 25, 2024, Juan Carlos Martinez-Napoles (age: 38) of Utah, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for impersonating a federal officer and wire fraud. He was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims of his crime and to serve two years on supervised release following his prison sentence. According to court documents, between approximately September 2018 and December 2019, Martinez-Napoles posed as an immigration agent from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and falsely represented to numerous victims that he could assist them in achieving legal status in the United States for a fee. During the course of his scheme, Martinez-Napoles induced three Wisconsin families to pay him approximately $45,000 in exchange for his “services.” He also threatened to have members of one family deported if they did not pay him significant fees. At the sentencing hearing, United States District Court Chief Judge Pamela Pepper discussed the serious nature of the crime and the need to deter the defendant and others from engaging in this type of fraud. “Fraudulently posing as a USCIS agent, Mr. Martinez-Napoles took advantage of vulnerable individuals, whom he convinced to pay a total of over $45,000 for his ‘help,’” said U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “In reality, he was simply lying to these individuals to line his own pockets. And when a victim questioned his activities, Mr. Martinez-Napoles even threatened to have the victim’s family deported. I commend the hard work of everyone who helped bring Mr. Martinez-Napoles to justice and commend the victims for their willingness to cooperate with the legitimate federal authorities in this matter.” “Posing as a government official as Martinez-Napoles did for the purposes of exploiting and victimizing other individuals is intolerable,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald of HSI Chicago. “HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold such offenders accountable for their crimes.” This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Milwaukee Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Ladwig. # # # For further information contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov (414) 297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office

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

body_text: Child Pornography Robert Loren Blanton, 38, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on June 18. The defendant pleaded guilty on Mar. 20. This crime was investigated by the FBI, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christyne M. Martens. Firearm Offenses Donald Ray McIntosh , 39, of Mills, Wyoming, was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on June 16. According to court documents, on May 26, 2023, agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted a controlled purchase of a gun from McIntosh, who was at the time a convicted felon. The defendant pleaded guilty on Mar. 20. This crime was investigated by DCI and ATF, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood. Richard McCloskey , 36, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 95 months’ imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal imposed the sentence on Jun. 26. According to court documents, in August 2023, a Federal Firearm Licensee who was travelling in Wyoming, reported someone broke into his vehicle and stole three firearms including a 9mm pistol, an MP7 machine gun, and a suppressor. In addition, he reported that $40,000 worth of gold coins were missing. In August 2023, detectives learned that some of the gold coins had been pawned in Casper. The pawn shop said the man was coming back to pawn more and showed police surveillance video, which led investigators to McCloskey. Agents waited for McCloskey to return to the pawn shop and secured a search warrant for his vehicle. They discovered the vehicle was stolen and seized the MP7 machine gun and the suppressor. The pistol was not recovered. McCloskey has a felony burglary conviction from 2016 and is not allowed to possess firearms. The defendant pleaded guilty on Apr. 4. This crime was investigated by ATF and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Coppom Drug and Firearm Offenses Robert Joseph Santistevan , 42, of Rock Springs, Wyoming, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm and distribution of fentanyl. In a related case, Brittany Lyn Isaacson , 35, of Rock Springs, was sentenced to 26 months’ imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentences. According to court documents, on Oct. 31, 2023, Santistevan and Isaacson were pulled over for a traffic violation in Riverton, Wyoming. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, the officer found two pistols and 189 fentanyl pills. Santistevan and Isaacson each admitted handling and carrying one of the firearms. Both Santistevan and Isaacson were previously convicted felons and therefore each was prohibited from possessing a firearm. By pleading guilty, Santistevan also admitted that he distributed fentanyl. These crimes were investigated by DCI and the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist. Brandon Overson , 31, of North Columbus, Montana, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on June 25. According to court documents, in the summer of 2023, DCI was conducting a drug investigation in the Gillette area. The evidence pointed to Overson as a suspected dealer. On Sept. 15, 2023, agents learned Overton was driving from Denver to Gillette. Overson was pulled over while driving through Cheyenne. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 649 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 400 fentanyl pills, a loaded .45 caliber pistol and ten .45 caliber rounds. Overson is a previously convicted felon and is not allowed to legally possess a firearm. The defendant pleaded guilty on Feb. 27. This crime was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), DCI and the Cheyenne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer. Estefan Morales , 30, of Brighton, Colorado, was sentenced to 92 months’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on June 26. According to court documents, on Sept. 29, 2023, a Fremont County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) deputy noticed a suspicious vehicle at his neighbor’s house. The deputy called the vehicle into the FCSO, Lander Police Department (LPD) and Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP). Once the vehicle was located, the WHP attempted to pull Morales over, but he fled, and a high-speed pursuit followed. The defendant drove into a felid where he got stuck and eventually surrendered. Officers seized 200 fentanyl pills, 40 grams of methamphetamine, and a .22 caliber pistol. Morales is a previously convicted felon and not allowed to possess firearms. The defendant pleaded guilty on Mar. 6. This crime was investigated by DEA, DCI, and the Lander Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer. Drug Trafficking Adrian Hernandez , 35, of Ogden, Utah, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on June 21. According to court documents, DEA and the Cheyenne Police Department’s Community Action Team (CPD-CAT) were conducting multiple drug trafficking investigations between July and August of 2023. In two cases, seized phones from individuals taken into custody led detectives to Hernandez. The defendant pleaded guilty on Mar. 7. This crime was investigated by DEA and CPD-CAT, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood. Illegal Re-entry of a Previously Deported Alien Alvaro Leon-Campos, 33, of Guanajuato, Mexico, was sentenced to time served plus 10 days to allow for deportation proceedings, for illegal entry into the United States. According to court documents, on Jan.18, Leon-Campos was arrested by WHP for possession of a controlled substance and booked into the Sweetwater County Detention Center. He claimed to be a resident of Mexico, so U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was contacted. A Deportation Officer processed the defendant and obtained fingerprints matching pre-existing fingerprints in their database indicating Mr. Leon-Campos was in the U.S. illegally. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal imposed the sentence on June 26. About the United States Attorney’s Office The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include: Environmental Justice The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Project Safe Childhood Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious. Project Safe Neighborhoods Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. Victim Witness Assistance The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect. To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking


title: Owner of Tax Preparation Company Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud and $2.1 Million COVID Relief Fraud

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Lawrence woman pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to separate fraudulent schemes that targeted banks and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Luz Paulino, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud conspiracy, one count of bank fraud, two counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. United States District Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Oct. 9, 2024. Paulino was initially charged by criminal complaint in December 2019 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2021. While on pretrial release, Paulino fled the United States and remained a fugitive for 19 months before Panamanian authorities returned her to the United States. Paulino owned and operated Agape Financial Services, a Lowell-based company that provided tax preparation and notary services. In early 2020, Paulino filed false and fraudulent federal tax returns for calendar year 2019 using the stolen identities, names and Social Security numbers of individual victims. The fraudulent tax returns reported false information regarding wages, employers and dependents, among other things, to claim tax refunds. To conceal her involvement, Paulino falsely represented to the IRS that the returns had been prepared by two former employees of Agape. Paulino then used the fraudulent returns to obtain Refund Advance Loans in the names of her victims, and then cashed the loan checks using false identification documents and forged signatures. Paulino also used stolen identities of individuals living in California, Michigan, Indiana and elsewhere to apply to the SBA for $2.1 million in COVID-19 Emergency Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Between June 2020 and October 2021, Paulino’s false applications listed fictitious companies that purportedly suffered lost revenues during the pandemic. She used the fraudulently obtained loan proceeds to purchase a 2020 Cadillac for $86,000 and to wire more than $395,000 to a jewelry business in the Dominican Republic, among other expenditures. The charges of bank fraud conspiracy and bank fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, a fine of $1 million, restitution and forfeiture. The charges of wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, restitution and forfeiture. The charges of aggravated identity theft each provide for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations; and Melix Bonilla, Acting Chief of the Lawrence Police Department made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A. Wild of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is 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 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 Justice.gov/Coronavirus and Justice.gov/Coronavirus/CombatingFraud . 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: CEO of Non-Profit that Provided Mentoring Services to Public School Students Arrested on COVID Jobless Benefits Fraud Charges

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A South Bay man who provided lifestyle and personal development coaching to students in public schools through a non-profit he founded was arrested today on an indictment alleging he and his accomplices fraudulently applied for millions of dollars in COVID-19 jobless benefits, including by using stolen identities. Reginald Foster Jr., 37, of the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, was arrested on a 40-count federal indictment returned on June 18 alleging a scheme to fraudulently obtain unemployment insurance benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Foster was arraigned today in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. He pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, and an August 20 trial date was scheduled. A federal magistrate judge ordered Foster released on a $50,000 bond. Foster allegedly exploited the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provision of the CARES Act, which is designed to expand access to unemployment benefits to self-employed workers, independent contractors, and others who would not otherwise have been eligible because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The indictment alleges that Foster submitted multiple applications for benefits with false information that ensured that the applications would be approved and the debit cards through which the benefits were dispersed would be sent to a mailing address he used. Prosecutors argue that 118 fraudulent applications were submitted as part of the scheme. Foster then allegedly used the cards to take possession of the fraudulently obtained benefits through transfers to his non-profit, Champs Up! LLC, and $1,000 withdrawals at ATMs. The indictment alleges that Foster then transferred the cards to co-conspirators, who used them to make further ATM withdrawals. Foster and his co-conspirators were able to withdraw almost $1.5 million of the benefits. The benefits were frozen as soon as the scheme was uncovered, preventing further losses of more than $4 million. Two alleged co-conspirators are also charged in the indictment: Shelece Counts, 31, of the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles; and Isaiah Herbert Lawrence, 30, of Houston, Texas. Counts was also taken into custody this morning and also was arraigned this afternoon. She pleaded not guilty to the charges against her and an August 20 trial date was scheduled. A federal magistrate judge ordered her released on $10,000 bond. The indictment charges Foster, Counts, and Lawrence with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and bank fraud, five counts of aggravated identity theft, and each face one count of use of unauthorized access devices. Foster is charged with nine counts of mail fraud and 22 counts of bank fraud. Counts is charged with 11 counts of bank fraud. Lawrence faces five bank fraud counts. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted of all charges, Foster, Counts, and Lawrence would each face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for the conspiracy count and for each of the bank fraud counts, and 10 years in federal prison for the use of authorized access device counts. The mail fraud counts each carry a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years, and a conviction for aggravate identity theft will result in an additional mandatory two-year sentence. This matter was investigated by the United States Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, the California Employment Development Department, and Homeland Security Investigations. Substantial assistance was provided by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General; the United States Secret Service; the FBI; U.S. Customs and Border Protection Special Response Team; and the Los Angeles Unified School District Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Ranee A. Katzenstein of the Criminal Appeals Section is prosecuting this 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. More information on the Justice Department’s response to the pandemic may be found here . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or via the NCDF online complaint form .


title: Member of Violent Gang Sentenced for Racketeering, Firearm, and Drug Offenses

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston area man was sentenced today for his role in Cameron Street, a violent Boston gang. Keiarri Dyette, a/k/a “Kemo,” 26, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 42 months in prison and four years of supervised release. In March 2024, Dyette pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, dealing in firearms without a license and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Dyette was identified as a member Cameron Street, a violent gang based largely in the Dorchester section of Boston. According to court documents, Cameron Street members use violence and threats of violence to preserve, protect, and expand its territory, promote a climate of fear, and enhance its reputation. They allegedly possess, carry, and use firearms to murder and assault their rivals. Like many members of Cameron Street, Dyette had tattoos and or wore clothing featuring the letter “C” or “KC” (for “Killa Cam”) that signified his membership in the gang: As part of his role in the Cameron Street enterprise, Dyette used a pistol to assault a rival NOB/Wendover gang member in a parking lot on Hancock Street in Boston. Additionally, Dyette sold firearms and worked with other Cameron Street members to distribute cocaine and marijuana. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; Suffolk, Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Canton, Quincy, Randolph, Somerville, Brockton, Malden, Stoughton, Rehoboth and Pawtucket (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Department of Justice and EPA File Complaint Against Lower Yakima Valley Dairies for Failing to Control Nitrate Contamination in Drinking Water

body_text: Yakima, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice filed a Complaint in federal district court alleging three large dairies located north of Granger in the Lower Yakima Valley failed to adequately control nitrate contamination from their operations. This nitrate contamination may affect the drinking water wells of nearby community members. High levels of nitrate in drinking water can be harmful, especially for infants, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions. Dairies generate large quantities of liquid and solid animal waste, which contains nitrogen which can turn into nitrate in the soil. Nitrate can migrate into groundwater if not managed properly. In the complaint, EPA alleges these dairies, which collectively have over 30,000 animals, have failed to comply with a legal agreement they entered into with EPA in 2013 which aimed to reduce nitrate leaching from their facilities and protect downgradient residents with nitrate contaminated well water. This agreement included requirements that the dairies provide a drinking water alternative to residents that use private drinking water wells with high levels of nitrate, control potential sources of nitrogen at the dairies, and conduct quarterly groundwater monitoring. “Protecting access to safe drinking water for everyone in the Yakima Valley is critical for public health and a high quality of life for our region,” stated Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. “Strong and fair enforcement of environmental and public health laws ensures a healthy and safe community for all families to live, learn, play, and work.” EPA is working with state agencies to reduce high levels of nitrate found in groundwater supplies throughout the Lower Yakima Valley and has provided funding to the Department of Health to increase groundwater and air quality education and outreach in the Lower Yakima Valley, which includes free well testing and free drinking water for homes in Yakima County whose wells exceed EPA’s health-based standard for nitrate of 10 mg/L. “I urge residents and community members who rely on wells located south and southwest of these dairies to get their wells tested for nitrate,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “When we protect our water, we protect our families and our entire community.” More information from the EPA about high nitrate levels in residential drinking water wells in the Lower Yakima Valley can be found here. If your home is located in Yakima County, and you are concerned about nitrate in your drinking water, contact the Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Management Area Safe Drinking Water Initiative at 1-866-886-7117. A copy of the complaint can be found below. Complaint


title: Money Transmitting Business Pleads Guilty to Failing to Report Transactions; Agrees to Forfeit $700,000

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – June 26, 2024 SAN DIEGO – Taaj Services US LLC, one of the nation’s fastest-growing money transmitting businesses, pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that it failed to report financial transactions involving more than $10,000 in U.S. currency as required by the Bank Secrecy Act. As part of the plea agreement, Taaj Services admitted that it was never licensed to operate in California, among other states. Beginning in November 2019, the company entered into a conspiracy with another money transmitting business (MTB-1) that was licensed to operate in California. Taaj worked together with MTB-1 to transfer money in California. With the use of the TaajPay network, MTB-1 could then have California-based customers send money abroad without state regulatory scrutiny of TaajPay’s compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act for MTB-1’s California clients because the California regulators would never know of TaajPay’s operations in the state. From just November 27, 2019, to December 11, 2019, Taaj collected $703,078 from MTB-1’s operations in the Southern District of California and elsewhere. Taaj never reported these currency transactions as required by the Bank Secrecy Act. As part of the plea agreement, Taaj agreed to forfeit $700,000 to the U.S. government. Taaj also admitted to transporting $900,000 in physical U.S. currency to the Middle East on behalf of MTB-1 in 2020 without reporting the exchange of currency between the two companies. Further, after the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted international commercial flights, Taaj was no longer able to physically transport currency abroad on MTB-1’s behalf. As a result, Taaj began using MTB-1’s bank account to wire money abroad. Taaj would provide MTB-1 with cash for MTB-1 to deposit in its bank and then electronically transfer the money on Taaj’s behalf. Taaj admitted that it delivered more than $66 million dollars to MTB-1 as part of this practice and neither company filed any reports to document the exchange. The plea agreement provides for deferred entry of judgment, whereby the government will defer prosecution of the offense for a 24-month deferral period. If Taaj fully complies with the agreement, the government will dismiss the prosecution after the 24 months. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Deshong, Carl F. Brooker, IV, and Christopher Beeler. DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr1322-BAS Taaj Services US LLC Minneapolis, MN SUMMARY OF CHARGES Willful Failure to File Transaction Report – Title 31, United States Code, Sections 5313 and 5322; 31 C.F.R. § 1010.330. Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine INVESTIGATING AGENCY Homeland Security Investigations


title: Nine Defendants Charged for Roles in Drug Trafficking Organization Controlled by Sex, Money, Murder Street Gang

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Nine people have been charged for their respective roles in a drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in Essex County, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced. Calvin Swinton, aka “40,” 32; Lance Yarbough, aka “L-Boog,” 42; Jahad Gorsuch, aka “Hadi Mu,” 47; Coyette Elliott, aka “Q,” 56; Derrick Davidson, aka “Lefty,” 55; Rashem Batts, aka “Dae Dae,” 48; Kiion Scovil, aka “Skrapp,” 35; Tishawn Scovil, aka “Ty,” 33; and Amanda Brown, aka “Manda,” 32, all of Essex County, New Jersey, were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. All defendants are in custody. Seven defendants are scheduled to make initial court appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court; Elliott and Scovil are in state custody and will make their initial appearances at a later date. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: The defendants are members of a drug trafficking organization that operated an open-air narcotics market in the areas of West End and 18th avenues and Alexander Street in Newark. The West End and Alexander drug trafficking organization is affiliated with, and the defendants are members and associates of, the Sex, Money, Murder set of the Bloods street gang. For several months, law enforcement conducted extensive surveillance of the area, conducted numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, seized narcotics through enforcement action, and analyzed telephone records, all of which demonstrated extensive interactions between and among the charged defendants. The investigation has revealed that the organization distributed in excess of 400 grams of fentanyl. The defendants face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI under the supervision of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked detectives of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Theodore N. Stephens II; special agents of Homeland Security Investigations in Newark under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker; officers of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura; police officers and detectives of the Irvington Police Department, under the direction of Director Tracy Bowers; police officers and detectives of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé; police officers and detectives of the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief William C. Robinson; officers of the New Jersey State Department of Corrections; and detectives of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, for their assistance with the investigation. The investigation was conducted as part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The Newark VCI was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Newark. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole, Union County Jail, New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, New Jersey Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, and the Irvington Police Department. The government is represented by Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Unit Chief Samantha C. Fasanello and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Goldberg of the Criminal Division in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. swintonetal.complaint.pdf


title: Former Newark Deputy Mayor and Director of Newark Department of Economic and Housing Development Admits Scheming with Two Newark Businessmen to Obtain Bribes

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A former city of Newark official who served as deputy mayor and director of the Newark Department Economic and Housing Development (DEHD) and served as executive vice president and chief real estate officer of the Newark Community Economic Development Corporation (NCEDC) today admitted conspiring with two Newark business owners to obtain corrupt payments intended to influence and reward him for assisting the business owners with the acquisition and redevelopment of various Newark-owned properties, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Carmelo G. Garcia, 49, of Hoboken, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo to three counts of an information charging him with conspiracy to defraud the city of Newark and the NCEDC of Garcia’s honest services, honest services wire fraud, and receiving bribes in connection with the business of a federally funded local government and organization. “As he admitted in court, Carmelo Garcia set up a scheme to receive cash and jewelry in exchange for using his influence in favor of private business interests, defrauding the people of Newark of their right to his honest services. In doing so, he violated the public trust in order to line his own pockets. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to make sure that the people of New Jersey are protected from public officials whose independent judgment is corrupted by greed.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “We entrust public officials to act in the best interest of the people they serve, not to abuse their position for their own personal gain,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “Today, Carmelo Garcia admitted he violated the citizens of Newark’s trust when as deputy mayor he accepted bribes to advance and influence private real estate interests. FBI Newark will continue to see that corrupt public officials face the punishment they deserve in the criminal justice system.” “Carmelo Garcia abused his position of trust to oversee HUD grant money that was intended to provide housing assistance and improve the community in which he served,” Special Agent in Charge Vicky Vazquez, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, said. “He willfully devised an egregious kickback scheme resulting in the theft of critical taxpayer dollars, placing the integrity of HUD’s programs at risk, and violating the trust of the communities who rely on them. HUD OIG will continue to work with its prosecutorial and law enforcement partners to vigorously pursue those who seek to profit by abusing HUD-funded programs.” According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court: From 2017 through April 2019, while serving as a high-level Newark official, and prior to that, as an executive officer of the NCEDC (now known as Invest Newark), Garcia sought and received significant monetary payments and other benefits from Frank Valvano Jr., Irwin Sablosky, and others in exchange for Garcia’s use of his official positions and influence within the city of Newark and the NCEDC to advance real estate development matters of interest to Valvano and Sablosky. These matters included obtaining preliminary designation letters for Valvano and Sablosky and securing Newark-approved redevelopment agreements (RDAs) that allowed them to purchase and acquire various Newark-owned properties for redevelopment, and to ensure that Garcia did not use his influence and authority to act against their interests. In addition to cash, Garcia also received jewelry, including multiple high-end watches and chains, from Valvano and Sablosky’s pawnbroker and jewelry business. Phone records and text messages obtained by law enforcement show extensive communication between Garcia, Valvano, Sablosky, and others throughout this period of time, including text messages in which Garcia arranged to personally collect cash provided by Valvano and Sablosky. In one instance, in June 2018, Garcia, then the city’s acting deputy mayor and director of the city’s DEHD, received an envelope containing $25,000 in cash, supplied by Valvano through an intermediary, in the restroom of a New Jersey restaurant. E-mails obtained by law enforcement further show the official actions, assistance, and influence Garcia provided in violation of his duties in exchange for the cash and other non-cash benefits he received from Valvano and Sablosky and the actions that Valvano and Sablosky were seeking from Garcia in his capacity as a Newark official and NCEDC executive for those benefits. The honest services fraud conspiracy and honest services fraud charges in Counts One and Two each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The bribery charge in Count Three carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. All charges are punishable by a fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of the pecuniary gain from the offense. As part of Garcia’s guilty plea, he agreed to criminal forfeiture of the $25,000 corrupt cash payment and administrative/civil forfeiture of the jewelry that he obtained from the scheme. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 12, 2024. Garcia originally was charged by indictment in October 2021 with Valvano, 56, of Florham Park, New Jersey, and Sablosky, 64, of Springfield, New Jersey. Valvano and Sablosky’s case is pending before Judge Arleo, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI’s Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy; special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan and special agents of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Vazquez, with the investigation leading to today’s plea. The government is represented by Elaine K. Lou, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, and Katherine J. Calle and Edeli Rivera of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division. garcia.information.pdf


title: Passaic County Man Indicted for Seven Gunpoint Robberies of Pharmacies

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey, man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for his role in seven gunpoint robberies of pharmacies in Passaic County, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Onijee Burgess, 26, of Paterson, New Jersey, is charged in a nine-count indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and two counts of using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Burgess, who was previously charged by complaint and was detained, will be arraigned on a date to be determined. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From November 2022 through April 5, 2023, Burgess conspired with Antonio Rivera and others to commit seven separate armed robberies of five different pharmacies in Paterson and Passaic, New Jersey. Law enforcement collected an extensive amount of video surveillance footage and cell phone data that ultimately linked Burgess and Rivera to the robberies. Rivera, Burgess’ conspirator, was previously charged by complaint and is detained. The Hobbs Act robbery, attempted Hobbs Act robbery, and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence count also carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed. The using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, which also must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gain or loss from the offenses, whichever is greatest. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited members of the FBI’s New Jersey field office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. U.S. Attorney Sellinger also thanks members of the Paterson Police Department, under the leadership of Officer in Charge Isa M. Abbassi; members of the Passaic Police Department, under the leadership of Police Chief Luis Guzman; members of the Passaic County Sheriff's Office, under the leadership of Acting Sheriff Gary F. Giardina; members of the Clifton Police Department, under the leadership of Police Chief Thomas Rinaldi; members of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, under the leadership of Chief Jason Love; and members of the Cedar Grove Police Department, under the leadership of Police Chief John J. Kennedy. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Douek of the General Crimes Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment and complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. burgess.indictment.pdf


title: Former Assistant Controller Who Embezzled Over $3 Million From Pennsylvania-Based Metal Salvage Company Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Tammy Simpson, 51, of Pocono Lake, PA, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Wendy Beetlestone to 41 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release for wire fraud and filing false tax returns, charges stemming from the defendant’s employment with Metal Traders, Inc., d/b/a Triad Metals International (“Triad”), where she worked as the Assistant Controller for fourteen years. Simpson was also ordered to pay $3,199,192.68 in restitution, $708,643 to the Internal Revenue Service, and a $1,200 special assessment. In June of 2022, Simpson was charged by indictment with eight counts of wire fraud and four counts of making and subscribing a false tax return. In June 2023, Simpson pleaded guilty to all charges against her. Between 2012 and when she was terminated in October 2019, Simpson used her position at Triad to steal company money and use it to pay personal expenses charged to her credit cards and to make payments on personal loans. She did so by paying her personal credit card bills and loan payments with electronic transfers from the company’s business checking account. The defendant also kept credit cards from employees who had left the company and used them to charge personal expenses, including airfare and other entertainment expenses for her family and friends, and to pay her personal tax liabilities and those of other individuals for whom she prepared tax returns. None of these payments or transfers were for legitimate business expenses of her employer. Further, Simpson failed to report the money stolen from the company as income on her tax returns for tax years 2015 through 2018. “Tammy Simpson was a valued employee, entrusted with significant financial responsibilities,” U.S. Attorney Romero said. “For years, she abused that trust and her access to the business’s accounts, stealing more than $3 million of Triad’s money so she could continue to live beyond her own means. This sentence holds her accountable for her crimes and sends a message loud and clear that this is not the way to go about boosting your bank account.” “From paying personal credit cards to purchasing airfare and entertainment, Tammy Simpson stole company money to fund her lifestyle,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “The FBI alongside our partners at the IRS and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to pursue criminals who orchestrate their schemes out of greed.” “Anyone contemplating cheating on their taxes should know that our largest enforcement program is directed at the portion of American taxpayers who willfully and intentionally violate their known legal duty of filing and paying their taxes,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Denise Leuenberger. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to continue aggressively investigating individuals who engage in money laundering, tax fraud, or other types of white-collar crimes.” The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney MaryTeresa Soltis.


title: Danville Man Convicted of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography

component: Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section

body_text: Peoria, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict on June 25, 2024, against Joseph A. Carpenter, 51, of Danville, Illinois, for Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography. Sentencing for Carpenter has been scheduled on October 23, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at the U.S. Courthouse in Peoria, Illinois. Over a single day of testimony in front of Senior U.S. District Judge Michael M. Mihm, the government presented evidence that, from November 2021 and into early 2022, Carpenter communicated with an individual he believed to be the father of an eight-year-old girl, via text communication applications. In those communications, Carpenter requested various child pornography images and encouraged ongoing abuse of the alleged minor. Carpenter remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service where he has been since his arrest in 2022. At sentencing, Carpenter faces statutory penalties of 15 to 30 years of imprisonment for Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Child; and 5 to 20 years of imprisonment for Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography. Carpenter will also be required to register as a sex offender under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). The case investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office. Assistant United States Attorneys William J. Lynch and Timothy Bass represented the government at trial. This case was investigated as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Southern California Man Sentenced for Mailing Meth to Omaha

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jose De Jesus Hernandez Castellanos, 21, of Beaumont, California, was sentenced June 26, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska for distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Hernandez Castellanos to 100 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Hernandez Castellanos’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. In July 2022, a DEA agent went undercover to investigate a group of people who were mailing meth to Omaha from southern California. On July 15, 2022, Hernandez Castellanos phoned the undercover agent, who ordered a pound of meth. The meth, which weighed approximately 850 grams (1.87 pounds), arrived in Omaha on July 27, 2022. As part of a plea agreement, the prosecution dismissed a conspiracy charge against Hernandez Castellanos in exchange for his guilty plea to distribution. Co-defendant Anthony Torres, 31, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Torres is in custody in Los Angeles County awaiting trial on California state charges. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Douglas County Sherriff’s Office assisted with forensic testing of the meth and fingerprint analysis.


title: Last of 4 Defendants Sentenced in Meth Conspiracy

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Alexis Rodriguez, 22, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced June 26, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Rodriguez to 108 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Rodriguez’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. On August 2, 2023, Rodriguez arrived at an AutoZone parking lot in Omaha with a co-defendant to drop off meth to two Omaha men. He was arrested by DEA agents along with three co-defendants. In a post-arrest interview after he was advised of his rights, Rodriguez admitted that he had picked up approximately 22.75 kilograms of meth in Houston, Texas and had agreed to transport it to Omaha. All four co-defendants pleaded guilty to the same charge and received the same sentence. Gregorio Mina-Falcon, 36, and Jose Luis Garcia-Perez, 23, both of Omaha, and Eliuth Montero-Barrera, 24, of Dallas were sentenced earlier this year. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.


title: Felon sentenced to more than 7 years in prison for illegally possessing firearm

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Lamonte K. Brown, 47, of Columbus, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 93 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. According to court documents, Brown has more than 20 prior adult convictions, many involving firearms and domestic violence. In his current case, Brown illegally possessed a firearm while on parole and texted someone a photo of the gun along with several threatening messages. For example, he said, “When I get off parloe imm a light yo blok up.” He kept the gun in a plastic bag under his kitchen sink, along with more than nine grams of methamphetamine. Brown was charged by a federal criminal complaint in August 2022 and pleaded guilty in September 2023. Brown later sought to withdraw his plea, and after multiple hearings, the Court denied the defendant’s motion to withdraw. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), announced the sentence imposed on June 25 by U.S. District Court Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorney David J. Twombly and Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill are representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Three Plead Guilty in Nationwide Marijuana Trafficking and Money Laundering Conspiracies

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – James Tyrell Daniels, aka “Red” and “Ghost,” 40, of Fresno, California, Consanga Harris, aka “Sondy,” 63, of Troy, New York, and Earnest Flood, aka “Pop,” 66, of Richmond, Virginia, pled guilty yesterday to offenses related to their involvement in nationwide marijuana trafficking and money laundering conspiracies. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; Troy Police Chief Daniel DeWolf; and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. In pleading guilty, Daniels, Harris, and Flood all admitted to being members of a marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) trafficking organization that cultivated marijuana on a commercial scale in Fresno, California, and shipped thousands of kilograms of marijuana and THC from Fresno to locations throughout the United States, including the Capital Region of New York. In pleading guilty, Daniels admitted to working with, among others, Dwight A. Singletary II, aka “Nutt” and “Mike Jones,” to cultivate marijuana in two grow houses behind his home and in a commercial warehouse in Fresno. The marijuana grow in the warehouse was financed in substantial part by Singletary, and on June 15, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the warehouse and seized, among other things, 424 marijuana plants at various stages of maturity in five commercial-grow rooms. Video footage from a DVR for a surveillance system seized from the warehouse depicted, among other things, Daniels tending to the marijuana plants and bringing supplies into the warehouse with Singletary. In addition to growing marijuana, Daniels purchased and resold large quantities of marijuana and sold THC “edibles.” Daniels and other members of the organization shipped the marijuana and THC edibles through UPS and FedEx from a shipping store, Fast Pack & Ship, in Fresno. Sammy Olague owned and operated Fast Pack & Ship from 2016 through June 2018, when he sold the business to Nehemiah Fane, aka “Neil.” In April 2020, Fane transferred ownership of Fast Pack & Ship to McKenzie Merrialice Coles, aka “Kenzie,” who operated Fast Pack & Ship through M.M.M.C. Management, Inc. Daniels managed Fast Pack & Ship when it was owned by Fane and ran the day-to-day operations of the business with Fane. The packages of marijuana, which reflected the names of fake shippers, were shipped from Fast Pack & Ship to locations throughout the United States, including the Capital Region, New York City, and other parts of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Ohio, Delaware, Nevada, Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. The marijuana in the packages was contained in dog food containers and luggage, and the packages were often sealed with eBay packing tape in an effort to avoid detection by law enforcement. Between April 2017 and June 2022, approximately 1,292 packages containing approximately 7,068 kilograms, or 15,582 pounds, of marijuana were shipped from Fast Pack & Ship to the Capital Region alone. Daniels admitted to working with Fane and others to launder marijuana proceeds for Singletary and other members of the organization, including through bank accounts maintained by Fane in the name of Fast Pack & Ship and Fast Pack & Ship, LLC, which Fane organized in 2019. Daniels also laundered marijuana proceeds through bank accounts he owned and controlled, including business accounts held by his company BRDL, LLC, and by receiving money transfers in Fresno purchased with cash marijuana proceeds. Harris admitted to receiving packages of marijuana shipped by Singletary and Coles from Fast Pack & Ship at her home in Troy. Harris was notified of the packages of marijuana by Coles and Isiah Ti-Quan Clements, aka “Zay,” and was paid between $300 and $400 in cash per package of marijuana received. Between March 2018 and May 2022, Harris received 90 packages containing approximately 700 kilograms, or 1,543 pounds, of marijuana. Flood admitted to receiving packages of marijuana shipped by Singletary and Coles from Fast Pack & Ship at his home in Richmond and to selling the marijuana. Flood coordinated the shipments of marijuana with Onisha Smith, who in turn coordinated with Singletary. After selling the marijuana, Flood deposited cash marijuana proceeds into his bank account and transferred the funds to Smith, who in turn transferred payment for the marijuana to Singletary through Zelle and Cash App. Daniels, who has a prior serious violent felony conviction, faces at least 15 years and up to life in prison, a term of post-release supervision of at least ten years and up to life, and a fine of up to $20 million for conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He also faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 for conspiring to commit money laundering. If United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby accepts the parties’ agreed-upon disposition at sentencing, Daniels will be sentenced to 180 months in prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release. Harris faces up to 20 years in prison, a term of supervised release of between three years and life, and a fine of up to $1 million for conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Flood faces up to up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 for conspiring to commit money laundering and up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He also faces a term of supervised release of between two years and life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Daniels, Harris, and Flood were charged in an indictment with Singletary, Coles, Fane, Olague, Smith, and 16 other people charging marijuana distribution and money laundering conspiracies, firearms offenses, and other crimes. Singletary, Coles, and Fane have pled not guilty and are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. In addition to Daniels, Harris, and Flood, Olague , Smith , and seven other defendants, Rosemary Coles , Latrice Mumphrey , Sammy Olague , Victor Turner , Kristle Walker , Ruby Ledesma , and Jazell Shuler , previously pled guilty and are pending sentencing. The ATF, DEA, Troy Police Department and HSI are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus P.W. Rieck and Dustin C. Segovia are prosecuting the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Crown Point Resident Charged with Threatening President Biden

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Troy Kelly, age 19, of Crown Point, New York, was arrested yesterday and charged via criminal complaint with making threats against the President of the United States. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Jeffrey Burr, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of United States Secret Service and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations and Steven James, Superintendent of the New York State Police made the announcement. Kelly was charged with one count of making threats against the President of the United States. The charge filed against Kelly carries a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release following any term of incarceration of up to three years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Kelly appeared yesterday in Albany, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, and was detained pending a full detention hearing scheduled for Friday, June 28. The criminal complaint alleges that on May 17, 2024, using an account on the social media platform “X,” Kelly responded to a post of President Joseph R. Biden Jr. with a post which included the sentence: “Gonna put a bullet in your head if I ever catch you.” A Secret Service investigation revealed Kelly was the likely user of the account that posted the threat and proceeded to interview him at his home. During the interview, Kelly confirmed he posted the threat and told the Secret Service agent on scene that he had done so because it was “true.” As alleged in the complaint, when asked if he still wanted to kill President Biden, Kelly told them “If I could, I would.” The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The United States Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York State Police are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian is prosecuting the case.